*originally written in 2020; updated in 2024*
This Canada Day, let us all take this pledge-
“As I experience each day of this very trying time, I will do my best to maintain the respect and understanding each human deserves. That does not mean I will agree or disagree with them, but I will do my best to recognize that what I see in them is an aspect of myself.”
Canada Day is approaching. With the pandemic, the country’s 153rd birthday will be celebrated differently compared to previous years. Instead of public gatherings and stage performances, the government is moving events online. Canadian Heritage Minister Stephen Guilbeault decided to create a virtual concert with fellow Canadian musicians for a nation-wide celebration. Also, municipal and provincial governments will plan and host their own virtual events for local residents.
Regardless of the restrictions, we can still enjoy the special day with our families and friends. The national event will be held on social media and highlight key aspects of Canadian history, values, talent, and creativity. Many artists will participate in show. According to Ottawa Citizen, world-class musicians Avril Lavigne, Alanis Morissette, and Sarah McLachlan are scheduled to perform on July 1st. Other than concerts, the event will address topics such as cultural diversity, the efforts of frontline responders, and the future of sports.
Since Canada Day celebrations will be hosted virtually this year, we can hope the event won’t generate much waste. In 2015, CBC News reported that Pasadena Beach in Newfoundland and Labrador was littered with empty beer bottles after Canada Day. The mayor of the small town, Otto Goudling, told reporters that he was “embarrassed by the state of the beach after the holiday celebrations.” Similar situations, unfortunately, happen every year in cities and towns across the country.
According to Tudge, Canadians double their waste output during this time. Municipal waste levels reach over 1420 kilograms on average. The result is disastrous to not only taxpayers but to the environment as well. Environmental Defense Canada reports that less than 11% of plastic bottles are recycled. The other 89% end up in landfills, lakes, parks, and oceans, potentially harming wildlife.
Many of us will not be celebrating Canada Day outdoors this time around. Still, we should all learn about ways to minimize waste this year and for future years as well. Only then can we move toward sustainability.
How to Reduce Food Waste
According to Waste Reduction Week, food waste in Canada creates around 56.6 million tonnes of carbon dioxide-equivalent emissions. Here are some tips to address this:
Buy only what you need
If the food in your fridge is not enough for a recipe, make a shopping list and buy only the items on it at the store. This way, you won’t end up wasting ingredients because they’ve expired.
Store different types of vegetables properly
Many of us don’t know different types of produce have different storage requirements. Set one produce drawer to high humidity to store vegetables that wilt. Set another to low humidity for storing vegetables that produce ethylene. By storing produce properly, you can extend their fridge life.
Recycling
Alongside reducing food waste, we should also address landfill waste. Statistics Canada reported that there is more landfill garbage than recycled or organic-processed waste. This is because most of us don’t recycle or compost properly. Here are some tips:
Put cooking grease in the green bin
Replace disposable cups with reusable mugs
Avoid disposable straws
Conclusion
Canada Day is about celebrating the country and the sacrifices that people have made in our history. Reducing food and landfill waste is one important way to do it. We can all help Canada become a more sustainable country. Let us make the most of Canada Day.
References:
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/bottles-litter-pasadena-beach-after-canada-day-celebrations-1.3135879
How Our Trash Impacts the Environment
Canada’s Plastic Pollution Problem
https://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/virtual-canada-day-features-alanis-morissette-avril-lavigne-sarah-mclachlan
https://theconversation.com/tis-the-season-to-redesign-and-reduce-our-waste-88461
https://www.toronto.ca/services-payments/recycling-organics-garbage/long-term-waste-strategy/waste-reduction/food-waste/
