24. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle — So you think recycling is a new fad? Actually it is very “old school.” In pre-industrial Europe, scrap pieces of bronze and other precious metals were collected to meltdown for reuse due to limited supply. During World War II, people saw it as their patriotic duty to collect metals and fibers for the war effort. Today, communities worldwide recycle paper, plastic, metals and other materials to reduce waste and energy usage. Recycle is the third part of the “waste hierarchy” for responsible waste management, while “Reduce” and “Reuse” are the first two. All three help reduce waste and energy usage, thereby lowering greenhouse gas emissions and combating global warming.