Celebrate 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.
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
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With files from Lia Nardone and Cheryl Santa Maria. Header image: File photo via Canva Pro.
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She has worked in a volunteer capacity with both cat and dog rescues and at New York City-based animal shelters for the greater part of the last 15 years, and has cared for dogs, cats and rabbits for most of her life. This piece was edited by TKTKT. We consulted Annie Valuska , PhD, principal scientist on Purina's pet behavior team with over 20 years of animal behavior experience. Valuska is also an animal shelter volunteer and board member at Friends of the Animal Shelter. She regularly shares animal behavior tips and guidance for pet guardians via TikTok and Instagram . , PhD, principal scientist on Purina's pet behavior team with over 20 years of animal behavior experience. Valuska is also an animal shelter volunteer and board member at Friends of the Animal Shelter. She regularly shares animal behavior tips and guidance for pet guardians via and . We also chatted with Jennifer Van de Kieft, CAFTP, FFCP, PNCC, owner of Cat Advocate , a feline behavior consulting company. She is certified in feline behavior and pet nutrition and provides cat guardians with the strategies, tools and knowledge needed to address their cat's behavior issues. Have a question for us? Email efavilla@ with the subject line 'Pet Peeves.'
