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By Beatrix Maddocks  Hello! My name is Beatrix Maddocks, and I have spent the summer working as an intern with the Green Neighbours Network of Toronto (GNN) and Canada Summer Jobs in collaboration with the St. Lawrence Neighbourhood Association Waste Reduction Group (SLNA-WRG). During this internship, I have conducted surveys on single-use plastic items with restaurants and cafes in the St. Lawrence neighbourhood. I am very pleased to say that I have had a wonderful experience interacting with numerous owners and managers in the area. It has been amazing to see the number of businesses taking action on the important issue of reducing waste. The surveys I’ve been conducting involve discussing the use of reusable takeout services as an alternative to single-use takeaway items. While these services are just beginning to expand within restaurants and cafes, I am confident that their popularity will grow in the near future, as many businesses are interested in the potential of introducing them to their customers. Another aspect of the survey that connects to the SLNA-WRG is asking whether businesses allow their customers to bring their own container. One amazing way that the SLNA-WRG has reduced waste in its community has been through the creation of "bring your own" (BYO) stickers that it offers to restaurants, cafes, and vendors within the St. Lawrence Market and surrounding area. This initiative, called St. Lawrence Reduces, shows how customers can contribute to reducing waste in their community and how businesses can support this initiative and show concern for the environment. In addition to conducting surveys, I have also been promoting a website called WalkRollMap.org within the St. Lawrence neighbourhood. Through this website, accessibility issues, hazards, missing amenities, and incidents can be reported. Some examples of items that might be reported include large sidewalk cracks, which could disrupt travel for people using wheelchairs, unsafe intersections, and areas that could benefit from the addition of benches. I can only say positive things about my experience working within the St. Lawrence neighbourhood for my summer internship. The willingness of most managers and owners to complete our short survey and discuss this important environmental issue has been incredible. It is clear that a majority of the restaurants and cafes in the St. Lawrence neighbourhood have a strong desire to make change within their industry. This experience and internship have given me hope that change is upon us, especially in regards to the environment. This article was edited by Lumida Editing & Proofreading
By Philippe Edde  Canada produces a whopping 31 million tonnes of garbage a year! That's more per capita than any other country on earth. Because of this, you probably think that Canada has great infrastructure for taking care of this trash. But, unfortunately, this is not the case. The Problem Instead of managing and recycling all the waste Canadians create, Canadian governments and companies take the easy way out and dump much of this trash onto other countries. Unfortunately, the incentive for this has nothing to do with sustainability. Instead, it is done simply because it is cheaper to export waste than to develop local infrastructure to deal with it sustainably. To make matters worse, the countries that are receiving our trash are often developing countries like China, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines. These countries tend to have even worse waste management infrastructure than Canada, so the trash we send to them often gets incinerated, releasing dangerous pollutants into the atmosphere, or dumped into unregulated landfills, eventually making its way back into our oceans. Sometimes, the waste Canada exports is deemed contaminated by international recipients and is subsequently sent back, leaving us with both poor waste management infrastructure and a whole load of waste that will be dumped into local landfills. Of course, that’s on top of the extremely high carbon emissions that go into shipping tonnes of waste halfway across the world and back. Waste export bans Thankfully, some countries have begun to take a stand against this. Since 2018, China has banned imports of 24 types of solid waste, greatly reducing the amount of garbage imported into the country. A handful of other Asian countries have followed suit due to the increasing environmental cost this practice has for their nations. The Canadian government has also seemingly taken a stand against this, having issued no new overseas trash-export permits since 2017. In 2021, Canada also signed the United Nations Basel Convention on hazardous waste, which aims to reduce the harm of transporting and exporting waste by ensuring that such materials are managed and disposed of in an environmentally sound manner. Waste export ban loopholes While committing to the Basel Convention, Canada also signed an agreement with the USA that allows our nation to send its waste to this southern neighbor. This means that while it is illegal to send trash overseas, we can still send it to recycling brokers in the USA. Once it is sent to