The Comox Strathcona waste management service acknowledges the accomplishments of waste reduction educator Gayle Bates, who recently won the 2014 Recycling Council of British Columbia environmental educator award.
The award — presented at the annual RCBC conference in Whistler — recognizes an individual's contribution towards preserving the environment. Gayle was unable to attend due to medical reasons.
“No one gives more wholeheartedly, with more enthusiasm and devotion to the cause of waste education than Gayle Bates,” said Koreen Gurak, manager of communications at the Comox Valley Regional District. “The communities within this region have been truly inspired by the way she lives her life and the impact she continues to have on us all.”
The RCBC recognized Gayle’s 15-year commitment to focusing on the highest power of R, which is to 'rethink.' Gayle’s messaging encourages people to stop and think about purchasing choices, with a goal to minimize the process of generating waste.
In addition to her lengthy career providing waste reduction and waste avoidance education province-wide, Gayle has shown leadership by facilitating waste educator roundtables at workshops and conferences, and has supported other communities with on-site training. She has also worked closely with the Coast Waste Management Association. Her involvement and participation have been integral components of inspiring waste reduction programs in other communities.
Gayle is taking the year off to focus on her health, but is honored by the recognition and cannot help but think of the continual need to get this important message out in the community.