Sustainability Tips
The 5 R’s—Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Recover/Repair and Responsibly Dispose —are key principles that guide sustainable living and responsible consumption. Their purpose is to minimise waste, conserve natural resources, and promote environmentally friendly practices.
These practices are at the heart of the circular economy, which focuses on keeping resources in use for as long as possible, minimising waste, and regenerating natural systems.
The 5 R’s directly support SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production by encouraging sustainable resource management and reducing environmental impact.
Every small action counts when it comes to protecting our planet. By embracing the 5R’s— Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Recover/Repair and Responsibly Dispose — you can make a meaningful difference in your daily life. We encourage you to take on simple challenges at home, like reducing household waste, repurposing old items, or starting a compost bin.
1. Reduce
Activity: Reduce your household waste for a week.
Step-by-Step:
1. Preparation: Review your current waste habits as a family. Take note of what items you tend to throw away frequently (e.g., food packaging, excess plastic).
2. Planning: Choose one or two items you want to reduce (e.g., buying in bulk to reduce packaging).
3. Implementation: Over the week, make conscious decisions to reduce waste. For example, choose products with less packaging or make meals using what’s already in your pantry.
4. Reflection: At the end of the week, calculate how much waste was reduced. Discuss what worked well and what could be improved.
2. Reuse
Activity 1: Reuse household items for a week.
Step-by-Step:
1. Preparation: Identify items around your home that could be reused instead of being discarded. Examples include old jars, glass bottles, and clothing.
2. Planning: Create a “Reuse Corner” in your home where family members can store reusable items.
3. Implementation: Over the week, challenge each family member to reuse at least three items that would normally be thrown away. For example, use old jars for organising or glass bottles for crafts.
4. Reflection: At the end of the week, gather as a family and discuss which reuses were most successful. Plan to integrate reuse into your daily routine.
Activity 2: Turning Old Clothes into Rags
Materials Needed:
• Old clothes (t-shirts, towels, or other fabric)
• Scissors
Instructions:
1. Gather Old Clothes:
Collect old clothes that are too worn out to donate or wear but are still made of fabric.
2. Cut into Rags:
Use scissors to cut the fabric into small pieces or strips. Aim for sizes that are convenient for cleaning tasks (about 10x10 inches works well).
3. Use the Rags:
Set aside the newly made rags for cleaning tasks around the house, such as dusting, wiping spills, or cleaning windows.
4. Reflection:
As a family discuss how reusing old clothes as rags can reduce the need for disposable cleaning products and contribute to less waste.
Activity 3: Repurposing Glass Jars
Materials Needed:
• Empty glass jars (jam jars, pickle jars, etc.)
• Soapy water
• Optional: paint, labels, or decorations
Instructions:
1. Clean the Jars:
Wash the empty glass jars with soapy water to remove any labels and residue. Let them dry.
2. Decide on a New Use:
Choose a new purpose for the jars. Ideas include:
• Storage for pantry items (like pasta or rice)
• Organisers for office supplies (like pens or paper clips)
• Mini planters for small plants or herbs
3. Optional Decoration:
Decorate the jars with paint, labels, or ribbon to personalise them and make them more appealing for their new use.
4. Reflection:
As a family talk about how repurposing glass jars can help reduce waste and encourage the use of reusable containers in daily life.
3. Recycle
Activity 1: Set up a home recycling station.
Step-by-Step:
1. Preparation: Educate your family on what can and cannot be recycled (paper, plastics, glass, etc.). Create separate bins for each type of recyclable material.
2. Planning: Make sure your home has clear labelling for each bin and a designated spot for recycling.
3. Implementation: Encourage each family member to sort recyclables correctly as they use them throughout the week.
4. Reflection: At the end of the week, check if the bins are being used properly. Discuss how you can improve recycling habits to make it easier and more efficient.
✅ DO’S OF RECYCLING:
1. Follow Local Guidelines
Always check your local recycling program to ensure compliance.
2. Rinse and Clean Items
Remove food and liquid residues from containers to prevent contamination.
3. Separate Recyclables
Sort paper, plastic, glass, and metal if required by your local facility.
4. Flatten Cardboard Boxes
Saves space and makes processing more efficient.
5. Recycle E-Waste Responsibly
Take old electronics, batteries, and appliances to designated e-waste collection points.
6. Remove Caps and Lids
Some recycling programs require plastic lids and caps to be removed before recycling.
7. Compost Organic Waste
Food scraps and yard waste can be composted instead of being mixed with recyclables.
8. Reuse When Possible
Repurpose jars, containers, and packaging before considering recycling.
❌ DON’TS OF RECYCLING:
1. Do Not Recycle Contaminated Items
Greasy pizza boxes, used tissues, and food-soiled paper should be thrown in the trash.
2. No Broken Glass or Ceramics
Dispose of broken mirrors, light bulbs, and Pyrex separately, as they require special handling.