America, the Canadian government can no longer track or regulate it. The Americans then send it straight to our east Asian friends in Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines. Another loophole is found in the practice of simply not listening to the government and illegally shipping waste anyways. While it is difficult to find stats regarding illegal activities, we know that in the past five years, over 120 shipping containers full of waste have been returned to Canada due to the materials being contaminated. This reveals the unfortunate truth that Canadian companies continue to ship their waste to developing countries with poor infrastructure. What is especially surprising and distressing is that the Canadian government has chosen to keep the names of these companies anonymous, and most of them have simply been let off with a warning. Since 2017, nine warning letters and six fines have been sent to these companies, with the fines totalling less than $9,000. This lack of transparency helps protect those companies from real repercussions that consumers can face. What can we do? Perhaps all this talk about illegal dumping and government complacency has left you feeling powerless in the face of these systemic issues. But worry not: there are initiatives you can support that can make a difference. For example, Nina Azzahra is a 14-year-old Indonesian environmentalist who has raised awareness about this issue on social media and who has even been able to get representatives from Germany, Australia, and the Netherlands to promise to change their export policies. She has also reached out to Trudeau--twice—but has yet to receive any meaningful response. To get involved, you can petition your city councilors to push Canada to make a meaningful commitment to this cause, or follow Nina online and spread her message to raise awareness about this issue. You can also work on reducing waste on an individual and community level by limiting your plastic consumption, promoting upcycling, and encouraging the use of reusable materials. Aditionally, you can support local recycling initiatives. Check out this blog for a great list of recycling initiatives. Canada's plastic waste exportation underscores the need for immediate and collective action to address the global plastic pollution crisis. Canada must take on this challenge and invest in domestic recycling capabilities while reducing plastic consumption and promoting eco-friendly alternatives. By taking a proactive approach and working together on a global scale, we can create a future where plastic waste exportation is an outdated practice and the well-being of the planet takes precedence over short-term convenience. This post was edited by Lumida Editing & Proofreading
By Philippe Edde  Ever go on vacation and find it difficult to keep up the habits you've mastered at home? Maybe you tend to only use reusable packaging at home, or you have an effective method of recycling and upcycling your packaging waste. But when you're on the go all the time, it can be hard to keep your commitment to the planet. Luckily for us, there are ways that we can minimize our waste production and carbon footprint while traveling. By adopting plastic-free travel practices, we can significantly reduce our contribution to the global plastic waste problem. In this article, we explore sustainable strategies and practical tips for responsible travelers committed to minimizing plastic waste during their journeys. 1. Plan ahead and pack wisely Before embarking on your trip, take the time to plan and pack thoughtfully. Opt for reusable alternatives instead of single-use plastics. For example, carry a reusable water bottle—trust me, this one makes a difference. Not only does it prevent waste but it is much cheaper and more convenient than constantly buying plastic bottles. Planning where or what you will eat during the day can also help you prevent pollution. You can plan to eat at restaurants where single-use plastic cutlery and cups aren’t provided. Or if you're a bit more adventurous, traveling more off the grid, you can take finger foods or sandwiches that don't require plastic cutlery to eat. If you must eat something with cutlery, be sure to bring your own reusable or biodegradable cutlery. Carrying a reusable bag for your shopping trips or souvenirs can also greatly reduce your plastic consumption. Finally, those tiny shampoo bottles you see in hotels may be cute, but they definitely use up lots of plastic. You can avoid this waste by bringing your own eco-friendly alternatives or opting for bar soaps and shampoo bars. 2. Choose accommodations that prioritize sustainability When selecting accommodations, prioritize establishments that have sustainable practices in place. A number of booking websites, like Booking.com and Expedia, recently implemented eco-friendly badges to help you identify accommodations that have put effort into being sustainable. If that’s not your style, there are entire websites dedicated to helping you find sustainable lodging, including Ecohotels, Bookdifferent, and Select Green Hotels. Supporting these establishments sends a message that sustainability matters to travelers, encouraging more businesses to adopt plastic-free practices. Even after checking into your new abode, be sure to ask for the recycling instructions, as recycling protocols can change drastically between countries and even cities! Also, regardless of what kind of hotel or motel you stay in, you can help reduce your carbon footprint by opting out of housekeeping services; this reduces the emissions from the venue's laundering and drying of linens and towels and cuts back on the chemicals used during the cleaning process. 