Summer games turn green

Miriam Ostermann
Times Associate Editor

 

Hard work and zeal are on the rise among members of the Sustainability Committee that seeks to set a precedent in providing the first ever “green” Alberta 55 Plus Summer Games in Strathmore.
Eight committee members have been actively pursuing eco-friendly initiatives to mimic efforts taken by the youth games held in Banff. And while the focus is primarily centered on the anticipated summer games, Strathmore may find the committee to become a permanent entity for sustainability.
“It’s sad to say, but sustainability is kind of a new concept for our town,” said Bob Sobol, director of the Alberta 55 Plus Summer Games.
“Interestingly enough, that interest has really grown and I think our community is going to benefit.
In attempting to make the games the greenest one yet, the committee has focused on sustainability, education and awareness, and creating a legacy. In relation to the games, residents can expect reusable water bottles, recycle bins, water dispensing stations, electric vehicles, pedi cabs, pulverized glass for the horseshoe pits, biodegradable garbage bags, and plant-based plates utensils, cups and glasses.
Since the games’ announcement last year, H&H Huxted began collecting flower containers to be upcycled and be used for the games. By using perennial plants, the committee hopes it will further establish a legacy for years to come.
“It’s been a great committee to work with, and I think that we’re going to keep this together and grow from here, have a sustainability committee, and Huxted wants to be a part of that,” said Colin Huxted, owner of H&H Huxted Enterprises.
“It would be nice if Strathmore could be ahead. I believe, Calgary, in 2018, is going to be where they no longer accept organic material. Vancouver has already done that.”
After being approached by Sobol, Huxted didn’t hesitate to jump on board, and will be donating porta potties, hand washers, all the recycling, crush the glass into sand for the horseshoe pits, and compost. Having recently met with Alberta Environment, the site should hopefully become a Class 1 composting site next week.
“We had a few meetings where we tried to decide on projects that we could tackle, and tackle successfully and basically most of this is centered around education,” Sobol added. “We just want to show people that sustainability does not mean you don’t use paper. There’s no finite definition to this. It’s just using a little bit of common sense.”
The Alberta 55 Plus Summer games will be held in Strathmore from July 16 to 19, and volunteers are still needed.