A local hostel and resident in town are the latest recipients to win an environmental stewardship award for their efforts to reduce their waste.
Whistler Hostel, owned by Hosteling International, was given an award for its organics collection program, which it introduced in the spring.
The idea was the brainchild of Christa Laughlin, assistant general manager for HI-Jasper.
“For many, many years we’ve been recycling, but this May we introduced a compositing program,” said Laughlin, who started working for the hostel around the same time.
Using two large garbage bins from Home Hardware, the hostel drives the bins into town every two to three days to empty them.
Laughlin estimates the hostel has already diverted about 300 litres of organic waste from the landfill.
Local resident, Cat Ratcliff, was the other recipient that was recognized for her environmental efforts.
“Its humbling,” said Ratcliff, about winning the award.
For the past three years Ratcliff has been picking up litter during her daily walks along Jasper’s trails.
“When I started about three years ago on Sleepy Hallow Trail I was getting green garbage bags full, everything from diapers to beer cans, you name it,” said Ratcliff. “But now, because they’re clean I get about half an inch of cigarette buts and candy wrappers at the bottom of my bucket.”
She said the most frustrating thing she finds on her walks are people who pick up dog poop, but drop the bag on the ground instead of carrying it with them until they find a garbage can.
The Environmental Stewardship Awards are handed out annually to individuals, organizations, businesses and youth groups in town. The awards recognize activities that enhance, preserve and protect the environment and are given for environmental awareness, green design, energy conservation, waste reduction and water efficiency. Winners must be nominated.
“The whole purpose is to shine a spotlight on an organization or an individual who is making an extra effort in terms of environmental stewardship,” said Janet Cooper, the environmental stewardship coordinator.
Paul Clarke [email protected]
