ZERO WASTE EVENTS

So you want to have an event where there is as little waste as possible going to the landfill? 

Perfect! It's easier than you think especially when there is someone to compost for you! (Like the Compost Corner of course)

1st thing is making sure your food vendors are aware that you intend to make this a zero waste event.  The plates, cups, bowls and cutlery they use to serve food can make a big difference to how much waste is produced.  Now there is a lot of green washing of these types of items so below are some tips on how to make sure that the tableware that they are using can actually be composted.  

The main thing you'll look for is whether or not it states "compostable" on the package.  

Now a note on Compostable.  There are things that are easily compostable, like paper plates or wooden cutlery etc... Then there are things that are more difficult to compost like compostable plastic.  They will both compost in our piles, however if Compostable Plastic gets out of the pile it won't break down.  However a paper or wooden item will eventually follow natures course and break down fairly quickly.  So if you have a choice, pick the paper or wood.  

You may be wondering why the emphasis on Compostable items, why not Recyclable?  A couple of reasons. 

1. For food vendors recycling is difficult unless you want to wash out every dish that has had food on it.  Little bits of food contaminate the recycling product.  Little bits of food on a compostable product just adds to the compost!

2. When it's compostable it only has to travel a few miles to be reused and turned into something else.  When it's recyclable it may be shipped half way around the world to be recycled.  

3. Recycling turns plastic products into more plastic product.  Composting turns organic material into something that can help our food grow, it actually takes things full circle, rather than being reused again till it's eventually thrown away.  

Here in Prince Albert I have found that Compostable tableware can be found at most grocery stores, but I have found the best selection at the Wholesale Club, and some items at Save On Foods.  

We would love to help make your event a zero waste event, so contact us and we will make it happen!