Waste Reduction Week in Canada

Groups and individuals from across Canada were focused on rethinking, reusing and recycling during Waste Reduction Week, which took place across the country from October 15th to 21st.  

Waste Reduction Week in Canada calls on Canadians to rethink how they consume and what they throw away. Schools, businesses, governments and individuals who get involved do whatever they can to change their habits and reduce their wastes.  

"Each Canadian throws out about 1,670 lbs. or the weight of over 8 adult men every year, and communities are struggling to find ways to dispose of that waste—much more than other countries of Canada's size and wealth," says Jo-Anne St. Godard, Spokesperson for Waste Reduction Week in Canada and Executive Director, Recycling Council of Ontario. "Waste Reduction Week is a campaign that asks Canadians to rethink what we buy, examine how we live and consider what we dispose of to landfill."  

Waste Reduction Week inspires Canadians to take action and reduce their wastes in their own creative and effective ways. For example, schools hold waste-free lunches; communities conduct special recycling collection activities; and one organization even had a "Re-Funk Your Junk" contest. Waste Reduction Week's National Sponsor, Recycle My Cell, hosted a contest for Canadian schools and post-secondary institutions to collect and recycle as many old wireless devices as possible.  

"Waste Reduction Week is a perfect opportunity for all Canadians to make simple changes in their lives. Some of these actions could include refilling your morning coffee mug, refusing a shopping bag at the checkout, or buying in bulk to reduce packaging," says St. Godard. "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."  

All Canadians are welcomed to get involved by visiting the Waste Reduction Week in Canada website: www.wrwcanada.com. For all registered events and community proclamations, visit www.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.