Spring 2003 Eco Newsletter, EcoSuperior

8/8/2019 Spring 2003 Eco Newsletter, EcoSuperior

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April 2003

New Appliance

RebatesChoose an EnergyStar®rated dishwasher,refrigerator, freezer or washing machine andthe provincial government will rebate yoursales tax. This program has not been widelypublicized, but it is a great incentive tochoose a more energy-efficient appliance.

The sales tax rebate is available for quali-fied appliances purchased after November 25,2002 and before November 26, 2003 anddelivered before January 1, 2004; and forfreezers purchased after January 1, 2003.

Consumers have up to four years from thedate of purchase to submit their application.Ask your appliance retailer for details on howto apply. For help in comparing appliances,drop in to EcoSuperior and ask for a copy of the EnerGuide Appliance Directory. Thispublication identifies all Energy Star ratedappliances, and shows the EnerGuide ratingsof every appliance available in Canada.

To find out more about the rebate pro-gram, consumers can also contact the nearestMinistry of Finance office in the Blue Pages

of the telephone directory, or call the TAXFAX service at 1-877-482-9329 or visit theMinistry’s web site at www.trd.fin.gov.on.ca.

The rebate program was launched inNovember and to date, more than 3,200 peo-ple have purchased appliances and submittedclaims to the Ministry of Finance. The aver-age claim is about $85.

Inside• Hi-tech toilet • Kyoto at Home

• Water Walk 2003

• Spring Up to

Clean Up

• Is your Home an

Energy Hog?

Combination Washer/Dryer Here’s an appliance that saves water, soap,

energy and time! The LG Washer/Dryer does itall in just one machine. Doing laundry is awhole lot less complicated when all youneed to do is throw the clothes in, selectthe program, and come back a couplehours later to a full load of fresh, clean,dry, wrinkle free clothing.

This unit represents a new trend inlaundry equipment for North America.Similar machines are available by dif-ferent manufacturers, and have been

popular in Europe for several years. One of our staff purchased a washer/dryer combo

machine last fall and is very satisfied with itsoverall performance and convenience.

According to her, and to otherinternet product reviews, themachine is even capable of encouraging men to do laundry—that’s how easy it is to use!

EcoSuperior did some localshopping and found these laundrymiracles available at Petersen’s andDufresne Furniture. Other retailers

may be able to order them as well.

The technology represents a signifi-cant decrease in the use of water and energy. The

amount of soap required per load is also verylow—generally just a tablespoon.

Other advantages include the space saving.The unit can be installed anywhere, with noventing required. How does that work? Thedryer has a condensing unit that removes themoisture from the laundry, and it is pumpedout through the drain just like the wash water.

Potential drawbacks to these units includesmaller load limits, and the availability of repairparts, as well as the higher initial cost. The LGunit pictured is locally priced at about $1549. But

if you are interested in real convenience and sub-stantial water and energy savings, check it out.

This winter brought long lineups of rural residents to the tap-house on Highway 61 to replenish water supplies.

Dry wells, frozen septic fields, burstpipes—the winter of 2003 will be remem-bered as a difficult season. The extreme coldgave many area residents the opportunity (orthe dire need) to become more familiar withthe workings of their water supply and septicsystems.

Unfortunately, many people take thesesystems for granted, never putting muchthought into potential problems until some-thing actually goes wrong. In fact, a betterunderstanding of how things work might helpprevent one of those miserable morningswhen the shower slowly trickles to a halt.

EcoSuperior is launching a new program

this spring to make us all "Well Aware" of what we should be doing to ensure a safewater supply. Rural residents in the area canpick up a free information kit loaded withvaluable tips and a checklist for maintenance.For an even better understanding of your ownwater and septic system, you may request a

guided self-assessment with one of ourtrained Water Guides.The Well Aware in-home service includes

a yard walkabout with the homeowner to helpassess your particular situation and factorsinfluencing the quality and quantity of yourwell water. We will provide information, con-tacts and resources to help you address prob-

lem areas. We will even bring along watersample test bottles to help get you started onthe recommended routine of testing yourwater at least twice a year.

You’ll find out more about potentialsources of contamination, and new conserva-tion technologies that can help you reduce

water consumption. And you’ll learn aboutproper care and maintenance of your septicsystem. This program is funded by theMinistry of Environment, and delivered inconjunction with the Green CommunitiesAssociation.

To find out more about the Well Awareprogram, contact Brad or Tanya at 624-2140.

Help for Water Woes



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The many community programs and projects that you will read about in the newslet-ter would not be possible without the effortsof those who direct and financeEcoSuperior’s activities. Through contribu-tions of volunteer hours, creative thinking,expertise and financial support, the follow-ing people and organizations play a majorrole in our success:

Bowater Continues with Air Improvement ProgramBy Don Murray – Manager of Environmental Affairs, Bowater Canadian Forest Products Inc. Thunder Bay

In our last article Bowater reported on thereductions in emissions as a result of the com-pletion and start-up of the new RecoveryBoiler and the decommissioning of the old

one. Ambient air quality indicators showthere is measurable improvement as a result of this investment, namely a 50% reduction inthe amount of TRS and a 40% reduction in theamount of particulate. Furthermore we haveinvested an additional $2 million in improve-ments in 2002 as part of Bowater’s on-goingAir Improvement Program.

