The New Rs

The iconic 3Rs of Reduce, Reuse, Recycle may have been the superheroes of the environmental movement but times have changed and like the Three Musketeers, they're starting to feel as outdated as those feathered hats and swinging swords!

While they were crucial in raising awareness about sustainability, it has become apparent that a more comprehensive approach is needed. Think of them as the aging celebrities of the environmental world – once glamorous, but now overshadowed by new contenders. The expanded repertoire of Rs that we can incorporate into our everyday life addresses the complexity of today's environmental issues and empower us to create a more sustainable and circular economy, fostering a mindset that cherishes resources, minimises waste, and ultimately leads to a healthier planet.

Rethink: Challenge Conventional Thinking

The first step in our waste reduction revolution is to rethink our consumption habits and question the culture of disposability that has permeated our society. By becoming conscious consumers, we can choose products with minimal packaging, opt for reusable alternatives, shop second-hand and support businesses committed to eco-friendly practices.

Refuse: Say No to Single-Use

Refusing to purchase single-use and disposable items, or products with excessive or non-recyclable packaging is a powerful step towards creating positive change for our planet.

Reduce: “Buy less, choose well, make it last” - Vivienne Westwood

Rather than opting for cheap, mass-produced items, invest in well-made, durable, and timeless pieces. By cutting back on needless purchases and embracing quality over quantity, we reduce the demand for resource-intensive production processes. Look to purchase products made with durability, repairability, and recyclability in mind.

Refill: Fill Up, Waste Down.

One way we can cut down on single-use packaging is by embracing refillable options. You can buy personal-care, home-cleaning products and even food in reusable or BYO containers that you can fill up again and again. It's convenient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly.

BTW - investing in a SodaStream means you can refill sparkling water at home, eliminating unnecessary plastic bottles!

Reuse: Use it Again and Again and….

Whether it's plastic bags, straws, or coffee cups, we have the power to phase out problematic single-use items that contribute to our growing landfill problem and plastic pollution in our oceans. Opt for reusable alternatives for everyday items like grocery bags, water bottles and coffee cups - and keep them by your front door, in your bag or boot of the car so you don’t forget them.

Repair: Extend the Lifespan of Possessions

In a throwaway culture, the act of repairing items might seem outdated. But seeking professional help to fix broken belongings (everything from cracked phone screens to heels on shoes to rips in pants!) not only saves money but also curbs the need for constant replacements.

Resale: Embrace Thriftopia

Choosing to buy pre-owned or used items from authorised re-sellers, thrift stores, consignment shops, or through online platforms such as Facebook Marketplace or Gumtree expands the lifespan of products and prevents them from becoming waste as well as helping reduce the demand for new products.

Rent: Sharing is caring!

Got a big event coming up? Fashion rental platforms mean designer outfits without the hefty price tags! Car-sharing services allow you to access vehicles conveniently without the burdens of ownership, reducing traffic congestion and emissions (there’s even a platform exclusively for electric cars!) And libraries aren’t just for books these days – tool and toy libraries foster community collaboration and mean everything from power tools, gardening equipment, kitchen appliances and children’s bikes can be loaned out to members for short-term use.

Repurpose: Transform or adapt

Get creative with items that might otherwise be discarded! Repurposing is as varied as turning unwearable clothing into cleaning rags, using glass jars as storage containers, or converting wooden pallets into furniture.

Recycle: The Power of Circular Economy

Recycling remains a fundamental aspect of waste management. However, to make recycling truly effective, we must ensure we're recycling correctly. Familiarise yourself with local recycling guidelines via your local council’s website, sort materials diligently and seek out products made from recycled materials to support the circular economy.

Our pro tip to recycle like a boss? Download the free Recycle Mate app - it takes the guesswork out of recycling. Just take a photo or type the name of an item you would like to know more about and Recycle Mate will give you disposal advice specific to your location.

Rot: Composting for a Greener Tomorrow

The final piece of the everyday Rs puzzle is composting, an organic waste management technique that enriches soil and reduces the volume of food waste sent to landfills. If you have space at home, you can easily set up a compost bin or worm farm. But if you live in an apartment, there are bokashi bins and other small composting units that fit on a kitchen bench or in a cupboard and don’t create any odours.

There’s also a great free app called Share Waste, that’s like Tinder for your food scraps – it connects you with your neighbours who are keen for extra organic materials for their own compost units, work farms or chooks.

By reevaluating our consumption habits, saying no to single-use plastics, recycling the right way, embracing composting and cherishing the value of reuse and repair, we can drastically cut down our ecological footprint. It's a departure from our current "take, make, dispose" linear approach to consumption and a shift towards a system that prioritises sustainability, innovation, and the preservation of our beautiful planet.

By Nicki Martin



Are you ready to step up and incorporate the New Rs in your life? Remember, it’s all about starting small but aiming big. Take a pic and tag @CleanUpAustralia or email it to us so we can include it in our community gallery!