Compost Value Day 2 May
London Composts, now in its 13th year, is set to hold its annual spring Compost Value Day on 2 May 2009.
Residents are encouraged to bring their pails, bags, or pick-up trucks to load up on some compost. The compost produced from the City’s leaf and yard waste sells for $2 for a 30 litre bag although additional donations (which go directly to the charitable organizations listed below) are encouraged. Pre-bagged compost in re-usable bags can be purchased for $3/bag. Other containers and truck-loads are priced out individually. This event has become an eagerly anticipated mainstay for gardeners in London.
This annual compost sale funds local member service groups who plant and manage a network of vegetable gardens in the City. Much of the food is then delivered to the London Food Bank.
“This event shows how various groups can work together to promote environmentally positive activities such as composting and compost use while at the same time contribute in a meaningful way to the wellness of the community.” says Paul van der Werf, Chair of London Composts and President of my green workplace.
Says Jane Roy director of the London Food Bank “London Composts has been a significant supporter of the London Food Bank over the years. Their generosity has helped to provide much needed fresh fruit and vegetables to London’s less fortunate through the sale of compost from “Compost Value Day”. The fresh items help to fill a gap in the Food bank supplies and go a long way in assuring clients at the Food Bank receive a nutritious and balanced hamper!”
London Composts consists of service groups such as the St. Leonard’s Society, Thames Region Ecological Association, the Boys and Girls Club, London Community Resource Centre and the London Food Bank; corporations such as Amway Global, Try Recycling, and local environmental consulting company my green workplace, as well as the City of London.
This year’s Compost Value Day takes place from 8am-until supplies last at four locations
NORTH
Try Recycling, Entrance off Medway Rd, East of Clarke Rd. (Eco Park)
Masonville Mall (by Nash’s Jewellery).
SOUTH
Amway Global (375 Exeter Rd., at White Oaks Rd.) and
Try Recycling, 3544 Dingman Drive
Contact:
Paul van der Werf, Chair London Composts, 519-645-7733; 519-317-7733
Comments (74) 29.04.2009. 12:20
Compost Study in Lake Louise
Rocky Mountain Outlook
Organic compost proposed for Lake Louise
By Justin Brisbane - Rocky Mountain Outlook
Published: December 18, 2008
Lake Louise could divert more than 650 tonnes of organic waste from landfills if it builds a composting facility, according to a new report.
In a report completed by 2CG, environmental consultant Paul van der Werf said a composting facility could be built in Lake Louise for $370,000. It would divert about half of the community's waste from landfills. "It is feasible to undertake."
Since much of the community waste is food waste from hotels, much of the garbage is organic, van der Werf said.
The community is currently transferring its organic waste to Calgary, which has proven to be a relatively inexpensive route for the community, but not a very environmentally-friendly option, van der Werf said.
The report discourages the town from shipping its waste to composting facilities in Bowden, another option that has been explored.
"Then, you're shipping it at least 200 kilometres on the Trans-Canada Highway, and the cost is prohibitive," said van der Werf.
The report recommends four possible sites for a composting facility: Niblock Pit; Lake Louise Wastewater treatment plant, Pit KM 69 and the Francis Cooke Class III landfill.
The town currently pays about $62 a tonne to ship its garbage. van der Werf says the town could save $40,000 a year through diverting its waste.
"We need to make it as cost effective as possible," he said.
Jasper and Banff have composting structures similar to what van der Werf is suggesting. He proposes using a concrete bunker with an aerating system, which would be fenced to keep wildlife away from the facility.
Lake Louise previously ran an organics composting program in 1999 to 2000, however, it was discontinued due to increasing costs. The town has a goal to divert 50 per cent of its organic waste.
Caroline Marion, Townsite manager for Banff and Lake Louise, said the project appears to be a good one for the community, however, the town has to determine where funding will come from.
"It's got legs. We have to do an environmental assessment and review the plan internally," Marion said. "When we heard Banff launched a composting program, we thought we should also get on board."
Marion said the town will investigate where the funding will come for the project.
"We'll hold an internal meeting to see what's realistic in the medium term," Marion said
Comments (201) 07.01.2009. 17:22
The ECO Show
Paul van der Werf joined host Mike Stubbs of London's CJBK 1290 Talk Radion on the Eco Show on 20 December. I'm dreaming of a green christmas was the theme. The hour long discussion focused on how to reduce our impact on the environment during this holiday season. Paul will next be on the Eco Show on 17 January 2009.null
Comments (123) 24.12.2008. 13:25
