With better management of organic and recyclable waste, we will find we do not have to put trash out as often because odors and volume are greatly decreased. As a fiscal incentive, many garbage collection companies offer discounts to homes with reduced waste.

We can also help waste management industry run more efficiently. For instance, when only full garbage bags and Blue or Green boxes are put out on curb, garbage truck does not have to stop as often and burn fossil fuels inefficiently while idling. (Incidentally, vehicle idling is responsible for 3% of air pollution problem.) Similarly, by collapsing boxes before recycling we are ensuring that space is used more efficiently, thereby reducing number of bins needed for transporting materials.

Recycling, alone, has a huge impact on environment. A study of a 100-unit apartment building practicing maximum recycling found it would save 21.93 thirty-foot trees, 26.86 cubic yards of landfill space, 8,389 kilowatts of electricity, and 77.4 pounds of air pollution in just one year!

So you see, these seemingly small choices and efforts towards waste management really do make a difference.

By encouraging volunteers to register on website, (www.pitch-in.ca) organization can keep track of results their efforts are making in communities. Participants are offered many free aides such as clean up equipment, safety tips, project ideas and education materials on website. Free gifts from t-shirts, coloring books and posters are also offered to members and volunteers in program.

If you are interested in spending a few hours to make a big difference on environment, improve conditions for wildlife and reduce injury to animals and residents, please contact organizers at register@pitch-in.ca or pitch-in@pitch-in.ca