• Take the Plastic Free July challenge
  
• Learn about reusable alternatives
• Refuse SUPs at source (e.g. when purchasing goods, look for items that are not pre-packaged in single-use plastic)
• Spread the word! Tell your friends, family and colleagues about Plastic Free July
• Share and post how you reduced or eliminated SUPs and tag @TownofNewmarket
  

• Always bring reusable shopping bags with you such as canvas totes
  
• Swap out plastic wraps for reusable containers to store your leftovers
• Bring reusable straws and cutlery with you
• Use a reusable water bottle and take it with you while on the go
• Use reusable travel mugs for your hot or cold beverages
• Use reusable produce bags instead of single-use plastic bags
• Try using reusable food wraps such as beeswax-coated cloths (or learn to make your own) to package food instead of plastic cling wrap
• Use reusable cloth sandwich/snack bags
• Shop at your local farmer's market – farmer's markets are a great way to buy fresh fruits and vegetables without the plastic waste
• Ask your local butcher or deli if they can use your own reusable container – they can weigh the container and deduct the weight
• Buy in bulk – find local stores that sell food items in bulk bins and allow you to use your own containers or bags
• Repair before your replace
  
• Try to borrow or rent items before buying them - check out York Region's Lendery!
  
• Opt for items that have refillable features
• Try DIY recipes for making cleaning products, lotions, makeup, or shampoo
• Host a zero-waste dinner, party or event. Let guests know beforehand that it will be zero-waste!
• Ask if you can use your own containers for take-out or for taking home restaurant leftovers
• Pack your lunch in reusable containers or reusable cloth bags
  

Throughout the year, the Town of Newmarket, as well as York Region, support residents in their waste reduction and reuse efforts by promoting initiatives that help support a circular economy such as textile and battery collection at Town facilities. Special events are also held including Curbside Giveaway Days and E-waste events. Participating in the initiatives listed below helps support a circular economy:

• Backyard Composting – Backyard composting helps improve plant health and growth by returning valuable nutrients to the soil. Backyard composters are available for purchase year-round from the Newmarket Operations Centre.
  
• Battery Recycling – Battery collection bins are located at most Town facilities. Battery recycling allows materials to be recovered, reused, and disposed of properly, keeping these hazardous materials out of landfill.
• Circular Marketplace – A circular business directory for circular products and solutions (funded by York Region).
• Curbside Giveaway Days – Held once a month between April and October, Curbside Giveaway Days provide an opportunity to give unwanted items a new life while keeping them out of landfill.
• Good Food – Provides education to reduce household food waste through meal planning, proper storage, and tips for managing leftovers.
• The Lendery – Borrow household items such as small kitchen appliances, tools, sports equipment, and toys and games.
• Repair Café – York Region, in partnership with Newmakeit, offers a series of Repair Cafés, hosted at local libraries and community spaces. At these events, people can bring their broken household item to be fixed for free. Volunteer fixers are available to assess your needs and will do their best to fix your item.
• Recycle to Ride – York Region is partnering with Newmarket Cycles to collect used bikes, teach people how to fix them, and get them back in use.
• Share, Reuse, Repair Hub – Online directory for share, reuse, and repair resources (funded by York Region).
• Textile Recycling – Textile recycling helps keep this material out of landfills. Textile/clothing donation bins are located at the Magna Centre (800 Mulock Drive), Ray Twinney Recreation Complex (100 Eagle Street West), and Newmarket Community Centre and Lions Hall (200 Doug Duncan Drive).
  

To learn more about Circular Economy Month, visit wrwcanada.com. For more information about the Circular Economy in York Region, visit york.ca/circulareconomy.