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By Katelyn Marie Poyntz In a previous post, we explained what a carbon footprint is. Now we’ll help you reduce it! This week’s key message: eat seasonal and local whenever possible. Out-of-season produce is transported further and is often grown in hothouses, which are heated structures used to create the perfect growing environment. In some cases, air transport is also used to make sure the produce arrives at the store before it spoils. The energy to heat and fly can significantly increase the carbon footprint of such products. In the graphic below, you can check out the difference between in-and out-of-season oranges and strawberries. It’s pretty wild!  *This post is based on content originally posted on Wylderr. By Jess Blackwell All that paper (and the plastic it comes in!) adds up. Next time you need to run out to pick up some bathroom tissue for your small business’ brick-and-mortar store or office, consider choosing one of these more sustainable alternatives:
You may also want to consider stocking up on toilet paper in bulk, which is better both for the environment and for your wallet.  *This post is based on content originally published at lumida.ca/blog.
By Lisa McNair  If you want to be more eco-friendly but are unsure of where to start, here are some simple steps you can take to be more mindful of the Earth in your daily activities.
1. Shop with a plan.
2. Reuse/recycle your leftovers.
3. Use sustainable cleaning products.
By Katelyn Marie Poyntz  The average Canadian household throws out $1,766 of food every year, and that amount increased during the pandemic due to overbuying habits. It’s best to buy what you need and use what you buy. Here are some tips to help you do that:
*This post is based on content originally posted on Wylderr.
By Jess Blackwell  Once you’ve used up all your single-use plastic writing instruments and dropped them off to be properly recycled, another easy step you can take toward running a more sustainable business is to choose a better product next time. Instead of buying more single-use plastic products, try to find products that are more sustainable, eco-friendly, and responsibly made. For example, look for products made from sustainably sourced paper, bamboo, or recycled materials, ones that come packaged in recycled (and recyclable!) materials, and/or ones that are refillable or have very long lifespans. Chances are, there are local stationery shops, pen shops, gift shops, and low-waste stores in your area that carry suitable items, so be sure to check there first (to support other local businesses). But even big players (like Staples and the U of T Bookstore) carry more sustainable choices. Just be sure to carefully read the labels on the “eco-friendly” products you come across, as not all products labeled as “green” are better choices! *This post is based on content originally published at lumida.ca/blog.
By Lisa McNair
2. Advocate for clean waterways.
Phone or email public officials or advocate for water habitat protection and clean up. Clean water is essential to live. Think of all the reasons we need clean water! 3. Drive less. If you must drive, it's best to use an electric vehicle, as all other cars, trucks, and SUVs pollute the air. If you live in Toronto, use the TTC (or walk). Try to save your car for when it's absolutely necessary, if you can. A great way to start cutting down your emissions is to try eliminating two car outings per week for the next month. If you succeed, try to cut out another day in the following month. If you don't succeed right away, just be gentle on yourself and try again. Unlearning behaviours is much more difficult than learning new ones! 4. Replace your manual thermostats. Today’s smart thermostats have wifi so that you can control them with your phone even you're not at home You can also program preset schedules to control the temperature of your home, which will help save the Earth and keep your heating/cooling bill to a minimum! 5. Switch to light-emitting dioxide (LED) light bulbs. These bulbs are energy efficient, last longer, and are smaller, safer, and more environmentally friendly. 6. Understand your utility bill. Adjust your utility usage so that you're only consuming what you need, and track your “off-peak” and “peak time usage” to save money and avoid wasting energy. If possible, try to unplug unnecessary appliances when you're not at home, especially if you're going to be away for a while! By Katelyn Marie Poyntz  Did you know that 63% of the food we throw out could have been eaten? This week’s food-saving motto: Freeze it! You can freeze yogurt, cheese, tofu, milk, meat, fruits, veggies, and even eggs—the sky’s the limit! Here are some easy freeze methods:
Here are some ideas for what you can freeze:
What doesn’t freeze well?
*This post is based on content originally posted on Wylderr.
