Earth Day 2018 – End Plastic Pollution Countdown to April 22

From poisoning and injuring marine life to disrupting human hormones, from littering our beaches and landscapes to clogging our waste streams and landfills, the exponential growth of plastics is now threatening the survival of our planet.

What can we do to cut down on plastic waste?

• Reuse – Use canvas bags to grocery shop, buy a reusable water bottle, donate your old clothes or have a clothing swap, donate your old furniture and appliances
• Reduce – What can I do differently? Can I use something else? Do I really need a straw?
• Refuse – What can I refuse? ie plastic bags, water bottles, straws, excessive plastic wrapped food
• Recycle – What can be recycled in Toronto: Check Waste Wizard
  • Rinse clean. Remove food, liquids, contents before recycling.
  • Put items in loose and not bagged.
  • Put shredded paper in a clear plastic bag.
  • Separate plastic bags/over-wrap from newspapers, flyers, magazines, water/soft drink cases. Recycle separately.
  • Not all items with a recycling symbol are accepted in Toronto’s Blue Bin recycling program.
  • Remove – Volunteer to clean up plastic in your city. Remove it from the sidewalk or from your yard.

To make an impact make a plan using the 5R’s. This will help our planet grow in a healthy direction and build better futures for our families.