The best thing we can all do to cut down on waste is to make less of it in the first place.
When we reduce the amount of waste that we produce, we reduce the amount of garbage that goes into landfills.
The secret to any waste reduction program is education. Help make students and teachers aware of what happens to the waste that they create every day.
An educated school body realizes that as far as waste goes, less is definitely best.
Ideas for taking action:
- Take your school's name off unwanted mailing lists to reduce the amount of junk mail.
- Set up photocopiers to make double-sided copies.
- Encourage students and teachers to only print what is needed. Avoid printing out materials wherever possible.
- Use electronic mail to send messages rather than written memos.
- Keep a supply of extra mugs, glasses and utensils in staff and lunch rooms.
- Recycle items such as paper, cans, cardboard, plastic bottles.
- Use rechargeable batteries and solar calculators.
- Donate old or outdated equipment, books or furniture to local community organizations.
- Buy products and supplies with less or reusable packaging.
- Save and reuse boxes and envelopes for shipping or storage.
- Encourage students to bring lunches in reusable containers.
- Set up "swap" areas in classrooms to share reusable materials.
Did you know, according to Environment Canada, more than 140,000 tonnes of computer equipment, phones, televisions, stereos and small appliances end up in Canadian landfills every year?
That is equal to the weight of 28,000 elephants.
