The 3Rs are often heard as keywords for reducing waste. They are: Reduce, to minimize the amount of waste generated; Reuse, to use items over and over again; and Recycle, to turn used items back into resources to make products again.

There is a logical progression in formulating these three Rs, and together they are designed to reduce the burden placed on the environment.

The following is a more detailed look at each of these actions. Reduce involves buying only what you need, in the quantities you need. Do not overbuy, overcook, or leave out food. Choose quality products that are not affected by fashion trends. Use refillable products. Use rental products. And so on.

Reuse includes using recycle stores, flea markets, and bazaars to purchase the goods you need. As well as purchasing returnable bottles, and using use products repeatedly, and with care.

Recycle by properly separating waste correctly and disposing of them at collection points. Participate in various recycling activities, such as local group collections and in-store collections at supermarkets. Compost food scraps in household composting facilities.

In addition to these 3Rs, if we add "Refuse" as a 4th R, we can reduce the amount of garbage even more effectively. We should learn to use our own containers, refuse excessive packaging, and not accept free samples. These are the 4Rs.

Finally, if we add "repair" to the 4Rs, we have the 5Rs.