3. Support local markets and sustainable food practices Explore local markets and food vendors that prioritize sustainable practices. International chain restaurants are terrible polluters, and fast food restaurants are especially bad: most American fast food restaurants do not meet the Natural Resources Defense Council’s criteria for sustainable packaging. Instead of going for the same old stuff, purchase fresh produce and snacks from local markets and ask for your food without plastic packaging (unless you absolutely need it). By shopping locally, you also stimulate the economy of the country you are visiting instead of giving more money to the corporate giants that pollute our lands and oceans. 4. Embrace eco-friendly transportation options Transportation plays a significant role in the carbon footprint we generate while traveling. Opt for eco-friendly transportation options. Consider cycling, walking, or taking public transit whenever possible. Google Maps is a wonderful tool for planning your use of these methods of transportation, wherever you are. If you need to rent a vehicle, choose a company that promotes sustainability and offers hybrid or electric cars. Alternatively, be sure to carpool with friends or other travellers in similar situations. BlaBlacar.com has a number of carpool routes in Europe that you can use to get to your destination in a greener way. By reducing your reliance on fossil fuel–powered transportation and supporting greener alternatives, you contribute to lowering greenhouse gas emissions, making your travel more sustainable overall. And, of course, if you have the budget to do so, consider taking a direct flight to your destination, as this cuts back on the emissions from the fuel used during takeoff. 5. Participate in beach and community cleanups Lastly, if you want to be a super soldier in the fight to clean up the earth, you can participate in local cleanups or community-led initiatives during your travels. Many coastal destinations organize regular cleanups to tackle plastic pollution. Joining these efforts allows you to directly contribute to the reduction of plastic waste and create awareness within local communities. It's a meaningful way to connect with fellow travellers and locals who share your commitment to a cleaner environment. The bottom line By adopting plastic-free and low-carbon travel practices, we can safeguard the natural beauty of our planet and protect fragile ecosystems for future generations. Through conscious planning, responsible choices, and supporting sustainable businesses, we can significantly reduce our contribution to the plastic waste crisis. Let's become ambassadors of change and inspire others to embrace sustainable practices while exploring the world. This post was edited by Lumida Editing & Proofreading.
By Julia Hernández Malagón
This year's celebration is a great opportunity for you to do your part to reduce the environmental impact of your participation. Want to contribute to a greener city and festival? Keep reading!  1. Choose a sustainable costume Trying to think of what your this year’s costume will look like? Try upcycling! Chances are that you have old shoes, masks, or T-shirts that you have been stockpiling. Well, this is the time to use them! Maybe you could 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 participate in making 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 costume from scratch, you can always borrow it from a friend, swap for it, or rent it. If you do end up buying your costume new, try to use it for as long as you can or donate it at the end of its shelf-life. 2. Try to avoid glitter Glitter can be a big part of the celebration of the Caribbean Carnival. However, due to its composition of aluminum and plastic, it’s very detrimental to the environment (Yurtsever, 2019). 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. Use public transit, walk, or bike to the event if you can Not only will this help you to avoid traffic and maybe even get to the event faster, but by using public transport, cycling, or going on foot, you will also contribute to reducing the environmental impact of your celebrations. Travel usually constitutes a great amount of the emissions from events. Each year, the Toronto Caribbean Carnival attracts millions of visitors and is considered the largest cultural celebration in all of North America. If each of us does our part, we can make a meaningful difference. 4. Minimize your waste Among the most unsustainable aspects of the Caribbean Carnival is the ensuing waste, including plastic cups, throwaway plates and utensils, and food scraps. 