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.
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.
- Protect the environment and the people around you by choosing reusable facemasks instead of single-use disposable masks, when possible. Simply wash your mask after each use with hot, soapy water and dry thoroughly. Please remember to follow the proper use of non-medical masks.
For more information on the City of Winnipeg’s Climate Action Plan, visit: winnipeg.ca/climateactionplan.