There will be 3 chances for residents to put yard waste on their curb for pickup. One pickup at the end of every month from September to November.

The collection dates are as follows:

Kelowna A and Westside

Sept 29 to Oct 3
Oct 27 to 31
Nov 24 to 28

Kelowna B and Peachland

Sept 22 to 26
Oct 20 to 24
Nov 17 to 21

Lake Country and Joe Rich/Ellison

Sept 15 to 19
Oct 6 to 10
Nov 3 to 7

Benefits of the program:

• residents avoid trips to the landfill
• less congestion and lineups at the landfill
• lowers the need for illegal dumpings
• yard waste is composted and reused as Glenmore Grow
• in 2007, 2200 tonnes of yard waste avoided the landfills

Waste Pickup reminders:

• 7 AM set out time on regular garbage day
• use clear bags or reusable containers
• residential yard waste only
• 23 kg per item (50 lbs)
  
• bundled prunings must be less than 1 metre long and 1/2 metre across; prunings must be 1/2 inch or smaller

For more information: Visit RegionalDistrict.com or call the office at 250-861-8788

The 3rd annual Organic Okanagan Festival takes place this Sunday September 21st at the Summerhill Pyramid Winery located at 4870 Chute Lake Road from 11 AM to 4 PM.

It's being called the Okanagan's Finest Green Living Expo and is organized by the Okanagan Green Society. There will be over 40 exhibitors talking about natural health and healing, sustainable energy, alternative education, recycling and composting. Samples of locally grown organic food will be given out as well.

Entertainment includes films such as The Story Of Stuff and Table Land and music by The Raging Grannies, The Treelight Room and Daybeats.

There will be kids activities, blind taste tests of organic versus non-organic foods (put on by Nature's Fare, a new sponsor). Nature's Fare will be handing out a goody bag filled with coupons, a green guide and organic food items.

Attendees will be given Taterware plates made from potato starch to sample some of the foods and after the event the plates will be composted. Solar power will be used to provide Vendors at the event with power.

Admission is $5 plus a Kelowna Food Bank donation. Funds raised at the event will support the Okanagan Green Society's projects including Local Food for Local Schools and the Kelowna Food Bank.

Source: Article by Lori-Anne Charlton in the Event Magazine titled "Keen on Green"