Released on June 8, 2005
Since becoming involved in the thINK FOOD project in 2002, SaskPower has donated 5,000 printer cartridges to the Regina and District Food Bank, which uses the proceeds from recycled cartridges to purchase milk and baby formula for families in need. SaskPower's donation is the largest single contribution to the project in Saskatchewan and the second largest in Canada.SaskPower's support for the thINK FOOD project complements the corporation's Zero Garbage waste management program, which is a commitment to minimizing the impact which employees and operations have upon the environment by reducing the volume of waste material in Saskatchewan landfills. SaskPower employees have recycled several thousand tonnes of paper and other waste products since the introduction of Zero G in 1993.
"The thINK FOOD project is an excellent partnership," Regina Elphinstone-Centre MLA Warren McCall said on behalf of Minister responsible for SaskPower Frank Quennell. "SaskPower is committed to minimizing the corporation's impact on the environment wherever possible. It is positive whenever waste can be diverted from Saskatchewan landfills and even more of a win-win situation for the corporation when you consider the fact that thINK FOOD enables SaskPower to help both the environment and the food bank with its fundraising efforts."
"Each ink jet cartridge is worth approximately four litres of milk, therefore, SaskPower's involvement has translated into 16,500 children having their recommended daily amount of milk," Regina and District Food Bank Chief Executive Officer Wayne Hellquist said. "That is a substantial contribution, and greatly assists the food bank in providing help to those in need. While the primary goal of thINK FOOD is to raise new funds for food banks and divert waste, the project also provides public education on these issues and inspires recycling behaviour."
Of the approximately 100-million inkjet cartridges used in Canada each year, only five to 10 per cent are recycled. The rest are simply thrown away, adding unnecessary waste to Canadian landfills. It is estimated that the plastic used in each cartridge takes more than 1,000 years to decompose.
SaskPower summer students will be out promoting the thINK FOOD project to SaskPower offices during the corporation's annual Zero G audit.
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For More Information, Contact:
| Laurie Sampson Regina and District Food Bank Regina Phone: (306)790-6441 | Larry Christie SaskPower Regina Phone: (888)536-0000 Cell: (306) 536-2886 |