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By Fatima Abidi  A soiled pizza box, a broken glass jar, an old charger. The one factor that ties these items together is that they are examples of commonly “wishcycled” products. “Wishcycling” is the practice of placing items in the recycling bin and hoping they will be recycled, without having evidence to believe that this is the case. Oftentimes, these objects — and objects they come into contact with — end up in landfills, which is the last place the person intended for them to go. Although wishcycling is usually done with good intentions, incorrectly recycling items can cause contamination in the recycling system and cost money, time, and effort to combat its resulting effects. Due to recycling’s popular reputation, many people believe that it is an easy and accessible way to practice sustainability, and so it’s become commonplace to assume that most objects can be reprocessed through curbside pickup. Unfortunately, this isn’t actually the case. Additionally, the fact that each municipality differs in what it accepts can cause confusion when people try to figure out what object belongs in which bin. What kinds of items are wishcycled? A broad range of items — everything from electronics to clothes and other household items — can follow the same fate of being wishcycled. The most common items include:
Plastics tend to be the greatest offenders, as they’re often misleadingly labeled as recyclable, making it hard to discern whether they will actually be accepted or not. It is important to remember that items marked as “recyclable” are only recyclable in theory — somewhere in the world — and may not be accepted for recycling in your area. A 2022 report by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) stated that, “Only around 9 percent of all the plastic waste generated globally is recycled” (OECD, 2022). Despite the well-meaning intentions behind wishcycling, a very small portion of plastics are actually reprocessed, and the contamination caused by wishcycling can lead to a decrease in recycling rates. Wishcyling jeopardizes the recycling process by causing contamination You may have heard the saying, “A bad apple spoils the whole bunch.” This is especially true of the recycling process. Incorrectly placing items in the recycling bin can result in more trash making its way to landfills through contamination and can put workers at risk as they sort and pick out non-recyclables. The highest contamination rates in Canada occur in Toronto and Edmonton, where around 25% of items that are sent to be recycled are contaminated (Chung, 2018). This places a significant financial strain on recycling infrastructure, as facilities still have to process the contaminated items, only to ultimately send them to landfills instead. Contamination can also lower the value of some materials and cause machine jams, both of which hinder the cost of the recycling from being offset. Jim McKay, general manager of waste management services for the City of Toronto, estimates that $600,000 to $1 million a year could be saved with each percentage point decrease in Toronto’s contamination rate (Chung, 2018). So, by sorting our items properly and doing our part to prevent contamination, we can benefit the environment, keep waste management workers safe, and free up city funding to be used for other pressing matters. What can we do to prevent wishcycling? The first step to reducing wishcycling is becoming aware of what can and cannot be recycled in your municipal waste system. Because each city has exceptions and differences in what they accept, it’s best to research what items are acceptable to be recycled in your area to make sure you’re utilizing the recycling system to the best of its ability. For example, the City of Toronto has a handy tool called the Waste Wizard. This tool can be used to quickly determine where to place items you would like to dispose of. While you should reference your city’s guidelines, here are some examples of how to properly dispose of commonly wishcycled items:
Wishycling in the donation context Another type of wishcycling occurs in the donation context, when items that aren’t suitable to be given away for reuse are donated. This places the burden of disposing of the items onto donation centers and their workers and leads to donation centers being at capacity with items that cannot be reused — items that ultimately end up in landfills. This is a commonly reported issue among donation centers. For example, Sean Shannon, the CEO of National Diabetes Trust, reported that “Both well-intentioned but misinformed donors, as well as clearly some bad actors, have been using bins like ours as basically dumping grounds” (Jones, 2020). The topic of donation is a complex one, as we must consider: in what situations might our well-intentioned generosity have negative implications? But a good starting point is to be more thoughtful when choosing which items to donate. Some ways to reduce the negative impacts of over-donating and donating inappropriate items include:
For a full list of what is accepted at the SLNA-WRG’s REmarket event, be sure to check out the REmarket Rules & Guidelines page. We must all recognize that unusable items should not be donated and should instead be recycled or placed in the garbage bin, depending on what the item is. Summary While wish-cycling itself often stems from harmless intentions to reduce extra waste from being sent to landfills, incorrectly placing items in the recycling or in donation bins can have a plethora of negative consequences for the receiving facilities and the process as a whole. Becoming aware of and following recycling guidelines and restrictions can support an already weakened system.
