tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48893559183744599772024-03-13T10:20:46.252-07:00Recyclists' SpinCowichan Recyclists...http://www.blogger.com/profile/01167390372328775127noreply@blogger.comBlogger54125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4889355918374459977.post-65820147624162109942012-04-18T07:51:00.002-07:002012-04-18T07:53:27.065-07:00Tony's Trailers in the Legislature<p class="SpeakerBegins"><strong><span style="font-weight: bold;">Y</span><span style="font-weight: normal;">esterday in Victoria, Doug Routley stood up and gave an excellent speech about one of his heroes, Tony Hoar.<br /></span></strong></p><p class="SpeakerBegins"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;">Tony builds our trailers and is one of our personal heroes, too.</span></strong></p><p class="SpeakerBegins"><br /><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"></span></strong></p><p class="SpeakerBegins"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;">Thanks for the mention, Doug.</span><br /></strong></p><p class="SpeakerBegins"><strong><br /></strong></p><p class="SpeakerBegins"><strong>D. Routley: </strong>I rise to speak once more about Tony Hoar, a cycling legend, a pioneer designer and a community servant. At 80 years of age, Tony is still racing, still riding, still crashing and still getting back on. He can still ride the legs off men half his age.</p> <p class="SpeakerContinues">Tony first came to Canada for the 1954 Commonwealth Games as part of the first-place winning British road race team. He's one stages as a professional in the tour of Holland, tour of Ireland, tour of Egypt and tour of Britain. In 1955 he and his teammate were the first two British riders to complete the Tour de France. The team was plagued by bad tires from their sponsor early on, but Tony persevered. Tony became probably the most famous winner of the Lanterne Rouge, which is the trophy for the last-place rider. He jokes that he's the guy who spent the most time on the bike in the race.</p> <p class="SpeakerContinues">In 1956 he retired to Canada. Tony was a technical engineer who installed technologies in mills for his career around the world. He also designed and built his own bicycles — CBS, Canadian Bicycle Specialists.</p> <p class="SpeakerContinues">Tony worked with Rick Hansen for over two years developing and producing the revolutionary racing wheelchairs that took Rick to two world championships. Now, Tony designs and builds bicycle trailers. He won a design award for a trailer for homeless people that folds out at night as a tent-trailer and during the day converts to a recycling binner's trailer.</p> <p class="SpeakerContinues">He designs trailers for disaster relief. Many urban recycling operators use his trailers including Cowichan Recyclists. Tony designed a trailer for people with disabilities. They can roll a wheelchair onto this trailer and an able-bodied cyclist can go for a ride with them.</p> <p class="SpeakerContinues">Tony has orders from all over the world. One day recently his website had over 2,200 hits. Tony can't possibly service all the market himself, so he's busy designing a training program that will leverage his designs to provide training and apprenticeship opportunities to others.</p> <p class="TimeLine">[1345]</p> <p class="SpeakerContinues">I think you can see why Tony Hoar is a hero to me, and I think you can also agree that this extraordinary Canadian deserves that status </p>Cowichan Recyclists...http://www.blogger.com/profile/01167390372328775127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4889355918374459977.post-74292516451036595622011-09-15T20:38:00.000-07:002011-09-15T21:50:56.877-07:00www.zerowastecowichan.caHere's a <a href="http://youtu.be/qDXRJApDZwo">link</a><a href="http://youtu.be/qDXRJApDZwo"> </a>to a video produced for the Zero Waste Challenge.<br /><br />Click on the link to go to the video to watch — for some reason Katie's cut off in this one and she already thinks I try to steal the spotlight...<br /><br /><br />Enjoy!<br /><br /><br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/qDXRJApDZwo" height="315" width="560"> </iframe>Cowichan Recyclists...http://www.blogger.com/profile/01167390372328775127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4889355918374459977.post-20143089070101309862011-08-30T18:13:00.000-07:002011-08-30T18:14:34.100-07:00Boulevard Magazine ArticleCheck out page 28.
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<br />Love the photo!
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<br /><object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" style="width:420px;height:251px" id="d954a729-bac4-9bb2-a2b6-e8fec1ff3392" ><param name="movie" value="http://static.issuu.com/webembed/viewers/style1/v2/IssuuReader.swf?mode=mini&printButtonEnabled=false&backgroundColor=%23222222&documentId=110830163051-6fd472c41605431f8339d6c59a329e08" /><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"/><param name="menu" value="false"/><param name="wmode" value="transparent"/><embed src="http://static.issuu.com/webembed/viewers/style1/v2/IssuuReader.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" menu="false" wmode="transparent" style="width:420px;height:251px" flashvars="mode=mini&printButtonEnabled=false&backgroundColor=%23222222&documentId=110830163051-6fd472c41605431f8339d6c59a329e08" /></object>Cowichan Recyclists...http://www.blogger.com/profile/01167390372328775127noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4889355918374459977.post-76953581896121963982011-04-14T08:26:00.000-07:002011-04-14T08:43:03.568-07:00We'll miss you, Betty AnneTaped to our fridge is a 10 dollar bill.<br /><br />It's an ordinary sample of Canadian currency serving as an extraordinary reminder.<br /><br />It was given to us by the most self-less, community-minded volunteer we've ever met; a person who has given so much she need never give again.<br /><br />Yet she gave it us. From her own pocket.<br /><br />In 2007 when we started this recycling service, we approached the Cowichan Valley Basket Society and asked Betty Anne — the tireless volunteer who for more than two decades has been running the local staple to many down and out people's diets — if we could help out by taking away her recycling.<br /><br />Betty Anne, who has given and given of herself since 1988 and not asked for a thing in return, was so thankful and supportive she immediately said yes, and made it a habit of making sure she thanked us every Thursday for taking the material.