Waste Reduction Week
Waste Reduction Week 2021 – October 18th to 24th
The Recycling Council of Alberta is once again promoting the national Waste Reduction Week program that focuses on the transformation to a circular economy. The program runs from October 18-24, and its purpose is to celebrate individual and collective environmental commitments, efforts, and accomplishments while encouraging innovative ideas and solutions around waste reduction. The RCA has facilitated a project team to collaborate and share ideas in preparation for Waste Reduction Week.
This year is Waste Reduction Week in Canada’s 20th anniversary! The 2021 overall theme is Then – Now – Future.
Waste Reduction Week in Canada is a program that focuses on the principles of circular economy, resource efficiency, and waste reduction. The program’s primary purpose is to celebrate our environmental efforts and achievements while encouraging new innovative ideas and solutions. The celebratory nature of the campaign is what motivates learning and behaviour change. Waste Reduction Week in Canada continues to grow and engage more Canadians each year through social media, events, landmark lightings, and more.
The program’s educational resources and “take action” messaging empower all Canadians to adopt more environmentally conscious choices. Waste Reduction Week in Canada further provides information and ideas to reduce waste in all facets of daily living, creating the solutions to the many environmental challenges we face including climate change, water pollution and preservation of natural resources.
There are 6 ways to get involved this #WasteReductionWeek
- Organize & register an event
- Proclaim Waste Reduction Week
- Light a local landmark blue & green
- Take the Food Waste Pledge
- Learn about the program themes
- Share ideas, tips, and stories on social media #WasteReductionWeek
For more information on how you can get involved visit: www.wrwcanada.com
Hashtags: #WRWAB and #WasteReductionWeek
Waste Reduction Week 2020 Was a Big Hit!
Many Alberta communities and organizations came together to promote WRW in 2021
Airdrie Waste and Recycling Services: WRW at Airdrie Public Library, Monday October 19-Monday October 16th, 2020. Six education stations about reducing food waste. In partnership with GoodWill, there will be two education stations and a mannequin about textile recycling.
Calgary Board of Education: Waste-free and Boomerang Lunches
City of Lethbridge: Webinar on Kitchen Waste on Thursday, Oct.22 and prizes for the Leftovers Challenge: More info: https://www.lethbridge.ca/living-here/Waste-Recycling/Pages/WasteReductionWeek.aspx
October 22, 7pm: LIVE Goodwill Virtual Sustainability Show. Inspired by local upcyclers, thrifting artisans, and businesses who transform thrifted goods from Goodwill into something extraordinary! Viewers are sent a zoom link and will tune in once the show gets underway. Reserve your spot today – visit https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_L35dWUgXTP6RSBFSg-OVjA.”
Hashtags: #WRWAB and #WasteReductionWeek
Communities also showed support by submitting a proclamation!
Waste reduction efforts can take place year round! Organizing waste reduction events is also an excellent way to engage your community in the 3Rs and waste reduction. Any organization, school, community, or business can register an event. Popular events include: waste-free lunches in both schools and offices, hosting waste collection drives (hazardous waste, textiles, or electronics), and free documentary screenings and information sessions. Register your event so that people in your community can find your event and attend it.
Find more information at Waste Reduction Week in Canada and download resource kits and posters.
Triple StaRs Grade 4 Waste Reduction Challenge
Triple StaRs Waste Reduction Challenge is a great way for Grade 4 classes in Alberta to find practical ways to reduce waste during Waste Reduction Week and throughout the year. The challenge has been designed to easily fit into regular classroom planning and is a great fit with the Waste in Our World curriculum. For more information, please check out our Triple StaRs page.
Municipal Resource Kit
This resource will help your community get on the path to waste awareness and reduction! Topics include:
- Municipal Waste Reduction Programs in Canada
- WRW Municipal Proclamation
- Conduct a Waste Assessment
- Waste Reduction Action Plans
- Investigating Green Procurement
- Green Events
For more information, please visit Waste Reduction Week in Canada.
School Resource Kit
This resource will help your school get on the path to waste awareness and reduction! Topic include:
- How Waste Aware is Your School?
- Conduct a Waste Assessment
- Formulating an Action Plan
- Reduce! Reuse! Recycle!
- Investigating Environmental Purchasing
- Classroom Activities for Waste Reduction Week in Canada
- Planning Your Waste Reduction Week Activities
Go to the Waste Reduction Week in Canada website to see tools for classroom activities and more.
City of Calgary Food Reduction Lesson Plan
Calgary Board of Education – Boomerang Lunches
Business Resource Kit
This resource will help your small or medium enterprise get on the path to waste awareness and reduction! Topic include:
- Conduct a Waste Assessment
- Create a Waste Reduction Action Plan
- Reduce
- Reuse
- Recycle
- Sustainable Purchasing
- Energy Efficiency
- Other Concepts and Tools
Visit the Waste Reduction Week in Canada website for more information.
Proclaim Waste Reduction Week in Your Community or School
Let us know if your school or municipality has made a proclamation.