North Thompson Star/Journal and Clearwater Times Monday, October 11, 2012
Going Green • Waste Reduction Week 1
October 15 - 21, 2012 Published by the North Thompson Star/Journal & The Clearwater Times
2012 Waste Reduction Week
Too good to waste Waste Reduction Week’s (WRW) origins can be traced back to the mid 1980s, when a number of recycling councils and environmental organizations began holding provincial Recycling and Waste Reduction Weeks. In 2001, these organizations came together and decided to pool their resources and expand their efforts into a national event called WRW in Canada. Since 2001, WRW in Canada has been organized by a coalition of non-government, not-forprofit environment groups and governments from each of the 13 participating provincial and territorial jurisdictions across Canada. WRW is currently held the third week of October each year. The success of the WRW in Canada program continues to grow with the number of participants in all three targeted audiences – schools, local governments and small to medium sized businesses – more than doubling in the last six years alone. To date WRW in Canada has garnering
over 100 million media impressions and appearances on network News as well as CTV’s Etalk and CBC’s The Hour. WRW in Canada is intended to raise public consciousness about waste and its environmental and social ramifications. The WRW theme, “Too Good To Waste” is about conveying an appreciation for the richness and beauty of our diverse world and the importance of working toward ecological sustainability by conserving resources and curbing wasteful practices. Our ultimate goal is to educate, engage and empower Canadians to reduce waste through provision of access to relevant information, opportunities and options. WRW in Canada is coordinated by a coalition of 13 recycling councils and sister organizations from across Canada. Collaborating on a national level, this partnership promotes waste reduction on provincial/ territorial and local levels. Canada will celebrate its an-
nual National Waste Reduction Week from Oct. 15-21, 2012. Each year the Recycling Council of British Columbia (RCBC) organizes BC’s involvement in observing this important week. A major sponsor of the WRW is Recycle My Cell. Recycle My Cell is Canada’s national recycling program for mobile phones and accessories. The bilingual Web site – www.RecycleMyCell.ca and www.recyclemoncell.ca – allows consumers to simply enter their postal code to locate the 10 drop-off locations closest to them where their devices will be accepted, regardless of brand or condition. The free program is run by the Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association (CWTA), in conjunction with cell phone carriers and handset manufacturers, who have come together to raise awareness about the importance of cell phone recycling. See page two for information on how to participate in Recycle My Cell.
250-374-8522
717 Carrier St. Mt. Paul Industrial Park KAMLOOPS
WE BUY SCRAP METALS - Aluminum - Copper - Brass - Stainlesss -Batteries - Rads - Steel - Scrap Cars -
Roll Off Bins - Reusable Steel Helping you take care of the environment since 1982
2 Going Green • Waste Reduction Week
Monday, October 11, 2012 North Thompson Star/Journal and Clearwater Times
Waste Reduction Week in Canada Sponsor
Recycle My Cell program Did you know that using Recycle My Cell keeps old cell phones from entering your local landfill? When you get a new cell phone, instead of throwing your old one into a drawer or the garbage, recycle it with us. A small effort on your part can make a big difference! “Recycle My Cell continues to be a proud sponsor of Waste Reduction Week in Canada. We believe that even the little steps, like recycling old devices, have a positive impact on the earth. That’s why we continue to make Recycle My Cell easy and convenient”, says Bernard Lord, President and CEO of Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association.
