When we think about sustainability we all probably think of “reduce, reuse, recycle.” You’ve heard it enough times and they are a pretty great place to get started. However, this is only 3 R’s and you’re here to see what the other 3 are…
I decided to create this article after looking for other ways I could be more sustainable, and it was through this search that I uncovered 3 more relevant areas of my life where I could be more sustainable. That being said, sustainability or trying to live zero waste isn’t as black and white as it sounds. It’s a lifestyle rather than a checklist to tick off, and there is no one way about doing it.
There is a lot of thought and conscious decision making that need to go into living as sustainable as possible and that in itself can seem overwhelming. So to tackle the overwhelm I think this little list expansion can help us organise and improve our lifestyle, and help us be even more sustainable… here are the 6 R’s of sustainability!
Reduce
Minimize your ecological footprint by embracing a more minimalist lifestyle. This not only has its sustainability benefits, but for me personally, living more minimal was like giving my brain space to think… the housework when it comes to tidying or de-cluttering was much more manageable, and it helps with the kids and their toys as well. I’ve noticed they play longer and with much more imagination and concentration when they have a small handful of toys rather than a massive overstimulating pile that they can’t choose from.
Streamline possessions and focus on quality over quantity; think about your wardrobe here! I’ve fallen victim too many times to trends only for it to not look quite right on me, then it never gets worn and the world moves on to the next trend. I still have a lot of work to do in this area but finding what works best for you and curating timeless, good quality pieces around this will save you stress, time and money all while being better for the planet.. shopping pre-loved is even better!
Reducing consumption directly lowers resource demand. Circling back to pre-loved, second hand or vintage shopping here, if more people focused on buying what was already in circulation, the need for adding and supplying more would drop significantly. Apps like Vinted or Marketplace or even checking out charity shops/ antique shops/ car-boot-sales are just some of the ways to find some hidden treasures. I personally have found some fabulous finds on Vinted. Again, you have the bonus of cost effectiveness here too!
Reuse
Embrace reusable items, from water bottles to shopping bags. Every act of reusing reduces the strain on finite resources. This again ties in with supply and demand. Buy (or thrift) yourself a cute lil collection of tote bags to take to the shops with you, you’re not only going to feel a little more sassy leaving the shop with your bougie new bags over the less aesthetically pleasing plastic ones, but you’ll be doing your bit for good ole mother earth too. Same applies for a cute water bottle, there’s something about having cute, personally chosen re-usables that makes you feel that little more put together, isn’t there?
Recycle
Although the subject has become a little taboo, with it not being as effective as it could be, and it doesn’t help with CO2 emissions, it’s always still better to do than to not. Understand your local recycling guidelines and ensure that materials are sorted correctly.
Repair
Without diving too deep into the world of fast fashion (which is responsible for 10% of total global carbon emissions), we know that sooo much of the clothing items and textiles (around 85%) ends up in landfills each year..!! Clothes of all sorts has become so accessible and affordable (due to cheaper materials made from microfiber plastics) that it’s easier to dispose of than repair. A lot of this waste could be reduced if we took the time to learn and do simple repairs. Sewing up a ripped seam or a button on a shirt, etc, etc.
Alternatively if you have something like an old t-shirt that you know you’ve warn out, rather than bin it, you might find another purpose for it like dusting/cleaning. Which leads me on to…
Repurpose
Although this might seem similar to reusing, it is but it isn’t. Reusables are things you buy once with the intention of continuous use thus reducing your consumption. Repurposing something is to give an old thing (or seemingly disposable thing) a new purpose rather than binning it. Using empty wine bottles as candle sticks, or tumble dryer fluff giving birds a cosy nest.. I have a list of 30 Ways To Reuse Things You Normally Throw Away
Rot
Complete the cycle by composting organic waste. Turning food scraps and garden debris into nutrient-rich compost enriches the soil and reduces methane emissions from landfills. Although this can sound intimidating or ‘gross’ to do at home, it’s actually as easy as throwing your waste into a different bin and waiting for the free product at the end. Compost bins like these are perfect for someone who wants to compost but doesn’t have a large area to do it/needs it contained.
Some Bonus R’s anyone?
These aren’t really part of it but I thought I’d throw these in because they help me with the mental shift to focus on why you’re doing the 6 physical changes:
Rethink: Challenge conventional consumption patterns. Before making a purchase, reflect on its necessity and long-term impact. Can you find a more sustainable alternative, or do you need it at all?
Refuse: Say no to single-use plastics and unnecessary packaging. Refusing what we don’t need is a powerful step in reducing the demand for environmentally harmful products.
Sustainability is a journey, and by integrating the 6 R’s into our daily lives, we contribute to a more resilient and harmonious planet. Let’s rethink our habits, refuse what harms, reduce our impact, reuse with creativity, recycle responsibly, and compost to nurture the Earth.
