--Deschênes Styrofoam collection a popular first

On April 10, around 70 local households and 15 volunteers participated in a special Styrofoam collection event in the Deschênes district. Spearheaded by resident Caroline Murray, the initiative was a collaboration between the Deschênes Residents’ Association, the Village Victor Beaudry Neighbours, and the Terrasse Lakeview Residents’ Association. Held from 9 am to noon, the event saw a group of 15 volunteers driving around the Deschênes district in a Discount transportation van to collect Styrofoam at residences. 

Filling the van and transporting the waste to the Hull eco-centre twice during the day, Murray said the initiative was a great success and a great experience for all participants. Delighted with the level of participation in the event, Murray said she was thrilled with how things went – stating that its main purpose was raising awareness about the environmental ramifications of residual Styrofoam. “We picked up a lot of Styrofoam that would’ve otherwise gone to a landfill,” Murray said. “That’s really an accomplishment.” Stating that residents expressed the desire to have more Styrofoam collection events in the future, Murray said it’s certainly something she will look into making possible.

Causing environmental issues and waste management headaches, Murray encourages people to minimize the quantity of Styrofoam they consume and to properly recycle it. “Styrofoam takes so much room,” Murray said. “No matter the quantity people have, they can go to the eco-centre and bring it there.” Desiring to keep collaborating with the three participating residents’ associations for future community initiatives, Murray thanked them for their involvement in the event.