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5 R's of waste reduction continued

This week’s theme is the third of the 5 R’s of Waste Reduction: Reuse

Nearly everything we buy on a daily basis ends up in the garbage. Finishing its life in the landfill contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and pollution to our waterways and natural spaces on land. By cutting our consumption, we are able to reduce our environmental impact on natural systems and contribute to a healthier, more resilient planet for all species.

What is it?

We’ve all heard the saying “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle”, and that is exactly what Food Services is trying to accomplish through the eco-container program. The eco-container program is currently a pilot project at the newest residence building, Claudette Millar Hall.

We live in a society where waste is practically invisible to us; as soon as our garbage leaves our hand, the "out of sight, out of mind" saying comes into play and we never think about it again. The issue of waste at the University of Waterloo is no different, and as a result, its members have a limited knowledge and understanding of what's going on around them every single day!

With warmer weather here for the rest of the summer, many are starting to tune-up their bikes and hit the road to get to school or work! It’s no surprise that people opt for biking to school or work as it can be more cost-effective, healthy, and environmentally-friendly.

As concerns around climate change and sustainability are becoming more predominant, it has prompted more student interest in getting involved with building a culture around sustainability on campus. With such a diverse, unique, and dynamic campus, we’re faced with many challenges, but also with many opportunities to engage the student population on campus.

A few years ago I discovered that I am a member of a group of scholars and teachers known as environmental humanists: these are academics in a variety of departments--philosophy, languages, the various arts--who connect their disciplinary research with environmental issues.

St Jeromes University College located at the University of Waterloo is dedicated to serving local food. 

Climate Action may be lucky number 13 in the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), but there are zero paths to meeting the other goals without addressing it. Climate change affects each aspect of sustainable development, from inequality, to economic growth, built and natural environments, and, critically, your health.

The University of Waterloo is supporting research and education to elucidate these links to help achieve SDG #13. However, more work is urgently needed to understand how climate change and climate action affects our health, our economy, and our equality.

You've probably heard that the University of Waterloo has released sustainability reports in the past, and that there is progress being made on many aspects of sustainability. But how can students, staff and faculty make a meaningful and long-lasting impact on-campus?

February is the coldest month of the year and the best time to carpool with someone at the University of Waterloo. That's why joining Carpool Month can save you money, helps the environment, gives you a chance to power nap, and maybe even makes new friends.