Waste Reduction Week

During Waste Reduction Week, the staff in our office accepted the Wednesday Litterless Lunch Challenge from the Office of the Environment and brought waste-free lunches to work. (See Laura Henderson to the left). A couple of displays went out promoting waste reduction initiatives. We even updated our "tips" on the web page: http://www.edmonton.ca/for_residents/garbage_recycling/waste-reduction-tips.aspx.

But we in Edmonton have a very good reason to celebrate!A survey commissioned by the City of Edmonton shows more Edmontonians than ever are composting and grasscycling (leaving clippings on the lawn after mowing).

The number of single family households that regularly grasscycle increased by 16 per cent, from 36 per cent in 2009 to 52 per cent in 2011. Regular composting participation increased from 24 per cent in 2009 to 30 per cent in 2011.
“This shows that Edmontonians really are the foundation of our success in waste management,” says City Councillor Don Iveson. “We’re seeing a growing number of people reducing their waste through grasscycling and composting.”

Regular composting and grasscycling can cut an average single family household’s waste in half. Setting out less waste for collection and processing means fewer greenhouse gas emissions. Grasscycling and composting also lead to naturally healthier gardens and lawns and reduce the need for watering and chemical fertilizers.

An estimated 50,000 tonnes of waste is avoided each year through the waste reduction practices of Edmontonians. Without these activities, the City would need to collect and process about 20 per cent more material.
The City of Edmonton encourages grasscycling and composting through a variety of activities:
The Composting Education Centre at the John Janzen Nature Centre
Composting workshops in the spring, summer and fall
The Master Composter Recycler volunteer program
Education programs and partnerships
For more information on composting and grasscycling, visit www.edmonton.ca/waste.