Cumberland BC: The Cumberlander Articles Section
Local · 28th February 2010
Sue Loveless
Cumberland Students are working hard to reduce waste at their schools. Thanks to the generous support of the Village of Cumberland, Sun Coast Waste Services and the Comox Valley Regional District a bluebox recycling program has been initiated at both Cumberland Elementary and Junior Schools.
The Cumberland Community Schools’ Environment Club approached the Village of Cumberland last fall about a bluebox program and received an enthusiastic response. David Durrant, Manager of Community Services, has been invaluable in getting the program started. The Comox Valley Regional District provided blueboxes for each classroom and Sun Coast Waste Services has provided large totes, free curbside pick up and plenty of support to help things run smoothly.
The first recycling pick up was celebrated with a visit from Mayor Fred Bates and Owner of Sun Coast Waste Services, Jerry Kupiak. Mayor Bates commended the students on their efforts stating that this program will benefit our community both now and in the future. Mr. Kupiak commented that he was impressed by the initiative undertaken by such a small community and said that other communities are now looking to Cumberland for inspiration.
The CCSS Environment Club is a group of Elementary students who meet once a week with coordinator Sue Loveless. Last fall the Club started a composting program at the school. With the help of a grant from the School Community Connections Program they were able to provide each classroom with a compost bucket and the knowledge required to compost successfully. Students continue to tend the compost pile and will use the finished compost in their school garden this spring.
School custodians estimate that the composting and recycling programs have reduced waste at the school by 25%. But the students think they can do better. After performing a trash audit last month, the students were amazed at the amount of packaging and uneaten food being thrown out. This inspired Trash Free Tuesday, where students are being asked to bring lunches that contain no throwaway packaging and little or no food waste.
When students were asked about why they joined the Environment Club, a young girl stated emphatically “we only have one earth”. If the earth is left in the hands of these Cumberland students, it will certainly become a better place.
Cumberland Community Schools’ Environment Club
The Cumberland Community Schools’ Environment Club approached the Village of Cumberland last fall about a bluebox program and received an enthusiastic response. David Durrant, Manager of Community Services, has been invaluable in getting the program started. The Comox Valley Regional District provided blueboxes for each classroom and Sun Coast Waste Services has provided large totes, free curbside pick up and plenty of support to help things run smoothly.
The first recycling pick up was celebrated with a visit from Mayor Fred Bates and Owner of Sun Coast Waste Services, Jerry Kupiak. Mayor Bates commended the students on their efforts stating that this program will benefit our community both now and in the future. Mr. Kupiak commented that he was impressed by the initiative undertaken by such a small community and said that other communities are now looking to Cumberland for inspiration.
The CCSS Environment Club is a group of Elementary students who meet once a week with coordinator Sue Loveless. Last fall the Club started a composting program at the school. With the help of a grant from the School Community Connections Program they were able to provide each classroom with a compost bucket and the knowledge required to compost successfully. Students continue to tend the compost pile and will use the finished compost in their school garden this spring.
School custodians estimate that the composting and recycling programs have reduced waste at the school by 25%. But the students think they can do better. After performing a trash audit last month, the students were amazed at the amount of packaging and uneaten food being thrown out. This inspired Trash Free Tuesday, where students are being asked to bring lunches that contain no throwaway packaging and little or no food waste.
When students were asked about why they joined the Environment Club, a young girl stated emphatically “we only have one earth”. If the earth is left in the hands of these Cumberland students, it will certainly become a better place.
Cumberland Community Schools’ Environment Club