My first attempt to poster the town was disappointing. It rained and all my outdoor posters basically melted. Fortunately, I was able to find several shops that provide public notice boards.

It all started early last year when my family came into some common financial issues. Together we decided the most affordable road for the holidays also brought back the soul and meaning.

I started by researching different easy-to-make projects on-line. Scanned through a lot of the ideas at www.etsy.com. Taking into account the different likes and ages.

When is recycling going to be mandatory outside the family home?

I've decided to sort the mounds of recycling I've been saving from work. A chance at a closer look at what is pouring into our landfills out of local businesses. Here is a tally of my last two weeks.

Newspapers: 20
Plastic Bags: 171
Coffee Lids and Sleeves: 39
Take-Out Food Containers: 44
Tin Cans: 8
Milk Jugs: 39

In a recent e-mail received, after signing a new contract with Telus Mobility, was a promotion for recycling unused and broken cellphones and accessories. For every one returned to Telus, the company plants a tree. The best part is, the phones could have been purchased anywhere - they don't have to be Telus phones!

During my peaks of recycling enforcement, I can be found on the bus toting a garbage bag of recycling I have collected or lecturing my mom about her burn pile. I'll be honest with you, I tend to get a little dramatic and just a tiny bit carried away.

Haven't you always wanted to go to the landflll for the day?

I'm just as clueless as everyone else. I've been working in the industry for 4+ years and think I have seen enough. Day after day I report to work with immense guilt.

Next week I'll be speaking at an event called "Trash Talk: Collaborations in Business Garbage and Recycling" with Louise Schwartz of Recycling Alternatives.

We'll be talking about our experiences in moving towards zero waste and how companies might work together to reduce their environmental footprint.