Winnipeg, MB – Today is the start of Waste Reduction Week across Canada, and to mark the occasion, the City of Winnipeg is reminding residents of steps they can take at home to reduce their impact on the environment.
“We have made a lot of progress over the past 10 years in terms of lowering the share of our waste that goes into the landfill,” said Brian Mayes, Chairperson of the Standing Policy Committee on Water and Waste, Riverbank Management and the Environment. “We need to keep that momentum and to keep revising our habits. My goal over the next 12 months is to start composting to help do my part.”
When waste breaks down over time, it creates harmful greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change. Winnipeggers can help reduce the amount of waste that ends up in the landfill by taking the following steps year-round:
- Rethink your waste by reducing what you buy, reusing and repairing what you have, and recycling what you can.
- Reduce the amount of textiles going to waste by purchasing quality clothing, thrift shopping, repairing old clothes, and donating clothes you no longer want.
- Buy refurbished electronics and repair old electronics when possible to help to reduce electronic waste. When it’s time to get rid of old electronics, consider donating them if they still work or recycle them for free at any 4R Winnipeg Depot.
- Reduce your plastic footprint by choosing reusable items, and less excessive or recyclable packaging. Reuse any plastic grocery bags you have or bring them back to one of many retailers that recycle them.
- Reduce the amount of food that goes to waste by buying only what you need, eating what you buy, refrigerating or freezing leftovers, and composting food scraps.
- Use up all hazardous household chemicals instead of disposing them. If you need to dispose of hazardous household chemicals, you can safely do so by dropping them off in their original container at any 4R Winnipeg Depot for free.
- Reduce the amount of waste you create by changing your shopping habits and choosing retailers that offer to take back products after use, have recycling programs, or sell used items.
For more information on the City of Winnipeg’s Climate Action Plan, visit: climateactionplan.