Reduce, Reuse, Recycle+: Earth Month 2024: Week 3

You may know the 3 R's as Reduce, Reuse, Recycle (and in that order from most powerful to least). There are even more great R's like Refuse, Repair, Repurpose, Rethink, and Rot (compost). Test your knowledge with a few quick questions.

Questions or comments? Reach us at green@uhn.ca

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* 1. REFUSE stops waste before it starts. Which are good ways to Refuse?

A-Refuse to purchase items that are overly packaged, or single use

B-Ask to skip the straw when ordering a beverage

C-When ordering takeout or delivery, ask them NOT to send single-use cutlery (as you have reusables). And skip unwanted condiments/extras.

D-Grab all the giveaways at the conference because they're free!!! buttons, stress balls, thumb-drives

E-Everything but D

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* 2. Which are good ways to REDUCE what you need? (select all that apply)

Ask yourself "do I need this?" before buying, then act accordingly

Have second helpings even if you are stuffed (it would be rude not to)

Borrow/rent occasionally-used things like decorations or tools, instead of buying them and storing them in a closet forever

Repair and mend instead of buying new

Choose fewer but better-made things that last longer

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* 3. REUSING items again and again is better than making new things to throw out, and better than recycling. What are some ways to REUSE? (select all that apply). Hints here and here.

Lug a mug or water bottle

Recycle cans and bottles

Post unwanted but still good stuff to the Materials Exchange Program (work stuff only)

Collect surplus medical supplies for Operation Green to donate to communities in need around the world (email operationgreen@uhn.ca to start)

Clean out your closet and donate the good stuff. DYK, Bickle Centre has a "Clothing Cupboard" to help patients access good & free clothing. Hospital ERs often do too.

Buy gently used items to give them a second life and save you a few bucks.

Pack your reusable bags so you're always ready for go time

Other (please specify)

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* 4. RECYCLING works if we don't contaminate it with trash, so the good materials can be sorted and made into "new" things.

Which items should NOT go in the recycling bin at UHN? Hints Here (select all that apply) UHN's rules for recycling may be different than curbside collection.

coffee cup

plastic bag

PPE like masks and gloves

Styrofoam

food waste

paper towels and napkins

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* 5. Composting is like nature's recycling, breaking down organic matter to add to the soil to help things grow (also an R - ROT). What goes in the green bin at UHN? (select all that apply)

paper towels and napkins

food waste

bottles and cans

products with the Compostable symbol on them

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* 6. Though biodegradable plastic may sound good ... why might it be a little too good to be true?

It's still plastic, and plastic is usually made of fossil fuels, the villain in the story of climate change

Compost facilities often reject biodegradable plastics as they take too long to break down versus typical composting process times

It may break down into microplastics, polluting water, soil, and entering our food chain.

Many people accidentally dispose in the recycling stream. This weakens the recycled plastic stock, making them less able to be converted into another product.

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* 7. Toilets and trashcans are definitely not the same. What should NEVER get flushed? Hints here

"flushable" wipes

Paper towel

menstrual pads and tampons

leftover medication

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* 8. Where do you work?

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* 9. Please enter your UHN email below

Email Address

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle+: Earth Month 2024: Week 3

Question Title

* 1. REFUSE stops waste before it starts. Which are good ways to Refuse?

Question Title

* 2. Which are good ways to REDUCE what you need? (select all that apply)

Question Title

* 3. REUSING items again and again is better than making new things to throw out, and better than recycling. What are some ways to REUSE? (select all that apply). Hints here and here.

Question Title

* 4. RECYCLING works if we don't contaminate it with trash, so the good materials can be sorted and made into "new" things. Which items should NOT go in the recycling bin at UHN? Hints Here (select all that apply) UHN's rules for recycling may be different than curbside collection.

Question Title

* 5. Composting is like nature's recycling, breaking down organic matter to add to the soil to help things grow (also an R - ROT). What goes in the green bin at UHN? (select all that apply)

Question Title

* 6. Though biodegradable plastic may sound good ... why might it be a little too good to be true?

Question Title

* 7. Toilets and trashcans are definitely not the same. What should NEVER get flushed? Hints here

Question Title

* 8. Where do you work?

Question Title

* 9. Please enter your UHN email below

* 4. RECYCLING works if we don't contaminate it with trash, so the good materials can be sorted and made into "new" things.

Which items should NOT go in the recycling bin at UHN? Hints Here (select all that apply) UHN's rules for recycling may be different than curbside collection.