The Power is Yours!

I've never been a big fan of practices that are considered wasteful or that may be harmful to the environment.  Maybe that's because I grew up watching Captain Planet guard the earth and The Raccoons protect the forest.  I was taught to be aware of pollution and to be a good global citizen by putting litter in its place. 

Graphic by Charlene

As a kid, I was lucky enough to participate in programs and initiatives that supported the environment.  I took school field trips to logging sites, where we helped forestry services with tree planting.  I still remember how exhilarating it felt to physically place those tiny, baby trees in their new earthy homes.  I thoroughly enjoyed the fresh air, exercise, and the opportunity to make a difference.   

Since the invention of the internet, it has become exponentially easier to learn about and discuss our impact on this earth.  Knowledge is being shared across the globe every day.  While this has certainly been helpful, it's also made it clear that there's so much more work to be done. 

Graphic by Charlene

There are many simple and accessible changes that I’ve made to lessen my impact on our planet.  When I learn a new way to complete an everyday task that presents an environmentally-friendly alternative to the norm, I try to adjust my lifestyle.  I'd like to share a few practices that I've adopted.

Low-Impact Dusting

Let’s face it, dust bunnies are everywhere!  They congregate in corners and hide behind doors.  If you’re not careful, they invite all their friends and family over for a party.  My house regularly hosts conventions for a small army of the biggest dust bunnies known to man*.
*not scientifically proven

I’ve found vacuuming tends to leave a trace amount of dust behind, that's particularly noticeable on hard surfaces.  So I utilize a few tools that don’t produce the waste involved with disposable dusting products:

• reusable container
• cloth that’s not too fancy
• small amount of tap water

For the container, I typically rinse and reuse a small plastic butter/margarine tub, but you could use the dish or bucket of your choice.  If you don't have the right container at home, the Reuse Centre carries an assortment of types and sizes, based on donations.  Reusable cloths are widely available, and there are many DIY options too.  For example, old holey t-shirts can be cut up into small squares, or you may already have a selection of dishcloths ready for retirement.  Face towels are good options too.  If you choose a reusable cloth, the impact can be further minimized by removing/rinsing as much dirt or grime as you can using your water bin, then tossing the cloth into a wash cycle with other clothes.  When I'm done dusting, I "donate" the dirty water to my compost farm!

Cardboard Creativity

I prefer cardboard to plastic, but end up with a lot of it at home!  I've begun shredding smaller packages and spreading them in my compost farm.  For those without compost worms, cardboard containers make great reuse!  Think... wrapping for presents, packaging for parcels, even everyday organization around the house.  Use cardboard to separate drawer contents and keep small objects contained.  Cardboard boxes are also great if you plan to move!

Have you discovered a great way to reduce, reuse and save?  

Please leave us a comment and share your ideas for supporting the environment!

Submission and artwork by Charlene (Volunteer)

'Tis the season to reduce, reuse and save

It’s almost Christmas! Have you started your Christmas shopping yet? I usually do mine online because I find more sales online compared to in stores. The downside of online shopping is the packaging waste it creates (packing peanuts, bubble wrap, boxes, etc.). Consolidating all items into a single package can reduce this waste, but only if the order is coming from one store, and often that only happens if a person makes a special request to combine items for shipping.

This year, I am replacing little knick-knacks that I usually order online with a couple of gift ideas that don’t create extra waste, require minimal crafting skills and cost less than $6. I would love for you to try them too! Of course, there are other wasteless options available within various budgets: gift cards, tickets to movies and other experiences. Check out the Wasteless Gift Guide post for more ideas.

1. Potted plants

These small plants are not only very cute, they are also low maintenance and air-purifying. Although they may not be as Christmassy as poinsettias (which don’t always last long), the pots can easily be decorated with ribbons or fabrics to make them look more festive. You can paint the pots, write a cute message, or make a Christmas terrarium.  Let your creativity work!

I got these succulents at Ikea for $4.99.

2. Secondhand books

Some people frown on the idea of regifting, but there are certain items that are perfect for enjoying then passing on, like books. Books are timeless and their contents never get old. Even if a book looks a little worn out on the outside, the inside will be brand new to a person who hasn’t read it yet! Plus, there are many secondhand books out there that look brand new. All that is required is some cute fabric wrap and you are set.

The Reuse Centre has many books to choose from. If you’re looking for another great option, the Edmonton Public Library has a Books2Buy event coming up on December 14 and 15 at the Enterprise Square location downtown. 

Books2Buy is a regular event where the library sells excess inventory of books, audiobooks, CDs and more at discounted prices. You can get kids’ books and paperbacks for just a dollar! See complete pricing at the Edmonton Public Library website. 

At a previous Books2Buy event, I was able to fill up this box with 27 fairly new books for $10. Amazing, right?

So there you go. Just a couple of affordable and sustainable gift ideas for you to try. Remember, it's the thought that counts! 

Finally,  because we all like to save money at this time of year I wanted to share about a free app called Flashfood. It helps you find local stores selling discounted items that are close to their expiry or best before dates. This food is safe to eat and tastes great. Hopefully more grocery stores will start using the app, as it reduces avoidable food waste and helps budget-conscious consumers find food at reduced prices. Definitely worth trying this season while planning for the celebrations with friends and families that will involve food! 

Well, that's it for now. Enjoy your holidays!

Photos and Submission by Mariz (Volunteer) 

‘Recipes’ to Reuse Packaging - Part 1

I recently had a chat with someone who wondered how useful the Reuse Centre is to a person who "doesn’t craft”. It's an honest question from a conscientious person and one that I simply had to share because reuse is for EVERYONE! 

        So, if you...

a) DO NOT know how or lack the equipment or time to sew - "There was no Home Economics class at my high school. "
b) Get anxious at the thought of pulling out a glue gun - "I’ve burnt my fingers too many times to count!"
c) Have more DIY disasters than successes - I’ll save these for future posts😏

OR
d) All of the above
     ...Then look no further! 

Courtesy of Giphy

Craft skills are NOT needed to reuse packages for their original purpose; we save valuable resources from travelling to a landfill or piling up at a recycling facility when we use them again in our own home. 

Step 1:

Next time you finish with a laundry soap bottle and are ready to put it in the recycle - STOP! Instead, keep it to refill with some homemade laundry soap!

Step 2:

Gather these 3 easy-to-find and reasonably-priced ingredients from your local grocer. A Sunlight soap bar (or natural alternative, if preferred), Borax, and Washing Soda.

BONUS: Take the Environment Week challenge and bike or walk to get these ingredients!

Step 3: 

Follow the recipe below to cook up some fresh-smelling laundry soap that does triple duty: it saves your socks from stinking, saves money, and is an easy way to reduce excessive packaging waste.

 One batch filled 4 bottles (more than 8L of soap)! 

Here is the recipe:

Other craft-free ways to reuse plastic packages:

• Mesh bags from produce can be reused to buy your bulk produce items next time you're shopping. Visit us at Reuse Centre if you need some.

Simply cross out UPC codes and put them in your reusable grocery bag to have handy for next time you buy bulk produce items - no need for film plastic.

• Yogurt containers can be used to store your own homemade yogurt 
• Save your house-cleaning spray bottles and containers to refill with your own homemade products. 

Want to read more about an effort to Reuse packaging?  Loop is partnering with some large companies to sell their products in refillable containers.

So you see, Reuse is for EVERYONE and the Reuse Centre has practical items that are ready to be reused by you, no glue gun nor glitter required! We would love to hear your " recipes " for refilling containers and ideas to reuse packaging in the comments section below.

Photos and Submission by Andrea (Staff)