3. Do Not Include Tanglers
Items like hoses, cords, and wires can jam recycling machinery.
4. Keep Sharp Objects Out
Needles, razor blades, and broken glass should never be placed in recycling bins.
5. Not All Plastics Are Recyclable
Check recycling symbols and local regulations before discarding plastic items.
6. Do Not Leave Liquids in Bottles
Empty and rinse out all bottles before placing them in the bin.
7. Do Not Overload the Bin
An overloaded bin with mixed materials can lead to contamination and make the whole batch unrecyclable.
Remember: Small Changes Lead to Big Impacts!
By following these simple guidelines, you can help create a cleaner, more sustainable future.
Activity 2: Composting
Step-by-Step:
1. Preparation: Learn about composting and decide where you’ll set up your compost bin (in the backyard, garden, or indoors with a composting container).
2. Planning: Gather compostable materials such as food scraps (fruit peels, coffee grounds, vegetable waste) and yard waste (leaves, grass clippings).
3. Implementation: Start collecting compostable materials and add them to your compost bin. Make sure to balance green materials (e.g., fruit scraps) with brown materials (e.g., leaves).
4. Reflection: After a month, check the progress of your compost. Discuss how it’s reducing waste and benefiting your garden or plants. Challenge the family to find more compostable materials!
No compost bin? No problem! You can make one easily with simple household items. Follow these steps to create your own compost bin and start composting.
Part 1: Making a DIY Compost Bin
Materials Needed:
✔ A large plastic bin with a lid (or a wooden crate)
✔ A drill or a hammer and nails
✔ A knife or scissors
✔ A tray or bricks (to elevate the bin)
Step 1: Choose the Right Bin
• Use a plastic storage bin (at least 18 gallons) or a wooden crate.
• If using wood, make sure the gaps allow airflow.
Step 2: Drill Air Holes
• Drill small holes (¼ inch) on the sides, bottom, and lid for ventilation.
• Space them 2-3 inches apart to let air circulate.
Step 3: Elevate the Bin
• Place the bin on bricks or a tray to allow drainage.
• If indoors, place a tray under it to catch any leaks.
Step 4: Add a Base Layer
• Add dry leaves, shredded newspaper, or cardboard to create a good foundation.
Part 2: How to Start Composting
Step 1: Add Browns and Greens
• Browns (dry material): Leaves, paper, cardboard, wood chips.
• Greens (wet material): Fruit peels, veggie scraps, coffee grounds.
• Ratio: 2 parts browns to 1-part greens for balance.
Step 2: Keep It Moist
• Spray water to keep it damp (like a wrung-out sponge).
Step 3: Turn the Pile Regularly
• Every 2-3 days, mix the compost with a stick or shovel for oxygen flow.
Step 4: Wait & Harvest
• In 2-3 months, the compost should be dark, crumbly, and earthy-smelling.
• Use it to enrich garden soil, potted plants, or lawns.
4. Recover/Repair
Activity: Repair or recover broken items instead of discarding them.
Step-by-Step:
1. Preparation: Identify items around your home that can be repaired (e.g., broken toys, furniture, or clothing).
2. Planning: Plan which items you’d like to repair or recover.
3. Implementation: Work together to fix or repurpose these items. You could sew up a torn shirt or glue a broken chair.
4. Reflection: Discuss how repairing items can save money and reduce waste. Set a goal to repair something every month.
5. Dispose/Landfill
Activity: Responsible Waste Disposal
Step-by-Step:
1. Preparation: Research what items are acceptable for disposal in your local landfill, including common non-recyclable plastics and specific types of glass. Familiarise yourself with hazardous materials like batteries, paints, and electronics that require special disposal methods.
2. Planning: Create an organised disposal system at home. Set up separate bins for non-recyclable waste, recyclables, and hazardous items, and label each bin clearly. Consider if any items can be reused, recycled, or donated before deciding to throw them away.
3. Implementation: Practice responsible disposal by placing non-recyclable items in the designated bin. Ensure that items are clean and dry to reduce contamination, avoiding food waste and liquids that could negatively impact the landfill environment. If possible, compact waste to maximise space efficiency.
4. Education: Share your findings and disposal practices with family and friends. Discuss the importance of following local guidelines and regulations regarding waste disposal, and encourage them to participate in community clean-up events to reduce litter in public spaces.
5. Reflection: At the end of the week, gather the family to reflect on the experience. Discuss how proper waste disposal contributes to a healthier environment and the overall impact on landfill reduction. Challenge everyone to continue ensuring that all waste goes in the right place and to educate others on responsible waste management practices.
Together, our efforts can create a ripple effect, promoting sustainability in our communities and beyond. Let’s commit to making conscious choices that support a healthier planet for future generations. Start today, and be the change for a more sustainable tomorrow!
