Earth Hour

One hour can make a big difference!

Earth Hour started as an idea in Australia in 2007 and immediately became a global action in 2008 and every year its influence spreads. For those who would like to know more about how this idea to its international awareness raising status today check out the History of Earth Day.

It may not seem like a big deal to turn off the lights and all powered things in your home (or workplace) for an hour, but the impacts collectively make a huge difference.

And as they say on the WWF site (that's World Wildlife Fund, not the wrestling federation)"there’s more to it than switching off lights for one hour once a year. It’s all about giving people a voice and working together to create a better future for our planet."

So as the Earth Hour event continues to spread and more and more people in communities around the world participate, the number of ways you can participate continues to grow as well!

Dare to Save the Planet with an "I will __ IF __" or perhaps you'll be tempted to accept someone else's challenge at http://www.youtube.com/earthhour.

If you are keen to plan something specific for Earth Hour there is plenty of inspiration to be found at http://earthhour.wwf.ca/earthhour.

Do you have what it takes to join Team Earth Hour?

Mug it Up, Save the Cup

Many of us love a cuppa java, tea or some other fine hot beverage (especially on the Drive which is chock a block full of great coffee shops!) but did you know that Canadians throw away 1.6 billion disposable cups every year?

Well, this Saturday March 31st there is a youth led day of action to raise awareness and try to change that.

Visit bethechangeearthalliance.org/youthaction to find out more information on how you personally can make a difference and support their efforts - the easiest thing to do is make sure you bring your travel mug to enjoy your hot bevvy in. On March 31st...and every day!

Cheers to good coffee without the waste!

stepping up to our green potential

Well its been a while a while since the last Green Team update and the green vision has continued to grow here at Britannia in many ways.

I'm very happy to say that 2 years after the last posting here on the blog, Britannia has given me an amazing opportunity and hired me as the Green Team Coordinator for a few months of focused organizing, planning and implementing awesome ideas from all of you!

For all of us who are 'keen to be green' the obstacles can seem truly immense for our fabulous community complex (and complex community) but there is no shortage of passion or ideas- so we can do it!

My favorite story of perseverance on our site is a tale of one of our members. David has a big heart and aims to save the planet one small act at a time. When he found out our wristbands used for the fitness centre, pool and skating rink were recyclable he started gathering them when he was here and bringing them to our new Beyond the Blue Box Depot every month. Once our pool programmer realized one of our members was doing this work for us, a very simple solution came about -we put out containers in the lobby and fitnesscentre so ALL members can recycle their bands every day. Now the majority of our bands are being kept from the landfill with thanks for one small step taken by one caring person that started it off.

And for inspiration on a small act that could make a big difference for the neighbourhood check out this story about some locals trying to tackle the challenge of chopsticks on the Drive. Remember when you're dining in to ask for the non-diposable chopsticks next time you're enjoying some sushi!

A couple of resources to share for today for all those things you don't know what to do with: MetroVancouver Recycles where you can find places to recycle or donate just about anything; and if you have an app happy phone you can download BC Recyclepedia for handy dandy convenience.

The Green Team left off with some big dreams for a Zero Waste Britannia which I still believe we can achieve. But we have a few steps to go before we make that goal so let the work begin!

I'll be here 1-2 days a week for Green Team work so please email me any thoughts or ideas you may want to share to kathy.whittam@vancouver.ca. I'm really excited and looking forward to listening to staff, students and the public on what we do well and what gaps we need to fill - a fun challenge! :)


(Image credit: Fresh Start from tripleman.com)