Easy tips to help reduce your waste footprint

• Recycle electronics. Drop off old electronics at a York Region Waste Depot, where old gadgets and computers will be properly recycled and/or refurbished.
• Donate gently used items. Local shelters will accept clothing, shoes, blankets, kitchenware and more. For example, you can donate used linens and towels to Vaughan Animal Services. Your donations will help keep kitties and pups warm and dry.
• Take household hazardous waste to a York Region Waste Depot to ensure it is properly disposed of. Not sure what is considered household hazardous waste? Visit vaughan.ca/waste to find out.
• Did you know that half of household waste, including kitchen scraps and yard waste, is compostable? If you don’t have one already, pick up a kitchen container for $8, a backyard composter for $26 or a green bin for $24 at the Joint Operations Centre located at 2800 Rutherford Rd. and get composting!

Reduce

• When grocery shopping, choose items that have less packaging and avoid unnecessary disposable items. Visit a local farmer’s market — they reuse egg cartons and berry baskets, and veggies are typically free of plastic and stickers.
• Avoid plastic altogether. Look for products that come either boxed or in glass or metal containers, as these materials have an infinite number of recycling lifecycles.
• Pack a waste-free lunch. Replace plastic bags with reusable containers or thermoses.
• Improve your food habits. Proper storage and understanding best-before dates will help stop spoilage and waste. Plan meals for the week and use a shopping list.
• Go meatless. Experiment with a more plant-based diet, as most animal products are packaged in non-recyclable plastic packaging.
• Be an informed buyer. Do your research before making major purchases. Consider purchasing products that will last and make durability and reusability your primary decision-making factor — not price.
• Start a garden! If space allows, trying growing and canning your own food, including veggies and herbs. You can save money and eliminate packaging waste.

Reuse

• Instead of buying plastic bags at the grocery store, bring reusable bags. Remember to keep some in the car so you won’t forget.
• Toss it away? No way! Attempt to repair broken appliances and electronics instead of buying new. This reduces the volume of raw materials and energy needed to make new products.

Planning For Less Food Waste           Waste Free Lunch            Food Preservation Life Hacks