#ygkChallenge: #WasteNotYGK

The #ygkchallenge is an ongoing series where we dare you to be different, resolve to be better, and or do something awesome in support of our beloved community. Each week, Kingstonist establishes a new, ambitious or quirky goal, encouraging you to step out of your comfort zone and do something great, and hopefully a little out of the ordinary. By taking part in this community-wide initiative, we hope to make Kingston (and the world) a slightly better place to live, work and play.

This week’s #ygkchallenge encourages you to:

#WasteNotYGK, by setting out appropriate items that someone else might want. On Saturday, June 17th, the Kingston is conducting a city-wide giveaway day, where residents are encouraged to put out reusable items they no longer want, which neighbours might scoop up. Giveaway Days are just one of the ways the City is working to help meet its goal to divert 60 per cent of household waste from landfill by 2018. Appropriate items include: books, CDs, DVDs, furniture and small appliances, electronics, construction materials, kitchen gadgets, dishes, cutlery, pots and pans and, yes, unwanted gifts. While inappropriate items include: baby walkers, cribs, car seats, strollers, playpens, bath seats, mattresses, blinds and toys. To participate, simply place items at the curb in front of your home along with a few stickers or signs to let people know they are “free” for the taking. At the end of the day, all uncollected items must return to your home, or else you face the ire of your neighbours, and subsequently the wrath of the By-Law Enforcement Officer. Be sure to share pictures of your giveaway day treasures on Twitter by using the hashtag: #WasteNotYGK.

Join us in completing this week’s #ygkchallenge by liking it on Facebook and/or re-Tweeting it on Twitter. By liking and sharing, you’re not only committing to doing something great, but you’re also helping us spread the word and hopefully encouraging others to participate.

Photo credit to yooperann.