By Katelyn Marie Poyntz
*This post is based on content that was originally posted on Wylderr.
By Katelyn Marie Poyntz ![]() While the WRG advocates for an 11RE model of sustainability, it is helpful to first understand the five foundational REs. In order of importance, these are REfuse, REduce, REuse, REpurpose, and REcycle. Believe it or not, recycling is at the bottom of the list! REfuse One of the best (and easiest) ways to reduce your environmental impact is to simply refuse! Refuse the free handouts, the free gifts you probably won’t use, the carrots wrapped in plastic, etc. If you don’t bring it into your home, you don’t have to figure out what to do with it. Here are some other ideas related to refusing:
REduce Although refusing is the best course of action, it’s not always possible. So let’s talk about how to reduce consumption. Here are some tips:
REuse and REpurpose This is your chance to get creative and embrace your inner artist! Think twice, thrice, or “quadrice” before you throw something away. Here are some tips:
REcycle Recycling is better than sending things to landfills. But let it be known that recycling is far from the perfect process! Successful recycling requires sorting/grouping like materials together, breaking them down into reusable raw materials, and a vendor/market to buy the raw material. This takes a lot of energy, time, and resources—potentially more than not recycling at all! Are you a wishcycler? Wishcycling is the process of assuming that the things we put into the bin will magically get recycled even if they’re not fit for recycling. Unfortunately, this contaminates the recycling materials and results in items going to landfills. To ensure that items are actually recycled:
*This post is based on content that was originally posted on Wylderr.
By Katelyn Marie Poyntz ![]() Did you know that 58% of all the food produced in Canada is lost or wasted and that 47% of that is wasted at the consumer level? Yes, that means you’re contributing to the problem too! So what can you do about it? Along with the other tips and tricks we share for preventing food waste in your home, you can fight food waste by understanding best before and expiry dates. Here’s the scoop:
How much food have you thrown out without knowing this? 😲 *This post is based on content that was originally posted on Wylderr.
By Julia Hernández Malagón Did you know that World Water Day is celebrated each year? This year, it fell on March 22.
What makes water so important? Water is essential for life, and the reasons for this are numerous. Water is so important for the creation of life that when scientists look for living things on other planets, they look for this compound. Due to its chemical properties, water is a great solvent. Almost anything can be dissolved in water, and it’s known as a universal solvent. It has a high specific heat, which means that it experiences low changes in temperature, allowing organisms to adapt to the water around them. Water makes up approximately 60% of our body weight. It cleans our body by getting rid of toxic substances and acts as a thermo-regulator by dissipating heat when our body temperature gets too high. It is also essential for photosynthesis, which is itself essential to life on Earth. Why should water be on our minds right now? Despite clear evidence of the necessity of water in our lives, billions of people around the world have poor access to water, sanitation, and hygiene, according to a new report by UNICEF and the World Health Organization. This lack of water affects several sectors, including food security. Due to climate change, access to water is becoming less predictable, with many regions experiencing droughts and water scarcity.
