Cliffnotes version of The 'R' Cycle

In Elementary school you learn to find the key elements of an essay: who, what, where, when, how, and why.

Here are the main elements of the 'R' Cycle:

Who: Everyone. 


What: Actually, everything.  Ok, well, everything that is a physical product or item, and I'm not talking skirt length.  I'm talking about the amount of items one buys.  Many items are now recyclable, but choosing items made from natural elements (like metal or wood) are better than the plastic equivalent is better any day.


Where: In your home, office, car, garage, closet etc.  Currently, you don't have to apply these to internet space, but maybe in the future you will (however, data storage is becoming more efficient and environmentally friendly so buy that extra e-book on gardening!).
There are locations specifically for recycling many different types of materials from plastics, metals, appliances, electronics, and toxic chemicals like paint or car oil.  All one has to do to find these local sites is to search it in a search engine or just ask your local government.


When: NOW and in the future.  In all aspects of your daily life.


How: Start with a small easy item that you buy or use somewhat regularly.  Take a second to think about how much you will use, the alternatives and the actual need of the item.  Do you really need that extra cup or cardboard coffee sleeve when you buy your morning latte?  How about that extra top or pair of shoes?  Even food choices can be viewed in the same way.  Do you need individual packets of cheese or ketcup?  Will you use all of those napkins?  From there you can start applying it to other parts of your daily consumption like having a reusable water bottle versus buying a case of plastic water bottles.  The ways to reduce, reuse and lastly recycle items is rather endless if you take a second to think about it.


Why: This is probably the biggest driving force to implement the 'R' cycle in your own life.  Why does someone change their behavior to live the Cycle?  Some do it to have a small carbon footprint or have a low environmental impact on the the earth.  Other people do it save money.  Still others do it because they just don't have the storage room in their living situation. 

The main reasons people follow the Cycle:

• Decrease the amount of toxins, waste and pollution produced
• Save natural resources and energy
• Decrease their carbon footprint
• Increase health
• Save money, and even earn some extra cash
• Save space
• Stay more organized with less clutter

The why is a personal reason that varies from person to person.  Some people live 'The Simple Life' mentality which is the extreme end of the Cycle while others try to incorporate the basics into their lives the best they can.  As long as one honestly tries to apply the 'R' Cycle in their daily lives, the planet has a brighter future.

The Re-cycle

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.

Probably the most widely known eco-friendly sustainable practice today.  Most cities have recycling centers or even curb-side recycling programs and you can even earn a few bucks in certain states.  At California State University, Fullerton every semester the Center for Sustainability (my job) is asked where are the recycle bins.  What's awesome about CSUF is that the recycle program is connected to the waste system so even if a student isn't consciously aware to recycle, the campus does it for them! 

Now I can rattle on about all the different facts about recycling (recycling is good for the planet), but I would rather spend the time talking about the WHOLE cycle not just recycling.  I will dedicate individual posts to each section of the cycle, but for now let's talk about the whole circular resource plan.

All the sections are good for the health of the planet.  We have limited resources and reducing, reusing and recycling the resources extend the overall use of them.  Doing just one is a step in the right direction.  However, none of the sections can stand alone and have the same amount of good planet caring as the whole combined cycle.  Sounds daunting I know.  But all it takes is to start small and slowly it will become so habitual you wont even think about it.  To persuade the masses also starts with you.  Each of these sections saves money, and in this hard economy saving money is a big deal.  Use it.  Tell your family, friends, co-workers, roommates, the person in the seat next to you: save money by reducing the total amount you spend on stuff, reusing what you already have, and recycle what you have to toss.  You can even tell them they can earn a few extra bucks in the process if they really want.  Of course, the other important thing is to do it yourself.  No one listens to a hypocrite.  You don't have to be crazy about it, just taking the steps to become more aware about it.  Start small, with one section and then move to the next section.  It's not like it is going to take long to live the complete cycle, there are only three sections after all!