The District of Muskoka is promoting Earth Day initiatives to increase environmental cleanup efforts and awareness.
District Director of Waste Management and Environmental Services Renee Recoskie made a presentation to the Engineering and Public Works Committee outlining District initiatives related to Earth Day.
One initiative is Clean Muskoka Together, a program to assist individuals in litter clean-ups across Muskoka. The program was launched in 2022 and provided branded garbage bags for no-charge disposal at District waste facilities, instructions on collection, gloves and promotional material.
The program is offered year-round and was responsible for 2.7 tonnes of litter being collected. Recoskie stated that participation has been positive.
“We are seeing great participation in the community,” Recoskie said.
She went on to say that District staff are looking forward to expanding the program in the future.
Councillor Brenda Rhodes spoke in support of the initiatives and highlighted her positive personal experience with Clean Muskoka Together program.
The second proposal was related to increasing the availability of compost for local residents. The District will make finished compost from its Green Bin Program available to area municipalities. This compost can be used for community gardens and may facilitate increased use of these gardens in public spaces such as public parks. Recoskie stated that the initiative is partly a thank you to residents.
“It says a thank you for diverting organic, leaf and yard waste materials throughout the year,” Recoskie said.
Increased use of compost effectively uses organic waste and relays positive environmental messaging. It also supports local gardens, both public and private. Up to 400 tonnes of compost will be made available.
Compost will be made available year-round at the Beiers and Rosewarne Composting facilities and is available to municipalities and the general public.
Earth Day is on April 22 and District actions are stated to be efforts to meet its environmental and climate change objectives.
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