How can I contribute to protecting the Earth’s water supply? Here are some tips to add to your action list:
Below, you'll find some useful charts to help you gauge the water footprint of your foods. Graph obtained from: https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-46654042 Graph obtained from: https://www.statista.com/chart/9483/how-thirsty-is-our-food/ Understanding your water footprint
Understanding our impact is often the first step toward making positive changes. By gauging your water footprint, you can measure the impact that your daily activities have and identify when and where you are consuming water. This will enable you to find ways to reduce consumption. As the saying goes, “What can be measured can be improved.” If you want to get an idea of what your water footprint looks like, you can use this personal water footprint calculator. This tool calculates the approximate amount of water you consume in your daily life. You’ll also see a footprint calculator for businesses that can help measure your company’s water footprint. This water footprint calculator measures the amount of water used to create and share your products or services. Don’t forget, water is a priceless resource that many don’t have access to, so please consume it wisely! By Julia Hernández Malagón Let's get creative this year and have a colorful, sustainable, fun Carnival! There’s no better time of the year to implement the circular economy’s principle of repurposing than Carnival. This celebratory season, which encompasses Mardi Gras, is the perfect moment to find better uses for old clothes and items that you’ve been accumulating during the year instead of buying new ones. Last weekend marked the start of Carnival, and in many places, this is the first year since COVID-19 to celebrate it fully without restrictions. Many of us are looking forward to celebrating with friends and families and enjoying ourselves like before. If you are like me and want to enjoy the celebration while taking care of the environment, here are some practical tips to reduce your environmental impact: 1. Choose a sustainable costume Chances are that you have old shoes, masks, or T-shirts that you have been stockpiling. Well, this is the time to use them! Can you use that old dress in the corner of your wardrobe to make a fun and creative costume? Try to find better uses for your old clothes and accessories, and get innovative by using recycled materials—such as newspapers, cardboard, and packaging—to complement your costumes. Involve your kids and encourage them to make their own costumes. They’ll be blown away by all the creative ideas, and it’ll be good for them to learn how to make things for themselves. You can find some fun ideas on Pinterest here. If you don’t have the time to create your own costume, you can always borrow or rent one. If you end up buying something, try to use it as long as you can or donate it at the end of its shelf life. 2. Try to avoid glitter Glitter is, in many cases, a big part of the celebration of Carnival. However, due to its composition of aluminum and plastic, it’s very detrimental to the environment [1,2]. Because we’re just using it for fun, is it really worth the environmental consequences? This year, consider using alternatives to complement your costume! Some neat options include:
3. Minimize (and organize!) your waste Among the most unsustainable aspects of Carnival is the ensuing waste, including plastic cups, throwaway plates and utensils, and food waste. To avoid having to use plastic cups, bring a reusable cup, which you can also decorate to match your costume. You can also bring your own reusable utensils to avoid the use of plastic ones, and politely decline drinks with plastic straws. And when you’re done with the party, just make sure that you put each kind of waste in the proper disposal receptacle. If you’re not sure whether something should go in the recycling bin, organics bin, or garbage bin, you can reference your city’s or waste collector’s resources for more information. For example, did you know that the City of Toronto has a helpful tool called the Waste Wizard? This searchable feature helps you figure out exactly where each item should go! 4. Celebrate with DIY and reusable elements If you’re throwing your own party at home, there’re plenty of things you can do to mitigate your environmental impact, such as making decorations with recyclable and repurposed materials, planning meals to avoid food waste, and using reusable cups and napkins. You can find some neat, sustainable party decoration ideas on Pinterest here. If you really want to go the extra mile, you can even encourage guests to wear or make their own sustainable costumes and offer special prizes or party favors to the guests with the best outfits. We can implement the principles of the circular economy both in our daily lives and during special events such as Carnival. Not only will doing so be beneficial for you in many ways (such as by helping you save money, get creative, and have fun while also getting rid of old stuff) but you’ll also contribute to a more sustainable world. Happy Carnival! ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Sources: 1.Yurtsever, M. (2019). “Tiny, shiny, and colorful microplastics: Are regular glitters a significant source of microplastics?", Marine Pollution Bulletin. 