Think Green at Home
Sustainable living starts at home.
Small, mindful changes in how we shop, reuse, and dispose of waste have a big effect on our environment and the circular economy—where products and materials are reused, repaired, and recycled to create a cycle of sustainability.
Shop Smart & Support Local
Choose Local:
Supporting local farmers, artisans, and businesses reduces transportation emissions and strengthens your community.
Buy in Bulk:
Reduce packaging waste and save money at the same time by purchasing pantry staples, cleaning supplies, and other essentials in bulk.
Opt for Eco-Friendly Products:
Look for items made from recycled materials, using biodegradable packaging, or containing natural or sustainably-sourced ingredients. Many of these products are also more affordable than wasteful alternatives.
Reduce Single-Use Items:
Embrace reusable bags, washable containers, and refillable water bottles across your daily life to cut down on your disposable waste.
Reuse & Repair
Repurpose Household Items:
Give your old jars, containers, and fabrics a second life. Have a family craft day to create fun decorations, or turn old items into something useful to fit new needs – create a blanket out of old t-shirts or turn a chipped mug into a pencil holder.
Fix Before You Toss:
Repair your used clothing, furniture, or electronics instead of replacing them – local workshops or online tutorials can offer guidance. Repairing saves money, decreases waste, and increases your knowledge of the items you rely on daily.
Host a Swap:
Organize seasonal or annual clothing, book, or toy swaps with friends, neighbours, and family to give your unneeded items a new home.
Invest in Quality:
Choosing durable, long-lasting products means fewer replacements and less waste over time. In the long run, investing in quality products often saves you money.
Reduce, Recycle, & Compost
Know What to Recycle:
Familiarize yourself with your local recycling guidelines, and ensure your items are properly sorted before they are processed. Avoiding contamination – when items are improperly sorted and not able to be processed – is just as important as recycling itself!
Compost Food Scraps:
Start a compost bin for fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds, eggshells, and other organic food waste to reduce landfill waste and create your own nutrient-rich soil for backyard or community gardening.
Food Waste Adds Up
Planning your meals by portion each week, using your leftovers creatively to make new dishes, and freezing any excess food before it spoils are all great ways to decrease your food waste and help the environment.
Watch the video to see how household waste adds up, its effect on the planet, and what you can do about it.
Champions For A Greener Future: Georges Brook – Milton
Learn how the Town of Georges Brook – Milton is diverting their residents’ food waste from the landfill and putting it to a better use!