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 handy tool called the Waste Wizard? This searchable feature helps you figure out exactly where each item should go! 5. Finally, spread the word Encourage your friends and family members to reduce their environmental impact with these simple tips. We can implement the principles of the circular economy both in our daily lives and during special events such as the Toronto Caribbean 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 Caribbean Carnival! References: Yurtsever, M. (2019). “Tiny, shiny, and colorful microplastics: Are regular glitters a significant source of microplastics?, Marine Pollution Bulletin; Perosa M, et al. (2021) “Taking the sparkle off the sparkling time, Marine Pollution Bulletin, 2021. This post was edited by Lumida Editing & Proofreading. By Philippe Edde  Have you ever stopped to think about your plastic consumption? Perhaps you've mindlessly disposed of plastic without considering its long-term impact on our environment. Maybe you try to reuse and repurpose plastic whenever you can, or maybe you try to avoid using plastic altogether. Whatever your stance on this topic may be, it is undeniable that plastic is all around us, with single-use plastics being especially prominent. While there are many initiatives to remove our dependency on this kind of plastic, the reality is that it will continue to persist in our lives for a very long time. For instance, the personal protective equipment used by hospital staff is designed to be thrown away; it is a matter of safety that it is not reused. Furthermore, plastics possess a myriad of useful qualities, like being durable, easily moldable, lightweight, and chemically stable. As such, they are also a great material for reusable products. But even reusable products eventually break, and we should aim to recycle them instead of throwing them in a landfill. Did you know that plastic waste makes up 80% of all marine pollution and that around 8‒10 million metric tons of plastic ends up in the ocean each year? Cleanup initiatives would be most effective if we could take these materials and recycle them into new plastics. The crux of managing plastics and reducing pollution lies in the development of infrastructure capable of easily transforming plastic waste into new, functional plastics. Unfortunately, our current recycling methods are far from satisfactory. In Canada, less than 10% of our plastic waste actually gets recycled, highlighting the alarming reality of our linear plastic economy—where plastic is used once and then discarded as waste. However, what if we could break free from this mold and embrace a circular plastic economy? What is a circular plastic economy? It’s a production system wherein all the new plastics produced come mostly from recycled plastics. This way, the amount of waste in the environment is reduced while limiting the amount of new petroleum needed to create plastic. Basically, it’s two birds with one stone. Easy, right? Well, not quite. Restructuring the entire plastic economy is no simple feat. But there must be somewhere we can start. Authorities on the circular plastic economy agree that three major components must be a part of the circular economy: reduction, innovation, and circulation.  Component 1: Reduction Reducing plastic waste starts with reducing its production. By replacing plastics with alternative materials like glass, cardboard, and paper, we can immediately make progress. Given that plastic demand is projected to double by 2050, offsetting this demand is crucial to realizing a circular plastic economy.  Component 2: Innovation The second component of a circular plastic economy is creating new, intelligently designed plastic. Currently, plastics are made to look good and be functional. As such, a plastic bottle can be made of several different kinds of plastic polymers—one for the cap, another for the clear bottle, and a third for the plastic sleeve around it. Each of these pieces can be filled with dyes, making them even more difficult to recycle, especially if they are thrown into the same recycling bin (which is often the case). Simplifying plastic packaging and ensuring its compatibility with recycling systems will pave the way for increased recycling rates. Organizations like CEFLEX in Europe are already achieving great progress in making flexible packaging recyclable, signaling the initial stages of a circular economy. However, this is not the only issue. Actually getting plastic manufacturers to begin using these more sustainable plastics would require a lot of convincing. There are a couple of ways in which we could get around this. First, we could get the government to incentivize or subsidize the production of easily recyclable plastics. Alternatively, we could make these kinds of plastics easily recognizable and then encourage the public to purchase the products they recognize as sustainably made plastics.  Component 3: Circulation Once we have reduced plastic demand and made plastics easier to recycle, those products will actually need to be recycled and made to take over other plastics in the market. To fully close the loop, we must explore innovative recycling methods. One emerging superpower in this field is chemical recycling. Chemical recycling involves breaking down plastics into their chemical building blocks. They can then be easily resynthesized into high-quality plastics indefinitely. Compared to our current mechanical recycling methods, which are susceptible to contamination and issues regarding material separation, chemical recycling seems like a promising step forward. Currently, a number of companies are working on this technology. One called Loop has even signed deals with a number of industrial plastic manufacturers and distributors to aid in the transition to a circular plastic economy. Summary
