MODERNIZATION
FUELING THE FUTURE WITH FOOD WASTE
WINNIPEG, MANITOBA, CANADA
Innovations for managing energy and waste in tourism are paving the way for more sustainable travel. When you travel, look for innovative initiatives like this one at The Forks in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and let it inspire you to advocate for similar changes in your own community.
What's
changing
As people gain greater awareness of the need for sustainable living and demand sustainable practices from the places they spend money, destinations need to change how they handle waste and produce energy.
What's already
possible
The Forks is a shopping, dining and entertainment destination in Winnipeg that has revitalized a disused railway junction where the Red River and the Assiniboine River meet. This district has goals for zero garbage, zero emissions and zero water waste, despite hosting four million visitors each year.
Seizing
the opportunity
Restaurants within The Forks do not throw away used vegetable oil; it is converted to biofuel in a volume that can power an on-site truck, three utility vehicles and an ice resurfacer. Cooking oil must be filtered with a centrifuge to create the biofuel. Diesel engines must be slightly modified to use biofuel, and they can run in all weather with it, even in the chilliest Manitoba winter.
Standout
tactic
The Forks uses biofuel, geothermal heat pump systems, composting, and irrigation systems that draw from the rivers to accomplish their sustainability goals.
How
it helps
Cooking oil from businesses at The Forks generates more than 130 gallons (500 liters) of biofuel each year, saving over 135,000 Canadian dollars in diesel expenses and related emissions. The Forks estimates that its Target Zero goals have annually saved CA$250,000 and have decreased greenhouse gas emissions by 1,000 tons.
Diving
deeper
Some biofuels require chemical additives during refinement. Is there a point when these additives (when used) or the diversion of cooking oil to biofuel outweigh the environmental benefits of this alternative fuel?
Increasing
impact
If The Forks collects more vegetable oil than it can use, it could be shared with nearby attractions to help others set goals of zero waste of their own.
Traveling
better
Travel is inherently carbon intensive. Whether you are taking a mini-break or an annual vacation, consider ways to minimize your impact by staying longer in one place, reconsidering how you travel to the destination, and supporting businesses that are working to make their community and the world a better place.
