Waste Reduction Week is a great time for parents to help their children make a difference. Encouraging your child to "teach" your family different ways of reducing waste is a great way to reinforce school and classroom practices.
There are many different things that families can do together to support waste-free living. Here are some examples of what you and your children can practice at home or while shopping:
Encourage your school to register as an EcoSchool! They can register for FREE.
Find out “what goes where” for residents of York Region and take advantage of the York Region Bindicator tool.
Commit to reducing food and food-related waste by packing waste-free lunches using reusable containers, cutlery, and water bottles
Pack lunches in servings that will be completely eaten
Encourage meetings and catering options that reduce food and food-related waste
Post a "No Flyers" notice on your door or your mailbox
Take along your own reusable bags when shopping
Take along refillable mugs or cups when purchasing drinks
Read newspapers and magazines on-line
Avoid buying products with excess packaging
Have a garage sale and sell items that can be easily reused or repaired
Find a York Region reuse donation and community drop-off centre in your area which will accept items no longer being used, such as clothing/textiles, houseware, books
Sell unused items on-line using buy-and-sell sites
There are many activities that our classrooms and school buildings will be engaged in to promote waste reduction. Why not ask your child to share with you all the different ways their class and their school is reducing waste?
Get involved to show Canada, and the world, that you and your family are part of the waste reduction solution!