To: Watershed News Media
Date: March 19, 2009
The Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority (CRCA) has made a big effort to green its Maple Madness program this year and it's paying off. The popular annual program is held at Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation Area in Kingston every March.
"We have managed to reduce our garbage by about 90 per cent this year by boosting our recycling efforts and by introducing composting," said CRCA General Manager/ Secretary-Treasurer Stephen Knechtel. "We have had a recycling program for a number of years but it wasn't well-used by the public. Last year we established a Greening Committee of CRCA staff and they wanted to make waste reduction a priority."
What has made the difference? "Being able to compost food waste, paper plates and napkins has cut down on our garbage," explained Jason Hynes CRCA Lands Planner and Greening Committee Chair. "Nearly everything else can be recycled, leaving very little that is actually garbage."
New bins and signs identifying what can be composted and recycled, as well as volunteers and staff showing people what goes in which bin has helped to make the greening program a success.
"The public response has been very positive," said Hynes. "Most people are thrilled with the introduction of composting."
The CRCA is being assisted with the composting program by Norterra Organics of Kingston.
Media Contacts
Stephen Knechtel, General Manager/Secretary Treasurer (613) 546-4228 ext. 239
1-877-956-CRCA ext. 239
Karla Maki-Esdon, Communications Coordinator (613) 546-4228 ext. 226
1-877-956-CRCA ext. 226