“Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” is a familiar slogan for all of us which has been voiced for a long time as an effort to save the earth. Its application has also been carried out widely by various groups, be it individuals, groups, to corporations. However, the impact is not so prominent as we hope to be. Is it because there are still misconceptions regarding the application of reduce, reuse, and recycle?
Know What’s Most Important
Many people thought that reduce, reuse, and recycle are equally important in preventing environmental pollution. Although each has its respective role, we actually don’t need to do all of them at the same time. The slogan describes the sequence of actions from the most important to the least so that the level of application is adjusted to that level.
As in the order in the slogan, “reduce” is the most important action and its application needs to be improved the most. Followed by “reuse”, then “recycle” if necessary. However, applying “reduce” to modern life is indeed very difficult. But, that doesn’t mean it can’t be done at all. We can start by reducing or stopping consuming products whose ingredients can harm the environment. As well as reducing the use of unnecessary clothing needs.
If the action to reduce can not be done optimally, we can then apply “reuse”. But of course, we have to pay close attention when reusing old items. Do not let the use of used goods can actually pollute the environment, For example in the case of buying a car. New cars are actually more fuel-efficient, making them more environmentally friendly. In addition, when reusing plastic bottles. Don’t let repeated use of plastic bottles, especially low-quality ones, causes harm to your health.
If the two actions have not yet had a positive impact, then “recycle” can be applied. The recycling activity seems to be a solution to environmental pollution because it is the easiest to do. However, in reality, it has very little impact on environmental preservation. Recycling will not foster a culture of reducing or reusing, but rather increasing it.
In addition, the energy used to recycle is greater than that used to make new products. So, it is still considered less environmentally friendly. Not to mention, the technology for recycling is still very expensive, so the products produced are also expensive. This of course makes the demand for recycled products considered low which eventually makes the company go bankrupt and close.
So, after understanding the importance of each action, let’s start to increase the application of “reduce”.