Science and Technology for Sustainable Development: "3R" Action Plan and Progress on Implementation (Excerpt)

As we continue to implement the G8 Action Plan on Science and Technology for Sustainable Development adopted at Evian, we commit to launching the Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle ("3R") Initiative to encourage more efficient use of resources and materials. The initiative will be formally launched in the coming year at a ministerial meeting in Japan.

Reduce, Reuse and Recycle Initiative

We will launch the Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle ("3R") Initiative at a Ministerial Conference in spring 2005 hosted by the Government of Japan. In cooperation with relevant international organizations such as the OECD, we will seek through this initiative to:

• Reduce waste, Reuse and Recycle resources and products to the extent economically feasible;
• Reduce barriers to the international flow of goods and materials for recycling and remanufacturing, recycled and remanufactured products, and cleaner, more efficient technologies, consistent with existing environmental and trade obligations and frameworks;
• Encourage cooperation among various stakeholders (central governments, local governments, the private sector, NGOs and communities), including voluntary and market-based activities;
• Promote science and technology suitable for 3Rs; and
• Cooperate with developing countries in such areas as capacity building, raising public awareness, human resource development and implementation of recycling projects.