You may be familiar with the three R’s of sustainability: reduce, reuse and recycle, but what about the other two? Yes, sustainability professionals across the country have added two more: refuse and repair. Here’s what they mean and how the city is doing its part.

Refuse: The first step in reducing waste is to refuse what we don’t need. This means saying no to single-use plastics and items that will end up in the landfill after just one use. 

• In an effort to reduce waste and prevent plastic pollution, the City Council passed local laws banning single-use plastic bags and foodware items for businesses in Carlsbad.
• City staff are working with local businesses to phase out single-use plastics and Styrofoam and replace them with reusable and certified compostable items.

Repair: Repairing broken items can extend their lifespans and prevent them from ending up in the landfill prematurely. Events like our popular Fixit Clinics, where people can learn to repair household items themselves, promote a culture of reducing waste.

• The city hosts Fixit Clinics throughout the year to help residents repair items that might otherwise be tossed away.
• The next one is June 8, and you can register early if you have something sitting at home that needs to be fixed.
• Commonly repaired items at our clinics include bikes, clothing and small kitchen appliances. This video highlights a successful repair of a fan at a Carlsbad Fixit Clinic.

The State of California is also embracing the repair movement to keep electronics out of the trash.

• A new state law will take effect in July making it easier to repair electronics and appliances.
• The Right to Repair Act (Senate Bill 244) requires manufacturers to make manuals and parts available for a minimum of three years for items priced between $50 and $100 and at least seven years for items that cost more than $100.

And here’s a refresher on the basics:

• Reduce: Cut back on consumption. Whether you opt for minimal packaging or buy only what you need, every small reduction counts.
• Reuse: Give items a second life instead of tossing them after one use. Reusing products conserves resources and reduces demand for new materials.
• Recycle: Proper sorting ensures materials can be recycled correctly. This video reminds you of “what goes where.”

Fun fact
Who decides how many R’s? No single group is credited with popularizing the five R’s, but environmental organizations, nonprofits and others working to encourage environmentally sustainable practices have slowly been adding to the original message of “reduce, reuse and recycle.” And, there are, in fact, even more R’s out there:

Rethink
Regift
Repurpose
Rot (this one refers to composting)

Whether you commit to three R’s, five R’s or even extra R’s, you are doing your part to help protect Carlsbad’s environment, one of the priorities in the City Council’s 5-Year Strategic Plan. If you’re interested in learning more about the city’s environmental programs and ways you can help us achieve our sustainability goals, sign up to receive the Sustainable Carlsbad newsletter.

More information
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle webpage