Special Features - Think Green 2015

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Think

GREEN The Red Deer Advocate and The City of Red Deer have worked in conjunction to produce this feature aimed at helping to make Red Deer a happier, healthier and cleaner place to live!

Inside

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Green Deer - Leave it better than you found it campaign kicks off What not to flush?

Environmental benefits of transit Jane’s Walk

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FEATURE

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Green Deer’s “Leave it Better than you found it” campaign starting As the snow melts, it’s clear that Red Deer needs a spring cleaning, which is why the annual Green Deer cleanup is happening again this year from April 13 to June 14. Green Deer is a volunteer based program where citizens give back to the community by helping to clean up litter from the winter.

“The Green Deer campaign is about beautifying our city and using the positive energy and actions of the majority to cancel out the careless actions of the few who littered over the winter months,” said Suzanne Jubb, City of Red Deer Community and Program Facilitator.

This year the campaign kicks off with a free barbecue on Monday, April 13 from 5p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Parkland Mall parking lot (weather permitting). Those wanting to participate in the Green Deer program can register in person at the barbecue or by any of the methods listed below.

The event is looking for volunteers from all areas of the city to register to help out and clean up during this time. Participating can be as simple as picking up trash while out for a walk, taking 15 minutes with your family in your own back yard and alley way, or by organizing a litter pick up challenge where neighbours, clubs, church groups and sports teams challenge each other to clean up the most trash.

“By individuals picking up even a few pieces of garbage, they are leaving the community better than they found it and have contributed to creating a cleaner and healthier Red Deer for everyone.”

Those wanting to partake are encouraged to register for the cleanup in order to get the free Green Deer garbage bags and to be eligible for prizes. The prizes this year includes a barbeque donated by Canadian Tire and a BBQ Event hosted by KG Country/ Zed 98.9.

Trash collected during Green Deer can be put out in

Participating can be as simple as picking up trash while out for a walk the special Green Deer waste bags with household garbage on the regular collection day.

Additional bags will not be charged. If large amounts of litter are collected, residents can call 403-309-8409 and The City will pick it up. Residents are asked to ensure that all trash is disposed of properly by securing bins with lids and avoiding overflowing dumpsters. If an issue is identified it can be reported through The City’s website tool Report-a-Problem.

Register for Green Deer •IN PERSON: Recreation Centre, Collicutt Centre or G.H. Dawe Centre

Green Deer 2015

•AT THE GREEN DEER KICKOFF BARBECUE: Monday, April 13, 5 6:30 p.m., Parkland Mall Parking Lot (weather permitting)

April 13 – June 14

•BY PHONE: 403-309-8411 •ONLINE WITH LOOK’N BOOK: www.reddeer.ca/looknbook , Course Code: #72631

Leave it better than you found it.

Garbage bags are provided at the kickoff BBQ and from City facilities throughout Green Deer.

For more information about Green Deer, please call Suzanne Jubb @ 403-309-8409 or visit the website at www.reddeer.ca/greendeer

VOTE FOR CHANGE

Join others in the community as we protect our parks and green spaces from harmful litter.

Community kick-off barbeque Monday, April 13 5 – 6:30 p.m.

Parkland Mall parking lot

MICHAEL

DAWE RED DEER NORTH Candidate for

Alberta Liberal Party AND

Green Party of Alberta Campaign Office 403-309-0610 learn more at :

www.Dawe4RDNorth.com

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Red Deer’s Citizen of the year 2014

“Authorized by the Committee to Elect Michael Dawe”

For more information or to register: 403.309.8411 www.reddeer.ca/greendeer

Think Green

...and Make our Community a Happier, Healthier & Cleaner Place to Live

Suite 100A, 4315 55th Ave., Red Deer

Ph: 403-347-7426 Fax: 403-347-7423

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Earl Dreeshen, M.P. Red Deer

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Green Deer 2015 partners:

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FEATURE

Brian McLoughlin

Wait! Don’t Flush That!

We often think of our homes as a self-contained haven away from the rest of the world. In some respects this is exactly what they are, but in others ways we can lose track of what we do, even at home, and how it affects our environment and our city’s infrastructure.

In Red Deer, our homes are connected by a slender network of services that act to sustain our personal environments 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year.

Power, gas, phone, Internet and television signals all enter our homes to make our lives easier. In balance, an equally slender network of services takes away the byproducts of our daily lives. The wastewater and storm water lines leaving our homes and neighborhoods carry away large quantities of wastewater produced in our homes as well as rain and snowmelt from our yards and neighborhood.. If anything happens to any of these services it can certainly have a negative impact on our lives, but none of these are as likely to affect both our lives and our environment as much as problems affecting both the sewage lines leading away from our homes and the storm water collection lines leading from our homes and out of our neighborhoods.

