Zero Waste September Newsletter

Banff strives to be a model environmental community, and in this newsletter, you’ll find tips and tricks to shrink your waste and keep up to date on how the Town of Banff is working towards zero waste to landfill by 2050.

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Email us: zerowaste@Banff.ca
Learn more: BanffZeroWasteTrail.ca

What is a Circular Economy

In Banff, we are working to close the loop on waste by building a circular economy. Simply put, a ‘circular economy’ is one where we generate less waste, reuse resources, and regenerate natural systems. We keep materials in circulation by using only what we need, repairing and sharing what we have, repurposing goods, and exploring other circular opportunities.

Did you know Banff is already home to many established circular economy initiatives? Here are three amazing examples:

Banff Food Rescue is a volunteer organization that recovers and shares delicious food that would otherwise be thrown away by grocery stores, cafes, and restaurants. As they close the loop on food waste, Banff Food Rescue also helps provide accessible nutritious food for Banff residents. https://www.banffcollective.com/food-rescue
Banff Isn’t Disposable is a Banff-based pilot reusable container program that helps visitors and residents enjoy tasty take-away meals without the waste. How does BID work? Pay a deposit on a reusable container at participating restaurants and return it to any participating restaurant for a full refund when you are finished using it. https://linktr.ee/Banff_Isnt_Disposable
The Library of Things—opening in September—will be an item-sharing initiative which will soon allow Banff residents to lend items that are space consuming, expensive, or that would be optimally used if shared amongst the community. These items include tools, maintenance equipment, auto tools, hobby items, activities, household items, sports equipment (not accessible from local rental shops) https://banff.ca/libraryofthings

Town of Banff receives support for Circular Cities initiatives

Che Town of Banff, along with the City of Lethbridge and Strathcona County, received funding in collaboration with the Recycling Council of Alberta and Carthy Foundation for the implementation of several Circular Communities projects in 2021/2022. Stay tuned for more exciting circular initiatives in the coming months. To learn more about the long-term vision for a circular Banff, check out the Summary Roadmap created by the Recycling Council of Alberta in partnership with the Town of Banff.

Circular economy initiatives are also happening Canada-wide. The Circular Cities & Regions initiative is a network of Canadian municipalities sharing tools and knowledge to accelerate the transition to a more resilient circular future. Learn more at https://canadiancircularcities.ca/Pages/default.aspx

Get ready to DIY, fix, renovate, create, cook and deep clean

The Library of Things at the Banff Public Library is scheduled to open in September. The Town of Banff and the Banff Public Library have partnered to pilot this equipment lending program which supports the circular economy by helping residents share items rather than own.

A big thank you to all the wonderful donors who donated to the Library of Things donation drive the weekend of July 23 – 25. We are very thankful for the generosity of Banff residents. Some of the items received through donations included a stand mixer, slow cooker, instant pot, jig saw, and angle grinder.

Banff residents will be able to borrow a variety of items including tools, cooking appliances and hobby items. It is free to access for all Banff residents, all you need is a valid Banff Public Library membership.

The Library of Things will be available during regular library hours, Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. For more details, visit https://banff.ca/LibraryofThings

The Re-Use It Centre is open seven days a week

The Re-Use It Centre is back open, and you no longer need to reserve a spot! If you have not visited before, the Re-Use It Centre is essentially a ‘free store’ for residents where you can drop off and pick up previously loved household items. The Re-Use It Centre supports Banff’s shift to a circular economy by keeping materials out of the landfill and by keeping useful goods in our community. Find items such as furniture, kitchen utensils, books, children's toys and more. The Re-Use It Centre is located at the Waste Transfer Site, 160 Hawk Avenue, in the Industrial District and can be accessed daily from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. https://banff.ca/ReUseItCentre