Simple things you can do: Participate in the Recycle My Cell Challenge, celebrating Waste Reduction Week in Canada – If your school or
post secondary institution is looking for an opportunity to make a difference environmentally, while having a chance to win $500, then this is for you! Sign up for the challenge, and everything you need to participate will be provided to you. Everyone is Encouraged to Recycle Their Phone – Simply drop off your phone at the nearest drop-off location provided to you via www.RecycleMyCell.ca. With over 4,000 drop off locations across Canada, finding a location that takes your phone and accessories is easy: all you have to do is enter your postal code at www.RecycleMyCell.ca. This generates a list of the closest recycling drop-off sites. Can’t come to us? Print off a pre-paid mailing label from the Web site and mail your device to us, free of charge. Our Web site also includes a link to participating partner programs and instructions for clearing your device of all personal data. Be sure that all personal information is erased from your device before you recycle it! Host a Drop-off Location – By hosting a Recycle My Cell drop-off location, you’ll provide a valuable service to your commu-
nity. Registration is quick and easy and we’ll provide you with all the materials, free of charge. Processors involved with Recycle My Cell ensure that usable phones are refurbished, and those at the end of their life are recycled responsibly. Phones that are designated for refurbishment and reuse have their memories wiped of all data by our processing partners; this helps to ensure that any data accidentally left on the device is completely deleted. Recycle My Cell is run by the Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association, in conjunction with cell phone carriers, handset manufacturers and certified processors who have come together to raise awareness about the importance of cell phone recycling. The goal of this program is to keep handsets from entering Canada’s landfills. And just as important, the proceeds from the recycled wireless devices go to benefit many local and national charities.
What is an ecological footprint? An ecological footprint is a tool that measures the area of land and water required to produce the natural resources consumed by the human population. It helps to measure sustainability at the global, national or individual level. Currently, the world is living in an ecological deficit, which simply means that our demand for natural resources exceeds the supply or regenerative capacity of the earth. To sustain our resource consumption rate at its present-day level we would need more than one planet! Follow these steps to adopt a more sustainable lifestyle. Additional ways to reduce your ecological footprint are also available. 1.
2.
3.
Newsroom: news@starjournal.net Visit our web sites at or advertising@starjournal.net www.starjournal.net or of¿ce@starjournal.net www.clearwatertimes.com Web Page: www.starjournal.net
Reduce your carbon footprint. Walk, bike or take public transit Choose energy efficient appliances Purchase carbon offsets Reduce your housing footprint. Use biodegradable, non-toxic cleaning products Compost Reduce your goods and services footprint. Reduce, reuse, recycle
359 Borthwick Avenue Box 1020, Barriere B.C. V0E 1E0
14-74 Young Rd, Brookfield Mall Clearwater, BC V0E 1N2
Phone: 250-672-5611 Fax: 250-672-9900
Phone: 250-674-3343 Fax: 250-674-3410
CMCA AUDITED
NOR TH THOMPSON
The Times The North Thompson Star/Journal and North Thompson Times are published each Thursday by Black Press Group Ltd. in Barriere, B.C. We welcome readers’ articles, photographs, comments and letters. All contents are copyright and any reproduction is strictly prohibited by the rightsholder.
North Thompson Star/Journal and Clearwater Times Monday, October 11, 2012
Going Green • Waste Reduction Week 3
BC schools earn cash and students earn top marks in recycling enrollment has varied from available for “superstar recyclers” at ele11 to 21 students since mentary schools. Recognized elementary 2008. Last year alone, the and secondary schools from all parts of BC’s Elementary and students of Thetis Island BC are encouraged to participate. Secondary Schools have and their teachers collectEncorp Pacific (Canada) is a federdiverted over 40 million ed 103,087 containers and ally incorporated not-for-profit stewardbeverage containers in earned $1000 in prize money ship corporation with beverage container the last 10 years from from Encorp’s BC School management as its core business. landfills. Encorp Pacific Recycling Program. They They are committed to developing (Canada) has refunded not only won their enrolland managing a consumer-friendly and over $2.4 million in ment category of one to 150 cost-effective system to recover beverage deposits to the provstudents they beat out all containers from consumers and ensure ince’s schools and in other elementary schools in that they are recycled and not incinerated the last 5 years awarded BC for a second year. or land filled. $75,000 in prize money. “The 16 students and their They also provide their stewardThe money has gone