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Diane Devenyi endorsed 2014-06-24 22:05:30 -0400I already use reusable cups, bags, take out containers and cutlery so I decided to bring a reusable pouch to the bank rather than use one of their envelopes when I needed to get cash. The teller was really surprised!
Challenge 5 - Choose to Re-use
Choose to Re-Use!
It's the small things that add up. One coffee cup or one bottle of water doesn't seem like much. Now, think about how full a garbage can would be with 250 single use coffee cups, one for every work day in the year?
Now imagine if just 10% of Torontonians (250,000 people) used throw-away cups and water bottles: it would be a nightmare of unnecessary waste!
But if you choose reusables, like a refillable water bottle, or a travel mug, you can help eliminate this nightmare. You save money and you help the environment (bottled water costs so much more than tap water, and Toronto's tap water is some of the cleanest in the world).
Challenge:
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Get a refillable water bottle and reusable travel mug and commit to carrying them with you. Or, if you're having a coffee or tea at a cafe, ask them to put it in a reusable mug instead of a disposable cup.
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Snap a photo of yourself using your refillable water bottle or mug and share it with us below.
Take the extra step:
Endorse
If you already carry a mug and water bottle, choose a reusable to replace another disposable product in your life - for example using lunch containers instead of disposable bags, or carrying reusable cutlery to use when you get take-out food. Tell us about it and share a photo.
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Diane Devenyi endorsed 2014-06-24 22:02:34 -0400I am renovating my home and am reusing many materials, including previous kitchen cabinets, reclaimed wood from the ceiling, and today I bought a relatively new but used fridge rather than buy a new one.
Challenge 4 - Think Twice Before You Buy
Think Twice Before You Buy!
Did you know that you can help the environment and reduce waste by simply not buying something? By repairing, sharing, swapping or re-using things, you can avoid wasteful packaging and avoid sending more things to landfill - and you’ll probably save money.
We can buy less, share things, or buy second-hand things to reduce the waste impact of what we own.
This includes things like borrowing a book from the library, or sharing tools with a neighbour instead of buying your own. You can also buy second hand clothing or donate your old furniture to a charitable store.
Challenge:
- Instead of buying something new, reconsider it – borrow it from a friend, or rent it instead. Or, if you really need your own, buy it second hand. Share a photo and tell us about it!
- Instead of throwing out something you don’t use anymore, donate or sell it to someone who could use it. Tell us about it! The City of Toronto website lists local non-profit groups that accept donations of used goods.
Take the extra step:
Endorse
Repair it! Instead of tossing something out, get it repaired, or learn to maintain it yourself so it lasts longer. Mend your clothes, or get them altered by a tailor. Tell us about your repair adventure and snap a photo!
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Diane Devenyi endorsed 2014-06-24 22:00:15 -0400I have always read through the calendar every year and learned a lot form it. I posted a message on Facebook about coffee cups and sestet that people use the Waste Wizard.
Challenge 3 - Use Toronto's Trash Tools
Use Toronto’s Trash Tools
Did you know that in Toronto, more than half of what residents are putting into their garbage bag shouldn't be there? Much of what is put out as garbage can actually be recycled or composted.
There is a lot to learn about Toronto’s waste, and how we can reduce it.
The good news is that the City has a number of user-friendly tools to help you put your waste in the right place!
Challenge:
- Visit toronto.ca/wastewizard and bookmark the Waste Wizard, a simple online search tool to identify where to put your waste.
- The free City waste calendar lists waste collection days and each month features a number of tips on how to sort your waste - if you didn’t get one, order one now by calling 311 or send an email to [email protected] and ask for a Waste Calendar.
Tip: See "What Goes Where" on City of Toronto website for links to information on how to sort and set out your waste.
Take the extra step:
Endorse
If you already use the City tools above, share these links with a friend, or a family member.
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Diane Devenyi endorsed 2014-06-24 21:49:06 -0400My calculated amount is 3.1 cubic metres per year based on my bin size but my bin is never full and I don’t even put the bin out every garbage day.
Challenge 2 - Measure Your Waste
Knowing how much waste you produce will help you identify how it can be reduced!
- Use Tool #1 OR Tool #2 below to calculate the approximate garbage your household creates in a year.
- Enter your calculated household waste per year in the comment box below to complete the challenge.
Diane Devenyi
Founder of beingstalk, omni-portal for crowd-accelerated paradigm shifts. Anyone else want to be in charge for a change? We can squeeze in a few billion more