Sewage lines are meant to carry human waste and toilet paper out of your home to the City of Red Deer Wastewater Treatment Plant, where it is processed to remove the fibrous material and nutrients, including phosphorus and nitrogen and return the water to the Red Deer River.

Flushing items other than this waste can cause blockages and backups in the sewer lines which can cause damage and disruptions in the lines and the Wastewater Treatment Plant.

“Common sense definitely comes in to play when thinking about what to flush”, says Barry Brookes, Lead Source Control Inspector for the City of Red Deer’s Environmental Services. “Our environment is very important to us. Some of these blockages can lead to sewer water going into your home, onto your street and into the river and it can lead to expensive cleanups and health concerns.”

According to Brookes, items that should not be flushed include: paper products such as tissues, paper towels, and paper napkins, rags, disposable diapers; feminine hygiene products, Q-tips, cotton balls and cotton swabs, bandages and medical wrappings, medications such

Waste and Storm Water Blockages Affect Our Environment

“Some of these blockages can lead to sewer water going into your home, onto your street and into the river and it can lead to expensive cleanups and health concerns.”

Barry Brookes, Lead Source Control Inspector for the City of Red Deer’s Environmental Services

Saturday, April 11, 2015 E3 as pills, capsules and liquids, dental floss, disposable toilet cleaning brushes, cat litter; condoms, hair from hairbrushes, toothpicks, cigarette butts, fats, cooking oils and grease, vegetable and fruit parings scraps, diabetic needles and other sharp objects as well as motor oil, varsol, paint thinner and other solvents.

While paying close attention to what should and shouldn’t be introduced into the sewage system is important, knowing what to keep away from the storm water system is also very important. This system carries rainwater and snow melt from sidewalks, streets, and parking lots, but does not move it through the Wastewater Treatment Plant but rather transfers it directly into the Red Deer River. This means heavy rainfall and snow melt runoff can wash all types of pollutants into storm water drains and directly into the river.

There are some simple steps you can make to prevent this from happening. Collect litter and animal waste before they wash into storm drains; choose organic pesticides and fertilizers and apply them sparingly and do not over water your lawn. Go to a car wash to wash your vehicles and ensure those vehicles do not leak oil or other fluids. Do not wash oil and solvent spills down storm drains and as the City of Red Deer cannot accept used motor oil at the Waste Management Facility take the used oil to Wal-Mart, Canadian Tire or other used oil disposal site. Finally, empty your swimming pool or hot tub into your floor drains, because the chlorine and other chemicals used can harm fish and other aquatic life. Even if you don’t live by a body of water, the storm water collection system will carry pollutants to the Red Deer River. Allowing or intentionally pouring pollutants into the storm water or wastewater collection system is illegal and can be punished by a maximum penalty a fine of $2500.

Living in a city as great as Red Deer comes with responsibilities and using the waste and storm water collection systems responsibly is an important way to help protect and preserve our environment.

For more information on these systems and their usage, visit reddeer.ca or contact environmentalservices@reddeer.ca.

RED DEER Join Mayor Veer & Red Deer City Councillors for

Cigarette Butts

BE CONNECTED - LET’S TALK ABOUT YOUR CITY. Red Deer City Council, and staff from City departments and agencies will be throughout the mall to talk to Red Deerians about City projects, programs and services. Come and see the over 30 displays to learn more about being active, being green, being safe and belonging in our great city.

a little litter can do a lot of damage

SATURDAY, APRIL 11

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9:30 AM - 5:30 PM Bower Place Shopping Centre

@cityofreddeer #letstalkrd @

fb.com/thecityofreddeer

Although each cigarette butt is small, the cumulative effect is large.

Improperly disposed cigarette butts account for almost 30 per cent of the litter collected during the annual city cleanup events.

Many people carelessly flick cigarette butts out car windows or toss them onto sidewalks, without realizing cigarette butts are not biodegradable, they will not disappear.

In fact, the build-up of plastic filters and chemicals from cigarette butts is toxic to the animals, plants, and water around us.

Keeping butts off the ground ensures that properties and streets are litter-free and helps the environment. Building owners and property managers are encouraged to have cigarette disposal sites outside of buildings, providing a convenient way help keep litter off the streets.

Considerate smokers are asked to

continue to do their part to ensure cigarette butts are disposed of properly.

As part of Green Deer, the City of Red Deer is giving away 1,000 free pocket ashtrays. These handy little tools help keep cigarette butt litter off the ground. It is a reusable and flexible foil lined pouch. Drop in your butt, snap it shut, and an air seal suffocates burning matter and traps the odour inside. These light, convenient ashtrays easily fit in a pocket or purse, so people can butt out when they’re on-the-go and then dispose of their cigarette butts in a garbage bin later.

