Recycle…it’s something we hear a lot about but is it the smartest idea? Wayne Rowland of the Vance Co. Extension Service explained on Monday’s Local Skinny that there are actually better ways than recycling to manage waste. Rowland says that recycling is important but it is third of the three R’s: reduce, reuse, recycle. “Before you recycle, choose to reuse,” Rowland said. Reusing an item might mean to repair it or perhaps repurpose an item for another use.  Reusing an item has the advantages of minimizing waste and maximizing resources. Additionally, reuse saves or delays purchasing a similar item, eliminates disposal costs, reduces the waste stream, lessens pollution and items that are to be reused can be more affordable than the same item purchased new.

Rowland also explained that reducing is also important when it comes to waste management.  Reducing involves eliminating and decreasing the amount of waste and reducing toxicity of materials. Redesigning products to use less packaging, making items more durable and avoiding disposable products are all ways reducing waste helps the environment.

Recycling involves the collection of used materials and these materials are used to manufacture new products. Rowland pointed out that recycling consumes energy, water and other resources and recyling itself can also cause pollution but less than manufacturing products with virgin materials.

For more information contact Wayne Rowland at the Vance County Extension Service at 252-438-8188. The Cooperative Extension Report can be heard as part of the Local Skinny on WIZS Monday, Tuesday and Thursday at 11:50 AM.

Listen live at 100.1 FM / 1450 AM / or on the live stream at WIZS.com at 11:50 a.m. Mon, Tues & Thurs.