Page 168 - Volt Elevate The World Around Us Book 4

Reduce

The second step is to reduce the amount of waste we
produce. We can achieve this by using only what is necessary
and avoiding overconsumption. For example, we can reduce
food waste by cooking only the amount we need, reduce

electricity waste by switching off lights and fans when not in
use, and reduce water waste by turning off taps properly. We
can also reduce waste by carrying cloth bags while shopping bag made of paper

and avoiding disposable items like paper plates and cups.

Reuse

The third step is to reuse items
instead of throwing them away

after a single use. Many things can
be reused in creative ways. For
example, glass jars can be reused
for storing spices, old envelopes old glass jars for storing old plastic bottle used to

can be reused for rough work and things grow plant
plastic bottles can be reused for growing plants. Even old clothes can be donated to the
needy instead of being discarded. By reusing, we extend the life of materials and reduce
the demand for new resources.

Repurpose

The fourth step is to repurpose or upcycle items to give
them a new life and function. Repurposing means using old
or discarded items for a different purpose than what they
were originally made for. For example, an old tyre can be

repurposed into a swing, cardboard boxes can be turned
into storage organisers, and old jeans can be stitched into upcycling old denim
bags or cushion covers.

Recycle

The fifth and very important step is to recycle waste materials

into new products. Recycling involves collecting, processing
and converting waste into raw materials that can be used
again. Items like paper, glass, metal and certain plastics

can be recycled in factories. For instance, waste paper can paper strips for recycling

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