<br /><br />And on that first Christmas, despite our great protestations, Betty Anne made us leave with a 10 dollar bill from her own pocket to show her gratitude. <br /><br />It's taped to our fridge — a constant reminder of the deep and pure goodness (nah, Greatness) that exists in people. <br /><br />If we ever feel as though we have nothing left to give, we can always turn to the $10.<br /><br />It's Betty Anne's last week of volunteering.<br /><br />You will be greatly, greatly missed.<br /><a href=" http://tinyurl.com/3nqsj87"><br />Here's a story that ran in the News Leader Pictorial on our hero.</a>Cowichan Recyclists...http://www.blogger.com/profile/01167390372328775127noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4889355918374459977.post-19989189354668093472011-04-08T13:43:00.000-07:002011-04-08T13:44:16.814-07:00Recyclists' race...<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/j-A9Xl8cPKI" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Cowichan Recyclists...http://www.blogger.com/profile/01167390372328775127noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4889355918374459977.post-33866558807743289042011-04-07T08:37:00.000-07:002011-04-07T08:45:29.912-07:00VOTE for Cowichan Recyclists & show Canada bike-based business works!A few of our customers (and even some strangers) recently alerted us to a competition to showcase small businesses in Canada.<br /><br />So, with an audio documentary put together by Recyclist Katie and an array of photos taken duting the past three-and-a-half years, we decided to enter.<br /><br />The contest is Scotia Bank Small Business — BIG Impact challenge and we think it's a great way to show Canada just what impact bike-based, eco-friendly businesses can have.<br /><br /><a href="http://challenge.getgrowingforbusiness.scotiabank.com/entry/4207539-Cowichan%20Recyclists?offset=0">So, please, follow this link, check out our submission and VOTE! </a><br /><br />You can vote multiple times — please re-use the button...<br /><br />Cowichan Recyclists has had huge support from the community — let's see if we can get the community some recognition for its recycling commitment.<br /><br />Thanks, everyone!<br /><br />http://challenge.getgrowingforbusiness.scotiabank.com/entry/4207539-Cowichan%20Recyclists?offset=0Cowichan Recyclists...http://www.blogger.com/profile/01167390372328775127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4889355918374459977.post-52719114698975208832011-04-06T09:19:00.000-07:002011-04-06T09:19:42.966-07:00Somewhere on a cold, January road...<iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/oEkjKJ08eBc?fs=1" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" width="425"></iframe>Cowichan Recyclists...http://www.blogger.com/profile/01167390372328775127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4889355918374459977.post-44616570808521444792011-02-10T20:43:00.000-08:002011-02-10T21:34:50.752-08:00Slow and steady wanes the waste...In the spirit of providing (ahem) objective journalism, we here, at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Recyclists</span>' Spin, need to make a clarification.<br /><br />It's possible that past posts MAY have left readers with the impression that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Cowichan</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Recyclists</span> are the sole people-powered recyclers here in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Cowichan</span>.<br /><br />As you can see by the photo, this is far from being the case.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAk6gIWpopbxH5H8nnvslJ7EvbZUNXvFV4QzElXxmklu5VbVRIdNl0C60_cgk2xj9REUtuhKx_ZdpfcMw6SKy0ry5TOVu9gcw8Fl8_oL4j7OC2GuQDlVJCM0DX_826Hdj1EpejTz166s3J/s1600/photo50.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 306px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAk6gIWpopbxH5H8nnvslJ7EvbZUNXvFV4QzElXxmklu5VbVRIdNl0C60_cgk2xj9REUtuhKx_ZdpfcMw6SKy0ry5TOVu9gcw8Fl8_oL4j7OC2GuQDlVJCM0DX_826Hdj1EpejTz166s3J/s320/photo50.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572291668319723522" border="0" /></a><br />Two workers in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Cowichan</span> Bay — North America's first <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Cittaslow</span> designated community — are, after building this beautiful public recycling centre, seen pushing and pulling it toward it's final destination.<br /><br />Now that truly is people-powered, slow-moving, earth-loving dedication.<br /><br />Last year <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Cowichan</span> Bay's Maritime Centre, at the behest of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Cowichan</span> Bay Improvement Area board of directors, began making public recycling a reality by building these wooden structures.<br /><br />We've had the pleasure of emptying the bins, and pedaling the materials back to the recycling yard in Duncan.<br /><br />All in all, it's a perfect partnership, and an excellent example of when things are slowed down it's easier to spot a good idea.<br /><br />It looks like people-powered resource recovery is catching on!Cowichan Recyclists...http://www.blogger.com/profile/01167390372328775127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4889355918374459977.post-44664761555932909702011-02-07T22:32:00.000-08:002011-02-07T23:04:36.370-08:00Where ya bin? Bin walkin' all over the town...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjurzu4REEae1lkTpRftSlYWHCo28rxr8aagmWZKe2i3nEe3I8dHNCNbtW6Jc9-fLGw0UJCTGOfNActjEcJrQu6MpZfTliO_IJFz5z5Z9yonoAchGu6PA0N69sBXxYJpU2E6SlfX3SnX3tB/s1600/photob.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjurzu4REEae1lkTpRftSlYWHCo28rxr8aagmWZKe2i3nEe3I8dHNCNbtW6Jc9-fLGw0UJCTGOfNActjEcJrQu6MpZfTliO_IJFz5z5Z9yonoAchGu6PA0N69sBXxYJpU2E6SlfX3SnX3tB/s320/photob.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571210075035336226" border="0" /></a><br />The first weekend of curbside compost bin delivery went off without a hitch.<br /><br />(Well, technically if went off WITH a hitch, as we needed a hitch in order to tow the U-haul trailer behind our B-100, veggie-oil burning, earth-lovin' truck. But that, of course, is just stating the obvious. And only someone really, really tired would be obtuse enough to state the obvious. (psst, I mean me. ))<br /><br />Anyway...<br /><br />The completely capable, conditioned and courageous compost carter Katie and I took to the streets of Duncan delivering nearly 500 bins in the misty (OK, torrential) rain. And we're almost a third of the way done.<br /><br />How did we do it, you ask?<br /><br />The process was as follows.<br /><br />1) Muster some pluck — eat oatmeal and an energy bar<br />2) Tip the stacks of bins off the pallets — make sure rain water pooled on the top completely drenches you as you do this.<br />3) Unload the kitchen catchers — dump the rain water from each one and dry it with a towel...not tedious at all.