Did you know that the City of Toronto manages over 900,000 tonnes of waste every year? This requires money, energy and resources, and takes up valuable landfill space. Waste reduction should always be top of mind as the less waste produced, the less there is to manage!
October 15th to 21st is Waste Reduction Week in Canada and it’s a great time to join the waste reduction movement to help keep items out of the landfill. Here are a few great ways to reduce your waste:
DONATE
Give items you’re not using anymore a new life by donating them. Visit toronto.ca/reuseit for a list of organizations that accept clothing, books, toys, bikes, electronics, furniture, housewares and appliances.
REUSE
Use reusable bags for shopping and gift giving, reusable bottles and mugs instead of disposables when on the go and real dishes and cutlery at events. When shopping, consider thrift stores and garage sales.
REPURPOSE
Find new uses for things you would otherwise throw away. Use cookie tins for storage, turn old clothes into rags, use cans as pencil holders and use old jars as vases.
SWAP
Organize a swap with friends or attend one of the many swap events happening in the city.
BORROW/SHARE/RENT
Borrow tools, party supplies, camping gear, sports equipment, board games and toys from a lending library or share things like a lawn mower or ladder with neighbours. You can also rent clothing for special events or one-time use.
REPAIR
Extend the life of items like clothing, appliances and electronics by repairing them and keep an eye out for repair events in the city.
SHOP CONSCIOUSLY
Plan ahead, buy only what you need and consider the impact of packaging when making purchases.
Learn more at toronto.ca/reuseit.
