The “6 Rs” of sustainability is a framework that helps us think about the environmental, social, and economic impacts of our actions. By following these guidelines, we can make more sustainable choices that benefit both the environment and ourselves. The 6 Rs are:

1. Repair: Instead of throwing something away and buying a new one, try to repair it. Not only is this better for the environment, it can also save you money in the long run. Make the most out of whatever you buy and have, and only pass it on when there’s nothing left to do with it.
2. Recycle: When we can’t repair an item, the next best option is to recycle it. This helps to keep materials out of landfills and reduces the demand for new resources. By separating your waste, you help it reach the right treatment centers. The raw materials in such products can be reclaimed and reused to make another product, which means you’re not using any new reserves of the natural resources and contributing to sustainable development.
3. Reduce: The next step is to reduce our consumption of resources and waste. This can be achieved through simple actions such as using a reusable water bottle, turning off lights when they’re not needed, and buying products with minimal packaging. That means reducing the amount of stuff you no longer need and actively making decisions that reduce waste. The idea is: consume less, waste less.
4. Reuse: Another way to be more sustainable is to reuse items whenever possible. This could mean bringing a reusable bag to the grocery store, using a refillable pen, or repurposing an old shirt into a cleaning cloth. If you don’t need something, before throwing it away, try and see if you can reuse or repurpose it in another way. You’re paying for the product and the packaging; so make use of both.
5. Rot: The next R is to rot organic materials, such as food scraps and yard waste, through composting. This helps to reduce methane emissions from landfills and can also be used to enrich soil.
6. Re-purpose: The final R is to find new uses for items that can’t be repaired, recycled, reused, or composted. For example, an old coffee can could be repurposed as a planter, or an old sweater could be turned into a pillow.

By following the 6 Rs, we can make more mindful decisions about our consumption and waste. It’s a simple, effective way to be more sustainable in our daily lives.