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Environment and Conservation
April 30, 2010

Newfoundland and Labrador Celebrates Compost Awareness Week

Compost Awareness Week is May 2-8 and the Multi-Materials Stewardship Board (MMSB) reminds all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to get involved in this important waste management activity and help the province achieve its Get to Half goal.

"Organic waste makes up 30 per cent of all waste that is generated in Newfoundland and Labrador," said the Honourable Charlene Johnson, Minister of Environment and Conservation. "Composting plays an important role in diverting this potentially harmful waste from our landfills and helps work toward achieving our 50 per cent waste reduction goal. It also creates rich organic soil that can enhance our lawns and gardens. I encourage all residents to learn more about this important environmental measure and get involved in composting activities at home, work and school."

"The MMSB is committed to educating and motivating the people of Newfoundland and Labrador about the benefits of composting," said Leigh Puddester, MMSB's Chair and CEO. "This Compost Awareness Week, we are pleased to announce partnerships and programs with Memorial University of Newfoundland Botanical Garden, Memorial University's Division of Lifelong Learning, and the Town of Holyrood that will offer numerous opportunities for people to become involved."

Lunchtime demonstrations at the Botanical Garden will be held each day Monday through to Saturday. All activities are free. For a complete list of times and details visit www.mun.ca/botgarden

MMSB is also working with Memorial's Lifelong Learning this year to offer two free public workshops on backyard composting. The workshops will take place on May 2 in Corner Brook and May 16 in St. John's. The two-hour sessions will provide the learning required to begin backyard composting. For more information and to register, visit www.mun.ca/lifelonglearning

"We are pleased to be working with MMSB, and we encourage people to take advantage of the free events taking place throughout Compost Awareness Week at Botanical Garden," said Anne Madden, Botanical Garden's Education Co-ordinator. "Bring the whole family to enjoy the Three Cheers for Composting Family Program on Sunday, May 2 for children's compost crafts and activities, duck feeding, story time and a 3R Hike."

The Town of Grand Falls-Windsor was the first place to introduce community composting in Newfoundland and Labrador more than five years ago. MMSB has worked with the town to develop a Community Composting Pilot Program for the entire province. The Town of Holyrood is the first community to participate in this pilot program, and the MMSB will partner with the Town of Holyrood to conduct an information session for residents of the community to learn how easy it is to participate in this environmentally responsible activity. The session will take place on Saturday, May 8, from 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. at the Holyrood Community Centre.

As part of Compost Awareness Week, waste reduction specialists from the MMSB will also give presentations at various schools throughout the province, including presentations at Holy Cross Elementary School in Holyrood, to promote the benefits of backyard composting, community composting and vermicomposting (composting with worms). For more information about composting, call MMSB at 1-866-371-5559 or visit online at www.mmsb.nl.ca

MMSB is a provincial Crown agency that reports to the Minister of Environment and Conservation. MMSB supports modern waste management practices in the province, with a particular focus on waste diversion, recycling and public education, in order to ensure a clean and healthy environment throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

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Media contacts:

Melony O'Neill
Director of Communications
Department of Environment and
Conservation
709-729-2575, 689-0928
moneill@gov.nl.ca
Carol Ann Carter
Director Communications MMSB
709-757-3696, 689-4795
ccarter@mmsb.nl.ca
Anne Madden
Education Co-ordinator
MUN Botanical Garden
709-737-8590
amadden@mun.ca
 

2010 04 30                                                       1:15 p.m.
 


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