Last week, we focused on recycling our plastics that we were unable to reduce or reuse. Our final ‘R’ in the cycle of going plastic-free and/or zero-waste is Rot, also known as composting. While plastics typically cannot be composted, this ‘R’ can apply to contents found within the plastics that may remain after use.

Many items can be composted that you may not be aware of! Some of them are listed below, but as always, if you do not know where to dispose of an item, simply check out our Waste Wizard for disposal methods on campus. If live within the City of Ottawa, they also have their own for waste disposal off-campus.

Composting at home is easy! You can find countertop compostable bins at most stores for your home or office. If you’re feeling adventurous and have the space at home, you can buy (or even DIY) your own composter and use it to help with your gardening!

Some common items that can be composted at ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ University are:

• Food waste (apple cores, banana peels, chicken bones, etc.)
• Coffee grounds & filters
• Eggs and egg shells
• Tissues
• Paper towels and napkins
• Leftover fat and oil
• Paper straws
• Popcorn bag
• Paper take-out container
• Teabags (without the plastic)

Last week, we focused on reusing and upcycling single-use plastics you may have. Now, let’s talk about the next step – recycling those plastics that you can’t refuse or reuse. Recycling goes beyond simply discarding items into the right recycling streams; it also involves giving them a second chance through donations. Meaning Recycling and Reuse can be seen as closely related.

Here are some tips to keep in mind when recycling:

1. Share with Family and Friends: Before you recycle, check with family and friends if they could use the items. Sometimes, others may find a good use for those single-use plastics or plastic items in general.
2. Donate to Local Charities: If the plastic items are still in good condition, consider donating them to local charities. They might be able to find new homes for these items and extend their lifespan.
3. Retailer Take-Back Programs: Check if any of the retailers from whom you purchased plastic-packaged items have take-back programs for their packaging, such as plastic bottles. Participating in these programs can help ensure proper recycling.
4. Follow Local Recycling Guidelines: It’s essential to sort your plastics into the correct waste stream based on local recycling guidelines. This ensures effective recycling and minimizes contamination.

If you’re at ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ University, make use of our Waste Wizard tool to find the correct disposal method for the items you wish to recycle. If you live in the City of Ottawa, they have a similar tool on their website for city-wide recycling guidelines, but keep in mind that some rules may differ from those at ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´.

By incorporating these recycling tips, you’re contributing to a more sustainable future. Remember, Plastic-Free July is about making small changes that collectively create a significant positive impact on our environment. Let’s continue working together to reduce plastic waste and build a better world.

The 5 R’s are interconnected and often represented as a circular guide, as seen on the left. This means some tips provided can be used interchangeably between the R’s and may be repeated. Last week, we discussed reducing the amount of single-use plastics consumed. Now we’ll look at the next step – reusing the plastics that you have that were unable to be refused or reduced. This is often done by upcycling plastics you already own to extend their lifecycle, or by simply using reusable alternatives to disposable products.

Check out these tips below on ways you can reuse plastics:

Make a Garden

Use plastic bottles to make a hanging garden or mount them on a wall. All you need is plastic bottles, scissors, twine, and a place to hang or mount them. You can even reuse more plastics by using yogurt containers to start the seedlings, poking drainage holes in the bottom and using a plastic lid to catch the drips, then just transfer them to your plastic bottle planters!

Save Your Floors

Do you rent your home or apartment or want to save your floors? Or have those late-night urges to just re-arrange your entire room? Try using plastic lids underneath the furniture to help prevent scratches and allow them to easily slide across the floor.

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Keep Your Pets Occupied

Do you have a dog or puppy that loves to chew? Try making them a water bottle toy! This may not last long for those who are intense chewers, but for others, it can be a fun, low-cost toy to keep them occupied while you get things done around the house! Simply take an empty plastic water bottle (remove the cap!) and place it into an old sock and tie off the open end. Then watch as they enjoy their new, crunchy chew toy!

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Bread Tags and Their Many Uses

Did you know bread tags can be used for much more than keeping your bags of bread shut? Some other ways they can be used are as wine glass tags, power cord labels, marking the end of a tape roll, and even as a wired earbuds holder (even though I am sure most people have wireless earbuds nowadays).Ìý

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Swap those disposables for reusables!

Another way to reuse is by seeking out reusable alternatives to those disposable items we all buy. Check out the list below for some ways you can make the switch from disposable and reusable:

• Dish sponge – try cotton cloths instead
• Tea bags – look for loose tea leaves instead, you can even find cute infusers for them
• Coffee pods – try a French press instead
• Plastic cling wrap – store leftovers in a reusable container or try beeswax wraps
• Plastic water bottles – use a reusable water bottle instead
• and so much more!

