As a developed country that has collectively made countless environmental mistakes, we all know that we should be cutting out single use plastics, producing less garbage, and consuming and buying less.  

For many of us, the idea of creating less waste sits there in the back of our minds but doesn’t manifest as daily action. 

The reality is, with a little bit of research, some education and a few small changes, we can significantly reduce the waste that we leave behind on our planet.  

The inaction of human beings is threatening the lives of all other creatures that we share the planet with. Marine animals are washing up dead with stomachs full of plastic, others are growing disformed while encased in plastics and birds are building nests out of our waste, unknowingly threatening their young.  

Its important to look at the big picture while doing the little things.

Our families tips when it comes to consumerism:

1. Prep before heading to the grocery store! Don’t forget the reusable bins or bags at home. We’ve started storing extra bags in our car so that we aren’t kicking ourselves when we arrive at the store. We purchased three green bins from the Superstore for around $7.00 each, and we’ve begun to use them as ‘sorting the recycling bins.’ One green bin holds paper and cardboard, the second plastics and tin, and the third, soft plastics. This way we are also forced to take our recycling out each time we go grocery shopping. Purchasing reusable produce bags will also reduce the amount of plastic waste that you bring home. If we are buying less than 4 of any produce item we put them in our bin loose, but for anymore than that, and for the sake of organization, reusable produce bags are wonderful… and washable! When it’s not fresh food that you’re buying, opt for as little packaging as possible.

2. Make savvy choices when doing simple things – like eating out! As a busy family who hustles from sun up until sun down, between a University schedule, lessons, sports, meetings and the daily grind… some days there just isn’t enough time for me to tack on a healthy home cooked supper (ugh, Tuesdays. It’s Tuesdays)

We used to hit McDonalds, but the amount of waste we drove away with from one McDonalds meal was mind blowing! Each and every item is individually wrapped in packaging that leaves me questioning how to sort it at the end of the meal.

When I started this project, recognizing full well that I was likely going to buy take out every Tuesday night between extra curricular drop offs and pick ups, I decided I would vary my choices (between the fast food joints that I can stomach). Our second option was A&W… and although the price point is high, it’s now our number one option.

Not only does it taste better than McDonalds but each and every item was wrapped or packaged in compostable materials! After a quick Google search I realized that A&W has an entire page on their website that details what they are doing to reduce their ecological footprint. Their actions for change include involving a growing number of sustainable food practices, compostable and recyclable packaging, low energy appliances and more…

After we finished eating, I was able to compost everything other than the couple stickers that had been stuck onto the packaging, and the “take out” ketchup packets. My kids even enjoyed the paper straws.

3. Buy LESS! We have been making every effort to avoid buying anything NEW! We try to make due with what we already have and if we need something we search high and low for a second hand option first.

Whitehorse has a thrift store again! Check it out. Most Cities and towns South of the Yukon are home to multiple thrift stores. We are members of all of the local buy/sell/trade Facebook pages and will often post online asking if anyone is looking to get rid of/sell the particular item that we are in need of. Not only does buying second hand help the environment by lessoning demand for new product, it also helps us to save money!

For those of you who enjoy the convenience of online shopping, (though the packaging/shipping process still stings) you can even thrift shop online! Try a quick Google search to find an online thrift retailer that is based close to your home town in order to cut down on travel for your items.

Making small changes isn’t hard and our family wants to encourage you and yours to think twice about your daily choices and their long-term environmental impact.