“Reduce, reuse, recycle.” Some eco-friendly terms are easy to understand, but others are less clear, and some are downright vague and confusing. With many companies employing “greenwashing” techniques, which put a “green” label or words on products without any real sustainable practices to back them up, it pays to know exactly what each term means so that you can make the most well-informed and responsible decision.
Words like "upcycle," and "repurpose" are often used interchangeably, even though they have distinct meanings. Understanding the nuances of these terms can help you make better buying choices, so if you’re ready to simplify sustainability, weed out the fakes, and embrace the choices that support your values and beliefs, read on for a quick primer on all things sustainable.
Recycle
Recycling is one of the most widely recognized and practiced forms of waste management. It involves processing used materials into new products, thereby preventing waste and reducing the consumption of fresh raw materials. When you recycle, you’re contributing to a circular economy, where resources are kept in use for as long as possible.
Where things get confusing: Common materials that can be recycled include paper, glass, and metals. But, when it comes to plastics, it’s a bit trickier. No matter how you look at the issue, currently there is just too much plastic being produced and not enough of an ability or demand for used plastic to be recycled. Currently over 90% of the plastics in the world today will never be recycled according to a Greenpeace report. The organization also shares the sobering data that 8 million metric tons of plastic are dumped into the oceans every year.
In fact, there is a movement underway to reframe the way we see plastics. Although the industry has attempted to portray it as another recyclable resource, with recyclable symbols frequently seen on bottles, the truth is very different. For the most part, it’s impractical to recycle plastic even for the types which have the ability to be reused. Most types of plastics have too many additives to be able to be made into new formats. Even plastic which is designated for recycling may end up in massive plastic piles in developing countries.
Reuse
Reuse refers to the practice of using items multiple times before discarding them. This can involve finding new purposes for items you already own, or simply using them in their original form for as long as possible. Reusing helps to extend the life of products, reducing the demand for new goods and the resources required to produce them.
For instance, glass jars can be cleaned and reused to store food items, and old clothing can be repurposed into cleaning rags. By reusing items, you minimize waste and lower your environmental footprint, contributing to a more sustainable lifestyle.
Reduce
Probably one of the most important of all eco-concepts, reducing your purchases helps minimize waste and consumption from the outset. By consciously choosing to buy less and use resources more efficiently, you can significantly decrease the amount of waste you generate along with the energy and resources it takes for manufacturing. Reducing is about thoughtful consumption—asking yourself whether you really need a new product or if there’s a way to use less of what you already have.
This might mean opting for products with minimal packaging, choosing items that are built to last, or simply consuming less in general. The mantra “reduce, reuse, recycle” puts reduction first for a reason—it’s the most effective way to minimize your impact on the environment.
Where to start: The BuyNothing app allows you to find items you want in your local area which other users are offering to give away. The “No Buy” movement went viral in the summer of 2024, spurred on by users pledging to commit to a year of no buying. If a year seems like a long time, the nonprofit Remake offers a challenge to 90 days without making new clothing purchases. This also offers an opportunity to explore your relationship with shopping and become less dependent on consumerism. More a foodie than a fashionista? Check out the app Too Good to Go for amazing local deals from restaurants and other food establishments on surplus food items still good to eat, but headed to the trash.
Upcycle
Upcycling is a creative process that involves transforming waste materials or unwanted products into new, higher-quality items. Unlike recycling, which often breaks down materials to their basic components, upcycling adds value to the original product by giving it a new purpose or enhancing its quality.
For example, old wooden pallets can be upcycled into stylish furniture, or worn-out tires can be turned into playground surfaces. Upcycling not only diverts waste from landfills but also encourages creativity and innovation. It’s about seeing potential in what others might consider trash.
Reclaimed
The term "reclaimed" refers to materials that have been salvaged from old buildings, furniture, or other sources and reused in their original form. Reclaimed wood, for example, is often sourced from old barns or factories and repurposed into flooring, furniture, or architectural details. Reclaimed materials are valuable not only because they reduce the need for new resources but also because they often have a unique character and history that can’t be replicated.
Using reclaimed materials is a sustainable choice that supports the conservation of resources and often adds a distinctive aesthetic to your projects. It’s a practice that marries environmental responsibility with creative design.
Repurposed
Repurposing is similar to upcycling but often involves a simpler transformation of an item from one use to another. The key difference is that repurposing doesn’t necessarily improve the item’s quality or value but rather gives it a new function. This could be turning an old ladder into a bookshelf or making an old sewing machine cabinet into a chic bar cart. These original items aren’t necessarily improved, but they’re used in a new and functional way. Repurposing extends the life of objects, keeping them out of the waste stream and reducing the need for new products.
Compost
Composting is the process of breaking down organic waste, such as food scraps and yard waste, into nutrient-rich soil. This practice could be seen as recycling organic materials and it’s an essential part of sustainable gardening and agriculture.
Composting reduces the amount of organic waste that ends up in landfills, where it would otherwise produce methane, a potent greenhouse gas. According to the National Environmental Education Foundation, food waste makes up the largest portion of the contents of landfills, far more than paper, plastic, or metal. Instead of remaining trapped in landfills, organic waste can be composted and transformed into valuable compost that can enrich soil and support healthy plant growth.
Biodegradable vs. Compostable
While the terms "biodegradable" and "compostable" are often used interchangeably, they actually have different meanings. Biodegradable refers to materials that can be broken down by natural processes over time. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean the material is eco-friendly or that it will break down quickly. Some biodegradable materials can take years to decompose, and they may release harmful chemicals in the process.
Compostable materials, on the other hand, are specifically designed to break down into non-toxic, nutrient-rich compost under certain conditions. Compostable items typically decompose much faster than biodegradable ones and leave no harmful residue, making them a more sustainable choice. It’s important to keep compostable items out of general waste and instead add to a personal compost container or send to a local compost station.
Just because something is compostable or biodegradable doesn't mean it will return to the earth. In fact, most of these items are thrown into the trash, where they will most likely end up in a landfill. Once in a landfill, most items, no matter their makeup, will remain unchanged because of the sealed off landfill environment which prevents decomposition.
Words Matter, Except in Marketing
Understanding the terms used to designate different types of sustainable practices is only half the battle. You’ll also want to know what words to look out for which may sound positive, but don’t really mean anything. Many brands have been called out for greenwashing their products and practices. Here’s a few words to look out for. Although these words alone don’t mean a product is necessarily bad, it does mean that you may want to dig a bit deeper to determine the actual facts of a product and manufacturer:
- Natural
- Eco-friendly
- Environmentally friendly
- Non-toxic
- Green
- Carbon-neutral
- Zero-waste
- Chemical-free
- Ethically sourced
Be sure to always look for certification logos (like USDA Organic, Fair Trade, FSC, etc.) and transparent details about the brand’s eco-friendly practices to verify claims.
Understanding the differences between these terms is crucial if you are working to add more sustainable practices to your life. By putting these words into actions, your small steps can lead to a big impact on the environment. Each practice has its place in the broader effort to reduce waste and conserve resources. The next time you’re faced with a decision about a purchase or what to do with an item you no longer need, think about which strategy might be the best fit—and take a small step toward a more sustainable future.
Got any creative tips for reducing waste? Drop them in the comments and inspire others!