Celebrate Circular Economy Month: Building stronger, greener communities

A circular economy goes beyond the familiar 3Rs reduce, reuse, recycle. Consumers and producers can help reduce waste and protect our planet by creating, designing and repurposing products so materials stay in use longer. The City of Toronto is already making the shift. The City’s Reducing Single-Use program is helping limit disposable plastics. The Community Reduce & Reuse Programs is a great guide for residents to work as communities to reduce waste.

This year’s theme “A Stronger Community for All” highlights six key areas where we can all make a difference:

Construction

The Construction industry is one of the largest producers of solid waste. Choosing recycled materials and reusing building supplies helps reduce environmental impact.

Textiles

The rise in changing styles and lower prices has increased the production of textiles. Most new textiles use non-renewable materials. The rise of fast fashion has led to more clothing being thrown away than ever before.

To reduce waste:

• Buy items made from sustainable and reused materials
• Wear what you own more often
• Wash clothes less often and air-dry, when possible, to make your clothing last longer, and reduce the number of microfibers entering our waterways

Electronics

Electronic waste (e-waste) includes items like phones, printers, cameras, TVs, and more. The materials used in these products, if properly recycled, can be made into new products.

Instead of throwing them out:

• Use your electronics for as long as possible or donate them
• Drop them off at Community Environment Days from April to the end of September or Drop-Off Depot
• Never place electronics in the garbage or blue bin 

Plastics

Plastics are everywhere - but only a small portion ever get recycled.

To reduce plastic waste:

• Carry reusable water bottles, mugs, shopping bags, even reusable cutlery
• Choose products with less or recycled packaging
• Search for products that use recycled or Post-Consumer Resin (PCR) plastic

Food

Did you know 63 % of the food Canadians throw away could have been eaten? That amounts to a staggering 2.3 million tons of food wasted each year. Vegetables and fruit account for 45 % of this waste.

Reduce food waste by:

• Planning meals and grocery lists
• Properly storing fruits and vegetables to make them last longer
• Using organics bin for food scraps

Share, reuse, repair

Join local sharing or repair programs – like tool libraries or bike share, to reduce waste and build connections in your community.

This circular economy month, take small steps to live a more sustainable and low-waste lifestyle.

To learn more about conservation and waste management at TCHC, email conservation@torontohousing.ca.