Precycling

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into Waste minimisation. (Discuss)

Precycling is the practice of reducing waste by attempting to avoid bringing into the home or business items which will generate waste. It includes such practices as buying consumables in bulk to reduce packaging, buying consumables in recyclable packaging over non-recyclable packages, avoiding junk mail, and using electronic media for reading materials, especially throwaway items such as magazines or newspapers.

As recycling requires large amounts of energy to "melt down" and then re-manufacture items, it also sends large amounts of pollution into the air. While it may cut down on the amount of trash that is going into landfills, it is not a sustainable answer to the problem of waste. The original three pronged push for trash management is "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle." Precycling then, is an emphasis on "reducing and reusing", while harnessing the momentum and popularity of the term "recycle."

One way to participate in precycling is to carry a "precycling kit" with you when you are out. Include a Tupperware or non-diposable container, silverware set, a cloth napkin or handkerchief and a thermos or water-bottle within a cloth bag that can double as a grocery/shopping bag.

Precycling, then, includes any such attempts to reduce the production of waste.