As challenging as running Green Coast Rubbish is, the rewards certainly outnumber the challenges. No two days are the same; we have the opportunity to meet fantastic people on a daily basis and regularly take part in exciting projects, while ensuring waste materials are diverted from our landfills.

Recently we were able to assist the Lu’ma Native Housing Society (LNHS), who provides affordable housing to Aboriginal families and individuals with the removal and recycling of nearly 4 tonnes of cedar wood shavings. The shavings originated from several totem poles located on the Hastings Elementary School grounds in East Vancouver, BC.

The totem poles are part of the LNHS’s “Raising a Dream” undertaking, where elementary school children are given the chance to witness a live carving project, while learning traditional cultural and fundamental environmental values.

According to Malcolm Cook, Director of Sustainability with the LNHS, the remaining totem poles will be put into storage until the Master Carver is ready for them in 2011. After this, the totem poles will be destined for the Aboriginal Children’s Village project (a housing development for foster families and youth in transition) once completed.

Green Coast Rubbish will be present for the totem pole raising ceremony, where 40 individuals will carry and erect the totem pole by hand in the traditional manner. To view more images of the job please visit our photo gallery page.