Behind the scenes "Organic" Garbage tour at Scarborough Town Centre

Scarborough Town Centre had some booths set up for Earth Day yesterday afternoon. One was set up with colouring pages, one had a "make your own pine cone bird feeders" station, and one had a large glass cylinder filled with plastic bottles. Participants had to guess how many plastic bottles were in the cylinder and the winner will receive a $100 gift certificate for the mall. My favourite was the behind the scenes tour.

Our tour guide took us through the food court, showing us organic waste bins set up next to each garbage can. (Although these bins are meant for food waste ONLY, of course people throw in napkins, plastic forks, and Styrofoam containers, because they are lazy and can't walk less than a second to the garbage can next to it!)

Then he walked us to the back doors, through the long tunnel which lead to the "ORCA" room.

Step 1: Each restaurant in the food court has big plastic bins, where they collect all there food waste (leftover food, fruit/vegetable peels, etc). The "garbage" workers collect all the bins from the mall at the end of each day. (Some restaurants request more bins, depending on how much food waste they collect. Example, places like "Freshly Squeezed" have more bins because of all the fruit peels.)

Step 2: The bins are weighed. The "garbage" workers log in to their log book how much food waste was collected for the day. Some days there's more, some days there's less. On average, about 40-45 bins are collected on a daily basis.

Step 3: The bins are stored in a large refrigerator to prevent the food from rotting and smelling up the room. (Note: The room has it's very own deodorizing system set up, and it actually doesn't smell at all.)

Step 4: The ORCA machine is fed four bins every few hours. It can't take any more than that. Just like our bodies can't eat all our 3 meals in one sitting, neither can the ORCA. The only food it cannot accept is beef bones and oil. The leftover oil is collected in a separate container. The oil is poured into a tank, which transforms the cooking oil into bio fuel.

The ORCA system

How the ORCA works is: It has little black pieces in the machine which contain enzymes. The enzymes break up all the food and turns it into water. The ORCA system leaves behind a small amount of residue (like a muddy/pulpy substance), which goes through a mesh (with 0.44 mm small holes) and turns the food waste into water. The water goes through pipes, which leads to a water plant. The water is then purified, and recycled. The entire process (of breaking down the food) takes 24 hours. There's always people monitoring the machine: Two men during the day, and one man on night duty.

The entire system is entirely environmentally friendly. Furthermore, there is no need for trucks to come and pick up food waste, reducing STC's carbon footprint. Scarborough Town Centre is one of the first shopping centres in Canada to develop this technology. Although this system has been in the United States for a while now, it is relatively new to Canada. Other places that use the ORCA system are Credic Valley hospital (in Mississauga), Seneca College (King campus), Costco, and the Metro Convention Centre downtown. The MCC actually has two machines, since they accumulate so much traffic. STC started using the ORCA system about a year ago. Within the last year, they have successfully diverted over 330,000 organic waste from landfills.

The clever little guy is the Trademarked Scarborough Town Centre (ORCA) logo

The toilet tank is used as a "power flush" system. The system is flushed several times a day, to avoid a food flood!

This is where the food waste was originally collected, for trucks to come and collect it and take it to landfills. It is now only used for recycling.

The tour was really neat! I've always been fascinated with what happens behind closed doors. I don't know if I'll ever been able to look at the mall the same way again. It was interesting to learn the step-by-step process of what happens to all the food waste. Furthermore, it's nice to know places are starting to use this (environmentally friendly) technique to get rid of garbage!

Personal Growth

I will make this one short and sweet. <3

I've always had the habit of going back and re-reading old journal (and blog) entries. For the longest time, I saw the same pattern: the entries were pretty much the same, just worded differently. But, I've noticed a change in pattern lately. Compared to my previous entries, my more recent entries are different, and this can only mean one thing: New entries = new "me."

For me, the key to growth was stepping out of my comfort zone and making some (positive) lifestyle changes. Eating healthier, exercising regularly (or trying to at least!), stop caring about what others think, and having a positive outlook on life. I think all of these changes play a role in a richer & happier life experience. Not just for me, for anyone and everyone.