<br />4) More pluck mustering<br />5) Fold a letter from the City, a collection calendar, and sample compostable bags into a neat package — deposit in freshly dried kitchen catcher.<br />6) Slowly drive around the neighbourhoods of Duncan stopping frequently to unload bins — If bins are stuck together, sit in a puddle with your feet on one bin, knees touching your ears, and firmly grip the other bin with your tender, tender hands. Push, pull, grunt, wheeze and pant until they come apart.<br />7) Walk each bin to every household — if someone is there, staring through the slightly cracked front door at the poor sucker in the rain, explain why you are trespassing...<br /><br />Here are some photos to document our first couple days.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqZ1EjAP5sbS03AK7euoZCftOLPIa8TXzX19owFaWtZHSwAiLyXhSmzGyHE9ZP_7C8W9Tx4Df9lj5nY2ibvxTFpqm9_tdgusjzmFNdd40cK0qiOULVSI-V4Ma7j4Zwv2y8uejckEHoCO4j/s1600/photoa.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqZ1EjAP5sbS03AK7euoZCftOLPIa8TXzX19owFaWtZHSwAiLyXhSmzGyHE9ZP_7C8W9Tx4Df9lj5nY2ibvxTFpqm9_tdgusjzmFNdd40cK0qiOULVSI-V4Ma7j4Zwv2y8uejckEHoCO4j/s320/photoa.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571209444120043778" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4zypKrtTwUZPpVSN5ptrGY-6txW_74MrlZfzifbXpMnwerhPuxinclqqnl8mWVXtEItYzWOhuD0yN4Ot7KoTNCeDzW00iLZu3zHW8jm_4ltRGyR26FeJ6_yVZbg47M-MdP_kryzC4UIBW/s1600/photoc.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4zypKrtTwUZPpVSN5ptrGY-6txW_74MrlZfzifbXpMnwerhPuxinclqqnl8mWVXtEItYzWOhuD0yN4Ot7KoTNCeDzW00iLZu3zHW8jm_4ltRGyR26FeJ6_yVZbg47M-MdP_kryzC4UIBW/s320/photoc.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571209824752588722" border="0" /></a>Cowichan Recyclists...http://www.blogger.com/profile/01167390372328775127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4889355918374459977.post-21081770842052578852011-02-04T07:23:00.000-08:002011-02-04T07:38:25.786-08:00Going Green and Growing GreenOne of the most enjoyable perks of biking around all day is the time it gives for thinking.<br /><br />For some reason I was thinking about green funerals and how everyone should just be composted when they are gone.<br /><br />This little take on Mary Frye's <span style="font-style: italic;">Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep </span>was percolating for a few pedal strokes.<br /><br />Enjoy!<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Do not stand at my grave and weep.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I am not there, I’m the compost heap.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I am in the rotting fruit and leaves</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I am the earth; do not grieve.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I am the fuel saved from cremation</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I am for clean air circulation.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I am organic. I am not embalmed.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I am not destined to grow lawn.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Of vegetables sprouting up in spurts,</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I am the nutrient rich dirt.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I am decomposing. I’m going home.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I am the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ever bearing</span> loam.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I am nature, carbon clean.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I am giving back. I am going green.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Do not stand graveside, deep in thought.<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Just scoop me onto your veggie plot.<br /></p>Cowichan Recyclists...http://www.blogger.com/profile/01167390372328775127noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4889355918374459977.post-36802057221339673612011-02-02T08:39:00.000-08:002011-02-02T08:51:05.046-08:00The Golden Trowel Award — Totally Dig It!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc-XNQnct_PHefszQzuygLM_CJVH06rQhDZBHrcQcj_1ogrqsNSAsdelY2WrMqyfe3xtYGXvi4E5KQZ8WsRgBWw4AsbhwJDKuaGj5YEDOt1aGis7boJ7DClSBdwEexP-WvzJx-S_DNLWST/s1600/photo.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 282px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc-XNQnct_PHefszQzuygLM_CJVH06rQhDZBHrcQcj_1ogrqsNSAsdelY2WrMqyfe3xtYGXvi4E5KQZ8WsRgBWw4AsbhwJDKuaGj5YEDOt1aGis7boJ7DClSBdwEexP-WvzJx-S_DNLWST/s320/photo.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569132769220031426" border="0" /></a><br />As firm believers in community building, or in this case community growing, we find ourselves spending much of our spare time volunteering.<br /><br />Part of this is serving on volunteer boards for non-profit organizations to help other passionate community builders shape their dreams into reality.<br /><br />Right now we are President and Secretary with the Jubilee Community Gardens, which is what this post is about.<br /><br />The two beautiful people in the picture above are Ken and Rose, two passionate gardeners who have been involved with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">JCG</span> since it was created.<br /><br />Despite being two of the more "seasoned" gardeners in the 40+ membership, they are by far the two most active. They can be found at the garden most days during the season, shoveling compost, tending the communal garden and passing on years of invaluable knowledge.<br /><br />This year we felt it was important their hard work be recognized, so the Golden Trowel Award was created.<br /><br />They epitomize selfless volunteerism and are the reason why Jubilee Community Garden is a success.<br /><br />Thanks, Ken and Rose.<br /><br />Your hard work is inspiring.Cowichan Recyclists...http://www.blogger.com/profile/01167390372328775127noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4889355918374459977.post-47749111344228634822011-02-01T17:32:00.000-08:002011-02-01T17:47:28.198-08:00Recycling Compact Flourescent LightsWhen it comes to green, really, there's Kermit, Oscar, broccoli and you.<br /><br />Heck, you changed your bulbs, man...<br /><br />It may have taken 10 years to get those <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">LEDs</span> on the Xmas tree, and the result was less-than-dazzling, but you did it.<br /><br />You now have glowing, curly, pig-tailed <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">CFLs</span> in every socket.