A number of months ago Trent launched a new environmental program with a grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation. Trent has officially partnered with a not-for-profit group called Community Living Peterborough to establish an innovative waste diversion program on campus. The Ontario Trillium Foundation has agreed to provide funding of $67,400 for this program which is centred on institutional and community interaction.
The recycling program on campus provides volunteer opportunities to people with intellectual disabilities and other individuals who use the services of Community Living Peterborough. This environmental partnership is an example of how communities can collectively play a role in waste reduction whether it is on campus, at elementary schools or community centres. Such a program can have social benefits and practical waste diversion outcomes. Moreover, with the support of community volunteers, Trent's waste diversion program is strengthened and gives Trent staff, students and faculty an opportunity to operate a sustainable program. This program will also create better awareness over efficient waste management practices that can influence the city’s waste diversion programs.
The waste diversion initiative, funded by the Ontario Trillium Foundation is a step forward with bottom-up planning. With the environmental partnership between the university and Community Living Peterborough, community volunteer positions are now created on campus giving these individuals an opportunity to be engaged with the university’s waste diversion process and have a hands-on education. This initiative is an example of how a community group, a group of students, faculty and staff can come together to increase waste diversion on campus. As our campus progresses on waste diversion, we may see more funding opportunities if we articulate the connection between education, waste management and community well-being.
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