I hear a lot about green crab lately. What are invasive species and why are they such a problem?
- Just Curious
Dear Curious
Invasive species are uninvited plant, aquatic and animal guests that arrive with awesome destructive forces. Invasive species are a major environmental issue and adversely affect Newfoundland and Labrador’s economy, environment and human and animal health and have significant economic, environmental and social impacts on Newfoundlanders and Labradoreans. Each year several tax dollars are spent in management programs and losses. Invaders ruin habitats and often take over native species by taking their resources, and or spreading disease. They grow in numbers with an unnatural quickness because of a lack of predators in their new territory.
Invasive species arrive, threaten and overwhelm native species by replacing them, overcrowding habitat, bringing diseases, consuming food, water, sunlight and other resources. Many invasive species are never seen until the damage is done. Unsuspecting native species are not prepared to share resources, fend diseases or the invaders and often lose the battle. Invasive species cause extinction, habitat destruction and environmental degradation.
Good day I was visiting my home town of Burin last year and noticed that all garbage goes in one bag even the newspapers. Do they have a recycling program on the Boot? I live in N.S. and we have separate bags for paper . cans & plastics. our waste food goes in Greenbins to be composted all are picked up by the same truck every 2 weeks that is in Annapolis county where I live Lewis Cheeseman
Dear Lewis,
Unfortunately, the Burin Peninsula does not have an adequate recycling program. Although other Canadian provinces are on the ball, ours is the last province to get on board with a program that makes a difference. The Burin Peninsula recycles strictly ready-made beverage containers excluding milk. For now, residents are encouraged to reduce what they buy, compost their organics, recycle rechargeable batteries, print cartridges, cell phones and accessories through the BPERC recycling program and send electronic wastes (E-waste) to Redemtech Montreal in Quebec to be recycled. Locals are asked to email bhartley@deepglobal.com and leave your information and Bruce Hartley will call you to discuss the details.
Your concerns are shared by the BPERC.
I have a problem with cigarette buts outside out hospital doors. Is there anything your committee can suggest to correct this dirty habit ?
Eastern Health recently began to promote and support a smoke free environment free from tobacco and second hand smoke. On September 23rd 2009 Eastern Health decided to go tobacco and smoke free. This means that tobacco products on properties owned and leased by Eastern Health is not permitted including buildings, grounds and parking lots and all vehicles parked therein. If you have any further questions or comments about the policy please email
Hi girl green,what are we doing about the sewage runoff that flows into the ocean?
We are not doing anything about this atrocity. BPERC is appalled by the lack of action and worse still, the fact that many residents and businesses seem to show a lack of concern for this issue. This is one of the reasons we started BPERC. The chemicals and toxins we pour into the ocean create ocean dead zones, areas where there is no oxygen and life cannot survive. A stagnant ocean leads to mass extinction. We also eat the products of the sea so we should not use it as our dumping ground. The town of Marystown is taking progressive environmental measures with waste water treatment and is a leader in our region.
We've just moved to Nfld. recently from Ontario where we used a plastic composter to compost all of our organics.. A composter was made available to Ontario families for a nominal fee from their local Property Tax Office. Where can we purchase a composter on the Burin Peninsula? Will composting organics bring bears & other wild life into the community? Thanks.....from an Interested Newcomer
Your local peninsula hardware will likely sell compost bins anywhere from $60.00 to $90.00. If you do not see them on the shelves just ask them to order one in. BPERC has some custom made compost bins that are being sold at cost. I think they cost the committee about $20.00 each. For further details or to make a purchase call our office at 279-4124.
Compost bins are more known to attract scavengers if you compost meat scraps. BPERC does not recommend composting meat scraps. Although these kitchen scraps are organic, they harbor some unhealthy bacteria and can attract unwanted animal attention. If you are still concerned, you can keep your browns and greens in a secured bin with a lid - this also helps your compost to 'cook' faster.
Dear Green girl You were at my school today, Friday October 23rd/09. And i wanted to say that you inspired me a lot, And i have 1 question i hope you can answer! My cousin said global Warming is not important and not very interesting, AND I was wondering if there is anything else i can tell him to convince him that we only have one planet! -LaughterGirl.
Hi Laughtergirl
Thank you for your kind encouragement! We work hard to change the attitudes of bright young minds like yours! I want you to know that BPERC can relate to your frustration and concern. It is hard to change attitudes and behaviors. We work hard at this every day. All I can say is keep studying and sharing the facts and do not get discouraged. When you show people the facts they cannot 'blow them off' because they are scientific and proven. A lot of people say "I don't believe in Climate Change" We at BPERC find this quite humorous as it is not a religion. Press on girl, these things take time, a lot of time.
