NEWS RELEASE
MPP ANDREA KHANJIN
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Today Jeff Yurek, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks and Andrea Khanjin, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks released the following statement:
“Today is Ontario’s second annual Day of Action on Litter, a day to encourage individuals, municipalities and businesses across the province to work together to raise awareness about the impacts of litter and how we can reduce waste. Every year, the average Ontarian generates one tonne of waste – much of this making its way to our waterways and greenspaces, harming wildlife and impacting human health.
The waste that does end up in our landfills increases greenhouse gas emissions. That’s why it’s so important we all do our part to reduce waste and help keep our province clean, healthy and beautiful.
In light of the Stay-at-Home order and to stop the spread of COVID-19, this year’s Day of Action on Litter is focusing on raising awareness of the impacts of waste in the environment, and actions to prevent, reduce and divert waste, right at home. With this in mind, out of an abundance of caution we are not promoting cleanups today.
There are actions you can take to reduce waste and keep recyclables, food and organics out of our landfills while staying at home and physically distancing, including:
- Using reusable storage containers instead of single-use food wraps
- Donating gently used clothes, toys and household items rather than throwing them away
- Planning meals in advance and only buying what you need
- Knowing what items are accepted in your local green bin and blue box
- For anything that does belong in the trash, such as disposable masks, make sure garbage bags are properly tied or sealed so litter is contained
Our government is working hard to continue to deliver on our Made-in-Ontario Environment Plan commitment to keep our neighbourhoods, parks and waterways clean and free of litter and waste.
We’re expanding green bin or similar collection systems, developing a proposal to ban food waste from landfills, and supporting innovation in compostable packaging. The Day of Action on Litter is a reminder of the importance of our greenspaces and the role we all play in maintaining a cleaner, healthier Ontario for our communities and loved ones now and for future generations.”
“Although today marks the Provincial Day of Action on Litter, everyday must be considered an opportunity for us to make improvements that reduce our impacts on the environment, and this can start right at home” said Andrea Khanjin, MPP for Barrie-Innisfil.
“Getting outside and giving back by tidying up our local greenspaces is great for boosting mental health as it requires physical activity and provides a strong sense of purpose and connection. By acting now and respecting our environment by keeping it clean and reducing our waste wherever we can; we are ensuring that our future generations to come will also be able to enjoy the beautiful lakes, forests and nature that we so often take for granted.”
MPP Andrea Khanjin will be organizing a community clean-up initiative with local organization Youth for Lake Simcoe when it is safe to do so. If you want to get involved be sure to look into these great local initiatives, or even start your own!
- Youth for Lake Simcoe
- Earth Rangers
- Clean Up Barrie
- Innisfil’s Annual Pitch-In Day
Learn more about the impacts of litter and waste on the environment and how to prevent, reduce and divert waste at home at ontario.ca/actonlitter. Participate in the Day of Action on Litter by sharing your actions using #actONlitter
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