The time has come when we start talking reduction instead of production. Specifically, reduction of St. Albert’s waste stream instead of how much we have produced. This is a significant change in the conversation. One year ago residents received new standard issue carts for waste and organics, curbside organic collection began and solid waste collection was automated. Additionally, the recycling depot extended the types of material that was acceptable.
Last year I wrote that we all had some learning to do in terms of making waste reduction a success in St. Albert. The good news is it is estimated that this month we have recognized a 20 per cent reduction in landfill waste over 2010 for a total of 66.6 per cent landfill waste reduction. Congratulations to all of you that have reduced your landfill waste by using the organic carts, blue bag program, recycling centre and initiatives like the Large Item Drop Off in October and the Take It or Leave It event in May. Give yourself a pat on the back. You are a better steward of the world and for your efforts the world will thank you and future generations.
So are we there yet? Technically yes. The Canadian Federation of Municipalities indicates that the city should be targeting a 50 per cent waste reduction and the city’s own goal is a 65 per cent reduction by 2020. We have liftoff, but we clearly have not landed on the moon. Ideally the goal should be 100 per cent waste diversion. I realize this is not realistic or achievable but all goals should be a stretch and achieving the 2020 target eight years early means there is still plenty on the table for consideration.
When determining the next steps for our community in terms of waste reduction and how we cultivate life we do not have to look very far from our own backyard for inspiration. The City of Edmonton touts a diversion goal of 90 per cent of residential waste by 2012. Canada wide there are many inspiration stories that can be used to further our own waste reduction efforts including Nanaimo, B.C., which set a long term goal in 2002 to ultimately be zero waste. A zero-waste community is possible. St. Albert can take this concept to fruition and be a North American leader.
St. Albert is moving forward and catching up quickly as we all continue to improve our own household’s strategies and partner with the city to reduce our need for future landfills and participate in our community goals through environmental stewardship. Waste reduction is just one way we can contribute, but we are doing it well and can continue to improve on our success.
Tanya Doran is a community member with an affinity for all things green.