<br /><br />So, in the spirit of of the Holy Rs and keeping pace in the race to reduce waste, any ideas what you do when these energy-saving light-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">shedders</span> shed light no more?<br /><br />Here in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Cowichan</span>, you have some options.<br /><br />Many of the home renovation shops — RONA, Home Hardware, Home Depot — have programs where you can return the bulbs to be recycled. There's no fee but call ahead to make sure they take all sizes.<br /><br />For the tube <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">fluorescents</span>, try <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Schnitzer</span> Steel Pacific or <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Bings</span> Creek Transfer Station.<br />There's a charge to recycle them, but it's less than the cost of throwing them in the landfill.Cowichan Recyclists...http://www.blogger.com/profile/01167390372328775127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4889355918374459977.post-57218889922200293342011-01-28T07:52:00.000-08:002011-01-28T08:25:59.570-08:00The New Stratas Fear: Missing out on Curbside Compost Service<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRP0AuTIj2BPD3r7Bg5n-svtsoifPyVdLdEIVh1pxxdoCQ2__Yt2cZzQrYZlmo_BHtUagi-Xhvz7NiA__Eo2134SR7-vG3DbAWIRlnOii29ZRiAR3WKmNZjYduPFo8Ue2sBLuxJwEWlSbQ/s1600/Compost+Photo+2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRP0AuTIj2BPD3r7Bg5n-svtsoifPyVdLdEIVh1pxxdoCQ2__Yt2cZzQrYZlmo_BHtUagi-Xhvz7NiA__Eo2134SR7-vG3DbAWIRlnOii29ZRiAR3WKmNZjYduPFo8Ue2sBLuxJwEWlSbQ/s320/Compost+Photo+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567273724606339042" border="0" /></a><br />You may have heard that, beginning this March, residents within the bubbling metropolis of Duncan B.C. will be receiving curbside compost pickup service.<br /><br />Exciting news, to be sure.<br /><br />Every residential dwelling — a.k.a. single family home — within the city limits will automatically get this <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">privilege</span>.<br /><br />People living in apartment buildings and strata complexes, however, will not.<br /><br />It's not because the city has a vendetta against multi-family dwellings. Apartments and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">stratas</span> are considered commercial properties in the eyes of the tax collectors, so they are excluded from the municipally offered service.<br /><br />Worry Not, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Stratas</span>!<br /><br />We're here for you.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Cowichan</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Recyclists</span> offers an extremely cost effective, clean and efficient curbside pickup service for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">stratas</span> and apartments, too.<br /><br />Just because the city can't deliver the service to you doesn't mean you can't compost with the rest of them.<br /><br />Give us a call or e-mail and we can help you move toward zero waste.Cowichan Recyclists...http://www.blogger.com/profile/01167390372328775127noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4889355918374459977.post-52132084436356271492011-01-26T21:58:00.000-08:002011-01-26T22:21:45.495-08:00Bike Maintenance: Maintenant or Mañana?Bike maintenance is important, no doubt about it.<br /><br />It's also something I wish I was passionate about.<br /><br />Turns out I'm not.<br /><br />I wouldn't go as far as saying wrenching makes me wretch, but it definitely falls prey to the pull of gravity more often than other tasks, sinking to the bottom of the to-do list time and time again.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk4LvzDTl0h3jwrkuLYMFH1xLvOCNG7LfFo-aNBoqoqdAm-BSYAU9Yttsh4tqrsdiS3UGpo4MLRVzbJUFMI5IJIFlq_tmfeMuByGM7epKf3TZ9du2V0InswlIKIkV_8E7t9Fkal2m_dDEt/s1600/126950409-1.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk4LvzDTl0h3jwrkuLYMFH1xLvOCNG7LfFo-aNBoqoqdAm-BSYAU9Yttsh4tqrsdiS3UGpo4MLRVzbJUFMI5IJIFlq_tmfeMuByGM7epKf3TZ9du2V0InswlIKIkV_8E7t9Fkal2m_dDEt/s320/126950409-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566745117206117298" border="0" /></a><br />202 days ago, this beauty nail took its toll on my rear Kevlar tire.<br /><br />198 days ago, I replaced the tube.<br /><br />The following 180 days were pure gravy — I'm pretty sure I didn't even put air in the tire.<br /><br />Then, 18 days ago, the inevitable happened. The 6-month-old tube finally worked its way through the nail-torn hole in the tread, letting loose a depressing sigh as it slowly deflated in front of me.<br /><br />My solution was obvious — use Katie's old, small, rusted mountain bike instead.<br /><br />After nearly three weeks of slogging around on knobby tires with my knees hitting my ears, I'd had just about enough. But I didn't actually stop until her rear rack lost a nut and started dragging on the ground, making the bike inoperable.<br /><br />Damn!<br /><br />So here it is, just after 10 p.m. on a Wednesday night, and I've just come in from replacing my tube (which I bent the valve on) and tread (which I'm fairly certain I put on backwards) in the darkness of City Square.<br /><br />Is procrastination worth it? I dunno.<br /><br />I'll tell you what I think after spending the next six-months riding on a backwards tire with a bent, slowly leaking valve.Cowichan Recyclists...http://www.blogger.com/profile/01167390372328775127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4889355918374459977.post-49474069788089461542011-01-25T22:46:00.000-08:002011-01-26T10:39:46.381-08:00Extra! Extra! 3R's all about it!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ThXQDzQaElEQ6Zsb95EDbZQFPvgM3xSd1LafKIu1iNl-J5xDQwwzekvDT_N6SF4FRaRAzf2ENBkXTNy2fxwdn96muyQxe6GAgCp6TOCy-pydVQf_URiZnuB0-mpibQhh3aOmNncQP9e8/s1600/DSC_0350.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ThXQDzQaElEQ6Zsb95EDbZQFPvgM3xSd1LafKIu1iNl-J5xDQwwzekvDT_N6SF4FRaRAzf2ENBkXTNy2fxwdn96muyQxe6GAgCp6TOCy-pydVQf_URiZnuB0-mpibQhh3aOmNncQP9e8/s320/DSC_0350.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566383641681904242" border="0" /></a><br />I came across this photo today while spending time marveling at how fast time is flying and doing a little relaxing reminiscing.<br /><br />Maybe it was the fact that this week, Gretz —The Great One — is marking his 50-year milestone. Maybe because he is now officially more than halfway to the revered 99, I meandered through pictures of yore.<br />Or maybe it was the impending marking of another set goal date. I'd marked February as a time for change and change is rarely tardy.<br /><br />Whatever the reason, my flighty mind lit upon this picture and made me think, hmmm...how poetic.