By Jess Blackwell  Whether you own a restaurant or a law firm, chances are you have plastic pens, markers, and similar writing utensils in the drawers of your store or office.
Unfortunately, most of these items were intended to be single-use and are not refillable, nor are they typically recyclable through mainstream government-run recycling programs. This means that most of these single-use items end up in the garbage. The good news, however, is that Terracycle has partnered with Staples to provide Canadians with a free, convenient means of keeping these old writing utensils out of our landfills. How does it work? Basically, all you need to do is save up your old plastic pens, markers, mechanical pencils, and highlighters, and then drop them off at a participating Staples store near you. If you go to the Terracycle page here, you can enter your postal code to find the nearest st ore. We have also partnered with Staples to offer this recycling program at our triennial REmarket event, so feel free to save up your eligible office supplies and bring them down to our next REmarket! And, circling back to our previous tip about using what you already have, just be sure to use up the pens, pencils, and highlighters you already have before dropping them off to be recycled! By Lisa McNair  Not sure what to do with your old mattress, furniture, appliances, or other large items, like carpets?
First, consider donating usable items to those in need. Many local secondhand shops, such as The Salvation Army and Value Village, accept furniture items, and you can also visit toronto.ca/reuseit for a list of organizations that accept donations. If your items can't be donated to those in need, the City of Toronto's garbage collectors will pick up these large items for free, provided you live somewhere with curbside pickup. However, foam and polyester pillows can be placed straight in your household or building garbage bin. By Lisa McNair Did you know that the average Toronto household throws away more than 30 lbs of clothing and other textiles each year? Instead, let's consider:
Together, we can eliminate textile waste!
By Katelyn Marie Poyntz  Did you know that 10% of domestic water is used in the kitchen, and over 60% is consumed in the bathroom? Here’s how you can cut back on your water usage:
*This post is based on content originally posted on Wylderr.
By Jess Blackwell If you live in the Downtown Toronto area, chances are that you’ve heard of two different events aimed at reducing waste by collecting donations and engaging in other environmentally focused activities: Community Environment Days and REmarket. But what are Community Environment Days, and how are they different from REmarket?
While both events are aimed at reducing waste, there are several key differences between them:
Below, we walk through each of these differences in more detail. 1. They are run by different groups. While REmarket is run by the St. Lawrence Neighbourhood Association Waste Reduction Group (WRG), a community-led group of local volunteers, Community Environment Days is run by the City of Toronto, through its ReduceWasteTO program. 2. They are held in different locations and venues. While REmarket is held at the St. Lawrence Market (specifically, in the temporary tent just south of the main market building), Community Environment Days are held throughout Toronto and, because of this, occur in various locations and venues. You can find more information about when and where your local Community Environment Day is happening here. 3. They collect slightly different items. While both events collect a wide variety of common items in various conditions, REMarket collects some items that are not collected during Community Environment Days and vice versa. For example, while REmarket does not collect household hazardous waste, Environment Days do. Similarly, while REmarket collects used office supplies, such as pens and ink/toner cartridges for recycling, the city does not currently offer this service through Environment Days. The chart below breaks down some of the key differences between what these events accept.  Chart by Trudy Coles 4. They offer different services.
While you can donate your new and used unwanted items at both events, each event offers some special services. For example, community members can pick up free compost from this year’s Environment Days, and the city will also be selling small household organics bins. REmarket does not currently offer either of these services. In contrast, REmarket offers a repair cafe (run by Repair Café Toronto), free bike repairs (run by CultureLink Bike Hub), and a totally free market (called FreeMarket). The city does not currently offer these services through its Community Environment Days. Summary In conclusion, while similar, these events each offer unique services and benefits that can help you reduce your waste and make a positive impact on the environment. But if you happen to miss your local Environment Day, have no fear — REmarket is coming up soon! The next REmarket is scheduled for June 14 and 15, 2023, and we hope to see you there! By Lisa McNair  Bad things happen when the wrong items and recycling get together!
