Waste Reduction
Metro Vancouver Debates Waste Incineration
Metro Vancouver's proposed solid waste management plan is drawing fire over its waste incineration component. The region plans to increase recycling from 50% to 70% and burn the remaining 30%. While burning grabage could potentially provide energy and heat to nearby neighbourhoods, critics warn that incineration creates toxic air pollution, releasing "emissions of mercury, lead and cadmium into the atmosphere."
Several municiplaities are opposing the plan, while others are requesting more detailed information before proceeding.
Vancouver Launches Curbside Composting
The City of Vancouver chose Earth Day to launch its new curbisde composting program. As of today residents can pitch fruit and vegetable food scraps in their yard waste bins. In 2011 the program will expand and allow for the composting of meat, dairy and bread products. Read more in the Vancouver Observer
Metro Vancouver's Garbage Incineration Plan Under Fire
If Metro Vancouver goes ahead with a plan to burn more of its garbage, the regional district's incinerators will produce a total of one million tonnes of carbon dioxide per year, according to a local environmentalist. Read Georgia Straight article here:Planning a Post-Carbon World:The City of North Vancouver and the 100 Year Plan
The City of North Vancouver's 100 Year Sustainability Vision represents perhaps the first attempt to use greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets to inform the long-term design of a city. The project was a collaborative partnership between the Design Centre for Sustainability at the University of British Columbia, known for advancing the science and application of sustainable community design strategies, and the City of North Vancouver, known for its deep and abiding commitment to urban sustainability.Read the rest of professor Patrick M. Condon's blog here:
Tofino to Fast-Food Chains: Keep Out
The District of Tofino is drafting bylaws that would throw up a nearly insurmountable series of roadblocks to discourage franchised fast-food chains hoping to do business in Canada's surfer playground.The district is considering restrictions on everything from the size and illumination of signage and cookie-cutter decor to takeout packaging, carbon footprint and use of non-local ingredients, according to chief administrative officer Bob Long.
Tofino By-Law Would Ban Franchises
The District of Tofino is currently drafting a by-law that would ban franchises from setting up shop in the district. The legislation aims to protects the uniqueness of the community. Read more here.Vancouver School Board Introduces High School Sustainability Course
SOLARIS, a 4 credit, year long course in sustainability, is being offered to Vancouver students in grades 11 and 12. The course will focus on a range of topics from housing and transportation to forestry and fisheries. Read more here.School grows greener graduates; Dedicated students teachers staff at Reynolds High School lead way in environmental education
Over the last few years, the Green Spaces Project has gone from concept to reality, with landscaping, gardening and educational activities transforming areas of the school into welcoming and sustainable micro-ecosystems.
New West school district says goodbye to bottled water
The New Westminster Board of Education has voted unanimously to end the use of bottled water in school facilities and promote public water through educational material.
The motion, brought forward by trustee Lori Watt, directs staff to stop providing bottled water at events hosted by School District 40, phase out contracts for bottled water companies, and report on the status of water fountains in school buildings.
Village Vancouver Website
Village Vancouver inspires individuals and organizations to take actions that build resilient and sustainable communities. We support ideas and initiatives to strengthen neighbourhoods and to promote social, environmental and economic change in the face of profound ecological stress/crisis. We encourage individuals and groups to unite and collaborate in support of common goals and actions...and to have fun together!
