Reduce, Reuse, Recycle And Rethink

Or, Recycling Doesn't Solve Anything

For starters, RecycleBill has been a lifelong and avid recycler and I am in no way trying to discourage you from recycling. The goal of my series, Recycling Isn't Green, is to help you understand that recycling represents neither a means to an end or a solution to our waste problems. Recycling is my business but reality is: recycling only treats the symptoms of excessive consumption and waste. It's time we took up the 4 Rs: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Rethink.

It's time for America to consider an austerity plan-- buy only what you need and pay attention to the packaging. Don't buy products that are over packaged. Buy in bulk when you can. Buy in bulk and split with friends, family and neighbors.

Learn to grow your own food. Homegrown food is sometimes healthier, always better tasting and never needs wasteful packaging.

Compost or vermipost. I do both.

Buy local, recycled and American made products even if they cost more.

Start a green business.

Work to save America's public lands from energy companies before it's too late.

Stop buying things that are meant to be thrown away.

Repair instead of replace.

Look at what you are about to throw away and ask yourself, "What else could this do? What else could it be?"

And only depend on recycling when you can find no better options.

Continue reading Some Things Are Just Plain Wrong.