The 4R Principle and its implementation

Hello, everyone!

In social media handles of Recycler India, you'd have got enough knowledge about the 4R Principle. Right? Let's go little further where I would explain little more about every R. But, before we move further, it is necessary t rewind what is 4R Principle and what other stands for.

The 4R principle is nothing but the revision of 3R which are in practice since long ago to fight plastic pollution. These three Rs are Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. The fourth R comes into practice is Refuse. Let's go into little brief here.

1. Reduce -  Reduce the waste you generate. Reduce the resources you are using. By doing so, you would save the money as well nature.

2. Reuse - Reusing has its root back in history where people have used one thing or other for different purposes to get full benefits from the product instead of throwing it off.

3. Recycle -  Recycling is the process of converting waste materials into new materials and objects. It is an alternative to "conventional" waste disposal. Unlike reusing where you use old stuff for the same purpose and in the same condition, recycling is little different as it often includes the material to go through a process and make some different products. There are two different kinds of approaches are there regarding the recycling known as upcycling and downcycling. Upcycling is the process by which waste materials are used to provide new, high-quality products. Upcycling is the process by which waste materials are used to provide new, high-quality products. Downcycling is a type of recycling where the original product is broken down into parts and made into something new, but loses some of its original quality in the process and is often made into a product of lesser quality.

4. Refuse -  More often, we come across many products which we can't reuse or recycle. That's where we are said to refuse it. Many awareness campaigns and social media campaigns against some harmful products use Refuse to show their tolerance. Interestingly, this World Environment Day's theme is "Beat Plastic Pollution" and the tagline is "If you can't reuse it, refuse it". This shows the importance of this R.

How to implement this 4R in your daily routine?

 No one alone can beat plastic pollution and global warming. For that, everyone needs to contribute their part to the environment and this starts from your home, your daily routine. Follow this simple rules in your daily life:

1. Do not buy bottled water unless there is no option.

2. Do not ask for polythene bags, instead use your own cloth bag for groceries and vegetables.

3. Say no to straw. You may find it useful but when it goes to landfills/oceans, it kills others.

4. Segregate waste at home and dispose of them accordingly.

5. Stop buying things with excessive packaging.

6. Do not throw E-waste in the solid waste container.

7. Use reusable water bottle.

8. Use your own coffee mug and refuse plastic cups.

9. Buy less, choose well.

10. Ask local bodies for multiple bins for source segregation.

11. Participate actively in recycling awareness programs.

Keep recycling :)