“Readin’ & Ritin’ & ’Rithmitic . . .” Those were once the “3 R’s,” the basics of a child’s education. That’s expanded a lot, to be sure, with our expanding understanding of the world.

“Reduce, Reuse & Recycle” used to be the “3 R’s” of living gently on the planet. But that’s been expanded, too, to at least “4 R’s,” and the new one is the first one — “Re-think.” This may be the most important one of all.

Our Summer Nature Camp kids were challenged to make as little garbage as possible from their lunches. Uneaten food was composted or sent home to be eaten later. Re-usable containers were encouraged. But we came to some packaging that needed close examination, like the juice boxes. Not easy to recycle, we talked to the kids about that choice of beverage.

Our goal for them, and our goal for ourselves, is to stop and “Think About It” before you make a purchase.

Just what are you going to do with that container or the leftovers? Do you have a way to recycle or re-use them later? If you plan to recycle the container at the curbside, remember that there are only so many ways recycled materials can be used. It’s still better to not cause them to be created in the first place. Re-using existing containers is still best, and the advent of bulk foods has surely helped us with that option.

How important is this purchase? Again, re-think it! Do you make yourself wait before a purchase? So many times does that impulse buy seem much less attractive after a day or a week. Can you make the practice of never buying anything the first time you see it? In that waiting time, you should have time to re-evaluate your need, remind yourself of other options, and assess the product a little more. And there is more to think about; keep reading.

Where did it come from? Did it take a lot of energy or fuel to get here? Did it take a lot of energy to make it? Some of these are harder questions to answer than others. You may think a product was made here in the Northwest, but did the raw materials come from China? You might be able to find out with some research online. But you can also just use your common sense here; think about where the company is located and at least try to get items made as close to home as possible.

Think about the degree of complicated manufacturing in the product. The more complex, the more likely it took a lot of energy to create it. Check out the materials used — are they sustainable and healthy for people and the planet?

Could we find a better option? There are so many things available to us now, locally and online, and the prices for Earth-friendly products are becoming very competitive. If you think about it, you have to factor in the cost to your Earth home, because that cheap pair of shoes at Big 5 or Nordstrom may look good for your pocketbook, but what does it do for the cost to the planet in the not-so-distant future? And is that cheaper item well-made so that it will last? Long-lasting items will reduce your need to buy again in a short time.

Could we do without it all together? “The Greenest product is the one you don’t buy.” It is so tempting to get the latest and greatest in the “green” product world. There is so much out there now. But remember, using what you have is almost always the best for the planet. (Unless what you have is really hurting the planet, like an extreme energy-sucking, air-polluting vehicle.) This time of year, the kids want all new supplies and clothes for school, but make them see if they can re-use as much as possible.

And thinking about RE-USE — getting second-hand goods, including clothes, does not mean that you are not going to get clothes that might have once been made with a high carbon footprint. But it does mean that one less new item will have to be generated. And as a bonus, because they are cheaper, you will have plenty of clothes in your closet and less desire to “splurge on a great deal” at the department store or online.

So, here’s the lesson from the School of Sustainability:— Re-think every purchase and every “want.”— Reduce what you buy to what you truly need.— Re-use whenever you can. Get creative, buy used products.— Recycle as a last resort for any item, but recycle everything you can.

If you want to participate in a Sustainability Discussion course, please contact Joleen Palmer to get your name on the list: (360) 297-1226 or Joleen@stillwatersenvironmentalcenter.org.

— Naomi Maasberg is director of Stillwaters Environmental Learning Center. Contact her at  naomi@stillwatersenvironmentalcenter.org.