S.E.N.S. was represented in the Regional Solid Waste Advisory Working Group (RSWAWG)for several years to act in an advisory capacity to the RDNO Board of Directors, and was tasked to review the existing Solid Waste Management Plan (SWMP), providing input from a stakeholder and community perspective which was considered as part of the SWMP Update.

Do YOU wish to part as an interested citizen? Please contact RDNO!

Some Simple Alternatives to Using Plastic

• Use mesh produce bags and cloth bags for shopping purchases

• Carry your own re-useable water bottle, hot beverage cup and small portable cutlery or chopsticks

• Use glass jars for storing food in your pantry and for storing leftovers

• Buy in bulk through a group wholesale buying club or at bulk food stores (cheaper too)

• Unpainted small bamboo can be cut and used for drinking straws or stainless steel or glass straws are available for purchase

• Shop at local farmers’ and artisan markets and take your own bags

• Refuse extra packaging at stores - even leave it there after you pay (makes retailers and big box stores question and change packaging policies)

• Support stores that will allow you to fill your own containers at the deli and bakery (cheese, meat, baked goods etc)

• Make your opinion known to retailers/producers in person or by letter (e.g. “I wish you sold this in paper, so I could purchase” or “ I would purchase this if it didn’t have extra packaging” etc)

• Make or purchase beeswax cloth which can replace the use of plastic wrap.

• Make or purchase cloth re-useable sandwich bags

• Make your own personal products from simple products at home (shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant etc).

For More Information

Sustainable Environment Network Society facebook page

Okanagan Regional Library has information on making your own home products, how plastic affects us, animals and the planet and also supports free local activities to help the environment

Resource(s): 

Journey of a Plastic Bag
Sam Neill and the humble plastic bag