Tomas and Tori Kalyniuk are the brother and sister duo delivering the PNR in Dean Park in North Saanich — and saving plastic bags while they do it.
Back in September, the pair needed an idea to achieve their environment badge in their Scout troop. So, they came up with the idea, says mom Carmen, of asking customers to hold on to those plastic newspaper delivery bags. Since then, the pair say they haven’t had to use any new bags, as people have given back more than half of the bags they deliver.
“Some people braid them,” Tori said, “and others flatten and fold them so you can’t tell they’ve even been used.”
Overall, they’ve saved a lot of plastic from the landfill. They keep them at home and use them over and over when the weather turns bad.
The big idea earned them the badge — and the special distinction of being named Chief Scouts. Tomas will receive his Chief Scout award from B.C.’s Lt. Governor on May 24. Tori will get hers next year (she’s a year behind her brother in Scouts, said mom).