
LOCAL RESOURCES
In theory the circular economy sounds great, but how do we start to incorporate its concepts into our day-to-day lives? As consumers and purchasers, one of the biggest impacts we can make revolves around our purchasing decisions. By consciously choosing where and what we spend our money on, we can drive change. To help get you started, we have compiled an array of suggestions on where to shop, how to reduce your waste levels, what to do with those items you no longer want, and much more. Scroll down to get some inspiration and ideas on places to check out in Victoria!
Refill Solutions
One of the easiest switches you can make to reduce your personal waste levels is to start shopping at stores that allow you to bring your own containers in to fill with their products. From cleaning supplies to coffee beans and your favourite snacks, you can now say good-bye to unnecessary plastic packaging.
sHARING
Like our parents used to always tell us, sharing is caring! When we take part in the sharing economy less goods are needed which spares resources, reduces waste and emissions, and frees up income. From car sharing to co-working spaces, Victoria has lots of great options that can provide you with the opportunity to own less and live lighter.
rEPAIR
Help extend the life of a product by finding ways to repair your existing products. It is amazing how some simple upkeep and maintenance can greatly extend the length of a product’s useful life. By repairing items locally we support our economy, preserve resources and save money.
redistribute
As the old saying goes, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. Just because you no longer want something doesn’t mean that no one else does either! For products you would like to dispose of consider if they can be resold, shared, or donated. When looking to make a purchase, consider buying second hand.
Products
Here is a small sampling of a few local businesses that see ‘waste’ materials as a valuable input for their products. From backpacks made from sailcloth to upcycled wool jackets, Vancouver Island is home to a variety of businesses that have found innovative ways to loop materials back into our economy. When making a purchase, look into where the product is made and what materials are used.
Recycle
Recycling goes far beyond our curbside blue bins! By committing a little time and effort to disposing of objects you no longer have use for, you will find that many items can be given a second life through existing recycling systems. For instance, did you know that you can drop off Styrofoam materials at London Drugs and return dead pens to Staples for recycling?