Although recycling isn’t the perfect solution to the waste problem, correctly using recycling services can reduce the financial burden on these facilities, prevent unnecessary waste, and be a push for change in the right direction in regards to the way the world deals with waste. By Fatima Abidi  Periods are a normal part of life for much of the world’s population, with an estimated 800 million people menstruating on any given day. However, the waste generated during menstruation is rarely talked about, forming a bubble of miscommunication regarding its impact on the environment. The environmental impact of disposable menstrual products On average, a menstruating person will use somewhere between 5 and 15 thousand pads or tampons over the course of their lifetime (Borunda, 2019). Billions of tampons and pads that are discarded outlive their users by centuries. What impact do all these pads, tampons, and wrappers have on the environment, and why are we so secretive when it comes to dealing with this waste? How harmful narratives fuel single-use habits Menstruation has been a difficult topic of discussion throughout human history. Surrounded by shame and stigma, has been treated as something that should be hidden from the public and dealt with in private. This secrecy can even be seen in the earliest period products, which were branded and marketed for their ability to be discreet rather than their convenient use or function. All these attempts to hide menstruation led to the mainstream use of the easy-to-hide, disposable period products that have infiltrated our landfills. Of course, it is important to minimize the risk of bleeding through clothing for hygienic reasons, and many period products aim to minimize such leakage and prevent discomfort. However, many companies choose to achieve this by infusing their products with plastics and other synthetic materials. For example, menstrual pads are usually made up of 90% plastic, and many tampon brands also have an inner core made of plastic (Menstrual Products: A Comparable Life Cycle Assessment, 2022). Some tampons also include a thin layer of polyethylene and polypropylene to help with absorption. These materials are incorporated into every part of the product, making it hard to distinguish exactly how much plastic is in one product. It doesn’t help that companies aren’t required to disclose the full ingredients list on their packaging, leaving customers unaware and potentially at risk of harm from the contents within. Single-use period products have a huge environmental footprint Additionally, the whole life cycle of pads and tampons — including their creation, packaging, and distribution — often requires an excessive amount of energy, water, and other resources. The non-biodegradable nature of these products results in almost 200,000 tonnes of waste being produced every year (Fawcett-Atkinson, 2023). The power of our actions in driving change To enact change, we must start to pressure companies to hold themselves accountable for the unnecessary and behind-the-scenes waste they produce. One such example of successful advocacy was carried out by British environmental activist Ella Daish, who influenced multiple UK period product manufacturing companies to remove or alter the plastic applicators within their products. Demanding action from companies is crucial for the bigger picture, as sustainable options should be accessible and available for everyone to use. Sustainable alternatives to single-use menstrual products Some personal hygiene companies now offer compostable and reusable menstrual products, such as reusable cloth pads, period underwear, and menstrual cups. This allows both companies and product users to reduce their environmental footprint and, in many cases, save money.  Menstrual cups Having recently gained more popularity, menstrual cups are a great option for those who don’t enjoy the experience of pads or tampons but are looking to reduce their plastic waste footprint. According to an analysis done in 2019, “the usage of menstrual cups over 10 years created only 0.4% of the plastic waste of disposable pads and 6% of that of tampons” (Notman, 2021). Menstrual cups significantly reduce opportunities for leaking and are wearable for much longer than pads or tampons. Additionally, cups are cheaper in the long run, making them good alternatives to single-use plastics in areas where period poverty prevents people from being able to access traditional hygiene products. The overall life cycle of menstrual cups in regards to their water usage, greenhouse gas emissions, resource/land use, and other factors produce an environmental impact that is 99% lower than their disposable counterparts (Cleaner Environmental Systems, 2022).