The pocket ashtrays are available for free at the following locations: Recreation Centre – 4501 47A Ave Collicutt Centre – 3031 30 Ave G.H. Dawe Community Centre – 56 Holt St.

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Go Green with Red Deer Transit l. ation Transit Termina Leaving Sorenson St

Taking the Bus Just Makes Sense

ghlin Photo by Brian McLou

Brian McLoughlin

In 2016 the City of Red Deer’s Transit System will celebrate its 50th anniversary, and as the those first fifty years wind down Red Deer Transit looks to the challenge of the next fifty years with excitement and anticipation.

The world looked considerably different as the first Red Deer Transit buses hit the streets in 1966. Ernest Manning was the Premier of Alberta and Lester Pearson was Prime Minister. Saskatchewan Roughriders beat the Ottawa Rough Riders for the Grey Cup, the Montreal Canadiens bested the Detroit Red Wings to win the Stanley Cup. Neil Young joined forces with Stephen Stills and Richie Furay to form the rock super group Buffalo Springfield, the original Star Trek premiered and Kurt Browning, Wendel Clark, Kerrin Lee-Gartner and Keifer Sutherland were born.

Much has changed in the intervening years, but the tradition of customer service, operating excellence and forward thinking pioneered through those years by Red Deer Transit continues into the city’s second century. According to George Penny, Transit Manager for the City of Red Deer, the rapid and continual advances in technology give Red Deer Transit the opportunity to design and implement a bus system built around rider’s needs and preferences. “The past few years have been very successful for Red Deer Transit, but we need to keep building on the progress we’ve made, we can’t allow the momentum we’ve generated to die,” says Penny. “We have excellent support from our riders and from City Council and we have a number of outstanding projects slated for 2015; such as identifying alternative fuel options to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and our carbon footprint, implementing mobile data terminals on Action buses and a new electronic fare collection system, all of which will provide a positive boost for us as a city.”

The planners at Red Deer Transit know they can’t remain idle when ongoing innovation and responsiveness to riders needs must drive the bus.

The department was in high gear in 2014, introducing Red Deer Transit on Google Maps, initiating the Small Bus pilot project and partnering with Lacombe and Blackfalds to launch BOLT Transit regional system.

Ridership data collection will play a huge role in the future, as will the ability to provide real time bus route information to riders by way of smart technology. “We’ll be using the information we collect through our new electronic fare collection system and bus based GPS location track-

November 1968. nsit number 71-15 in Tra er De d Re g. nin Photo by Peter Cox Back in the begin

Red Deer

TRANSIT it’s an environmental choice.

Make Transit part of your lifestyle

Clean air and a healthy community.

1

Go to Google Maps

2

Enter your destination

3

Pick your bus route

reddeer.ca/transit

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Red Deer Transit is making it easier for riders to plan their commute with a free trip planning tool that uses Google Maps to show the latest bus routes and schedules.

ods ing to identify peak periods on our routes, allowing us to ailenhance or reduce bus avails ”, ability on different routes”, says Penny. “We will also be an nd able to track bus location and val provide riders with bus arrival eg gitime updates by way strategila ay cally located digital display ps. boards and smart phone apps. e We also want to be able to use idthe system to be able to let ridive ers know when they will arrive her at their destination. Another g is innovation we’re reviewing ion Automatic Voice Annunciation that will play recorded messages announcing upcoming stops and departures, both in the bus and outside. I like to say that we’re trading an old fashioned bus for a BMW or ‘Busing My Way’, giving riders the ability to tailor their bus connection to their own needs.”

Red Deer Transit currently operates 38 modern buses over 12 city routes ranging from Johnstone Park and Kentwood in the north to Gasoline Alley and Springbrook in the south. Regional bus routes in conjunction with the Town of Blackfalds and the City of Lacombe also gives our riders the opportunity to commute to these municipalities on the BOLT Transit system.

Red Deer Transit also operates the Action Bus system which offers personalized transportation services to citizens of Red Deer who cannot use regular transportation because of a disability or physical need. Action Bus customers include adults and children with disabilities and seniors.

“Using transit is a great way to help the environment because riding the bus helps to fight traffic congestion, reduces air pollution, and contributes to a healthy, vibrant community,” says Penny, “At any given hour we operate, each Red Deer Transit bus could take between 30 to 60 vehicles off the road. When people make the choice to travel this way, it has a hugely positive impact on the environment.”

For further information on Red Deer Transit routes and services check them out online at reddeer.ca/city-services/transit.

Give the environment a break, make Red Deer Transit part of your lifestyle.

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Saturday, April 11, 2015 E5

Jane’s Walk:

Walk and Talk about Red Deer “No one can find what will work for our cities by manipulating scale models, or inventing dream cities. You’ve got to get out and walk.”-Jane Jacobs.

