Special Styrofoam collection 

---Three Deschênes residents’ associations team up 

In the spirit of environmental action and raising awareness about proper waste methods, three Deschênes residents’ associations are collaborating for a special styrofoam collection event on April 10. Starting at around 9 am, a garbage truck driven by a group of volunteers will offer contact-free curbside Styrofoam pickup at residences registered for the collection and ship the stuff to the eco-centre in Hull to be properly recycled.

Available to all Deschênes district residents, those interested in freeing themselves from left over Styrofoam trays or Amazon protective packaging in a more ecologically responsible way, are advised to contact collectestyromousse@gmail.com to register their participation to the collection. Participants are advised to leave their Styrofoam in bins and separated according to type, which the volunteers will place in bags before hauling them in the truck. The registration deadline is April 8.

According to the event’s main organizer, Caroline Murray, the pick-up will involve the Deschênes Residents’ Association (ARD), the Lakeview Residents’ Association (ARL), and the Village-Victor-Beaudry Residents’ Association (ARVB).

Considering the polluting effects of Styrofoam on the planet and the troubles of properly sorting it, ARD President Howard Powles said that joining Murray in the cause was a no-brainer. “It’s very important to make sure it’s well handled,” Powles said. “We figured let’s try to see what we can get and encourage people to recycle this stuff.” 

Regularly putting on events and initiatives for members oriented towards environmental awareness, Anik Desmarais of the ARL said the event perfectly corresponded to the association’s mandate. “Our members are very preoccupied by this issue,” Desmarais said. “We can see it from their reaction and their involvement … participation is always high and I expect it to be very high again.” Ultimately, she desires to see Styrofoam use go away altogether.

Also thrilled about participating to the event, the ARVB’s secretary Sonia Sabourin said the collection directly supports the association’s mission to preserve the environment, minimize single-use product consumption, and reduce waste. “That’s the kind of initiative we’re really happy to be involved in,” Sabourin said. “It’s a great opportunity to get rid of items that are hard to fit into bins and it’s an opportunity for people to come together and bring these to a safe place. This is an opportunity to make life easier for our residents.” Inviting people to participate in droves, Murray said the event is all about environmental protection and getting the community together. With more than 50 people registered so far, she’s hoping the event will attract as many as possible – adding the she’s looking for more volunteers as well.”

Inspired by a Styrofoam collection event held by the Plateau Residents’ Association in January, Murray said she knew the event would be a big hit in Deschênes, considering that its residents are known to take pride in addressing environmental issues.  So, she reached out to the nearby residents’ associations for help, and they didn’t hesitate to participate. Stating that residents are encouraged to dispose of Styrofoam separately at an eco-centre, Murray said the event is also intended to raise awareness about the service and its importance. “Most people don’t know that they can bring it,” Murray said. “By doing this campaign, we’re going to help them take care of their Styrofoam. But they’re also going to know that from now on they can go by themselves to drop it off there.”