It is vitally important to "reduce, reuse, recycle." The three R's are listed in order of importance:
- Reduce: The first step is to consider how you can reduce the materials you'll need on site. Can you reduce materials so the project produces less waste? Consider replacing disposable items with reusable items, purchasing in bulk to reduce packaging waste, or repairing items that have been damaged to extend their useful life.
- Reuse: Finding new uses for materials left over at the end of the project keeps waste out of landfills.
- Recycle: The benefits of recycling vary by material, but generally include: reduced extraction and processing of virgin materials, reduced energy usage in the manufacturing process, and reduced air and water emissions from disposal in a landfill or incinerator.
