Waste Reduction Week is October 15-21 and Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are reminded of the need to reduce the amount of waste generated in the province and the importance of working together to ensure a healthy and clean environment for the future. The theme for Waste Reduction Week is "Too Good to Waste."

The Department of Environment and Conservation and the Multi-Materials Stewardship Board (MMSB) are encouraging the public to view this week as an opportunity to look at different ways that they can reduce waste in their homes, schools and workplaces.

The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Environment and Conservation, said far too much garbage is ending up in landfills and the Provincial Government is committed to innovative and progressive waste diversion initiatives.

"Our provincial Solid Waste Management Strategy is a demonstration of our commitment to a more environmentally-responsible way of managing solid waste in our province, including reducing the amount of waste going to our landfills by 50 per cent," said Minister Jackman. "Another important element in the strategy is public education and creating awareness about prudent waste management practices. Waste Reduction Week is a time for all of us to be reminded that we each have a role to play in waste reduction and diversion efforts in order to create a healthier environment."

MMSB Chair and CEO John Scott said MMSB is pleased to be part of the national Waste Reduction Week initiative, adding the MMSB is dedicated to raising awareness of the need to reduce, reuse and recycle during this special week and year round throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. This year, MMSB is holding school contests as a way to celebrate Waste Reduction Week and to engage people, especially young people.

"We are pleased to introduce an essay and an art contest for our schools to coincide with Waste Reduction Week this year," said Mr. Scott. "We are asking students to draw or write what reducing waste and protecting the environment means to them. Our youth play an important role in helping make our province greener. It is therefore important to reach out to them in different ways, which in turn will bring the message about waste reduction to their families at home."

Schools wanting more information on the Waste Reduction Week contests can call 709-753-0948 or toll-free, 1-800-901-MMSB (6672). The contests will run for one month, ending November 15, 2007.

Waste Reduction Week is a national initiative held each year to bring attention to the importance of protecting the environment by encouraging waste reduction, thus shrinking the amount of garbage being dumped in landfills across the country. In Newfoundland and Labrador approximately 480,000 tonnes of waste is being put in landfills every year, which is about two kilograms per person daily.

For ideas and activities on how to reduce waste during Waste Reduction Week and throughout the year, go to the national Waste Reduction Week Web site at www.wrwcanada.com and check out MMSB�s Get to Half Web site at www.gettohalf.com.

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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2007 10 12                                                      10:35 a.m.