| Environmental Columns

Eco-responsible food – Let’s save the planet with our plate!

According to data from the Ontario organization Value Chain Management Centre, 40% of food is thrown away in Canada. At this rate, nearly two planets will be needed to support global consumption. As for the consumption habits of Canadians, five planets would be required to meet our needs (Global Footprint Network). According to studies on the multiple sources of waste, no less than 35.5 million metric tonnes of food are thrown away or wasted every year in Canada. The organization Second Harvest estimates that it is the equivalent of 58% of all the food produced in the country.

Inspired by ICI Ontario

What can we do to improve the situation?

  • Complete your self-diagnosis (French only) to understand what you consume and what you really need.
  • Prepare meals with Guestimator.
  • Get informed! The non-profit organization La Transformerie offers good tips and articles (French only) for eating well while reducing our ecological footprint!

 The second-hand economy – Good news

Inspired by Baromètre de la consommation responsable – 2019

The habits of Quebecers are changing and for the better. The Observatoire sur la consommation responsable’s fifth and latest report on the Kijiji Second-Hand Economy Index shows remarkable growth in altruistic and ecological motivations to participate in the second-hand economy. Thus, the rise in consumer awareness of their impact on the community is illustrated by a 4% drop in economic motivations for taking part in the second-hand economy, while altruistic motivations increased by 6% and ecological motivations for acquisition and disposal increased by 3% and 6% respectively. It is clear that in addition to adopting eco-responsible consumption habits, Quebecers are increasingly applying the 5R&E and buying second-hand goods. What about you? Do you integrate these principles into your daily actions?

Here’s a little reminder:

5R: Rethink, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Reclaim

E: Eliminate

Sources 

https://ici.radio-canada.ca/nouvelle/1147385/gaspillage-nourriture-poubelle-second-harvest

https://unfutursimple.ca/economie-de-seconde-main/