CANMORE HIGHLAND GAMES - A Toward Zero Waste Event
For over 20 years the Canmore Highland Games has strived to leave the smallest footprint possible on Centennial Park. This started in 1990 when the Air Cadets were asked to look after recycling all of the returnable containers. Over the years the event has grown into the premier highland games in western Canada, hosting 6000 to 8000 people each year. With that many people creating waste, we work to leave the park cleaner than when we found it. Volunteers work throughout the day to ensure waste ends up in the right container and not on the ground.
Most of the beverage containers are recyclable – even the beer cups in the Ceilidh tent! We are using biodegradable forks, knives, spoons and plates for food service. You can even recycle this program or take it home to share with others.
Please help us keep the games green by using the Resource Recovery Stations located next to the field Food Booth and in the Festival Tent. We want to keep waste in the bins and off the ground for a clean and Wildsmart Canmore!
IT'S NOT GARBAGE ANYMORE!
Zero Waste is a term widely accepted in the waste management and recycling industry. Zero Waste does not mean there is no "garbage", rather, it is used to mean there is no "wasting" of valuable resources in our economy. When our use of resources is efficient we also reduce the environmental and health impacts associated with manufacturing, using and disposing of those resources.
The term "Toward" Zero Waste used in the Bow Valley can be interpreted as taking the next step to reduce the amount of material that needs to be disposed as garbage followed by planning to ensure that any unwanted materials are kept separate and are handled in a way that strives to take full advantage of available reuse, recycling or composting programs. We can't change the world overnight but we can take the next step and improve as we go.
By making the Canmore Highland Games a Toward Zero Waste event we are "doing the right thing" putting proper waste management practices on display in our community. It’s the best thing for Canmore.
Landfills are increasingly expensive and complex operations as they meet modern environmental standards and occupy valuable land. In the Bow Valley it now costs $90.00 per tonne to ship garbage to a landfill for disposal. In addition, there is growing concern over the economic inefficiencies and environmental implications related to the lifecycle of products that are quickly buried in landfills
HOW ZERO WASTE WORKS AT OUR EVENT
The Canmore Highland Games is pleased to cooperate with the Bow Valley Waste Management Commission to offer a "Toward Zero Waste" event. We hope to achieve at least 80% diversion from landfill disposal to recycling. Look for our team of volunteer Zero Waste Ambassadors who will assist you to properly sort your disposables at clearly identified Resource Recovery Stations.
Please join us in moving Towards Zero Waste in the Bow Valley! We thank you for helping us to become a very green Canmore Highland Games.