February 2012

 

 

The following is a list of some of the exciting initiatives being carried out by different groups in the Terrace Bay and Schreiber region to improve our environment.  Also, below is a list of some GREEN websites, regional GREEN product/service companies, and various GREEN resources to help residents and businesses learn about ways they can lead a more eco-friendly lifestyle. 

 

Terrace Bay held a hazardous waste recycling day on Saturday October 15th with visitors dropping off a variety of eligible waste. An estimated 95 cars attended the drive through style event with participants from Terrace Bay, Schreiber, and the surrounding region. The event was separated into two sections with volunteers accepting hazardous waste including paint cans, batteries, propane tanks, and other waste as well as an electronic waste drop off for televisions, computers, speakers, printers and more. Organizers estimate that approximately 5 tonnes of hazardous waste was collected and 2 tonnes of electronic waste. The event was held in partnership with Ontario Electronic Stewardship and recycleyourelectronics.ca for the electronic waste and through Stewardship Ontario for the hazardous waste. Potter Environmental from Thunder Bay was the provider of the Hazardous Waste services and Recool Canada Inc. assisted with the transportation of materials for the electronic waste depot. Hazardous Waste Days are part of Terrace Bay Council’s strategic plan for improving the environment and the event was ran by Municipal staff, a dedicated team of volunteers, and the Green Education Coordinator which is a partnership with EcoSuperior Environmental programs. 

 

Terrace Bay Hazardous Waste Day Volunteers	Terrace Bay Hazardous Waste Day Collection
Hazardous Materials Collected	Electronic Waste Materials Collected

 

EcoSuperior Environmental Programs  has produced the October edition of their newsletter.  It can be downloaded here, for more information please visit www.ecosuperior.ca.  EcoSuperior is one of Terrace Bay's major partners for its green initiatives like the Green Education Coordinator position and the Fluorescent Light Recycling program offered in partnership with Terrace Bay Home Hardware.

 

The friendly, professional staff at Spadoni Motors Ltd. put on an interesting Green Car Care Clinic for residents. They provided helpful tips on how to maintain your vehicle and get the most out of your budget for fuel efficiency. They also donated some great prizes to those in attendance. Thanks to everyone involved that made it so enjoyable!

 

The Township of Terrace Bay, in partnership with the Township of Schreiber and Ontario Electronic Stewardship, will be establishing a drop off depot for electronic waste materials.  The drop off point will be within the Terrace Bay Landfill footprint and visitors will have to check in with the attendant before dropping off materials in the provided covered trailer.  Materials will then be sent to Thunder Bay for end of life processing.  More information is coming!  This service should be setup in mid October and open to residents of Terrace Bay and Schreiber. 

 

Township of Terrace Bay staff continues to work with possible partners to establish a recycling system.  The Municipality lost its recycling service in 2007 due to rising fuels costs and is evaluating a variety of alternatives to develop a new system in the most cost effective manner. 

 

Check out the new Go Green Newsletter with some great tips on how to live a healthier greener life.  For information on composting, check out the following powerpoint from the recent composting workshop. 

 

Looking to see what real people are doing in the way of renewable energy?  Check out the renewable energy tour in Thunder Bay on Saturday June 25, 2011 from 10am to 4pm.  You will get to visit homes and businesses in Thunder Bay and see technologies like solar panels, solar hot water, geothermal, and more.  Check out their flyer for more information.

 

Collection Team of Staff and Volunteers

 

A dedicated team of staff and volunteers spent a rainy Saturday afternoon collecting hazardous and electronic waste. An estimated 100 vehicles attended the collection event setup at the Terrace Bay Tourism Information Centre which collected a wide variety of materials which will now be transported away to be recycled or disposed of in a safe manner. The hazardous waste side was supervised by Potter Environmental from Thunder Bay and collected an estimated 4 tonnes of materials including paint, batteries, propane tanks, waste oil, and other hazardous liquids. The electronic waste side was operated by volunteers and collected an estimated 2 tonnes of materials including televisions, computers, printers, and other electronic devices. The hazardous waste day is a part of Terrace Bay Council's ongoing efforts to environmentally friendly practices and was supported by Stewardship Ontario and Ontario Electronic Stewardship. The Municipality will be tentatively holding another hazardous waste day on Saturday September 17, 2011. For more information, check out www.terracebay.ca/haz.