Period Underwear and Reusable Pads Menstrual cups don’t work for you? No problem! Two other great alternatives include reusable pads and period underwear. Reusable pads are fastenable absorbent pads that can be washed and reused after cycles. The absorbent part of the pad is usually composed of cotton, bamboo, hemp, or synthetic materials. They can last three to five years, preventing hundreds of disposable items from ending up in landfills. Period underwear functions similarly to regular underwear but also contains a fabric that traps blood and prevents leaking. It can be made of synthetic or natural fibers and can last around two years. While these products have an environmental footprint due the water and detergent required for maintenance and cleaning, they still reduce the waste associated with the packaging and plastics within disposable products. These underwear come in many styles, colors, and fits, presenting an inclusive option that can be customized to suit each wearer's personal tastes. Even the occasional use of these products can compound and reduce the amount of disposables that end up in landfills. Let’s keep the discussion going While there are many facets involved in the issue of menstrual waste and its impact on the environment, offering a wide range of sustainable, healthy, and affordable menstrual products allows people to make more conscious decisions about their health and well-being. It also provides more autonomy and dignity to those who are unable to access traditional period products. Pressuring large companies to modify and acknowledge the non-biodegradable materials present in their products also makes these corporations accountable for reducing their plastic waste and creating products that don’t have a negative impact on the planet or our bodies. By bringing the issue of sustainable menstruation out into the open and offering reusable menstrual products that prioritize well-being over discretion, we can challenge harmful attitudes and myths that can make menstruating people feel stigmatized and alone. After all, menstruation has been around for so much longer than the social taboos and disposable products that people currently associate with them. It’s up to us to make the future of periods a positive one for both society and the environment. Edited by Lumida Editing & Proofreading
Preserving the Halloween spirit and the planet: Sustainable costumes, decorations, and treats10/18/2023
By Mythreyi Rajasingham  Photo of a person holding a pumpkin. Photo by Pexels, via Pixabay. As the spooktacular season of Halloween approaches, front yards come to life with the warm glow of pumpkins, jack o’lanterns, and skeletons, while store aisles overflow with an abundance of confectionery delights. Regrettably, these celebratory traditions come with a gloomy downside. From plastic candy wrappers to flimsy decorations and costumes, Halloween generates a substantial amount of waste that can be difficult to recycle. While we should never dampen the Halloween spirit, we can still explore ways to continue celebrating this haunting holiday while safeguarding the future of our planet, avoiding any ominous twists in our story. Ghoulishly green costume ideas One of the most memorable aspects of Halloween is the rare opportunity to become anyone or anything your heart desires, with an infinite array of choices at your fingertips. You can transform into a beloved movie character, embody a well-known Halloween icon, or even take on the persona of everyday objects, like a pizza slice. However, one downside of this tradition is that it has a huge carbon footprint, since most of the costumes people buy are sourced from the fast fashion industry and tend to be of poor quality (Robertson, 2021). These unsustainable materials have a short lifespan, preventing people from reusing them, and ultimately, can find their way into the trash, contributing to the pollution of our landfills. To prevent this waste buildup, consider reaching out to friends and family to ask about borrowing their costumes or recycling your own from previous Halloweens. Should you find the time and desire to embrace your creative side, consider upcycling one of these costumes into a fresh and special creation of your own. For instance, you can use old clothing you no longer need or materials found around the house to transform your costume, which can significantly reduce unnecessary plastic waste from new costumes. Enchanting eco-friendly decorations Halloween decorations range from elaborate outdoor displays that consume a lot of electricity to the more straightforward and traditional pumpkins atop kitchen counters. But despite their differences, both options can contribute to excess waste. Consider purchasing more traditional decorations, like Halloween pumpkins, from local growers or farmers’ markets to reduce the energy spent on transportation. After enjoying the aesthetic aspects of your pumpkins, you can maximize their use by saving the seeds and flesh for recipes like pumpkin soup. Additionally, you can reduce waste by composting your pumpkins or donating them to local community gardens and animal shelters (Robertson, 2021). When it comes to outdoor decorations, such as plastic skeletons and tombstones, you can embrace a sustainable approach by crafting them yourself from recyclable materials like cardboard, which you can repurpose from old Amazon boxes or other sources within