At the Design Reviewer, we believe in Environment  Protection.  Climate change is real.

We need to do more than protest on the streets.  We need to walk the talk, and take actual action to reduce, reuse, and recycle.  

 

First Reduce, then Reuse, before Recycling? 

Take the ubiquitous plastic bag for example: Do we actually need a plastic bag? Can we not use a plastic bag and hence reduce its demand.  In the case when we actually do need a plastic bag, can we reuse the bag for a second time to justify its production? Can we use it to wrap garbage, or can it be a part of an art-and-craft project?  For large plastic bottles and containers, can we reuse them for storage, and when it is no longer reusable, do we throw it in the recycling bin?  Many items can go through this three step process.

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What are some ways things can go through the 3R process?

 

Water

Reduce: Turn on the tap only when required.

Reuse: Laundry Water can be collected for flushing.

Recycle: All water should flow back through the drainage and sewage rather than left stagnant for mosquito  breeding.

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Clothing

Reduce: Do not buy new unless absolutely desired.

Reuse: Buy pre-loved clothing in good condition, and use them as much as reasonable. Send them to a thrift store after so others can reuse them.

Recycle: Use fabrics for other craft projects.  

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Electronics

Reduce: Buy only what is needed, and buy quality that lasts.

Reuse: Donate underused and obsolete items for refurbishment.

Recycle: Dispose them properly with purpose-built disposal facilities.

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Food

Reduce: Take only what can be consumed. Finish everything on the plate.

Reuse: Parts can be converted into compost to fertilize plants and crops.

Recycle: Do one's business in the right place.

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Glass

Reduce: Using glass is still better than using plastics.

Reuse: That glass bottle has many uses as shown in the movie "The Gods must be Crazy".

Recycle: Always place them washed/rinsed into the recycling bins so that recycling plants can actually process them for recycling, so that less energy is needed to mine raw materials.

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Metals

Reduce: Using metals is also better than using plastics. Metals should be properly finished to prevent rusting.  Got a scratch somewhere that requires a paint job?

Reuse: Could metal cans be used for a craft project of yours?

Recycle:Always place them cleaned/rinsed into the recycling bins so that recycling plants can actually process them for recycling, so that less energy is needed to mine raw materials.

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Paper and Packaging

Reduce: Print less. Print Double Side.

Reuse: Can that box packaging be used for something else? What about the other side of the print? How about using scrap paper for crafts?

Recycle:Always place them into the recycling bins so that less trees need to be fell and they can continue reducing our carbon footprint.

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Furniture

Reduce: Buy good quality and steady furniture that can lasts a long time.

Reuse: Donate them if still in good condition but careful if there are bugs!

Recycle: Check with your local environment council on ways to recycle your furniture.

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Buildings

Reduce: Only build when absolutely necessary.  Build only the good stuff.

Reuse: Can old buildings be converted into new ones for new uses?  There are many old buildings that have been successfully refurbished and conserved.

Recycle: Where buildings are no longer safe for use, their parts can be recycled to make new building parts.

Consult the Design Reviewer for 3R ideas for buildings. 

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Earth

We only have one planet!

 

 

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Can Architecture also adopt the philosophy of Reduce; Reuse; and Recycle?

Reducing architectural components and using modular ones can help. However, it is sometimes necessary to use a little more to achieve its purpose.  Reusing certain materials is possible in some scenarios, though new materials are desired for warranty related considerations  Using recycled materials for a new building is definitely possible and more green, but it is sometimes necessary not to, so as to achieve a certain sense of place and space.  Contact us if you need ideas to incorporate 3R concept to score green points and improve your project's sustainability.

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