Section 1: The Core Principles of Zero Waste
Starting a sustainable journey or exploring a zero waste lifestyle can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. It’s really about making small, mindful choices every day.
The “6 R’s” are a simple, foundational framework
—a set of priorities—that help you tackle waste and consumption in your daily life. They move beyond the old “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” mantra to offer a more complete strategy for eco-friendly living.
Mastering these six steps will help you decrease your environmental impact, save money, and feel great about your positive contribution to the planet.
Better Understanding of the 6 R's
Rethink, Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Rot
1. Rethink – The Mindset Shift
This is the most important R, and it comes first!
It’s all about pausing before you buy, use, or throw away something, and asking a simple question:
“Is there a better way to do this?”
1. Rethink – The Mindset Shift
This is the most important R, and it comes first!
It’s all about pausing before you buy, use, or throw away something, and asking a simple question:
“Is there a better way to do this?”
Instead of automatically replacing a working phone with the newest model, Rethink if the new features offer real, necessary value.
Rethink your household cleaning products. Can you switch to refillable, concentrated formulas instead of single-use plastic bottles?
2. Refuse - The Power of Saying "No"
This is your greatest power as a consumer. Refuse refers to actively declining items that you don't need and that often end up as waste, especially single-use plastic items
Refuse the plastic straw, the disposable coffee cup (bring your own mug!), the plastic bag (bring a reusable tote!), or free promotional items you won't use.
If you buy baked goods, Refuse the extra plastic film and ask for them to be placed directly into a container you brought from home.
- Ask vendors or stores to skip extra packaging when possible
- Say "No" to items that are used once and instantly discarded.
- Ask vendors or stores to skip extra packaging when possible
- Say "No" to items that are used once and instantly discarded.
3. Reduce - Buying Less, Saving More
Reduce is about minimizing the total amount of "stuff" you consume and the resources you use. By focusing on quality over quantity, you save money, space, and resources.
Instead of owning five cheap t-shirts that wear out quickly, Reduce to two high-quality, sustainably made t-shirts.
Reduce food waste by planning meals, properly storing produce, and using leftovers creatively.
- Only purchase what you absolutely need, and choose high-quality items that last longer.
- Actively work to decrease your use of water, electricity, and fuel.
4. Reuse - Giving Items a Second Life
Before throwing anything out, ask if it can be used again—either for its original purpose or for a completely new one (upcycling). This significantly extends a product's lifespan.
Instead of owning five cheap t-shirts that wear out quickly, Reduce to two high-quality, sustainably made t-shirts.
Reduce food waste by planning meals, properly storing produce, and using leftovers creatively.
- Use containers or items multiple times until they are truly broken or worn out.
- Turn an item that can no longer serve its original function into something new.
5. Recycle -The Last Resort
Recycle is the only "R" that deals with actual trash, and it should only be used after you have gone through the first four R's. Proper recycling turns waste into new materials, conserving resources.
Check your local waste management website to find out exactly which plastics (#1, #2, etc.) and materials your city accepts. When in doubt, leave it out!
Always rinse out food containers, cans or jars, before placing them in the Recycle bin.
- Recycling rules vary dramatically by city and region. Items must be clean and sorted correctly to be processed.
- A dirty item (like a greasy pizza box or a yogurt container with residue) can contaminate an entire batch of materials.
6. Rot Embracing Nature's Cycle
Rot is the final, often overlooked, R. This involves composting food scraps and other organic matter to return nutrients to the earth, rather than sending them to a landfill where they generate harmful methane gas.
Start a small countertop container for fruit peels, vegetable scraps, and coffee grounds, then transfer them to an outdoor Rot bin or a community compost site.
Always rinse out food containers, like tuna cans or jam jars, before placing them in the Recycle bin.
- Collect food scraps, yard waste, and other organic materials to create nutrient-rich soil.
- Choose natural materials (like cotton or bamboo) over synthetic ones, as they can eventually be composted or biodegrade.
Awesome!
Hopefully that gave some quick ideas and a better understand the 6 R’s.
We are going to be looking for ways creatively exercise these daily.