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In 2019, the City of Owen Sound sent 1,880.94 tonnes of garbage to landfill. If the average garbage bag weighs 15 pounds, that’s the equivalent of more than a quarter of a million garbage bags making their way into landfill! Read 2019 OS Waste Management Report.
Also, 1,853.50 tonnes of blue box recycling material was collected. With complicated recycling rules and lower global demand for many plastics, waste companies are not able to sell it all off for re-use. Only about 10% of what is put in our blue box is actually recycled. You guessed it… as much as 90% could be going into landfill! See The Owen Sound Recycling Guide
So, how do you start? See Our Easy Home Audit Form
- KNOW YOUR STUFF – Take some time to look at what is going to the curb. You can track over a specific period of time (garbage cycle or month), then sit down and take a hard look at the number of items you produce. It’s a snapshot of your life as a consumer.
- EXAMINE MULTIPLE ITEMS – When you get to know your consumption habits and trash/recycling bin, you will discover common items. For example, you may discover lots of plastic drink bottles, food tubs, plastic films, take-out containers, cleaning bottles, or single-serving food containers.
- EMBRACE WHO YOU ARE – We are all unique in what we purchase and how we live… and thank goodness for that! However, our habits have consequences. A large amount of garbage and recycling means our consumer habits are hard on our world.
- COMMIT TO CHANGE ONE HABIT – Pick just one thing you can do differently to reduce your consumer waste. We suggest you start small and develop a new habit. For example, you may enjoy your morning drive-through coffee. Why not use a refillable mug when you are out next! Many Owen Sound businesses are happy to serve customers who are waste conscious (as it saves them money as well).
- CELEBRATE YOUR SUCCESS – When you reduce your waste, we bet you’ll find other ways to reduce. Take the time to celebrate your good work and share your success with others. We’ve found more and more people in Owen Sound care about our planet, so you will be part of a happy crowd! Share your success on our Facebook page
GOT HOME AUDIT QUESTIONS? Email us at oswastewatchers@gmail.com