Reduce, Reduce, Reduce, Reuse, Reuse, Recycle

The phrase is usually "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle" but I think that makes each part equally important. Reducing is the most important and recycling is the least important. But, of those three, recycling seems to get the most focus. Why isn't reducing given the most focus? If I reduce the usage of something, it is much better for conservation than to recycle it. Why isn't there a push to create and use items that last longer? Why can't I buy an appliance with a 10 year warranty (and expect it to last 25 years)? Just think of how much waste would be reduced if we used products that lasted longer! Why aren't there rebates for reusing and buying products with a longer warranty? Why is reusing discouraged by charging sales tax on used goods?