2. Perosa M, et al. (2021) “Taking the sparkle off the sparkling time," Marine Pollution Bulletin, 2021. By Sheri Dean As winter begins to draw to a close, many people are starting to plan for the gardens they’ll have during the warmer seasons. The decision to start or maintain a garden is a great way to help the environment while also practicing a beneficial hobby. Science has shown that gardening can help you fight diseases in the long run while improving overall mental health. However, there are certain practices, such as pesticide usage, that have become commonplace in gardening despite the negative effects they can have on both the environment and our health. In sustainable gardening, the aim is to work with nature as much as possible instead of working against it. In this post, we outline several tips for how to start and maintain a sustainable garden. 1. Composting One of the most well-known ways to start a sustainable garden is to create your own compost and add it to your soil. Compost is organic matter, such as leaves and food scraps, that has been deliberately decomposed to be added to soil. Many day-to-day objects that often get thrown in garbage can be used as part of your compost. For example, coffee grounds and paper coffee filters, tea leaves, shredded paper, and even hair and pet fur can all be composted. Over a few weeks, the organic matter will break down enough to be added to the soil, which will help it maintain both nutrients and moisture. Depending on the space you have and your personal preferences, you can choose from various indoor and outdoor composting options. Composting is a great way to recycle and nourish your garden. 2. Companion planting It takes some planning and research, but companion planting is a great way to organize your garden. This is the practice of growing different plants together so that one can benefit the other, or so that they can benefit each other mutually. While there is technically no scientific data to back up the specific benefits, this practice dates back thousands of years and has been observed to be beneficial by many farmers. There are many possibilities, as well as tried-and-true methods, when it comes to companion planting. For example, some plants naturally repel certain insects and pests, keeping neighboring plants that may be more attractive to these pests safe. Similarly, a taller, leafier plant may be planted next to a crop that needs less sunlight to provide the needed shade. The roots of certain plants can also affect the soil in such a way that they provide increased nutrients to neighboring plants. Keeping this in mind, your garden will be much likelier to be fruitful and sustainable. 3. Integrated pest management While this term may sound a bit complicated, it simply means that when it comes to managing the pests that inevitably come with gardening, it’s important to start with the least toxic method and only use pesticides in extreme cases. With integrated pest management, the goal is to avoid attracting pests, keep them out of your gardens, and treat getting rid of them as the last resort. It takes planning, but this method is generally very effective in maintaining gardens and keeping pests at bay. In the event that you do need to use pesticides, try making your own all-natural solution or be sure to shop for one that specifically targets the pest you are trying to get rid of. This will minimize the damage done to neighboring plants. 4. Saving water While abundant water is necessary for the growth of most gardens and environments in general, it’s in the best interest of the environment to save as much water as possible. There are several easy ways to make sure you get the most out of the water you use. Make sure to time your watering right--outdoor gardens need their water in the morning to retain moisture. Cover soil with a thick layer of mulch, which helps with water retention and provides vital nutrients to the soil. Also, only water plants when needed--the vast majority of plants do not need to be watered every day, and can actually experience diseases such as root rot if they get too much water. If the top layer of the soil is still moist, then you can leave off watering that plant for the day. Finally, many sustainable gardeners have had great success with collecting and storing rainwater for the purpose of maintaining their gardeners. Whether you’re planning to start your first garden this year or are a seasoned gardener, these tips should give you an idea of how to think of your garden as a little ecosystem that can be planned out and cared for. In turn, this will help the environment of your local neighborhood while allowing you to experience the various health benefits of sustainable gardening!
By Shivam Arora Plastic waste is a growing problem in Canada and around the world, and businesses of all sizes have a role to play in reducing it. According to a report from the Canadian government, only 9% of plastic waste in Canada is recycled, with the majority ending up in landfills or the natural environment. Canada generates one of the highest volumes of waste per person in the world, with 60% coming from businesses and organizations. On June 22, 2022, the federal government published the Single-Use Plastics Prohibition Regulations under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act 1999 (CEPA), which intends to eliminate single-use plastic—including checkout bags, cutlery, and straws--by the end of 2025. The government is doing its part, but there's a lot that businesses can do to reduce their plastic waste and help protect the environment.
