March 29, 2010
COLDSTREAM, BC – The Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO) Waste Reduction Initiatives Fund (WRIF) is designed to help the RDNO reach one of the primary objectives in the Regional District’s Solid Waste Management Plan; to reduce the amount of refuse disposed per capita by 50% or more (to 0.55 tonnes/capita/year or less) compared to 1991 levels (1.10 tonnes/capita/year).
In 2010, the RDNO has set aside $5,000 in this fund for community groups, non-profit organizations and individuals to develop programs, projects, events, processes, technologies, and/or methods to educate the public, promote a product, promote an event, design equipment or develop processes that will reduce waste disposal in the North Okanagan. Communication and education are the primary focuses of the WRIF.
In 2009, funding was provided to four groups in the North Okanagan; BX Elementary School ($820), Okanagan Landing Elementary School ($2000), Okanagan Science Centre ($5,000) and W.L. Seaton Secondary School ($1,800).
BX Elementary School started a number of square meter garden plots and established a composting system to deal with organic waste from school lunches. Teachers, students and parents were involved in the project and the garden provided a living school room for all grades. The WRIF provided tools and supplies for the garden plots.
Okanagan Landing Elementary School used their WRIF to expand their waste reduction program to include organics diversion by installing a commercial vermicomposter (composting with the use of worms). The school plans to use the compost produced to start their own square meter garden.
The WRIF is being used by the Okanagan Science Centre to establish an interactive recycling exhibit for their 25,000 annual visitors. The display aims to teach visitors and residents about waste reduction options in the North Okanagan and assists the RDNO in dispelling myths about the 4 Rs through enhanced education.
W.L. Seaton Secondary School has also taken on the challenge of diverting organics from their waste stream with their WRIF to implement a commercial vermicomposting system. The system is used year round and helps lowers overall waste volumes at the school. It also teaches students about composting, and provides learning opportunities for the broader community through demonstrations.
The RDNO is pleased to support these community waste reduction initiatives and is looking for new projects to support in 2010. The submission deadline is Earth Day, April 22, 2010. Application forms are available at www.rdno.ca and at the RDNO office located at 9848 Aberdeen Road, Coldstream. For more information call 250-550-3700.
For more information:
Karmen Morgan
Waste Reduction Coordinator
250-550-3700
