Earth Day 2011 kicked off with an announcement of a new way for Hope residents to better protect the environment, extend the life of the landfill, and save a little money.
Last Thursday, early Earth Day supporters gathered to see phase two of Hope Pharmasave's 'Take back the Alleyway' project move another step forward in the planting of two Beech trees. Last year on Earth Day, the company and their employees planted a Hawthorn tree and erected a post and beam trellis that showcases the community as you enter onto Wallace Street. They hope their enthusiasm for their project will spread throughout the business community and the back alleys of Hope.
Along with the clean-up, more shrub planting, and a recycled book-sale at Pages Book Store, Pharmasave's owner Sabine Keil, also announced a new way for locals to help the environment.
The District of Hope and waste removal contractor First Class Waste Services is moving forward in their efforts for higher impact recycling.
The changes to the current waste removal system are aimed at keeping plastics out of the waste stream by cutting down on the need for blue recycling bags, orange lawn waste bags and green garbage bags.
"You get to apply these stickers to your garbage cans and the goal is to not use any bags, just label your own cans," said Keil, presenting each person with a new 'Yard Green Waste' sticker and a 'Recylables' sticker.
Rather than homeowners paying for the three types of bags, they can now put their leaves, grass and 1/4 inch branch clippings directly into a garbage can identified as yard waste. The same can be done for household recyclables like cans, jars, bottles, milk jugs, cardboard, books and paper.
"Recyclables need to be clean and dry. And they prefer that you take the labels off your cans and bottles because it takes less energy in the recycling process, but you don't have to," added Keil.
Kitchen waste can also be put directly into a garbage can in the smaller kitchen bags rather than double bag with green bags.
In partnership with the Hope and District Recreation Commission and Rona Home Centre, a Flea Market is being planned by First Class Waste Services at the Hope Arena, on Saturday, May 14, to encourage reuse of household items.
Their new pick-up program and the best current recycling practices will also be showcased at the Flea Market in a series of displays.
If you would like to upgrade your current garbage cans, discount coupons from Rona will be available at the market, along with the new stickers, a few giveaways and a kids table.
Other local Earth Day events included a hour-long street-clean up by the Community in Bloom volunteers last Thursday and the Nestle Waters 'Adopt a Road' clean-up of Flood-Hope Road held on Monday.