Teena Dickerson

If you are proud of your neighborhood and would like to share its unique characteristics, or facilitate a conversation about its challenges, you can host your own Jane’s Walk. walk was “Where Will All the Boomers Go?”, led by a grandmother and granddaughter team. This walk opened a conversation about Red Deer’s city development and accessibility for the growing Baby Boomer generation and seniors.

If you are proud of your neighborhood and would like to share its unique characteristics, or facilitate a conversation about its challenges, you can host your own Jane’s Walk.

Walks can be funny or serious, informative or exploratory, historical, social, political, or cultural. Walks can focus on any aspect of your community and on almost any local topic you are passionate about. Jane’s Walks are an opportunity to get creative in your region and highlight local interests and opinions. If you would like to host your own walk, it is simple and fun. The first step is to decide what you want to talk about, the location, and then plan your route. After that, you can visit www.janeswalk.org to create and account and register your walk details. The website has tips on planning, hosting, and easy to use promotional tools and templates for posters, postcards, and buttons.

If you would like to attend a Jane’s Walk in Red Deer you can visit www.janeswalk.org/canada/ reddeer or reddeer.ca/janeswalk to see a listing of walk events and dates. You can also contact Red Deer city organizer, Lauren Maris at lauren.maris@reddeer.ca for more information. Jane’s Walks will take place on May 1, 2 and 3 in neighborhoods around Red Deer.

JANE’S WALK 2015 May 1-3

Jane’s Walks are free, local walking tours for Red Deerians to explore, talk about and celebrate our neighbourhoods.

Call for walk leaders Anyone can lead a Jane’s Walk because everyone knows something about where they live. Walks can focus on almost any aspect of a neighbourhood and almost any topic.

Visit www.reddeer.ca/janeswalk for details and to register as a leader by April 13.

This global event is in honour of Jane Jacobs who believed that residents should have input on how their neighbourhoods develop, and encouraged people to explore the places they work, live and play.

Find the full listing of free walks taking place throughout the weekend at www.reddeer.ca/ janeswalk.

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This May, the City of Red Deer will be hosting its fifth annual Jane’s Walk. Last year there were more than 1000 Jane’s Walks hosted in 130 cities across 6 continents.

What is a Jane’s Walk?

Jane’s Walk is a Canadian campaign of free, locally organized, community hosted, urban walking tours inspired by Jane Jacobs. The walks are hosted by individual community members telling the stories about their areas, celebrating their neighborhoods, and connect with issues relevant to the urban environment. Jane’s Walks are focussed on cultivating community curiosity, sharing culture, discussing civic issues, and exploring community creativity at the grassroots level.

Who is Jane? Jane Jacobs (1916-2006) was an urban activist and writer in New York and Toronto. She advocated for a community based approach to city building and urban planning. She was interested in a pedestrians-centered approach to neighborhood planning and the refurbishment of old buildings rather than construction of new ones. She was also deeply concerned with urban sprawl and its implications on the environment. Jane’s Walk is a project of Tides Canada Initiatives Society, a Canadian charity dedicated to social and environmental issues.

“Red Deerians have been really responsive and have come out in force to learn more about their community. That’s the point: it is to get people out in the community, talking about their community, and the issues that matter to them.” explains Lauren Maris, the city organizer for Jane’s Walk Red Deer, “They are walking conversations, encouraging discussion and participation in the community.”

In the past four years, there have been several creative and interesting Jane’s Walks in Red Deer. One popular walk last year was hosted by the public art coordinator who offered commentary and a tour of the bronze sculptures in the city’s downtown core. Another walk was titled, “Where Did the Sidewalks Go?” and explored the challenges of pedestrian navigation in Red Deer. Another popular and innovative

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Green Cart program will encourage reduction of organics in landfills Do you leave stuff in your fridge way past the expiry date so that you can compost it? Steal your neighbour’s bags of garden clippings, so you can spread it on your flowerbeds?

Crazy, right? In fact, the City of Red Deer wants a lot more residents to get crazy. Not so ridiculous that we waste good food, of course, but rather in the sense that more of us actively embrace the benefits of composting. This month, the City of Red Deer is rolling out the Green Cart Pilot Project, in part to divert residential organics. Other goals of the project are to “trial” various aspects of organics collection, including the use of automated carts and educational materials in order to refine the design of a future citywide program.

Approximately 2 thousand households have been selected to participate in the program.

Keran Braich, Waste Diversion Specialist in Environmental Services, says the participants reflect the overall demographic of the full population.

With wheels and lids, the green carts provided by the City will hold kitchen food scraps, including meat or meat products, garden clippings and leaves, soiled paper – think of pizza boxes - and pet waste.

