By Nico Marcar- TASNG Chair
As part of the Community Harmony Initiative, TASNG was again involved in organising the community 'Picnic in the Park' on the Toronto Foreshore on the evening of Friday 22 February. Numbers were down somewhat because of a little inclement weather. However, those present were treated to great music from Ukenjamit (ukelele band), a participatory African Drumming session, meditation, access to Lake Mac roving library and games. 
The Awaba Road garden at the west entrance to Toronto has been marked, edged and mulched and a few hardy Lomandras planted. Major planting is planned for May.
TASNG is spearheading a campaign to reduce the use of plastics in Toronto. Twelve businesses are plastic bag and plastic-lined coffee cup free, twelve are well on the way and nine are still to change.
We always welcome new ideas for projects!
Toronto is making the switch
By Steve Dewer: TASNG Waste Warrior
Toronto is leading the way in the Hunter, encouraging local cafes, shops and residents to switch from single-use plastic items. Toronto’s lakeside location has the benefit of increased awareness about pollution from single-use plastics;plastic bags, plastic straws, plastic-lined takeaway coffee cups, plastic packaging, plastic cutlery, you can’t go for walk without seeing it washed up on the foreshore.
The cafés in Toronto that have switched out of plastic-lined takeaway coffee cups are Hughzies, Double Take, Bean-to-go, Miranda’s, Tinto, Cafe 2283 and Greg and Audrey’s Ice-Creamery. Michelle’s Cafe will switch in the next month. Having twin bins throughout Toronto means you can RECYCLE the non-lined takeaway coffee cups. Toronto has a community that cares!
Toronto clubs and pub have either switched to paper/cardboard straws or offer plastic straws only if asked. Maccas has even committed to switching away from plastic straws!
Of course, the supermarkets, and their liquor stores and service stations, are still handing out plastic bags but customers have to pay for them and most are reusing them. Most other shops have either stopped using plastic bags or will switch soon with customers now bringing their own bags!
Takeaway food from cafes still offer single-use plastic bags, Council has offered reusable non-plastic bags to help them and a few other shops and Chemists, to switch to non-plastic solutions.
As Toronto switches from single-use plastics, YOU, the customer, can encourage the remaining cafes and shops to make the switch to protect our little patch of paradise and the planet from the harmful effects of all this plastic which is affecting our birds, aquatic animals and even making its way up the food chain into us.
No comments:
Post a Comment