TalkGreenToUs.ca - Goal #5

A vision this bold cannot be realized alone. That's why the city is inviting you to talk green to them.

Share your ideas for making Vancouver the greenest city in the world. Help them make the critical choices. Help them prioritize between blue-sky visions and immediate opportunities. This is your city – make it better. Between now and October 7, add your voice to this life-changing conversation. Share your ideas or vote on the ones you like.

The City of Vancouver has ten greenest city goals. Learn about all ten, and tell them how you think they can best be achieved at www.talkgreentous.ca.

Imagine 2020. In just ten years, Vancouver will be the greenest city in the world.

GOAL #5: Zero Waste

Reduce solid waste going to landfill or incineration by 40%

Regionally about 55 per cent of solid waste is diverted from disposal, and on Earth Day, April 22, 2010, the City launched a food scraps recycling program. Unfortunately, this is not enough. Metro Vancouver citizens produce more than four kilograms of waste per person every single day of the year when all types of solid waste are considered.

Waste reduction and recycling conserves valuable resources, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and contributes to a green economy. Managing solid waste materials that require disposal is costly and results in environmental consequences.

CHALLENGES:

No city can achieve zero waste on its own. The goal requires changes in the economy, government policy, business practices, and individual behaviour, which we can influence only indirectly. To reduce waste from being produced in the first place, and divert as much as possible away from disposal, the City of Vancouver works with Metro Vancouver to carry out the regional Solid Waste Management Plan.

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