The Town of Banff launched the Zero Waste Trail campaign to help restaurants, hotels and other organizations reduce the amount of waste going to landfill.
“Banff strives to be a model environmental community, where everything we do is guided by a goal to preserve and protect this special place,” said Banff Mayor Karen Sorensen. “Today, we are starting a hike down the Zero Waste Trail – a journey to eliminate all waste going to landfill by 2050.”
At least 65% of Banff’s waste going to landfill comes from the commercial sector, and almost 50% of that waste is food. The Town of Banff is taking big steps to increase the food waste being diverted for composting. But restaurants, hotels and large organizations must step up to reach our community’s goal to eliminate all waste going to landfill by 2050.
“That’s why our first steps on the Zero Waste Trail are dedicated businesses in Banff,” said Sorensen. “To reach our milestone of 70% waste diversion by 2028, we need to divert 1,500 metric tonnes of food waste going to landfill, every year.”
“That equates to approximately 166,666 full garbage bags annually. That’s enough to fill 21 NHL size hockey rinks every year. Or imagine the entire of Central park covered in bags full of food waste piled six bags high – half way up the gazebo. That’s how much garbage we have to stop going to landfill – every year.”
The program invites Banff businesses to sign up at BanffZeroWasteTrail.ca to receive assistance in cutting food waste. Support includes a free assessment of waste systems and staff processes, free follow-up solutions report with tips on diverting more waste, cost saving ideas, tools to communicate with staff, system set-up information and waste receptacle recommendations, free kitchen signage, system set-up guides and advice from top-performing businesses in our community.
The program also facilitates opportunities for businesses to provide input to the Town of Banff to improve policies and waste services.
“We believe that everyone has a role to play in reducing waste and protecting our environment. Zero Waste Banff is a program that empowers individuals and organizations to help eliminate garbage going to landfill by the year 2050,” said Carla Bitz, Environmental Coordinator for the Town of Banff.
At the launch, Banff businesses were invited to commit to joining the journey on the Zero Waste Trail by registering at https://www.banffzerowastetrail.ca.