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Welcome to the premier edition of Clean Calgary's
E-Newsletter. You are recieving this because you
indicated you are interesting in receiving up to date
environmental information and tips concerning
Calgary and urban environmental issues.
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809 - 4th Avenue SW
www.cleancalgary.org
230-1443
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In This Issue
Organics and Recycling Curb-side Collection in Calgary
In a recent development, the City of Calgary Utilities and Environment Committee approved a city-wide recycling and organics curb-side collection system. On October 17th, City Council will decide whether to proceed with the recommendation. Clean Calgary Association strongly urges you to support curb-side recycling and to contact the Aldermen, the Mayor and call 3-1-1 to register your position with the City of Calgary . Please read further about why Calgary should implement the system, associated costs, and how to contact municipal government.
Leaf Composting and Collection
Fall is the time of year that leaves start dropping from the trees and many of you will be out raking them. Once you’ve finished jumping in those mountains of crisp leaves, CCA recommends that you compost them in your backyard composter bin or give them to a neighbour who is short on ‘browns’ for their own backyard compost bin.
If you are not able to compost or share your leaves, then you can drop them off at one of the City’s temporary leaf drop-off sites from September 24th – November 13th. The best option is to collect your leaves in a 100% Biodegradable Leaf and Yard Waste Bag, available at the EcoStore. These bags are made in Canada without using petroleum, and instead of being discarded they will compost along with your leaves and pumpkins at the City’s landfill compost pad. You can buy these bags in boxes of 10 for $8.50, and of course you can use your member discount on these too!
Bag your leaves and pumpkins and take them to one of the 33 drop-off locations in the city during the Leaf and Pumpkin Composting Program. Remember, a five-bag limit on residential garbage collection is in effect throughout the program.
New in Store
During the summer Renee Stehouwer was hired on as the EcoStore manager. In the past few months she has brought in some interesting new products including:
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Compostable Brown Bags for Leaf and Yard Waste
Whether you are dropping off leaves at a temporary drop-off site in the Fall, or taking your leaves to be composted at the East Calgary Landfill site any time of the year, be sure to put your leaves and yard waste in a compostable bag. These bags are made in Canada without using petroleum, and instead of being discarded they will compost along with your leaves and pumpkins.
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Compostable Brown Bags for Kitchen Organics
If you don’t want to rinse out your kitchen organic collection container with grey water, nor touch it, nor have it get stained, then these Compostable Brown Bags for your kitchen organics is what you need to Backyard Compost with a smile! Line your container with one of these compostable bags, fill it up with your raw fruit and vegetable waste, and then grab the filled bag and throw it all into your Backyard Compost Bin!
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ECCO Chips - a recycled wood mulch product
Wood pallets and untreated lumber are rescued from being tipped into a Calgary Landfill and made into a mulch. Mulch is used to insulate your plants in warm and cold conditions, it helps to retain the moisture in the soil so you can reduce watering, it helps to prevent soil erosion from wind and water, mulch helps to deter weeds, and adds natural beauty to your landscapes. Wood mulch is preferable to using rocks and stones because it will decompose naturally and help improve soil conditions, and it supports root growth since it absorbs less heat than rock.
Click on the links if you are interested in more new products or products on sale.
Volunteer Opportunities
Clean Calgary has a wide range of volunteer opportunities ranging from administration assistance, research on environmental issues, and working with the public at information booths. If you would like to volunteer for a continually evolving and dynamic organization please contact our Volunteer Coordinator.
Clean Calgary Association is also participating in the following events. If you would like to volunteer please email the above link.
Environmental Activities and Events
Clean Calgary has an active environmental community. If you know of any events that might be of interest to other members or the general public please email Tracey Nichols
For a more detailed list please visit our events page.
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Trash Talkin' - The future of recycling in Calgary
Tuesday, October 11th, 2005
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Eco-Living Fair (formerly Eco-Solar Expo)
Saturday & Sunday - October 15 & 16, 2005
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Dr. Karl-Henrik Robert (Founder of the Natural Step)
Wednesday October 13th (noon - 1pm)
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Dr. David Suzuki
Wednesday - November 23rd
Upcoming Workshops
The following workshops will be held at Clean Calgary Association. Please call 230-1443 to RSVP as seats fill up quickly.
Basic Hydroponics Workshop
Have you ever wanted to eat fresh tomatoes and herbs, in the middle of a Calgary winter, without even leaving your kitchen? Now you can! Weldon Vickers, an Energy Efficient Housing Architect, will teach you how to grow your own vegetables this winter, right in your own home, using hydroponics; come learn the simplest method to the most complex, and enjoy fresh tomatoes and herbs all year long, without having to worry about frost!
Indoor Air Pollution Presentation
Cost: $5.00 Non-Members, Members: $3.00 (100% Calgary Dollars accepted)
Advance registration mandatory.
Time: Thursday October 27th - 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Where: Clean Calgary Association, 809-4 th Avenue SW
Call Renée at 230-1443, extension 221, to reserve a seat.
Do you have any ideas for upcoming newsletter articles?
Please email them to Tracey Nichols at tracey@cleancalgary.org
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