Include the Environment in New Year's Resolutions

As New Year's Eve approaches, Environment Minister Randy Delorey is encouraging Nova Scotians to think of ways to help the environment in 2014.

One way to help is to reduce the amount of waste going into landfills by lowering consumption, reusing materials and recycling as much as possible.

"Our province leads the country in diverting our waste from landfills, but there is even more we can do," said Mr. Delorey. "Every Nova Scotian has a role to play in helping to meet our solid waste targets."

For information on composting, reducing waste and recycling, check local waste management authorities or visit the Resource Recovery Fund Board Inc. website at www.putwasteinitsplace.ca.

"Ensuring organics, recycling and waste are properly sorted, and considering the amount of packaging on items we purchase are just a few ways to help the environment in 2014," said Mr. Delorey. "Many people don't realize just how much of our waste doesn't have to go to landfills."

Up to 12 per cent of materials sent to Nova Scotia's landfills are textiles, such as clothing and footwear, most of which can be reused or recycled by donating them to charities, even if they're beyond their useful life. Drop-off boxes for used clothing can be found in convenient locations throughout the province.

For more information on ways to reduce solid waste and help the environment, visit http://www.novascotia.ca/nse/waste/.