<br /><br />I took this photo while working as a reporter/photographer for the<a href="http://www.cowichannewsleader.com/"> </a><a>Cowichan News Leader Pictorial</a> when photography was my job and recycling was my hobby. I climbed as far as I could into the CVRD multi-bin to capture some diligent eco-warrior recycling my freshly-written prose.<br /><br />And now, more than five years after snapping the photo, I'm on the outside of the bin looking in.<br /><br />Recycling is my paid gig. Photography is a dusty hobby. And writing is, as always, somewhere nearby.<br /><br />Whether you see it in the continuity of the recycling symbol or the idea of art mimicking life mimicking art, it's pretty rare to end up far from where you originally began. But taking that journey is worth it.Cowichan Recyclists...http://www.blogger.com/profile/01167390372328775127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4889355918374459977.post-53535278679168312112011-01-22T06:58:00.000-08:002011-01-22T07:05:02.186-08:00Duncan Curbside Compost Launch DelayedSome Duncan folks might think this is rotten news, but when you're dealing with compost, that's bound to happen from time to time.<br /><br />Duncan's Curbside Compost Pickup program is being delayed by a month.<br /><br />The key word here is delayed. It is by no means canceled.<br /><br />The reason? The special-order split-container truck needed to propel the City of Duncan into the neighbourhood of zero-waste is taking its time getting here.<br /><br />Once the truck arrives, we can begin the program, and work toward reducing each household's waste by 35 per cent on average. Cool!<br /><br />March 1st is the new start date.<br /><br />Stay tuned for more updates.Cowichan Recyclists...http://www.blogger.com/profile/01167390372328775127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4889355918374459977.post-33241236089591353912011-01-21T08:00:00.000-08:002011-01-21T10:39:44.138-08:00Cutting Carbon in CowichanYesterday, with a trailer full of recycling, standing in the cool, cool rain outside <a href="http://gillinghamcabinets.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Gillingham</span> Cabinets</a> I got to talking with the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">conscientious</span> company's environmental champion Duncan <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Wilcock</span>.<br /><br />He was telling me about some of the straightforward steps the business took to reduce their carbon footprint by more than half.<br /><br />And it all started with him signing up to take the <a href="http://www.climatesmartbusiness.com/">Carbon Smart</a> program.<br /><br />With an eye on cutting costs and cutting carbon, the program helps businesses assess their current operations and find environmentally sound solutions to meet some of their diverse needs.<br /><br />The program is coming to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Cowichan</span>!<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Cowichan</span> Valley Regional District and Pacific Carbon Trust are bringing the course to the area but businesses have to act fast.<br /><br />The space is limited to 10.<br /><br />After speaking with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Wilcock</span>, it seems the program has truly <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">catapulted</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Gillingham</span> Cabinets into a new paradigm — one where environmental benefits are tightly tied to economic benefits.<br /><br />Register at www.climatesmartbusiness.comCowichan Recyclists...http://www.blogger.com/profile/01167390372328775127noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4889355918374459977.post-85667962638718245422011-01-20T07:34:00.000-08:002011-01-20T07:52:23.371-08:00Cycling fuel — what goes in your tank?Yesterday I met up with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Recyclist</span> Patrick at the Duncan Garage to have a chat about recycling. He was chowing down on a delicious-looking organic <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">cinnamon</span> bun because he had used up most of his fuel.<br />And that got me thinking about the best foods to keep a cyclist going.<br /><br />For the past three-and-a-half years we've been spending large portions of our days in the saddle.<br /><br />And when you propel yourself around by pedal-power, energy levels are most definitely worth monitoring.<br /><br />For me, starting the day with a heaping, hot bowl of old fashioned oatmeal topped with a handful of nuts, a couple scoops of hemp protein powder, some banana and some berries and I'm good to go until at least 10 a.m.<br /><br />Then I tend to keep myself moving with anything I can get my hands on — cookies, cake, chocolate — until noon when I eat a couple of tuna sandwiches.<br />And, I can tell you, I'm starving again by 2 p.m.<br /><br />I'd love to know what other all-day cyclists are putting in their tanks in the morning.<br /><br />Happy riding!Cowichan Recyclists...http://www.blogger.com/profile/01167390372328775127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4889355918374459977.post-57491234519852159842011-01-18T22:48:00.000-08:002011-01-18T23:18:43.084-08:00Taking Pause from a Great IdeaWe had to break some sad news to a couple who called us to their home today to recycle some of their accumulated garage detritus.<br /><br />Fortunately, we had only told them the good news minutes before, so their emotional investment was more flash-excitement than deep-rooted ecstasy.<br /><br />The good news?<br /><br />Recently the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Cowichan</span> Valley Regional District started accepting Styrofoam for recycling at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Bings</span> Creek Transfer Station.<br /><br />The foam is dealt with by a non-profit organization out of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Nanaimo</span> with a mobile compacting machine.<br /><br />The sad news?<br /><br />It appears the program has been so popular and the response so great, for whatever reason the amount of material is not being dealt with fast enough.<br /><br />So, at this point the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">CVRD's</span> bins are chock-o-block full and we were told they are no longer accepting it. At least not right now.<br /><br />We hope this changes.<br /><br />The idea is obviously one whose time has come. Hopefully the mobile compactor will come too.