Braich says all these items are fine to toss into the cart. Collection days will remain the same as the usual garbage and recycling schedule. Participants in the pilot program are supplied with a limited number of compostable bags in order to make

Organic waste – kitchen scraps, garden debris, and the like – accounts for 40 per cent of the volume found in the landfill. Along with addressing problems of volume in landfill sites, diverting the waste helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions. moving food scraps from the kitchen to the cart easier. The City won’t be giving out extra bags beyond the initial supply, but the bags are available at many retail locations.

“This isn’t a new idea, “ says Braich. “In fact, it is part of the 2013 Waste Management Plan adopted by the City, with the goal to reduce our overall waste. We are focusing on reducing the amount of organic matter in our landfill.”

Organic waste – kitchen scraps, garden debris, and the like – accounts for 40 per cent of the volume found in the landfill. Along with addressing problems of volume in landfill sites, diverting the waste helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions. These seemingly innocent scraps in the trash heap potentially trap and heat the air in the atmosphere. The greenhouse gas they produce contributes to the problems associated with global warming. “We want to deal with our organic waste better because it has value in terms of the finished compost and has great environmental

benefits,” according to Braich.

A contractor will transport the green cart waste to a local facility where it will be made into compost for use on agricultural land from the contents.

Soil amendments reduce the need for chemical fertilizers and water: an environment bonus in both instances.

To plan for this program, the Environmental Services Department accessed information from other communities, such Calgary and Airdrie. “We had to consider certain issues that we face in Central Alberta. For example, how the weather will impact use of the carts. We talked to our counterparts in northern communities about how to operate the carts in the snow,” Braich says.

Environmental Services staff plans to solicit and answer questions from the program participants from before rolling out a citywide program in 2017. “We want to learn as much as we can from the residents so we can be ready to offer the best full-scale program for everyone,” says Braich.

Why a green cart?

Organic matter – kitchen, yard & pet waste – accounts for a whopping 40 per cent of the volume of stuff in our landfill sites. The City of Red Deer has adopted the 2013 Waste Management Master Plan to reduce the overall waste in our community.

What can I put in the green cart?

Kitchen scraps including meat, yard clippings, leaves, pet waste & litter box contents, including compostable bags, soiled paper, including pizza boxes.

No need to separate items or use additional containers.

When do I put out my green cart?

Green cart collection will occur on your regular scheduled garbage & recycling pick up day & location.

Who can use the green carts?

It’s a pilot program at this stage, for 2 thousand pre-selected households, but Environmental Services hopes to offer a city- wide program in spring of 2017.

Where can I get more information? greencart@reddeer.ca Reddeer.ca/greencart 403-340-8662

Green thumbs

Dig into City gardens

www.reddeer.ca

YARD WASTE PICKUP BEGINS YARD WASTE PICKUP RUNS

April 13, 2015 - Nov. 13, 2015

Yard Waste Guidelines We provide weekly collection of yard waste for single-family residences, so that yard waste can be given new life as compost.

Yard Waste Includes: • Grass clippings • Garden waste

• Tree trimmings • Leaves

How to Put Yard Waste Out For Pick-up yar a d waste wasste wa e - Place it loose in a garbage can marked with a yard st icke ic cke kerr (a (ava vaillab able ble a CITY H CITY ALL) AL L)). sticker (available att CI HALL).

YARD WASTE ACCEPTABLE ITEMS

Tree Trimmings Grass, Leaves, Garden Waste & m (4 Feet) Long] [12.5 cm (1 inch) Diameter, 1.2

PLEASE MAKE VISIBLE TO DRIVER For more information

340-BLUE

-P la ace iitt loos lloose oose e in in a paper pap aper er yard yar ard d waste wast wa ste e bag, ba which hi h are available Place at most hardware and department stores.

- Small branches can be bundled and tied with a string.

Maximum branch size is 1 inch in diameter and 4 feet long.

GIVE IT ANOTHER CHANCE

Yard waste is only a waste if you let it be. Grass clippings, leaves, garden materials and tree branches can all be recycled by The City of Red Deer and given a new life.

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I want to come back as a carrot.

Jillian Best The City of Red Deer has several gardening programs available this year for those who like a little dirt under their fingernails. City Garden Plots, Community Gardens & Orchards, and the Parkside Community Food Forest provide opportunities for residents to access fresh, locally grown produce.

“The City Garden Plot program allows residents to plant and grow their own produce over a season,” says Ken Lehman, Ecological & Planning Specialist with The City of Red Deer. “The City prepares and manages the plots and oversees soil maintenance in these gardening areas, in addition to administering annual plot registrations.”

Starting April 28, residents can register on a first-come, firstserve basis for a plot in one of three gardening areas in our city, Michener Gardens, Piper Creek Gardens and Parkside Gardens.