The 2011 Green Tradeshow had approximately 750 people in attendance to see the interesting exhibitor booths and videos. The Tradeshow featured a record 80 exhibitor tables encompassing the many shades of green includingsolar panels, pellet stoves, body products, environmentally friendly cleaners, healthy living information, and much more. The Tradeshow helped local organizations fundraise close to $4,000 and produced 16 large boxes of food donations for the North Shore Harvest Food Cupboard and 10 bags of used clothing for the Canadian Diabetes Association. For more information , visit www.greentradeshow.ca or for photos the facebook group. Thank you to all of the exhibitors, volunteers and staff that made the Green Tradeshow a success!

 

 

Panorama of the Tradeshow and Jackfish Bay Ceremony

 

 

As of May 1st, Time of Use Pricing for electricity will be changing.  On-peak hours will now be during the middle of the day where off-peak was during the winter time of use pricing schedule. 

 

Please note: Hydro One has changed when off-peak pricing begins with it now starting at 7pm!

 

 

Are you looking for a search engine that uses less power?  Check out www.blackle.com which uses less power due to its black background. 

 

The Township of Terrace Bay, with funding from EcoSuperior Environmental Programs, has been able to create a contract position to increase education in the community on green issues. The successful applicant is Allison Dennis from Terrace Bay. Her background includes experience teaching and conducting research of this type through her Master’s degree program. Some of the projects she will be working on include: the 2011 Green Tradeshow, the two hazardous waste recycling days being organized by the Municipality, Lake Superior Day, the Jackfish Bay Area of Concern Committee, researching the design of a household recycling program and creating green education materials for residents and businesses. Allison has started her new position and can be reached with green ideas at green@terracebay.ca.

 

 

In March 2010, a partnership was formed between Terrace Bay Home Hardware, EcoSuperior, Ontario Power Generation and the Township of Terrace Bay to offer recycling of fluorescent bulbs and tubes. Home Hardware in Terrace Bay is the drop-off site with bins prominently located in front of the business. Staff members can provide proper ways to handle the bulbs and place them in the bins. One of the main disadvantages of using fluorescent bulbs and tubes is the mercury contained inside the products and its potentially harmful effects. “The depot in Terrace Bay is being well used,” says EcoSuperior program coordinator Jane Oldale. “Six hundred and fifty six bulbs have been collected to date.” The bulbs are picked up by MGM Electric, a company in Thunder Bay which packs the bulbs and ships them to a recycler in southern Ontario where all of the mercury and components are separated for re-use. Terrace Bay Home Hardware Owner Heather Gordon says “It's been a great opportunity for us to be a part of this project. More and more people and companies are aware we are a collection depot and are being moreconscientiousof what they are sending to the landfill. The Township of Terrace Bayhas been our biggest drop-off so far, but we have our everyday customers dropping off their household bulbs when they come in to purchase new ones. It’s a win/win situation for everyone involved. Along with florescent bulbs we accept cell phones and rechargeable batteries for recycling too.” The program is still ongoing and residents of the region can take advantage of this great service by bringing fluorescent bulbs and tubes to Terrace Bay Home Hardware. For more information, contact Sean Irwin at 825-3315, 231 or spc@terracebay.ca.

