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Waste Reduction Week challenges British Columbians

National campaign focuses on people to solve Canada’s growing waste problem

British Columbians are asked to rethink how they consume and what they throw away during Waste Reduction Week in Canada.

Across the nation from Oct. 21 to 27, schools, businesses, governments and individuals are challenged to change their habits to reduce waste.

"British Columbia has a long history of recycling and waste diversion, but individually we still sent almost 600 kilograms of garbage to landfills last year. Nova Scotians sent under 400 kg each, so we can do better,” says Brock Macdonald, Recycling Council of British Columbia chief executive officer. “Waste Reduction Week is a campaign that asks British Columbians to rethink what we buy, how we buy, and consider what we individually dispose of and where we can make a difference.”

Waste Reduction Week inspires Canadians to take action and reduce their waste in their own creative and effective ways. For example, schools are holding waste-free lunches; communities are conducting special recycling collection activities; and one school has even created a video for the BC Green Games competition and will be holding an in-school waste audit.

“It’s great to see all these initiatives happening across the province,” says B.C.’s Minister of Environment Mary Polak. “British Columbians are doing their part to make zero waste a priority.”

Waste Reduction Week’s national sponsor, Recycle My Cell, is hosting a contest for schools and post-secondary institutions to collect and recycle as many old wireless devices as possible.

“Waste Reduction Week is a perfect opportunity for all British Columbians to make simple changes in their lives. Some of these actions could include refilling your morning coffee mug, refusing a shopping bag at the checkout, or buying in bulk to reduce packaging,” says Macdonald.

“As Canadians, we already understand the importance of a healthy environment, but sometimes we forget that our everyday actions are a statement of those beliefs. Small changes can gain big results.”

All British Columbians are welcomed to get involved by visiting the Waste Reduction Week in Canada website at www.wrwcanada.com. For all registered events and community proclamations, visit www.wrwcanada.com/register.

Waste Reduction Week in Canada is organized by a coalition of non-governmental, non-profit groups and government organizations from each of the 13 provinces and territories across Canada.