There are two types of emissions we aredealing with at this mill. Those that are dis-charged at a high level that can be noticedover a large area and those that are low level

or roof-top emissions that only affect areasnear the mill site itself. The high level emis-sion has been reduced through the installationof the new boiler. The low-level emissions are

the next areas that are being addressed.Electrostatic precipitators were found tobe the best available technology to improvethe lime kiln particulate emissions. Bowaterhas applied to the Ministry for a Certificate of Approval to construct this equipment whichwill be in place by the end of May 2004 orsooner.

To further improve localized odour, astate-of-the-art system to collect and inciner-ate rooftop emissions from tank vents andchip bins will be installed by the end of 2004.

This will be the only installation of this typecurrently in Ontario.

These projects will reduce odour and par-ticulate impacts in the Westfort, Vickers

Heights and Mountain Road areas around themill in the very short time frame of two years(by the end of 2004). These projects are state-of-the art for odour and particulate control at apulp and paper mill and will involve many mil-lions of dollars of commitment by Bowater.

Bowater is committed to complying withMinistry of the Environment (MOE) guide-lines for TRS and regulated limits for partic-ulate. Our air improvement program isdesigned to adhere to these criteria. In meet-ing these limits it is important to recognize

that nuisance odours will continue to be anaspect of our operation. There is no technol-ogy available today that will reduce theodour to below the levels of human detec-

tion. We do expect these occurrences to befar less frequent.Bowater is also currently participating in a

joint study with the Pulp and Paper ResearchInstitute of Canada (PAPRICAN) to assess thelevels of fine particulate matter in the ThunderBay community and the contribution to thatlevel from the mill. The Federal governmentis considering new limits for fine particulatein communities (from all sources) andBowater is voluntarily participating in theresearch leading up to that regulation.

Our Board and Partners

ECO-NEWS • EcoSuperior • 2

Board of DirectorsPresident – Dr. Ken Deacon

Treasurer – Bryan Heppler

Secretary – Darrell Matson

Directors – Dr. Antony Gillies, Kirk Ross,Jane Todd,Vicki Shannon, DonMurray, Holly Haggarty

Project Partners• City of Thunder Bay• Environment Canada• Thunder Bay District Health Unit• Thunder Bay Police• Ontario Ministry of the Environment• Great Lakes Sustainability Fund• Green Communities Association• Ontario Trillium Foundation

• Evergreen• Lakehead Catholic District School Board• École catholique Franco-Supérieur• Union Gas• Bowater• Ontario Power Generation• Quality Market• Belluz Farms• Zero Waste Action Team• ReCool Canada• Canadian Waste• Gardens North

Our Staff Ellen Mortfield, Team Manager Actively involved in the Don’t Burn Garbage campaign, Ellen is also putting togetherour new rural water conservation project Well Aware.

Heidi Smith, Team Manager In addition to coordinating our financial affairs, Heidi is currently working with com-munity partners to help schools participate in the province-wide Active and Safe Routesto School project.

Antoinette Bragnalo, Special Projects Coordinator Toni is now widely recognized as the personality in our television commercials, as wellas our star presenter at schools across the city. She is busy this month pulling togetherthe efforts of thousands of volunteers for the annual municipal clean up month in May.

Jim Bailey, Pollution Prevention Coordinator After a very successful residential fluorescent bulb recycling project in November, Jimis working on developing similar programs for other north shore communities. He willalso be helping the town of Marathon coordinate its first household hazardous wastecollection this spring.

Lucie Lavoie, Greenspaces Coordinator Lucie is making great strides in promoting green schoolyards in our community.

Another series of workshops is underway this spring and the response has been veryencouraging. She will also be coordinating volunteers to help plant our new interpretivegarden at the Central Natural Environment Gardens.

Brad Bida, Water Programs Coordinator Brad is heading to southern Ontario this April for additional training for the Well Awareproject. He is expecting a busy summer helping rural residents learn how to protect theirwater supply and septic systems.

Jane Oldale, Don’t Burn Garbage CampaignJane continues to pursue new ways to get the message out about the harmful effects of burning garbage. This summer, she’ll be targeting camping areas and campers associa-

tions, as well as additional north shore municipalities.

Janice HorgosIn addition to great progress on the cardboard recycling issue with downtown business-es, Janice is helping the Zero Waste Action Team tackle the issue of computer recycling.

Michelle Mckay A high school co-op student from Sir Winston Churchill, Michelle looks after customersin our resource centre and is helping us develop new brochures on alternative cleanersand pest control.

Tanya KamphermTanya will be joining us as our newest staff member. A graduate of the University of Guelph, she will be helping Brad deliver the Well Aware rural water program.

