Reduce, reuse, recycle

gwraig.annwn@gmail.com — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 02:29:21 GMT

Those are three words I grew up with. And they're things I've adhered to, at least the latter two--reusing glass, plastic, and metal containers is nearly an obsession with me and my mother, and we recycle everything we know how to. But more and more, lately, I'm thinking that reducing is, in fact, the most important of the three. Reusing and recycling are easier--but maybe that's why.

No Impact Man says that the most important, easiest tip for something one can do to help the environment is "Don't Waste." To me, that seems to say pretty much the same thing as "reduce." Reduce consumption, reduce packaging, reduce driving, reduce whatever you can. Then again, it also says "reuse," since throwing out or even recycling something you (or someone else) could reuse seems pretty wasteful. But while trying to reuse and avoid waste may be at the heart of my clutter problem, reducing will help a lot. If I don't buy more trinkets or craft items, then they won't be around cluttering my room, and I might be more motivated to use the craft items that I have.

Related to these random musings (brought to you by the fact that I have random minor injuries on my hand and knitting hurts), a couple of weeks ago I discovered a website called Change Everything. It's a Canadian blogging/networking site with a twist--all of the blogs are about changes that people are trying to make in their lives or in the world. It's great for motivation! I've been writing about my adventures in trying to declutter my room...

Clare-Dragonfly

Reduce, reuse, recycle