teachers earned $8,702.85 ship services on a contract basis to the to updating equipment for their school from recyElectronics Industry for the collection and enhancing student cling beverage containers,” and recycling of regulated products, as activities as each school Star/Journal file photo says Sandy Sigmund. “This well as the Dairy Industry to manage decides how the money BC students are eager to earn extra cash and at the same time do something great for combined with the first place their voluntary Milk recycling program. will be allocated. their environment. prize money made a grand To learn more about Encorp Pacific, visit During the 2011/2012 total of $9,702.85 to go towards school return-it.ca. school year, BC schools collected over 100 per cent of the deposit refunds for 3.2 million beverage containers. each container collected and the pro- activities and equipment.” First prize for each enroll“We value how the school recycling gram is free for all schools. The schools ment category is $1000, secprogram teaches environmental youth are grouped into categories, based on ond prize $750 and third prize leadership. A growing number of schools enrollment, and the schools that col$500. Just go towww.return-it. have used the program as a teaching aide lect the most containers in each catca/youthcentre/ for more inforto explore ways to protect ecosystems. We egory win added cash prizes. For a mation or to enter the Encorp encourage and want to support students full list of the 2011/2012 outstanding School Recycling Program. and their teachers in this,” says Sandy elementary and high school recyclers go We pay full deposit refund on all Other recognition opportuni250-672-2123 Sigmund, Vice President, Development towww.return-it.ca/elementaryprogram/ containers in the Encorp system. ties include; all top 5 schools 4365 Borthwick Ave. and CMO, Encorp Pacific (Canada). winners-2011-2012/ or www.return-it.ca/ Barriere - BC from each enrollment category Encorp’s BC School Recycling highschoolprogram/winners-2011-2012/. are recognized, with a yearProgram provides schools with the tools Thetis Island Elementary has colWINTER HOURS and resources to make recycling easy, lected 468,173 beverage containers in end achievement certificate and 10am - 4pm Daily Closed Sunday convenient and profitable. Schools keep the last 4 years. Remarkably, the schools individual award certificates Marketwire
Bag Lady Enterprises
Depot
Recycle Today to Save Tomorrow!
Billions of plastic bags are choking our planet. At Safeway we are proud to offer you the alternative usable bag. Pick up your reusable bags at SAFEWAY
True Service 511 E. Yellowhead Hwy., Clearwater
TWO LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU
Fortune Safeway 750 Fortune Drive North Shore, Kamloops
250 376-4129 7AM - MIDNIGHT • 7 DAYS A WEEK
250-674-3388
Sahali Safeway
Don’t throw them out... BRING YOUR OLD TIRES TO US!
Sahali Mall 945 Columbia, Kamloops
All our scrap tires get hauled away and crumbed where it gets recycled into a number of other uses, rubber mats, box liners, playground equipment, etc.
7AM - MIDNIGHT • 7 DAYS A WEEK
250 374-2811
Keep our community green, please recycle
Telephone: 250 674-2257
Contact Us: PO Box 157, 132 Clearwater Station Road, Clearwater, BC, V0E 1N0
www.districtofclearwater.com
The Adventure Starts Here
4 Going Green • Waste Reduction Week
Monday, October 11, 2012 North Thompson Star/Journal and Clearwater Times
Scrap is beautiful Submitted By recycling, Kamloops Scrap Iron ltd. plays a vital role in the effective management of solid waste, contributing to a safe, clean environment for Kamloops. The scrap yard has been in existence at the corner of Ord Road and 8th street since the early 60’s. Kamloops Scrap Iron established in 1981 receives scrap metals from industries such as logging and mining, local businesses, as well as the public at large. On site scrap removal throughout the central interior is their specialty. A tremendous volume of material moves through the yard
daily. In a year, millions of pounds of scrap, consisting of steel, copper, aluminum, batteries, brass, and radiators, are processed. After being processed, materials are sent out to diverse markerts. For example, steel is generally sold to domestic markets; aluminum and copper are often exported to Pacific Rim countries. The resale yard is stocked with assorted sized pipe, plates, beams, screens, pulleys, hydraulic parts, and other used equipment. The team at Kamloops Scrap Iron is always ready to help you with your scrap iron needs Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Funding continues to help B.C. heavy equipment companies go green Submitted
