News Release

FREDERICTON (GNB) – The following message was released today by Environment and Local Government Minister Brian Kenny to mark International Compost Awareness Week, May 3-9:

Composting is an important and simple way we can all make a difference. Recognizing this week enables us to highlight the value of composting both on a backyard and individual scale and on a larger municipal and organizational scale.

Generations past knew the value of composting. Our goal is to return to those traditional values and encourage this generation and the next to actively reduce curbside garbage by composting organic waste.

Up to 30 per cent of the waste we throw out each week can go in the compost pile. Cutting domestic waste means a longer life for landfill sites and better environmental management for the entire community.

Composting provides waste diversion from landfills, potential greenhouse gas savings, an alternative to topsoil mining, a cleaner environment, and an opportunity to practice an eco-friendly lifestyle.

This year’s theme, Where Food Begins, Feed the Soil – Compost! also complements the designated 2015 International Year of Soils.

Through composting, we can recycle organics and return a nourishing and essential soil conditioner to our environment. Weeds and leaves, grass clippings, old banana peels, egg shells, coffee grinds, and various organic materials are mixed together in a pile or put into a compost bin.

Our government encourages New Brunswickers to start their own compost pile. And, we support and thank the many individuals and organizations such as schools, community centres and private businesses, which are already taking the time to learn about and implement composting programs.

More information on managing and reducing our waste is on the Department of Environment website.