For many people, the holidays are a time to let go, unplug from their daily routine and avoid unnecessary stress — like taking care of the recycling! Here are a few tips for making recycling part of your holiday tradition:
Choose cans.
When camping, choose aluminum cans for your alcoholic (or non-alcoholic!) beverages:
- They are lighter;
- They won’t break should you drop them;
- The deposit is cheaper;
- Throw your used cans in the recovery bin and you will make your sorting centre very happy!
Kids also enjoy collecting cans and returning them to the campsite convenience store for the deposit. Why not encourage this fun, environmentally friendly activity?
Don't overload the bin.
If you come across a full recovery bin at a public event, don’t pile your container on top. An overflowing bin will only lead people to throw their material into the next available garbage can. Instead, try one of two options:
- Wait until you reach the next recovery station;
- Bring your materials home with you (that may take a bit more effort, but you’ll enjoy a sense of satisfaction knowing you did a good eco-deed!).
Empty containers.
Wherever you go, make sure to empty your beverage containers before putting them in the recovery bin. Chug it down or water the grass under your feet! You’ll lighten the bin load and avoid spilling liquid all over the rest of the contents.
Use reusable cups.
Know that the best waste is waste you don’t generate in the first place. Why not bring a plastic cup with you to your summer events? If you prefer not to carry one around, you can always find a willing friend with a bag. Cups are easily stackable and take up very little space!
Name a responsible.
If you and your friends are heading to the cottage or campsite, nominate someone to take care of your waste materials. From experience: having a “designated recycler” will up your recycling rate! He or she will feel inspired to rise to the challenge!
In conclusion, here is a frequent semantic error: recovery describes the act of disposing material in a bin, while recycling is the actual transformation of this material. So they really should be called “recovery bins” and not recycling bins.