The 5 R’s are interconnected and often represented as a circular guide, as seen on the left. This means some tips provided can be used interchangeably between the R’s and may be repeated. Last week, we discussed refusing single-use plastics. Now we’ll look at the next step –Ìý reducing plastics you already have or can’t refuse. This can involve minimizing your belongings by donating or selling items you no longer need, or simply avoiding overconsumption by purchasing only what you truly require.

Below are some effective ways to reduce single-use plastics:

Declutter

Take a look at the things around you and let go of what no longer brings you joy. No, we aren’t talking about the extreme Marie Kondo method, but rather going through that pile of clothes in the back of your closet that you haven’t touched in years. Go through your cabinets and dig out those unused appliances hidden in the back corners or the collections of mini-shampoo bottles from your travels that you swear you’ll use one day.

Reduce the amount of plastic in your home by giving these items a second chance with someone else instead of throwing them away. You can donate them, sell them on online marketplaces, or join your local Buy Nothing Facebook group to give them to members of your local community for free.

Spending Freeze

We’ve all been guilty of impulse buying. The next time you see something you want, ask yourself if you really need it now or if it can wait. If it isn’t a necessary purchase, try waiting a week or even a month, and you might find that you no longer desire that item.

Quality over Quantity

While some products may seem cheaper initially, they may break down easily and require frequent replacement. By reducing your purchases and investing in higher-quality items, you can save money in the long run. Each small action counts, and together, we can make a significant change.

One example of reducing single-use plastics is by using beeswax wraps instead of plastic wrap. At first glance, plastic wrap may appear cheaper for covering leftovers, making it the go-to choice for most shoppers. However, beeswax wraps can be reused multiple times, more uses than a single roll of plastic wrap. Beeswax wraps serve a variety of purposes beyond covering bowls of leftovers. They can also be used to wrap sandwiches and snacks, providing a plastic-free alternative to sandwich bags.

Beeswax wraps can be purchased at many local retailers, or if you’re in the DIY mood you can !

Shop in Bulk or at Farmers’ Markets

Opt for stores that allow you to purchase food in bulk or visit local farmers’ markets. These options provide a great opportunity to go plastic-free from the source. You might already know about Bulk Barn, but there are other local stores in Ottawa, such as or , that offer bulk/zero-waste shopping. Students can also consider sharing items like a jug of laundry detergent with friends or using stores like terra20, where you can bring your own container and fill it with the exact amount you need, avoiding wasted product upon move-out.Ìý

Stay tuned for next week’s post, where we will explore the third “R” – Reuse. We’ll go through some cool tips for ways to reuse and repurpose plastics that you haven’t been able to refuse or reduce!

To learn more and take the Plastic-Free July pledge, visit our webpage, the Plastic Free July Challenge.

Here are some effective ways to refuse single-use plastics:

1. Bottles of water: Instead of buying or accepting free bottled water, bring your own reusable water bottle. Not only will this save you money, but it will also keep you hydrated while reducing plastic waste.
2. Pre-packaged produce and meats: Choose produce that isn’t pre-packaged in plastic. You can even bring your own reusable produce bags to keep them separate from other groceries. Look for delis and butchers that use paper packaging, and consider visiting local farmers markets for plastic-free produce and meats.
3. Single-use plastics (cutlery, straws, take-out containers): Despite recent efforts to ban single-use plastics, they are still prevalent. When dining out, opt for dine-in options or bring your own reusable cutlery and straws. Some establishments even allow you to use your own take-out containers, reducing plastic waste further.
4. Coffee cups: Instead of using disposable coffee cups (which often can’t be recycled due to wax lining), bring your own reusable mug or cup. Many places offer discounts for bringing your own, or take a moment to sit down and enjoy your drink at the café.
5. Plastic wrap: Instead of reaching for plastic cling wrap, consider alternative options like reusable containers or beeswax wraps to store leftovers. These options are not only environmentally friendly but also keep your food fresh.

Refusing single-use plastics is a powerful step towards a plastic-free lifestyle. By saying no to unnecessary plastic items, you can make a positive impact on the environment. Remember, each small action counts, and together, we can create a significant change. Stay tuned for next week’s post, where we will explore the second “R” – Reduce. Let’s continue our journey towards a sustainable and plastic-free future!

To learn more and take the Plastic-Free July pledge, visit our webpage, Plastic Free July Challenge.