TakingITGlobal

24 # R I S I N G Y O U T H C O M M U N I T Y I M P A C T V O L . 2 H undreds of pumpkins are grown and used for decoration each year for Halloween in Alberni Valley, British Columbia. While the colourful squash has made for a joyful tradition for so many, hundreds of pumpkins are left to rot or tossed in the garbage without much use. According to the US Department of Energy, pumpkins that end up in landfill will decompose and eventually emit methane, a powerful greenhouse gas that, over a 20-year period, is 80 times more potent at global warming than carbon dioxide. Recognizing this major environmental concern, Richard Huneault put together The Pumpkin Pick-Up project to raise awareness around the detrimental effects of pumpkin waste and to redistribute the pumpkins post-Halloween. He worked with grocery stores to collect extra pumpkins after Halloween, collaborated with farmers to secure a list of livestock farms who could use the compost, and partnered with restaurant and food banks as an avenue for food distribution. Thanks to Richard's simple but innovative project, hundreds of animals were fed and 228L of soup was distributed to food bank in town to feed between 150-215 people. "People loved seeing their pumpkins going to the food bank or to farm animals or rescues," reflected Richard. "They know they have contributed and that they have made an impact. I was overwhelmed with support and volunteers!" The Great Pumpkin Pick-Up Richard Huneault People loved seeing their pumpkins going to the food bank or to farm animals or rescues... The social media page of the Pumpkin pick-up Richard organized.

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