Let’s Get Inspired
If the American election and our own federal election taught us anything, it’s that we are all desperately searching for leaders who can inspire us. And although we need to demand more leadership from our elected representatives, we can also lead by example and inspire others to action.
The EcoAction Teams program is inspiring everyday Canadians to take the lead by undertaking simple actions that add up to a healthier environment. People across the country are using our tools to mobilize others. Participants are starting teams on our calculator and getting other people excited about conservation. And you know it’s true what they say about a team effort: together everyone achieves more.
In this issue we feature three of our top saving teams who are getting the job done. They prove that any peron or group can inspire positive change.
Another way to inspire change this season is to take a green approach to the holidays. You have the power to give meaningful gifts while buying less ‘stuff.’
Be well and happy holidays,
—The ‘Team’
P.S. If we made your list this holiday season, why not tell your friends about us or join our Facebook group?
A Team Effort: Featuring our Top Savers
Now, it’s even easier to start your own EcoAction Team! Start a team and challenge your friends to join you in making green lifestyle choices, keep one another motivated and encourage a little healthy competition.
With our new features you can
- Set saving goals for your team and encourage more savings in GHG emissions, transport fuel, waste, energy, water and dollar savings
- Invite people to join your team
- Compare your team to a team of your choice
- See who the top teams are in each savings category!
Now, we don’t want to favor anyone, but if we did, it would be our high-achieving teams. These top-savers are reducing their environmental footprint at the household level in impressive numbers.
The leaders are
The Bobcats (22 members)
Congratulations to the Bobcats in St. Stephen, NB, for diverting 5.5 tonnes of garbage. That’s the equivalent of saving 427 garbage bags! They are currently in 2nd place in this category, 2nd in transportation fuel savings, 2nd in energy, and tops in water.
Lura Consulting (11 members)
With members from the Greater Toronto Area and Hamilton, ON, The Lura Consulting team is saving loads of energy and water. They are ranked 3rd among all teams in water, waste and energy savers. The team has committed to reducing their energy consumption by over 38,000 kilowatt hours and 1 million litres of water!
EMD Serono (10 members)
Ten people from EMD Serono, a biotechnology and pharmaceuticals company based in Mississauga, ON are working to lower their environmental impact. They are 4th in energy savings, and 5th in waste reduction, and 2nd among all teams in greenhouse gas emission reductions. That’s like taking 39 cars off the road for 1 year!
The Green Scene: Holiday Edition
For many of us, the holidays are a time to indulge, spend money, and have fun. You might say acting responsibly is a neglected value this time of year.
So while practicing conservation seems like the furthest thing from the holiday norm, you can actually ease the madness of the season by being green. Here’s how.
Gifts that Keep Giving
What involves hands-on participation, a learning opportunity and can be enjoyed throughout the year? A class! There’s something out there for everyone on your list; pottery, cooking, photography, woodworking, knitting, or language classes, just to name a few.
Give the Green Bucks
For the philanthropist on your list (or the person who has everything), give them a gift card for a Canadian charity from www.canadahelps.org. You choose the amount and the recipient, then they pick between hundreds of charities (including Earth Day Canada!). You will receive a tax receipt for your donation (an added gift come tax time).
Second Chance
For something truly unique, look for treasures at antique shops or second-hand stores. You might just find a beautiful piece of jewelery, a first-edition book or an inexpensive vase for your organic flowers.
The re-gift
This option is not for everyone. You have to be a risk-taker. You have to have good taste. You must know exactly what the other person would like. The wacky dragonfly lamp Aunt Mildred gave you might be right up your collector friend’s alley.
Your Presence is the Present
Transform this year’s gifts into memorable moments. Make a personalized redeemable coupon for time spent together such as visits to an outdoor skating rink, theatre, movie or a lunch date.
Ask for Green Gifts
Tell your loved ones (nicely) that you are not interested in receiving material presents you don’t need. This is an opportunity for others to understand your environmental principles and make green consumer choices themselves. Just give people ideas from the list above!
