Lightning Talks: Local Waste Innovators 

Recovering Elements: Extracting Gold from Electronic Waste
Professor Stephen Foley and his associates from the Department of Chemistry at the University of Saskatchewan have found a sustainable technique to recover gold from e-waste in a cheap and effective manner. Gold is the least reactive chemical element making it difficult to dissolve, but their findings could change the gold industry.

 

FoodRenew: Renewing Food Waste in the City of Saskatoon
Steven Rau is the co-founder and technical lead at FoodRenew, a non-profit initiative with the goal of reducing the amount of food that goes to waste in Saskatoon. He graduated from the University of Saskatchewan in 2016 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Science. He currently works in Saskatoon as a software developer and enjoys the challenge of creating a community-driven solution to our food waste problem.

 

 

 

Smart Builds & Tiny Homes: Reduced Waste in Architecture
Bldg Studio Inc. is a commercial design studio focused on sustainable construction and efficient design. Established in 2011 and headed by designer Crystal Bueckert, Bldg Studio's mission is to lead in residential design and drafting standards through the creation of modern, sustainable design concepts and construction drawings.

 

 

 Textile Waste: Rescuing Vintage Attire
Nicola Tabb runs a funky vintage clothing shop called Better Off Duds.  For 7 years she has rescued textiles and given new life to old clothing.  In a world full of disposable fashion she aims to provide quality, sustainable, one-of-a-kind style.

 

 

 

@Do.More.Good: Using Social Media to Persuade Change
@do.more.good is a social media account (Instagram & Facebook) that persuades and educates others on ways that they can do more good by sharing tips on how to live more sustainably, create less waste or ways to give back within your community. Launne Kolla, the founder of this account is a wildlife and marine biologist by trade, but her passion for making the world a better place has set her on a mission to share small ways that you can make a difference, in hopes of creating positive change. 

 

Take-Home Volunteering for Office Waste Diversion Programs
Nathan Bruce works for Stantec Consulting Ltd., as an Environmental Engineer in Training. Alongside the Solid Waste Management division he assists in a program that is run by 15 volunteers who divert organic waste for 120 employees. The team diverts 18 kg/week, and composts materials at home. Wastes are processed primarily in outdoor boxes and tumblers, with some indoor vermicomposting and bokashi bins. Mass is tracked and shared in periodic updates to staff. Material research is conducted and shared through email updates to staff.

 

Sustainable Grocery Shopping: Refusing Excess Waste
Abigail Mani, alongside a team of passionate individuals run Bulk Basket, a local and sustainable bulk grocery store in Saskatoon that focuses on organic and vegan options. Their goal is to shift the view of the City’s unique culinary culture while allowing waste-free and zero-packaging options. 

 

 

 

Recycling Convenience: SARCAN Drop n Go

Nolan Hubbard-Richards  is Communication and Culture Coordinator at SARCAN Recycling.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Craik Eco-Village: Sustainable Saskatchewan Community
The Craik Eco-Village was a joint, long-term project that’s goal was to address the issues of sustainability and rural revitalization through physical demonstrations of viable solutions. Brent Krueger, the first inhabitant of the eco-village, is here to illustrate how to make a commitment to live and build environmentally-friendly. 

 

The Hollows: Sustainable Dining
Christie Peters is one of the executive chef and owners of Saskatoon’s local restaurants, The Hollows and Prima Pasta.  Their operations are dedicated to serving contemporary foods that are focused on natural and seasonal products, cultivated locally and sustainably. 

 

 

 

 

The Library of Things: Borrow Don’t Buy
The Library of Things in Saskatoon is a volunteer-run program where tools, gadgets, board games, and more are available to be borrowed free of cost. The Library Coordinator, Meg Dowart, knew there was a way to reduce the need for consumerism in Saskatoon while cutting down excess packaging. Hence the existence of the Library! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Black Fox Farm & Distillery - “Just doing our little part.”
Barb Stefanyshyn-Coté farms near Saskatoon with her husband John. Their agritourism location, Black Fox Farm and Distillery produces acres of fresh cut flowers for u-pick along with grains, fruits and flowers which they transform into award winning gins, liqueurs and whiskies.  They offer tours, tastings and several festivals throughout the year.  John and Barb have been recognized as the Outstanding Young Farmers of Saskatchewan and Canada and were the SABEX Entrepreneurs of the Year 2018. 

 

 

 

Food Recovery : Environmental Protection and Hunger Relief
Lori Nikkel is a passionate champion of environmental and social justice issues related to food and is sought after for her expertise internationally. As CEO for Second Harvest, Canada’s largest food rescue organization, she ensures that thousands of tons of nutrient dense surplus food is diverted to social service agencies every year. Her current projects include The Avoidable Crisis of Food Waste, a world first evidence-based research project that identifies how much food is lost and wasted across the supply chain and the expansion of Foodrescue.ca an online tool for food businesses to donate surplus food to nonprofits in their community. 

Xeriscaping: Low Water, Low Maintenance Gardening
Bernadette Vangool is a member of The Saskatchewan Perennial Society, which was incorporated in 1989. The society’s purpose is to promote the knowledge and use of perennial plants in Saskatchewan. For over 20 years they have been providing members as well as the general public with lectures, seminars, and tours of area gardens at no cost.

 

 

Diverting Waste in the City: Curbside Swap Program
 Michael Dawe is an Environmental Coordinator working within the Sustainability Division of the City of Saskatoon. The City has a waste diversion goal of 70% by 2023 and is working to develop various waste diversion programs. The curbside swap program was created to effectively allow gently used items to be rehomed rather than discarded at the landfill to take up non-essential room. The program gives new life to reusable items and builds a sense of community.