What is the principle of minimizing waste and consumption to conserve resources known as?

The principle of minimizing waste and consumption to conserve resources is known as "Reduce." This concept emphasizes the importance of cutting down on unnecessary consumption and production of waste, focusing on using less and thereby decreasing the overall demand for resources. By adopting this principle, individuals and businesses can significantly lessen their environmental impact, contributing to sustainability efforts.

While recycling, reusing, and restoring all play important roles in managing waste and preserving resources, "Reduce" specifically targets the root of the issue—over-consumption. Recycling involves processing materials to make new products, reusing entails finding new ways to use items instead of discarding them, and restoring generally refers to bringing something back to a state of good condition or health. However, without an initial reduction in consumption, the effectiveness of these strategies could be limited. Thus, "Reduce" serves as a foundational principle in the broader context of environmental conservation practices.