EXCITE! Corporation
Exploits Valley, Newfoundland

According to a study completed by Environment Canada's National Office of Pollution Prevention, the volume of our information technology waste will increase from 33,972 tonnes in 1999 to a predicted 67,324 tonnes in 2005. This represents an increase of nearly 100%. To help combat this problem in Exploits Valley, the EXCITE! Corporation will initiate a project to collect and recycle unwanted computer equipment in partnership with Computers for Schools. Unusable items will be sent to a reclamation facility for recovery of salvageable materials and proper disposal of the remainder. A partnership with retail vendors will allow project participants to receive a $25 discount on the purchase of a new computer system.

Multi-Materials Stewardship Board
Newfoundland and Labrador (province-wide)

The Multi-Materials Stewardship Board has been working on the collection, recycling and disposal of household hazardous waste in Newfoundland and Labrador for the past three years. This project will expand on existing collection efforts and help municipalities to adopt long-term solutions to household hazardous waste. The project is meant to act as a bridge while the province completes a comprehensive review of its waste management plan. Over the course of the two-year project, two to four collection events will be held in at least 14 communities.

Ducks Unlimited Canada
Coastal Newfoundland

The dwindling population of Common Eiders is receiving national and international attention. Two factors contributing to the population decline are: the loss of eggs to predatory birds such as Greater Black-backed gulls and illegal harvesting. Nest box and shelter construction and awareness programs have helped combat these problems in Newfoundland, Labrador and Quebec. Since 1986, Ducks Unlimited and their various partners have deployed 3,984 nest boxes on islands in Newfoundland and Labrador. Recent surveys conducted by the Canadian Wildlife Service suggest that there has been an increase in the population of Common Eiders where nest boxes have been deployed. This year Ducks Unlimited will work with local communities to deploy 200 nest shelters around the island portion of the province. Ducks Unlimited will work in collaboration with the Canadian Wildlife Service to determine where these nest shelters will be placed.

Tshikapisk Foundation
Kamestastin Area, Labrador, Newfoundland

The beautiful landscape of Northern Labrador is being used as a dumping ground for oil drums and garbage from a variety of sources. In fact, in the Kamestastin area alone, it is estimated that there are over 300 discarded and rusting oil drums. The Tshikapisk Foundation will work with the Quebec Labrador Foundation and other partners to locate and drain discarded oil drums, transport the oil for proper disposal and initiate a waste reduction and disposal awareness campaign for the entire region. It is also anticipated that there will be a 1/3 reduction in non-degradable garbage disposal through a promotional campaign.

Beaconsfield Junior High School Environmental Group
St. John's, Newfoundland

Making the environment an important and fun part of the education system will hopefully foster future environmentally responsible adults. Students at Beaconsfield Junior High will work with teachers and community volunteers to create a natural learning space on their school grounds. This project involves the construction of two butterfly gardens to attract and provide habitat for butterflies and other insects. The butterfly gardens will measure approximately 100 square feet and will be shaped like the wings of a butterfly, separated by a rock path. The garden will be maintained by the Beaconsfield Junior High School Environmental Group.

ACAP Humber Arm Environmental Association Inc.
Corner Brook, Newfoundland

Newfoundland and Labrador communities have been struggling with water shortages for years but also consume an average of 450 litres of water per person a day, significantly higher than the national average of 350 litres. ACAP Humber Arm Environmental Association Inc. will implement a pilot water conservation project in the community of Massey Drive, a residential community just outside of Corner Brook. Project objectives include: the installation of retrofit kits by 75% of homeowners, 75% community participation in a public education event or forum and the reduction of water consumption by 20%. Information on the project will be distributed to at least 50 communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

Community Recycling and Waste Management Committee
Corner Brook, Newfoundland

Landfills destroy wildlife habitat and may contaminate water in nearby lakes and streams. In less than 7 years, the Wild Cove landfill, which is used by residents of Corner Brook, will reach its capacity. With no composting program available in the city, all food and organic waste ends up at the dump, accounting for 30% of the waste that is already there. The Community Recycling and Waste Management Committee hopes to kick start the change in such practices by implementing a pilot compost bin project in the city. This project involves the distribution of 400 compost bins to residents at a nominal fee and an awareness campaign for the entire city of Corner Brook.

Quidi Vidi Rennie's River Development Foundation
St. John's, Newfoundland

A tropical storm raged through the Avalon Peninsula in the fall of 2001. Large quantities of gravel, rock and debris carried downstream caused severe damage to Nagle's Hill Brook and massive flooding in the St. John's area. To help restore the brook and surrounding habitat, the Quidi Vidi Rennie's River Development Foundation will undertake a rehabilitation project in cooperation with the Grand Concourse Authority. Project activities include in-stream remediation efforts and the planting of aquatic vegetation to attract a wider diversity of flora and fauna to the brook.