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Environment and Conservation
May 7, 2012

The following is being distributed at the request of the Multi-Materials Stewardship Board:

Newfoundland and Labrador Celebrates Compost Awareness Week

International Compost Awareness Week is May 6-12 and the Multi-Materials Stewardship Board (MMSB) is encouraging all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to follow nature’s example by composting organic waste for a greener garden and a greener future.

“In Newfoundland and Labrador, approximately 300 tonnes of organic waste goes into our overburdened landfills every single day,” said the Honourable Terry French, Minister of Environment and Conservation and Minister Responsible for the Multi-Materials Stewardship Board. “When buried and cut off from oxygen in our landfills, organic waste produces methane. This greenhouse gas has 25 times the global warming potential as carbon dioxide. When composted instead, organic waste creates nutrient-rich compost that can be used to naturally condition the soil.”

Each year, the MMSB participates in a number of activities during Compost Awareness Week to help advance composting in Newfoundland and Labrador. This year, the MMSB is partnering with MUN Botanical Garden to educate residents about the simplicity of composting. Throughout the week, there will be a number of activities at the garden, including compost displays, demonstrations, lunchtime lectures and a special family program called Three Cheers for Composting, all of which are open to the public at no cost. Waste reduction specialists from the MMSB will also give presentations at various schools and community groups throughout the province to promote the benefits of backyard composting, vermicomposting (composting with worms) and waste reduction.

For more information about composting, call the MMSB at 1-800-901-6672 or visit www.mmsb.nl.ca .  For a complete schedule of events taking place at MUN Botanical Garden visit www.mun.ca/botgarden/ .

“Protecting the environment and helping Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to reduce waste through composting is a major priority for the MMSB,” said Leigh Puddester, Chair and CEO, MMSB. “Organic waste makes up approximately 30 per cent of the waste generated in Newfoundland and Labrador. By participating in the simple activity of composting, this waste can be diverted from our overburdened landfills.”

Composting is a quick, simple way for individual households to take ownership of the organic waste stream and manage it in a more environmentally responsible way. With little effort, most households can reduce the amount of organic waste going to waste disposal sites, help reduce pollution, lower waste collection and disposal costs at the local level and create healthy and beautiful lawns and gardens just by composting in their own backyards. Compost bins can be purchased at stores throughout the province that normally carry garden equipment and supplies.

The 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
Cara Pike
Director of Communications
MMSB
709-757-3696, 689-4795
cpike@mmsb.nl.ca

2012 05 07                        11:35 a.m.

 
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