5R's Waste Less - Earth Month 2023: Week 4

We have a weekly focus during Earth Month, and this week is 5R's Waste Less! You may know the 5 R's as Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Rot (Compost). There are even more great R's like Repair, Repurpose, Rethink, but 5 is already a lot. Test your knowledge with a few quick questions.

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

Question Title

* 1. The first R, Refuse, is a way to stop waste before it can start. Which are good ways to Refuse? (select all that apply)

Refuse to purchase items that are overly packaged, or single use, and choose better options

Ask to skip the straw when ordering a beverage

Grab 18 stuffed kittens as they are being given away free!

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

Say no to free but junky giveaways. e.g. buttons, stress balls or candy you don't actually like

Other (please specify)

Question Title

* 2. The next R is Reduce ... 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

Choose fewer but better-made things that last longer ... look for longer warranties

Other (please specify)

Question Title

* 3. Reusing items again and again is better than making new things to throw out, even if those items get recycled. 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 bag so it's always ready for go time

Other (please specify)

Question Title

* 4. For Recycling to work, it's important not to contaminate it with trash. Note that UHN's rules for recycling may be different than curbside collection.

Which items should NOT go in the recycling bin at UHN? Hints Here (select all that apply)

coffee cup

plastic bag

juicebox/tetrapak

PPE like masks and gloves

Styrofoam

cardboard

cans and bottles

food waste

paper

paper towels and napkins

Question Title

* 5. True or False: Toronto General Hospital, Princess Margaret Cancer Research Tower and Michener Institute separate their recycling into 2: Containers Recycling (bottles & cans), and Paper & Cardboard Recycling. This helps keep the materials in better shape which generates rebates.

True

False

Question Title

* 6. The final R is Rot, meaning compost. It's like nature's recycling, breaking down organic matter to add to the soil to help things grow. 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

Question Title

* 7. Though biodegradable plastic may sound good ... touted as a saviour for plastic bags, utensils, and even PPE ... 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

Composters often reject biodegradable plastics as they take way longer to break down than 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 plastics, making them less valuable for their next use.

5R's Waste Less - Earth Month 2023: Week 4

Question Title

* 1. The first R, Refuse, is a way to stop waste before it can start. Which are good ways to Refuse? (select all that apply)

Question Title

* 2. The next R is Reduce ... 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, even if those items get recycled. What are some ways to reuse? (select all that apply). Hints here and here.

Question Title

* 4. For Recycling to work, it's important not to contaminate it with trash. Note that UHN's rules for recycling may be different than curbside collection.

Which items should NOT go in the recycling bin at UHN? Hints Here (select all that apply)

Question Title

* 5. True or False: Toronto General Hospital, Princess Margaret Cancer Research Tower and Michener Institute separate their recycling into 2: Containers Recycling (bottles & cans), and Paper & Cardboard Recycling. This helps keep the materials in better shape which generates rebates.

Question Title

* 6. The final R is Rot, meaning compost. It's like nature's recycling, breaking down organic matter to add to the soil to help things grow. What goes in the green bin at UHN? (select all that apply)

Question Title

* 7. Though biodegradable plastic may sound good ... touted as a saviour for plastic bags, utensils, and even PPE ... why might it be a little too good to be true?

Question Title

* 8. Where do you work?

Question Title

* 9. Please enter your UHN email below

5R's Waste Less - Earth Month 2023: Week 4

Question Title

* 1. The first R, Refuse, is a way to stop waste before it can start. Which are good ways to Refuse? (select all that apply)

Question Title

* 2. The next R is Reduce ... 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, even if those items get recycled. What are some ways to reuse? (select all that apply). Hints here and here.

Question Title

* 4. For Recycling to work, it's important not to contaminate it with trash. Note that UHN's rules for recycling may be different than curbside collection. Which items should NOT go in the recycling bin at UHN? Hints Here (select all that apply)

Question Title

* 5. True or False: Toronto General Hospital, Princess Margaret Cancer Research Tower and Michener Institute separate their recycling into 2: Containers Recycling (bottles & cans), and Paper & Cardboard Recycling. This helps keep the materials in better shape which generates rebates.

Question Title

* 6. The final R is Rot, meaning compost. It's like nature's recycling, breaking down organic matter to add to the soil to help things grow. What goes in the green bin at UHN? (select all that apply)

Question Title

* 7. Though biodegradable plastic may sound good ... touted as a saviour for plastic bags, utensils, and even PPE ... why might it be a little too good to be true?

Question Title

* 8. Where do you work?

Question Title

* 9. Please enter your UHN email below

* 4. For Recycling to work, it's important not to contaminate it with trash. Note that UHN's rules for recycling may be different than curbside collection.

Which items should NOT go in the recycling bin at UHN? Hints Here (select all that apply)