The West Kootenay EcoSociety's Conversation Cafe series wraps up with a discussion on resource recovery on Tuesday May 7.
West Kootenay EcoSociety and the Earth Matters Youth Zero-Waste Upcycling project invite the community for an interesting and informative conversation about turning trash into treasures. Thousands of tons of "waste" leave our community every day — headed for the landfill or to a distant recycling centre. About 40 per cent of our waste is organic, generating methane gas that contributes to climate change. What can we do to become a zero-waste community?
Heather Keczan from Earth Matters will discuss the role of composting in creating a zero-waste household. A local youth from the Youth Upcyclers project will demonstrate how they turn discarded camping gear into functional art. Michael Morrison, waste coordinator for the Regional District of Central Kootenay will be on hand to describe their commitment to the zero-waste concept and answer questions about what happens to our waste currently. Finally, "Recycle" Michael Jessen will talk about where we've come from and what opportunities there are for creating more resource recovery in our area. The conversation will be moderated by David Reid of the West Kootenay EcoSociety.
"This series has been a really engaging conversation among the community about some thorny issues," said Reid. "I'm excited to hear what the community has to say about reducing our waste."
The Cafe is the last in a series of five events highlighting sustainability issues in Nelson. Previous events covered sustainable affordable housing, the future of forestry, energy independence, and the business of local food. Each of the last four conversation cafes have been standing room only.
Oso Negro will provide free drip coffee, and EcoSociety requests a $2 donation. The conversation starts at 7 p.m. at Oso Negro.