A 3R'S Moment

Do you know the three R'S of sustainability? They are recycle, reduce and reuse!

Now, apparently, we as a nation, are doing pretty well on the first R, but what happened to the other two? Since we are rapidly losing the climate battle, it is time to start using the other two R'S.

One of the ways to reduce is to become a consumer who buys more bulk items and products with less packaging. Pass up the triple wrapped goods and go for the products with little or no wrapping. And, of course, take your cloth bag with you when you shop.

Reuse can be the fun R. Whenever you buy any item, plan on a use for it when it is worn out, or no longer useable. A couple of ideas from Natural Life Magazine (March/April 2006) sound feasible and fun. Paint an old cd and hang it on your Christmas tree. Cut down an old belt for a collar for your favorite pet, or use small pieces for furniture scratch guards, or mufflers when cut into strips and glued inside cupboard doors.Then there is always using an old door as a desk, or old door knobs mounted on a board to use as a coat rack. Get that idea machine, that is your brain, going.