<br /><br />Until then, we can still find a home for your Styrofoam if you'd like it recycled.Cowichan Recyclists...http://www.blogger.com/profile/01167390372328775127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4889355918374459977.post-23123518445346490552011-01-17T22:09:00.000-08:002011-01-17T22:47:39.203-08:00Idle ThoughtsWhen it comes to blogging, sometimes I need a kick in the proverbial tailpipe to get typing.<br /><br />Today I received more than my fair share of inspiration.<br /><br />It came in the form of pollution, puffing and wheezing its way out from the ass of an idling diesel crew cab parked at the recycling depot. (Coincidentally, the vehicle was also driven by an ass, which goes to show that nothing escapes the encompassing grip of the circle of life, not even those who are trying to squash it.)<br /><br />Anyhow, after an energetic, sun-filled day of recycling, Katie and I congregated at Schnitzer Steel Pacific to unload for the final time. Schnitzer Steel provides a place for the public to come and drop their recyclables, mostly without cost.<br /><br />The public takes advantage of this because, well, frankly, recycling will save the world. At the very least it beats throwing trash in the river.<br /><br />So there we are, breathing deeply and feeling lively at the end of a healthy day of work, when a massive truck and trailer pulls up. Without shutting off his motor, this guy disappears into the office and doesn't come out for more than 10 minutes.<br /><br />I'm sure he was having a great time, regaling the staff with stories of how he once was mistaken for a pylon, or how he kept losing to his neighbour's goat at Scrabble.<br /><br />Us poor suckers in the yard, however, were quietly choking to death on pickup particulate.<br /><br />When he did emerge from the office, this prince among polluters went about his business of dropping off his recycling. His truck, meanwhile, continued to emit.<br /><br />Katie and I, meanwhile, continued to gasp for air.<br /><br />Seriously, I can't fathom the disconnect between recycling and the rest of the environment for some people.<br /><br />That one idling truck not only canceled out any Mother Nature Brownie points this guy could have earned from doing his own free recycling, I think it ended up costing him about $5 worth of fuel.<br /><br />City of Duncan has adopted an anti-idling bylaw for their fleet of vehicles and Lake Cowichan is considering it.<br /><br />Maybe our recycling friend will get the hint when more municipalities get on board.Cowichan Recyclists...http://www.blogger.com/profile/01167390372328775127noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4889355918374459977.post-65766641171030648612010-11-16T21:24:00.000-08:002010-11-16T21:25:31.139-08:00Cowichan Valley Citizen Editorial<div class="storyheader"><h2>Everyone needs curbside organics collection</h2></div><div class="feed_details"><h4>The Citizen</h4><span>Published: Friday, November 12, 2010</span></div><p>Well it's about time. </p><p>Finally, one area in the Cowichan Valley (excluding Ladysmith) is instituting curbside organics collection. </p><p>We applaud the City of Duncan for getting on board with eliminating compostable materials from the waste stream.</p><p>As stated in the article in today's Citizen, by taking away all of the meat scraps, pizza boxes, and other kitchen waste, Duncan can expect to cut down on the amount of garbage headed for the landfill by 35 to 40 per cent. </p><p>That is an incredible number, and one we hope the other municipalities and electoral areas in the region are taking a good, hard look at. </p><p>Here in the Valley we currently have a very undesirable solution to waste -- we ship it out of town. Out of sight, out of mind. </p><p>It is unlikely we will be able to continue to do this indefinitely, which means we will be in for a shock when we are forced to face our waste, so to speak. </p><p>Look at all the outcry over where to locate a waste transfer station in the south end of the Valley. </p><p>Imagine the difficulty of trying to locate an actual landfill -- it boggles the mind. </p><p>Add to that the fact that we are far behind here in terms of diverting organics from the waste stream, and you see the need quite clearly for us to pull our socks up and get with the times. </p><p>Even Ladysmith, which has now been collecting compostables at the curb for several years, was late to the party compared to most of Canada. </p><p>From the Maritimes to Toronto, municipalities have been collecting and composting kitchen waste and other organics for more than a decade. </p><p>These programs have worked very well. Some have even included yard and garden waste in their organics pickup, thereby eliminating much of the problem of backyard burning. </p><p>We were thoroughly disappointed to hear the Town of Lake Cowichan back away from their plan to institute a similar organics collection scheme in recent months. </p><p>The issue, apparently, was one of cost. </p><p>We think that we are rapidly coming to the point where we will not be able to afford not to -- much like Victoria is finally having to bite the bullet and properly treat its sewage before it gets pumped out into our coastal waters. </p><p>Gone are the days when it was okay to empty your oil down the nearest storm drain or into the nearest ditch. Gone are the days when it was commonplace to just take all of your garbage out into the backyard and burn it anytime you felt like it. </p><p>These are not things for which we should be nostalgic. </p><p>It's time for the whole Valley to follow Duncan and Ladysmith.</p>Cowichan Recyclists...http://www.blogger.com/profile/01167390372328775127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4889355918374459977.post-64877885616100117712010-11-13T08:44:00.000-08:002010-11-13T08:50:49.788-08:00Cowichan Valley Citizen Compost Coverage<h2>Duncan coming for meat scraps, pizza boxes<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9m5DidViV7M9yW48KSMUyKn9YrmX6LZhHIUdaI04bs9b731uCmisRvGnn5QS5aMTNGmWOmKsZSiaECw0KlzGtqyHk6Hzd7nSjv4m8JR3z6B_YWOgjXRFMr_81wRJVnnszI6pwTGSDyFtK/s1600/duncan-coming_cvcnov12.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9m5DidViV7M9yW48KSMUyKn9YrmX6LZhHIUdaI04bs9b731uCmisRvGnn5QS5aMTNGmWOmKsZSiaECw0KlzGtqyHk6Hzd7nSjv4m8JR3z6B_YWOgjXRFMr_81wRJVnnszI6pwTGSDyFtK/s320/duncan-coming_cvcnov12.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539076636314287410" border="0" /></a></h2><span style="font-size:85%;">Katie Harris of the Cowichan Recyclists demonstrates how Duncan residents will be able to take part in the upcoming wide-ranging compost pick-up program, expected to begin in February. </span><span style="font-size:78%;">Aaron Bichard photo</span><br /><br /><style>@font-face { font-family: "Times New Roman"; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }table.MsoNormalTable { font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; }</style> <p class="MsoNormal">Kevin Rothbauer, The Citizen</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Published: Friday, November 12, 2010</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">The City of Duncan will take a major step in the war against waste early in 2011 when it rolls out a curbside composting program alongside the already-successful recycling program.