Since the 1970s, the “reduce, reuse, recycle” mantra that became ingrained in every schoolchild’s brain has served as a double-edged sword. While it moved us toward greater environmental awareness, it also led us into a false sense of security that cleared our conscience and empowered us to consume and waste more. In the midst of today’s climate emergency, the David Suzuki Foundation’s Yannick Beaudoin argues it’s time to rethink the three Rs.