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We’re all guilty of throwing away food, products, or other household items that we could have either given away, donated or otherwise repurposed. In 2024 alone, Statistics Canada reports 11.1 million tonnes of residential waste was generated across the country.
Saskatchewan was the highest in Western Canada with 320 kilograms, followed by Alberta with 278 kg, 207 kg in British Columbia, and 206 kg in Manitoba. Here are some tips to reduce your household waste!
- Buy only what you need by planning meals before shopping, making a grocery list and sticking to it, and avoiding impulse purchases that may go unused.
- Reduce food waste by storing food properly to keep it fresher longer, freeze leftovers before they spoil, and use older ingredients first.
- Choose reusable products like shopping bags, water bottles, coffee cups and food containers. You can also replace paper towels with reusable cloths and use rechargeable batteries instead of disposable ones.
- Buy products with less packaging by purchasing in bulk when practical. Choose products with recyclable or minimal packaging, and bring your own containers to bulk food stores if allowed.
- Repair, reuse and donate items whenever possible. Repair clothing, furniture, and appliances instead of replacing them, donate usable items instead of throwing them away, and repurpose jars, boxes, and containers for storage.
- Avoiding single-use plastics can also go a long way for reducing household waste. Use reusable straws, cutlery, and lunch containers, avoid using paper or Styrofoam plates, and switch to refillable soap and cleaning products when available.
A little can mean a lot when it comes down to diverting waste from the landfill.
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Photo Credit: ID 29628075 © Skypixel | Dreamstime.com
