The sun shone brightly. Hot dogs and burgers flew off the barbecue. Kids bounced off the walls of the castle all afternoon. Young faces were a delightful sight during the no-hands pie-eating contest. The Story Theatre captivated imaginations, and music from Denise Olson, Clay Hepburn and Local Voices filled the air. The annual Labour Day Picnic in Gibsons' Dougall Park was summer's last blast and was enjoyed by more than 1,000 people.
The Sunshine Coast Labour Council chose Monday's Labour Day Picnic to do its part to protect the environment and keep jobs on the Sunshine Coast by attempting to make this year's picnic their first ever zero waste event, defined as achieving at least 90 per cent of waste being compostable. Participants were encouraged to bring their own reusable plates and cups. Compostable plates, cups, napkins and plant-based cutlery were also in ample supply.
Thanks to the well coordinated help of Surrey-based EcoSafe Zero Waste, and two new Coastal companies, Grayco Disposal and Salish Soils, the Labour Council exceeded their goal on their first try, achieving 95 per cent compostable waste, with just five per cent going to the landfill.
The Labour Council extends its warmest thanks to the District of Gibsons, the local media and all the volunteers who are the backbone of the Labour Day Picnic success.
See photos from the event in Coast Scene on page 56 and in our online galleries at www.coastreporter.net.
- Submitted
