First Nations Voice

PAGE 14 • MAY 2014 www.firstpeoplesfund.ca Discoverhowwecanhelpyourbusiness! Financing Programs • Entrepreneur Loan • Community Economic Expansion • Joint Venture • Resource & Energy Investment (204) 942-6026 • 1-888-942-6026 info@firstpeoplesfund.ca Support Programs • Business Plan Assistance • Skills Development • Aftercare • Business Contribution Fund There are still many people in Manitoba who wonder why they should bother to recycle. Especially, when there are so many large projects, companies and organizations throughout the world who contribute pollutants at a far greater rate than we do as individuals. Is it even possible for us to be responsible and effective stewards of our environment? Taking a global view of pollution remediation can be daunting, even overwhelming to us as individuals. We may need to step back and consider protecting our local environment first. Local environmental issues when remedied contribute most to our own personal wellbeing. We have a formidable environmental issues right here in Manitoba and recognizing them as serious issues is the first step in their remediation. Perhaps our greatest local challenge is Lake Winnipeg. The fishers and farmers in the Lake Winnipeg Watershed rely heavily on water for irrigation and healthy fish stocks. Although they may appear insignificant, there are many small things we can do to help save Lake Winnipeg. For those who live next to the water leaving a natural strip of habitat along the shore reduces erosion; all of us can ensure we use non-phosphorus detergents and fertilizers; we should never pour chemicals or medications down the drain. These are small steps that yield notable results. We should recognize how recycling can conserve the resources of our province by reducing the need for ground mining and questionable forestry practices. Generally, using recycled raw materials consumes less energyinthemanufacturingsector.Recycling often reduces greenhouse gas emissions, which aids to slow the affects climate change. Studies indicate that good recycling practices can save over a ton of carbon dioxide emissions per household if only half of the that household's waste is recycled. Governments overall are passing legislation that will demand much more accountability from landfill operations. Considering that developing new landfill cells can cost nearly a million dollars, we must act. Compostable waste makes up more than 20% of all the materials currently placed in landfills. You can be a part of the solution by composting your kitchen and yard waste, your garden will thank you for it and you will reduce your reliance on chemical fertilizers. Electronics are rife with toxins and heavy metals. When not properly disposed of they can leach their toxic contents into our water system. Fish and many other animals tend to accumulate toxins in their systems. When we consume the water, fish and game we pass the toxins on to ourselves. In Manitoba, we have already witnessed the effects of mercury poisoning in humans who have consumed fish and water that have been contaminated by mercury. The same can happen with other chemicals like cadmium, lead and dioxin readily found in electronics. Karen Keppler of Responsible Electronics Recycling has been busy working with several rural municipalities to create a full service recycling centre where residents can conveniently recycle and learn about the three R's: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. "During the process of putting together our recycling centre, we have learned a great deal about how communities can meet the expectations of community members. We have been asked to provide strategic planning and information sessions for other Manitoba communities regarding recycling." Specialized training for Recycling Technicians is scheduled to begin at the Selkirk and District Community Learning Centre in the fall of 2014. In the meantime, Keppler says, "Bring your electronics and electrical items to 511 Robinson in Selkirk and we will ensure that the items go to Manitoba approved processors at no charge to you." Any reusable computers will be donated to the Computer Lending Library at the Learning Centre for issue to students or families who cannot afford one. "After the removal of any data, we contribute reusable electronics to the Computer Lending Library; computers are refurbished and lent to those who need them." The Computer Lending Library currently has 6,000 computers in circulation, with many more still needed. Companies and organizations who are upgrading their technology systems can contribute their outdated electronics to this worthy program. WHY BOTHER RECYCLING? Karen Keppler Managing Partner, Responsible Electronics Recycling

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