your home. Alternatively, you can explore more do-it-yourself (DIY) ideas, such as crafting ghosts from old sheets or fashioning reusable spider webs from yarn. To take it a step further, make sure to store these DIY creations in a designated box, preserving them for use during the next Halloween season. Lastly, if you prefer purchasing your decorations, consider choosing items that are not only reusable but also of high quality, that way they can be used in the years to come. For products like candles, it’s advisable to opt for soy-based or beeswax candles because paraffin-based ones can emit toxins and soot. Spooky sustainable treats While costumes and decorations are relatively easy to upcycle and reuse, candies and chocolates pose a different kind of challenge because they can expire. In 2021, the National Retail Federation projected a Halloween candy spending of approximately $10.1 billion (Social, 2021). While the consumption of candy and chocolates surges during the Halloween season, these tasty treats are beloved throughout the year. To kickstart a sustainable Halloween, it’s important to understand what candy is made of, where these ingredients come from, and what impact it has on the environment and its people. Two of the most concerning ingredients found in candy and chocolate products are cocoa and palm oil, which are often sourced from low-income countries. West Africa accounts for 70% of the world’s cocoa production, while Indonesia and Malaysia together host 90% of the world’s palm oil trees (Chiu, 2022). The production and extraction of cocoa and palm oil in these regions results in deforestation of local rainforests, leading to risks for both the climate and biodiversity of these nations. These processes are also associated with severe human rights violations, such as forced and child labour. Although prominent chocolate manufacturers like Mars, Nestle, and Hershey have promised to stop using cocoa harvested by children, tracing cocoa back to its origins to verify these claims remains challenging. As a result, the recommended approach is to steer clear of products containing palm oil by carefully inspecting labels before making your purchases. Some brands that already exclude palm oil include Reese’s original peanut butter cups, plain M&Ms (but avoid Peanut M&Ms), and Hershey’s Kisses (excluding Hershey’s Hugs). Rather than boycotting chocolate altogether, you can opt for responsibly sourced chocolates by seeking out third-party certification labels from organizations like Fairtrade and Rainforest Alliance. While it’s important to note that these labels do not guarantee a flawless product, they serve as a useful starting point. One helpful website for finding responsibly sourced chocolates is The Chocolate Scorecard. Beyond the sourcing of these candies and chocolates, another environmental concern revolves around their wrappers, which are usually made of plastic and aluminum. One approach is to purchase candies in bulk and wrap them using recyclable materials like paper bags, making sure to wear gloves and maintain cleanliness to address any health worries. Alternatively, you can skip edible treats altogether and consider items like pencils, homemade multicoloured crayons, and even seeds for children to start planting early. If you live in the Toronto area, you can also check out local low-waste stores, such as Bare Market and Unboxed Market, that offer eco-conscious Halloween treats and gift options. Harvesting Halloween sustainability: In conclusion This Halloween, as we indulge in our favorite traditions, let’s also take a moment to reflect on their socio-environmental impacts. From the sourcing of ingredients to the disposal of wrappers, our choices matter. By being mindful of what we consume, embracing sustainability in our decorations and costumes, and selecting responsibly sourced treats, we can celebrate Halloween while preserving the planet. This article was edited by Lumida Editing & Proofreading
By Cynthia Wan  While there is consensus that discarded cigarette butts are a serious cause of litter and a nuisance to pick up, we seem to remain distant from the substantial pollution and damage they cause. Littered cigarette butts, which are one of the top single-use plastics, unleash toxic chemicals that severely impact our land and water as well as the health of living organisms. While Environment and Climate Change Canada and Health Canada recognize butts as the most frequently found microplastics in aquatic environments, cigarette filters are not included as part of the government’s commendable goal to reach zero plastic waste in Canada by 2030. In an effort to address the issues of pollution, chemical leaching, and microplastics, the St. Lawrence Neighbourhood Association Waste Reduction Group (SLNA-WRG) has partnered with the waste management company TerraCycle and members of the St. Lawrence Market Business Improvement Area to pilot a cigarette butt–recycling project. This initiative involves the installation and servicing of 24 free butt receptacles outside of interested local food-based businesses. Due to the prominent locations of the receptacles, community members are able to easily access these collection points and deposit their cigarette butts in real time. Rather than simply being sent to a landfill, the collected butts are then recycled by TerraCycle to lessen the negative environmental and health issues they create.
