Ashish Raikwar; Chadar SN; Deshraj Singh Thakur; Nandkishor Lodhi

doi:10.19080/ARR.2024.10.555798

Review Article

3R’s and Environmental Sustainability

**Ashish Raikwar, Chadar SN*, Deshraj Singh Thakur and Nandkishor Lodhi**

Department of Chemistry, Govt. Autonomous Girls P.G. College of Excellence, Sagar (M.P.) India

Submission: March 04, 2024; Published: March 11, 2024

*Corresponding author: Chadar SN, Department of Chemistry, Govt. Autonomous Girls P.G. College of Excellence, Sagar (M.P.) India

How to cite this article: Ashish Raikwar, Chadar SN*, Deshraj Singh Thakur and Nandkishor Lodhi. 3R’s and Environmental Sustainability. Ann Rev Resear. 2024; 10(5): 555798. DOI: 10.19080/ARR.2024.10.555798

Abstract

The 3R strategy, which includes reducing, reusing, and recycling waste, seeks to engage various groups such as waste producers, agencies, authorities, government, and communities to effectively handle solid waste from different sectors like municipal, construction, industrial, urban farming, and healthcare. We conducted a comparative study of waste management and the reduce, reuse, and recycle (3R) policies in several countries, including the European Union (EU), the United States, Korea, Japan, China, and Vietnam. These policies are crucial for addressing waste management and combating global warming on a global scale. Information was collected from a global workshop attended by policymakers in waste management and 3R, held in Kyoto, Japan, and from a bibliographic survey. Across all countries examined, 3R policies are considered the most important in waste management. The focus is also on thermal recovery, aligning with efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Thermal recovery methods include generating power from waste heat and harnessing methane gas from organic waste. In the past, open dumping was the common method of waste management in Indian cities. This essay aims to explore and clarify the support provided by facilities and the financial incentives for the 3R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) waste management program. The research is qualitative and descriptive in nature (Figure 1).

Figure 1: Pie chart presentation of various categories of waste generated.

Keywords: Reduce; Reuse; Recycle; Waste management; Global warming

Introduction

Reducing, reusing, and recycling (3R) along with waste management regulations are widely acknowledged as the cornerstones of creating a material cycles society. However, due to unique national circumstances or political approaches, 3R and waste management regulations vary among nations. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the state of affairs, historical context, and efficacy of 3R policies across different nations. To reduce is simple to produce less garbage. It is the first of the three Rs because it is the most effective way to maintain a clean environment. Cutting down on waste by reducing it at the source is vital. When there is less garbage produced initially, there is less to manage and clean up. Reusing involves finding alternative uses for items that are no longer needed, preventing them from being thrown away. Recycling, on the other hand, is the most commonly practiced method among the three Rs. It involves transforming waste materials into new products, reducing the need for fresh resources [1-3]. Reusing and recycling items, composting, and source reduction are just a few of the numerous strategies that make up solid waste management (SWM), which can be utilized to lower the amounts of solid waste generated on campus. Waste produced by homes, businesses, institutions, and commercial spaces. Used paper, thrown-away cans and bottles, leftover food, yard waste, and other materials are all considered municipal solid waste [4-5]. Waste was defined by the Basel agreement in 1989 as any material or item that is meant to be disposed of in accordance with legal regulations. As long as the chemical environment is being altered, human waste will always be produced. Environmentalists started to worry about the amount of waste generated and its hazardous level based on waste history. Waste is an issue that humans have had since the beginning of time. Due to a decrease in population, garbage from time immemorial has fewer detrimental impacts on the environment rather than improving the soil [6].

Reduce

Since it’s the first of the three R’s, it should go without saying that reducing is the ideal approach to solid waste management. Really, it’s very easy: you will make less garbage if you use less. Customers are particularly uncomfortable with this R because we tend to believe that in order to have an impact, we must reduce everything. However, this is untrue. You may significantly reduce your waste without completely changing your lifestyle by making a few little cuts. You could carry out this action by:

i. Purchasing goods with less packaging. Did you realize that product packaging accounts for 30% of the garbage that ends up in our landfills? Select things that are packaged in a single bog or bag when shopping rather than those that are double or triple packaged.

ii. Purchasing goods in quantity. You can cut down on the total quantity of packing you deal with by purchasing multiples of the same item at once.

iii. Make an effort to avoid disposable items. Specifically, plastic cutlery, paper plates, and cups.

iv. Purchase sturdy items. Examine the product’s history and reviews, particularly if it’s a large purchase. Investing in longlasting products helps ensure that garbage is kept out of landfills for a longer period of time [7-9].

Reuse

Reuse is the second R. With the rise in upcycling and creative projects on the internet, this one is getting more and more attention. Reusing something instead of throwing it away helps you produce something new and keeps garbage out of landfills. A fast search on the internet can yield a plethora of ideas, or you could attempt any of the following:

i. Goods that are broken don’t always have to be thrown away; many can be repaired or transformed into fantastic new goods!

ii. As an alternative to plastic wrap, use sealable containers.

iii. Purchase reusable shopping bags or use your used plastic ones when you go shopping.

iv. Research upcycling projects for everyday home objects; many have unconventional applications you might not have considered.

v. Accept hand-me-downs. I can understand the need for new clothes as a younger sibling, but if you have children that are similar in age, try adding some hand-me-downs to wardrobes as well. Shopping at consignment or antique stores is an additional choice. In this manner, the products will be entirely new to you while yet assisting in the recycling of possible waste from someone else [10-12].

Recycle

Recycling is the last and most likely well-known R. Recycling, as you are undoubtedly aware, is the process of remanufacturing a product so that it can be marketed as new. Not only can cardboard, paper, plastic, and glass be recycled, but a tonne of other materials that you might not even know exist. Recycled materials must be purchased in order for the procedure to be completed. Keep this in mind. Take any of the following actions to begin recycling right now:

i. Find out if your local garbage provider offers recycling services as well. This may facilitate recycling even more.

ii. Find out what materials the nearby recycling centers accept by contacting them.

iii. Launch a recycling program for offices [13].

Conclusion

Numerous wealthy countries around the world have implemented various measures in recent years to handle different types of waste from various industries. Many European and American countries have initiatives in place to promote waste management within construction projects. These initiatives include requiring contractors to use recyclable materials, offering tax exemptions for compliance, and imposing penalties for non-compliance. However, the implementation of the 3R waste management concept by local governments has been lacking in terms of promotion, communication, facilities, and regulations. Both domestically and internationally, there is enthusiasm for actively participating in the 3R waste management program. To ensure the program’s success, more comprehensive campaigns, outreach services, financial incentives, and infrastructure are needed.

Acknowledgement

I would like to extend my appreciation to my supervisor S. N. Chadar, and my colleagues for their valuable guidance and support throughout my research article. Additionally, I am thankful to the library at Dr. H. S. Gour Central University Sagar (M. P.) for providing the necessary resources during this study.