A keystone species has a disproportionately large effect on its surrounding environment, ultimately defining its ecosystem. This may sound like an opportune position to be in but it is one that comes with great responsibility. A keystone species has the ability to radically change an ecosystem allowing for new and possibly invasive species to populate, as an example.
Humans go beyond this idea and have been deemed a hyperkeystone species. Trust me, the name is not as glorious as it sounds. The term was coined as a play on hyperparasites, which are organisms that parasitize other parasites. For example body-snatching wasps lay eggs in the bodies of other insects, and other wasps lay eggs in the eggs of those first ones—the latter are hyperparasites. It’s tragic to think that this definition reflects the behaviour of human beings.
Our impact on other keystone species through direct activities such as hunting or fishing, or more often directly, through pollution, deforestation, climate change, the list goes on and on. The catastrophic effect that humans have had, and will continue to have on other keystone species will have irreversible ripple effects that we cannot even begin to comprehend... What we can do is recognize the all-powerful ways that Western, industrialized, capitalist ideals have been imposed onto the world, and change course, before it's too late.
We are all too often a self-important species, not thinking of the ways that our actions will affect the rest of the beings who inhabit this earth along with us. We fail to recognize the role that we play in a much larger landscape of interdependent ecosystems. Somewhere along the line we separated ourselves from the rest of the natural world, misguidedly believing the notion that we exist separate from nature, when the truth is we are one and the same. Continuing to think we are the most powerful and important beings of this land, rather than an integral part of a system, will ultimately be to our own detriment.
There needs to be a collective shift, from dominance to collective care, from exploitation to regeneration. While it should be the governments who are leading this charge, putting in place more strict regulations, they are often very slow to move. As such, businesses are often left to their own devices. Consumers have the power to hold corporations accountable, by choosing to support businesses with good social and environmental practices.
While this is not always possible or easy, it holds great potential. It is clear to see that many companies are responding to these desires, offering eco-friendly options, giving back to their communities or environmental initiatives. This is just the beginning, businesses should always be concerned with values beyond profit, and we as consumers have the power to demand better from the governments and businesses who serve us. We must never forget our agency.
]]>During this year’s Waste Reduction Week, taking place from October 19 to 25, the Ontario government released new plans to revamp the province’s blue box program. The fundamental difference being that producers will now take on the full financial and operational responsibility for the end-of-life management of what they sell to Ontarians. This transition is slated to take place over the next 3 years, reaching more communities than ever before. All eligible communities will be operating under this new recycling program by January 1, 2026.
This change is part of the larger Made-in-Ontario Environment Plan, which commits to shifting to a waste management approach where producers are responsible for the waste generated from their products and packaging, and where waste is seen as a resource that can be recovered, reused and reintegrated back into the economy. All with the aim of improving the health of the local environment, communities and economy. Forcing large businesses to reimagine their waste, to manage the existing materials on the market as a valuable resource rather than merely something to be disposed of. This could mark the beginning of a monumental shift in corporate consciousness as we move towards a more circular economy.
Ontario’s blue box program has long been shrouded in misinformation and confusion, making it nearly impossible for citizens to recycle with confidence. A primary goal of this overhaul is to have a consistent list of materials collected across the province. This will help to streamline the process, encouraging more people to participate in the blue box program. Not to mention, that the scope of sources will also be expanded to include: multi-unit residential buildings, schools, retirement homes, long-term care facilities, and some public spaces. The responsibility will fall on the producers to educate and promote this new system to ensure its success as it will ultimately be their duty to ensure that they meet their management requirement goals.
Producers with more than $2 million dollars in sales will be required to register, report and keep records, and will be exempt from management requirements for a given material category if they supply less than: 9 tonnes of paper, 2 tonnes of rigid plastic, 2 tonnes of flexible plastic, 1 tonne of glass, 1 tonne of metal, and/or 1 tonne of non-alcoholic beverage containers. They will be held accountable to The Resource Productivity and Recovery Authority who will provide third-party oversight of outcomes. Consumers can also hold producers accountable, by choosing to support companies that are making efforts to exceed the baseline diversion targets that are being set by the government and showing their disdain for those who abuse the system.
