Question

Define the 4R principle in brief.

Answer 1

1. Waste is defined as unwanted and unusable materials and is regarded as a substance that is of no use.
2. Waste that we see in our surroundings is also known as garbage.
3. Garbage is mainly considered a solid waste that includes wastes from our houses, wastes from schools and offices, and wastes from industries and factories.
4. The 4R means Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Restore.

(i) Reduce: We should reduce the use of non-biodegradable compounds that are harmful to us.

Example: Instead of using polythene bags we should give preference to paper bags.

(ii) Reuse: We should reuse the materials instead of dumping them.

Example: Plastic bags can be reused to make decorative things.

(iii) Recycle: Non-biodegradable materials should be subjected to the recycling process.

Example: Plastic materials.

(iv) Recovery: If the waste remains after it is been reused and recycled, we can use it to generate energy at our waste-energy plant. This is known as Recovery.