From Earth Day is everyday. 365 days a year. Live the earth day with the ten R’s of circular economy.
In the early 1970s, Earth Day emphasised the message of “Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle”. We have come a long way since those three R’s.
So we’d like to propose to you “Ten R’s of a circular economy” – a comprehensive way of looking at how each of us can be part of change by living more sustainable with more options to preserve and restore our earth. Ten Rs”: Rethink, Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Refurbish, Repair, Regift, Respect, Rot and Replant.
RETHINK
First of all, be mindful of your consumption, your relationships with ‘things’ and your relationship with the Earth. Rethink how you buy things, how much we buy, etc. This will help us understand our role and the economic and capitalistic role in pollution and climate change.
Of all “ten R’s”, this is likely the hardest yet the most transformative one. Each of us need to shift from status quo thinking and habits to ones that are truly regenerative. When you rethink, you allow yourselves to grow.
REFUSE
Secondly, assess your situation and heck to see if there may be a reusable or more durable replacement. Once you rethink and understand how our actions contributes to waste, refuse as many wasteful habits as you are able to. This sounds easy but all of us often forget.
REDUCE
Can you use something less often (drive less, wash less, wear more) and can you plan ahead for events or activities and research if there are ways to host your event with less waste?
Planning ahead is key.
Repurpose
One of the evergreen tips. Ask yourself “how many times can you use that plastic jar, plastic lunch boxes, or other items. Make it fun and take personal pride in reusing things.
Repurpose is actually a fund and creative way to reduce waste. Find a new purpose for the items that cannot be used for their original purpose. Sky is the limit !
REUSE / REFILL
Let’s admit it, we all are guilty of discarding items . When possible, reuse and refill them and give them a new life. Reusables and refills hold a solution not just to single-use plastic pollution, but also protecting out planet’s precious resources.
REFURBISH / REPAIR
Fix what you got !Before you buy new one, ask yourself : have you done what you can to repair it?
If you cannot do it yourself, you can find a local shop or handyman who can help you refurbish items for you.
REGIFT / REHOME
There are multiple ways to regift or re-home items you no longer want. There plenty of local apps that allow you to share, sell, regift and re-home your items.
RESPECT
Remember that you are part of the entire ecosystem of this planet. Whatever you do will have direct and indirect impacts on other creatures. All earthlings deserve respect. You wouldn’t want trash or plastic pollution in your house so why is it OK to throw yours “away” in theirs.
ROT
If you haven’t really started it, now is the good time to try. There are many different ways to compost both indoors and outdoors. Simply got a nifty compost bin, throw the scraps into it, mix some brown materials (old newspapers, dry leaves, etc) and let nature do their magic.
Your community or neighbourhood may also have a compost drop off location.
REPLANT
It is time to plant some trees or grow your own food! If you dont have access to an outdoor space, indoor container gardens are a great option.
Taking baby steps towards a sustainable journey is much simpler than we think. We all can start taking of simple and gradual changes in our daily routine to make our planet a better place.
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