That’s a Wrap!When wrapping a baby gift, reuse anewspaper that contained the baby’sbirth announcement. Using a red feltmarker, circle the announcement andbe sure it’s placed in a visible spot onthe gift. The same could work forweddings, anniversaries, or birthdays.

Save the wax paper bags from your emptycereal boxes. They are just the right size and great for

storing pies in the freezer, just use tape to seal the open end.

A "stroke" of genius!Saving paint for reuse is a great way to ensure exact colour match-

es as well as lowering the cost of future home improve-ment projects. To ensure the storability of your oldpaint, try taping off the top edges of the can to prevent

paint from getting stuck in the grooves when you pourit out. A tight fitting lid goes a long way in protecting your

old paint.



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Since 1995, EcoSuperiorand the City of Thunder Bayhave been promoting the waterefficiency benefits of 6-litretoilets. Six litres is the stan-dard in the Ontario BuildingCode, but there have been per-formance problems with somemodels. In Australia, waterconservation is a far more seri-ous issue, and they have man-dated a dual flush 3L/6L toilet.These extremely efficient toi-

lets are now available inThunder Bay.The Caroma toilet works

extraordinarily well, on onlythree litres of water. Instead of the typical flush lever on theside of the tank, it has two but-tons on the tank lid. Press thesmall button and you get a 3-litre flush; press the large but-ton, and 6 litres of water arereleased.

Kathy Walkinshaw is aCity of Thunder Bay employ-

ee, who had a Caromainstalled this winter to helpreduce water consumption inher rural home. "We’re on awell, and we have to do every-thing we can to watch howmuch water we use," says

Kathy. “This toilet is fantas-tic—we’re using even lesswater, and it never has anyclogging problems.”

“Ninety five percent of thetime, the 3-litre flush is all youneed,” says Larry Craig of Craig Plumbing. “But forlarge amounts of solid waste,the 6-litre flush is there if itsneeded.”

Larry demonstrated thetoilet to us by flushing down a

bucketful of golf balls. Thetoilet is designed with anextremely large 4-inch trap,double the size of most toiletsin Canada. Its adjustable outletconnector simplifies installa-tion, with no bolts required. Itflushes with a “wash-down”action, instead of the siphonicaction of standard toilets. Thetoilet is a smooth, contempo-rary design available in whiteor bone, CSA approved with alifetime warranty on parts.

Of course, there is a priceto pay for efficiency—theCaroma currently retails forabout $378.00. But for reliableoperation and substantialwater savings, it may be theloo you’ve been looking for.

A core group of Native women in Thunder Bay is organizing the 1st Annual Women’s Water Walk 2003. This walk with thewater will begin April 18th, 2003 on the west side of Lake Superior and end at the same place in June. It is anticipated thatchallenges will be made by other Native women living around the other Great Lakes. Native women from all areas are encour-aged to walk with the group.

They are walking to raise awareness about the

importance of keeping our waters clean. "We arecommitted to do this walk for the protection of ourwaters and ensure the everlasting use of the water byour children, our grandchildren and the next genera-tions," says Josephine Mandamin, of the OntarioNative Women’s Association.

Along the way, the group will be handing outinformation about pollution prevention issues andways in which all people can participate in protectinga safe water supply. EcoSuperior will be providingmaterials to help inform people about mercury anddioxin contamination.

For further information, contact Josephine Mandaminat 807/625-8564 or email [email protected]

"We live on a farm with a well so conserving water isn't optional at our house, it's a fact of life," says Kathy Walkinshaw. "We purchased the

Caroma last December and have been really pleased with it. It uses only3 litres of water per flush!"

Native women from both sides of the border will join together to walk

around Lake Superior to bring attention to the urgent need to protect this valuable resource.

A Hi-Tech Toilet from Down Under

Women’s Water Walk

1263 Amber Drive

Phone: 345-1137

Available at:

The low flush toilet that gets the job done.

Tasman 2703 litre or 6 litre flush

high performance toilet

CAROMA TOILET

3 Ltr. 6 Ltr.

ComingEvents…Please call our office for specific dates anddetails, or you can check our website atwww.ecosuperior.com

AprilApril 4, 5, and 6

Booth at Yard ‘n Garden ShowApril 10

Naturalization Workshop– Greening Schoolyards, from 7pm to10 pm at Health Unit auditorium

April 21Composter Sales begin ($15)

April 24

Naturalization Workshop– Creating a Landscape Plan, from 7pm to10 pm at Health Unit auditorium

April 26Community Green Energy Committeebooth at Intercity Mall

April 28Rainbarrel Sales begin

May Spring Up to Clean Up Month

May 1Household Hazardous Waste depot opens

May 6, 7, and 8Presentations to Early Years Centres

May 8Naturalization Workshop – Working withVolunteers

May 8, 9, 10Trade Show booth

May 31Wild Flower Sale

JuneVolunteer work days at Central NaturalEnvironment Gardens



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EcoSuperior, along with the Thunder Bay District Health Unit, Thunder Bay Police and CityTraffic Division is offering this unique program to promote safety, physical activity, and envi-

ronmentally sustainable transportation for the journey to and from school, helping communi-ties understand and respond to transportation problems.

