If you see the coming of the new year as a new slate, it could be a perfect time for you to commit to a change in habits. Many of us contemplate our waistline around this time, but perhaps this year we can all take a closer look at our waste.
It can be overwhelming to consider where to start, but we all know we can do better, and fortunately there are some changes that can have a big impact.
Here are our top suggestions to get your earth-friendly habits kicked off:
Start composting
Compostable materials make up about half of a household’s waste. Starting up a home-based composting system is possible, even in these wintery months. A worm bin or a converted freezer composter are both great choices. Plans for the conversion are available at letstalktrash.ca.
If a winter project isn’t a possibility, you still have local options for compost drop off. Make friends with a neighbour with a hungry composter, or drop off your kitchen scraps at the Town Centre recycling depot near Rona for free. Meat scraps, bones, cooked grains, dairy and other scraps that are not typically put in backyard composter are accepted in the drop-off program.
Cut down on food waste
Did you know that we waste about 40 per cent of the food we bring home from the grocery store? Most waste occurs before the food ever hits our plate, in our refrigerator. We’ve all had a scary science project going on in the back of our fridges before. A simple habit change that could save you money and valuable food. Pick a shelf in your fridge for items you would like everyone in the house to eat first.
Reuse bags and containers
Plastic bags and disposable coffee cups are overwhelming garbage cans the world over. A simple habit change can stem the tide of all this waste. Pick up a reusable water bottle and coffee cup at the thrift store, or gift them to yourself. A wicker basket or cloth bag hold a lot more than the flimsy plastic shopping bags ever will. In a pinch, you can always ask the staff for a cardboard box to tote you goodies home in.
Perhaps surprisingly, experts suggest that it’s best to change multiple habits at the same time, rather than little by little.
So maybe 2018 is the year to make all these habits changes happen in one fell swoop.