There are three plot sizes available at different costs, including Large (120 m2) for $43/season, Medium (60 m2) for $27/season, and a Small plot (30 m2) for $14/ season. Plots become available for gardening on May 16 and are accessible to registrants until October 13 when they close for the season. To register for a plot, call 403-342-8303.

Community Gardens & Orchards is a partnership between The City and various community groups to oversee several different gardening initiatives in various neighbourhoods. These areas are typically smaller, more localized gardens and orchards that promote walkability and strong community spirit. There are currently eight separate sites operating in Red Deer with several more planned. With the exception of the one community orchard, all other locations have raised beds, and some have rain barrels and composting units available to users. Each site is prepared and managed by volunteer community groups, with annual feedback of challenges

and successes of the projects provided to The City. Funding is available through The City for groups interested in starting up a garden project in their neighbourhood, and interested parties are encouraged to contact the Parks section for information on the process.

“There are many benefits to gardening and local food production, including increased physical and mental well-being, and better food quality resulting from organic gardening practices, which is a requirement for all City garden projects. There’s a lot to be said for knowing where your food comes from and how it was produced,” says Lehman.

“Community gardening also encourages residents to get out and meet people, learn about gardening and share their knowledge.

It’s a great community-builder.”

The Parkside Community Food Forest, adjacent to the Parkside Garden plots, is the first of its kind in Red Deer. Initiated by The City, in partnership with Tree Canada and using tree donations from local nurseries, it utilized volunteers from ReThink Red Deer and the general public to assist with planting. Produce grown in the food forest is available for the public to harvest.

The City asks residents to harvest respectfully to avoid damaging the trees and shrubs, and to be sure to leave enough for others to enjoy. Projects like the Food Forest typically take at least three years to start generating a significant amount of produce.

The 2015 season should bring in a crop of berries (haskaps or honeyberries, blueberries and saskatoons), while apples, plums, pears, sour cherries, and hazelnuts are what we can look forward to in future years.

For more information on City Garden Plots, Community Gardens or the Parkside Community Food Forest, contact the City’s Parks section at 403.342.8303 or visit www. reddeer.ca/gardening.

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Air quality in Red Deer is everyone’s concern

than five minutes. You can further reduce warm up time by getting a block heater timer that will heat your engine before you need it. A final, and timely, recommendation to improve air quality involves yard waste and spring clean up; yard waste should be composted rather than burned. The City of Red Deer has a bylaw banning back yard waste burning and offers a yard waste pick up pro-

Lauren Maris, Environmental Program Specialist for the City of Red Deer below the exceedance level.

There are many opportunities to address the issue and everyone has a role to play.”

An advisory committee made up of organizations most influential on nitrogen sources (a chemical precursory of particulate matter) and local stakeholders, such as Red Deer County and Lacombe County representatives, has been assembled.

The advisory committee met in January to discuss the issue and have planned another meeting for June. The June information session will welcome the public and invite feedback. The purpose of the June meeting will be primary education, to provide updates, and to share recommendations for the public, municipalities, industry, and provincial government on how to change behavior, activities, and policies to improve air quality in Red Deer and surrounding areas.

Right now, the easiest thing the public can do to improve air quality is to not idle their vehicles. Environment Program Specialists in Red Deer recommend and that if you are going to be stopped for more than one minute, except in traffic, turn off the engine. Another recommendation involves warming up vehicles; even in the coldest weather, modern engines don’t need to be warmed up any longer

Water correctly Watering a lawn can do more harm than good if the lawn is not watered correctly. Excessive watering is a waste of water and can cost homeowners money while harming the environment at the same time. Water that is not absorbed by the lawn can result in runoff, which causes nitrogen in the grass, any fertilizer that was applied and chemicals in the water itself to run into gutters and eventually pollute streams, rivers and oceans. In addition, grass needs

Air quality in Red Deer is among the worst in Alberta and has recently exceeded the Canada-wide standard for fine particulate matter.

oxygen in the soil to grow properly.

But when a lawn is overwatered, the oxygen between the soil particles is pushed out, depriving roots of the oxygen they need to grow in strong. This leads to shallow root systems, which make a lawn more susceptible to stress, disease and insect infestation. But overwatering can also be unsightly, as lawns that are overwatered tend to have more weeds, robbing even the greenest of lawns of its aesthetic appeal. (MS)

gram.

“Nobody owns air but it affects everyone. Its really challenging to find ways to actively engage people in promoting air quality.” concludes Maris. For more information on air quality and upcoming public meetings visit www.reddeer.ca/environment.

COMPOST!

& Keep up with the Joneses the Johnsons, the Penners, and the Morins Congrats to these amazing Red Deer families who have been composting for nearly a year after joining the Composting at Home program.

