Reduce, Reuse, Recycle...REFUSE

In recent years the phrase "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle" has become widely known, accepted, and practiced.  At Leave No Trace, we would like to challenge you to practice a fourth "R", which stands for REFUSE.  Here are two examples of refusing that could be easily achieved in your everyday life.  First, carry your own reusable water container.  Every five minutes, 2 million plastic bottles are thrown away, using 750 million gallons of crude oil per year.  In the U.S. only 20 percent of those bottles are recycled.  Refusing plastic bottles would cut down on the amount of plastics purchased and the amount of plastic that ends up in a landfill each year.  Second, store reusable shopping bags in the trunk of your car, eliminating the need for plastic bags.   Plastic bags are made from petroleum. Every year, Americans consume an extra 12 million barrels of oil for plastic bags! Take action today.  Every little bit helps!

Safe travels...Kate and Tracy