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Beginning in February, residents will be able to deposit a surprisingly wide variety of organic materials in 48-litre green containers each week to be composted on Vancouver Island, rather than ending up in a landfill in Washington state.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">"It's something we've been looking at doing for some time," said Duncan mayor Phil Kent. "The waste we do export from the Valley has a significant cost. This will reduce the cost of waste management and it will be an opportunity to have the waste used for positive purposes."</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Similar programs have been successful in other Island communities, including Ladysmith and Nanaimo. The diversion of organic waste has seen household garbage decrease by an average of 35 to 40 per cent.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">"We have a program that is time-tested in other communities," said Kent. "It should work."</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">The list of acceptable items is long and not entirely obvious, including fruits and vegetables, all food scraps, cakes, cookies and candy (without wrappers), pizza boxes, food-soiled wax paper, milk cartons, and wooden stir sticks.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">"The thing to focus on is that it goes further than backyard composting," said Aaron Bichard of the Cowichan Recyclists, who are working with the City to educate and prepare the public for the program. "It's meat, grease and cooked foods as well."</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">The outdoor containers, Bichard advised, will have latches on them to prevent animals from getting in.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Waste will be picked up in a compartmentalized truck. Compost and unlimited recycling will be collected one week, followed by compost and a 77-litre garbage can on other weeks. From there, material will go to the Bings Creek Transfer Station, then on to International Compost Corporation at Duke Point.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">The highlight of the program is the ease with which residents can participate.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">"It's going to be very simple," said Bichard.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Initially, the program will be restricted to about 1,250 single-family residences. Commercial operations and multi-family buildings will be left out for the time being, but Kent said the program may be re-evaulated to include them as well. The mayor noted that there are businesses that cater to commercial composting.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Residents of Duncan can expect to receive their compost kits -- comprised of a kitchen-scrap catcher, a 48-litre curbside tote and a sample of 100 per cent compostable bags -- early in the new year. In the meantime, information on the program will be available throughout at the Duncan Farmers Market, Christmas Chaos and City Hall, and residents are encouraged to contact the City with feedback.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">© Cowichan Valley Citizen 2010</p>Cowichan Recyclists...http://www.blogger.com/profile/01167390372328775127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4889355918374459977.post-75961501852659240092010-11-11T08:49:00.001-08:002010-11-11T08:54:11.510-08:00<div class="storyPaper"> <span class="paperName">Cowichan News Leader Pictorial</span> - <span class="news">News</span></div><h1>Curbside composting coming to Duncan</h1><h1><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZJ79M_OSFWZB0fkcup20I4tiz-jZXnUhkmg_AMqKZPx2iOw62mSkNyBAX2W_dUFheo737rz6c0KlPs-AE0PSlKI8NS80A9qrr23iLNhxg0EQpq5BWIW6Hp3vcClQtIeCplqLH4S94_fbk/s1600/57014cowichanpage7Nov1010compost.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZJ79M_OSFWZB0fkcup20I4tiz-jZXnUhkmg_AMqKZPx2iOw62mSkNyBAX2W_dUFheo737rz6c0KlPs-AE0PSlKI8NS80A9qrr23iLNhxg0EQpq5BWIW6Hp3vcClQtIeCplqLH4S94_fbk/s320/57014cowichanpage7Nov1010compost.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538335477859216098" border="0" /></a></h1><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:78%;">Katie Harris demonstrates the compost kit that will be delivered to 1,200 Duncan homes in February. <em>Andrew Leong</em></span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="byline"> Published: <strong>November 10, 2010 10:00 AM</strong> <br />Updated: <strong>November 10, 2010 10:33 AM</strong> </div> <p>Duncan homeowners can recycle organic kitchen wastes — spanning food scraps and bones to dairy wastes and greasy pizza boxes — under a curbside-compost collection program starting in February.</p> <p>The goal is reducing by 40-odd per cent the tonnage of trash city taxpayers shell out to ship — with the rest of Cowichan’s garbage — to a Washington State landfill.</p> <p>Duncan’s curbside program will see about 1,200 homes given a free curbside compost kit comprising a kitchen scrap catcher, a 48-litre curbside tote, and a sample of 100 per cent compostable bags.</p> <p>Kits will be delivered by early 2011.</p> <p>Contactor Cowichan Recyclists will stage educational displays and sessions about how the composting program works. </p> <p>The city’s curbside setup costs are about $44,000, including advertising and educational exhibits, but council hopes most , or all of that will be saved in shipping bills, city staff said.</p> <p>The menu of Duncan’s kitchen wastes will be shipped to International Compost Corporation’s facility at Duke Point.</p> <p>Those household organics, plus those now collected in Ladysmith and Nanaimo, will be processed into a compost fertilizer.</p> <p>Mayor Phil Kent said curbside composting makes a host of financial and environmental sense.</p> <p>“It’s a program the city has been looking at for some time.</p> <p>“One issue was trying to find a low- or no-emission vehicle to do it but we were ahead of the curve so we’ll use high-efficiency vehicles running on biodiesel.”</p> <p>Council hoped to join a curbside program being mulled by the Cowichan Valley Regional District, but financial issues have delayed the CVRD’s program by about a year.</p> <p>“We also had to make decisions about our vehicles,” Kent added.