In a world fueled by overconsumption, managing and reducing your municipal solid waste (MSW) can be an overwhelming topic. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that the average American produces approximately 4.9 lbs. of municipal solid waste per person per day. MSW is made up of items that people may dispose of in the trash- think things like food and yard waste, old furniture and appliances, plastic packaging, textiles, etc. Did the above statistic surprise you? It shocked me, and I try and watch my waste closely. So what’s an environmentally-minded person to do in order to help lower the amount of waste they generate each and every day? Lets dig in.

What are the Seven R’s?

The Three R’s of sustainability, Reduce, Reuse and Recycle, have been drilled into our heads from a young age (at least for us millennials out there). And although the Three R’s are a great place to start when thinking about managing your waste more effectively, the Seven R’s are a more comprehensive and step-by-step guide to reducing your environmental footprint.

Step 1: Rethink

I grew concerned about the amount of trash my husband and I were producing several years ago. We disposed of bags of MSW every week, and I knew there must be a better way to handle our waste than throwing it all in the trash. I chose to be intentional about researching other methods for waste disposal or reuse before throwing things straight into the trash.

Step 2: Refuse

Learn the power of “no”! Before making an impulsive purchase or accepting something you may not need, stop and think: 1. Do I truly need this item, or would it make my day-to-day easier? If the answer to either is no, rethink why you’re interested in making the purchase in the first place 2. Is my intended purchase made of quality materials and/or built to last? Cheaply-made items are more likely to break and end up in the landfill 3. Do I have somewhere to store this object if I won’t use it regularly, or will I remember it exists in three months once its out of sight and out of mind? 4. Could someone use the item once I finish with it? Regifting and donating items will extend their life. If the answer to any of these is “no”, refuse to make the purchase. You can always re-evaluate and buy it later if need be.

Step 3: Reduce

Don’t be afraid to buck trends. Do you need that new cup in three colors, or could you get by with one new one? The more you can reduce your purchasing, the less you’ll need to worry about seeing your purchase into its next life after you’re done with it.

Step 4: Reuse

Get creative! My husband and I love to support our local restaurants, but getting takeout comes with more waste than eating in an establishment. We’ve found ways to repurpose some of the plastic takeout boxes into lunch-prep containers, Christmas cookie gift packaging, etc. after we’ve finished our leftovers.

Step 5: Repair

This step can be tricky, as purchasing something brand-new can be more cost-effective than repairing something old. Before you toss, look into ways of fixing an item first. Clothes can be patched, toys glued back together, etc. As long as the safety of an object isn’t compromised by the break, think through ways of fixing an item first before buying new.

Step 6: Regift

You don’t have to become the dreaded coworker/friend that just regifts candles they don’t like! I’ve become an avid swapper/regifter since starting my Seven R’s journey, and regifting looks very different for me. Book swaps and Free Little Libraries have been my go-to for acquiring new books, and if I find one I really like, the book gets passed on to friends and family as a birthday present. My sister and I loved getting hand me downs from our cousins during the holidays, and barely played with toys can become treasured gifts for little ones. I’m constantly thinking of people who may find a use for something after I’m done with it.

Step 7: Recycle

This is the final step in the Seven R’s. If an object has come to the end of its useful life, it’s time to recycle it. Not everything can be dumped into your red Rumpke recycling bin, however. Make sure that it meets the standards for what Rumpke can accept for curbside recycling. Two great resources for recycling materials that Rumpke can’t take are:

–The Cincinnati Recycling and Reuse Hub

–The Hefty Renew Program

Speaking of recycling, thanks to a $50,000 grant from the Ohio EPA, brand new recycling bins will be coming to each MetroPark in the fall of 2024! If you’re out enjoying the parks, make sure to dispose of your used bottles and cans in the bins. Thank you for helping MetroParks reduce its landfill waste stream. For more information about MetroParks’ other green initiatives, visit https://www.yourmetroparks.net/about/conservation-efforts.

Sources:

• https://www.epa.gov/facts-and-figures-about-materials-waste-and-recycling/national-overview-facts-and-figures-materials#NationalPicture
• https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/earth-systems/blog/action-of-the-week-practice-the-7-rs-of-waste-management/