The result will be the elimination of over 20,000 tonnes COAC provides financing to member businesses for in GHG emissions and the reduction of over eight mil- modifications of existing vehicles and machinery that More companies that operate diesel trucks and heavy lion litres of diesel fuel in the next year, with increased use fossil fuels (diesel). Operators also receive driver equipment will be going green in B.C. as a result of reductions each year as more awareness training that leads to the next phase of government funding for the Prince members enter the program. even more energy efficiencies George-based Carbon Offset Aggregation Cooperative Since its inception over six and GHG reductions that will “COAC, along with government (COAC). months ago, COAC has achieved save them money. programs like the Rural and Northern The second half of the previously announced $2 early success with a business These reductions in both fuel Homeowner grant, demonstrates our million in funding will provide the co-operative with case that is appealing to a range of consumption and GHGs emitmoney for financing the retrofit of 100 trucks a month. British Columbia’s heavy equipted will produce carbon offsets, climate-change actions benefit the ment companies which are then aggregated and entire province. With these programs, from mobile sold, transferred or traded by British Columbians in northern combusinesses COAC. The proceeds of the sales munities and throughout the province like Overhaul are then returned to the member Transport to staas a dividend. The offsets are sold have many options to reduce their tionary operaas made-in-B.C. greenhouse gas GHG emissions and save money.” tors such as L & offsets. M Lumber. This latest funding update I T ’ S O U R B U S I N E S S ~Terry Lake, Minister of Environment The steady is part of our broader climate growth in mempolicies that benefit all British bership includes Columbians. These include the representatives from the forestry, Northern and Rural Homeowner Benefit, LiveSmart freight and construction sectors along B.C.’s Home Energy Efficiency incentives and B.C. with local governments and is further Small Business program, as well as the SCRAP-IT testament to the appeal of COAC’s BC program that provides incentives to help British unique strategy to reduce fuel costs Columbians get out of their old cars and into cleaner while also reducing GHG emissions. forms of transportation.
RECYCLING
Carbon Offset Aggregation Cooperative Quick Facts: * COAC currently represents 35 member companies provincewide with diverse representation from logging, trucking, general freight and road-building companies, along with local governments around B.C. * Collectively, the member companies consume more than 109-million litres of diesel annually. * COAC estimates that another 100 members will join in the near future representing an additional 152-million litres of diesel consumption.
BUYER OF ALL TYPES OF SCRAP METAL Kamloops Scrap Iron 955 Ord Road, Kamloops
1-866-797-2727 email: scrap@ocis.net www.kamscrap.com
* COAC estimates that with upgraded technology and training, these members will reduce their diesel consumption by 10 per cent or 20 million litres between 2013 and 2016. * Between 2013 and 2016, member companies will reduce their CO2 emissions by 60,000 tonnes. * The program helps business owners overcome the technological and financial barriers to making carbon reduction changes to their operations. * The purpose is to provide a fuel-efficiency and carbon-reduction program for owners of heavy equipment and long- and short-haul trucks to reduce operating costs, aggregate and transfer, trade or sell carbon offsets.
North Thompson Star/Journal and Clearwater Times Monday, October 11, 2012
Energy Quiz 1) Which household appliance uses the most energy? A) Refrigerator B) Toaster C) Dishwasher D) Washing machine 2) What country has the greatest number of coal powered generators? A) Canada B) Russia C) U.S.A. D) China 3) “Phantom carriers” is a term used for electronic devices that: A) Move from room to room B) Continue to consume electricity even when off C) Are really expensive D) Are energy efficient 4) What percentage do heating costs rise by for every degree above 20°C that you set your household thermostat in the winter? A) 2% B) 4% C) 5% D) 7% 5) Your residential water heater uses ……… of your home’s energy and produces approximately two tones of carbon dioxide annually. A) 5% B) 10% C) 15% D) 20% 6) Recycling 1,000 kg of aluminum saves enough energy to heat a/an……….. for 10 years. A) Typical home B) Elementary school C) Corner store D) Restaurant 7) What household appliance uses the second most amount of energy (the first is the refrigerator)? A) Hair dryer B) Clothes Dryer C) Microwave D) Computer 8) What is the most energy efficient cycle to wash and rinse your clothes on? A) cold-cold B) warm-warm C) hot-cold D) warm-cold 9) The average Canadian home is illuminated by light bulbs: A) 31 B) 41 C) 51 D) 61 10) Which energy source produces the greatest amount of atmospheric carbon dioxide? A) Natural gas B) Nuclear C) Oil D) Coal 11) What type of sector uses the greatest amount of electricity? A) Commercial and industrial B) Restaurant and fast food C) Residential D) Institutional
Going Green • Waste Reduction Week 5