 

The Township of Terrace Bay recently installed a solar area light at Terrace Bay Beach. The purpose of the light is to illuminate the boat launch area in low light conditions to assist boaters when going out in the morning or coming in at night. The light utilizes a high performance LED bulb with a solar panel and battery system. The system has a photosensitive cell that in low light conditions engages a motion thermal sensor which will turn on the light for a short period of time based on movement and heat signature. If a boater has come in at dusk, the system will illuminate the area as the boater docks and begins unloading their boat. The system was installed by Frank Ilczyszyn from Frank’s Alternate Energy based outside of Thunder Bay in Neebing Township. Frank has installed similar solar light projects throughout Northwestern Ontario including a similar solar area light system at the new George Jeffrey Children’s Centre in Thunder Bay. The system is designed for the Spring and Summer months when the boat launches have been put out and was based on the feedback of boaters. A secondary benefit of the system is it could also reduce the potential for vandalism in this area by illuminating it. The project had a minimal cost to the Township and staff was able to reuse a light pole that was not an ideal fit for its streetlighting purpose. This project was deemed a fit at the beach due to the areas excellent Southern exposure. The solar area light is also a test model to evaluate how similar solar lighting systems can be used throughout the Township. For more information on the solar light project, email spc@terracebay.ca.

 

It is Waste Reduction Week from October 18 to October 24.  Some activities residents can undertake to reduce the waste they generate include the following:

A bin is located at Spadoni Motors Ltd. in Terrace Bay for residents to drop off used clothing.  The clothing will be picked up by representatives from the Canadian Diabetes Society and be reconditioned for sale to which the proceeds will go to support research by the Canadian Diabetes Society.

 

Serg Co-op Inc held a composting class for 9 residents that featured theoretical and practical information on how to start your own backyard composting system.  Participants were shown different techniques and equipment they could use generously donated by Terrace Bay Home Hardware.  As well, samples were donated from BB Worm Factories from Schreiber of worm castings generated from vermicomposting.  For more information, visit http://www.serg.ca/.

 

April 2010 - Green Tradeshow a Success!

The 2010 Green Tradeshow held on Saturday, April 24 from 12pm to 4pm was a great success. The Tradeshow had over 800 people in attendance, 72 exhibitor tables, and raised close to $4,000 for local community groups, schools and charities.  Exhibitors booths encompassed the many shades of green including renewable energy, green products/services, gardening, composting, recycling, and healthy living. Delicious food was provided as a fundraiser by the Kids Corral Child Care Centre and Lions Club. Hydro One graciously donated 500 compact fluorescent light bulbs to the first 500 visitors.  For more information visit the Green Tradeshow webpage which features a photo gallery, video, and wrapup.  Planning Committee Chair Sean Irwin would like to thank the amazing efforts of the volunteer planning committee and Katimavik group, the support of our sponsors the Township of Terrace Bay, Serg Co-op Inc., Ontario News North, and AZMPC, and the incredible efforts of the exhibitors and presenters who made the show such a great success.

March 2010 - Recycling of Lights, Batteries, and Cellphones!
Terrace Bay Home Hardware, in partnership with the Township of Terrace Bay, EcoSuperior, Ontario Power Generation, and the Call 2 Recycle Program now offer a drop off point for 'free' recycling of the following: 

Residents can bring these materials to Terrace Bay Home Hardware during regular business hours and they will be sent away to the proper recycling facilities. The products should be in reasonable shape and shattered bulbs or tubes will not be accepted.

Handling of Compact Fluorescent Bulbs and Tubes
Compact fluorescent bulbs and tubes contain trace amounts of Mercury and they should be handled with care. However, if a bulb or tube shatters, the following steps should be taken: open the windows and let the room air out for 15-30 minutes, then remove as much material as possible without a vacuum cleaner. Using disposable gloves, scoop the glass onto a piece of cardboard and wipe the area with a wet paper towel. For smaller pieces of glass and powder, use duct tape to pull up the fragments and wash your hands after cleaning up the debris.