The Reusibly team has the end-of-life of our products at the top of mind when we bring anything to market. It is encouraging to see our governments holding other large producers, distributors and retailers accountable. We are hopeful that this new plan will ensure a more thoughtful marketplace, keeping waste out of our landfills and natural ecosystems.
The province is seeking public feedback on its proposed blue box program changes and we urge you all to take a stand, to be engaged, and to fight for the changes that you want to see. These proposed changes are by no means perfect and many may argue that we can do much better. The plan is being criticized for having a narrow scope, low targets and long transition period, which will see millions of tonnes of waste will end up in our parks, lakes, landfills, and incinerators in the meantime. Environmental and civil society groups such as the Recycling Council of Ontario, Environmental Defence, Toronto Environmental Alliance, have immediate comment forms that make providing your input easier. The time to have your say is now!
]]>The federal government recently announced that select single-use plastics will be banned by the end of 2021. While some may criticize this ban amongst the pressures of the pandemic, others recognize the necessities of these measures with an exacerbated, “it's about time!”. Realistically this ban would only equate to about one percent of all of the plastic products that we consume. This may be a small step, but it is a step in the right direction! A report published in January found that in 2016, 29,000 tonnes of plastic ended up as litter across Canada the year prior. This waste finds its way into our waterways, having detrimental impacts on wildlife and fragile ecosystems. Anything we can do to combat this ever growing problem is a necessary effort. Reusibly came into being with this mission in mind, recognizing the necessity for non-disposable alternatives.
This is just the beginning for Reusibly, we hope to grow alongside this budding awareness around environmentally conscious living. Over time we will expand our offerings to ensure that our patrons have alternatives to satisfy all of their needs: from household items, to grooming, from pet care, to kitchenware's and beyond. We hope to streamline our product range to ensure that switching over to the green side is an easy and straightforward transition.
It is our hope that governments will go to greater lengths to legislate the production, distribution and collection of various plastic goods. Citizens cannot wait for governments action alone, we must take action and reduce our individual impacts however we can. Together with brands like Reusibly consumers have the power to shape the future and to safeguard the environment.
Green on-the-go.
Ordering take-out can be a great option, especially as we try to support local businesses during this difficult time. However, the waste that is produced every time we order food to-go is excessive and can be reduced. While it may be challenging to avoid the plastic or styrofoam containers that the food comes in, bringing reusable cutlery can reduce our dependence on disposable plastic cutlery that inevitably ends up in landfills. Similarly, by bringing a metal or bamboo straw we can tell our servers to forgo giving us a single-use plastic straw because we have brought our own. Bringing a water canteen or travel mug with us when we are out and about is also a simple way to reduce the need to purchase plastic water bottles or to use disposable coffee cups. Taking these matters into our own hands is an effective way to be more responsible consumers as we try to do our part in navigating the trials and tropes of living in an increasingly wasteful society.
A more eco-friendly hygiene routine.
For many of us our hygiene routine can be a source of a lot of waste. The simple act of brushing our teeth can have an astronomical impact on our planet. On average, 1 billion toothbrushes are thrown out each year in the U.S alone, that’s enough to stretch around the planet 4 times. Add to this all of the cotton swabs, floss, toilet paper, cotton face pads and countless product bottles that are disposed of and the amount of waste produced in our bathrooms alone piles up very quickly. By integrating more eco-friendly alternatives into our personal hygiene routines we can each do our part to reduce this impact. Choosing to use a toothbrush made from more sustainable material is a great place to start. Bamboo toothbrushes can be made compostable by removing the nylon bristles at the end of its life lifecycle. Another major source of bathroom waste is floss, which usually comes in cardboard and plastic packaging and is encased in a plastic cartridge. More eco-friendly options are not always readily available at your local drugstore, but luckily Reusibly has got you covered! Our biodegradable floss comes in a glass case and refills can be ordered regularly through our subscription program. We also offer bamboo cotton swabs which are a great alternative to the conventional plastic ones. Think about keeping a compost bin in your bathroom for easy disposal!
