City spares us stink; offers indoor composters
By Kyra Hoggan
The City of Castlegar is upping the ante in its green gamble – after offering composters and rain barrels to great effect in previous years, they’re now bringing residents green kitchen can composters.
Why are they doing this, you ask? Easy – because the alternative stinks. “The composters have carbon filters on top – if you just use a bucket or other container, it could really reek,” said city councilor and Green Committee chair Kevin Chernoff. “This way, you don’t have to haul scraps outside to the composter every time you cook – and you don’t have to pay a stinky price for not bothering. You just empty it once a week or so into your outside composter.” He said this is one of many pragmatic, simple solutions that he thinks will encourage residents to make those tiny adjustments that promise a big impact down the road, especially if lots of people get on board. “It takes hardly any effort at all, and you’re left with rich garden soil that you don’t have to pay big bucks for at your local garden shop – it’s kind of a no-brainer.” Best of all, he’s hoping to get enough community partners participating that they can give the composters out for free. “I think we’re talking about a pilot project with about 250 of them, with that number to increase in step with the success of the program,” he said. “We’ve already ordered them, and we’ll give them out at a kick-off event at the Complex, probably in October.” For more information, contact City Hall at 250-365-7227.
