GRANDE PRAIRIE, AB – Aquatera Utilities Inc., and the City of Grande Prairie, in partnership with Goodwill Industries of Alberta and Mama’s for Mama’s Grande Prairie, are hosting a Drop n’ Swap on Saturday, October 19, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the Ernie Radbourne Pavilion at Muskoseepi Park.
The Drop n’ Swap is a free community event to kick off Waste Reduction Week, which runs October 21 – 27.
“The goal of Waste Reduction Week is to inform people of the environmental impacts of waste and empower them to adopt more environmentally conscious choices,” says Sarah Martin, Public Relations and Communications Specialist with Aquatera Utilities Inc. “This event will encourage waste reduction by providing the community with an opportunity to drop off items that no longer serve them and swap them for items that will.”
According to Waste Reduction Canada, 95% of clothing or textiles that end up in a landfill can be repurposed.
“The Drop n’ Swap promotes waste reduction by offering the community a chance to upcycle clothing items,” says Jessica Foley, Environmental Outreach Specialist with the City of Grande Prairie. “Beyond reducing textile waste, at the event residents may learn how to lower energy consumption and reduce food waste.”
The community is encouraged to participate in the Drop n’ Swap event by donating new and gently used clothing for men, women and children, as well as Halloween costumes.
On Friday, October 18 from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. people can drop off their items to the Ernie Radbourne Pavilion at Muskoseepi Park, then come back Saturday, October 19 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. to swap. There is no requirement to drop off items to participate in the swap, but attendees are asked to bring their own bags to contribute to waste reduction.
Items left over from the swap will be collected by Goodwill Industries of Alberta and brought to the Grande Prairie facility where they will be available for purchase.
Media enquiries can be directed to:
Sarah Martin
Public Relations and Communications Specialist
Aquatera Utilities Inc.
P: 780-830-5012
smartin@aquatera.ca
Jessica Foley
Environmental Outreach Specialist
City of Grande Prairie
P: 780-538-0415
jfoley@cityofgp.com