Always look for more ways to reduce plastic use and to re-use anything. Consider purchasing tote bags or boxes to bring to the grocery store. Grocery bags account for a huge amount of plastic consumption. Also, consider purchasing reusable straws, and skip the lid on purchased drinks whenever possible. Better yet, make your coffee and tea at home and use a reusable thermos; you’ll save money and the environment all in one go!
Another part of the City of Edmonton’s zero waste plan is the banning of single-use plastics. With pressure from citizens to address climate change, you can expect this change to roll out soon.
If you’re done with something but it’s still good, bring it to the Good Will or put it up on Kijiji or Craigslist so someone else can use it. Similarly, if you need something, check Kijiji first; often, you can find perfectly good things with little to no wear for a fraction of the price when purchased new. We live in a throw-away culture, but we don’t have to. There are more ways than ever to conveniently find used items or donate used things for others. Every time an object is re-used, it cuts down not only on the energy and materials used in manufacturing but also on the transportation emissions associated with bringing it to the store or your doorstep.