Waste Reduction

Waste reduction efforts are focused on education about reducing single use plastics (bags, straws, caps, cups, utensils, bottles, etc.) and materials that can’t be recycled and end up in our environment.

Plastic Free Salish Sea5 Reasons to Ditch Single Use Plastic bags

It is better to assume that plastics may not be recycled when you purchase it until you have looked into this a bit first. Far less than 10% of all consumer packaging plastic has ever truly been recycled (more info see: Greenpeace Report Circular Claims Fall Flat). To reduce waste and ensure recycling happens, please consider following the two steps below:

1. Look and inquire for alternative (non-plastic) packaging when you make purchases.

2. If you cannot find an alternative at this time, please ensure it is in a bottle or jug AND that it is a #1 or #2 recycling code printed on the container. These #1 and #2 bottles/jugs can be recycled by your recycling services provider/waste station. However, plastics of other shapes such as caps, lids, clamshells, microwavable dishes, etc., even if #1 or 2 plastics, should be assumed to be trash after their use. They pose a contamination risk to our recycling system. If you cannot reuse them, please do not waste time and water to wash these items - just put them in the trash and next time ask your retailer for alternatives.

Check out these efforts at Plastic Free Salish Sea.