Ahhh, I remember the days when eco-friendly living was so simple. The original 3 R's of Sustainability (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) were impactful, to the point, and easy to grasp. It encouraged inspiring green families to be less intimidated by environmental problems and confidently focus on actionable solutions available to them. The original 3 R's covered everything sustainable living requires to start on the journey to an eco-friendly life. Now there are 10!
Don't get me wrong I love innovative thinking, but do we need TEN?! I have looked over the 10 R's of Sustainability and the extra 7 just relate to the original 3 in some way, shape, or form.
My 'mom brain' does this naturally. Like, how can I consolidate, minimalize, and be more resourceful with what I have? Think about it - Would you take 3 perfectly organized groups of toys that are neatly placed in tubs and say "Hmm how can I add more toys, mix them up, and create 7 more groups that make clean-up time even harder for the kids and I" No. Of course not. That would bring too much confusion, and for what purpose?
Instead, you'd probably downsize, see which toys can be donated, and maintain organization by further clarifying the toys that belong to each group.
That's exactly the right approach for green families to easily implement the New 7 Rs of Sustainability.
10 R's of Sustainability
Respect
Respect in this context means that we cultivate compassion for everything around us. Respect your body, your neighbor, and your earth. If you ask me, this guideline is a prerequisite to even beginning a sustainable journey. So, it still makes a case that we don't need it in our 'Top 3'.
Responsibility
Taking responsibility relates to the fact natural resources on this planet like fossil fuels and fertile soils are being misused at a nonrenewable rate. This relates to the original R, Reduce. Everyone cannot get rid of their car and stop buying gas, but we can carpool, drive less, and raise children who make better car purchases.
Refuse
Refusing to use plastic is the idea here. This notion takes a strong stance because recent reports are confirming that microplastics are now being found in the human body and even the womb. However, this does go back to the 'Reduce' guideline. Your refusal of plastic and other toxic manufactured items reduces the amount in landfills, your and your families' body, and reduces the demand for them in the first place.
Reduce
The first original R of Sustainability is Reduce. This eco-friendly guideline maintains that we reduce purchases and habits that are harmful to our environment. It's a gateway to us ultimately just refusing to leave the lights on when the kids aren't in a room or use natural light. It helps create a desire to only purchase zero waste household items and see what can be a DIY project made right at home.
Rethink
Before making unsustainable decisions you can prioritize green living by rethinking in a way that helps the environment. This is the whole principle behind sustainable living. Before you throw away that baby food jar, toy, or old onesie. Get creative. Think about proper ways to dispose of items or if they need to be disposed of at all. While grocery shopping, rethink the packaging options that your food is contained.
Repurpose
This topic is great because of the new 'upcycling' trend, but essentially it goes back to just reusing. An old item can be refurbished with a few tools and this mindset change makes a big difference in the amount of waste your family develops over time. Repurposing also decreases your carbon footprint because trash is the top reason for the emission of a potent gas called methane which is released as the garbage decomposes.
Reuse
Are you green mommin' if you don't have a stash of recycled glass jars in your cabinet? I know I do and it's because of the sustainable principle: Reuse. There have been many times when I purchase items that are packaged in glass jars, so now it's second nature to remove the label, clean, and store the jar for a variety of ways to reuse it later.
Repair
Any handymen or handywomen in the house? This one is for you. Whether you decide to keep a blouse and use your seamstress skills or you are a DIY mama this simple variation of reuse can help create a greener world. I'm not saying you have to be a dumpster diver, but simply being more resourceful when it comes to minor repairs can go a long way. I should note that this includes the implementation of both 'Reuse' and 'Recycle'.
Recycle
Recycling was born from the idea that most things can be bought or borrowed having already been used. Think thrift stores, libraries and used book stores, swap meets, etc. Reducing the amount of mass production needed to meet demand is environmentally friendly. 'Lightly used' or 'previously loved goods' are common terms used today that have a bigger purpose of increasing the awareness of recycling. I have found so many high-quality household goods and clothes for half the price in the circular economy of shopping.
Restore
Restoration of the environment is the overall theme of an ecological mindset. When our concern is placed on great things that matter; we are living a sustainable, environmentally-friendly life. The well-being and restoration of ourselves, other humans, animals, and earth equals a happy healthy world.
