By 2030, the Town of Canmore seeks to divert 60% of our community's organic waste from landfills, reduce solid waste by 40% per capita, reduce construction waste by 50%, and reduce commercial/institutional waste by 30%.
By 2028, the Town of Banff aims to reach 70% waste diversion community-wide, with a larger goal of zero community-wide waste to landfill by 2050.
In support of these goals, the Biosphere Institute team is working on several initiatives to help our community to reduce and divert more waste from the landfill...
Future Leaders Youth Council - Trash Talks
The Future Leaders Youth Council became concerned when, during a visit to the Town of Canmore’s solid waste treatment facility, they learned that recyclables and organics are ending up in general waste. To help spread some broad education about the issue the Youth Council has created and broadcast radio messaging to remind people of the negative impact this has on greenhouse gas emissions and wildlife habitat. LISTEN HERE!
Are you a local youth looking to engage with local environmental action projects, such as a barbed wire cleanup at Quarry Lake Park in September? Please get in touch with education@biosphereinstitute.org to find out more, and be sure to follow @future.leaders.biosphere on Instagram!
Bow Valley Isn't Disposable
Based on the successful pilot program Banff Isn’t Disposable, we’re researching how reusable cup and container programs can be sustained and expanded throughout the Bow Valley.
We’re also working with key stakeholders in Banff to create a circular economy for takeout containers and reduce single-use items.
Build Better - Source Separation Pilot
To overcome barriers to at-source separation on construction sites, we have partnered with the Bow Valley Regional Waste Commission and the Bow Valley Builders and Developers Association (BOWDA). We are developing and prototyping an improved waste container collection system. We are pairing the deployment of this new system with onsite education and contractor engagement. Results are coming soon!
Canmore Folk Festival Green Team
We recently partnered with the Canmore Folk Festival to promote environmental awareness and divert as much waste as possible from landfills. With the help of over 60 volunteers and staff, we educated the public on how to recycle and compost properly, kept the grounds clean and managed all waste throughout the three-day festival.
The efforts of this fantastic team were able to divert over 90% of waste from entering the landfill!
The 7 R's of Waste
Biosphere Events Coming Soon!
Earth Talks - Together is Better
The climate is talking, and communities are listening! Join Jodi Conuel for a presentation and discussion about how community generation is advancing Alberta's green energy transition.
Attendees will learn about:
The importance of community collaboration in effective action and how to build a successful initiative
What is community generation, and how does it work in Alberta?
How can you get involved and benefit from community generation projects?
This FREE Earth Talks event will take place on Monday, September 18th, 2023, at 7:00 pm at the Canmore Public Library in the Friends Program Room. Registration is required to attend in-person, or you can join online LIVE via Zoom by clicking here.
Accelerating Climate Action in the Bow Valley!
Come together as a community, learn about great local projects taking inspiring climate action, and add your voice to where we go next.
Join us for Accelerating Climate Action in the Bow Valley on October 11, 2023, from 1 - 5 pm at the Coast Hotel in Canmore. Find out more and Register Here.
Building for Sustainability Symposium
Please join the Bow Valley Builders & Developers Association and the Biosphere Institute of the Bow Valley for the inaugural Building for Sustainability Symposium, a symposium of strategies, solutions and best practices in buildings, infrastructure, and urban planning. We look forward to hosting you at our premier event!
Give your input!
Have you recently hiked, biked or ran on a Kananaskis or Bow Valley trail? If yes, we need your help!
The University of Alberta is completing research on recreational trail use in the Kananaskis, Spray and Bow Valleys, which includes trail users’ opinions about trail use and wildlife corridors. Their survey, titled the “Kananaskis Wildlife and Trail Survey” (open Aug 4-Oct 15), focuses on the types of trails recreationists value as well as how potential encounters with bears, as well as trail designation and wayfinding, are incorporated into trail users’ decision making.
Living with Climate Anxiety?
At the Canmore Miner’s hall, join the FCSS team for an evening of conversation and connection over a delicious meal. This conversation is for those who are feeling overwhelmed, concerned, or anxious about the state of our planet and will provide an opportunity to explore our personal and collective experiences living with Climate Anxiety.
Registration is required by September 22. Please call FCSS at 403-609-3743 or e-mail fcssadmin@canmore.ca to save your seat!
