Plastic free July: be part of the solution
Join the movement to reduce plastic pollution
By following some simple steps, we can all make a good effort towards a plastic free environment.
July is a month dedicated to increasing awareness and reducing single-use plastic waste in various areas of our lives. You can do this at home, work, school, and even at local restaurants!
Plastic is found in nearly everything we use, including the device you're using to read this article. Despite its usefulness, a lot of plastic waste ends up in landfills because it’s non-recyclable or due to improper disposal.
According to Environment and Climate Change Canada, four million tons of plastic waste are discarded each year across the country, with only nine per cent being recycled. The remaining plastic ends up in landfills and the environment, where it pollutes parks, beaches, and streets.
A plastic bottle that is not recycled today will last for over 400 years. Discarded plastics harm wildlife and the natural environment, making our communities and green spaces unsightly and hazardous.
The five R's to reduce plastic waste
Toronto Community Housing encourages everyone to adopt the “5 R's” as a way to reflect on consumption habits and reduce environmental impact.
- Refuse: Say no to unnecessary items. For example, say no to single-use plastics, such as straws, and disposable cutlery.
- Reduce: Minimize the use of plastic by choosing sustainable packaging and being aware of how much plastic you use daily.
- Reuse: Repurpose items like water bottles or takeout containers. Think creatively about how to give plastic items a second life.
- Recycle: If you can't refuse, reduce, or reuse an item, check if it can be recycled and place it in the blue bin. Use the City of Toronto’s Waste Wizard app to determine recyclable household items.
- Rot: Composting returns organic matter to the earth. Make sure food waste is placed in the green bin, free from plastic contaminants. Call 3-1-1 (Toronto Information Centre) to request a new or additional green bins for free.
By following these simple steps, we can all make a good effort towards a plastic-free environment. For more information and useful waste management tips, please reach out to the Conservation team at conservation@torontohousing.ca or visit torontohousing.ca/conservation.
