WORLD
ENVIRONMENTAL
DAY
JUNE 5, 2022
Make Sure Used Batteries are Properly Recycled
T
he abundance of today’s technology has greatly contributed to the number of batteryoperated devices being used at home, work, and play. We are using up more batteries than ever before. These batteries, both rechargeable and single use, must be safely managed at the end of their useful lives. That’s where Call2Recycle comes in. Recycling batteries is our mission, but we can’t do it alone. We need your help to safely collect, store, and ultimately deposit your batteries at one of the many collection sites throughout Victoria, all findable through the locator tool on our website.
So, what exactly should you do with your used batteries? For starters, store them in a nonmetal container in a cool dry place until you can drop them off. Never put loose batteries in a drawer or area where they may come into contact with metal items such paper clips or steel wool. Most importantly, don’t ever throw your used batteries in the trash! They will go straight to the landfill, where the dangerous chemicals they contain can leak out and hurt the environment. One such chemical in household batteries is potassium hydroxide. This makes up the white powder that we sometimes see caked on an old battery’s shell. And
lead batteries can even contain sulfuric acid! When you’re ready to recycle your stored batteries, Call2Recycle makes it easy. Just visit our site locator; enter your postal code to see your nearest location, which might be one of Victoria’s leading retailers, or a recycling depot. By recycling your batteries through Call2Recycle, you can be assured that the by-products will be used to create products such as bicycles, pots and pans, and others; and none will be discarded in a landfill. That’s a win for Victorians, and for the environment! Visit Call2Recycle.ca
Pondering the future of plastics in Canada
C
anadians are rightly worried about plastic pollution in our oceans, environment, and increasingly microplastics in our bodies through our food, water, and the air we breathe. In Victoria, we are fortunate to live in such a beautiful community that cares so deeply about protecting our coasts and oceans. People want to do their part, but they also want the federal government to act. An overwhelming number of Canadians support a ban on
harmful single-use plastics to ensure a healthy planet for now, and for the future. Currently, Canada doesn’t have the capacity to deal with the plastic pollution we create. Only 10% of Canada’s plastic waste ends up being recycled, and single-use plastics are often difficult or costly to recycle. Even worse, Canada continues to export plastic waste to lowerincome countries who lack the infrastructure to manage it, adding to plastic pollution in the world’s rivers and oceans.
The Liberals proposal to ban six single-use plastics products, coming into effect in 2024, is a start. But, we need to do much more if we want to meaningfully address the growing impacts of plastic pollution. Specifically, we need to ban some of the single-use plastics most often found on our beaches, like plastic lids, coffee cups, cigarette butts, lightweight produce bags, and polystyrene. We need to reduce the amount of plastic we produce, implement and encourage reusable
alternatives, and provide support for municipalities to improve their recycling capacity. Companies need to be held responsible for the entire lifecycle of the plastic they produce, and Canada needs to stop dumping our plastic pollution on other countries. Canadians expect their government to protect the land, air and water for future generations. That means taking action now to achieve a future with zero plastic waste.
Transit riders in the Capital Region will soon benefit from brand new cleaner, quieter electric buses. B C Transit’s first series of electric buses and charging equipment will be coming to Victoria as part of the goal to transition to an entirely electric fleet by 2040. After a rigorous procurement process, the contract to build and deliver the first 10 heavy-duty electric buses to BC Transit has been finalized and formally awarded to Proterra Operating Company Inc. (Proterra). The nonexclusive contract will additionally
enable BC Transit to advance the Low Carbon Fleet Program with the purchase of additional buses, chargers, and supporting services from Proterra, with a potential 500 heavy-duty buses expected to be replaced in the next 10 years. The contract also allows BC Transit the flexibility to respond to changing market dynamics and technology. Proterra was named the successful proponent on May 16th, 2022. The first project under the contract is for $20 million for the Victoria electric bus project. The contract award completes the competitive procurement process that began in the fall of 2020. Proterra is a leader in the design and manufacture of zeroemission electric transit vehicles and EV technology solutions for commercial
applications. With more than 800 vehicles on the road today, Proterra FROM 2021 - 2025, BC TRANSIT WILL ACQUIRE OVER 130 ELECTRIC BUSES battery charging equipment, and the associated systems have been proven over 25 infrastructure project is provided million service miles driven and are through the Investing in Canada selected by world-class commercial Infrastructure Program. vehicle manufacturers to electrify Electric Buses have many advantages delivery vehicles, construction — most importantly they use B.C.’s equipment, school buses, coach buses readily available renewable electricity, and more. resulting in nearly zero emissions As part of the project, one electric bus from operations. These buses are also will be deployed in Victoria in Fall 2022 more efficient, quieter, and have lower in preparation for the 10 built-to-order operating costs. buses that will be delivered starting in BC Transit will continue working to Summer 2023. The contract allows BC pursue future electric bus projects, Transit the option of purchasing more encouraged by CleanBC, Provincial heavy-duty electric buses, charging support, and Government of Canada equipment, and supporting services in funding programs designed to help the future. public transit fleets transition to The project is being cost shared with electrification. To learn more about BC the Government of Canada contributing Transit’s Low Carbon Fleet Program, 40 per cent and the Province of BC please visit www.bctransit.com/lowcontributing 40 per cent of eligible carbon-fleet-program costs. Federal funding for the buses,
Are you ready to be a Climate Champion in Oak Bay?
