Resort and school board win provincial environmental awards

The provincial awards ceremony was presented by Resource Recovery Fund Board Nova Scotia to recognize Nova Scotians, “who have made a significant contribution towards protecting our environment.”

The school board won Institute of the Year while White Point Beach Resort won Business of the Year. The Region of Queens through Mayor John Leefe nominated the resort. His description was detailed.

A synopsis provided by the provincial government states: “The administration and staff at White Point Beach Resort are devoted to sound environmental stewardship. Their “green” policies have resulted in dozens of operational practices – from installing water-saving showerheads in rooms, to composting vegetation and kitchen waste for greenhouse flowerbeds, and turning 45-gallon detergent drums into planters. They’re even looking at ways to run the golf course without chemicals.

“One day soon, there’ll be a wind turbine to generate electricity. Last year, this ISO 9000 property diverted more than 100,000 litres of compost from the landfill. They also diverted over 65,000 cans and 34,000 beer and wine bottles – thanks to staffers who, every week, put on latex gloves and sort through a mountain of containers.”

Resort Manager Danny Morton accepted the Mobius Award on behalf of White Point Beach Resort.

During an interview the following day, Morton said the resort added the environment to its mission statement over 15 years ago before it was on the media and public radar screen.

“It’s not anything novel, new or exciting. It’s choosing to do the right thing and it’s part of our culture. We’re very honoured all the staff are involved in our greening process.”

He added the reason for their commitment is the natural environment that surrounds the resort.

“We appreciate what we have here at White Point and that we should celebrate it, share it and try to protect it as much as possible.”

The provincial statement also praised the school board.

“Last year the South Shore Regional School Board came up with what’s considered ‘the first comprehensive waste diversion policy in the province,’ but they didn’t just adopt the policy, they set aside some $50,000 for waste-sorting stations outside each school.

“Their policy lays out the responsibilities regarding proper waste management for everyone on the board, from the administration to students. Each school has a ‘Green Team’ – and most schools are diverting large amounts of waste from the landfill, as well as educating and empowering students to do more.”

The guestspeaker at the Dartmouth event was Dr. Mathis Wackernagel, co-founder of the “ecological footprint.”

For a full list of Mobius Award winners or to find out more about RRFB Nova Scotia, visit www.rrfb.com or call 1-877-313-RRFB (7732).