Be an environmental activist at home and work by reducing what you consume, reusing materials and items to the greatest extent possible and recycling waste at every opportunity.
Packaging materials account for approximately 30 per cent of household waste and represent an easy opportunity for you to reduce consumption. Purchase cleaning products in concentrate form and dilute them with water in reusable containers. Avoid single-serving food products in favor of larger servings and buy other consumable products in bulk. Take your own reusable cloth bags to the store and send a message to manufacturers and retailers by making your choices based upon how environmentally friendly a product is packaged. Less packaging is better and none is the best.
Government studies show that over 20 per cent of our food is wasted because we buy and cook too much or we don’t use leftovers. Take a critical review of your food preparation and you will save money, reduce energy and chemicals used in food production and maybe realize a weight loss as an added bonus.
In many communities Habitat for Humanity operate a ReStore where donated used building supplies are sold to support their programs. There are many non-profit organizations that accept used clothing, furniture and toys that are recycled back into the community and for-profit organizations specializing in electronics, office equipment, tools and car parts that are resold. All of this activity helps the environment by encouraging reuse and avoiding the penalties associated with disposal and replacement.
Eventually items will need to be disposed of and recycling is the smart choice. Municipal services are usually available for paper, plastic, glass and cans. Commercial services will handle metals, tires, electronics and hazardous liquids while kitchen waste can be composed in your garden. Professional waste disposal companies will help get rid of your junk, construction waste or landscaping scrap by taking it to the appropriate sorting facility and minimizing the impact on landfill sites.
For further information on disposing of waste in an environmentally friendly manner in Vaughan and surrounding areas please contact Waste One Disposal Services Inc. at www.waste1.ca.