We are listening! Participate in the BC Transit’s Market Pulse Check Survey —May 2022 for your chance to win a $100 gift card. Visit: engage.bctransit.com/market-pulse-check-survey-may-2022
The Oak Bay Coolkit program is a joint initiative between the District and the Collaborative for Advanced Landscape Planning at the University of British Columbia’s (UBC) Faculty of Forestry, and is designed to engage residents on climate-change solutions in the community, with support from the District and community organizations or hubs. The Oak Bay Coolkit is intended to mobilize individual and neighbourhood climate action through participation in a series of fun and interactive engagement activities, including: neighbourhood conversations, local asset and climate vulnerability mapping, carbon footprint calculators, visioning exercises, and developing localized climate action plans. The ultimate goal of the 3 year Coolkit Program is to reduce carbon footprints and help create climate proof, resilient neighbourhoods. Interested? Get involved! Learn more at www.connect.oakbay.ca
B
Our health depends on the environment
ritish Columbians have a special connection to nature. From hiking in Glacier National Park to boating on the Okanagan or relaxing on the beaches of Tla-o-qui-aht territory, we have unique and abundant places to enjoy natural settings in our province. But nature provides much more than an opportunity for recreation. It is the foundation of our lives: the air we breathe, the food we eat, and the water we drink. But over the last several decades, we’ve taken more from our planet than it has to
give. In B.C., we’ve misused our natural resources by clear-cutting vast stretches of forest and removing the province’s oldest and most efficient natural carbon sinks: our old-growth trees. We’ve destroyed entire ecosystems and eradicated or endangered vital species. We’ve created a massive and growing oil and gas industry, using fracking to extract gas from deep underground, contaminating freshwater sources, causing earthquakes and pumping methane into the atmosphere. The consequences
of these actions are increasing in frequency and severity. Extreme fire and flood seasons damage our communities. We breathe smoke-filled air and undermine our food security. These factors all disproportionately impact Indigenous communities. BC Greens are working to create a healthy province for every British Columbian. We must stop fracking and transition quickly to clean energy sources. We must start Indigenous-led management of our forests
Working to create a healthy province for every British Columbian. World Environment Day | #OnlyOneEarth
and watersheds with a mind to resiliency and survival. We must expand transportation systems, building efficient and walkable cities that bring communities together and help protect our climate. Not only does all of this support our health, it contributes to
affordability and the economy. We’re stronger together, especially when we’re working to protect our environment, our . Today on World Environment Day, we invite you to join our work, because we have #OnlyOneEarth. bcgreens.ca /bcgreens /greenpartybc @bcgreens
Sonia Furstenau
Adam Olsen
Leader, BC Green Party MLA, Cowichan Valley
MLA, Saanich North and the Islands
The basics of vertical farming
F
arms often inspire awe thanks to their beauty and the serenity of the areas that surround them. Though no farms may inspire such feelings as strongly as those in the heart of the countryside, another type of farm can inspire awe as well. Vertical farms vary in size, the largest ones mimic skyscrapers if the skyscrapers were made from plants. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, increasing production of fresh greens and vegetables near urban populations will be a necessity in the near future. That’s because estimates from the UN indicate the global population will exceed nine billion by 2050, by which time two-thirds of the world’s population will live in urban settings. Vertical farming could be vital to meeting the demands for healthy foods by 2050.
What is vertical farming? Vertical farming is a type of controlled environment agriculture (CEA). According to the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, CEA combines engineering, plant science and computer-managed greenhouse control technologies to optimize plant growing systems. CEA systems enable stable control of the plant environment, making it possible for growers to control temperature, light and CO2 during the growing process. Vertical farms grow foods in stacked layers, which gives large vertical farms their skyscraper-like appearance. Some vertical farms employ techniques similar to greenhouses, utilizing natural light when it’s available and augmenting that with artificial lighting to ensure the plants grow regardless of the conditions outside.
What are some advantages to vertical farming? Perhaps the biggest advantage to vertical farming is the potential for the practice to meet future food demands in a way that the USDA
deems environmentally responsible and sustainable. Vertical farming operations in urban areas can offer lower emissions because fresh fruits and vegetables will not need to be transported from rural areas to urban locales. The USDA also notes that vertical farming operations reduce water runoff by a considerable margin, helping to conserve water. Utilizing hydroponics and moving carousels, Vertical Harvest consumes 90 percent less water than traditional farms. Access to nutrient-rich foods is another benefit to vertical farms. As urban populations grow and climate change affects crop yields, city dwellers may struggle to procure healthy, nutrientrich foods like fruits and vegetables. Vertical farming operations that are not vulnerable to climate change can eliminate that concern, ensuring urban populations access to healthy, nutritious foods. Vertical farms can be awe-inspiring and figure to play a vital role in the future of agriculture. AG223790
Planning a trip to a Return-It location? See this handy guide for recycling best practices.
