Environment and Conservation
May 3, 2013
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) encourages all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to follow nature’s path by composting at home, work and school and doing their part to help keep organic waste out of landfills.“Every day in Newfoundland and Labrador, approximately 300 tonnes of organic waste goes into our overburdened landfills, accounting for over 30 per cent of all waste generated in our province,” said the Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister of Environment and Conservation and Minister Responsible for the Multi-Materials Stewardship Board. “When composted, organic waste will decompose to create a nutrient-rich product that naturally conditions our soil, enhances our lawns and gardens and beautifies our communities. I encourage all residents to learn more about composting and help reduce the amount of waste that we send to our landfills.”
Every year, the MMSB participates in a number of activities during Composting Awareness Week to help promote composting in Newfoundland and Labrador. This year, the MMSB is partnering with MUN Botanical Garden to educate residents about the benefits of composting. Throughout the week, the garden will have composting demonstrations, displays, lunchtime lectures and a family program, all of which will be open to the public free of charge. The MMSB’s waste reduction experts will also be visiting schools and community groups to promote the benefits of backyard composting, vermicomposting (composting with worms) and waste reduction.
“Protecting the environment and educating Newfoundlanders and Labradorians about composting is a top priority for the MMSB,” said Mike Samson, Chief Executive Office of the MMSB. “When buried in our landfills, organic waste produces methane, a greenhouse gas that has 25 times the global warming potential as carbon dioxide. Composting not only diverts waste from our landfills but prevents these harmful greenhouse gases from being produced and makes a positive contribution towards protecting the environment.”
For more information about composting and a complete schedule of Compost Awareness Week events, visit www.mmsb.nl.ca
.
For a list of activities taking place at MUN Botanical Garden, visit
www.mun.ca/botgarden
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Media contacts:| Deborah Thomas Director of Communications Department of Environment and Conservation 709-729-2575 DeborahThomas@gov.nl.ca |
Ashley Russell Marketing and Communications Specialist MMSB 709-757-3640 arussell@mmsb.nl.ca |