From caulking windows to upgrading furnaces, energy efficiency works for all budgets Despite having no prior handyman skills and a limited knowledge of energy efficiency, Laura Lee Schultz and Jacqueline Gullion were determined to renovate their depression era house. So they picked up their hammers and caulking gun and got to work. With help from family, friends and YouTube, they learned how to insulate properly and also how to make other energy efficiency upgrades. Some small, and with help from professionals, some big. Like the furnace. “It was pretty obvious that the furnace had to go. It was amazingly old and inefficient,” said Schultz. So they took the plunge and had it replaced with an ENERGY STAR® high-efficiency model. They had the original ducting system replaced too for even better efficiency. The ladies have proven that you don’t have to spend a lot to save a lot. “For less than $50 on a tube of window caulk, a roll of weatherstripping and a window film kit, you can significantly change the comfort of your home,” says Gullion. And they’ve got proof. Before making improvements, an energy advisor rated the house at 48 out of 100 on the EnerGuide® efficiency scale (a standard measure of a home’s energy performance). Now it’s up to 64. And even though they switched out the electric range to a gas model, (“We just like cooking with gas,” quips Gullion.) the natural gas consumption has dropped by 26 per cent since making all the energy efficiency improvements. As for future improvements, they hope to replace the windows. For now, they’re enjoying their home and practicing conservation. Like hanging their clothes out on the line, taking shorter showers and programming the thermo-
Star/Journal file photo
Taking small measures around your homelike re-caulking or adding weather stripping to your doors and windows could make a big difference.
stat to a comfortable, but efficient 20° Celsius when home. If you’re considering making energy efficiency improvements like Schultz and Gullion, FortisBC has a number of rebate offers, how-to advice, and quick tips to help make it easier and economical. If you currently heat your home with oil, switching to cleaner burning natural gas makes sense. And better yet, the utility offers a $1,000 rebate when you convert your oil heating system to natural gas. Already have a gas furnace or boiler? If it’s more than 15 years old considering upgrading it to a qualifying highefficiency model for an $800 rebate. But hurry, only 2,000 rebates are available. And while upgrading the heating system consider your water heater
too. Next to heating your home, heating water is the biggest consumer of energy in your house. FortisBC offers rebates from $200 to $1,000 when you install a high-efficiency natural gas water heater. Don’t forget the province’s LiveSmart BC Efficiency Incentive Program. Any rebates you qualify for can be combined with FortisBC’s natural gas offers. And finally, if water heater and furnace upgrades aren’t in your budget this winter, FortisBC’s website offers howto videos such as how to install a lowflow showerhead, or replace a furnace filter, conservation tips and information on the benefits of natural gas. Learn more at fortisbc.com/savingenergy.
ANSWERS: 1): A—Refrigerators use about 11% of a household’s total energy consumption. Take Action: Buy Energy Star endorsed refrigerators, which will use less energy and save you money. Also, make sure your refrigerator is set to optimal energy use temperatures (between 2°C and 3°C). 2): D—China requires a great deal of energy to power their rapidly developing economy. Unfortunately burning coal causes pollution. 3): B—“Phantom carriers” are products that draw power 24 hours a day. Appliances that have a clock or programming displays such as coffee makers, DVD players, computers, printers, and stereos are considered phantom load carriers. 75% of the electricity used to power home electronics is consumed while the products are turned off. Take Action: Unplug electrical appliances and equipment when you leave the room or use a power bar that connects all of these units and then simply switch the bar off. 4): C—Don’t overheat your home in the winter. Put on a sweater and dress accordingly in order to save money and to use less energy. 5): C—Take Action: Turn down the thermostat on your water heater to reduce energy consumption. Often the level is set unnecessarily high for regular use. If you go on holiday or away for a long period of time, you can turn off the heater since the water does not need to be constantly heated when no one is home to use it. 6): A—Recycling 1 000 kg of aluminum saves the equivalent of 10 000 L of gasoline. 7): —Take Action: Whenever possible air-dry your laundry. You can use an outdoor clothes line or purchase a drying rack to use indoors. Air drying can save $85 in energy costs per year and help reduce your impact on the environment. 8): A—Take Action: Use cold water to wash your clothes. If every household in Canada did this, it would reduce approximately 1.5 billion kilogram of greenhouse gas emissions yearly. 9): B—Take Action: Use compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) which use much less energy than incandescent bulbs; thus, saving you money. 10): D—Gases emitted from coal burning plants contribute to acid rain and global warming. 11): A—The commercial sector uses almost 70% of all electricity produced. Take Action: When at home or at work, make sure to turn off lights, computers and other energy consuming equipment when not in use.
