We've all heard about them. They're the '3R' words: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. They are in that order, because reducing what we consume is the great place to start. And reusing things, instead of tossing them out, makes good sense. And finally, when something is past its useful life, we certainly need to recycle it, so the materials can be recovered.

Living Green, Living Well would like to suggest a further approach by adding a couple more 'R' words. Actually, there are probably dozens of other 'R' words what could be brought into the 'R' family -- for example, Refuse (a more emphatic verison of Reduce), or maybe Rebel, for an even edgier tone! In any case, here's our version - what would you add?

• Rethink
• Reduce
• Reuse
• Recycle
• Replace

We believe that there is a lot to be learned in these small words to help reduce the ecological footprint of Manitobans and move us along the path to more sustainable lifestyles. We have added some details under the individual R topics. Please let us know what your favourite R-words are.

 "Just a thought that you might want to add to this would the R for Repair. It is one that I always talk about because most people don't do it anymore. Personally I always seem to be repairing something, but that comes with a long history of doing it and growing up with a father who could fix or build just about anything." - Dave, Winnipeg.