All around us there are solutions to our waste issues. Focusing our creativity, business sense and common sense on the task is our challenge.
We are all disturbed about sending plastics back to the landfill, but I believe this “setback” will be a catalyst prompting us to greater awareness and self-responsibility.
We each need to decide whether we change our lifestyles to become more locally focused and resource “light,” or carry on consuming, but shifting to products, packaging and services which are ecologically responsible. Both approaches will likely unfold simultaneously.
Beginning with the more local approach, we are taking greater interest in learning to grow and preserve our own food.
Community gardens have wait lists and neighbourhoods across the city want to install more public garden plots and edible spaces. Courses on growing and preserving food have “mushroomed” as has participation in community shared agriculture and farmers' markets. Our own Community Village Kitchen program offers free cooking classes alternate Tuesdays. St Albert Urban Agriculture puts on a variety of re-skilling workshops including compost building and growing microgreens.
Bees, chickens and even rabbits are finding a place in many urban environments, and most grocery stores proudly display a selection of locally produced food.
Local food (beyond better flavour, freshness and higher nutrient content) reduces our carbon footprint that’s created by shipping, refrigerating and packaging. Local means reduced time in transit and storage minimizing the risk of spoiling. “More than half of all food waste (which) occurs (happens) along the supply chain.” (https://stopfoodwaste.ie). Canada alone sends $31 billion worth of food to the landfill each year while 850,000 of us use the food bank each month. (Value Chain Management International, 2014).
Other local and brilliant solutions are emerging in initiatives like Bridget Reshke’s St. Albert Tool Library. A $50 membership offers access to well-maintained tools (and expert advice) one might only need for a one-off project. Who says we each need to buy one of everything? Their Fix-It-Cafés encourage us to repair and mend our possessions, tossing out that throw-away mindset that has overtaken us in recent decades.
Many of us have begun to make our own cleaning and beauty products which reduces packaging but also reassures us that we aren't exposing ourselves and our loved ones to dangerous chemicals.
Many more are forgoing single-use items such as paper cups, water bottles, disposable razors and feminine hygiene products in favour of reusable versions. I bought a bamboo toothbrush that can be composted so I can avoid contributing to the two billion plastic toothbrushes that hit landfills and oceans every year.
Others are forgoing toilet paper – which is surprisingly resource heavy to create and to process – in favour of a water splash with a bidet possibly followed by a soft cloth wipe. Face cloths over chemical-laden baby wipes or makeup removers are a no-brainer.
For those who continue to embrace a faster, more resource intensive lifestyle, waste can still be reduced.
Purchasing clothing and products that are ethically and/or locally sourced or gently used is easier than ever.
Many food establishments have opted to reduce or eliminate garbage. Calgary’s L.E.A.F.-certified River Cafe uses 100 per cent green energy. It composts and recycles all paper products and uses 100 per cent biodegradable materials in their to-go containers. They’ve eliminated bottled water and work with Ocean Wise to make sustainable seafood choices. The berries, flowers, greens and herbs they grow are featured on their menu and anything they don’t grow on their own is sourced from urban farmers.
Whatever pace, whatever lifestyle we choose, we are now able to make a difference in so many simple ways. Opening our eyes and minds to create new habits and routines while supporting the creative geniuses who find sustainable solutions will enhance our health and the planet’s, too.
Jill Cunningham grew up in St. Albert, has a Bachelor of Education from University of Alberta and is passionate about nature, the environment, and building community.
