The Thirteen Rs
(Hover over bold text for links)
REDUCE... Waste & What You Buy
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It's very likely that items you already have around can act as your sustainable swaps, so always study what you have first rather than swapping in something new!
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Make sustainable swaps & buy in bulk bring-your-own-container style when possible
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Shop secondhand (even at garage sales!) or try swapping or trading what you've already got (see my Awesome Alternatives page)
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When you can't sell or swap what you've got, consider donating to organizations/charities
REUSE & REPURPOSE
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Containers & jars for bulk shopping or takeout
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Gift bags, tissue paper & accessories
RECOVER
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TerraCycle has partner-ships with companies that will take back their empty/used containers or products (Swiffer, Brita, etc.)
RECYCLE
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Consult your local waste guide before tossing your trash (Waste Wizard in Toronto)
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Mark Toronto's Community Environment Days in your calendar (where you can also get free city compost)
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For items that can't be recycled through the city, check out my Recycle Right page
REFUSE
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Single-use items (such as opting out of takeout cutlery or refusing the goodie bag from your dentist)
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Fast fashion in favour of "slow fashion" (secondhand, ethically, and/or sustainably made)
REFRESH
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Your furniture and clothing using paints, stains, or fabric dyes
RENT
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Books from the Toronto Public Library
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Formal clothing (dresses & tuxedos)
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Recreational equipment (from places like MEC)
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Tools (from the Toronto Tool Library or hardware stores)
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RETHINK... How You Eat
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Opt for plant-based, organic, and/or local to protect the planet! This website shows you what is locally available in Ontario at different times of the year
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Make what you can from scratch to avoid packaging and unhealthy ingredients
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Grow your own food in a garden (check out Homestead TO if you need help getting started) or by regrowing veggies from scraps and donate excess to Not Far From the Tree
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If you're a fan of grocery, food box or meal delivery services check out the ones listed on my Awesome Alternatives page
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Check out my blog for taste tested plant-based, low-waste recipes
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REACT
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When you come across a social/environmental cause you're passionate about take action by donating to organzations supporting those causes, signing online petitions, or emailing your local politicians
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Contact corporations/ businesses that need to do better when it comes to their social/environmental policies & impacts
RESEARCH
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New businesses are always appearing in the sustainability space so researching your options for all your needs is key and my Awesome Alternatives page is a great spot to start!
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Watch out for "greenwashing" attempts by companies/brands!
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Use the search engine Ecosia, which plants trees as you do your research
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Join sustainability, vegan, zero-waste, trade, freebie, neighbourhood, etc. Facebook groups to learn more about whatever you're interested in.
REPAIR
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Check out Repair Cafe Toronto
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Visit your local electronics, bike, shoe/accessory repair shop
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Give sewing a try!
REIMAGINE
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How you use what nature already gives us... Invest in items like solar panels, rain barrels, and composting bins (like a countertop Lomi)