Cigarette butts are actually the most abundant form of plastic waste in the world, with about 4.5 trillion individual butts polluting our global environment. As the most littered item on earth, they produce an estimated 1.69 billion pounds of toxic garbage each year. In a recent issue of Environment International, Lucia et al. (2023) call these discarded butts “an environmental hazard for aquatic organisms” because “they contain more than 5,000 chemicals such as nicotine, metals, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.” Among these, “at least 150 compounds are considered highly toxic, mainly because of their carcinogenic and mutagenic potential,” the authors warn. The problem is not limited to the ingredients in cigarette tobacco. Almost all of the 6 trillion cigarettes sold globally have plastic filters made with cellulose acetate, which degrades poorly, as the Bulletin of the World Health Organization pointed out in its October 2022 issue. According to the city’s latest Litter Audit of Toronto, cigarette butts are the second most identifiable littered item after chewing gum, which account for 18.1% and 22.5% of all small litter, respectively. This is despite the fact that there are 10,300 litter bins throughout Toronto’s streets with receptacles for garbage, recycling, and cigarette butts. However, the butts collected in this manner go to landfill and are not recycled. This is not ideal, as the landfill itself then becomes a source of chemical leaching and spreads plastic waste. The St. Lawrence Neighbourhood, as a community, is well positioned to tackle this global issue by changing people’s attitudes and behaviours regarding cigarette butt–littering. By installing recycling receptacles outside their establishments, the participating food and beverage operators are helping to reduce the cigarette waste on our main streets and raising awareness about this important issue. The response from the community’s food-based businesses has been very positive, as can be seen by the growing number of receptacles throughout the St. Lawrence Neighbourhood. The SLNA-WRG encourages all residents and visitors to the St. Lawrence area to keep an eye out for these new receptacles and, whenever possible, make use of them. Placing your cigarette butts in these new receptacles is a small step you can take to reduce your environmental footprint while keeping your environment and fellow community members healthy and safe! A full list of the participating businesses and receptacle locations can be found here. Founded in 2019, the SLNA-WRG’s objective is to help residents in the St. Lawrence Neighbourhood change their consumption patterns to reduce waste and positively impact climate change. If you are interested in participating or hearing about our current initiatives, you can contact us at [email protected]. This post was edited by Lumida Editing & Proofreading
By Mythreyi Rajasingham  Photo of backpack filled with school supplies. Photo by vimbroisi, via Pixabay. It’s that time of year again—the time for back-to-school shopping, when students search for the perfect supplies to help them through the academic year ahead. While the thought of returning to school can feel intimidating and occasionally unpleasant, the tradition of back-to-school shopping has solidified its place in most students’ lives as something exciting. Yet, what frequently goes unmentioned is the amount of school supplies that end up in the trash. For instance, around 580,000 tonnes of books, including textbooks and notebooks, are disposed of each year (CBC, 2020). This amounts to hundreds of millions of usable books being wasted (Dcunha, 2022). Rather than overspending on school supplies only to see them go to waste, you can REuse, REduce, and REcycle for a heftier wallet and a healthier planet. REuse Reusing old school supplies is a straightforward approach to both reducing waste and saving money. Items like backpacks and locks, which are considered long-term supplies, can serve well for four years or longer depending on their quality and how well they are maintained. To make the most of this strategy, take some time to look around your home and gather any school supplies, from pens and pencils to journals and folders, that you have collected over the years. This way, you will have lots of options to pick from when choosing what to use for the upcoming school year. After you have decided which school supplies to reuse, consider repairing ones that are broken or damaged, and give them a good cleaning if they are dirty. For example, if your old backpack has a wonky zipper or a loose strap, you can try to fix these issues yourself, have them addressed by a local repair cafe, or bring them to a local tailor. You can often restore old items to a like-new condition with a little bit of time and effort. This approach not only makes your supplies feel new again but also helps the environment a lot. By using your old school supplies again, you are reducing the demand for new products, which lead to waste and pollution via their