Saanich expands zero waste program at summer events and festivals

News release
For immediate release

Saanich, BC – Sustainable fun is taking centre stage in Saanich this summer. The District is debuting several new initiatives to reduce solid waste and prioritize recycling and reuse at events and festivals.

“To demonstrate and support more sustainable fun, the District has rethought its approach to summer events and implemented initiatives to combat waste generation and excessive use of single-use items, in addition to reducing carbon emissions,” says Manager of Sustainability Rebecca Newlove. “Our goal is to provide inspiration and a pathway that leads to a healthier and more sustainable community for all.”

While community events are the perfect way to unwind with family and friends, they can also produce a significant amount of solid waste that ends up in the landfill. To support more sustainable fun, the District has rethought its approach to summer events and implemented initiatives to combat waste generation, excessive use of single-use items, and carbon emissions.

Sustainability and zero waste tactics now in place at events hosted by the District include:

• Piloting the adoption of reusable service ware in place of single-use items.
  • Saanich utilized a Rethink Waste Grant from the CRD to fund the purchase of reuseable service ware (ex. Reuseable bowls for Saanich Strawberry Festival).
• Engaging The Diverters, a local social enterprise, to assist attendees at Waste Sorting Stations with sorting their recycling appropriately to support landfill diversion.
• Utilizing more clearly labeled waste sorting stations to streamline the sorting process for attendees.
• Requiring vendors at select events to offer exclusively plant-based foods.
• Leveraging community partnerships to foster community-wide social responsibility.

Ways residents can eliminate waste at home

Getting to zero waste is not just about putting the right materials into the right bins. It begins with curbing consumption and producing as little waste as possible.

Tactics to avoid waste include repairing, repurposing, and reusing items that are currently available, then composting and recycling what is left.

“Embracing zero waste initiatives at our public events not only sets a powerful example, but it also offers practical insights into how our residents can implement similar tactics at home,” says Senior Sustainability Planner Melissa Hauzer. “By adopting more sustainably conscious habits at home, like reusing what you have instead of buying, individuals can make significant contributions to a greener future for our community.”

Image credit: Zero Waste International Alliance

Learn more

To learn more about how the District is taking steps towards getting to zero waste, visit saanich.ca/zerowaste.

If you have any questions, please contact sustainability@saanich.ca.

-30-

Media contact:
Saanich Communications
media@saanich.ca