When Katrina McGuire brought a reusable container to the Withrow Park Farmers’ Market to buy lunch, she didn’t realize it would spark a market-wide initiative to go zero waste.
After noticing the amount of garbage created by packaged foods, McGuire decided to make a change.
In July, the East York community member launched the Zero Waste Station as a pilot project. In place of single-use items, it offered attendees reusable cutlery, plates, napkins and cups.
Katrina McGuire, creator of the Zero Waste Station, in her tent at Withrow Park Famers’ Market. (Anjelica Balatbat/ Toronto Observer)
None of the inventory used for her initiative has been purchased new. Since starting, McGuire has washed over 1700 pieces.
“I went to thrift stores and purchased second-hand items that I could use at the market,” McGuire said. “Also, in-kind donations. We put out calls to the public on social media, and people were so kind to have donated unneeded items that they had around the house.”
To ensure cleanliness at her station, McGuire enrolled in the Toronto Public Health’s Food Handler Certification Program.
“I learned the health codes that any restaurant, café or food establishment would have to abide by, and I learned how to sanitize the dishes properly according to the health standards of the city, which I do every week,” she said.
The reusables project has, however, faced some challenges.
“There’s a shortage of inventory, and there’s some items that we’ve been unable to find, but we make do with what we have,” McGuire said. “Another challenge is public awareness. There’s still a bit of a stigma around reusables.”
Yet with the support of food vendors, and its success throughout the season, the Zero Waste Station has remained a permanent service at the Withrow Park Farmers’ Market.
“I think it’s a wonderful idea,” said vendor David Ng, of Feast of Fields.
So does Robert Mayer, owner of Gemaro Bakery. “It’s amazing, because keeping things out of the landfill is important,” he said. “Whenever possible we only give out paper, and using this is so much better. Lots of people come with their own shopping bags, especially at this market.”
For those looking to live waste-free in their own life, McGuire has a couple of suggestions. “Start with items you already own. There’s no need to go out and replace all the plastic items you have in your house,” she said. “And when you go out, bring reusables with you.”
McGuire’s future ventures include working with the Centre for Social Innovation to launch waste-reduction initiatives, and pursuing a membership-based, reusable-take-out-container program in the city.
You can support the Zero Waste Station by donating at www.gofundme.com/zero-waste-station.