Building a circular plastic economy requires collective efforts from governments, manufacturers, and consumers alike. It demands a fundamental shift in our approach to plastic, including the reevaluation of its role and impact on our environment. By reducing plastic demand, promoting intelligently designed plastics, and embracing innovative recycling methods, we can pave the way toward a more sustainable future. By Philippe Edde  Have you ever stared at a piece of packaging, trying to decipher whether it's recyclable? Maybe you believe that you just need to look for that little recycling symbol on packaging to figure it out. We've all been there. But guess what? That symbol only tells you what kind of plastic a product is made of, not whether it's actually recyclable. To make matters worse, different cities have different recycling rules, turning this puzzle into a real head-scratcher. In Toronto, black plastic is one of the biggest culprits of this confusion.  Black plastics: The black sheep
Remember those black plastic takeout containers many of us received a million of while ordering food during the pandemic? Well, in Toronto, those containers and pretty much any black plastic are a recycling no-no. The recycling plants in Toronto employ near infra-red technology to sort plastic, but here's the catch: black plastic, often colored using carbon black pigments, cannot be detected by this technology, making it unrecyclable. What's worse is that black plastics often end up covering other recyclable plastics, leading to further recycling contamination and a real recycling nightmare. Nearly one third of what is thrown in the blue recycling bins in Toronto is not recyclable, and it's estimated that reducing recycling contamination by even 1% could save Toronto up to $1 million a year! Here's the mind-boggling part: just a short distance away—a mere 45 km—the Peel region happily recycles black plastic. Their optical sorting technology easily handles these troublesome plastics. The discrepancy between these neighbouring regions of the GTA adds confusion to the recycling process, potentially resulting in contamination and the disposal of recyclable materials in landfills or incinerators. Solving the riddle So what can be done to fix this chaotic recycling landscape? One solution is to implement consistent plastic-sorting technology across all regions. By aligning these recycling systems, we can eliminate confusion and ensure uniformity in recyclability. In other words, if you know how to recycle in Toronto, you should know how to recycle in Peel, Scarborough, and anywhere else in Ontario. Of course, this transformation will take time and effort, as it will require major changes to Ontario’s plastic sorting and recycling facilities. Education is another crucial piece of the puzzle. Clear signage above recycling bins can offer guidance about what to throw in each bin, minimizing contamination risks. In fact, the city of Toronto recognizes this and has developed an app that provides detailed recycling information for over 2,500 materials, making it easier than ever to navigate the recycling maze. You can find that app here. Embracing the opportunity Living in Toronto and don't want to drive up to Peel just to recycle your black plastic? Fear not! Case, a Toronto-based entrepreneurial company, has got your back. It takes charge of your black plastic takeout containers, ensuring that they find a new life. First, Case sanitizes and evaluates each container. The ones in good condition are sent back to takeout restaurants for reuse. However, the containers that are a little too banged up are delivered to the company's trusted recycling partners, where they are transformed into pellets and efficiently recycled. Case works with both offices and condos, so if you have a lot of black plastic stacking up, contact your condo board or talk to your human resources department to get a bin set up. The steps we can take Recycling doesn't have to be a mind-bending mystery. By implementing systemic changes, educating the public, and embracing innovative solutions like Case, we can unravel Toronto’s black plastic problem and create a cleaner, more sustainable future. From advocating for increased recycling-related education and improved recycling infrastructure to promoting existing tools, such as Toronto’s Waste Wizard, and even taking the problem into our own hands with Case, there are many little things we can do to create a more sustainable Toronto. By Mythreyi Rajasingham  When it comes to purchasing pre-bottled drinks, our choice of packaging material can help keep the environment and its inhabitants healthy and safe from toxins.
