If you find yourself with a leftover pumpkin after Halloween, make sure you dispose of it properly!
CAFES member Ottawa South Eco-Action Network (OSEAN) is running their annual Pumpkins for the Planet initiative to divert your pumpkins from the landfill! Local drop-off locations will be organized in Alta Vista, River Ward, and Gloucester-Southgate, but you can also bring your pumpkins to Ernie Calcutt Park on November 2nd for Pumpkinfest.
Pumpkinfest is organized in collaboration with Foodsharing Ottawa (FSO), an organization which finds alternate uses for food. Intact pumpkins will be donated to local food organizations and turned into tasty meals for people experiencing food insecurity. Pumpkinfest attendees are asked to bring non-perishable food or financial donations for food security initiatives if possible.
If you're interested in helping out, visit OSEAN's website!
Please don't bring any mouldy pumpkins. If you're not able to drop-off your pumpkin, composting is still a great option! Here are some suggestions of what you can and can't do with your old pumpkin:
