National Waste Reduction Week is an opportunity for British Columbians to work together on reducing waste and conserving resources.
Across the country, from Oct. 19 to 25, schools, businesses, governments, and individuals are challenged to change their habits to help reduce waste, according to a press release from the Recycling Council of British Columbia.
B.C. is setting the pace across the country for waste reduction. It's leading the way on take-back programs, focusing on organics diversion, and now trending towards a circular economy, said Brock Macdonald chief executive officer of the council, in the statement.
Waste Reduction Week is a campaign that asks British Columbians to rethink what they buy, and instead explore the sharing economy opportunities in their community; for example, borrowing a fishing pole, renting a dress or visiting a seed library. Residents are encouraged to rethink the norm, and reconsider what they individually dispose of and where they can make a difference, he says.
Waste Reduction Week is intended to inspire British Columbians to take action and reduce waste in their own creative and successful ways. For example, several schools are challenging students to significantly reduce their waste; community groups are hosting free swaps or garage sales; and a housing co-op is hosting an environmentally-themed movie night with free pizza and a waste reduction information booth.
It's wonderful to see communities and groups come together to initiate real change, said B.C.'s Minister of Environment Mary Polak, in the release. These actions show that Zero Waste remains a priority for British Columbians.
Waste Reduction Week is a wonderful opportunity for all British Columbians to make simple changes in their lives. Some of these actions could include buying in bulk to reduce packaging or reinventing leftovers before they go bad to reduce food waste. Or try DIY like making your own bread or laundry soap as it reduces packaging, and saves both the environment and money, says Macdonald. As Canadians we already understand the importance of a healthy environment, but sometimes we forget that our everyday actions are a statement of those beliefs. Small changes can gain big results, he adds.
All community members are welcomed to get involved by visiting the Recycling Council of B.C.'s Waste Reduction Week website: rcbc.ca/events/waste-reduction-week. To view registered events and community proclamations, visit the National Waste Reduction Week website at wrwcanada.com/register.
Waste Reduction Week in Canada is organized by a coalition of non-governmental, non-profit groups and government organizations from each of the 13 provinces and territories across Canada.