I am fascinated, that we as people, can grown (and learn) at any age. Even as adults, life always has new lessons to offer you.

 

Thank God for Everything

So I was feeling kind of down a few weeks ago. Many of my lovely family and friends have been going on international vacations/trips lately. I was happy (for them) that they were going and enjoying life, but seeing them going on trips, just reminded me that I wasn't. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely loved hearing stories about what they saw, what they did, seeing their vacation pictures, and hearing all about their beautiful experiences. But I didn't just want to hear of those experiences, I wanted to experience them myself. After much reflection, I reminded myself that even though I'm not currently traveling around the world, I have been blessed in many other ways.

I wanted to go back to school for the longest time, and I learned of a website which offers online University courses (from a good friend of mine). Allahumdulillah, I successfully completed two courses so far. The courses were enjoyable, and now I am taking a couple of others. Just last week, I wrote an essay for Philosophy about time travel, entitled "Is Time Travel Logically Possible?" I had so much fun with it. I have always loved writing essays, and to write about something with a hint of science fiction, just added to the fun of it! The fact that I am finally able to go back to school and study at a University level is a true blessing, I wanted it (and prayed for it) for a long time, and now I am actually doing it.

I have previously wrote about my weight loss experience. That was also something I wanted for a long time. I finally took initiative, and succeeded in doing so!

Furthermore, vacation wise: Although I have not done very many international vacations, I have done a lot of mini vacations, and a local (and mini) vacation is still a vacation. The last couple of summers, we've been driving 2-3 hours away from home, and spending the weekend by a lake. Last year was my first time doing this in a beautiful lakeside cottage. We stayed there for about 3 days and all we did the whole time was go boating, fishing and just enjoy the lake (aside from a few trips into the city for meals). It was the most fun I had all summer. If you do your homework, it is amazing how much fun you can have right in your own backyard, and you won't need to break the bank to do so.

I also recently learned of a new term: "Staycation," which I think I am a bit of an expert in! Even if you don't go out of town, find some local fun things to do in your own city. Every year, I enjoy doing miscellaneous fun things in the city: going to local parks, going to the waterfront, seeing some of the (free) festivals Toronto has to offer. Free festivals like IceFest, Word on the Street, etc. Being an avid library user, I often take advantage of the free museum/art gallery passes they offer. I've used these passes more then once, much to my contentment! Being a foodie, I also have a knack for finding and trying out some "local cuisine." I have discovered some lovely little "hole-in-the-wall" restaurants and cafes, which often taste much better (and have a more homely environment) than some of the famous franchises!

So I'd say overall, Allahumdulillah life is pretty good. For the things I am hoping for in the future and have not gotten yet (like, doing a bit of world traveling), I think patience will pay off in the end. I may not go today, I may not go tomorrow, but somewhere down the road, Inshallah I will get my opportunity to do some world travels, do some lovely sightseeing and try international local cuisine! <3

Reflection

The last couple of years of my life, I've been going through some (positive) changes. As a little girl, I was a very meek and shy kid. This would often make me the victim of verbal bullying since someone who doesn't speak up or talk back is always the easiest target. However, I've been working on changing that. I just recently made a wonderful discovery: you can be a strong and opinionated woman without being a b**** about it. Looking back, I realized there were so many things I could have changed had I spoken up and expressed my thoughts and feelings. Nevertheless, I am not the type of person to regret the past; just move on and fix the problem.

I feel like this new "ability" to express my own opinions has given me the self worth I don't think I ever really had before. I feel better about myself, and don't feel guilty for having an opinion. I've finally learned that there is no such thing as a wrong opinion. I have just as much right to an opinion as the next person. Sometimes those opinions may cause colourful debates, and that's okay. It is important to take a stand and not back down, especially if it is something you care deeply about.

