Waste Reduction Week calls on all Canadians to reduce waste, to make environmentally sound choices and to do more with less. The Green Party of Canada supports the efforts of this national campaign to challenge Canadians to rethink what we buy, how we live and what we throw away.
Our society has embedded wasteful practices at every turn. We waste raw materials, water and energy. Our landfills have enormous footprints, and their emissions account for more greenhouse gases (GHGs) than mining, construction and domestic aviation combined.
The Green goal is “zero waste.” We must reduce our waste at every opportunity, and shift our thinking to consider waste as a resource. Canada’s failure to manage waste properly is not only environmentally irresponsible, but it represents a huge loss of resources and revenue. Reusing and recycling wastes have been shown to generate 10 to 15 times more jobs than incineration or landfilling.
Strong incentives must be in place for industry and consumers to reduce waste to zero - a goal that will provide direction and inspiration to all Canadians.
Visit the Waste Reduction Week website to find out how you can get involved, and what events are happening in your community this week.
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Media contact:
Debra Eindiguer
debra.eindiguer@greenparty.ca
613-562-4916