At GECCO, we are all about zero waste!  Youth teams from the Sustainable Development Challenge have taken up the call for waste reduction through a variety of projects, from thrifty clothing to composting!  We want to follow their example.  We are excited to be a part of a new project to make the Okanagan Valley Zero Waste!  Visit the Okanagan Sustainability Leadership Council and GECCO’s website for details about our plans for this exciting project.

This project will help Okanagan residents to significantly reduce the amount of waste they produce.

Canadians generate high amounts of waste, especially in regions with higher average incomes and population growth, as is the Okanagan. In BC, over 2.5 million tonnes of waste are disposed of each year – an average of 500kg per person.  In the Central Okanagan, waste disposal equates to 673 kg per person (Government of BC) Much of the edible food produced is wasted, water is overconsumed, and solid waste production remains high. For example, around 30% of food is wasted,  and around 60% of food waste is avoidable. This project will amplify local awareness of what we’re wasting and activate waste reduction activities region-wide. 

There are many ways we can reuse, repurpose, and reduce what goes to the landfill while encouraging new waste conversion/upcycling businesses, but awareness of these opportunities is low. Generating interest in the circular economy – where new uses and products are created from ‘waste’ – presents an exciting opportunity to help the region take its growth in a sustainable direction. This project helps to fill gaps in knowledge, motivation, resources, and awareness to help residents contribute meaningfully to sustainability.  Specifically, residents will benefit from a reduced-waste environment, improved air and water quality, reduction in carbon emissions, and cost savings for participants.  Thank you to the Central Okanagan Foundation for their support of this project!