This new found confidence seems to be manifesting in all aspects of my life. As mentioned in a previous blog post, I've recently lost a bit of weight. I've lost 20 pounds, and still have 20 more to go. Although I'm currently at a halt and haven't lost anymore, I'm really proud of what I've accomplished. I keep reminding myself that I'm halfway there, and these are just the stepping stones to a better me. I feel stronger and more energetic now that I'm eating right and following a workout regimen. I used to think I needed a personal trainer to give me a boost, but I can honestly say I did it all myself. I researched on what to eat (what not to eat) and what sort of activity would play a role and helping me lose weight. Furthermore, it's a really nice feeling when someone sees me after a long time and they say "Wow, you lost so much weight! You look so good!" and in my head, I can (shamelessly) agree with them. ;)

As proud as I am of myself for my self growth, it is important to keep reminding myself there is a fine line between confidence and pride.

Second Merlin Rant

Please Note: Anyone who has not yet seen the MERLIN series finale, this rant/review is full of major spoilers.

As previously mentioned, what had drawn me to the show in the first place was it's magical charm. It followed the adventures of King Arthur and his friend/servant/wizard Merlin. There were a few episodes here and there that I didn't enjoy, but it was overall enjoyable. In the end, it was the series finale that took the prize in being the worse episode ever.

The scene that shocked me the most in the entire series was when Mordred had betrayed Merlin and revealed to Morgana that Merlin was Emrys. As soon as he (Mordred) said, "It is Merlin!" I let out a loud gasp, put my hand over my mouth and began anxiously waiting for the epic battle in the finale. I don't know why it surprised me when I already know how the legend of King Arthur ends. Arthur is destined to be betrayed and killed by the hands of his noble knight, Mordred. And of course, Morgana would have had to find out about Emrys one way or another.


With everything going the way it was, there were a few things I wanted to know: How will Arthur find out about Merlin's secret? Will Mordred and/or Morgana die? Was Arthur actually going to die, or would they change the end on a high note? Considering that they changed so much of the legend already, there was a shred of hope in me for a happy ending.

So the episode starts off with old Merlin striking his staff, and instantaneously killing Morgana's evil army. Within ten minutes into the episode, the "epic battle" has come to an end. I was expecting Merlin to use his Dragonlord magic and bring in his Great Dragon friend to join in the fun, but Kilgharrah doesn't show up until the end. (I'll get to that in a bit.)

After most of the army has died, Mordred comes up from behind and stabs Arthur in the back (very artistically, I may add.) Arthur then turns around and stabs and kills Mordred. Old Merlin finds Arthur and begins his mission to save his friend.

Of course, everyone was waiting for the big reveal to see how Arthur finds out about Merlin's secret. In my head, I thought it would be Merlin getting caught using his magic. But instead, it ends up being a very sad Merlin crying and saying "I am a sorcerer. I have magic." Which then leads to Merthur (Merlin/Arthur) going through the whole episode fighting like a married couple. Arthur is able to witness a few of Merlin's magic tricks, but it's very rushed and gives him little time to react to the big secret he just discovered.

Meanwhile, Sir Gwaine and Sir Percival are on a mission to find Morgana, and in the process, she succeeds in killing Gwaine. As if Sir Lancelot and Sir Elyan just wasn't enough of Camelot's knights being killed by Morgana, they just had to kill Gwaine.

Finally, Morgana meets Merlin and Arthur in the woods, which leads to her death. She gets stabbed in the chest by Merlin. Morgana is unable to die from any mortal blade, but Merlin's sword (like Morgana's) is forged in a dragon's breath. After all the wrath Morgana released on Camelot, I thought she got a very quick and easy death.

Merlin is still persistent on his mission to take Arthur to the lake of Avalon, where he hopes to restore his battle wound and prevent him from dying. Merlin and Arthur's horses get scared away, so he finally summons Kilgharrah for some assistance to fly them to Avalon. When they finally reach the lake, The Great Dragon reveals to Merlin there is no way Arthur can be saved, he is dying and even the most powerful wizard can do nothing to change that. The Great Dragon tells Merlin that Arthur will arise once again.

