Waste Reduction Week: October 17-23

Waste Reduction Week is happening on October 17-23, Canada-wide!

With programs for schools, businesses, organizations, and individuals, Waste Reduction Week’s goal is to “educate, engage, and empower Canadians to reduce waste through provision of access to relevant information, opportunities and options.”

People are organizing to reduce waste all across the country. By making some simple lifestyle changes, reducing waste can become part of your daily routine.

Top tips for reducing waste

• When you’re on the go, bring your reusable water bottle, coffee mug, and bamboo or stainless steel cutlery.
• Say “No!” to bottled water.
• Bring your own bag to the grocery store, and remember smaller ones for produce and bulk.
• When buying paper products (everything from notebooks to toilet paper) choose post-consumer recycled options. 
• Don’t forget about your electronics. Buying gadgets you don’t need has huge environmental consequences. When you have electronics that are broken and can’t be repaired, recycle them! Recycle My Cell and Call2Recycle have electronics recycling programs.
• Buy bulk when possible, and avoid products with excess packaging.
• Compost your food scraps.
• Remember that the first “R” is to reduce, not recycle, so don’t buy anything you don’t need.

Spread the word about Waste Reduction Week on Facebook and Twitter, and by proclaiming online to reduce waste.