Wasteless

Reduce, Reuse and Recycle (or the 3 Rs) is a common saying to describe the Hierarchy of Waste Management. While recycling is an important way to divert material away from landfill, the focus should be higher up the hierarchy with Reduce being the top priority.  Making simple changes to our everyday habits can make a big difference in the amount of waste we create.

Waste reduction is any action that aims to reduce the quantity of waste that is disposed of in in the recycling, organics or garbage streams. Two easily achievable waste reduction goals are to reduce our use of single-use plastic products and to reduce wasted food. 

We also have some tips and tricks for reducing waste

• at parties and events
• when shopping
• when getting takeout
• when packing lunches
• when disposing of textiles
• around the holidays. 

If you are looking for ideas on how to upcycle household items check out the Waste to Art video series. 

These tips and strategies will help you get creative with waste reduction in your own life while setting an example for those around you! Every effort no matter how big or small makes a difference.

Tips for Wasting Less

Reducing Food Waste

Before you leave home:

• Pre-plan meals to use what is already in the fridge.
• Note “best before” dates to make sure you use those products and leftovers first.
• Make an “eat me first” section in your fridge.
• Take inventory of what’s in your cupboards and fridge to avoid buying double.
• Make your grocery list based on your meal plan and inventory – consider using a phone app to save paper!

In the grocery store:

• Stick to the list! Don’t shop hungry as that can lead to impulse buys and unnecessary items. Shopping with a list can also save time, making your trip to the store shorter.
• Visit the ‘reduced’ section for deals on your grocery list items that are close to their “best before” dates (consider freezing them).
• Get to know your grocery store staff. They may split meats and produce into smaller portions and can provide tips on how to best store food.

When you get home:

• Store fruits and vegetables properly to ensure they last longer. Remember; some parts of the fridge are warmer than others!
• Freeze foods to keep them from going to waste.
• Label items to track what it is and the date it went in the freezer.
• Be creative with leftovers—consider dips, sauces, soups, casseroles, smoothies, and more.
• Be familiar with what “expiry” and "best before" dates mean.

Reducing waste when hosting an event

• Use washable plates and utensils instead of disposable ones.
• Use cloth napkins instead of paper napkins.
• Borrow or rent items that you use only seasonally or occasionally.
• If you are hosting a Special Event for a large group of people visit our Waste Management for Special Events page to learn more about waste management and Waste Management Event Plans.
• See all of our tips for reducing waste at parties and events here. 

Reducing waste when shopping:

• Buy in bulk if it makes sense for your family. If a product will spoil before you can use it, bulk may not be the best option.
• Buy loose fruits and vegetables instead of packaged
• Bring your own canvas or reusable bags.
• Bring your own reusable containers to a local bulk food or zero waste store.
• Buy concentrated products.
• Avoid non-compostable and non-recyclable packaging.
• Avoid excess packaging and single-serving packages.
• Buy reusable products, such as cloth napkins.
• Carry out small purchases without a bag.
• Make your own reusable bag

Reducing waste when eating take-out:

• Bring your own reusable cup when getting coffee. Many retailers offer a discount.
• Bring a reusable straw and utensils.
• Bring your own container to use for leftovers.
• Reuse takeout containers that are good quality

Reducing waste with packed lunches:

• Store your lunch in a reusable container and a reusable bag.
• Bring reusable cutlery with you
• Use a thermos or water bottle

Reducing textile waste:

• Buy only what you need.
• Buy high quality garments that will last.
• Donate all unwanted textiles to local textile reuse and recycling organizations.
• Borrow, share or swap clothing.
• Mend clothing that is torn.

Reducing waste during the holidays:

• The holidays can be a hectic time of year! With parties and gift giving on everyone’s to do list, waste reduction can often be forgotten. However, making waste reduction a priority during the holiday season can often alleviate much of the stresses associated with it.
• See our page for waste reduction tips for decorating, entertaining, and gift giving.

Planning a party or event? We have some tips to help!

With a few thoughtful choices, it’s easy to reduce waste and host more sustainably. Whether you’re organizing a backyard barbecue or a family celebration, small actions can add up to a big impact. 

1. Thrift party supplies like tableware, cutlery and serving dishes.
   • Find affordable, reusable items like tableware, cutlery, and serving dishes at your local thrift store. Thrifted items reduce waste and you can choose from many different options.  
2. Thrift or use washable cutlery instead of disposable cutlery.
   • Using reusable cutlery over and over again reduces single use plastics and can save you money.
3. Choose recyclable products when possible.
   • By choosing recyclable materials less waste goes to landfill.
4. Make your own decorations.
   • Upcycling material you already own is a great way to reduce waste.
5. Ensure that garbage, recycling and compost bins are easily accessible for guests.
   • When sorting is easy and accessible more items end up in the right place!
6. Make your own confetti.
   • Using paper scraps or even leaves that have fallen to the ground. Hole punches with different shapes can be a great way to make lots of different confetti blends.
7. Host a decoration swap with friends or family.
   • A decoration swap lets unused items shine again. Share what you have, pick up something new-to-you, and reduce waste.
8. When purchasing items look for things that can be reused.
   • Look beyond labels. A storage basket could be a drink station. A curtain panel? A photobooth backdrop. The more imaginative, the less wasteful. With a little creativity, almost anything can become a party essential.
9. Make or buy decorations that can be customized to a variety of themes.
   • A porch goose is just one example of a decoration that can be customized in unlimited ways.
10. Be thoughtful when giving party favours or gifts.
    • Whether your guests are kids or adults, consider favours that are meaningful, easy to enjoy, and low on waste. Choosing something consumable, reusable, or experience-based helps reduce plastic and ensures your gift doesn't end up in landfill.
11. If sending leftovers home with guests suggest they bring their own reusable containers with them.
    • With a quick heads-up, guests can come prepared to take home a little extra without relying on single-use containers or plastic bags.
12. Cards that do not have embellishments (glitter, bows or foil) can be recycled.
13. Buy candy and treats from a bulk store to reduce packaging waste.
    • Buying in bulk helps cut down on packaging and lets you get just the right amount for your event.
14. Take advantage of your local enviro-depot and bring back refundable beverage containers.
    • With more than 77 locations across Nova Scotia, there’s an Enviro-Depot™ closer to you than you think. You can recycle beverage containers, textiles, electronics and more — accepted items will vary by location. See what your local Enviro-Depot™ offers.
15. When hosting an outdoor party or event make sure to leave no trace.
    • When hosting outdoors at home or at a park or trail following Leave No Trace principles helps reduce waste and protect the environment. Plan ahead to bring reusable items and reduce the amount of single-use disposables.  Dispose of all waste properly - pack out what you pack in, including food scraps and packaging. These steps help keep our natural spaces healthy and waste-free for everyone.

Waste to Art Tutorials 

Learn how to repurpose common household items into functional or decorative pieces through this five-part tutorial series. From newspaper to bottle caps, each video offers simple, step-by-step guidance to help reduce waste and inspire creativity at home.