Here are a few examples of the ways your school community can participate:

International Walk to School Day An annual day (IWALK) for schools to focus on getting children to and from school. Occursearly in October (this year Wednesday, October 8th) providing a perfect opportunity to start anASRTS program. Register on-line at www.greenestcity.org today!

Neighbourhood Walkabout Parents, school staff, traffic engineers, police and school nurses conduct a site tour to ensurethe routes to school are safe.

Walking Wednesday One day a month for everyone to walk to school. Classes can have friendly competitions toencourage walking such as the "golden shoe award" for the class with the highest participation.

Walking BuddiesA great way to promote a safe and healthy activity as older students walk to school withyounger ones. Students are able to demonstrate their responsibility by looking out for eachother.

Walking School BusesVolunteer parents who live on the same block or in the same building walk children to and fromschool. Social networks develop as trust builds, creating an opportunity for volunteers to taketurns and save time.

No Idling at SchoolThis pollution prevention strategy encourages parents and other motorists to turn off theirengines while waiting, resulting in improved air quality in school neighbourhoods.

Blazing TrailsA classroom mapping tool designed to help children in Grades 4 through 6 get to know theirneighbourhood better through geography and mapping exercise.

For more information on Active and Safe Routes or to arrange a 15 minute presentation to yourschool council or parent/teacher group please call Heidi Smith at EcoSuperior, 624-2140, orLori Molendyk at the Health Unit, 625-7997.

Each year for the past seven yearsEcoSuperior has been a part of the Spring-

Up to Clean-Up campaign. Throughout themonth of May, various community groups,schools, businesses, individuals and sport-ing teams work together for a common goal— to help keep Thunder Bay clean andbeautiful. "It’s important for us as organiz-ers of the event to get involved in cleaningan area that we’ve noticed to contain a lot of litter and debris." says Antoinette Bragnalo,Special Projects Coordinator withEcoSuperior. We are proud to work along-side many other community groups likeEnvironment Committees, Scouts Canada,Neighbourhood Police groups, the BIAs, the School Boards and so many more.

Assistance, in the form of clean up kits and help with waste disposal, is offered to all groupswishing to participate. Each kit contains garbage bags, recycling bags, gloves, and prizes.Prizes vary for the type of group. Schools receive an environmental book for their schoollibrary; Scouts and Guides earn special clean up badges; and all other groups receive drawprizes to raffle off after their individual clean up. All groups also receive public recognition fortheir efforts.

No group is too big or too small, whether you’re an individual wanting to pick up litteralong your current walking route, or a group of 300 ready to tackle a large green space— wewant to hear from you! For an information package please call 624-2140 or register online atwww.ecosuperior.com.

Recent news stories told the tale of a seventh grade student in the U.S. who wondered whythe FDA had not studied the effect of microwave cooking on plastic wrap. She learned thatdi(ethylhexyl) adepate (DEHA), considered a carcinogen, is found in plastic wrap. She won-dered if cancer-causing particles could seep into food covered with household plastic wrapwhile being in the microwave.

Her question turned into a major science fair project. Her experiments involved heatingolive oil with the plastic wrap. Working with a scientist at the National Centre for ToxicologicalResearch in Jefferson, Arkansas, she tested four different plastic wraps and "found not just thecarcinogens but also xenoestrogen was migrating [into the food]...."

Xenoestrogens are linked to low sperm counts in men and to breast cancer in women.Throughout her junior and senior years, Claire made a couple of trips each week to the researchcenter, which was 25 miles from her home, to work on her experiment. An article in Optionsreported that "her analysis found that DEHA was migrating into the oil at between 200 partsand 500 parts per million. The FDA standard is 0.05 parts per billion." Her summarized results

have been published in science journals. Claire Nelson received the American ChemicalSociety's top science prize for students during her junior year and fourth place at theInternational Science and Engineering Fair (Fort Worth, Texas) as a senior.

Plastic wrap manufacturers suggest that their product is safe in the microwave as long as itdoes not touch the food during heating. However, there are simple alternatives to help you avoidany question of risk.

• To cover food for heating, use a plate, a glass or pyrex lid.

• Avoid heating any food in any plastic container. You may want to use plastic containers forrefrigerator storage, but transfer foods to a plate or bowl before heating.

• Keep a bowl or plate at work or at school for reheating your lunch, or send a stainless steellined thermos with hot food.

• Never heat baby food or formula in plastic bottles or dishes

Active and Safe Routesto School (ASRTS)

Plastic Wrap in the Microwave

Spring upto Clean Up

EcoSuperior staff from left to right: Jim Bailey, Lucie Lavoie, Antoinette Bragnalo, Seanna Rossi, Ellen Mortfield, Brad Bida, and HeidiSmith, cleaning up the Miles Street neighbour-hood around our office.

See The Light In this case, two aren’t better than one.

It is more energy efficient to use one large bulb as opposed to sev-eral small ones. A 100-watt light bulb gives off the same amount of lightat six 25-watt light bulbs, and only uses 2/3 the power.

