People Power Challenge - Waste Reduction Webinar

Slide 1: 

Partners in Project Green A Pearson Eco-Business Zone

Slide 2: 

Challenge 1: Waste Reduction Waste Reduction Webinar

Slide 3: 

The Issue = 803 kg waste/year = 33.7 Million Canadians = 27.1 BILLION kg waste/year

Slide 4: 

FINANCIAL Landfilled materials are lost resources – they can’t be turned into new products. Companies pay to extract raw materials for each new product instead of recycling materials. SOCIAL Many landfills are located in low income areas, causing undue stress to local residents. Noise, odours, and environmental pollution hurt local populations. ENVIRONMENTAL Mismanaged landfills leach leachate into land and water. Residential, employment, and conservation lands are lost to landfills. Landfills are a contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. The Issue

Slide 5: 

Why should business care? Operational Efficiencies Producing waste is a result of using materials inefficiently. Waste means wasted money on unused materials and disposal costs. Many waste streams can make you money. Revenues from the sale of recyclables can offset waste management costs. Make sure you are getting the most out of your waste management contract with a stringent procurement process.

Slide 6: 

Why should business care? Why should business care? Resource Efficiencies What would it mean if you never had to pay for the material to make your product again?

Slide 7: 

Why should business care? Why should business care? Environmental Responsibilities The manufacture, distribution, use of products, and managing resulting wastes results in GHG emissions and contributes to climate change. Waste management is an immediate and measureable way to improve the environmental performance of your building. Customers, employees and investors are all more aware of environmental responsibility. Failure to take action could hurt your reputation.

Slide 8: 

Why should business care? Why should business care? Compliance with Regulations Regulation 102/94 Regulation 103/94 Businesses that meet threshold size must complete waste audits Audits must outline generation sources and management decision making processes Must result in a Waste Reduction Work Plan Source separation (recycling) programs must be implemented Sector based Must include provisions for collection, handling, and storage for each waste stream, and efforts must be made to ensure full use of the program For more information, search for 102/94 or 103/94 at http://www.ene.gov.on.ca/environment/en/resources/index.htm

Slide 9: 

Waste Reduction – Company level Review waste management plan and identify recycling options for waste streams currently going to landfill Review office activities and make simple changes such double sided printing and photocopying Design product packaging so that it can be reused, and choose post-consumer recycled materials for packaging Examine production processes to reduce inefficiencies Institute a Green Procurement program that selects environmentally sustainable products and services – stop waste before it gets to you

Slide 10: 

Waste Reduction – Employee level Join your Green Team, or start one if there isn’t one already Be a Waste Champion by indentifying site specific issues and working to rectify them Submit your waste reducing ideas to your Green Team, facilities department, or waste champion Choose products with less packaging when making purchasing decisions Share your knowledge with your friends and colleagues Lead by example and make sure you are reducing, reusing and recycling

Slide 11: 

REDUCE REUSE Save materials that can be used again, look for gently used/sustainable options for your purchases, and donate items you no longer need. RECYCLE Recycle everything you can! Check your municipality for up to date recycling lists. Choose products that have packaging made from recycled materials. Waste Reduction at Home Choose products with less packaging, buy local products, compost kitchen and yard wastes , buy cleaning supplies and food items in bulk to reduce packaging , and buy better to buy less !

Slide 12: 

Final Thoughts Many waste reduction and diversion decisions are common sense. Awareness is key – now that you know what the problem is, and how you can help, it is your responsibility to reduce waste wherever possible. For yourself, and for the planet.

Slide 13: 

Additional Resources Ontario Ministry of the Environment – ICI Waste Reduction www.ene.gov.on.ca/environment/en/industry/standards/ici_waste_reduction/index.htm Greening Greater Toronto Green Purchasing Guide and Document Hub www.partnersinprojectgreen.com Living Planet @ Work Waste Guide and other tools atwork.wwf.ca / Waste Reduction Week resources www.wrwcanada.com Recycling Council of Ontario resources www.rco.on.ca / The Story of Stuff www.storyofstuff.com / And many others….. Thank you for taking the time to get informed! There are many resources available to help you on your waste reduction and diversion path.