In fact, if you put items in your recycling bin that shouldn’t go there, it all goes to the landfill. These items are a no-no for the blue bin:
For more detailed information, you can refer to the City of Toronto's Waste Wizard tool. By Katelyn Marie Poyntz  Everything you use or consume has to be made or grown, and this all takes energy. To create energy, we burn fossil fuels that emit carbon or other gases. Carbon is the most common, but there’s also methane and nitrous oxide, which deliver 25 and 300 times more warming potential than carbon, respectively (wow!). A “carbon footprint” is actually the sum of all the gases emitted to create an item, which is why it’s referred to as a “carbon dioxide equivalent” (CO2e). Everything you do has a carbon footprint! The carbon footprint of an item includes everything that is required to produce that product: the materials used to make it (including the transportation of those materials to the factory), the making of the item at the factory, transportation of the finished good to the store (where you will then buy it), and what happens to that item once you’re done with it (reuse, recycle, or landfill). Everything has a carbon footprint, and it all adds up! In the coming weeks, we’ll share information about the carbon footprints of some common items. Determining the carbon footprint of an item is complex, so the numbers will only be approximations. However, these facts will give you an idea of the environmental impact of common items and help you make decisions about your daily habits or which items to buy at the grocery store. And why should we care about choosing items with lower carbon footprints? Greenhouse gases trap heat in the atmosphere, which leads to global warming and climate change. Selecting items with lower carbon footprints can help fight climate change! *This post is based on content originally posted on Wylderr.
By Jessica Blackwell  While well-intentioned, our eagerness to start doing better can sometimes lead to wasteful behaviors. And remember: waste is one of the natural enemies of sustainability! Whether you’re a small business owner looking to make your business more sustainable or an individual trying to be more environmentally conscious, you can have a big positive impact by using what you already have. One common mistake that people make when trying to improve their sustainability is to throw out or otherwise waste the products they already have. For example, people may dispose of plastic single-use pens without using them, throw out plastic-packaged foods, or bag up all their fast-fashion clothes. Many individuals and businesses feel this pressure to ditch their current, less sustainable products and run out and buy fancy new products that are marketed as more sustainable alternatives to what they already own. They might feel like they have to go out and drop $100 on a fancy, top-of-the-line glass container set or feel pressured to go on a shopping spree at this season’s most popular eco-conscious fashion brand. But before you throw away what you already own to “upgrade” it to something else, ask yourself: Is this really necessary? Do I really need this new item? In spite of marketing tactics and social pressure that might tell us otherwise, the products we already own are often still perfectly capable of serving their intended purpose or can be useful in another way. So, first and foremost, use up what you already have before making any low-waste or eco-conscious swaps. And if you do decide to upgrade an item, just remember to do so as responsibly as possible. For example, if the item is still usable, you can benefit others in your community by donating it to a local charity or other cause (such as our REmarket event). If it’s entirely unusable, try to find a way to recycle the item, whether that’s through your city’s recycling program or a private operation, like Terracycle’s many programs. The first step to creating a more sustainable world is REthinking what we do and how we do them, and learning to use and appreciate what you already have can be a great first step on this path. *This post is based on content originally published at lumida.ca/blog.
By Katelyn Marie Poyntz Did you know that 63% of the food Canadians throw away could have been eaten and that 30% of it is comprised of vegetables? Use these simple tips to save those veggies:
 What do you end up throwing out the most? Start keeping track of your food
waste habits to help identify what you can do differently to make a positive impact. Together, we can help keep usable produce out of the trash! *This post is based on content originally posted on Wylderr. By Jess Blackwell
Over the next 10 weeks, we'll cover each of these tips in more detail, sharing valuable information that can help you run your business more sustainably. But remember: everyone has to start somewhere, and all those baby steps in the right direction add up. So don’t feel pressured to make a bunch of changes all at once—you can always start by picking one thing at a time off this list. And, no matter what, don’t let any setbacks or hiccups freak you out! Changing habits and deeply-entrenched ways of thinking both take time, so there’s no need to feel ashamed if you find yourself struggling to make these changes or if you find old behaviors popping up again. Just forgive yourself and keep at it! *This post is based on content originally posted at: www.lumida.ca/blog
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! |
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