The Three R’s…...

No, I don’t mean reading, ‘riting, and ‘rythmatic.  I’m talking about reducing, reusing, and recycling! The time has come for each and every one of us to step up to the plate and help preserve this home we call Mother Earth!  There are several things you can do, that won’t cost you anything, and may even save you money.  As an added incentive, they will benefit the earth in ways you never imagined.

First off, you can reduce waste by using a computer!  Many newspapers and magazines are online now. As you can see the Star Tribune is in the left column of this blog and In Forum is in the right hand column of this blog. Instead of buying the paper version, you can read them online and oftentimes at no cost to you.  Remember that you should only print out what you need and when you’re done with that sheet of paper, flip it over and throw it back in the paper tray to reuse again!  The savings will add up because you’ll be able to use 2 sheets of paper for the price of one!

Next, you need to be aware of the numerous items that can be recycled right in your very own city.   Paper bags, soda cans, milk cartons, corrugated cardboard and glass are several of the items that can be recycled.  Recycled items are put through a process that makes it possible to create new products out of the materials from the old ones.  So not only are you helping the environment by not sending this “garbage” to the landfill, you are assisting with the creation of new items at an energy cost substantially lower than if it were made from non-recycled materials.

Remember, reducing the amount of waste you produce is the best way to help the environment.  Reusing and recycling of items is beneficial as well and each of us has an important role in doing just that!