Celebrate Canada Day by going plastic free
Plastic pollution is certainly no picnic. Reduce your waste this Canada Day by going plastic-free!
According to Environment and Climate Change Canada, less than 10 per cent of the plastic used in Canada actually gets recycled.
Plastic Free July is a global movement that encourages the public to refuse single-use plastics for the entire month in the hopes that the small, yet significant lifestyle adaptation will continue. Since this yearly challenge happens to fall within the heart of summer, what better way to take part in the incentive than by throwing a picnic? Sans plastic, of course.
Canada Day is the perfect time to jump start a plastic-free commitment.
Here are some tips.
Re-use old food jars to store food. Heading out to a picnic? Pickle and jam jars make for great alternatives to plastic bags when packing up food. Simply give them a good wash and they suddenly become a reusable item in your picnic basket.
Ditch plastic cups. Staying hydrated doesn’t have to include plastic cups. Keep the whimsy by serving drinks in mason jars. Add sliced citrus and mint for a refreshing beverage.
Serving fruit? Avoid plastic-wrapped products. A no-cut fruit salad makes for the perfect guilt-free sweet treat. Picking up fruit from a local farm or farmer’s market eliminates the use of plastic wrap and bags.
Buy Canada Day snacks in bulk. Buy your nuts (or snack of choice) in bulk! Most bulk food stores allow you to bring reusable produce bags and storing jars.
Decorating tips
When decorating, consider buying decorations that can be used year after year. Or, better yet: Thrift them!
Borrow or rent items you don't own.
Opt for paper decor over single-use plastics.
We challenge you to be part of the Plastic Free July movement. Choosing to refuse single-use plastics could be as easy as throwing your own plastic free picnic. For more information, visit: Plastic Free July
WATCH: Plastic People: Film finds humans are 'infected' with microplastics
With files from Lia Nardone and Cheryl Santa Maria. Header image: File photo via Canva Pro.