Spencer Radford
"Taking walks around my community, I've noticed a few parks that have many garbage bins, but no recycling, or compost bins. Residents use parks all across the city, and if they don't have the correct spot to put their items, generally most will just place things into the garbage.
To promote a circular economy, I would try to connect with the artists of Ottawa, school boards, youth centres and libraries. Ottawa has many groups of residents who could use materials over and over again, whether that be repainting over a canvas, using materials to make an egg drop challenge, or making small decorations as gifts for parents. Bigger projects can involve using materials to make temporary shelters for the homeless population or putting together little libraries. Other things can be dropped off to a depot where construction workers, city staff, and residents could come collect parts they might be able to use, even if someone else didn't find a use for it."
Theresa Kavanagh
"As Councillor for Bay Ward, I supported the City’s Solid Waste Master Plan, including the implementation of the 3-bag limit to reduce household garbage, and to encourage residents to recycle and use their green bin. This is just the start. I support the efforts to roll out green bin collection in Multi-Unit Residential Buildings, and initiatives to divert more waste from landfills. I have been a strong supporter of the City’s Repair Cafe series. These free workshops teach residents how to repair and maintain small appliances, rather than throwing them out. If re-elected, I will advocate for an expansion of these Repair Cafe programs to neighbourhoods across the city. The city also needs to do more to expand textile recycling and clothing swap initiatives, as this is a major source of landfill waste with a huge, untapped opportunity for greater reuse. I also welcomed the return of the city-wide “Giveaway Weekends”, and would love to see these happening more frequently across Ottawa."