Although plastic, glass, and aluminium bottles/cans vary in the ways in which they impact the environment, a lack of proper communication has caused most consumers to falsely believe that glass bottles are more sustainable than plastic and aluminium ones. To find the most eco-friendly option, most sources have compared the sustainability of plastic, glass, and aluminium bottles/cans by looking at the three stages of their lifecycle: production, transportation, and recycling. Plastic bottles Recently, plastic has garnered significant attention due to its environmental repercussions, with one prevalent example being its harmful impact on marine life, particularly turtles. However, due to its lightweight nature and affordability, plastic bottles, commonly made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET), have emerged as the favoured option among consumers. Although plastic bottles use less energy during production and transportation because of their light weight, they require the extraction of crude oil, a non-renewable resource (“Glass, aluminum, plastic,” 2021). The act of oil drilling also damages the environment by contributing to the emission of greenhouse gases, which has led to global warming and climate change. Compared to glass and aluminium bottles/cans, plastic bottles are significantly less recycled, reducing their overall sustainability (Murphy, 2020). With this in mind, plastic bottles, while favoured for their lightweight nature and affordability, pose serious environmental challenges due to their impact on marine life, reliance on non-renewable crude oil, and low recycling rates compared to glass and aluminium alternatives. Glass bottles Compared to plastic, the production and distribution of glass requires much more energy because this material is heavier and more fragile. And due to their fragility, glass bottles cannot be tightly packed during transportation, which leads to more frequent shipments and, consequently, consumes a greater amount of fuel. According to a recent study conducted in Italy, the majority of consumers perceive glass bottles as the most environmentally sustainable choice (Feo, 2022). This perception aligns with the fact that glass bottles can be recycled endlessly. But when considering factors like production and transportation, it is clear that glass has a greater number of disadvantages than benefits. For instance, glass relies on a finite resource: sand. The UN Environmental Programme has declared sand as the “second most exploited natural resource after water” (Bero, 2022). As noted by Toronto-based journalist Nehal El-Hadi, sand is not only essential for glass production but also for constructing cities, which has contributed to its scarcity. In addition to this, since the process of collecting and sorting glass bottles has its own challenges, glass can actually be difficult to recycle. This clashes with the consumer belief that glass bottles are environmentally sustainable due to their ability to be recycled endlessly. In fact, life cycle assessments (LCAs), which look at the energy consumption, resource use, and waste production of various materials, have determined that glass is the least sustainable option. Aluminium cans In recent years, aluminium cans have gained popularity because of their light weight and ability to be repeatedly recycled without a loss in quality. Unlike glass bottles, aluminium cans can be tightly packed when shipped because of their size and weight, which saves a lot of fuel and emits less greenhouse gas into the atmosphere. But despite these positives, it is worth noting that aluminium production relies on the extraction of bauxite, a mineral that poses risks such as water contamination and soil erosion when mined (Murphy, 2020). Like glass and plastic, the sustainability of aluminium cans depends on factors such as recyclability and is influenced by production and transportation processes. As a result, it becomes challenging to label one type of bottle as more sustainable than others without considering each of their unique contexts. Yet, several studies have suggested that, in general, aluminium cans tend to be more sustainable compared to glass and plastic options. While aluminium cans offer advantages such as a lightweight design, efficient transportation, and high recyclability, their sustainability must be considered in light of factors like bauxite extraction and production processes. Plastic, glass, or aluminium? In the end, choosing the most sustainable packaging material for pre-bottled drinks requires the consideration of various factors. While each option has its own advantages and drawbacks, it is important to focus on reducing overall consumption, promoting recycling, and supporting a circular economy. So, although most sources have labelled aluminium cans as the most sustainable choice and glass bottles as the least sustainable choice, it’s important to remember that all these options have negative impacts on the environment. With this in mind, if the intention is to decrease environmental consequences when choosing what type of bottle/can to buy, the more eco-friendly option would be to buy aluminium cans and recycle them afterwards. However, the most sustainable choice is to reduce the consumption of pre-bottled drinks altogether and instead opt for reusable bottles In any case, it is important to keep in mind that even though the fate of our planet may seem bleak, we all have the power to minimise packaging waste and, in the process, lead our planet towards a more sustainable future. By Julia Hernández Malagón  With the summer season approaching and all the pandemic restrictions being lifted, we’re seeing an increasing number of upcoming in-person events. While certain activities and celebrations can be done online, there’s no replacement for physical contact, making connections in person, and exploring new environments together. This sort of in-person time is, in many cases, very important for our personal and professional development.  