APRIL 2004 199 NEWS ISSUE

NEW CURBSIDE COLLECTION TO INCLUDE “ORGANICS”
BEGINNING APRIL 1, 2004

On average, each Ontario resident generates approximately one tonne of garbage per year. As a matter of fact, we as Canadians produce more garbage per person than just about any other country in the world.

As it stands right now, it has been estimated that there is only enough capacity in all existing landfills to last for about 10-15 years.

By 2005, the Region has a goal to divert at least 60% of food and yard waste away from landfills and into compost.

Currently, organics make up approximately 36% of the typical residential waste stream. If we can keep as much food and yard waste out of the landfills, we could have a tremendous positive impact on the environment and the lifespan of our landfills.

WHAT HAPPENS TO ORGANICS AFTER THEY’RE COLLECTED?

All loads received at the composting facility are weighed to allow the Region to record the tonnage of organic material.

Collection vehicles off-load organic materials in a designated area at the composting facility (contaminated loads are rejected).

Wood chips are immediately added to the organic material to prevent odours and to absorb excess liquid.

The material is processed through a grinder daily… breaking the material down speeds up the composting process.

After grinding, the material is placed in a long pile called a “windrow.”

Regular turning of the windrow allows oxygen and water to be circulated through the material, as well as ensuring that all the material is subject to the higher temperatures inside the windrow.

The temperature inside the windrow (75 degrees Celsius!) is monitored daily to make sure it’s high enough to eliminate any disease producing agents (pathogens).

Once the composing process is complete, the compost is screened to removed particles that will not break down such as plastics.

Compost must be tested before it leaves the facility to ensure that it meets the Ministry of the Environment Guidelines.

Finished composted that has passed the testing can then be used in gardens, flowerbeds and as a part of soil mixes.

Diversion of organic materials can only be successful if the finished compost is of a usable quality.

Ensuring the proper separation of organic materials from inorganic materials and minimizing the use of plastic bags is an important component nit he success of this program.

By now, those of you living in Niagara should have had delivered to your home a free start up kit to get you going with the new program. It should have included a new “grey box” to be used for paper, cardboard, etc. an organic “kitchen” container. You have also received an information package that will give you extensive detail on what can and can’t be recycled for both your blue and grey box and will also tell you how to properly dispose of your food waste (curbside organics containers available for $6). The information package will also include your new recycling calendar and information on new garbage container limits.

For more information, call 905-687-9595

On a final note, just a reminder that Earth Day is April 22. Everyone is invited to celebrate on Saturday, April 24 at Malcolmson Eco-Park, located at Lakeshore Rd. and Niagara St. in St. Catharines. The activities start at 8:30 a.m. and include wild flower and shrub planting, spreading stone dust on pathways and garbage clean up. There will also be a native plant and tree sale at the park. There is an official ceremony at 11:30 followed at noon by a BBQ lunch for all volunteers.

Bring your family for a fun and rewarding day….don’t forget to dress appropriately and bring your garden tools!

FEBRUARY 2004 199 NEWS ISSUE

DRY CLEANING IS ALL WET!

Concern for the environment and the health of her employees and customers has been a growing concern for Bonnie Rochon, owner of Arctic Cleaners on Carlton St. in St. Catharines. Wary about the possible ill-health effects of the chemical compounds that are used in the traditional “dry cleaning” process, Bonnie searched for a way that she could make things better. On December 1, 2003, Bonnie and her employees decided to make a change for the benefit of all, so she started using what is known as a “wet cleaning” process.

Ms. Rochon was inspired by Marty Kimmerer, owner of Carriage Trade Cleaning Centre in Oshawa. Marty changed his dry cleaning operation over to set cleaning totally in 2002 and has had remarkable results and positive responses from his customers.

In speaking with Bonnie, she has said that she is very excited about this change and that the transition is going quite well. Customers are also quite happy with this new process. Bonnie also pointed out that her business is the only one in the Niagara Peninsula to offer this environmentally friendly service.

SO WHAT IS “WET CLEANING?”

Wet cleaning is the freshest, gentlest new cleaning system ever developed. Wool sweaters to wedding gowns, baby blankets to blue jeans and linen suits to linen tablecloths will feel better by undergoing the new process.

So, what is the miracle cleaning fluid that gently yet thoroughly cleans your most cherished garments? Surprisingly, it is WATER. With the help of major breakthroughs in laundry detergent and stain remover technology (ecologically friendly), Artic Cleaners uses the “Miele” system to safely clean items previous requiring “Dry Clean Only.”

SO WHY CHANGE TO WET CLEANING?

1. Gentler than hand washing
2. Fresh, clean scent (natural base)
3. Soft to touch
4. Kind to sensitive skin
5. Safe for your clothes
6. Perfect for removing stains
7. Gentle on the environment

Arctic Cleaners has also made sure that all of the products that they use are environmentally friendly (biodegradable) and they have retained a chemical analysis firm to ensure that these products are compliant with the highest environmental standards.

Bonnie also has the MSDS sheets for the products that they use available at her facility for her customers should they ask to see them.

Kudos to Bonnie Rochon and her staff for being proactive in doing their part to try to preserve our environment. We need more businesses to take this forward thinking approach to make sure that we leave a world that is livable for our children and our future generations.

DECEMBER 2003 ISSUE

As the holiday season fast approaches so does the demand for more energy. What we are not expending in air conditioning and pool pumps is now consumed by heating, lighting and Yuletide decorations. The massive power outage this past August is still a grim reminder of what can happen when the system is overtaxed.

All of us play an instrumental part in energy efficiency and conservation. Along with preserving our precious natural resources, we can also promote a healthy environment. Probably one of the easiest things that we all can do to conserve energy is to turn off all non-essential lights and appliances. The electricity generated by fossil fuels for an average single home puts out more carbon dioxide into the air than two average cars! Just a side note: let’s see if our new provincial government lives up to its commitment to shut down coal-burning power plants by 2007 and replace them with cleaner sources of energy such as natural gas, hydro, wind and landfill methane, but that’s for another article!

When thinking about purchasing new light bulbs, take advantage of all of the new energy efficient bulbs available today. Here is some information on COMPACT FLUORESCENT BULBS (CFL).

Compact fluorescent bulbs are four times more energy efficient than incandescent bulbs and provide the same lighting. Use CFL’s in al of the portable table and floor lamps in your home. Carefully consider the size and fit of these systems when you select them. Some home fixtures may not accommodate some of the larger CFL’s.

When shopping for new light fixtures, consider buying dedicated compact fluorescent fixtures with built-in ballasts that use pin-based replacement bulbs.

For spot lighting, consider CFL’s with reflectors. The lamps range in wattage from 13-watt to 32-watt and provide a very directed light using a reflector and lens system.

If you have torchiere fixtures with halogen lamps, consider replacing them with compact fluorescent torchieres. Compact fluorescent torchieres use 60%-80% less energy and can produce more light (lumens) than the halogen fixture.

Exterior lighting is one of the best places to use CFL’s because of their long life. Also look for more energy efficient Christmas outdoor lighting bulbs as well.

These CFL light bulbs are available at just about everywhere today, and some manufacturers will offer discounts or rebates on your purchases. When purchasing these bulbs, don’t let the low wattage fool you. They give off the same amount of light, with using only a fraction of the electricity and have a much longer life. Most importantly, when you change over to these bulbs, you are taking an active part in conserving energy and saving the environment, something we are all responsible for.

Happy holidays to all!