PILL BOTTLES • Use for safe storage of thumbtacks. • Use for spill-proof storage of paperclips or change in a bag. • Fill with household odds and ends (nuts, bolts, etc.) & store in an old purse. • Wash and use for storage of salt, sugar, pepper, etc. when camping. • Peel off label, fill with aspirin or decongestants & put in purse or bag.
Mon. - Thurs. & Sat. 9-6 • Friday 9-7 Closed Sunday
250-674-3122 BROOKFIELD CENTRE
6 Going Green • Waste Reduction Week
Monday, October 11, 2012 North Thompson Star/Journal and Clearwater Times
Higher incentives for BC SCRAP-IT program participants Submitted Starting Oct. 1, SCRAP-IT is offering higher incentives to British Columbians when they scrap their older, higher polluting vehicles. The program’s goal is to move participants into more efficient, environmentally friendly forms of transportation. “The BC SCRAP-IT program has been successful in removing more than 30,000 higher polluting vehicles from the road,” says Dennis Rogoza, CEO of the BC SCRAP-IT Program Society. “By implementing higher incentives while the funds remain available, we’re certain even more British Columbians will be willing to scrap their older model cars for other forms of transportation that produce less smog and fewer greenhouse gas emissions.” In order to qualify for the program a vehicle must be a year 2000 model or older and be licensed for the past six months. SCRAP-IT is a voluntary early retirement vehicle program that provides British Columbians the opportunity to replace their higher polluting vehicles with cleaner forms of transportation. The provincial government has recently provided the SCRAP-IT program with a $2.5 million grant for program enhancements. The program, which first launched in 1996, is designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to lower exhaust pollutants across the province. The SCRAP-IT program has resulted in a reduction of more than 200,000 tonnes of greenhouse gases.
About BC SCRAP-IT SOCIETY The BC SCRAP-IT Society, a non-profit organization, administers the SCRAP-IT Program province-wide. All scrapped vehicles and their components are properly and permanently recycled. For more information and a complete list of incentives available, visit www.scrapit.ca.
Star/Journal file photo
BC’s SCRAP IT program is responsible to taking 30,000 high pollutant vehicles of the road.
Sales of environmentally friendly Natura product line grow Home Hardware continues to add new products to the Natura Home Hardware Stores line based on positive feedback Limited announced today that and immense popularity with it has now sold more than two consumers. "Home Dealers and staff million of the company's exclusive Natura Cloths, demonstrat- across Canada work very hard ing high consumer demand for to promote safer, Natural altertop quality environmentally natives to our customers," said Jack Baillie, Director of conscious products. Home Hardware's Natura line Marketing, Home Hardware of environmentally conscious Stores Limited, and chair of products is Home's fastest grow- the company's Environmental ing product line and features the Committee. "With consumers Natura cloth, household clean- becoming more environmentalers, laundry supplies, lawn and ly conscious everyday, Home garden fertilizers, herbicides, Hardware is working to make it and garden mulch/peat substi- as easy as possible for customers to identify those products which tutes, among others. help conserve and protect our environment." In addition to the Natura Sears Catalogue Depot • Fishing & Hunting Licenses line, Home Wells Grey Home Hardware Hardware has dedicated to keep your home and our also been placing environment safe. its "EarthCare" mark on envi86 Station Rd. onmentally (Across from the Post Office) 674-3717 rfriendly products Clearwater Earn Aeroplan Miles since 1991. The
RECYCLE
RECYCLE RECYCLE RECYCLE RECYCLE RECYCLE RECYCLE RECYCLE RECYCLE RECYCLE RECYCLE RECYCLE RECYCLE RECYCLE RECYCLE RECYCLE
Submitted
Remind your neighbors to recycle and help preserve our planet’s natural resources. Recycle: Newspapers Aluminum Plastic Glass Recycling just a little now can make a big difference for future generations.
