What can you do?

Let's throw away our "throw away" mentality!  We're making great progress as a province, but there's more each of us can do. Let's LIVE the 3Rs:

REDUCING is the most important step. If you can avoid buying something, you don't have to figure out what to do with it later! Before purchasing, ask yourself:

"Do I really need this? Do I already have something that might do the job? Can I rent or borrow instead? Is the item meant to be used once and thrown out? Are there more durable, less wasteful alternatives?"

REUSING is all about giving things a second life. Ask yourself:

"Is this item still usable? Can it be repaired? Who might I be able to give it to? Consider donating items to schools, libraries, daycares, shelters, care homes, hospitals, doctors' offices or thrift shops. Renovating? Donate useful materials and fixtures to your local charity."

RECYCLING is the final R because it involves energy and resources to process materials into new products, but you can't be green without it. Fortunately, recycling is quickly becoming the norm in Saskatchewan. Here's what you can do right now:

• Find out what and where you can recycle in your community.

• Shop green. Try to purchase products made from recycled material, ideally post-consumer content, which comes from community recycling programs.

• Leave grass clipping on your lawn. It will help to retain moisture and keep your grass green.

• Start composting.  You don't even need a yard!