For two years, an ecological and solidarity initiative has emerged thanks to a collaboration between the Incentive Fee service of the Rhône Gard conurbation, and the “Équi-libre” association, based in Garn. This initiative aims to reduce the tonnage of household waste by collecting bio-waste from various local structures.
School canteens, medium-sized stores, grocery stores and bakeries are actively participating in this project. Recovered food waste is used to feed the animals collected by the “Équi-libre” association. This shelter, located in Garn, welcomes abandoned senior animals, horses, rabbits, goats, pigs, goats, equines, and even laboratory rabbits, all victims of mistreatment, neglect or abuse.
The “Équi-libre” association works closely with the National Confederation of Animal Defense, whose headquarters is located in Lyon, and represented by Anne Bataillé for the south of France. The initiative began with the Georges Villes college in Pont-Saint-Esprit, where students were made aware of food waste. Since then, the collection of food waste has been extended to other establishments, and a composter has been installed to recycle this waste. The students also built a chicken coop, thus contributing to the reduction of organic waste. The logistics of this operation are based on tours carried out twice a week by truck by the “Équi-libre” association. Current routes cover Le Garn, Pont-Saint-Esprit, Saint-Nazaire, Bagnols-sur-Cèze and Goudargues. The association is ready to expand its tours to other areas of the Gard Rhone, particularly around Laudun, Saint-Victor-la-Coste and Lirac, if other food establishments wish to participate in this ecological and supportive approach.
This initiative shows that it is possible to reduce food waste while providing valuable help to animals in distress. It constitutes an inspiring example for other municipalities and establishments wishing to engage in more sustainable and responsible practices.
Expansion plans
Currently, the association is considering expanding its actions by targeting in particular: restaurants, canteens, catering professions, etc. The elected delegate in charge of sustainable development Béatrice Loison, and the agents of the environment center Lidwine Queyranne and Éric Patin support this initiative by ensuring the application of the bio-waste sorting instructions and the bio-waste management method.
Furthermore, the agglomeration as a community has implemented source sorting solutions for bio-waste such as individual and collective composters. A lasting collaboration with the association could constitute a first step towards a solution for large private or public producers of bio-waste.
History of the association:
-Created in 2009, the association initially took care of equines. Since 2012, it has expanded its actions to farm and pet animals. Recovered animals are cared for, identified and brought into good standing before being offered for adoption. The association defends abandoned or mistreated animals and places them in foster families. The association recovers, cares for and puts the animals in order, who then live in semi-freedom. Their specific needs are taken into account to ensure their well-being.
The association does not receive any subsidies and depends on donations for veterinary care, building materials, and operating costs. The animals are spread across several municipalities. The association practices eco-grazing and fire protection, and organizes events to raise public awareness. Costs are covered by volunteering and donations.
Contact details of the association:
1056 route de Barjac district of Blaquette, 30760 Le Garn
06 56 82 00 98
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