Dennis Burriss Tiffany Crone Jimmy Kennedy Deanna Doan Karen Gardiner Cristina Stewart Lisa Goltz Louise Munn Jolene Arsenault Joanne Palecek Mitchell Sargent Vanessa Gilbertson Leah Christiansen Lesley Stafford Harley Richards Danielle Bustamante Kyla Courte Kim Tang Tera Katrenicz Lou Trudgeon Linda Znak Shauna Hubel Jennifer McCord Rebecca Johnson Elly Jacobson Kelly O’Brien

Carol Van De Weghe Steven Gruenberg Rachel Stebbins Sora Kanngiesser Cindy Klaudt Donna Matolsci Crystal Cummings Verna Penner Nicole Mcgeough Winter Strong Karmen Weiss Shay Tangerman Caitlynn McNutt Brenda Kemp Charlotte Wagner Ashley Larsen-Stewart Shireen Anderson-Kuprowski Doug Wiesner Paige Mitchell Toni Haley Adrienne Young Mark Blatz Vincent Leckie Natalie Day Lazenby Quitcy MacAulay Tracey Gall

Jackie Muddle Harrison Blizzard Tanya Olafson Christine Swift Kaisa Nadeau Cathie McCracken Dean Duniece Leanne LaBrash Cheryl Reynen Tanya Mullakady Doug Spicer Carla Walli Tony Penney Dori Neufeld Kelly Justus Lisa Delver James Better Sara Smillie Scott Simon Daniel Kim Justine Bromley Wendy Naherny Annette Beisick Lindsay Ziegler Carla Morin Becky Amthor

Since 2012, nearly 650 Red Deer households started backyard composting.

Are you interested in composting?

Red Deer residents get discounts on composting tools at Red Deer Peavey Mart. Find out how to get your coupons by visiting www.reddeer.ca/composting.

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Teena Dickerson “Sometimes when you drive into Red Deer from Sylvan Lake now you can see that Red Deer has a layer of yellowish gray smog.” explains Lauren Maris, Environmental Program Specialist for the City of Red Deer.

“We have taken our air quality for granted. We are now having problems and we need to take ownership. Its everyone’s responsibility and we need everyone to join in the solution to reducing air pollution in Red Deer and the region.”

Air quality in Red Deer is among the worst in Alberta and has recently exceeded the Canada-wide standard for fine particulate matter. The only other area in Alberta with similar levels has been the capital region around Edmonton.

Fine particulate matter is material smaller than 2.5 micrometers that is suspended in the atmosphere. These tiny particles are dangerous to both human and plant life. Particulate matter is very easily embedded into lung tissue and studies have linked it to cardiac and respiratory illnesses such as asthma, bronchitis, and various forms of heart diseases. People with chronic lung problems, such as asthma and emphysema, will experience worsening symptoms when breathing air with higher concentrations of fine particulate matter. It can also affect plant health and nutrients in soil and water contributing to soil and water toxicity. Fine particulate matter levels are monitored in two stations, in Red Deer, operated by Parkland Air Management Zone.

“This is primarily a winter problem from what we understand from the science so far.”

Lauren Maris continues, “We are working on getting some causation but it is complex.”

Particulate matter comes from both natural and human sources. It is caused two ways, either, directly, in a primary contribution like wind-blown dust or ash from a forest fire, or indirectly, as a secondary substance created by chemical constituents working in combination with meteorological conditions. A good example of secondary particulate matter is vehicle emissions and stagnant weather. When emissions from vehicles, public or industrial, combine with very cold weather and calm winds, particulate matter is created and becomes trapped and concentrated within the area. Emissions from any combustable source react this way in these weather conditions: wood furnaces, fire places, industrial processes, construction operations, or vegetation burn-

ing (such as land clearing or yard waste).

“Because we exceeded the Canada-wide standard, Alberta Environment Sustainable Resource Development is responsible for the development of a management plan.” said Sharina Kennedy of Alberta ESRD. “We have gathered relevant stakeholders, including representatives from municipalities, industry, and the public to provide input on a plan that will get us

Saturday, April 11, 2015 E7

E8 Saturday, April 11, 2015

RED

DEER

ADVOCATE

SPECIAL

FEATURE

RECYCLE YOUR PAPER!

Time For Spring Clean-Up! Turn Your Scrap Into Cash!

Eco-friendly lawn care can be easy Avoid overwatering.

Excessive watering not only wastes water, which is not very eco-friendly, but also hurts the lawn when dry periods inevitably arrive. That’s because shallow and frequent watering encourages roots to stay near the surface, so when dry periods arrive, the roots struggle to find water. An established lawn should not need daily watering. Instead, watering responsibly when the lawn needs water and when evaporation can be kept to a minimum, can strengthen a lawn and do so in an eco-friendly way. (MS)

.

Healthy soil promotes strong roots, which leads to a more robust, lush and aesthetically appealing lawn.