Let’s shed a little light on the situation.

Keeping your bulbs dust free can provide your rooms with more light. Dusty bulbs canrestrict as much as half the light they are meant to output.




Kyoto at Home What’s for Sale?

Household Products Major Pollutant Source

Our nation has ratified the Kyoto Accord toreduce greenhouse gases, but what does this

mean to us as individuals? How can we each doour share of the necessary reductions? TheDavid Suzuki Foundation’s 10 Step NatureChallenge provides simple ideas to protect ourenvironment. Choose a few items from this listto accomplish this year.

• Find ways to reduce your home heating andelectricity bills by 10% this year.

• Make energy-efficient major purchases.Check to see if appliances are Energy Starapproved, and homes meet R-2000 stan-dards.

• Replace chemical pesticides on your lawn,garden and houseplants with non-toxic alter-natives.

• Choose at least one day a week to eat meat-free meals in your household.

• Prepare your meals with food from local

farmers & producers for one month thisyear.

• Check the Canadian government’s AutoSmart ratings for the next car you purchaseto make sure it’s fuel-efficient and low-pol-luting.

• Walk, bike, car-pool or use transit to get toone of your regular destinations each week.

• If you are moving, choose a home within a30-minute bike, walk or transit ride fromyour daily destinations.

• Support alternatives to the car. Contact yourlocal media or government,urging improved

public transit and bike paths.• Learn more about conserving nature and

share what you’ve learned with family andfriends.

For more information about these ideas, pleasedownload the Nature Challenge Green Guideavailable at www.davidsuzuki.org

Many of the products used daily in homesacross the country are becoming a major con-tributor to smog and poor air quality. Studiesare now showing that cleansers, hair spray,room fresheners, nail polish and detergentsare a bigger contributor to air pollution than

previously thought.In California, the Air Resources Board

recently released figures showing consumerproducts second only to vehicle emissions asa major source of smog.

They ranked the following sources bytons of hydrocarbons emitted daily in south-ern California:

178 – cars and light trucks108 – consumer products48 – industrial paints & coatings43 – off-road equipment

36 - recreational boats28 – commercial paints and coatings22 – petroleum marketing

That means that on a typical day in south-ern California, about 108 tons of smog-form-

ing fumes are released from products used byhomeowners. In Thunder Bay, no doubt weuse less hairspray than people in LosAngeles, but nevertheless, it’s important torealize the considerable impact such productsare causing.

And even before these chemicals escapeinto the environment, what are they doing tothe indoor air quality at home? Because of heavy marketing, people have come to acceptstrongly scented products as clean andhealthy, not realizing that what we are inhal-ing are often powerful propellants and toxicsolvents. The products may be used in smallamounts, but in millions of households,thereby adding up to a big problem.

Controlling such substances through leg-islation will not be easy, because of the bil-lions of dollars worth of sales for major man-

ufacturers at stake. It is up to us as consumersto be more selective in the products we buy,and the care we take in using them. Ask your-self—do I really need this product? Do Iknow what ingredients it includes? Is there anon-toxic way of achieving the same result?

MOD SHOPS(A recycling member of our community)

Your Donations Divert Tons of Reusable Items From Our Landfill Site and help us assist adults with physical disabilities in Thunder BayWE ARE DOING CURBSIDE - Just fill a clear or blue bag with clothing and put it at curbside on your regular recycling day.

Items we accept include:Furniture • Quality Used Clothing,

Books, Toys, Housewares,

Small Working Appliances (TV’s, VCR’s, Stereos)

No Large Appliances

Our Bin Locations:697 Red River Road (N. Mod Shop)

237 Camelot Street

Kakabeka Esso

Behind the Brick

Drop Off Donations at:235 Simpson Street or at Mod Shop,

140 South Syndicate Avenue

For Fast Free Pickup of

Large Items, Please Call623-3481

Monday to Friday

Many consumer products not only affect human health and indoor air quality, but are alsoa major source of air pollution and smog.

EcoSuperior will be offering several differ-ent products for sale at our resource centre

this spring. Drop into 212 Miles Street Eastto check out the following items. We areopen weekdays from 8:30 to 4:30

Blue BagsGet set for a year’s worth of recycling withrolls of 50 clear blue bags for just $10. Nopackaging—ready to use!

Aimer’s Organic SeedsStart growing your own with a full line of vegetable, herb and wildflower seeds, allfrom certified organic growers. While you’rehere, browse through our library for moreinformation on organic gardening.

Pesticide Free Naturally KitsFor just two dollars, you get a folder full of information on organic lawn care, alterna-tive pest controls and much more.

The Chemical Free YardA helpful booklet with information on how

to maintain your yard and garden withoutthe use of pesticides or chemical fertilizers.Just $2.00

CompostersThe Earth Machine composter is available tocity residents for just $15. We can also helpyou out with advice on any compostingquestions or problems.

Rain BarrelsWe will be expecting a shipment of

RainSaver 4000 rain barrels at the end of April. These will be available to ThunderBay residents with a current water accountfor approximately $35.

