SINGLE-USE RESOURCES FOR RESIDENTS

The easiest way to reduce single-use items is to be prepared and say, “No thank you.”

Other ways you can reduce your use of Single-Use items:

• Refuse single-use items, if not needed, at stores or takeout restaurants, like plastic bags and cutlery 
• Use reusable alternatives, if possible, like reusable bags, water bottles, cutlery, mugs 
• Choose to eat at restaurants that offer reusable options 
• Choose to shop at bulk stores or refilleries (stores that offer refill stations for products like soap or household cleaners) where you can refill reusable containers 
• Choose products with little to no packaging where possible 
• Choose to make your own products like coffee, cold beverages, smoothies, lunches, toothpaste, soaps, household cleaners, rags/cloths, etc. 
• Buy food directly from farms that use less packaging 
• Avoid buying individually packaged items like snack packs of crackers or cookies 
• Pack leftovers in reusable containers or beeswax wraps to avoid plastic bags and wrap 
• Tell your favourite stores and restaurants you want them to offer reusable options and less single-use packaging 
• If you need to use a single-use item, check york.ca/bindicator for how to properly dispose of it 

See what businesses can do to reduce their single-use items.