Nevertheless, these events can also have a detrimental impact on the environment. This is why reducing the environmental impact of your events can be a big opportunity for your organization to commit to sustainable practices. A paper published in the Journal of Cleaner Production shows the results of a comprehensive life cycle assessment (LCA) being performed on the three main parts of a conference: preparation, execution, and post-conference activities. The study revealed that travel activities play a dominant role in the overall environmental impact of such events, along with catering selection, hotel overnight stays, and other aspects related to the venue. The analysis also concluded that changing travelling methods, adopting vegetarian meals, and reducing the amount of conference materials can significantly better the environmental profile of a conference. In this article, we provide some ideas you can keep in mind to organize more sustainable events. 1. Plan your event with the help of accepted guidelines. ISO 20121 is an internationally recognized standard that provides guidelines for sustainable event management. It allows for a common language and comparison between organizations. It is applicable to all types and sizes of organizations involved in the delivery and design of events. This standard can be certified by a third party, increasing the credibility of the sustainability of the event. 2. Choose an accessible location. Because a large part of the carbon footprint of events results from transportation, try to find a location that is easily accessible by foot or public transport. Make recommendations on how attendees can arrive via public means. 3. Go hybrid or online. While an in-person event can be an incredible experience, going online or hybrid can help reduce food consumption, material waste, and the impact of travelling for people living far away from the venue. It will also eliminate barriers, allowing you to open your doors to a broader audience and be more inclusive. 4. Choose sustainable suppliers. When selecting suppliers for the different phases of your event, apply sustainability criteria and select those who are more committed to sustainability practices. Engage with them to better understand their environmental policies and activities. Do they match yours? Some ideas for how to choose sustainable suppliers can be found here. 5. Avoid paper and reduce material consumption. Traditionally, large quantities of paper have been used in events (programs, reports, booklets, etc.). Try to change this by relying on digital tools and keeping your use of material aids to a minimum. If print assets are needed, use only recycled materials. 6. Find a green venue. How do you look for a green venue? Look for buildings that are LEED-certified, and keep in mind the following aspects of their operation: waste diversion (clearly visible waste sorting and recycling), energy reduction, sustainable sourcing (local sources), and green spaces. You can find some ideas for venues in Canada here and here. 7. Make Earth-friendly catering choices. If possible, try to choose vegetarian meal options, calculate portions to avoid food waste, encourage the use of tap water, and provide reusable utensils. To go the extra mile, you can consider hiring a zero-waste caterer, such as Suppli or Unboxed Market (which both serve the Toronto area). 8. Say no to food waste and other material wastes. Try not to provide more food than is needed, encourage participants to take only what they know they’ll eat, and if leftovers are inevitable, craft a plan for where that food can be used or donated. Finally, ensure that your venue or caterer provides the resources needed to compost organic waste and that guests know where organics bins are located. You can find more ideas here. 9. Educate others about sustainability and the impact of your event. Actively inform participants and organizers of sustainable practices, and make sure they understand the rules. You should also consider communicating the impact of the event, as this can paint your organization in a positive light while also stressing the importance of sustainability and encouraging other groups to follow suit. Here’s an article on the evolution of sustainable events in Toronto. 10. Track your progress. Last but not least, you should track your progress to identify areas for improvement and major achievements that you can leverage for communication purposes. You can also ask your attendees for feedback about the sustainable practices you implemented and ideas for future events. This way, you’ll engage your audience while showing your commitment to sustainability. Organizing a sustainable event can help your organization in many ways, from inspiring others to be more environmentally friendly to spreading awareness among your community, reducing your environmental impact, and reducing costs associated with energy, and waste. Additional reading:
https://convention.visitberlin.de/sites/default/files/2022-03/visitBerlin_Sustainable-Event-Guidelines_EN.pdf By Jess Blackwell As the saying goes, “Knowledge is power”! The more you and your team know about what’s going on with our planet and what you can do to help, the better equipped you are to make positive changes. Here are some tips for how you can keep yourself and your team informed:
 *This post is based on content originally published at lumida.ca/blog. By Jess Blackwell  Even if you don’t run a restaurant or grocery store, all that lunchtime and snack-time food waste add up. Here are some tips for cutting back on your small business’ food waste:
Again, every little change makes a difference, so don’t feel pressured to tackle too many items at once. *This post is based on content originally published at lumida.ca/blog.
By Jess Blackwell  We know—having bottled water on hand is super convenient for both you and your customers. However, there are likely ways for you to reduce or eliminate your reliance on plastic, single-use bottles of water. For example:
*This post is based on content originally published at lumida.ca/blog.
By Katelyn Marie Poyntz  Want to save a bit of money while doing a favour for our environment?
