Post date: May 18, 2012 7:25:20 PM
Because this project is being funded by the University of Alberta’s Sustainability Enhancement Fund, we are trying to make the most conscious efforts to keep everything we do as sustainable and environmentally friendly as possible. Here are just a few of the things we have done so far:
Planters used to hold plants plugs and seeds while they grew were made from newspaper with vegetable-based inks. We had hoped to simply place these into the gardens when we transplanted the plants, but we feared they wouldn’t break down fast enough for the growing roots. Regardless, they have been added to the gardens to be mixed with soil.
Invitations to upcoming events have all been sent by email.
Rain barrels have been set up on the balconies, ensuring future water supply for the gardens without relying on the building’s water system.
Our choice of plants will ensure that they will return every year; new seeds or plants should not need to be purchased in the future, and anything that grows in the garden will be welcome. Nearly no maintenance will be needed (ie weeding, trimming).
All our information is available on this website! No paper has been used to disseminate info to the public.
Our information sheets that will be available once the gardens are open will include QR codes that bring visitors to the website, so less copies of the information will need to be printed.
Pop bottles and other recyclable plastics have been placed at the bottom of the planters as an alternative drainage method. This has created a valuable use for such items that might have otherwise been thrown away.
An idea for the future:
Using compost. Sources could include the University farm, the Secondary Education lounge, or elsewhere