MCR Success Stories in September, 2019

Future Waste Reduction Specialists
MCR Rebecca chatted with children about waste. She especially loved when the children took over the conversation about improved waste behaviour; this gave her the feeling that the future of the city will be great.




How to Compost in Castle Downs
MCRs Mildred, Angela and Natasha taught local residents how to start composting at home. This workshop was hosted by Councillor Jon Dziadyk.






Vermi-Composting Success
MCR Kit provided compost support to a family and assisted them to set up a worm bin to start vermi-composting.

Wasteless Movie Night 
MCR Christine T. hosted a movie night and a conversations about waste discussion panel for about 20 participants. They watched and talked about the movie WALL-E. MCRs Mila, Craig, Tony, Line, Alan and Margo helped organize the event and spoke during the panel discussion. Team effort!

MCR Success Stories in August, 2019

Waste Wise Block Party

MCR-in-Training Jarett S. hosted a Waste Wise Block party for 25 people. He talked to his neighbours about going bagless and how to recycle right.

Vermicomposting Demo Success

MCR Barb N.: "I do these demos every year at Victoria school. I have also started a worm bin in the biology classroom. Some teachers want to start zero waste lunch program next year."

Persistent about Waste Reduction

At her workplace, MCR Mila P. was asked to send regular emails to employees about small things they can do to make a difference. That's hundreds of employees.
In fact, she was asked "please don't stop."

Plant a Row, Grow a Row

MCR Lindsay M. reminded everyone that she helped Edmonton's Food Bank start the Grow a Row program, circa 1995. That program eventually became Plant a Row, Grow a Row.

All Smiles at the Reuse Centre

MCRs Wendy, Sulav, Antonietta, and Norma modeled for photos at the Reuse Centre.

Workplace Waste Audit

"Since April, I had been having separate chats with co-workers about my involvement in the MCR program and my passion for vermicomposting. Then the general manager heard about my involvement and asked me if we can do something in the office to reduce waste.
This July, we have already started the process for a waste audit." - MCR Roberto M.

Way to Go, MCR Laurie O!

"A couple was out shopping and the woman went to sort her cup for garbage or for recycling. She put the single-use cup in the garbage container, but she also said, "well, I guess it could go in the recycling..." I bumped into that conversation and informed them that single-use cups (compostable or not) should go into the garbage. The couple then said, 'you learn something new everyday.' "

MCR Success Stories in July, 2019

Plastic Free July

Hayley R. made an impact on social media by posting about #plasticfreejuly. Hayley had many offline conversations about reducing waste, specifically plastic as a result.

Home Composting...Ready, Set, Go!

Joe L. helped friends set up a home composter and got them started with home composting their kitchen scraps.

Session Success

Alan, Tony & Craig delivered a session on composting to the City of Edmonton Forestry team. They covered science of composting, set up worm bins and shared tips on effective gardening.

MCR Munch & Mulch

MCRs and their guests came out to Compost 'S cool this past weekend to learn about 5 ways to deal with grass, leaves, and plants... but not "compost." We finished up with Compost 'S cool pictionary. The weather was beautiful, snacks were delicious and the company fabulous as always!

MCR Success Stories in June, 2019

Workshop at the Sunshine Garden

Jocelyn C. hosted a composting workshop with Allan Y. The workshop was put on by the Capilano Community League and held at the Sunshine Garden. It was a great event!

Thank you...
for Reusing

Christine T. thoughtfully washes reusable dishes after church on a regular basis. This avoids disposable plates and cutlery. Her efforts were rewarded with a meaningful thank you card.

Waste Reduction Baby Shower

Hengli C. hosted a baby shower party for a friend. "I asked my friends to try to bring their own mugs and food containers, even tableware." This is a good way to reduce to use plastic stuff.

After the party, friends could bring the food back home with their containers.

Workshops for Federal Employees

Line d. set up workshops for her colleagues at Canada Place. Topics included how to Go Bagless, how to recycle better, Edmonton's waste system, and how to compost at home!

MCR Success Stories in May, 2019

Hosted a Garden Party MCR-in-Training Barb L. enlisted neighbours to help empty an entire compost bin. "We dug a few holes for the unfinished compost and then spread the remainder of the compost in the front yard soil (no grass there). We discussed benefits and barriers and I showed them how great the compost at the bottom of the bin is and how easy it is to do."

Community Composter MCR Nicola T. resurrected a composting system at her children's school. "We started a free fruit program at school, sponsored by No Frills. We now have so many fruit peels and cores daily, that a new compost setup was needed.  Leadership Club empties the compost bins in school after the kids have had lunch, but more compost bins were lacking next to the fruit bowl where the kids get the free fruit. I am working on educating the whole school population on better waste management." "I know it's making a difference already because the secretary asked me where to buy a compost bin for her home, and picked up the 2nd last one that John Jansen had.  I've been explaining to her how to set it up too."

Hosted a Clothing Swap MCR-in-Training Michelle W. hosted a clothing swap and small items for the Eco Station, Reuse Centre and donation for a group of seven women. The event was a big success!

Telling his Story of Composting MCR Shawn G. rebuilt the compost system at his home. He documented the shift from his old system to the new setup, in detailed steps, on social media. "People messaged me after with questions or asking for advice." Great idea!