G7 PLASTICS CHARTER & TOWARDS A ZERO PLASTIC WASTE CANADA
A first step has been taken as 5 of the G7 countries agreed to a plastics charter on ocean pollution, working with industry and other levels of government to recycle and reuse at least 55% of plastic packaging by 2030 and recover 100% of all plastics by 2040.
At the same time, 43 groups, including YREA, signed adeclaration calling on the Canadian Government to develop a national waste strategy. In Canada, nearly 90 per cent of plastics end up incinerated or in our landfills, lakes, parks and oceans. Once in the environment, they contaminate ecosystems, kill wildlife, and leach toxic chemicals.
Actions already taken by Franceand the EU aim for 100% recyclable plastics by 2030, introducing plastic made from seaweed, algae and sugarcane – designed to replace petrochemical based products. Using biological materials will allow these new plastics to decompose over shorter periods, cutting decomposition time from 500 years to a few months. Much work to do, but with optimism.
BEE KILLING PESTICIDES STILL FOUND IN 'BEE-FRIENDLY' PLANTS
Four years after Friends of the Earth and its allies asked retailers, growers & policymakers to take action to avoid neonicotinoid pesticides in garden plants, these toxics chemicals are still being found in plants from major retailers.
Sheridan Nurseries can vouch for all the plants they grow to be neonic free but as they also source from hundreds of suppliers in the US, Canada and many countries in Europe, they cannot guarantee the practices of these providers. Whenever you shop for garden plants, take the time to inform the store about your bee harming pesticide concerns. Read more on position of retailers.
Bees and other insects are vital for global food production as they pollinate three-quarters of all crops. The plummeting numbers of pollinators in recent years has been blamed, in part, on the widespread use of these pesticides, said to be 5000 times more toxic than DDT. Although the EU banned the use of neonics on flowering crops that attract bees in 2013, a full ban on all field crops comes into effect in 2018. Neonics will still be used in closed greenhouses, but that is where bee friendly garden perennials are grown! Read more…
WATER CONSERVATION TIPS FOR THE INTREPID
Keep a pail in your kitchen to dump water after you have given your fruit and veggies a bath. Then use that water to irrigate your plants inside and garden outdoors.
Consider a cleaning system like Enjo that uses very little water.
Don't flush the toilet after every single pee. Sounds gross, but it really isn't. See how much your daily water consumption will drop & check out these good reasons to give it a try.
Don't waste water on grass. It will go brown from the heat of summer anyway (but do irrigate your trees and shrubs during drought).
TRCA EVENTS - WONDERFUL THINGS TO DO IN TORONTO & THE GTA
See full calendar of exciting activities. Connect with nature for some outdoor enrichment - on your own or with friends & family.
GARLIC MUSTARD CONTROL
Be vigilant for this invasive weed & bring a bag to gather when you are out for a walk in natural areas. Check out this fact sheet on how to identify and when you pull it, be careful not to spread seeds. Then try whipping up some delicious garlic mustard pesto.
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