THUNDER BAY, ON - October 16 2008 - This year’s Waste Reduction Week will be celebrated by communities across Canada from October 19-25.  The Zero Waste Action Team of Thunder Bay, the City of Thunder Bay’s Transportation and Works Dept. and EcoSuperior are co-ordinating their efforts to promote waste reduction and diversion in our community throughout Waste Reduction Week. 

Zero Waste Action Team members and partners are holding a Waste Reduction and Recycling Information Fair at Intercity Shopping Centre on Saturday, October 18 from 9:30 am until 6 pm in the Promotions Area. Participants include Confederation College’s Environmental Technician Students, EarthWise Thunder Bay, EcoSuperior, Pack Pros Plus, Recool and the ZWATeam. Anyone dropping by the Pack Pros Plus display can submit a ballot for a $50.00 Intercity Shopping Gift Card.  In addition to providing tips on waste reduction, questions about which materials can be recycled locally and what happens to them after they are collected will be answered!

More than 55 million plastic shopping bags are taken home each year in Thunder Bay; most of them end up as unsightly litter or in landfill. The Province has targeted a 50% reduction in Ontarians use of plastic shopping bags by 2012. As part of its ongoing efforts to reduce and divert waste, the Intercity Shopping Centre is encouraging customers to “Bring Your Own Bag” during Waste Reduction Week and every week!

The Zero Waste Action Team is made up of forty members of the Industrial, Commercial and Institutional Sector, community organizations, citizens and advisors working together since 1992 to eliminate waste, manage resources and promote local jobs and economic self sufficiency. More information about the ZWATeam and Zero Waste is available at www.zwat.org

More information about local Waste Reduction Week activities is available at www.ecosuperior.org