green guide

change takes time

and critical mass. we are stoked to be building this info page about companies and resources who contribute to reducing waste and contributing to a circular economy. ‘Zero Waste’ is the phrase we use because it’s got traction, but really it’s about practicing systems that best utilize resources at the immediate, short and long term.  right now most of the focus is in the greater St. John's metro area, but we will grow.

the Covid-19 pandemic is a reminder writ large that connection to each other and the planet is fundamental. it's also showing that adapting to change is something we humans can do very well when we need to. 

the guiding principle is that there is no ‘away' -  everything comes from somewhere and it goes somewhere. it just may be out of sight.

given our focus on local, social, and green, it’s no surprise that companies on Guide to the Good are leaders in the local movement. you can find them by keying in ‘zero waste’ on the site, and look for the zero waste icon  when looking at listings and profiles.  there are a growing number of zero waste stores that strive for the least!

outside Guide to the Good, we are totally inspired to develop a base of resources that support the local circular economy.  

leading the charge is the Zero Waste Action Team of the Social Justice Cooperative of Newfoundland and Labrador they have regular meet-ups and a newsletter. their motto is ‘do what you can, where you can, when you can’ and Sophie, one of the amazing members (member too of the former Zero Waste Canada Chapter) has developed this awesome graphic to help guide people on the road to zero waste. 

if you’re new to the movement, first things first: there are more than three Rs! waste management reduction starts with RETHINKING your consumption habits, saying no to what you don’t need - REFUSE.  use less - REDUCE. keep a good thing going - REUSE.  then there's ROT - let the organic thing compost away.  lastly is the RECYCLE option, which is good for materials like aluminum cans. sidering the zillion ways to keep things out of the landfilll.

and there are many resources for building a strong community! 

• there's an online platform that connects local food businesses to non-profit organizations to donate any good, unsold food that they have! This is food that would otherwise end up in landfill and create toxic GHG emissions. Our mission is No Waste; No Hunger.   check it out here - https://foodrescue.ca/

• the local Zero Waste Newfoundland and Labrador Facebook community is a fast-growing group that shares ideas, tips, questions, and comments about moving to zero waste here in NL  (https://www.facebook.com/groups/1427503417341168/).  

• Be Green in NL is a Facebook page that shares ideas and tips - https://www.facebook.com/groups/RecycleinNewfoundland/?multi_permalinks=1333687240131689%2C1331693943664352&notif_id=1568082557994194&notif_t=group_activity

• Free & Recycle Newfoundland and Labrador - a site that helps keep good stuff out of the landfill https://www.facebook.com/groups/freecyclenewfoundlandlabrador/ 

• Food First NL offers great tips and strategies on reducing food waste

• reThink Waste Newfoundland and Labrador - a government-sponsored initiative that gives improved options for waste throughout the province - http://rethinkwastenl.ca/ 

• Terra Cycle - a national company that accepts things that are not recyclable here https://www.terracycle.ca/en-CA