Tell One Friend: Go Bagless this Summer!

Image provided by the City of Edmonton

Tell One Friend: Go Bagless this summer!

In the summer months, over half the waste collected in Edmonton is grass clippings. Going bagless and leaving the clippings on the lawn is the number one way to reduce waste this time of year. It's easy, good for your lawn and great for the environment!

Encourage friends and neighbours to request a “Go Bagless” lawn sign. They will be entered into a draw to win a free checkup and tuneup for their lawnmower at the Lawnmower Hospital.

Learn more at edmonton.ca/gobagless.

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Use these ideas to remind your friends, family and co-workers:

Change habits
“Going bagless is easy, it’s good for your lawn and less work for you.”

Prompt them
"You don't need to buy a special mower to go bagless. You can take the bag off your current mower and raise the cutting blade."

One small ask
"Will you try going bagless this summer?"

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Going bagless is easy. Here’s how to get started.

• Mow high so that no more than ⅓ of the grass blade is removed.
• Mow often. Mow every 4-5 days during heavy growth season, and once a week when growth is slower.
• Mow when the grass is dry to prevent clumping.
• Make sure your mower blade is sharp.
• If grass clippings end up on your sidewalk, just sweep them back onto your lawn.

Visit edmonton.ca/reusecentre for more about the Reuse Centre.
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Go Bagless to Win!

The prize? A mulching mower or a $750 City Attractions and Recreation card. The City of Edmonton is encouraging residents to Go Bagless this summer - that is leave their clippings on their lawn and win. Going bagless has many benefits: It’s good for your lawn: the grass clippings protect the soil by keeping moisture in the ground. Also, as the clippings break down quickly, they naturally fertilize the lawn with nutrients after each mowing. It’s good for you: no bagging and dragging of grass is required, and it reduces the need to water and fertilize your lawn. It’s good for the environment: in the summer months, up to half of the waste collected by the City is grass. Going bagless is the easiest, most effective way to reduce waste. Half of Edmonton households already practice Going Bagless?try joining them! And by signing up for a lawn sign, you’ll have a chance to win great prizes, a mulching mower or a $750 City Attractions and Recreation card. For more information or to sign up for a Go Bagless lawn sign, visit edmonton.ca/GoBagless.

Dreaming of Waste-Less Holidays

Edmontonians have been busy using social media to share ideas on how they reduce the amount of waste they produce during the holidays.

This social media conversation was sparked by a waste-less holidays contest organized by the City of Edmonton. Residents were invited to participate by sharing creative, useful and fun tips though the City’s Twitter account, Facebook page and Transforming Edmonton blog.

The contest got Edmontonians talking about simple ways they can embrace the holidays while being conscious of the waste produced.

Here are some of the ideas we’ve heard on how to reduce holiday waste:
Rethink the way you package your presents: consider using a scarf, festive flyers or cookie tins. Reuse wrapping materials and decorations.
Give waste-friendly gifts such as a shared experience or homemade baking; donate your skills and time to a charity.
Avoid food waste: plan your food and donate unopened treats to the food bank.
After the holidays make sure you recycle boxes, paper (including all non-foil gift wrap), plastic and glass bottles and jars, and cans and aluminum trays.

During the holidays, Edmonton’s waste volumes double. The City encourages residents to reduce, reuse and recycle to minimize the amount of waste.

Submission deadline has been extended until midnight MDT on Thursday, December 19th, 2013.

Check out the contest and what your fellow Edmontonians are doing to reduce their holiday waste by visitingedmonton.ca/wastelessholidays.