Tahsis, BC -- Mid-April, Tahsis experienced a wonderful collaboration between Captain Meares School, Comox Strathcona Waste Management (CSWM), Ocean Legacy, and the Village of Tahsis in an event aimed at fostering resilience and waste diversion within the community.
Tahsis Waste Days brought together over 50 enthusiastic individuals, including students, community members, and representatives from various organizations, to participate in a series of initiatives.
“One of the highlights of the event was the Repair Cafe, where more than 30 items were brought in for repair, with over half of them successfully fixed. This not only extended the lifespan of these items but also promoted the culture of repair and reuse,” explains Tina Willard-Stepan, CSWM Educator.” The sense of community spirit was demonstrated throughout the event, with the Seniors Centre generously providing lunch for volunteers, participation by students from Captain Meares School and other residents within the community.”
As well, a clothing swap attracted people of all ages, redistributing hundreds of articles of clothing and reducing the demand for new garments. The emphasis on sustainability was further amplified by a beach cleanup led by a dedicated grade 12 student from Captain Meares School, resulting in the removal of 10 cubic meters of metal and other debris from the shoreline.
All recyclable items collected during the event will be processed through the CSWM recycling depot and the Ocean Legacy program, ensuring responsible disposal for all materials. Since 2022, CSWM has partnered with Ocean Legacy to recycle over 12 tonnes of material from shoreline cleanup efforts and legacy equipment from the marine sector, providing essential infrastructure to divert these plastic resources from the landfill and reduce oceanic pollution.
Building on the momentum, students from the middle and senior classes volunteered the following day to support the Village of Tahsis in refreshing the Free Store. This makeover involved painting, decorating, and stocking the store with new items, enhancing its appeal and accessibility to the community. Residents are invited to come down and check out the refreshed store.
Tahsis Waste Days shows the power of collaboration and grassroots efforts in promoting sustainability and resilience. By coming together to address waste management challenges, Tahsis is setting a shining example for communities everywhere.
The CSWM is proud to support community groups in their efforts to build skills and reduce waste through repair. To learn about organizing, volunteering or participating in a repair café in your community, or for more information visit: https://www.cswm.ca/education/repair-cafes
To learn more about CSWM and events in your area visit: www.cswm.ca
Comox Strathcona Waste Management provides waste management services to communities in the Comox Valley and Strathcona regional districts, with a focus on waste diversion and responsible end of life management for residual waste.
Media Contact:
Vivian Schau
Senior Manager of CSWM Services