C M



Y K


A survey conducted in rural Ontarioshows that 25% of country homeownersburn their garbage. Many of these folksaren’t aware that their actions are con-tributing to a serious environmentalhealth hazard. Burning garbage,even junk mail and cardboard,releases dioxins into the atmos-phere. These toxic chemicals conta-minate vegetation and become incor-porated into the food chain. When weeat (especially meat, fish, and dairy prod-ucts) we accumulate dioxins in our bodies.

Exposure to dioxins is associated with manyhealth concerns, including cancers and

immune disorders.Over the winter EcoSuperior

has been working to deliver themessage "If you’re burninggarbage, you’re making poison".Perhaps you have seen or heardour message. We have been run-

ning an ad campaign on radio andTV. The logo printed here was devel-

oped to be a part of our messages.In the surrounding townships we have met

with municipal leaders and discussed theissue with councillors. Several townshipsincluded our information leaflet on burninghousehold garbage in their property tax bills.Our message has been distributed in manyrural newsletters as well. We would like tothank the townships that have included ourleaflet in their bills or an article in theirnewsletters. Shuniah, Neebing, Gillies,O’Connor, and Paipoonge have participatedand some additional North Shore communi-ties will be involved later in the year.

Over the next season we will continue our

outreach campaign. We will be lettingcampers know that burning garbage in thecampfire or in the woodstove at the cabin isnot a good idea. We will be working withparks in the region, campers associations, andwoodstove retailers.

If you would like us to come and speak toyour group about the hazards of burninggarbage and waste reduction alternativesplease call our office. We welcome the oppor-tunity to speak with campers associations,campground hosts, Scouts and Guides or anyother group. Call Ellen or Jane at 624-2140.

Burning Garbage Campaign Continues

The Zero Waste Action Team (ZWAT)The ZERO WASTE ACTION TEAM

(ZWAT) includes representatives of business,industry, institutions and organizations whohave worked together since 1992 to divert thou-sands of tonnes of waste from landfill.

ZWAT provides presentations for the IC&ISector and community organizations to pro-mote the principles of "reduce, reuse and recy-cle" in daily business activities and assistancein setting up recycling programs.

The Team is presently working with theSimpson Street Business ImprovementAssociation and the City of Thunder Bay to

increase cardboard recycling.

Members are also developing a computerrecycling program in response to a growingproblem with used and discarded informationtechnology equipment. This waste includeslead, cadmium, mercury and polyvinyl chlo-rides, that are a danger to health and the envi-ronment if not handled properly. Precious met-als such as copper and gold need to be recov-ered properly to optimize their values.

ZWAT is also planning an educational ini-tiative to promote the environmental and eco-nomic benefits of recycling construction/demo-lition materials. 30 % of the 1.8 million tonnes

of Ontario’s solid waste stream is comprised of construction/demolition materials from pro-

jects of all sizes. Ontario 3Rs Regulationsrequire that any person undertaking a con-struction/demolition project of at least 2000square metres must conduct a waste audit,and prepare and implement a written wastereduction work plan.

Demolition and construction costs couldbe reduced through the recycling of materials

such as wood, bricks, windows, doors, steel

and structural elements, washroom fixturesand electrical and mechanical equipment.Other benefits include the diversion of haz-ardous materials from landfill, preservingresources for future generations and minimiz-ing pollution.

The following is a list of members of ZWAT for the year 2002/2003:

Lynn Duffield, Chairperson, Bowater

Diane Mills,Vice-Chairperson, Habitat for Humanity

Bill Deadman, Treasurer, Dynea

Rick Latta, City of Thunder Bay

Jim Bailey, EcoSuperior

Lisa Beckwick, Fast Forward Thunder Bay

Toni Bragnalo, EcoSuperior

Lenore Buzzi, Dawson Court

Robert McCallum, Pioneer Ridge

Randy Mehagan, Thunder Bay Regional Hospital

Don Murray, Bowater

Jim Squier, Lakehead University

Gordon Holroyd, Grandview Lodge

Tina Gibson, Raisio Chemicals

Jane Todd, Ontario Power Generation, T.B.G.S

Ian Peter, Thunder Bay HydroRobert Clark, Norampac,

Kenneth Simi, DST Engineering

Dean Hayes, Global RnD

Michael Dorval Confederation College

Cynthia Rojik, Bombardier

Kerri Bernardi, Smurfit-Stone

Adrian Andreacchi, Wardrop Eng.

Kim Brown, Abitibi Consolidated, Ft. Wm Div.

Jane Oldale, PARO

Tracey Kotyk, Thunder Bay Telephone

Honorary Members: Ruth Merkely and Tiina Ahokas

Ministry of the Environment Advisor: Wim Smits

Members of the industrial, commercialand institutional sector and community orga-nizations are welcome to attend one of ZWAT’s bi-monthly meetings. Meeting min-utes and agendas are pos ted at www.zwat.org.If you are interested in learning more aboutZWAT please contact Janice Horgos,Administrative Assistant at 627-2686 or [email protected]

Fluorescent Light RecyclingIn November 2002, EcoSuperior and Ontario Power Generationoffered a pilot project to collect residential fluorescent lights for recy-cling. We asked homeowners to bring their 4-foot light tubes to a collec-tion area at our office. The one-month project was a tremendous success,sparking discussions for long-term collection depots not only in ThunderBay but in additional north shore communities.

