Reduce & Reuse
Canada produces more waste per capita than any other developed nation in the world.
In our province alone, residents produce 748 kg of waste per capita per year. Recycling allows us to transform “waste” into valuable new products. In the first instance, however, we should all try our best to reduce our waste upon the point of purchase (reduce) as well as through repairing or repurposing old stuff (reuse).
The waste hierarchy reminds us that waste reduction and the reuse of goods is preferred before recycling happens. The less waste we produce, the less there is to manage. This saves resources, money, energy, landfill space… and the planet!
Join the waste reduction movement and help keep items out of the landfill while keeping money in your pocket! Remember: the less we put out on the curb, the less we will need to pay!
Tips for reducing your waste:
- Take a reusable bag for shopping. Did you know that one plastic bagless in the ocean can save the lives of 100 dolphins and whales?
- Canadian use more than 1.6 billion disposable cups each year, which means they are not suitable for recycling. Lead the change and take your reusable mug next time so to keep cups, lids and sleeves out of the landfill!
- Using reusable water bottles and real dishes and cutlery instead of disposables will not only greatly benefit the environment, but also your wallet!
- From trash to treasure. Repurpose your stuff – have you ever tried to turn old tires into flower beds or swings? Old jars as vases or cookie tins as bird feeding houses? The only way is UP-cycling! On the photo, you can see how a Deer Lake resident repurposed old stuff into a real Newfoundland ugly stick!
- You are the leader of change! Shop consciously – plan ahead, buy only what you need and think about the impact of packaging when shopping.
- Have you found some amazing deals in Salvation Army yet? Buying second-hand clothing is original, trendy and earth-conscious, while saving a whole lot of loonies!
More tips on how to reduce and reuse can be found on this website: rethinkwastenl.ca/3rs/
Did you know… that by 2050, it is predicted that there will be more plastics than fish in the oceans of Newfoundland and Labrador. Let’s turn the tide today!