King’s Recycling 38 South Main St. • 555-0000
"EarthCare" mark serves as an identifier and reassurance to customers that the products they are purchasing are the best choices for the environment. Products that are energy efficient, biodegradable, recyclable, reusable, non-toxic, organic, manufactured from recycled materials, or help conserve water can earn the "EarthCare" mark. A selection of Home's line-up of Natura products includes: Natura Cleaning Cloth, Natura Moss and Algae Cleaner, Natura Wood Prep Cleaner and Brightener, Natura Hardwood and Laminate Cleaner, Natura Foliar Fertilizer, Natura Liquid Dish Detergent, Natura Reusable Fabric Softeners, Natura Toilet Bowl Cleaner, Natura Laundry Detergent, Natura Non-Chlorine
Bleach, Natura Tea tree Oil Cleaner and Natura Lawn Fertilizer. About Home Hardware Stores Limited Home Hardware Stores Limited is Canada's largest independent hardware, lumber and building materials and furniture retailer with more than 1,000 stores across Canada, under the Home Hardware, Home Building Centre, Home Hardware Building Centre and Home Furniture banners. Dealers have access to 100,000 quality brand name and private label products and the company has annual retail sales of $4.85 billion. The cooperative was founded on Jan. 1, 1964 by 122 independent hardware Dealers.
North Thompson Star/Journal and Clearwater Times Monday, October 11, 2012
Going Green • Waste Reduction Week 7
Thanks, I have my own bag Submitted There’s one sure way to beat the paper vs. plastic debate: refuse the store’s bag and bring your own. Canadians take home over 55 million plastic shopping bags every week. Lightweight and strong, these bags have become a regular part of our shopping experience. They also are part of a litter problem, where bags end up in places Mother Nature didn’t intend. In short, that easy solution to bringing home the milk is also wrecking our environment.
Dealing with our environmental baggage Today’s bag is likely tomorrow’s garbage. Consider the life of the bag: Non-renewable beginnings – Plastic bags are made out of “film”, or thin flexible sheets of plastic, which are derived from petroleum or natural gas. The finished bag may be marked with the triangular “chasing arrows” symbol which contains a number, often 2, and sometimes the acronym for high-density polyethylene, or HDPE. The symbol only indicates the type of plastic or resin; it is not a recycling symbol. Urban tumbleweed – Empty bags get carried on the wind, ultimately ending up in trees and blocking sewer drains. Keeps on going – The properties that make plastic bags durable also make them virtually indestructible. Once in the environment, they don’t readily break down. Your grandchildren could find a bag you discarded.
Gets dumped – Though we all think we recycle, Canadians send almost threequarters of their garbage to landfills. For those who actively recycle, not all municipalities accept their plastic bags. So millions of bags are likely to end up in the dump, even allowing for the repeated uses in the home. Marine trash – When introduced to the ocean habitat, marine animals such as fish, dolphins, whales, seals, and birds are harmed because they become entangled or mistake plastic debris for food.
Reusable bags are the ultimate practicality Rather than accept a shopping bag made from non-renewable resources, bring your own bag and refuse the shopping bag from the store.
The advantages are straightforward: • •
Less packaging overall Less plastic clutter that can harm wildlife habitats • Reduction in waste going to municipal landfills Today’s reusable bag comes in a range of materials and sizes. Many food retailers now offer them for sale along with heavy plastic totes that not only handle groceries, but come in handy for many household chores. You also can find string-style bags, sometimes made with organic cotton or hemp, that collapse into a small space in your purse, backpack or computer bag.
Be sure to select the reusable sac or tote that is easiest to carry and is washable.
