It’s Your Turn – How to Apply the Four Rs!

Last week, we shared some of the ways BEST uses the Four Rs to incorporate sustainable practices into our operations. Adopting this framework has not only resulted in improved waste management programs but has also brought us close to achieving our long-term sustainability goals. The Four Rs are: reduce, reuse, recycle, and rethink.

Application of the Four Rs is not limited to company operations but can in fact be applied at an individual level.  Consciously thinking about these principles for your day-to-to decisions can have a global impact on the environment. Here is how you can apply the Four Rs on a daily basis:

1. Reduce – One of the best ways to reduce your waste production is to reduce consumption. This includes reducing the number of products purchased and reducing the consumption of resources such as water and electricity. Reducing consumption allows for waste reduction instead of waste management.

2. Reuse – Find new ways to use the same items. Instead of throwing away any product you no longer need, get creative and find another purpose for the same product. This will reduce the amount of waste you produce and prevent you from purchasing more products. Items that are no longer useful to you can still be useful to someone else! Donate such items to your local charities, friends, family members, and co-workers. 

3. Recycle – Recycle items instead of simply disposing of them in the trash. Make sure to review the recycling guidelines in your city to understand how to recycle properly.

4. Rethink – Change the way you think about waste reduction and management. Look for items with reduced or reusable packaging at the grocery store. Buy products made of recycled materials and actively support organizations working to develop sustainable products. Reuse old items in new ways. Recycle what can be recycled. Rethink your daily habits and be mindful of your impact on the environment.