production and transportation processes (Minos, 2022). REduce While reusing school supplies is a great approach to lowering your carbon footprint, you might find that a few items are in short supply at home and need to be bought from stores. In such cases, it is perfectly fine to buy new items when necessary, but it is recommended that you prioritise quality over quantity. For example, when faced with a choice between a 20-pack of fragile mechanical pencils and a 5-pack of sturdy ones, go for the 5-pack. A well-made mechanical pencil lasts longer than a flimsy one, and when it is time to discard them, there will be less waste because you have bought fewer items. Another suggested approach is to buy second-hand supplies from friends and family, platforms like Facebook Marketplace and Karrot, or local thrift stores (Astoul, 2023). You can also rely on totally free markets (like the WRG’s FreeMarket event) and local swaps to obtain these items. And if you have any usable school supplies that you want to discard, consider selling or donating them to those who could use them. For example, did you know that the WRG accepts working stationery items and school supplies at REmarket? Lastly, to cut down on both household clutter and waste, choose reusable items over disposable single-use ones. For example, instead of using single-use plastic snack bags or water bottles, opt for containers that can be washed and reused for many years. By following these suggestions, you can buy school supplies at a more affordable cost, make long-term savings by choosing reusable options, and have a more eco-friendly household. REcycle In addition to reusing old school supplies and reducing the amount of new ones you buy, you can also recycle your old supplies when they can no longer be used and opt for new ones made from recycled materials. For example, Staples Canada accepts used pens, markers, and toner cartridges for recycling in many of its stores. In partnership with Staples, the WRG also accepts these items for recycling at its triennial REmarket event. Similarly, if you find yourself needing a new backpack because your old one is damaged and cannot be fixed, look for bags that are made from recycled materials, such as plastic bottles, or those that come with lifetime warranties. While the American brand Terra Threads offers backpacks made from recycled materials, the Swedish brand Fjällräven provides backpacks with life-time warranties (DiBenedetto, 2022). However, it is important to know that some companies engage in a practice called greenwashing, where they falsely advertise their products as sustainable so that they can sell them for a higher price. One strategy to help you avoid buying items that have been greenwashed involves using the platform Good On You. This website allows you to research brands and assess their impact on the environment, labourers, and animals. Take the brand Herschel Supply Co. as an example. Good On You rates the brand as “not good enough” because its products are reported to include harmful chemicals, and it has failed to openly share essential details about its worker protection policies. With the Good On You platform, you can avoid brands that greenwash and make thoughtful back-to-school purchases that are good for the environment and those living in it. Summary With the back-to-school season prompting students to search for new supplies, it is important to give equal attention to waste reduction. By adopting the three REs mentioned in this article—REuse, REduce, and REcycle—a more sustainable approach can be taken. Reusing old supplies cuts down waste and expenses, focusing on quality over quantity reduces environmental impact, and considering recycled options and avoiding ‘greenwashing’ aligns choices with sustainability. This marks a new era of conscious back-to-school shopping—one that celebrates mindful choices, sustainability, and a brighter future for all! This article was edited by Lumida Editing & Proofreading
By Jess Blackwell and Julia Hernández Malagón 1. What the WRG is and what we do The WRG is a highly active non-profit group operating in downtown Toronto, and our events and other initiatives focus on raising environmental awareness and reducing waste in our local communities. To this end, we host a triennial event called REmarket, which encourages community members to rethink their consumption and disposal habits while promoting a circular, equitable, accessible economy in which all individuals are empowered. At this event, we collect post-consumer items for donation, run a totally free market (called FreeMarket), repair common household items and bikes (with the help of organizations such as Repair Cafe Toronto and CultureLink Bike Hub), raise awareness about waste reduction and other environmental concerns, and collect difficult-to-recycle items. We also run initiatives such as St. Lawrence Reduces, which encourages local businesses to join the bring-your-own (BYO) container movement, and our cigarette-waste-recycling program in partnership with Terracycle.
