Sustainability

Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. - Brundtland Report 1987

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“We can't solve the problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them.” - Albert Einstein

The concept of sustainability is straightforward: protect and look after the Earth so that future generations of all species can enjoy it without it being diminished. Living sustainably means we must reduce our ecological footprint and live within our means and the Earth's carrying capacity (Kitchen Table Sustainability, 2009 p.22; p 25).

The Brundtland Report (1987) laid out the concept of sustainability as containing environmental, economic and social aspects. A common model of sustainability uses three overlapping circles to represent the environment, economy and society. Sustainability occurs at the centre of the diagram where the circles overlap. Model 1 illustrates how sustainability requires the economic, social and ecological systems to be working together, in harmony, mutually benefitting each other in the present and indefinitely (Kitchen Table Sustainability, 2009)

However all three components are not equal. There is only one living earth and it is upon this earth that all life depends. Model 2 uses nested and interdependent circles to show that functionally, economic systems are a part of society and society is in turn part of the environment. The earth is our natural capital as it provides the ecosystem services and natural resources that we need to survive. Our society and economies are completely dependent on the environment which encompasses them and are therefore bound to its limits and capabilities.

In the Cariboo-Chilcotin we cannot afford to conduct business and economic development without ecological awareness and respect for the needs of the future. Conservation Strategy, 2007.

Scientific research has demonstrated conclusively that, as a global population, we are living unsustainably and are irrevocably changing natural systems (Kitchen Table Sustainability, 2009, p.27). For too long we have treated the earth solely as a resource to be consumed and a dumping ground for our waste. Our actions now threaten our home – planet Earth.

The challenges that we are facing can seem overwhelming. But, you can be part of the solution – we can make decisions today that will leave the earth a better place for many generations to come. The steps you take, the stories you share, the abilities you have, the people you encourage are all part of transforming our community and region as we journey towards sustainability. Together we can create solutions that benefit the environment, society and the economy and make our community, our region, our world a better place to live now and in the future. Explore the information and links presented on this web page and discover what you can do to make a difference.

Explore the information and links presented on this web page and discover what you can do to make a difference.

Sustainability initiatives in the Cariboo

Actions for Sustainability

RETHINK – REDUCE – REUSE - RECYCLE

We are all responsible for our planet and our everyday actions affect it. Have you ever stopped to wonder how you lifestyle impacts the planet? From the moment we wake up, we consume energy, from the electricity to power our alarm clocks and lights, the resources to produce our food and clothing and the fuel to travel to work. We also produce waste in the form of dirty water down toilets and showers, garbage and vehicle exhaust. How do we know if we are consuming more than the Earth can handle?

Ecological Footprint is a tool that estimates the amount of resources from the planet that it takes to keep your lifestyle going and to absorb the waste you produce. It takes into account your housing, food and where it comes from, your driving and travel habits, clothing and recreation choices and the pollution and garbage you create. A large footprint means it takes a larger share of the planet to maintain your lifestyle.

• How big is your footprint?
• Calculate your “footprint”.

We each need to shrink our personal ‘ecological footprint’ or ‘carbon footprint’ to save the earth for future generations. The following actions and tips can be easily incorporated into your everyday life and will reduce your ecological footprint (and save money too!).

Actions for ENERGY

• Turn off lights
• Install compact fluorescent bulbs (use ⅓ the electricity of a standard bulb and last longer)
• Turn your thermostat down to 17° at night
• Unplug electronics and small appliances when not in use
• Only run the dishwasher and washing machine when you have a full load
• Air dry the dishes (by simply opening the dishwasher door) instead of running the drying cycle
• Wash clothes in cold water and reduce the time for drying
• Hang clothes outside to dry (either outside or inside on a drying rack)
• Replace old appliances or water heaters with an energy efficient ones (ENERGY STAR rating)

