The SM Supermalls started the year with an eco-friendly vibe with a simultaneous Recycling Market Day last Saturday at all its malls. Encouraged by the success of its first simultaneous waste market fair last month, it will now be holding the event every third Saturday of the month.

Recycling Market Day is a joint project of the SM Supermalls with the National Solid Waste Mnagement Committee, Philippine Business for the Environment, CENRO Pasig, EPWD-QC, and various government units. Also taking part are several recycling companies among them: YGARC, which buys empty cartridges and toners; Trust International Paper Company for papers and cartons; Polytraders for plastic products; HMR Envirocycle for e-waste ort electronic waste; WEEE Philippine Recyclers, Inc. for old batteries; and KILUS for tetra packs.

Recycling Market Day also features storytelling and lecture sessions based on the Reduce, Reuse and Recycle mantra. At the start of the year, one of the resolutions we can make is how to care for the environment. Following are some tips from the SM Supermalls on how to Reduce and Reuse:

Reduce means avoiding waste, waste prevention, or waste reduction, which also means consuming and throwing away less. Here’s how you can do it:

•Try using a reusable and washable canvas bag or lunchbox instead of baggies, plastic wraps, or aluminum foil.

•Use email instead of sending paper memos or reports.

•Bring a washable mug instead of paper and plastic cups.

•Try using a mechanical instead of a regular pencil.

•Save on paper by using the blank side of bad copies. Also reuse the other side of excess documents instead of buying new scratch pads.

•Use rechargeable batteries.

•Use long life florescent light bulbs.

•Rethink: "Do I really need this item?"

Reusing items also helps reduce waste by repairing them, donating them to charity and community groups, and selling them. Here are some ways to reuse:

•Plastic milk jugs make great bird feeders.

•Spring clips on hangers make great paper clips for large bundles.

•Paper towel tubes are a pet rodent’s and small animal’s delight.

•That old rag will work great in the garage and keep oil off the floor, make a softer spot for Spot, and keep kitty litter where it belongs.

•Baggie ties are great emergency shoelaces.

•Coffee cans may be used to bake bread, and store small toys, garden tools, and sewing accessories.

Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle at the Recycling Market Day every third Saturday of the month is held from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at all SM Supermalls.