2. Our team We currently have around 30 volunteer team members, each with different roles and interests. Because we do not receive any formal funding to support our operations, we rely entirely on the skills and generosity of our ever-growing team of volunteers. We are proud of the diversity, passion, and unique skills our team offers, and we are always looking for new recruits to join our team and help us make Toronto a better, more sustainable place to live. 3. The benefits of volunteering with us Lead a more sustainable lifestyle and help others do the same Whether you are already leading a sustainable lifestyle and want to get more involved, or are just getting started and want to learn more about sustainable practices, the WRG is a great place for you. The group is made up of a friendly, fun, diverse group of people united by a common mission: reducing waste in our local communities. Widen your social network Volunteering with the WRG is a great opportunity to make meaningful connections, share ideas, and exchange information about events and interesting activities. The diversity of the group helps generate different perspectives and points of view. For those who are new to Canada, it can be a great way to get more involved in the community. Upskill and try new things For example, are you interested in practicing your writing skills? Your graphic design skills? Volunteering is a great opportunity to upskill or develop new skills, as well as try new things that might help you in your professional or personal journey. The WRG offers a wide variety of positions depending on your interests and skills, and many of our members have been able to widen their professional networks as a result of working with us. 4. The volunteer positions and opportunities we offer So what does it mean to be a volunteer with the WRG, and how can I get involved? Positions We offer a variety of volunteer opportunities, including the following positions: General volunteer: Contribute to as many of our initiatives as you would like to by actively participating in our Zoom meetings, voting process, and individual initiatives. In-person REmarket volunteer: Contribute to the success of our REmarket event by helping us greet guests, accept and sort donations, run the FreeMarket, manage the recycling table, and take photos and videos of the event. Marketing team volunteer: Contribute to our marketing efforts by helping us create Instagram content, design online posts, design print posters and others ads, write blog articles, or manage our social media channels. St. Lawrence Reduces volunteer: Canvas local businesses to encourage them to join the BYO movement and make their operations more sustainable. Time Commitment On average, our volunteers spend no more than 1–2 hours per week on their volunteer activities, although some of our team members generously donate more of their time as they are able to. Members vs. Contributors To maximize the flexibility we offer our volunteers, the WRG distinguishes between volunteer members and volunteer contributors. Members are required to join the group’s electronic mailing list, consistently and actively participate in the group’s Zoom meetings, and contribute to initiatives in whatever way(s) they can. In exchange, members have the right to vote on important group issues. Contributors do not have the same general responsibilities as members and usually contribute to initiatives in very specific ways, such as by designing Instagram posts or writing blog articles. However, contributors do not have the right to vote on important group issues. New team members are able to get involved with us in whichever capacity they prefer, and we strive to be as flexible as possible! 5. What it's like volunteering with us Volunteering with the WRG is a flexible commitment in terms of time and tasks. Most tasks can be done online, and the group only arranges meetings approximately once a month. In the group meetings, the group discusses its different initiatives, community feedback, potential opportunities for improvement, and future activities. On occasion, the group invites other organizations that might want to partner with the WRG or that share mutual goals or interests. These meetings are especially interesting, because you can learn a lot from the practices and initiatives of other organizations while sharing ideas with other people on the team. The best parts of volunteering can be different for everyone, but we find that seeing the impact of our actions is incredibly motivating. For example, it is inspiring to see the acceptance and usefulness of the work being done at REmarket and to experience how your skills can be put to good use and improved. 6. Ready to get involved? Volunteering with the WRG is a great opportunity to serve your community and help reduce waste. Contributing feels good, and it can also be beneficial for your personal and professional development, such as by helping you widen your social network, hone your skills, or gain new skills. Think this is the right volunteer opportunity for you? Email [email protected] for more information.  This article was edited by Lumida Editing & Proofreading. 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! 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. 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. |
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