The six Rs

The 6 R's Explained:

Principle Definition Examples
Reduce Minimising the amount of resources/energy we use
  • Buying products with less packaging
  • Using energy-efficient appliances
  • Printing double-sided
Refuse Saying no to unnecessary items or materials
  • Declining plastic straws
  • Rejecting junk mail
  • Avoiding single-use plastics
Re-use Using items multiple times instead of disposing
  • Using refillable water bottles
  • Donating old clothes
  • Repurposing glass jars
Repair Fixing broken items rather than replacing them
  • Sewing torn clothing
  • Fixing electronics
  • Repairing furniture
Recycle Processing materials to make new products
  • Sorting household waste
  • Taking electronics to e-waste centers
  • Buying recycled paper products
Rethink Considering alternative, sustainable approaches
  • Using digital documents instead of paper
  • Borrowing instead of buying
  • Choosing sustainable materials

Benefits of the 6 R's:

  • Reduces waste going to landfill
  • Conserves natural resources
  • Saves energy in production
  • Lowers carbon footprint
  • Saves money in the long term

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