Cowichan Recyclists is a year-round recycling pickup company taking the eco-friendly act of recycling a step further by using pollution-free human power.
Beginning in September 2007, downtown Duncan residents Aaron Bichard and Katie Harris started the service to help the Cowichan Region work towards achieving zero waste without adding diesel exhaust fumes to the air.
A love for biking, a desire to recycle and a locally made trailer were all the pieces needed to start the idle-free, emission-free, personalized big service with little impact.
National award-winning journalist and photographer Aaron Bichard has long had an interest in the environment. His experiences interviewing hundreds of people effecting positive change in communities throughout the province have led him to believe a little action can make a world of difference. Between hauling recyclables by bicycle and running a successful freelance writing and photography business, Aaron spends his time working with community members toward creating a healthier environment. Aaron currently volunteers as a director of Cowichan Green Community, is an active steering committee member of Cowichan Action on Climate Change and works diligently on numerous other ecologically minded, local, grassroots initiatives. Katie and Aaron are currently involved in piloting a new project spearheaded by environmentalist Guy Dauncey called Cowichan Carbon Busters - a ten week challenge to reduce their carbon footprint even further.
Katie Harris
While volunteering for different environmental organizations, Katie discovered that thinking and acting locally can have a positive impact globally. Her interest in the environment led her to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Geography from Simon Fraser University. Later, she completed the Radio Broadcasting program at BCIT and worked in community radio for several years. Today she divides her time between recycling and freelance voice-over work, and you can hear her on 100.3 The Q in Victoria, on weekend mornings.
