The phrase reduce, reuse, recycle refers to the recommended sequence of activities for treating materials to make better use of materials so that we create less damage to the environment. In addition to the primary advantages to our environment, these 3Rs also provide other benefits, such as financial savings. These are also known as the environmental 3Rs. They are… reduce-use less reuse-use again recycle-do again First, when possible, reduce or don’t use resources you don’t need. One of the easiest ways to do this is to stop using up things where you aren’t making use of them. For instance, turn out the lights when you don’t need them. Don’t run the water when you aren’t using it (turn it off while you brush your teeth). This is the best option because you not only save resources by not using them, you also leave them available for then they are used, and there are frequently other resources saved by note needing to create more. For example, if you save water usage, you have also saved the energy needed to purify and pump that water, and often, the resources that will be expended in sewage treatment. Second, by reusing, we also reduce the amount of new resources that will be used. Reuse can be facilitated by using objects that are sturdy or built well. When you use standard dishes instead of paper plates, you reduce the amount of waste that is created. The third category is often the one we think of first. Recycling is good for the environment, but not as good as the first two choices. Recycling takes energy.