This is Waste Reduction Week.
The annual campaign that begins the third Monday of October helps Canadians to better understand waste issues and ways to accelerate the transition to a circular economy.
Circular Innovation Council’s Program Manager, Education and Engagement Caitlin Perry says we have been living in a linear economy – one where products are created, used and disposed of without a lot of thought to what happens after.
In a circular economy, products are designed with as little as waste as possible and used for as long as possible.
“For example, producing an electronic material, we want to now make that so that it can be repaired and reused, refurbished and keep it in the cycle as long as possible and then recycle it at the end of its life so then recycling still keeps it in the loop.”
Perry says individuals, businesses and governments must all participate for the circular economy to work.
A circular economy does more than just reduce waste.
Perry says it reduces greenhouse gas emissions, creates jobs and can make life more affordable.
She says unfortunately, many companies still use planned obsolescence.
“Where the products became made to, you get a few years out of it and then they make it so it’s hard, not really cost effective and easy to repair. And so just the easiest option is to just get a new device.”
Perry adds there is a right to repair movement underway with people calling on manufacturers to make products, especially electronics that can be fixed.
Many European nations are taking steps to end planned obsolescence.
In 2023 the Quebec government passed legislation banning the action.
Circular Innovation Council has recently expanded Waste Reduction Week into a month-long campaign – Circular Economy Month with each week focussing on a different theme culminating with Waste Reduction Week.
Each day of Waste Reduction Week also has a theme.
Monday is Repair Monday where people are encouraged to repair or learn how to repair broken items.
Perry says that could involve electronics or other items.
“There’s a lot of great resources out there, YouTube videos. Even something simple like a small rip in your sweater or something, learning how you can do basic sewing skills to repair that so that you can keep that item of clothing in use for longer.”
Circular Innovation Council’s website states that repairing something instead of replacing it prevents the need for a new product to be made in turn preventing the creation of 80-95% of greenhouse gas emissions.
Repair cafes, volunteer-run groups that help people fix and learn how to fix various items exist in several countries around the world.
There are over 58 officially registered repair cafes throughout Canada.
Tuesday is Textiles Tuesday.
According to Circular Innovation Council, Canadians throw out nearly 500 million kilograms of clothing and fabric-containing home goods every year.
Perry says globally, textiles waste has increased dramatically due to factors like the rise in fast fashion.
“And there is a lot of really alarming stats out there about how much textiles waste is in our landfills because there’s not yet any recycling markets really for clothing. So when you have your clothing that’s at the end of its life there’s not really many options for it other than donating to charity.”
Perry says the way clothing and textiles are currently produced is very linear.
“Textiles Tuesday is pretty much a reminder to think before you buy. Like, do you really need a brand new wardrobe for fall? And that’s kind of why we have waste reduction week during October Because it’s a nice reminder before we head into the holiday season – do not over-consume.”
Perry says there are many ways to keep our textiles in use longer such as repairing clothing, swapping with friends or shopping thrift.
The themes for the rest of Waste Reduction Week are:
E-waste Wednesday
Plastics Thursday
Food Waste Friday
Sharing Saturday
Swap Sunday
Green Quinte will have more on Waste Reduction Week and its themes every day this week.