In that one-month period, we collected approximately 2000 4-footfluorescent tubes. The bulbs were securely packaged and shipped byArnone Trucking to FLR Inc. an MOE approved recycler in Ayr, Ontario.

Costs for recycling fluorescent lights are substantial. The charge forrecycling is 12 cents per lineal foot, or 48 cents per standard 4-foot bulb.Transportation costs to the recycler are additional. All useable parts,including glass and end caps, are separated for recycling. The mercurycontained in the lamps is recovered for re-use.

Fluorescent lamps are an extremely efficient lighting medium, usingless electricity than incandescent lamps. Because they use less power,their use also results in fewer emissions of smog-causing gases, green-house gases and mercury from fossil-fueled electric power plants.

A standard fluorescent light tube contains from 10 – 40 milligrams of mercury, depending on its age, with newer bulbs at the low end. It maynot seem like a large amount, until you consider the fact that Canada andthe U.S. dispose of at least 600 million fluorescent light tubes annually.In Canada, it is estimated that waste lamps, whether broken or intact,contribute about 1150 kg of mercury to landfill sites each year.

EcoSuperior, in conjunction with the Zero Waste Action Team, has

been facilitating fluorescent light recycling programs with large volumegenerators including Bombardier, Bowater, Abitibi-Price, LakeheadUniversity, Marathon Pulp and North American Palladium for a fewyears. Working together to increase cost efficiency, the companies arerecycling thousands of lights annually.

Watch our website and your local news to find out about new optionsfor recycling. In the meantime, please keep old fluorescent tubes safelypackaged to prevent breakage and do not send them to the landfill.

CONSULTINGENGINEERS

CONCEPTthroughCONSTRUCTION

• Feasibility/Servicing Studies• Capital Planning Studies• Municipal Water Supply

• Sewage Treatment• Environmental Assessment• Building Condition Surveys

• Trenchless Sewer and Water• Power Generation/Electrification

• Infrastructure Design/Rehabilitation• Stormwater Management

• Land Development• Roads & Drainage

• Loss Investigation Reports• Bulk Fuel Storage

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THUNDER BAY, Ontario P7B 6C3

Phone: 345-3209

Fax: 345-2780

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email: [email protected]



Dawn Talarico, a third-year student at Confederation College in Environmental EngineeringTechnology, is putting her education to work in a special Earth Day project. With help fromEcoSuperior staff, she has organized a household battery collection for the staff and students of the college. The Battery Roundup will take place from April 21 – 25, when staff and studentswill be encouraged to bring in their dead batteries for safe disposal. Great work, Dawn!

An organization called Earth Day Canadahas developed a unique program to help peo-ple gain the practical skills necessary toreduce personal impact on the environment.It’s called EcoAction Teams.

An EcoAction Team consists of up to ten

households. The team will get together formeetings at least 4 – 6 times over a six-monthperiod. Teams will be provided with EcoActionmanuals including activities, facts and do-it-yourself initiatives on the following topics:• Reducing household waste• Becoming more energy efficient• Sustainable food and garden habits• Reducing water use• Becoming "green" consumers

Each household will track their activitiesand progress on the project web-site atwww.ecoactionteams.ca

In our region,Health Communities anima-tor Paul Filteau is coordinating the project. Hewill be facilitating three teams to date, includ-

ing the Tahwesin Housing Co-op, the EarFalls 2000 group and a team to be announcedin Red Lake.

"It’s an interesting approach," says Paul."It will be exciting to see how the projectunfolds among the different teams."

If you think you might like to be a part of an EcoAction Team, you can get more detailson the website listed above, or contact Paul at683-3632.


1. When is the last time you changed yourfurnace filter?

❑ A. Last month❑ B. Last year❑ C. Don’t know❑ D. Am I supposed to change it?

2. Do you have a thermostat,and if so, is it…

❑ A. Programable –automatically reducestemperature at night or when you’renot home.

❑ B. Programable—but I don’t have it set

to reduce temperature❑ C. Non-programable—we change the

temperature as needed.