Green your beauty routine.
Making ourselves feel more beautiful should not be at the expense of the planet. There are small changes that we can make in our beauty routines that will help to lessen our burden on our planet. For instance, by using reusable cotton pads instead of single-use disposable ones we can negate creating more waste. People who take their beauty care commitment to the planet very seriously can opt to make their own beauty products from ingredients purchased from their local bulk shops or online. Additionally, by unplugging any hot tools or beauty care appliances when we are done using them we can avoid wasting excess energy when not in use.
Commuting can be good for you and the planet.
One’s daily commute can be a huge detriment to the planet. Private transport continues to be a growing source of emissions each year. We have the ability to choose alternative modes of transportation that can be not only better for us as individuals but also better for the planet. Choosing to bike, walk, run, or rollerblade to work are all options that are proven to boost our physical and mental health. If the distance of one’s commute is too great, options like carpooling or car-sharing are great alternatives that are shown to reduce the number of overall cars on the road.
Save money and the planet.
Living a more eco-friendly lifestyle can have the added benefit of being more economical too! Using reusable goods reduces the need to keep purchasing disposable products. Making your own beauty, self-care, and cleaning products can often be cheaper when ingredients can be purchased in bulk and can last you a long time. One can try saving food scraps in a food-safe container in the freezer to make a delicious vegetable stock. These are just a few tips that can help reduce one’s need to go out and purchase more goods. When in need of new items a great option is to go second-hand. Thrift stores are always filled with affordable goods from clothing, appliances, furniture, books, music, games and so much more. Online trading or selling platforms are also an amazing resource when looking to get rid of or acquire items. Websites like Kijiji, Craigslist and Facebook marketplace make selling and buying used goods a breeze. Similarly, Bunz and other trading apps enable bartering that negate the limitations of capital currency.
The decisions we make in our daily lives will ultimately make the difference between curbing the effects of climate change or continuing down a path of entropy. Together we have the power to be better humans and to live in a more harmonious way with the planet.
]]>The onus should be on large corporations and governments to curtail the culture of consumption and waste that burdens our planet. However, there are actions that we can take as individuals to reduce our impact while we wait for system-wide ecological responsibility measures to be put in place. Living in harmony with the earth will encourage those around us and the larger community to adopt more conscious living behaviors. Adopting simple practices such as: bringing your own utensils, plates, and glassware, using a reusable water bottle, disposing of waste correctly through recycling or composting, purchasing in bulk whenever possible, and growing your own food, are examples of ways that we can feel good about the choices we make in our daily lives.
Living a more eco-friendly lifestyle should not have to be hard and it does not have to be all or nothing either. Start by introducing small changes into your daily life one by one until eventually, they become second nature. We should feel good about the decisions that we make because we know they will not have a lasting negative impact on the planet. We live in a society that prioritizes profit above all else, no matter the cost; to continue down this path is to surrender ourselves to the desolation of the earth. It is very clear that we are pushing nature beyond its brink and that we are disrupting natural systems beyond repair. By committing to integrating more environmentally conscious choices into our daily lives we are posing our resistance to the vicious cycle of consumption and waste.
Right now, everyone’s thoughts are consumed by the pandemic that is affecting so many around the globe. Although it does not seem like it, this COVID-19 crisis will eventually reach some form of resolve and all we'll be left with are declining ecosystems, increased environmental disasters, depleted resources, and displaced people.
Join the resistance and let Plastic Free July be a reminder to us all that when the global pandemic comes to an end the climate crisis will live on. That is the battle that we must all continue to fight together. Stay strong, healthy, and safe during these uncertain times.
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