Municipal Staff and Margaree Forks Co-op team up to make a difference on Earth Day

Every year on April 22, Earth Day activities mobilize 1 billion people in more than 190 countries.

The Municipality of Inverness County leads many initiatives promoting environmental and climate sustainability, like diversion of solid waste from landfills and conservation of water.

This Earth Day, the Municipality’s Waste Services staff teamed up with Margaree Forks Co-op to bring resources and useful information directly to community members.

Nicole Latimer is a solid waste educator with the County. She said, “it’s brilliant to get out in the community so people see us, can ask us questions, and know that we’re working on their behalf.”

The team at Margaree Forks Co-op have been celebrating Earth Day for many years and it has become quite a tradition locally.

Speaking on behalf of the team, Faye Tompkins said, “we live in an area of outstanding beauty, and people here have a strong connection to nature and the environment.

“The Co-op team are happy that we can help raising awareness for planet-friendly activities locally, and we’re happy to donate environmentally-friendly products for the prize draw, because it makes it easier for our shoppers to do their bit for the planet,” she said.

Leah Ingraham was the lucky grand prize winner. Three other prizes were also distributed.

Local residents came armed with questions on all sorts of subjects from heavy garbage, to what can be recycled or reused, and what to do about household hazardous waste. “Batteries, for example, never belong in the garbage,” said Ms Latimer.

“Improper disposal of household batteries has led to facility and truck fires and poses a serious risk to the environment and our health. Look for a battery recycling box near you or bring them, with your other household hazardous waste, to our drop off event on May 27th from 8am-12 in Strathlorne,” she added.

One of the County’s priorities is to let people know about the Recycle Cape Breton app, which you can download on any mobile device. Amongst other things it contains a “Waste Wizard” that lets you search over 600 different items that can be diverted from landfill.

The County also supports clean up activities, like the Trash Bash that’s taking place on May 6 in Margaree organised by Live Life In Tents. If you want to join or organise a community clean up, either register online through the annual Great Nova Scotia Pick-Me-Up get in touch directly waste@invernesscounty.ca.