trashbusters007
kelly493
westbyz80
almal4
saragravesAbout
In order to make it easier to read and nagivate, we’ve reorganized our blog! Happy reading 
We are lucky to live in one of the best cities in the world. The parks, the trees, the mountains- there is no question that we are privileged with many beauties. So why aren’t we doing all we can to preserve our precious environment? Why are we not more concerned about where our garbage goes, or what it is doing to our natural resources?
Only about half of Vancouverites recycle, and the other half that goes into the trash contributes to the 3.5 million tonnes of waste that is being produced by our city. With the population growing in Vancouver, this number is bound to increase; unfortunately, the space to accomodate this increased waste is limited. With the scheduled closing of the Cache Creek landfill in 2010, it is clear that waste management is becoming an issue in Metro Vancouver.
The issue of waste management has created a dilemma of what to do once the landfill is closed. One option is to ship our waste to our neighbour- The United States. Another option is to build more waste-to-energy facililies like incinerators. Or we can try to build awareness about recycling and dealing with our increased waste.
But are we really approaching this the right way? Is it truly effective if we are only reacting to the problem? Many are beginning to realize that the root of the problem is actually overconsumption, something that the government and corporations are actually encouraging us to do, caring little about what it is doing to our environment.
Trashbusters’ goal is to clear up many trash misconceptions that exist about waste management and recycling. Along the way we will try to present some novel solutions and our progress to pilot those solutions throughout our city. These solutions, however, will not only come from the aspect of managing waste but also reducing it. Through contacting various sources and conducting ongoing research, we hope to bring more awareness to this arising issue in Metro Vancouver.
Happy Reading!
-The Trashbusters
Stephanie Taylor said
Wow! I learned so much from this website! I cant believe that yogurt containers aren’t recyclable! Keep up the good work Trashbusters!!
Dominique said
I have looked over some of the solutions and I think one of the ideas I liked the best was the using of dishes in food courts. Not only would that cut down on waste, but it would save the food court vendors money. They would no longer need to purchase disposable packaging. This type of service would really cut down on waste. I think it could also be used in schools as well. Some universities use plates, but still use plastic cups, that could change too.
alex said
If I throw recycleables in the garbage are they seperated at a waste management site anyways even if they are not seperated before they get there?
kelly493 said
Unfortunately not! The waste thrown into the garbage- whether the materials are recyclable or not, are dumped into the landfills.
Joan Graves said
Good for you Sara!!! I am glad to see the environment issue being explored right at our doorstep. It is so true everone has to do their part. Especially by trying to buy and use recyclable products. It is a major problem around the World and you can start in your own home and neighbourhood.
Sara Graves said
Thank you for your interest! You’re absolutely right – one person can make a difference, and it starts with the basics!
Cody Watson said
Is there any technology being explored to either bury garbage extremely deep or compact it under extreme pressure so as to return some of the elements in it (essentially naturally derived) to the earth, rather than the air (what incinerators do)?
kelly493 said
I’m not sure if they have explored any such technology in Vancouver, but I know that in Edmonton they do bury their garbage (which created pretty much the only hill in Edmonton!) However, I do see complications here as there would have to be someone designated to sort the garbage (as only biodegradable materials would benefit the earth.) As well, this solution only deals with damage control, and while it may be effective in decreasing emissions, it does not actually decrease the amount of waste we are producing.
Kim said
Wow, excellent information in this issue. It sure makes one think. I live in Edmonton and am surprised to know that we do bury our trash. I would think that that would not fix or cure the problem but instead cause future problems? Would it not make more sense to try and recycle what we can (of course) and then try to eliminate the other garbage by means of burning or breaking it down somehow so no toxins are in air.
Michelle said
Rundle Park in Edmonton also used to be the waste management site. Now it’s returned to nature and enjoyed by many! It has a family fun centre, 18 hole golf course, frisbee golf course, tennis courts, baseball diamonds, etc., etc.
almal4 said
Michelle,
Thank you for your comment. Yes, we have a similar park here in North Vancouver called Inter River Park. It used to be the site of a landfill and now has many soccer fields and other playing fields. All over looking the beautiful sky line of Vancouver. Although there are these options, Trashbusters is aiming to eliminate that hill of garbage in the first place!
Sean said
This blog is great! Keep up the good work
saragraves said
Thanks Sean!
Gravy58 said
I thank you all for your all-in-one website for info and solutions! Extremely well organized and thought out. I am now motivated to do more, even though I have always been green.
almal4 said
It is great to hear that you care about the environment. There are so many new ways to be greener- and we can always educate others on how to be green as well!
Amy said
Very interesting blog you guys….. so much to read and learn about!!
almal4 said
Thank you Amy!
nataliez09 said
I think no one would want to live on the earth that is full of garbage. Raising the awareness of people and getting our attentions to this problem is very important, because everyone has to contribute to waste management and reduction. And everyone has the responsibility to keep a greener world.
almal4 said
Well said Natalie. Thanks for your support!