Fifteen years ago, plus a few weeks now, my wife and I met for our first date. We still mark what turned out to be an incredible all-day adventure. That anniversary, more so than our wedding, reminds me of how things were before we got to know each other. Sometimes each person tries to fix what seem like odd (perhaps creative or unique) little habits. Misty and I love hiking, camping and nature, yet when considering the best way to help the environment she knew my second “R” needed some work.
Within the reduce-reuse-recycle mantra there is always room for improvement. Prior to our first date a particular “reuse” habit comes to mind. Working at the local newspaper, then as now, I brought everything to the office in a sturdy backpack. Camera, extra lenses and batteries, several notebooks, miscellaneous supplies and lunch packed in a standard brown paper bag. Most consider a lunch bag disposable or, if the container escapes stains or slopped food, recyclable with paperboard. Though a package of lunch bags only set me back a few bucks, I systematically folded the brown paper into a perfect square at the end of the day’s meal, usually in my office, then reloaded with a sandwich, fruit and granola bar the next morning. One bag, sporting a strip or two of Scotch tape by the end, would last two or three months. Somewhat proud of the accomplishment I mentioned this green/thrifty practice to my then girlfriend. Not too far into our relationship she gifted me an awesome Peanuts lunch bag proclaiming “Happiness is a full tummy”. Roomier than a tired brown bag and insulated it has been a favorite since.
The second “R” is tricky. Families, couples, individuals, even schools, churches and businesses can all take time to audit daily activities and determine what could be reused rather than disposable or recyclable. Continuing with a food theme there is a wide latitude of practices. Supper at home, for instance, may come in take out containers, be eaten with paper plates and plastic utensils or traditional plates and silverware. The first two examples usually join kitchen trash though I have seen washed paper plates and fast food plastic at the Keep Alliance Beautiful Recycling Center. On occasion my family has saved sturdy, better than dollar store quality, to go bowls for later use while taking meals on the road. These No. 5 PP plastic containers are just the right size and have tight-fitting lids. We may see a year pass before they crack and hit the plastics recycling bag.
Household trash and recycling bins offer insight for reusable items to adopt. The latter at my house contains more coffee cups than I’d like. I regularly fill my favorite tumbler with a latte though I could take it empty more often out of town as many coffee shops will fill it and save a paper cup. Refillable water bottles also trump recycling ones from the store. Recycling takes energy while a reusable container helps reduce demand for virgin material.
The second “R” applies to countless items and materials. It is truly a bridge between the other “R’s”. Once we know how to reduce what we buy and use there is a significant percentage that can be reused rather than recycled or thrown away.
I have been applying “reuse” to things that are often single-use. However, the philosophy goes for more durable goods too. Consumerism rises front and center as Christmas approaches. Consider how those on your list will reuse their presents from books, board games and bikes to bring joy for years to come. Nothing beats the raised grid on our 1954 Scrabble board from my mom’s childhood.