Reducing waste is about making less of it. Not just recycling more.
Less garbage allows residents and businesses to use smaller bins and requires less frequent collection. This reduces costs, reduces trucks on the road and reduces the amount of waste in our landfills. It allows more time, money and resources to be spent on things other than garbage.
It's not about perfection. It's about a conversation and a journey that we hope you'll consider.
The first step is reduce and reuse
- Repairing before replacing. Whether it is sports equipment or a home appliance, there are very often solutions for something broken. Before tossing a jacket that is missing a zipper, have a look to see if there are services (or a talented neighbour) nearby. It's better for the planet and your wallet.
- Buying used before buying new. We are lucky in Whistler to have many options that support the recycling of quality used materials. If you haven't found a gem at one of the Whistler Community Services Society local stores, you aren't shopping there often enough. Learn more about The Re-Build It Centre and The Re-Use It Centre.
- Borrow before buying new. Check out the Whistler Public Library or The Re-Build It Centre tool library to borrow board games, bike tools, books and more!
The second step is recycle and compost
Here are items regularly found in the garbage that don’t need to be there. If you are looking to make a difference, start with these.