100 in 1 Day Urban Intervention Preview: Ready! Set! Recycle!

by Lea Chambers
Vancouver resident and recycling enthusiast, Allison Boulton, is looking at fun ways to become more knowledgable about recycling and reusing household items. “Before you throw it in the garbage, try and reuse it for something,” Allison says.
On Saturday June 6th, to get you thinking in this direction, Allison has organized an interactive challenge event outdoors from 10am-2pm at George Wainborn Park downtown. There will be a racecourse set up in the park with a challenge to recycle properly and also a What-To-Do-With-This brainstorming table that focuses on reusability. Visitors will have the opportunity to ask questions about recycling as well as try out the recycling racecourse. There is no cost or registration required to attend. Allison has been working with Encorp, Electronic Recycling Association, and the City of Vancouver to get impactful information into the hands of her fellow community members.

George Wainborn Park, Location of Allison Boulton’s June 6th Intervention. Photo by Allison Boulton
Looking at choosing a location to host this event, Allison went for a stroll into George Wainborn Park and realized it had everything she needed: a picnic bench for headquarters, proper garbage can facilities, and large rocks where she can run the recycling race. “I live next door to that park,” Allison explains. “I wanted it to be my community that I can make an impact on.” George Wainborn Park also offers views of the Brazilian artists OSGEMEOS’ mural on Granville Island — a fantastic inspiration of repurposing urban spaces.

Allison Boulton Begins Her Intervention Plans at a 100 in 1 Day Vancouver Workshop. Photo by Lea Chambers.
Ready! Set! Recycle! is an intervention for 100 in 1 Day Vancouver, a citywide movement that focuses on low-cost ways to showcase ideas for stronger communities. After deciding to be an urban intervention leader, Allison says “I love it.” She has been busy planning and organizing, on top of tending to other ongoing activities/travels. Support and encouragement from friends to follow through and “Do It!” regardless of time pressures has motivated her to do this as best she can.
When asked what her ideal community would look, act, and feel like, Allison responded that it would be interactive. “One step at a time, moving forward, take action toward the world you want to see,” she encourages. A smile you give to a stranger might be returned by an even bigger smile that ends up lifting you, she says.
You are invited to tweet about Allison Boulton’s intervention Ready! Set! Recycle! using #enviroalley. And find out more details at the 100 in 1 Day Vancouver website.
Visit 100 in 1 Day for more information on public interventions happening on June 6th with 100 in 1 Day Vancouver.