CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — The City of Charlottetown is encouraging residents to participate in a nationwide campaign aimed to promote overall waste reduction and educate on the importance of efficient resource use.
Waste Reduction Week in Canada is taking place Oct. 19-25, with numerous municipalities across the country participating.
Beginning next week, each day is designated a theme which will focus on tools and resources relating to a specific aspect of waste reduction. The themes are circular economy, textile waste, e-waste, plastic waste, food waste, sharing economy and swap and repair.
The sustainability department has partnered with several local organizations to highlight the businesses and waste reduction services available in Charlottetown. Partnerships include Island Waste Management Corporation (IWMC); Department of Environment, Water and Climate Change; Charlottetown Tool Library; Happy Ocean; and local second-hand stores.
Throughout the week, stay tuned to the city’s social media channels for educational resources, challenges, incentives and prizes.
On Thursday, Oct. 22, a pop-up Bring It Charlottetown pledge booth will be set up along the Kent Street side of City Hall (199 Queen St.) from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Bring It campaign is directed at people who live, work and play in Charlottetown and consists of a pledge booth where individuals can choose from a number of reusable items, including a travel mug, metal straw set, portable cutlery set, reusable bag, cold drink cup (with lid and straw) or a water bottle and make a pledge to bring it with them and use it instead of single-use disposable versions of the same items. After making their pledge to Bring It, residents will receive the item they pledged to bring, free of charge.
Half price memberships ($25 for an annual membership) with the Charlottetown Tool Library (28 Thompson Dr.) will be available all week long. To learn more or purchase a membership, visit Charlottetowntoollibrary.myturn.com/library.
A curbside giveaway will take place on Sunday, Oct. 25. This event provides Charlottetown residents a new way to get rid of clutter and find new treasures. Those wishing to participate are encouraged to place unwanted items that are in good condition at the end of the driveway/curb and follow all curbside giveaway etiquette, as detailed at the city’s website. All items must be cleaned/disinfected before being placed at the curb and after taken to their new home. All unclaimed items must be removed from the curbside by sundown on Oct. 25.
Along with other buildings and monuments around Canada, Charlottetown City Hall will be lit up blue and green to highlight the week.
Given the COVID-19 pandemic, the city was unable to find a safe way to offer the annual Fix-It Fair. Moving forward, the city is happy with the variety of events and initiatives offered throughout the week and looks forward to hosting the Fix-It Fair again in future years.
To view schedule of events, visit Charlottetown.ca/wasteweek.
For more information on Waster Reduction Week, visit wrwcanada.com/en.
