This is a sponsored post.
It’s no secret that life in Toronto peaks during the summer. The wintery cityscape dissipates and begins to bustle in the sunshine, parks fill with picnic-goers, the island ferry makes waves across the lake as the waterfront brims and buzzes with chatter, and patios overflow with post-work cocktail sippers.
Though the rush to lap up the much-needed sunshine is a given and making the most of the outdoors is a cornerstone of summertime culture in the city, the privilege of public space requires every citizen to do their part in keeping it clean, usable and safe for all.
Small items such as cigarette butts and gum are some of the most common litter items in Toronto, as are larger items including paper towels, napkins, masks, and single-use drink cups. Recently, the city has seen an upward trend in the amount of litter left in public spaces and has made a concerted effort to provide appropriate services to manage it.
Around many Toronto bars and patios, there are designated receptacles for cigarette butts and smokers are strongly encouraged to use them. This prevents them from spreading harmful chemicals into the environment and potentially causing fires. Properly disposing of napkins, masks and single-use plastic items ensure they are not being swept into the storm sewers and ending up in Lake Ontario.
But maintaining the natural environment isn’t just about people. Litter can be harmful to animals too. It’s crucial to be mindful of their habitat and the state we leave it in. Picking up after yourself aids in protecting the spaces we share with wildlife and pets. Both domestic and wild animals are at risk from picking up and consuming the toxic chemicals from the litter people leave behind.
In order to combat burgeoning volumes of garbage and to meet the demands for the upkeep of Toronto’s public spaces, additional waste collection services in highly populated areas, frequently used parks, and along the waterfront have been made available.
People are encouraged to use the waste bins provided to help maintain Toronto’s streets, parks, beaches and other public spaces, and should always pick up after themselves. Moreover, using reusable bottles, bags and containers is a highly effective way to help take care of the environment and minimize the overall production of waste.
It costs the City of Toronto millions of dollars a year to keep the city clean, so it’s vital that everyone does their part in maintaining all of Toronto’s shared outdoor spaces by actively reducing the amount of litter they create or leave behind.
