Autumn Campaign

This week we are launching the “Know Before you Throw” campaign, encouraging multi-family residents to recycle the right materials.

Radio ads will air on Sonic, the Bounce, Now and the Bear.

Also, watch for ads online, on the LRT, in bus shelters, and in the Metro newspaper.

Grads will be able to ACE THE TEST on Vovici and be entered to win a very tasty prize! If you don't get 100% you will be entered to take some follow up training instead. (kidding)

Patty's Leaving/ Welcome Laura!

Patty has left us to be with her newborn baby. I'd like to welcome Laura who will be taking her place for the next year.


Many of you have met Laura already at trade shows and in the 2011 Master Composter/Recycler class. She will be sending out the emails and be the one who schedules and communicates with you about your activities! She is a delightful addition to our team as you will find out if you aren't already acquainted with her.

Good luck to Patty, and a big welcome to Laura!

Brokeback Compost

This article on compost application on ranch land brings together some pure Alberta issues - cattle, carbon sequestration, and some mighty fine scenery.
It also demonstrates that compost land application has long term benefits.

This is the perfect time to add compost to your garden and fill up those cracks in the soil - the carbon will penetrate deeply into the clay and improve next year's tilth.

Before you core aerate your lawn, fill up those cracks by topdressing with Second Nature - it will keep the moisture in the soil and make the aerating easier (water a couple days before renting the aerator for best results). Your soil will be ready for over-seeding later this month.

The compost will also ensure a cozy rest over the coming (sorry) colder months.

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.