Zero Waste
What is a Zero Waste Lifestyle
Section titled “What is a Zero Waste Lifestyle”Source: Sophi Robertson [cite/t:@YourEcoFriend]
5 R’s of Zero Waste
Section titled “5 R’s of Zero Waste”- Refuse what you don’t need
- Reduce what you do need
- Reuse with reusable items
- Recycle what you cannot reduce or reuse
- Rot (compost) the rest
Reusable Items (likely already in your home)
Section titled “Reusable Items (likely already in your home)”- Reusable bags: Using these instead of plastic reduces a significant amount of waste. Carry one in your purse, backpack, car, by your home entrance, work etc.
- Glass jar: Great for water, coffee, lunch, snacks, leftovers, compost etc.. Reuse rubber bands around the jar to hold hot drinks or an old socks as a cozy.
- Container: Got plastic? Use it! The black plastic takeout containers are not recyclable In Toronto. Reuse these until they fall apart.
- Cutlery & cloth napkin: Grab a fork and spoon from your kitchen or use single—use plastic ones and wash until they fall apart. Designate them for your zero waste kit. Wrap the cutlery up in a cloth napkin, bandana or tea towel. Napkins are very handy for grabbing a sandwich on the go, drying hands, protecting a jar, wiping face etc…
If you need to purchase
Section titled “If you need to purchase”- Second hand first: The item you need is likely already out there at a fraction
- Marketplace, swaps
- If new, look for local, Canadian, ethically made goods made from glass, steel, wood. (i.e health food shops), or the following stores:
- Logan and Finley https://|oganandfinley.com/
- Karma Coop http://www.karmacoop.org/
- Bare Market https://baremarket.ca/
- Green & Frugal https://www.greenandfrugal.com/
- Hera & Co https://heraandco.ca/
- Anarres Apothecary http://www.anarreshealth.ca/
- Pretty Clean Shop https://www.prettycleanshop.com/
Resources
Section titled “Resources”- City of Toronto Phase 2: Approaches to Reduce Single-Use and Takeaway Items
- @YourEcoFriend on Instagram
- Zero Waste Toronto Facebook Group
- Ecosia.org - Search engine that plants trees every time you search
- TOWaste App (Toronto.ca search ‘Waste Wizard’)
- Bunz.com (trading community) for NEW USERS use referral code TPL for an extra 1000 BTZ after activating your wallet
- Canadapost.ca (search ‘stop junk mail’)
- Toronto Tool Library (membership
based service to borrow tools, camping equipment, toys, etc.) We also
have various workshops including woodworking, laser 3D printing.
- The Repair Café: repair any item you can carry including clothing for free
Zero Waste - Sophi’s 4 Scrappy Fruit Tea
Section titled “Zero Waste - Sophi’s 4 Scrappy Fruit Tea”- Scrub fruit peels well
- Place scraps in a container in the freezer
- When full, remove container and place scraps in a heat resistant container
- Cover scraps with boiling water
- Let steep for 2-4 hours (stirring and mashing the scraps brings out more flavour)
- Strain
- Chill the scrappy tea and serve warm or cold
- Keeps for 5-7 days
Low waste lifestyle ideas
Section titled “Low waste lifestyle ideas”- Make your own toothpaste
- Cleaning products - make your own in recyclable packages
- Toilet paper recycled
- Lunette menstrual cup
- Bamboo toothbrush
- Organic cotton underwear and socks
- No office supplies
- Cloth diapers