The Five “R”s of sustainable living Part 1 of 4: REDUCE

Compiled by Carol Wessels, using excerpts from public domain information found at www.globalstewards.org

Sustainable living is the practice of reducing the impact that each of us has on the earth’s natural resources. Some would call it reducing our “carbon footprint.” Living sustainably on the earth is something that each one of us can work towards. It is helpful to understand the five “R”s that are guideposts.

This series of articles will discuss each “R” in turn. You will want to read all of them to know what the R’s are! All of the “r’s are discussed in a great website called “Global Stewards.” This material is taken from the article “Green Eco Tips for Sustainable Living.” You can read the entire article, and find links to resources that help you put the tips into practice,  at http://www.globalstewards.org/ecotips.htm.

The first “R” of living sustainably is to “REDUCE” - by reducing what you use in the first place, you have already taken a step toward lowering your impact on earth’s resources.

Here are some ways you can “reduce.”

2000 books was the count of books received during the 2020 book drive held by two Homestead High School student clubs.

We extend heartfelt thanks to all who donated to the 2020 “Love is an Open Book” drive held during the month of February. The  collaboration of the Interact Club and the WE Club,  resulted in this very successful book drive.  Books will be donated to organizations supporting  literacy or other family services such as  the Milwaukee Literacy Services,  the Adult Literacy Center of Ozaukee County and Advocates of Ozaukee County.

Interact is a Rotary International's service club for young people ages 12 to 18. Homestead High School Interact club is sponsored by the Mequon-Thiensville Sunrise Rotary, . Each year, Interact clubs complete at least 2 community service projects.  Through these efforts, Interactors develop a network of friendships with local and overseas clubs and learn the importance of developing leadership skills and personal integrity.

WE Club is an environment in which students can gather to brainstorm and come up with ideas on how to improve our community. We'll work together to create possible campaigns that will benefit others and give students a very gratifying experience concurrently.

Student’s  understanding of the importance of reading, the organization of the clubs’ leadership the willingness to collaborate, and their wish to serve  the community became a very successful combination of values  with amazing results.