At Reviva and Resource Recovery Australia, we’re big advocates for reuse, buying second hand, and recycling. We believe that everyone has a role to play in reducing waste and protecting the environment.
One way to reduce waste is to follow the waste hierarchy. The waste hierarchy is a set of guidelines that prioritises waste prevention over other waste management methods.
The waste hierarchy is a pyramid, with the most preferred waste management method at the top and the least preferred method at the bottom. The five steps of the waste hierarchy are:
Avoid and reduce waste : This is the most preferred waste management method. It involves avoiding the creation of waste in the first place. For example, you can prevent waste by:
- Buying less,
- Repairing items instead of throwing them away, and
- Buying products that are made from recycled materials.
Reuse: This involves giving used items a new life. For example, you can reuse items by:
- Donating them to charity including reuse shops and op shops,
- Buying second hand instead of new wherever possible, and
- Giving them to friends or family.
Recycling: This involves breaking down used materials so that they can be used to make new products. For example, you can recycle paper, plastic, metal, and glass. Don’t forget you can recycle polystyrene and mattresses at some of our sites!
Recover energy: This involves converting waste into energy.
Disposal: This is the least preferred waste management method. It involves sending waste to a landfill.
It’s important to remember that the waste hierarchy is a hierarchy. This means that we should always try to prevent waste, and only resort to other methods if prevention is not possible.
By following the waste hierarchy, we can all help to reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfill. This will help to protect the environment and conserve natural resources. When you choose to support charity shops like Reviva, you’re also supporting our local community. It’s win-win.
What else can you do?
- Repair items instead of throwing them away.
- Upcycle and think outside the box.
- Buy second hand.
- Bring your own reusable bags when you go shopping.
- Avoid single-use plastics, such as straws and plastic bags.
- Compost your food scraps.
- Buy products that are made from recycled materials.
By following these tips, we can all make a difference in reducing waste and protecting the environment.
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