- by Owen Sound Waste Watchers

There's a LOT to unpack on this topic. First, don't waste food. Just don't overbuy. Sounds simple but are we consciously working at buying only what we truly NEED? Besides, there is always some waste no matter how hard we try.

How about reviewing the stuff in your fridge and cupboards, rotating the older stuff to the front so that it gets eaten up before it expires.
BONUS: nothing hairy scary found weeks later in the back of your fridge!

And if you have overbought or it looks like you won't get to use something up please, please give it to someone who can -- someone else in your family, a friend or neighbour, or how about donating it to your local food bank or shelter. Safe n Sound Grey Bruce would be delighted to get your donation.

And what about waste that doesn't actually ever have to be waste?!! According to the recent Canadian Waste Characterization Study, food waste makes up 23% of what we take to the curb. We don't have curb side pick up of organic/compost stuff in Owen Sound so our food waste goes to landfill where it gets buried and decomposes releasing highly toxic methane that's OH SO BAD! Winnipeg got it right. They are launching a curb side pick up of organics starting Monday. Read about their program and let us know what you think! Could we do this in Owen Sound, too?

The contract for garbage and recycling in Owen Sound ends 2023. Maybe we should be PLANNING curb side pick up of organics NOW? Hmmmm...
In the meantime, you can still turn your waste into NON-waste: compost in your backyard or buddy-up with a friend or neighbour who composts. That "waste" will turn into totally awesome SOIL -- no longer waste but rather something really great. New soil from waste. How's that for amazing?!! Don't know how to compost? Let us show you how. Check out our website where you can read about composting... and watch a video!