Last week, our social studies teacher entered the class and said, “Dear children! Today, I am going to start a new chapter which is ‘The three R’s’. So pay attention towards the subject, as you can apply a lot of it in your daily life,” she said.

We thought it would be a boring topic, but when the teacher started the chapter, we were amazed to know the information about the three ‘R’s’. Our curiosity grew and we were all ears till the lecture and discussion ended.

I guess most of you know what the three R’s are, but those who don’t have an idea of the subject, let me tell you about it. The R’s are ‘Reduce’, ‘Recycle’ and ‘Reuse’. The discussion in the class also made me realise why the rag-men are roaming around in our town. They are actually collecting old things or rubbish, and supplying them to factories so that they can use it in making reusable things.

I was thinking about it on the way back home when suddenly someone shook me from behind. “Eisha, your home has arrived!” said one of the girls sitting behind my seat in the van.

I saw the driver also staring at me from the rare view mirror, with a puzzled look. I was startled as I was too engrossed in my thoughts that I didn’t realise my house had arrived. I quickly made my way out while saying goodbye to my friends.

At home, after getting refreshed, I sat at the dining table and had some snacks as my school is in the afternoon shift and when I return home, it is evening time.

While devouring my favourite snack, I started talking to my mum. “Mum! Do you know, I had a great time in the social studies class, Guess why?”

Mum replied, “Hmm… may be the lecture was on your favourite topic!”

“Yes, quite right. It wasn’t my favourite before I knew about it, however, the topic is my favourite now,” I said while gulping some tea.

Then I began to tell her about the lecture and the topic being discussed in the class about 3 R’s (reuse, recycle and reduce).

Mum was listening to me attentively and appreciating me for having a keen interest in something that is also very healthy for our Mother Earth.

Two days later, when the weekend arrived, I went into the storeroom to search for my piano, just then I caught the sight of old soda cans, broken mobile phones, stuffed toys, many old plastic bottles and used toy cars as well.

First, I wondered why the rubbish was still there? Why didn’t mum throw it away? Just then an idea lit up in my mind — why don’t I separate all these old used stuff and send it to the people who collect them for recycling? I also thought of the pile of old newspapers and notebooks in my books cupboard. Then I remembered that I had a couple of empty cream jars, I kept for my personal art and craft activity. I decided to collect all these old things that we didn’t use or need any more, and reuse or recycle them.

I told mum about my intention, she encouraged and said, “That’s amazing! You’re doing a great job, Eisha! I will also be very careful in throwing used stuff like old laces, buttons of used dresses, even ribbons and wrapping papers of gift box, as they can be reused.”

It’s true, why buy new when you can still use your old stuff or reuse it after some alteration in it. My friends, you can also come up with various ideas and make use of things lying around you, such as empty carton boxes, old CDs, empty cans, paper cups or plates, etc.

Always give a second thought before throwing all recyclable or reusable waste items into the trash. Old newspapers and many other things can go through recycling process and recycling saves energy. In addition, buying new quality paper means chopping trees that is harmful for the environment.

Now I clearly understood the message of 3R’s. We should run a campaign in our school, neighbourhood and public places to persuade people and spread more awareness of the benefits of reuse, recycle and reduce.

Published in Dawn, Young World, August 27th, 2022