BIRD Dropping
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BIRD Droppings
It was a dark and stormy night on Thursday, November 19 when the Bowen Island Recycling Depot held its annual general meeting. It must have been the weather that accounted for the modest turnout because the 303,735 kilograms that we handled in 2008 shows no lack of interest in recycling on Bowen.
Mayor Bob Turner thanked the BIRD volunteers for what he called the remarkable job we do. “You make it easy for everyone on the island to do the right thing”. He believes that our centre showcases the friendly way Bowen gets things done. He went on to say that with the opening of the Knick Knack Nook, that corner of Bowen is becoming a centre of gravity. When you have some recyclable materials to drop off, or you want to check out the Nook, or want gas, that is where you go.”
Our treasurer David reported that with the slight recovery in the market for the commodities that we collect, we now have money in the bank and enjoy a positive cash flow. We are still charged a fee to pass the glass, light metal and mixed plastics along to the next link in the recycling chain.
In the past 12 months we’ve added rechargeable batteries, compact fluorescent bulbs, ink and toner cartridges, electronics, milk cartons and plastic bags to the list of things that we can except for recycling. The warm up hut for the crew has just been completed so the winter of 2009–2010 should be easier to bear.
In the next few months BIRD will be buying three Green Cone composting units and giving them to three island families. The families will keep a journal on their experiences using these units over the winter. The intention is to publish the results. If the Green Cones work well, Council will be asked to subsidize the cost for any family that would like to compost.
The final piece of business was the election of the Society’s officers. Don Marshall is President, Kim Kasasian VP, David Wrinch Treasurer, Toni Leverett Secretary, and Ken Parker Facility Development. I will still be volunteering!
Bill Carr, a.k.a. SOB (Sweet Old Bill)