Stop buying these five things: 1. Paper towels Old clothes cut into squares do just as good a job cleaning up messes, and you can wash and reuse them. Also, did you know that a scrunched-up newspaper is the best way to clean mirrors and windows? 2. Cleaning rags Clothes that are no longer good for wearing make great cleaning and polishing rags! C otton and flannel fabrics typically work the best, and old towels make for good scrubbers. Just cut them into squares, and you’re ready to go! 3. Painting drop sheets Going to make a mess? Whether you’re crafting, painting, or renovating, save those old sheets and use them to cover and protect your work area. 4. Storage containers Do you buy peanut butter, pasta sauce, or other things that come in jars? Save those jars and reuse them for all sorts of storage. Plastic containers work well for nails, screws, or other knickknacks, such as sewing buttons, while glass jars are great for storing shelf-stable foods such as grains, dried beans, and pasta. 5. Organic (green) bin liners Compostable green bin liners are not only expensive but the City of Toronto doesn’t accept them in the green bin! So you can stop buying them immediately. Instead, save and use things such as frozen veggie bags, milk bags, paper bags, or cereal liners. So what will you stop buying to start saving? By Jess Blackwell  Going on “coffee runs” has been a long-lasting office and workplace tradition for some pretty legit reasons:
However, if you’re grabbing one or two disposable coffee cups in a day, that can really add up. So, next time you and your coworkers have a hankering for that afternoon coffee, consider some of these tips:
Regardless of which of these tips you choose to implement, every change is a step in the right direction. *This post is based on content originally published at lumida.ca/blog.
By Katelyn Marie Poyntz  In previous weeks, we talked about the carbon footprint of foods, but what about the footprint of consuming it?
It’s all about the heat you use, which takes energy to create. The raw food movement would win the carbon battle, but here are some tips to reduce your carbon footprint while still having a warm meal:
By Jess Blackwell  Regardless of whether you operate a service-based office or a product-based storefront or restaurant, chances are that there are steps you can take to reduce your paper waste. For example:
If you think it would be possible to implement multiple ways of reducing paper waste, you may still find it’s easier for you and your staff (and your customers) to adapt by making one change at a time. Alternatively, if you feel comfortable, go ahead and make multiple changes at once, and, where possible, try to give your customers and staff some notice about the upcoming changes. This will give you time to address any questions or concerns and prepare everyone for a more sustainable workplace. *This post is based on content originally published at lumida.ca/blog.
By Katelyn Marie Poyntz This week, we cover the infamous duel between meat and veggies! In short, yes, a single steak has a higher carbon footprint than produce. In fact, a single six-oz steak is like eating 38 bananas or 22,000 lbs of carrots! However, you would only need to chow down on three oranges or a container of out-of-season strawberries to match a steak. So, if you eat a tonne of fruit and veggies out of season, it can still add up! Check out the table below to see how some other proteins stack up against steak.  Fish is a great alternative to beef, with a single serving coming in at half the carbon footprint of a single egg. But be aware that there are challenges with the sustainability of fish farming, so it’s important to educate yourself on that first. *This post is based on content originally posted on Wylderr.
By Jess Blackwell  Instead of using liquid hand soaps and hand soap refills that come in plastic bottles or bags, you can consider some of the following lower-waste swaps:
Stores like Saponetti allow you to order hand soaps, dish soaps, and other cleaners and household items in bulk. Better yet, they allow you to collect your refills in glass jars, reducing plastic waste. They also deliver! Bare Market also offers refills for liquid dish soap, which you can collect in your own glass jars. And, of course, there are other similar refill spots throughout the city, so feel free to check with your local low-waste or eco-conscious shop to see what they have in stock! *This post is based on content originally published at lumida.ca/blog.
By Lisa McNair  Think about it: If waste is not created in the first place, there's much less of an environmental impact.
To maximize your waste reduction efforts, try the following:
If you have items you need to donate, visit toronto.ca/reuseit for a list of organizations that will take clothing, books, toys, bikes, electronics, furniture, housewares, and appliances in good condition. You can also donate your new and used items (in any condition, as long as they're not wet or smelly) at our next REmarket event, currently scheduled for June 14 and 15, 2023! 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.
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