Staff
Inspired by the success of Earth Week 2014, the Municipality of Meaford will once again host an Earth Week from April 18-24, 2015.
Earth Week will begin with the RE-Use Fair on Saturday, April 18th from 9 am – 1 pm at the Meaford & St. Vincent (MSV) Community Centre with many interesting activities throughout the week.
The RE-Use Fair offers a bit of a twist within a sharing culture. The practical aspect of the event is a focused exchange of specifically requested goods. Last year 12 community groups, schools, and emerging artisans submitted a wish list of specific items that would enhance their programs. A master list of the requested items was published in The Meaford Independent two weeks in advance of the fair. On the day of the event, three quarters of a ton of items were brought to the Fair and sorted by volunteers. The recipients of the gifted items were overwhelmed by the generosity of residents. Good food, music, and company enticed folks to stay for a while and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
The overwhelming amount of donations and the amazing support of volunteers were key to the success of last year’s RE-Use Fair.
Everything pointed to our community’s commitment to local actions that work towards zero waste: a smart and sustainable option.
In order to foster that commitment, the Municipality of Meaford has once again teamed up with passionate volunteers to help foster practical zero-waste actions that can be integrated into our daily lives 365 day a year.
Watch newspapers and social media for Earth Week activities: a youth-friendly film at Meaford Hall, a birthday party for John Muir at the museum, and earth-friendly activities for all ages at our public library. The Municipality’s Environmental Services will showcase four new programs: the Blue W, Clean-Up Green-Up, battery collection depots, and plastic film recycling. Meaford Area Community Association (MACA) will sponsor a presentation entitled Food Packaging Examined: an in-depth examination of various contaminants that leach from packaging into our food. This information will be useful in making healthy choices for you, your family, and your community. The Meaford Independent will again sponsor the yearly spring clean-up at Memorial Park. It’s hoped that other community groups will sponsor earth-friendly events.
The planning has just begun. If you’re a community group, school, or local artisan, contact us if you wish to submit a wish list this year, or if you intend to host an event or rent a table at the RE-Use Fair: submissions are due by February 20th to be included in the brochure. Do you see value in donating some of your time on Fair Day? We will be looking for volunteers to make this wonderful event a success. Come join with others in our community for the Municipality’s second annual Earth Week and RE-Use Fair.
Watch traditional and social media outlets for further details via Community Services Meaford on Facebook, and the Municipality of Meaford website www.meaford.ca.