1. Conduct a waste audit: A waste audit is a process that businesses can use to identify and quantify the types and amounts of waste they generate. Conducting a waste audit can help businesses understand their waste streams and identify areas where they can reduce plastic waste. By conducting a waste audit and taking steps to reduce its plastic waste, businesses can not only protect the environment but also save money by reducing their waste disposal costs. It’s a win–win situation for businesses and the environment! 2. Implement a recycling program: To reduce their plastic waste, businesses can set up a recycling program for their employees, customers, or both. This can include providing recycling bins in the office or offering incentives (such as points, perks, or discounts) to customers who bring in their own reusable bags or containers. In addition, businesses can work with local recycling facilities to ensure that their plastic waste is properly disposed of and recycled. 3. Provide customers with reusable bags: Reusable bags can be a great alternative to single-use plastic bags, as they can be used multiple times and reduce waste. They can be made from a variety of materials, such as canvas, nylon, or recycled plastic. For maximum eco-friendliness, consider implementing a “borrow a bag” program that allows customers to donate and take reusable bags for free. Providing customers with reusable bags can be a great way for businesses to promote their commitment to sustainability 4. Ask your customers what they need: Before giving your customers disposable or single-use items, such as plastic cutlery and packaged condiments, ask them if they'd like to be provided with these products. You might be surprised by how many customers say "no, thank you"! In fact, some businesses are going so far as to only provide such disposable items upon request, omitting paper napkins, straws, plastic cutlery, and single-use condiments unless a customer specifically asks for them. 5. Introduce a bring-your-own-container (BYOC) program: Bringing your own container, also known as BYOC, is a waste reduction strategy that encourages people to bring their own reusable containers when purchasing goods, such as food or drinks, rather than using disposable containers. BYOC is an easy and effective way for individuals and businesses to reduce waste and promote sustainability. It can also help customers save money by purchasing products in bulk, and it helps create a sense of community and responsibility for the impact of the waste we produce. 6. Go paperless: Going paperless is a waste-reduction strategy that involves reducing the use of paper products in a business. This can be achieved by using digital alternatives---such as electronic documents, receipts, and communication—instead of paper-based ones. This can help reduce the amount of waste generated and save businesses money on paper and printing costs. 7. Educate employees and customers: Finally, Canadian businesses can reduce their plastic waste by educating their employees and customers on the importance of reducing plastic waste and the small changes they can make to this end. This can include providing information on recycling and composting, and promoting sustainable practices to both employees and customers. By raising awareness and encouraging others to take action, businesses can play a key role in reducing plastic waste in Canada. These are only a few of the ways in which businesses can reduce their plastic waste. Reducing waste is a complex task, but it’s not impossible. Canadian businesses can play a big role in waste reduction by making small changes to their operations and practices. By conducting a waste audit, implementing recycling programs, using eco-friendly products, asking your customers what they need, introducing a BYOC program, going paperless, and educating employees and customers, Canadian businesses can reduce their plastic waste and help protect the environment. It's also important for businesses to stay up-to-date with the new policies and regulations regarding plastic waste management in Canada, as the government is also taking steps to tackle this issue. By working together, businesses and the government can help reduce plastic waste in Canada and make a positive impact on the environment. For more information about how your business can reduce its plastic waste, follow our blog or email [email protected] By J. Blackwell If you live in Toronto, you probably already know that most forms of dental waste, like toothbrushes and toothpaste tubes, can't go in your regular recycling bin. Unfortunately, the city's waste management services don't currently have the resources to properly recycle these items. This means that most of our dental waste ends up in the garbage. Given that most people use multiple dental-hygiene items (toothbrushes, floss, toothpaste, etc.) each day, this amounts to a staggering amount of waste: In the United States, approximately 1 billion toothbrushes are thrown away each year, while it's estimated that Canadians throw away as many as 111 million. So, what should you do with your old toothbrushes, toothpaste tubes, and other dental waste? Consider dropping them off at our next REmarket event! Starting at our January 25-26, 2023, REmarket, we will be collecting most kinds of dental waste to be responsibly recycled by Terracycle (don't worry -- all you have to do is drop the items off -- we'll take care of the rest!). Specifically, we will be collecting the following items for recycling:
While not a type of waste related to dental hygiene, we'll also be collecting disposable razors and razor heads to be recycled. You can also check out the graphics below for a quick visual guide to what we accept. Did you know that packaging with metallic features (e.g., like what you see on boxes for fancy whitening toothpastes) is not accepted by Toronto recycling? These items usually have to be placed in the garbage, but we'll be accepted them for recycling through Terracycle.