3. Have you noticed any of the followingproblems in your home?

❑ A. No problems❑ B. Drafty windows, cold floors, or

rooms that are always cold

❑ C. Excessive dust, mold, other allergenscausing problems

❑ D. Moisture on the windows, mildew,damp basement

❑ E. Two or more of the above

4. Have you added extra insulation toyour attic?

❑ A. Yes

❑ B.No

5. Is your home’s air conditioner morethan 10 years old?

❑ A. Don’t have an air conditioner❑ B.No❑ C. Yes❑ D. Don’t know

6. The average household spends about$1500/year on energy bills. Do you…

❑ A. Spend less

❑ B. Spend the same

❑ C. Spend more

7. At any given time, how many lights areon in your home?

❑A. One to four❑ B. Five or six

❑ C. Seven or more

8. How many lightbulbs in your homeare compactfluorescents?

❑ A. 75% or more

❑ B. About half

❑ C. 25 to 50%

❑ D. Fluorescentsare just for

offices

9. How oldis your

refrigerator?❑ A. About one

year old❑ B. Two to five

years old❑ C. Five to ten years old❑ D. No idea—it came with the place

10. Place a $5 or $10 dollar bill in yourrefrigerator door and close it on oneend of the bill. Now try to pull it out.What happens?

❑ A. It won’t give back your dollar

❑ B. It puts up a fight but pulls free

❑ C. Slips right out.

11. Does your dishwasher have any energyefficient options such as no-heat drying?

❑ A. Yes❑ B. I wash dishes by hand❑ C.No

12. Do you have any double paned or

energy-efficient windows in your home,and if so, how many?

❑ A. 75% or more

❑ B. 25% to 50%❑ C. Less than 25%❑ D.None

If you checked mostly A’s, you are doing yourpart to conserve energy. Remember, if you’rerenovating or buying new appliances, look forproducts and systems that will reduce yourenergy consumption even more.

If you scored mostly B’s and A’s, you’re doingokay. Now is a good time to do a little researchto find more ways to reduce your energy bills.

If you checked mostly C’s, D’s and E’s, askEcoSuperior for some help! Our resource cen-ter offers some useful publications such asCMHC’s Keeping the Heat In and the 2003EnerGuide Appliance directory.

Is Your Home anEnergy Hog?

EcoAction Teams

College Student Collects Batteries

email: [email protected] www.sunwindwater.com

solar.wind.Micro-Hydro

Ph/Fax: (807) 964-2050RR#3, Thunder Bay, Ont.

Locally owned and operated since 1994

Toll Free1-888-SUN WIND

(786-9463)

Alternate Energy

Frank’s

Alternate EnergySun / Wind / Water

Specializing in...Custom Design & Professional Installation of

“Off-the-Grid” Solar and Wind Electric Systems,

Experienced Troubleshooting, Personalized Service

Cool it!Choose to wash your

clothes in cold water.When you reduceyour hot water use,you save energy!

TheCover-UpClose binds and drapes over the summermonths to keep the heat from sunshinerays out. This will help to lessen the

need for air conditioning.




Habitat for Humanity

ReStore

660 Squier Street (off Central Ave. btwn Memorial & Balmoral) Mon. to Sat. 9-5

SHOPFind quality, new &

used building supplies at

bargain prices and

support our local home

building projects

DONATEWindows, doors, light

fixtures, plumbing,

electrical supplies, lumber,

cupboards - all things

Too good to waste

VOLUNTEERFriendly, energetic, self-

starters are always needed

to help with pick-ups,

repairs, cleaning, pricing

and Customer service

Time to Renovate? Call our friendly, efficient Salvage Crew to remove yourold kitchen and bathroom fixtures. They will leave the space ready for your new

installation. Ask about a tax receipt for your donation. Call 346-4884 today!

If you’ve been storing old paints, medicines, batteries and pesticides over the long winter,you’ll soon be able to clear some room in the garage or basement. The City of Thunder BayHousehold Special Waste Depot opens for the season on May 1. To handle the extra traffic dur-

ing municipal clean up month, the depot will be open every day from May 1 to 11. Afterwards,the depot is open Saturdays only, right through till October. The depot is located at the JohnStreet Landfill Site. Turn right before the weigh scales—there is no fee to use the depot.

Special Waste Depot Opens May 1

Schoolyard Greening

Workshop Series Workshop #1 – Greening Schoolyards: Getting StartedThursday, April 10 Time: 7 - 10 p.m.

Workshop #2 – Creating a Landscape PlanThursday, April 24 Time: 7 - 10 p.m.

Workshop #3 – Working with VolunteersThursday, May 8 Time: 7 - 10 p.m.

Location: Thunder Bay District Health Unit Auditorium - 999 Balmoral St.Pre-register for FREE workshops by calling EcoSuperior at 624-2140.

Toilet Rebates Still AvailableCity of Thunder Bay residents with a current water account in good standing can apply for

a $125 rebate when they replace an old 13 – 20 litre toilet with a new water saving 6-litremodel.

The toilet may be purchased from any source, as long as it is a CSA-approved 6-litre toi-let. Installation must be done by a participating licensed plumber—call our office for a list, orcheck www.ecosuperior.com

You must contact the EcoSuperior office for an application form and to confirm eligibili-ty. Once the toilet has been installed, the application form and copies of receipts for the pur-chase and installation must be returned to our office. We will process a $125 credit on yourwater account. You may replace up to two toilets for a total credit of $250.

In addition to the rebate, you will notice a decrease in your water bills—savings that youwill continue to enjoy for years to come.

Documents

Spring 2003 Eco Newsletter, EcoSuperior