Day 4: Precycle (Think before you buy!)

According to wikipedia, " recycling is  is processing used materials (waste) into new products to prevent waste of potentially useful materials, reduce the consumption of fresh raw materials, reduce energy usage, reduce air pollution (from incineration) and water pollution (from landfilling) by reducing the need for "conventional" waste disposal, and lower greenhouse gas emissions as compared to virgin production. Recycling is a key component of modern waste reduction and is the third component of the "Reduce,Reuse, Recycle" waste hierarchy. "


But what if we had less stuff to recycle in the first place? This is the concept of Precycling!

Precycling is the practice of reducing waste by simply just not buying it! Or, in other words "attempting to avoid bringing into the home or business items which will generate waste." (thanks again wikipedia!)


I think a large part of this is considering packaging. Products often come in excessive packaging that is not recyclable. One of my favorite types of tea, Tetley Clarity, is an example. Twenty tea bags come in a little cardboard-and-foil container with a plastic lid, much like Pringles containers. While this package may keep the tea-bags fresh and Tetley even has a section on their website for repurposing the container (making them into pen/pencil holders), there comes a time when a person has enough pen/pencil holders. This container, due to it's mixed fiber nature is not recyclable. Also, only 20 tea-bags? Hardly even a week's supply!

So, until Tetley can come up with better packaging - no more clarity for me!

So, on a side note, I have started drinking more looseleaf bulk tea which I store in these containers. Though I haven't read anything about it, I assume that this may be a more-environmentally friendly way to enjoy a cup of tea  due to minimized packaging and processing. Any opinions?

Of course the idea of pre-cycling can be extended further than just packaging. I think it should also be interpreted as really considering what you are buying (do I really need this?) and buying things of quality that are locally made in a sustainable way. 

There are a lot of perks to consuming with this idea in mind:


 First of all, for us Canadians, it is more likely that the product is ethically sourced if it was produced locally (but it doesn't hurt to look into it!). Canada has tougher legislation on labor laws and environmental protection than many developing nations.


Secondly, by buying local products you eliminate/reduce the emissions from transport.


Thirdly, if you purchase a quality item, rather than just some plastic-piece-of-junk item, you are diverting potential waste created from the inferior-quality product.

And, among many other benefits, your product has resale value since it is a quality item! (who knows, maybe you have a future family heirloom on your hands that even your grandchildren will use!)


So, my challenge to myself and to you: think before you buy! Do I really need this? How is the product packaged? What other more sustainable options are available?