Waste

Waste Tips

Change BEHAVIOR

FOOD WASTE

Do you Have Food Waste? Try FoodRenew

FoodRenew is on a mission to save food from going to waste in Saskatoon. FoodRenew bridges the gap that currently exists between food donors and recipients. We provide local businesses with an option to renew their excess food, through donation, in situations where it would otherwise go to waste. We achieve this goal at no cost to the participating businesses.

Our local startup has begun diverting food from the landfill and bringing it to community centers' plates. Local businesses donate food, FoodRenew volunteers pick it up and take it to community centers.  Our project aims to achieve two main goals. First, we provide the business community with an alternative to throwing away edible food. Second, we strive to create a sense of social accountability and responsibility around the food waste issue through advocacy.

Currently, we are working in a collaborative partnership with the Saskatoon's Second Chance Food Committee. The members of the committee consist of Friendship Inn, Saskatoon Food Bank and Learning Center, Saskatoon Food Council and CHEP Good Food Inc. We are super proud to announce that FoodRenew has rescued over 3500 pounds of food to date, which has been diverted from the landfill.

Let's work together to save some food!

REDUCE

• Send memos and meeting materials (ie: agendas, minutes) electronically
• Print only necessary documents
• Review, edit, and finalize reports and letters on computer screen before printing
• Send quotes and invoices electronically
• Subscribe to newspapers and magazines online
• Set printing default to ‘double-sided’
• Send and receive faxes on your computer
• Remove organization name from bulk mailing lists
• Use smaller envelopes
• Design brochures and advertising flyers with a mailing panel instead of placing them in envelopes

REUSE

• Discount drinks sold to customers with reusable mugs
• Use washable cutlery and dishes
• Reuse internal envelopes
• Donate or compost unwanted food (Food may be accepted at a Food Bank, church, daycare, etc.) 
• Donate old magazines and journals to hospitals, clinics, or libraries
• Reuse clean side of paper for printing internal documents
• Reuse incoming packaging for deliveries
• Use waste paper as packing material (shred confidential material first)
• Reuse wood pallets 
• Sell or donate used furniture (on kijiji.com or directly to a church, daycare, or community non-profit organization)
• Donate unwanted building materials (i.e. to Habitat for Humanity)
• Sell or donate outdated electronics 
• Convert scrap paper into telephone answering pads or scratch pads
• Use an erasable memo or chalk board for messages
• Return laser printer and copier toner cartridges for manufacturing

RECYCLE 

(go to http://www.saskwastereduction.ca/ for detailed information on recycling facilities in your area) 

• Provide recycle stations at convenient locations (e.g. locate paper recycling containers near copiers and printers) throughout your workplace
• Install larger recycle containers and smaller waste containers
• Establish "clean out your office" days and recycle items no longer needed
• Offer customers and employees battery and cell phone recycling options 
• Recycle: 
  • paper, metal, plastic and glass
  • fluorescent and compact fluorescent lamps
  • printer cartridges
  • electronics
  • paint and aerosol cans
  • used motor oil
  • antifreeze
  • (or properly dispose of) hazardous waste
  • building materials

COMPOST 

(go to compost.org/English/qna.html for more information on how to) 

• Start a lunchroom vermicompost 
• Partner with a farmer to compost organic waste
• Use paper bags to collect food waste for composting
• Use compostable instead of disposable dishes
• Compost wood waste

CREATE POLICY

• Obtain a waste audit (adapt this resource to do it yourself) The Saskatchewan Waste Reduction Council, or a consulting firm may be able to assist you
• Ensure that your workplace lunchroom is clean, comfortable, and inviting to encourage packed lunches
• Work with suppliers to reduce packaging
• Track waste streams to identify reduction, reuse and recycling opportunities

  
Waste tips developed by Angie Bugg and the Saskatchewan Environmental Society.