While a lawn needs to be fertilized in the spring and at various points throughout the summer, it’s important that homeowners avoid overfertilization, which can create thatch that, when allowed to thicken, will prevent nutrients from penetrating the soil. Lawns need more nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium than soil can typically DROP OFF: provide, so fertilizing TV’s Computers, Monitors, throughout the warm Printers and ANY other weather seasons and Electronics for Recycling into early fall can proat No charge. mote a healthy lawn.

Monday-Friday 7:30 am - 4:00 pm But choose a slow8075-49th Ave., Red Deer release fertilizer so (North Red Deer behind United Furniture Warehouse) it gradually feeds the www.recycle-logic.com or call 1-403-348-0770 lawn. Compost and grass clippings can also be spread around the lawn to promote healthy soil. The pH level of the soil should also be checked to ensure the lawn can fully absorb nutrients. Speak with a local lawn care professional to determine what a healthy pH level is for soil in your area.

Homeowners who don’t enjoy mowing their lawn might be tempted to simply cut the grass as low as possible to extend

$

$

50 CASH PAID

100

CASH PAID If you deliver your scrap vehicle to us!

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Copper • Stainless Steel • Brass • Steel • Aluminum • Iron • Batteries • Rads • Car Disposal

4305-78 St. Cres.,Red Deer 403-347-5815 www.bulldogmetals.net

“Recycling that makes ¢ent$ for you and your community”

Choose a grass that can thrive in your climate.

Don’t cut too low when mowing.

• Free scrap vehicle pickup in the Red Deer area • Purchase of copper, aluminum, brass, tin, and many other nonferrous metals • Large volume metal clean ups on site

• Bin Services (large or small containers) allow you to store your recyclable metals at your own site, we exchange/drop off with a fresh one when needed.

• Drive on scale for precise measurements and ease of use • Personal and professional services to load/unload your materials

For Your Scrap Vehicle Includes pick-up within 10km of Red Deer

Recycle Your Electonics

Though you might prefer the look of a certain grass, choosing a grass based entirely on appearance is a mistake that could cost you money and prove harmful to the environment. When installing a new lawn, opt for one that’s suitable to the local climate. Installing a lawn that needs substantial amounts of water in a region known for drought can rob the lawn of its aesthetic appeal and will cost homeowners a substantial amount of money to maintain. If an existing lawn struggles to stay green regardless of your best efforts, then consider replacing it with a new type of grass that might be more suited to the local climate.

Including Scrap Autos, Industrial Scrap Metals, & Farm Scrap Metals

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Emphasize healthy soil

We Pay Cash For All Types Of Metal

the intervals between cuts. But the United States Environmental Protection Agency recommends that grass never be cut more than one-third of the height of the grass blades. Longer grass can take in more sunlight, allowing it to grow in thicker and develop a deeper root system. That deep root system can help a lawn survive drought and prevent disease, two potentially costly problems that often force homeowners to embrace solutions that are not eco-friendly. Ideal lawn height depends on the type of grass, so consult a lawn care professional to ensure you are cutting your grass to a healthy length.

Profits generated by recycling cans and bottles at Cosmos Bottle Depots Ltd. support persons with disabilities through Cosmos Community Support Services Ltd. and the Cosmos Foundation.

Large blue bins are located around Red Deer and Blackfalds and charities within the communities receive 100% of the profits from the bins on a monthly basis.

Contact the depot manager to have your non-profit added to the list.

What’s Recyclable?

10¢

1 Litre & Under

POLYCOAT CONTAINERS OTHER PLASTIC JUGS,, ETC.

COSMOS CO OSMOS I RED DEER #1, 7428 - 49 Avenue

Open Mon, - Sat 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Thurs & Fri 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM

403-342-2034

PLASTIC BOTTLES

GLASS BOTTLES

COS COSMOS SMOS II RED DEER 6332 Orr Drive Open Mon to Sat 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM

403-309-8642

MILK CONTAINERS

25¢

Over 1 Litre

BAG-IN-A-BOX & POUCHES

ALUMINUM CANS

BLACKFALDS BLAC CKFALDS S BOTTLE DEPOT 5405 South Street East

Open Thurs - Sat 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Sun 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

403-885-2689

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Homeowners know that a healthy lawn can add considerable curb appeal to a property while giving residents of the home a place to relax and enjoy the great outdoors. But few might know that a healthy lawn can also benefit the environment, especially when homeowners take a proactive approach to lawn care that emphasizes eco-friendly techniques.

A proactive approach to lawn care can prevent certain problems, including disease, insect infestation and weed growth. When such problems arise, many homeowners opt to combat them with pesticides, which can harm the environment. But a proactive approach to lawn care can reduce the likelihood of developing such problems and protect the planet at the same time.

IS HUNGRY FOR SCRAP