Earlier this year it was released that Canada (the world’s 34th wealthiest country) produces 25 million tonnes of waste a year, or 0.56 tonnes per person (much of it plastic), and currently recycles approximately 21% of it.

And a recent study found that Saskatchewan's waste generation per capita is the 2nd highest in the country... right behind Alberta.

So what can the average person do to reduce their contribution to the problem?

1) Learn your local recycling rules

Recycling standards vary from place to place, so make sure to find out the specific rules for your area.

It is best to use reusable packages in your home whenever you can. That being said, recycling is your next best option and it will help reduce the overfull landfill issue as well.

2) Reusable containers are incredible!

When it comes to loose items without packaging, a good reusable container can go a long way!

If you store various foods in proper containers you will extend its life and save lots of money as well!

3) Say goodbye to plastic bags

Many stores nowadays charge an extra fee for plastic bags, which helps the problem, but we need to make the difference by remembering to bring our own bags every time we go out.

You can keep extra cloth bags in your car or wherever you will see them before you leave your house.

4) Increase the Earth’s health with composting

We are all guilty of throwing out food items that could have been composted. Some of us have no means to compost, but for those that can, this is a great way to save the planet.

If you have a yard or a garden, you can bury your compost items and increase the nutrients in the soil. Your yard will thank you! Some examples of items that can be composted are: Fruit and Vegetable Scraps, Egg Shells, Coffee Grounds, certain tea bags, loose leaf tea, and some coffee filters.

5) Plan out your meals ahead of time

Start by only buying groceries that you will eat. This can be difficult to do for some families, so just do your best, and over time you'll get better at it.

Canadian households throw out far too much food and it is a huge problem!

6) Stop all mail you don’t need

Virtually all of us receive letters, magazines, and other mailed items that we don't even open/read!

Sometimes it can be difficult to halt certain mail... I wish I could cancel all my bills... but that would only end badly!

All jokes aside, sometimes it is as easy as calling or emailing a business or organization to have them take you off their list or send your mail electronically instead.

Many magazines and newspapers have online versions that can be viewed or purchased.

7) Maybe you can fix it instead of throwing it out

Here's some food for thought: Have you ever fixed an item you purchased after it broke?

Most people nowadays discard almost every product that has broken.

Next time you purchase a product think to yourself: Is this item able to be fixed? And could I purchase a different version of this that could be fixed?

If at all possible, do your part to reduce waste and repair as many products as you can. Over time it will make a big difference!

8) Less disposable dishes, more elbow grease!

Paper plates and plastic utensils are terrible for the environment, but make seem to make our lives a bit easier.

Is the small amount of time saved by not doing dishes worth the massive impact all those paper and plastics have on our planet?

Next time try reusable dishes and use your elbow grease to get them all cleaned up after!

9) Say no to packaged food if possible

Cooking all of your own food can be time consuming, but there are many small changes you can make to your regular routine.

Sometimes cooking large batches of food, such as soups, can actually take very little time, and will last you a long time.

You can know what you're eating this way and save a lot of money as well.

10) Take your lunch to school or work and avoid eating out

You can use a lunchbox/bag and keep food items in reusable bags.

You'll end up eating healthier, you'll save money, and you'll have more of your time to yourself. (Have you seen those lunch time fast food lineups?!)

11) Buy reusable bottles to reduce your waste

If you buy a durable water bottle or coffee thermos (stainless steel are nice and reduce bacteria) you can take your favourite beverages or liquid meals on the go. You'll be well hydrated and will greatly reduce your overall waste.

12) Reuse old clothing or donate them

Use old clothes for rags for cleaning around the house, instead of paper towels. Or you can donate your clean unwanted clothing to a local charity or organization. Helping others always feels good!

  • There are many other ways that you can save the planet. So be creative, do your research, and you'll be able to make a big difference! If we all make even just a few small changes in our lives, the world will be far better for our children and their children too! Ask yourself: What can I do to help with the current global garbage crisis? Now go do it! You've got this! :-)