Recycle your beverage containers the right way with Return-It When it comes to recycling, British Columbians are doing their part. By recycling your empty beverage containers, you contribute to preserving the environment because those containers are turned into new products, reducing the demand for raw materials and energy used to make new items. Recycling good-to-know Did you know that you can now return milk and plant-based beverage containers for a deposit refund at any Return-It location? With more beverage containers added into the Return-It system, you may have questions about best practices for recycling each container. What do you do to ensure the straws from the drink boxes and drink pouches get recycled? How about those bags when you buy a beverage in a bag-ina-box? Simple! Every beverage container you bring back to a Return-It location is fully recyclable. Just remember to leave plastic caps on containers, push straws into drink boxes and pouches, and leave the bags in the boxes so they get recycled too.
ALUMINUM
RINSE LEAVE TAB ON
BI-METAL
RINSE LEAVE LABEL ON
PLASTIC BOTTLES
RINSE LEAVE LABEL ON LEAVE CAP ON
OTHER PLASTIC JUGS AND CUPS
RINSE LEAVE LABEL ON LEAVE CAP ON
GLASS BOTTLES
RINSE LEAVE LABEL ON LEAVE CAP ON
BAG-IN-A-BOX
LEAVE BAG IN BOX
GABLE TOP CONTAINERS
RINSE LEAVE CAP ON PUSH STRAW IN
DRINK BOX
EMPTY CONTENTS PUSH STRAW IN
The Result In 2020, Return-It calculated the amount of energy saved by using recycled material to make beverage containers versus making beverage containers using new raw materials. Aluminum cans are turned into sheet stock and made into new cans, saving 93% of energy. Plastic containers are pelletized into raw materials for plastic products, resulting in 86% energy savings. Glass containers are made into raw materials to make new glass containers and fiberglass insulation, saving 34% of energy. Drink pouches are turned into composite decking, buckets, storage totes, and non-food grade containers and trays, saving 53% energy. Similarly, plastic bladders inside the bag-in-a-box are turned into composite decking, buckets, storage totes, and non-food-grade containers and trays, resulting in 53% energy savings. Gable top containers are turned into tissue paper and building boards, resulting in 53% energy savings and bi-metal containers are used to make new metal products, resulting in 82% energy savings. Together, British Columbians have helped to reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases and demand for raw materials, ultimately preserving the environment. About Return-it
POUCHES
EMPTY CONTENTS PUSH STRAW IN
For a full list of beverage containers accepted at our Return-It locations, visit return-it.ca/beverage/products/
Return-It is the not-for-profit stewardship agency responsible for recycling beverage containers in British Columbia. In the past 27 years, Return-It has prevented more than 23 billion beverage containers from ending up in landfill, instead recycling them into new products.
For more information and to find the nearest Return-It Depot location, call us toll-free at 1-855-350-2345, or visit return-it.ca
Recycle broken toasters, power tools and hundreds of other electrical items for free Over 400 household items are accepted at over a dozen locations across Greater Victoria
I
f spring cleaning has turned up broken or unwanted small appliances or power tools, Victoria has a responsible solution – recycle them for free with ElectroRecycle. A not-forprofit organization, ElectroRecycle accepts more than 400 electrical products, including household appliances, power tools and exercise equipment at over a dozen locations across Greater Victoria. Operating for more than decade, ElectroRecycle has
diverted more than 45 million kilograms of small appliances and power tools from BC’s landfills. ElectroRecycle partners with a variety of collection points including bottle depots, thrift stores and not-for-profit organizations to make drop off easy. You can find a full list of locations at electrorecycle.ca/ recycle to find one of more than a dozen locations in the Victoria area. No matter where you drop your items off, collection is free.
ElectroRecycle accepts more than 400 different electrical products, including: • Kitchen appliances like coffee makers, electric kettles and slow cookers. • Exercise equipment like treadmills and elliptical machines. • Personal care products like hair dryers, electric toothbrushes and beard trimmers. • Power tools like band saws, sewing machines, and drills. • Other household items including fans, vacuums, bathroom scales and clothing irons. Reduce and reuse, before you recycle! If you’re clearing out items that still work, consider giving them to a neighbour or donating them to a local thrift store. If your item needs a minor repair, think about getting it fixed instead of throwing it away. If your item has reached the end of its lifespan, that’s where ElectroRecycle comes in. For more tips on reducing your environmental footprint, and maintaining and repairing household items, visit the ElectroRecycle blog and social media channels – find them at electrorecycle.ca. To find a drop off location near you, and to find a list of accepted products, visit electrorecycle.ca