REmarket is held three times per year. This makes it easy to save up your old toothbrushes and other dental-hygiene items and drop them off when it's convenient for you! Full REmarket event details and guidelines can be found here. We hope to see you there! By Julia Hernández Malagón The circular economy in our daily lives In the circular economy model, waste is transformed into a resource. It involves reusing, repairing, sharing, and recycling existing materials and products for as long as possible. This way, we can keep waste to a minimum, combat climate change, and save money while creating value. The term circular economy is becoming increasingly popular, and many brands, such as IKEA and Adidas, are implementing this practice in the design of their products. For example, IKEA buys back used products to send them to an IKEA Circular Hub for resale and donation. They also offer workshops to share tips on how to prolong the life of products. Other industry examples include companies redesigning electrical devices in a way that is easier to repair and reuse. So how can we, as consumers, adopt a circular economy approach when making consumer choices? In this article, we share some tips to lead a more circular life based on the 5R’s of the circular economy: rethink, redesign, reduce, reuse, and recycle. TIP 1: Make thoughtful consumer choices.
Did you know there are many new startups and apps designed to help us make more environmentally considerate decisions? For example, here are some useful apps to look up that aim to keep food waste to a minimum:
TIP 2: Increase demand for products or services that are most consistent with circular economy principles.
TIP 3: Learn more about the places you shop and their sustainable practices.
TIP 4: Think about the packaging. Do I need that much plastic to protect my purchase? Can I use my own bag instead? Can I use a reusable cup or container instead of a disposable one? Be sure to ask yourself questions like these before making a purchase. Key takeaways It’s often the little things that make all the difference, and we can each do our part to protect the environment. If you’re interested in learning more about the circular economy and finding better uses for your old products, come check out REmarket! REmarket is an initiative that the St. Lawrence Neighbourhood Waste Reduction Group (SLNA-WRG) has put in place to reduce local waste by collecting unwanted post-consumer goods to keep them out of the landfill. They also offer repair services to extend the life of your products and a totally free market to give back to their local communities. Full event details can be found here, and don’t forget to review the full event guidelines before participating! By Julia Hernández Malagón Many of us like to decorate our homes as we get closer to the holiday season, and having a Christmas tree on display is often at the core of our celebrations. But how do we balance keeping this tradition alive with being conscious of the environment? What kind of Christmas tree should we buy?
One might think that an artificial Christmas tree is more detrimental because it’s made of plastic (usually PVC), which is difficult to recycle. It has typically been shipped from China, and it’s going to end up in a landfill. But is this statement really true? For example, in my family, we have been putting out the same artificial Christmas tree since I was a kid. It’s been in my family for over two decades. Is this a bad choice? Similarly, one might think that a natural tree is more sustainable. But there are some important questions to ask here. For example, has the tree been grown locally? Or was it transported from the farm to the retailer? Was it grown with or without pesticides? How is it going to be recycled? If we let trees be sent to landfills, they will end up being a source of methane emissions, an extremely potent greenhouse gas. The answer is that a natural tree is generally the better option. To understand how one might arrive at this conclusion, we can refer to several life cycle assessment (LCA) studies of both types of trees. An LCA assesses a product’s impact from the extraction of its raw materials to its disposal, considering every step of the process. Ultimately, these studies suggest that locally sourced natural trees have less environmental impact than artificial ones. When it comes to artificial ones, the key to achieving environmental gains lies in the amount of time that they are kept and reused. Studies show that an artificial Christmas tree should ideally be used for 4–20 years to reduce its environmental impact. Here are some recommendations:
Enjoy the long-awaited holiday season while taking care of the environment by following these recommendations, and don’t forget: Studies have shown that having a Christmas tree at home has a small impact compared to our day-to-day activities. Happy holidays! |
Welcome to our blog!This is where you can find more in-depth information on how to reduce waste in our local communities and live more sustainably. Categories
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Community info below is related to the SLNA itself and not the WRG committee.
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