At The Market
City of Kawartha Lakes
Waste reduction starts at the market. Find out how to change your
shopping habits to help reduce waste!
The A-B-C’s of Smart Consumers
Ask Questions
Before you buy, some simple questions to ask yourself include: What happens to the
product when I’m done with it? Is it recyclable? Is it hazardous? Will it be reusable or
garbage? Is there an alternative that has less packaging?
Be Prepared
One of the easiest ways to save money and reduce waste is to plan ahead. Make a list to
prevent impulse buys. Pick up items for your neighbours; fewer cars on the road means
fewer emissions released into the atmosphere. Bring reusable bags to avoid purchasing
plastic bags at the store.
Change Your Shopping Habits
Choose items with the least amount of packaging, buy in bulk and select locally made or
grown products when possible. This will reduce your carbon footprint and support the
local economy.
Fill your Freezer
A full freezer is an efficient freezer. Items in the freezer keep each other cold.
Freeze food before it expires and use later to reduce waste.
A stocked freezer also means fewer trips to the grocery store.
Best Bulk Buys
These items have a long shelf life and are less expensive to purchase in bulk:
Pasta/rice
Toilet paper
Paper towel
Garbage bags
Dish detergent
Liquid hand soap
Flour
Toothpaste
Baking soda
Cleaning supplies
Laundry detergent
Shampoo/conditioner
Tip! Reduce waste by bringing a reusable mug when you go for your morning coffee!
Some coffee shops offer discounts to customers who bring their own mug.
Tip! Look for concentrated versions of cleaners to dilute at home. Purchasing cleaning
concentrates reduces packaging.
Wrapped up…
This symbol means the packaging is made from recycled content. Choosing
packages with this symbol creates a demand for recycled products. The
higher the recycled content the better!
This symbol means the container is recyclable where facilities exist. In the
City of Kawartha Lakes accepts food and beverage containers numbered
1,2,3,4,5,6 and 7 for recycling.
The EcoLogo signifies the company manufacturing the product has met
strict environmental standards. Purchasing items with this logo encourages
sustainable manufacturing practices.
Choices to Reduce Waste
Instead of Buying...
Juice Boxes
Disposable plates
Paper Towel
New pet toys
Buy…
A large container of juice and take
single servings, to school or work, in a
reusable container
Invest in a set of dishes for parties to
wash and reuse
Tear up old towels and clothes
to make rags
Reuse old kids toys, rope or roll up an old
pair of socks
Chemical cleaners
Clean with biodegradable cleaners
Single serve items
Bulk products and divide up
into reusable containers
Tip! When purchasing small amounts of produce (i.e. one or two lemons, a bundle of
green onions) avoid putting into a plastic produce bag. Try reusable produce bags.
For more information
Call: 705-324-9411 or 888-822-2225
Email: recycle@city.kawarthalakes.on.ca