Ten Unique Recycling Projects Worth Checking Out
In the vibrant city of Toronto, Ontario, residents are taking strides towards a more sustainable future. Here's a roundup of some local and national programs that encourage recycling, reuse, and community engagement.
Food Not Bombs Accepting Strong Shopping Bags for Food Distribution
Food Not Bombs, a grassroots organisation based in Toronto, is calling for donations of strong shopping bags. These bags will aid in their food distribution efforts, providing essential support to those experiencing food shortages and homelessness.
DeSerres (Re)Art Program Recycles Art Supplies Across Canada
The DeSerres (Re)Art Program, with 16 stores across Canada, is an art recycling initiative that accepts items such as pencils, paint tubes and containers, mediums, paint brushes, markers, and spatulas. By participating in this program, artists and art enthusiasts can help keep these materials out of landfills.
Recycling Contact Lenses and Yoga Mats
Proper recycling of contact lenses and their packaging, as well as yoga mats, can be a challenge. However, there are specialized programs available to help. For contact lenses, consider programs like Bausch + Lomb ONE by ONE or Canadian national programs that accept used lenses and packaging regardless of brand. These programs collect used contact lenses, foil tops, and blister packs to keep them out of landfills.
As for yoga mats, they typically cannot be recycled through regular curbside programs. Instead, seek out specialized recycling initiatives like TerraCycle or donate reusable mats to community centers or fitness facilities to extend their life. If local recycling is not available, consider these options as alternatives.
Tiny Toy Co. and Books 2 Prisoners: Community-Driven Initiatives
Tiny Toy Co., located in Toronto, collects unwanted toy "debris" to upcycle it into early learning activities. This initiative helps divert toy waste from the landfill, giving these items a second life.
Books 2 Prisoners, a community-based organisation, aims to broaden the range of reading materials provided to prisoners across Canada. Their website lists other organisations across Canada that offer similar programs.
Extending the Life of Broken Items: Repair Cafes
Repair Cafes are community gatherings where one can take a broken item and have it fixed for free by experienced volunteers. This program is a great way to keep items out of the landfill and extend the life of your broken items.
In Guelph, Ontario, municipal curbside recycling programs do not typically accept contact lenses or yoga mats. Instead, use specific national programs for contact lenses and look for specialized drop-off or mail-in options for yoga mats.
By participating in these programs and initiatives, Toronto residents can make a significant impact on reducing waste and supporting their community.
- Embracing a zero waste lifestyle, residents of Toronto can contribute to sustainable practices by donating strong shopping bags to Food Not Bombs for their food distribution efforts, recycling art supplies at DeSerres (Re)Art Program locations, and properly recycling contact lenses and yoga mats through specialized programs.
- In the realm of fashion-and-beauty, Tiny Toy Co. in Toronto collects and upcycles unwanted toy debris, while Books 2 Prisoners provides reading materials to prisoners across Canada, promoting community engagement.
- Home-and-garden enthusiasts can extend the life of broken items by attending Repair Cafes, where volunteers can fix broken goods for free, ensuring less waste and a longer lifespan for your items.
