HOME ECONOMICS AND LIVELIHOOD EDUCATION 6

LESSON 17
(1) Principles of 5’s
(2) Process of Recycling

5’S is a methodology developed in Japan that is used to organize a workplace

so that there is enough space to work efficiently and effectively. This is now adopted and
applied in many manufacturing industries and workplaces like schools, hospitals, and
even government offices. It is called 5’S because it represents five Japanese words: seiri
(sort), seiton (set in order), seiso (shine), seiketsu (standardize), and shitsuke (sustain).

1. SORT / CLEARING (SEIRI) – this focuses on discarding unneeded items from the work
area that is deemed to obstruct smooth operations.
Remove or dispose of unnecessary parts or Removal of waste.
tools that are not in use.
Segregate unwanted materials from the Reduce the chances of being
workplace. disturbed by unnecessary items.
Make work easier by eliminating obstacles. Throw away unnecessary items from
the workplace.
Clear the area with the different clutters from Throw away all rubbish and unrelated
the other items within the work area. materials from the workplace.

2. SET IN ORDER (SEITON) – the focus of this step is to create an efficient and effective
storage area where you can easily find and retrieve things when needed and at the
same time put them away after use.
Arrange all necessary items so that they can be easily Keep necessary items in
selected for use. proper places for easy pick
up.
Make workflow smooth and easy. Ensure first-in-first-out basis.
Prevent loss and waste of time by arranging work station Arrange the regular items in
in such a way that all tools/equipment are in close an efficient way.
proximity.

3. SWEEP / SHINE (SEISO) – after eliminating the clutter and organizing the remaining items,
the next step is to thoroughly clean the work area.
Keep workplace clean and Keep workplace clean and pleasing to work in.
safe to work.
Prevent the machinery and Clean your workplace completely and on a daily basis.
equipment deterioration.
Make cleaning as a regular When in place, anyone not familiar with the
inspection. environment must be able to detect any problems
within 50 feet in 5 seconds.

4. STANDARDIZE (SEIKETSU) – this means creating specific tasks and defining their job
responsibilities that will become a part of the regular work duty.
Everything must be in its right place. Every process must have a standard.
 Maintain high standards in workplace People must know the process of
organization at all times. every specific job.

5. SUSTAIN / SELF-DISCIPLINE (SHITSUKE) – to sustain means to be focused on a set

standard and practice.
Training and discipline. To maintain proper order.
Follow the process, but must also be
Training is a goal-oriented process.
aware of making improvement.
Ensure that all defined standards are
Not harmful to anyone.
being implemented and heard.

Process of Recycling
The process of converting waste materials into reusable products is called
recycling. It is an excellent way of saving energy and conserving the environment.

Ways of Recycling
1. Follow and do the 3R’s – Reduce, Reuse and Recycle
• Reduce – the best way to clean our environment is to reduce the amount of waste
we produce.
• Example: buy reusable products instead of disposable ones like rechargeable
batteries, reusable shopping bags or baskets.

• Reuse – think of ways you could reuse something.

• Example: reuse scrap papers for writing notes, choose refillable items and
containers like printer cartridges, glue, and washing powder.

• Recycle – make use of materials you throw away into new product or item that
can be used again.
• Example: aluminum cans, glass bottles, jars, old newspapers, disposable plates
and cups, envelopes, and magazines.
2. Have a recycle bin bags at home, school or offices with corresponding labels on them.
This will help in segregating or sorting out the waste to make work less difficult.
3. Avoid buying materials that contain chemical which are hazardous to people and to
the environment.
4. Learn to buy products made from recycled materials which is more economical.
5. Start composting at home. This is a process of turning organic matters (grass, leaves,
kitchen wastes like vegetable peelings, eggshells) into something beneficial. These
materials are turned into rich forms of soil.

3 STEPS IN RECYCLING PROCESS

1ST STEP 2ND STEP 3RD STEP
COLLECTION PROCESSING PURCHASING RECYCLED
PRODUCTS
Collect all the materials The recyclable materials are It completes the recycling
that can be recycled. The processed. This will retrieve processes. Most of these
 most common items that the raw materials, and the products are being
can be recycled are raw materials are then used manufactured with total
plastic bottles, cans, in manufacturing recycled or partial recycled
newspapers, egg, cartons, content product. content.
glass.

Recyclable Materials
Many things that you throw away can be recycled and turned into new products. Here
are some materials that can be recycled.

1. Wood
• Wood is basically used for shelter, fuel, furniture, and furnishings.
• Wood is popularly used for home decorations.
• Wood pallets can be made into fine furniture and fixtures.
• Wood shavings and sawdust can be added into your compost heap and wood
laminates.
• Aged wood is reprocessed and treated and then put back as new products such
as for roofing or flooring.
• Products produced from recycled wood: plant box, chair, garden accessories,
wooden flooring, garden decks, glass coasters, and dining wooden utensils.

2. Papers – vary in color, thickness, and texture.

• Recycled white office papers can make more high-grade paper products.
• Mixture of old newspapers, office paper, junk mail, and cardboard can be
recycled to produce low grade paper products.
• Corrugated cardboards can be used to package groceries, gifts, toys, cosmetics,
and wardrobes.
• Products produced from recycled paper: paper-mâché, paper flowers, gift
wrapper, paper bag or purse, journals or memo pad, jewelry box, paper beads,
photo frame, and paper basket.

3. Plastics – are considered as an “environmental nightmare” because they last a long

time in the environment without breaking down.
• Reuse or give them to junkshops to convert them into cash.
• Products produced from recycled plastics: water and plant container, desk
organizers, and garden lamps.

4. Glass – is the easiest material to reuse or recycle. Glasses are broken into small pieces
and melted down, then shaped into a new product.
• Junkshops buy used bottles of any kind and sell it to glass manufacturers for
recycling.
• Products produced from recycled glass containers and bottles: wine bottle
candle holder, glass bottle sand art, vases, organizers, container for condiments,
and decorations for the interior/exterior of the house.
Importance of Recycling
You might be overwhelmed by numbers, figures, and facts about waste management
that might compel you to seriously consider recycling. Recycling brings about so many
benefits like:

• Employment through livelihood projects.

• Helping reduce pollution and the need for landfills.
• Helping save energy by reducing the use of fuel in manufacturing products.
• Helping families save money by reducing expenses for buying new products.
• Helping the economy through investments in local recycling programs.
• Helping conserve and sustain the use of natural resources for future generations.
• Bringing out the innovative skills of individuals.
• Promoting community spirit through unity and cooperation.

Recycled Projects
The following are examples of recycled projects, wherein, waste materials are made into
functional items.