Reduce Reuse Recycle – Effective way to go green economically – Conservation of Energy:

Reduce Reuse Recycle – Effective way to go green economically – Conservation of Energy:

Ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle, whatever possible, is to save money and reduce waste dumped in landfill and other form of pollution.The key to reducing the amount of waste which is dumped and to reduce pollution is to:
REDUCE - make less waste in the first place.
REUSE - reuse items where possible, or find alternative uses for them.
RECYCLE - recycle as much as possible so the materials can be used to make something new. Recycle also helps in reducing or saving our precious natural resources.

The concept of Reduce Reuse Recycle is applicable to any sphere of life – whether it is in home front or in industries such as energy and power. Energy efficiency, as a concept, became a part of the public discussion now and it is increasingly related with green and eco-friendly environment. The phenomenal ‘oil price hike’ made the industrial world look for alternative fuels and supply sources and ways to conserve them. The concept of Reduce Reuse Recycle again has become very important for power and energy industry.

Simultaneously more efficient use and more productivity became an in thing even in countries where petrol guzzlers had a right of way on the motor- way, in a manner of speaking. Energy conservation has since become a global concern. This has as much to do with sustainable development as with the availability of newer technologies. Hence the call for learning the three new R’s - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.

There are as yet few takers for the concept of energy saving in most of the urban centers. Some thing as basic as switching off a light or a fan, not to speak of an air conditioner, when no body is around, is a simple drill most offices and establishments refuse to put into practice. What is necessary is a willingness to conserve energy and to go green. Thing needed most is awareness that neither a law nor a government regulation offer anything more than a road map.

In fact, energy conservation is an important element of energy policy. Energy conservation reduces the energy consumption and energy demand per capita, and thus offsets the growth in energy supply needed to keep up with population growth. This reduces the rise in energy costs, and can reduce the need for new power plants, and energy imports. The reduced energy demand can provide more flexibility in choosing the most preferred methods of energy production.

Energy conservation is important because of the limited amount of nonrenewable energy sources on Earth, it is important to conserve our current supply or to use renewable sources so that our natural resources will be available for future generations. Energy conservation is also important because consumption of nonrenewable sources impacts the environment. Specifically, our use of fossil fuels contributes to air and water pollution. For example, carbon dioxide is produced when oil, coal, and gas combust in power stations, heating systems, and car engines. Carbon dioxide in the atmosphere acts as a transparent blanket that contributes to the global warming of the earth, or "greenhouse effect." It is possible that this warming trend could significantly alter our weather. Possible impacts include a threat to human health, environmental impacts such as rising sea levels that can damage coastal areas, and major changes in vegetation growth patterns that could cause some plant and animal species to become extinct.

As discussed, by conserving energy we lower the amount of pollutants we release into the air and thereby help to keep the air clean. By reducing emissions, energy conservation is an important part of lessening climate change, thus helping us to go towards greener environment. The interaction between the natural resources and the population has to be maintained at a balance in order to ensure the continuity of the human race. Energy is essential to life and its conservation has become an absolute necessity.

Energy conservation has been recognized as a priority for a very long time in almost every nation, but concrete steps have not been taken seriously and the few that have been taken lack in perspective and determination. The growth and demand for energy is increasing at a very fast rate, specially in the industrial sector, the transport sector and the house hold sector, thereby putting a great deal of pressure on the available resources. The need of the hour has now become conservation and preservation. At the same time awareness among people has also to be created to fulfill the above goal.

Source Reduction of waste – Stopping waste before it starts – way to enhance environmental cleanliness:

Source Reduction of waste – Stopping waste before it starts – way to enhance environmental cleanliness:

Source reduction, also known as waste prevention or pollution prevention, is the elimination of waste before it is created. Source reduction is decreasing the amount of materials or energy used during the manufacturing or distribution of products and packages. It basically involves the design, manufacture, purchase or use of materials and products to reduce the amount or toxicity of what is thrown away. Source reduction means stopping waste before it happens.

Because it stops waste before it starts, source reduction is the top solid waste priority of environmental protection agencies of many of the developed countries. These innovations conserve resources and reduce packaging waste, while continuing to provide performance, value and convenience to the consumer.

Source reduction is not the same as recycling. Recycling is collecting already used materials and making them into another product. Recycling begins at the end of a product's life, while source reduction first takes place when the product and its packaging are being designed. In fact, the best way to think about source reduction and recycling is as complementary activities - combined, source reduction and recycling have a significant impact on preventing solid waste and saving resources.
Importance of source reduction of waste:

(a) Source reduction conserves raw material and energy resources. Smaller packages and concentrated products typically use fewer materials and less energy to manufacture and transport.

(b) Source reduction reduces releases to air, land and water. For example, it takes less fuel to transport lighter weight materials.

(c) Source reduction cuts back on what has to be thrown away. That helps keep solid waste disposal costs down, which is good for municipal budgets and consumers.

(d) Source-reduced products take up less space, and are more efficient and easier to use.

Source reduction is the highest goal in the solid waste management hierarchy - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. As explained above, by itself, recycling does not address the issue of wasteful product use. When recycling is coupled with source reduction, however, wasteful purchase and use of products is minimized. Whenever possible, reduce or reuse first, then recycle. The practice of source reduction benefits the environment through reduced energy consumption and pollution, conservation of natural resources, and extension of valuable landfill space. It can also have economic benefits by reducing costs associated with transportation, disposal or recycling of waste. Plus, source reduction can save you money every day. Everyone can participate in source reduction. REDUCE OR REUSE FIRST, THEN RECYCLE.

Suggestions for better waste management: You can help reduce waste at home by learning basic waste-saving habits. You can buy products that come in concentrated forms or products that use minimal packaging. And you can reuse, repair, recycle, or compost products that would otherwise be thrown away. REDUCE * Buy the largest size package and products that do more than one thing; for example, shampoos that include conditioners. * Buy concentrated products or compact packages, such as frozen juices and fabric softeners you mix with water at home. * Look for products with minimal packaging. You will be using fewer natural resources, and you will have less to throw away. * When you mow your lawn, leave grass clippings on the ground instead of bagging them. Grass clipping decompose quickly, adding nutrients to the soil. REUSE * Buy reusable products such as rechargeable batteries. * Pass on magazines, catalogues, and books to neighbors, hospitals, schools, and nursing homes. * Reuse plastic or glass containers for food storage, nails, and so on. * Reuse plastic shopping bags, boxes, and lumber. * Reuse wrapping paper, gift bags, and bows. Use the Sunday comics for wrapping children’s birthday presents. REPAIR * Try to repair before you consider replacement of lawn mowers, tools, vacuum cleaners, and TVs. * Donate items you can’t repair to local charities or vocational schools. * Keep appliances in good working order. Properly maintained appliances are less likely to wear out or break and will not have to be replaced as frequently. RECYCLE * Shop for items that are recyclable or are made from recycled materials. * Recycle newspapers, plastics, glass, and cans. * If a recycling program does not exist in your community, contact community officials to see if it would make sense to start one. COMPOST * Compost yard and kitchen waste. Compost makes an excellent fertilizer and improves the soil. * If there’s no room for compost pile, offer compostable materials to community composting programs or garden projects near you.