Check: keys, wallet, reusable bag Like any new habit, it takes a bit of effort to remember your reusable bags. Try putting your empty bags back in the car after you unload your purchases, or leave them on a hook by the door or with your bus pass or car keys. Ask your kids to remind yyou. Consider these se tips from the reusable bag pros: Think twice aboutt taking t a plastic bag iff yourr purchase is smalll and easy to carry. Keep reusable sable cloth bags in your home, office, and car so you always ays have them available ble when you go to the supermarket or other her stores. Ask your favourite ouriitee stores to stop providing oviddinng bags for free, or to offer offeerr a discount for not using ing th tthe he bags. Thank those retailers etaiil ers e who already do.
an ever growing landfill problem. Make a reusable scoop from an old detergent bottle and put the remains in your toilet. Dog composting kits are also available from specialty retailers. Be sure to wash your hands after your dog duties. Stop bagging small amounts of produce – Since you’ll wash the two lemons or four apples when you get home, skip the extra plastic. The food made it this far; it will survive the journey home in your reusable bag. Hey, I use that bag for tras trash – No problem. Biodegradable trash ba bags are readily dil availablee across across Canada. Cana C ada ada.
More bagging tips ips ps A new view on do dog og poo – While trapping Fido’s ’s output in a reused plastic shopping ng g bag may be easier on the owner, r, it creates
Keep our highways clean Use the litter barrels ARGO ROAD MAINTENANCE INC. 818 Gilbert Drive • Barriere, BC
250-672-5599
B
A AG
A B
N ! I A G R SAFETY MART
Bring this coupon in to the Star/Journal (359 Borthwick) or the Clearwater Times (Brookfield Mall) and receive your
FREE
enviornmentally friendly shopping bag
8 Going Green • Waste Reduction Week
Monday, October 11, 2012 North Thompson Star/Journal and Clearwater Times
t e G r o e v Gi ! f f u t S E E FR
www.tnrd.reuses.c
om
Create an Account
Post Items
Use the Recyclopedia
Check out the TNRD REUSES WEBSITE www.tnrdreuses.com
ales
Check out Garage S
Find listings of things like old furniture or appliances, for swap or sale, as well as garage sales and community events. YOU CAN ALSO LOOK FOR THINGS YOU NEED! The website also features the Recyclopedia which is a terrific directory of where to take other unwanted items locally and throughout BC.
WORM COMPOSTING Let WORMS eat your garbage this FALL! Learn h L how tto start t t and d care ffor your own worm composter. t Th They’re ’ perfect f t ffor ki kit kitchen h waste t and d can b be used d iin homes or apartments where there isn’t space for a composter outside or where bears or wildlife are a concern. WORM FACTORY BENEFITS! • Worm Factory is compact, only 16”x16”x20” high • Worm Factory saves space in your garbage • Worm Factory is odorless • Worm Factory is easy to manage • Worm Factory can be used all year round • Worm Factory saves time and money by lessening your trips to the Waste Transfer Station
w o N e l c Recy ! & SAVE
Just get ten of your friends together and we’ll provide a workshop at your home with Mel Anderson, owner of All Things Organic, a backyard composting and worm composting professional. To register call the TNRD at 1-877-377-8673 – or emaill us at recyclenow@tnrd.bc.ca
PAY-AS-YOU-THROW Here’s how it works! Recycle Now is simple and it allows residents to reduce their waste by recycling more, and paying less for their garbage. STEP
1 STEP
2 STEP
3
Simply separate your recyclables and place them in a see-thru blue or clear bag. Keep glass and corrugated cardboard separate. Buy your Eco-cards or Eco-bucks to pay for your waste.
Take it to your nearest recycling depot where you can recycle e as sm much uch as y you like FREE of charge, only paying for the disposal of the waste leftover. The more you recycle, the more you’ll save.
For more info, including updated lists of Eco-card retailers, contact us at recyclenow@tnrd.bc.ca.
BRITISH COLUMBIA
Thompson-Nicola Regional District (250) 377-8673 1-877-377-8673 email: recyclenow@tnrd.bc.ca