Actions for WASTE

• Use reusable coffee mugs and water bottles, rather than ‘single use’ disposable plastic bottles and cups
• Use cloth grocery bags rather than plastic or paper
• Pack no-waste lunches for you and your family
• Start using rechargeable batteries
• Compost kitchen and yard waste
• Choose products that have a high percentage of recycled content and little packaging
• Recycle paper, cardboard, glass, aluminum, plastic, electronics, etc.
• Donate reusable items to non-profit groups, thrift shops or the Share Shed at your landfill
• Ask your favourite take-out restaurant if you can bring your own container for leftovers
• Use durable, reusable products instead of disposable ones

Be WATERWISE

• Use biodegradable green cleaning products and stop using fertilizers and pesticides
• Choose water-efficient fixtures and appliances and fix leaking toilets and taps promptly
• Stop over-watering your lawn and choose drought hardy plants
• Turn off the tap when you brush your teeth, shave or wash dishes and keep your showers to five minutes or less
• Install rain barrels to capture rain water for watering plants and gardens

Active TRANSPORTATION

• Drive less. Try to walk, bike, carpool or take the bus more often
• Ask local governments to make our roads and streets safer for pedestrians and cyclists (bike lanes)
• Plan your trips to combine errands, and when possible walk between locations (e.g. bank, library, store)
• Keep your car properly maintained and your tires filled to optimum pressure
• Reduce idling and turn off your engine (idling more than ten seconds costs more than turning off the engine)
• Drive smarter – go the speed limit, do not accelerate rapidly. Every gallon of gas you save not only helps your budget but it also keeps 20 pounds of CO2 out of the atmosphere.

Actions for LOCAL FOOD

• Purchase locally-grown food at Farmers' Markets and Growers' Cooperatives
• Plant a garden and grow your own food and herbs
• Joint in a community garden and support school gardens
• Eat seasonally
• Ask supermarkets to carry locally grown produce
• Eat meat-free once a week

Actions for the ENVIRONMENT

• Plant trees
• Replace chemical pesticides and fertilizers on your lawn and garden with non-toxic alternatives
• Support protection and rehabilitation of our soils, environmentally sensitive areas, riparian zones, streams and waterways, forests and wildlife habitats.

RECREATION

Try choosing hobbies and sports that don’t burn lots of fuel. In our region there is plenty of opportunity for outdoor recreation such as hiking, canoeing, fishing, camping and mountain biking ... all close to home. Check out the 2010 Cariboo Chilcotin & Central Coast BC Parks and Trails / Sites of Interest; Our Parks, Our Heritage - Guide available from the Cariboo Chilcotin Conservation Society.

Sustainability Resources

• Qualicum Institute - a society for ecological, social, and economic sustainability.
• Post Carbon Institute - transition to a more resilient, equitable, and sustainable world. On Facebook.
• Transition Network - community-led response to the pressures of climate change, fossil fuel depletion and economic contraction.
• Livesmart BC- helps British Columbians make green choices that save money at home, at work and on the road.
• BC Climate Action Toolkit - Climate Solutions for Better Communities
• Pembima Institute - advance sustainable energy solutions through innovative research, education, consulting and advocacy.
• BC Sustainable Energy Association - facilitate the transition to a sustainable energy future in British Columbia through education, advocacy and tangible community projects.
• Toxic Free Canada - bring workers and environmentalists together in cooperative projects for toxics reduction and a green economy.
• Community Energy Association - supports local governments throughout British Columbia in accelerating the application of energy efficiency and renewable energy
• The Story of Stuff - 20-minute animation of the consumerist society

Further Considerations

• Natural Capital
• Peak Oil – Transition Towns
• Zero Waste

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. - Margaret Mead

sustain@ccconserv.org

Cariboo Chilcotin Conservation Society
Unit 102, 197 2nd Ave North Williams Lake, B.C., V2G 1Z5
Phone/Fax: 250 398-7929 • ccentre@ccconserv.org • Coordinator: Marg Evans

Original material in this web site may be reproduced in any form without permission on condition that it is accredited to the Cariboo Chilcotin Conservation Society, with a link back to this site or, in the case of printed material, a clear indication of the site URL. We would appreciate being notified of such use. Although care has been taken in preparing the information contained in this web site, the CCCS does not and cannot guarantee the accuracy thereof. Anyone using the information does so at their own risk and shall be deemed to indemnify CCCS from any and all injury or damage arising from such use.

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