Recyle and the world smiles with you

I saw this recycle bin in Dapp, Alberta on the weekend.

Dapp is a small town that takes its connection to wildlife very seriously.

One side of the bin says "Every time you recyle an Owl smiles!!"

The other side says "Every time you smile a fish recycles!"

Inspiring!

Share a gritty world view of Waste's Impact on Society

Our garbage says a lot about us as individuals and as a society.

A large number of Edmontonians recently got a taste for how different societies treat their waste via a number of award-winning films from around the world that were screened at the Metro Cinema.

The films were part of the 2nd installment of the REEL Waste film festival, a feature of the tri-annual Waste - the Social Context conference which ran from May 8 - 11th and offered a unique opportunity for delegates from around the world to meet and present research contributing to innovative solutions in sustainable waste
management.

“There was a really good variety for everybody in terms of tone and subject matter," states Branch education programs co-ordinator Garry Spotowski (class of 1992, at left) who coordinated the film festival which explored the funny, chilling, and sometimes poignant, sides of waste.

“I have no doubt that everyone who attended REEL Waste now has a new view on waste and our throw away culture.”

As a special treat, volunteers interested in holding their own Film Fest can attend the monthly update training night August 25, which will focus entirely on hosting a movie night, and Patty will share her secret recipe for Perfect Popcorn and Twizzler combinations.

Green up your morning coffee...

Folks who went to the Canmore Folk Fest are talking about the pasta alternative to wood stir sticks.

I mentioned this to my friends at 3 Bananas and their first impression was that food should not be thrown away. This kind of surprised me, but having been raised by people who lived through the depression and then the war I certainly understood that reaction.

(I learned that this coffee house is already doing a bunch of stuff to reduce waste, Bravo!)

Of course, harvesting, transporting, and processing wood is incredibly energy intensive. The pasta option has big environmental and economic benefits, like local products and manufacturing, plus kitsch options like spelling out fashionable words, or bright orange and green Carrot shapes.

Despite the sign in this photo, I don't think the stirring would take long enough to cook the noodle, but hey, if it does, why not make them Biscotti Flavoured and reduce waste even more?!?

Volunteer Opportunity: Talk to your favourite barista about it, and then log your hours under the "Building Awareness..." activity on myVolunteerPage.com.

Have a great weekend, and don't forget your travel mug!

Friday Fun - an offer you can't refuse!