Initials in pen and ink

doodle

Burn or recycle

Garbage is an issue. Since long ago, when we lived in Edmonton, where there were (and still are great strides being made) pioneering efforts in recycling and refuse, our family has done quite well at the three Rs. "We recycle", a popular standard statement when speaking of ecological things, has never been good enough in our household. "How can we reduce MORE?" is where we come from.

Now, we live in a rural area, where, I can honestly say it's an even bigger challenge. We drive our garbage to the local dump (emissions), where it's hauled off, miles away (more emissions) to a landfill in another county that, according to provincial laws, paid to have their landfill lined. Our county decided to not pay for this upgrade to our landfill, but use the site as a drop-off.

So, our solutions have been to:
~Reduce in the first place. Buy bulk where we can, plan trips and lists carefully, reuse containers and other materials.
~find the best recycle depot (allows most types of plastic), which is miles away, but enroute to Edmonton, where my family is.
~Use our burn barrel for non-toxic paper items
~compost
~worm compost
~chickens get some kitchen waste

Today, because Saturdays' chores include a run to the dump if needed (mostly by Randy), we assessed our garbage situation. The conversation began because there's been a fire ban on, and the basket from under our sink would overflow the burn barrel. We've been dumping the paper in but not lighting it. So, what to do with the excess paper? I had mentioned that we have some empty boxes in the milk house that we could use to store the paper 'til the fire ban is lifted. Randy posed a question that I have been mulling over for some time. Which is better, burning paper and cardboard or taking them to recycle? I have always chosen burning over recycle, simply because of the long-term (and distance) effects. Of course, within this conversation, WHICH cardboards are ok, and which aren't came up too. There are many manufacturers that put crazy chemicals into their packaging. We take questionable items to recycle or dump.

Randy's newfound interest in these topics is very cool. 1, it puts me in my place, asking questions again, rather than assuming I've got it right, just because I made the decision a long time ago, and 2, his organized mind will help get and keep the garbage issue in order.

Because we were speaking of all the different methods of RR and R, I asked another question: How many garbage cans of garbage do we use a week? His estimate is 1. That's 4 a month for a family of 4. Or, if you look at it another way, one garbage can full of garbage a month per person. I have mixed feelings about this. I'm going to guess that, since I am a frugal, eco-minded shopper and waste manager, this is most likely low. I feel good about that. My eco-mindedness says we're not done. Why not throw the 1/2 rule at the garbage? MMMM. challenges. I love 'em!

BTW, the garbage cans have been considerably lighter, lately, says Randy. He thinks it's because we're not buying quite so many pre-fabbed, over-packaged and expensive foods.

Upon further inspection, the fire ban has been lifted, and we've commenced the burn.

camping (together!!!!)

Saturday mornings are a conversational time. Usually, I sacrifice awake time (with great effort) so that Randy may spend quality time with self to think out the day's plans. Really. It would be futile for me to be up, sorting thru chores with him, he's a going concern for gettin' things done and I'd only be adding frustration to his already incredible whirl-wind mind. So, I sleep well past his 6 am bounce out of bed. Today at 8 am with a cuppa (found a new fair trade organic coffee I think we both like), we opened the windows to a fresh after-rain smell and chatted.

The first order of business was camping. I'm delighted to say that Randy's changed his mind, that he can both come to the folkfest (Edmonton 4 day concert with many family members) AND to drive with me to the permaculture course close to Nelson, BC. Last week, I had received the standard "must work..." answer to my invitation that we take a well deserved trip together. I had thought since then that I would be making my way alone, not what I'd call a fun trip. Today, I was gifted his change of heart. "What? Am I going to spend my whole life working?". *Grins*. Atta boy.

Here's the plan: drive south of Pigeon Lake (home), thru Calgary, Fort MacLeod, Pincher Creek (where we'd like to entertain the though of moving one day, and so will camp the night) over the Crow's Nest Pass, thru Cranbrook, Creston and up to Nelson for a night then he can drop the trailer, my bike and me off @ Winlaw. He'll come back for me two weeks later to do the whole thing backward.

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signs of spring

Garden being planted.
Der Dandelions are bloomen.
Plum trees all a-blossom.