</p> <p>“We decided to bring this program on line in-house and recycling is the best approach for taxpayers.”</p> <p>The organics waste drive is not initially offered to apartments, town homes and businesses, Kent said, but those places could be added later.</p> <p>He wants folks to realize short-term pain in set-up costs will spell long-term gains in reduced trash costs — and Duncan’s carbon footprint.</p> <p>“We want to reduce our greenhouse gases and our dependence on purchasing resources,” he said, “and we may be able to realize revenue opportunities for bio-gas and district energy.</p> <p>“We’ve looked at other communities who’ve done this and learned from their lessons and mistakes so we don’t repeat those things.”</p> <p>For more, call 250-746-5321.</p><br /></div></div>Cowichan Recyclists...http://www.blogger.com/profile/01167390372328775127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4889355918374459977.post-17139212736406531422010-09-20T08:57:00.000-07:002010-09-20T09:06:17.775-07:00reCYCLISTS on CBC Victoria<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4cURID9C7L4wXzXUwYwYPTiaFdv59SHpaj3BArpX3UlKFQl-kiqG9jTjUfR42V_HUIjlO9DjXn_8q3HbRTgO9EodZS9ft8zwbStGJ5fRAEqBQO9Whabrd-Xttmcfgqjti5ulCciASZBr-/s1600/reCYCLISTS+Name.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 80px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4cURID9C7L4wXzXUwYwYPTiaFdv59SHpaj3BArpX3UlKFQl-kiqG9jTjUfR42V_HUIjlO9DjXn_8q3HbRTgO9EodZS9ft8zwbStGJ5fRAEqBQO9Whabrd-Xttmcfgqjti5ulCciASZBr-/s320/reCYCLISTS+Name.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519017110292070610" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLuCZ6QAbL8R5SnbxHTT9r61_vj9J6m0Ykwx9g-ElaAWLzTvAqSJ0Ru7d-mjPYrW9YodiOen3OvJ0XKNxszu-CDQ_D3RsKHhUcKhZiy9ubN4cMCJnJQH5Qjy-VYvL3uruQdzOdyiGG1Nz4/s1600/reCYCLISTS+BikeTrailer.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 85px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLuCZ6QAbL8R5SnbxHTT9r61_vj9J6m0Ykwx9g-ElaAWLzTvAqSJ0Ru7d-mjPYrW9YodiOen3OvJ0XKNxszu-CDQ_D3RsKHhUcKhZiy9ubN4cMCJnJQH5Qjy-VYvL3uruQdzOdyiGG1Nz4/s200/reCYCLISTS+BikeTrailer.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519016950467772210" /></a><br /><br />Jason Adams of reFUSE ( www.reFUSE.ca ) and Aaron Bichard of Cowichan Recyclists ( www.cowichanrecyclists.com ) have teamed together to form reCYCLISTS.<br />In the interview below they talk to Gregor Craigie on CBC Victoria about the launch of the bike-based compost and recycling service in partnership with the Downtown Victoria Business Association.<br /><br /><object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" width="400" height="52" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0"><param name="flashvars" value="audio_duration=DURATION&external_url=http://sound11.mp3pk.com/indian/aadekhenzara/aadekhenzara01(www.songs.pk).mp3" /><param name="src" value="http://cdn.techknowl.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/audio_player_standard_gray.swf" /><param name="wmode" value="transparent" /><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="400" height="52" src="http://cdn.techknowl.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/audio_player_standard_gray.swf" wmode="transparent" flashvars="audio_duration=DURATION&external_url=http://www.cowichanrecyclists.com/Sept 20 CBC Radio 1 Recyclists for Web.mp3"></embed></object>Cowichan Recyclists...http://www.blogger.com/profile/01167390372328775127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4889355918374459977.post-61981044020869777032010-08-18T08:26:00.000-07:002010-08-18T08:27:16.154-07:00Bike Parking in DuncanGarage tenants applaud new bike parking<br />Sarah Simpson, The Citizen<br />Published: Friday, August 06, 2010<br />Those headed to the Duncan Garage can leave their cars at home now that the City of Duncan has installed a dedicated bicycle parking spot right outside the big yellow building.<br />"By all accounts, so far it's a hit," said Mayor Phil Kent.<br />He said the bike rack had been located at another spot in town and was being underutilized. Council jumped at the chance to repurpose it in a high traffic location.<br />That's just what Aaron Bichard of Cowichan Recyclists, this year's Bike to Work Week coordinator, wants to hear.<br />He said he hopes the initiative continues.<br />"It's encouraging to see the City take an important step toward building cycling infrastructure by providing dedicated bike parking, especially in a place that's frequented by cyclists," he said Tuesday. "The way to make it safer on the roads for cyclists is to encourage more people to cycle, and bike racks are a good first step in acknowledging that cyclists exist in the community."<br />There's never enough bike parking spots said the Duncan Business Improvement Area Society spokesperson MaryAnn Hartley.<br />"I know that there are some on Station Street that even at 7:30 in the morning, seem to be well used. The more there are, the more it encourages people to ride to downtown," she said.<br />Not to be greedy but, "More, more, more!" said Nicolette Genier, co-owner of The Community Farm Store inside the Garage.<br />"We've been begging and really wanting bike parking for a long time," she said. "I'm sure darn happy to see the beginning of bike parking. We would like everybody to ride their bikes downtown. Lots of our staff have been wanting to ride their bikes to work and we actually have nowhere to park them."<br />"She said with 300-500 customers a day coming through the store, and upwards of 20 staff working at any given time, there's a load of potential at the Garage to reduce vehicle traffic.<br />"We really want to encourage it, and when we see lots more bike parking then I think we'll go on a real rampage and really start promoting the whole business of 'leave your car at home, you don't need one anyway.'"<br />Genier said the folks in the building are "just waiting for Phil Kent to turn the whole town into a pedestrian and bike-friendly place to live.<br />What's more, no vehicle parking spots were lost.<br />"There was about half a space there that couldn't be used as parking space, so we used that," said Kent.<br />That's a good thing, said Genier, as she understands the need to maintain a certain level of car parking downtown.<br />She'd like to see even more bike racks, perhaps in a covered space with some benches, in Charles Hoey Park.<br />"I think that would work really well," she said.<br />All in good time, said the Mayor. He noted a more comprehensive active transportation infrastructure plan, which will include other Cowichan local governments, is in the works.Cowichan Recyclists...http://www.blogger.com/profile/01167390372328775127noreply@blogger.com0