It’s true. Recycling sucks. It’s the last on the list of the “Three R’s” and we take advantage of it. We tell ourselves, “Oh I can just recycle it,” and then get on with our day. But the truth is, recycling can use far more energy than the making of a new item.

Reduce is the first option. Do you really need ten paper napkins with your lunch order? How many plastic cups did you go through at that party? Just being mindful about what you truly need is first and foremost.

Then we have reuse. I’m a keep-everything-that-might-be-useful type of person. It drives my boyfriend nuts and can even send me over the edge since I’m also a keep-everything-neat-and-tidy type of person. I keep the rubber bands, plastic sleeves that nice notecards come in, paper shopping bags and far too many boxes and cardboard. My reason is the thought of these things using unnecessary energy. I know I’ll find a good reuse for them. And more often than not I do, even if it is a year or two later.

Garth Johnson gave a TEDTalk on Recycling Sucks! The History of Creative Reuse. It’s a great history lesson and reminder that our society did not discover sustainability. Watch it here.