Earth Day was founded by a United States senator in the year 1970, but it has since grown to be an international holiday celebrated by the United Nations. Earth day is all about promoting awareness of the Earth’s environment and how to best preserve it for future generations. It has become clearer to us in recent years that if we don’t take action to help protect the environment, then there will be severe consequences.

Earth Day is all about 3 major tenets, known as the 3 R’s: reduce, reuse and recycle. Each of these elements is important to ongoing conservation efforts. While Earth Day is a day to promote these ideas, they really should become a part of every person’s everyday life if we want to make a real positive change in the environment.

Reduce means that you should try to reduce the amount of waste that you throw out. Trash is becoming a major problem all over the world – we throw out so much stuff that we’re running out of room to store it all. Reducing waste is all about being more conscientious about things that we buy and use.

It dies directly in with the second concept, which is reusing. Reusing means taking things we might normally just throw out and finding a new use for them. There are lots of ways to reuse all kinds of items that you might not think twice about throwing in the garbage. You can reuse old milk jugs or soda bottles and use them to store water or other liquids. Or you can turn your food waste into compost for your garden. You can even take would-be trash and do something totally unique and creative with it.

Recycling refers to a way in which you can essentially reuse things, even if not directly. Recycling facilities accept items such as aluminum cans, glass, plastic, paper, cardboard, and other items, and reprocess it to be used again. Many junk removal collectors have separate bins where people can put their recyclable materials to have them collected. Or, you can bring your own recyclables to a local center.

While those 3 basic R’s are a great place to start in a conservation effort, there are many other ways that we can help support the health of our Earth. Reduce doesn’t have to just mean reducing trash, for example. For instance, you can also try and reduce the amount of energy that use by buying energy efficient appliances or a hybrid car. The conservation options are nearly limitless; you just need to be willing to go the extra mile.

Reduce: People reduce by purchasing items that are durable and last a long time. By purchasing long lasting products with very little packaging, you will decrease the amount of waste entering a landfill. Other ways of reducing waste include:
* Buy products that do not require a lot of energy and resources to manufacture. Look for products that contain environmentally friendly packaging.
* Reduce car use by riding your bicycle, carpooling with friends, walking, or taking the bus.
* Composting is a great way to dispose of kitchen waste. It is healthy for the soil and less waste will go into the landfill.
* Turn off lights that you are not using and use energy efficient light bulbs.
* Turn off the taps when brushing your teeth.

Reducing will help with conservation efforts and decrease landfill waste and energy use. Reducing results in less pollution and a cleaner environment. It also helps conserve natural resources.

Reuse: You can reduce waste by reusing products. Reusing methods include repairing damaged items, donating items to a worthy cause, or finding another way to use them. Some reusing tips include:
* Use cloth grocery bags instead of plastic bags. They can be used repeatedly.
* Use reusable lunch bags.
* Metal cans and plastic containers can be used for storing items.
* Donate old clothes, furniture, and toys to a charity.
* Use silverware and dishes instead of plastic utensils and plates.
* Store food in reusable plastic containers.

Another way to reuse is to hire a junk removal service. Except for hazardous materials, junk removal companies will come and remove just about any type of waste. This includes furniture, appliances, electronics, and construction refuse. Many junk removal businesses donate items to charities, repair items, and recycle.

Recycling: This process involves making new products out of old products. This means potential landfill waste becomes a new product. You can protect the environment by buying products that contain recycled materials. Many of the things we use every day are recycled. Recycled products include: paper towels, toilet paper, paper bags, beverage bottles and cans, milk cartons, and much more. Most products have the recycle label on the package.

Many towns and cities have recycling programs. Some places even have mandatory recycling programs. Junk removal companies are actively involved in reusing and recycling. These companies are very aware of the public’s concern for the environment so they make reusing and recycling a big part of their business. Make sure you ask a junk removing company how much they recycle. You will feel good knowing that not all of the junk you are getting rid of will end up in a land fill.

Reducing, reusing, and recycling helps lessen our impact on the environment and benefits the community. With the help of environmentally conscious companies such as junk removal companies, we are decreasing the amount of waste going into landfills. By participating in the 3R program, you will feel good knowing that you are doing your part to leave a healthier planet for your children.