Electronic and Hazardous Waste
The Township of Terrace Bay is planning on again organizing an annual Special Waste Recycling Day and residents should take advantage of it in Fall 2010 for the following products: paints and stains, single use batteries, car batteries, propane tanks, pesticides, fertilizers, computers, monitors, televisions, fax machines, printers, and computer peripherals like mice, keyboards, and wires.

 

  

 

 

The Terrace Bay Public Library now has available for lending an energy meter!  The device, which can be signed out for a five day loan period, connects to your home appliances and tells you how much electricity that appliance is using.  Great for homeowners who are trying to reduce their electric energy consumption and bill!  The Library strives to be "Green" through recycling where it can, turning off lights when not in use and the use of energy efficient fluorescent bulbs, as well as using power savers on our computers and photocopier.  WIth the purchase of the energy meter for its patrons to use, the Library is encouraging and helping everyone to do their best!  For more information contact the Library at 825-3315 ext. 222.

 

The Sustainable Energy Resource Group (SERG) Co-op Inc. has been re-established with a new board of governors and a mission to develop and promote local sustainable green energy initiatives in the region.  For more information on the organization and its future plans or ways you can help out, visit www.serg.ca

 

In response to growing demand, local businesses have begun offering reusable shopping bags for purchase by customers.

 

Ground breaking ceremonies were held at the site where a condensing steam turbine will be installed to generate electricity utilizing the current pulp making process.  The project, which has received immense support from the Government of Ontario, should go a long way to making Terrace Bay Pulp energy self-sufficient and cut down on the use of non-renewable resources.

 

Bullfrog Power - provider of green energy

CanWEA Small Wind - information on small wind projects

Composting Canada - tips on how to compost

Earthwise Thunder Bay - Thunder Bay environmental resource

Eco Superior - partnership organization dedicated to the environment

EcoEnergy Website - Federal government retrofit rebate program

Environment North - regional environment organization

Green Communities Canada - national association with green solutions

Go Green Ontario - Facts on Ontario's fight against global warming

Go Solar - education program by Clean Air Foundation

Keen On Green - Thunder Bay website on blue bag recycling

Nolalu Eco Centre - regional energy efficiency training/workshop experts

Powerwise Program - conservation tips from David Suzuki

Recycling Council of Ontario - resources on minimizing your impact

SERG - regional advocacy group for Top of Superior

SREC - Thunder Bay region advocacy group

ZWAT - Thunder Bay region group dedicated to eliminating waste

 

Great Refrigerator Roundup - Recycle Your Old Fridge!

 

 

 

 

Afortek- experts/retailers of solar, biomass, electric bikes, etc 

Bare Organics- organic skin and natural baby products

CanSpec Inspection  - Certified energy advisors for N. Ontario

Five Forty- recycled textile handwoven rugs and jewelry

Franks Alternate Energy  - experts/retailers on solar, wind, hydro, etc

Greenhouse 365- a 365 day a year solar, thermal greenhouse

Hollywood Filanes Sportswear- eco friendly apparel & products

I & M Electric - experts/retailers of solar and wind products

Maier Hardware  - experts/retailers of solar and composting products

Maki Bay Power Solutions- residential and commercial power solutions

NatureMill - indoor composter with a Thunder Bay dealer

Northern <> Comfort- local installer of magnetic acrylic storm windows

Perrons Ecosolutions  - retailer of environmentally friendly food products

Recool Canada Inc.  - Thunder Bay recycling/waste management company

Superior Soapnuts- purely natural laundry/household cleaner

Taiga Ventures- conference, retreat, and arts centre

Willow Ridge Soap Co.- natural, handmade bath/beauty products 

 

To suggest a company be added to this list please email  us.

 

10 Steps to a Healthy Lawn - pesticide free advice

Energy Retrofit Program - brief description of the program

Mr. Greens Guide - regional tips provided by City of Thunder Bay

AboutRemediation - detailed resource on land and brownfield remediation

Thunder Bay Green Guide - developed by LU education students

 

To suggest a resource be added to this list please email us.