Arthur's death scene was the only thing I liked. It was emotional and it really showed how much Merlin always meant to Arthur, even thought he'd often tease him and give him a hard time. Merlin and Arthur both end up fulfilling their destinies, and the scene goes back to Camelot where Lady Gweneviere is the successor to the kingdom of Camelot. I don't understand how exactly they knew Arthur died? Merlin had Arthur's funeral all by himself at Avalon, and there was no way of him sending word back to Camelot. I thought Kilgharra and Merlin would have took Arthur's body back to Camelot, so Gwen could have seen her husband one last time. As if that wasn't bad enough, you suddenly see a truck driving by and a modern day old Merlin (looking like a hobo) walking down the street, peering out to the lake of Avalon, the end. I didn't understand the last scene at first, but after doing a bit of research, I found out it indicated Merlin has been waiting all those years for his friend Arthur to arise, so he can serve him once again.

It was a terrible way to end the series. The whole charm of the show was that it was set in medieval times, and the fact that they ended the series in modern day just ruined everything. I couldn't believe that is what it was all leading up to.

Whether it is a book, movie or TV show I find it really unsatisfying when the story is amazing through out and then they rob you of a good ending. I don't know what the writers were trying to pull, but that was an epic fail.

Merlin

There are just a handful of TV shows I watch, BBC's Merlin being amongst the few. The series has been on for five years, and I can't express how much I love this show and here's why. Those who follow my other blog know how much I love wizards and magic, and that's what Merlin brought to the table. The story of Merlin and Arthur is set in the medieval days when magic is outlawed in the city of Camelot. Merlin becomes Arthur's head servant, forcing himself to hide his magic powers from his King/friend all these years. I have a soft spot for stories set in the medieval times. I just find something fantastical about castles, sword fights, knights and magic. I also found the series was relatively family oriented. The story lines were clean, and the overall message of the show was to believe in yourself and stand up for what you believe in. The legend of King Arthur has been retold many times, in many different versions, and this was no exception. 
Last night, the show all came to an end with it's series finale. The ending was rather unsatisfying. I don't want to give too much away (in case someone is watching, or wishes to watch.) However, I will say this: It was all leading up to a great battle with King Arthur and his knights fighting the evil Lady Morgana. I expected a whole lot more to happen during the battle and I thought everything was very rushed. As previously mentioned, one of the reasons I watched the show was because of it's magical charm. The very last scene of the episode took all of that away for me. I was expecting to get a bit teary eyed because it's all over, but instead I was scratching my head and asking myself, "Um... what just happened?"

The writer's did such a fantastic job of keeping the story line interesting through out the entire series, but it almost felt like there was no thought whatsoever put into the end. It's a shame Merlin is not real and can't cast a spell to make me forget that awful end to such a great story.

Diary of 2 Cats: Kitten Edition (part 6)

I think I'll have to rename my upcoming posts, considering Tiger is not a kitten anymore! I thought I recorded his vet updates but it turns out I didn't. The last time we took him to the (second) vet office, there was a different vet on duty. This was roughly about two months ago. I was kind of frustrated that we weren't seeing the same vet again but it actually worked out in my favour in the end. So this would be the third vet whose examining Tiger.

This third vet we saw ended up being the most helpful compared to the previous two. He did a thorough test of Tiger by putting a green dye in both his eyes. When the dye leaked out through his right nostril but not his left, the doctor declared there is a blockage between the left nose and eye canal. He explained to us this is a chronic condition which can possibly be fixed by steroids (which we bought and used. But it did no good.) He then said if the steroids don't work, there is a small procedure you can get done which will implant an opening into his tear duct. However, he very clearly stated there's still no guarantee this condition will clear and it'll cost us an arm and a leg.

It turns out as long as he's eating, drinking, playing and is not showing any pain or discomfort towards his eye infection, it's nothing to worry about. It'll certainly be annoying to constantly have to clean the leakage from his eye on a regular basis but the vet said it will annoy us more then it'll annoy him and I think my little Tiger is worth the extra mile =).

On a side note: I noticed Pepper's behaviour is much naughtier then Tiger's, which I find pretty ironic! Pepper is the one constantly attempting to open all my kitchen cabinets and scratch up the furniture while Tiger runs away with a single spray of water. My theory is since we got Tiger as a kitten, he was easier to train. We missed Pepper's kittenhood so perhaps he was already set in his naughty ways!