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By Liam Verster

ReTHINK Waste

Nearly $50k in grants supporting local waste reduction projects

Jan 3, 2024 | 11:00 AM

The Regional District of North Okanagan is supporting three local groups in their efforts to reduce the amount of trash making its way into landfills with nearly $50,000 in combined grants.

The RDNO Board of Directors approved a $30,000 grant for FoodMesh, $16,000 for Habitat for Humanity Okanagan, and $3,500 for the Silver Star Bear Stewardship Group through the ReThink Waste Grant Program.

FoodMesh will use the funds to support the growth and maintenance of its North Okanagan Food Recovery Network.

The network was launched in April of 2023 to redirect surplus and unsalable food to charities and farms, and to date has diverted over 156,000 kilograms of food from landfills, leading to over 193,000 meals being provided to local people in need and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by over 400 tonnes.

Habitat for Humanity Okanagan runs the Restore in Vernon that accepts donations of reuseable household items to keep them out of landfills, and the RDNO grant will be used to support an awareness campaign to encourage people to ReTHINK how they shop, use and dispose of items.

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The grant for the Silver Star Bear Stewardship Group will be used to support the development of the Black Bear Educational Trail around Brewer’s Pond that aims to inspire respectful co-existence with black bears and encourage bear smart practices.

The RDNO ReTHINK Waste Grant Program is an initiative that supports local organizations working towards reducing the amount of waste disposed of at the landfills.

The RDNO will open applications in the fall of 2024 for future projects.