Project Ideas

Here are just a few ideas I have that would make my community better. Whether I end up doing these or others decide to take the helm, I am happy that we are all putting our thinking into being.

Sustainability Audit. Look at the ways your company uses resources. Are there ways you can improve the use and re-use of resources? Does your product come from virgin resources, or are there recycled options available? I will gladly do research if any company is interested in making shifts in resource use.

Garbage Reduction and Composting. A specific idea I have is approaching the local food markets – Kitchener, St. Jacobs and conducting a waste audit. How much of what comes in goes out as garbage? How much, if any, is recycled? How much, if any, is composted? Could we come up with a plan to compost living matter through collection or waste management services?

Water Trucks at Sporting Events/Festivals. Did you know that there are water trucks that can be rented for large events such as festivals, sporting events? Yes, you wouldn’t need to buy bottled water. (I was shocked that this past summer I was not allowed to bring in my reusable water bottle into an outdoor music festival. They made me drain it at the door. This was a stipulation put in place by the event holder. This, to me was preposterous. I told them I don’t drink bottled water. Unfortunately, out of principle, I did not stay.) I Instead, people would be encouraged to bring their own re-fillable bottle. This could be a great way to make events more sustainable and would be great PR for a community. The City of Vaughan can be commended for being a community that offers this service. For more info, go to: https://www.vaughan.ca/residential/water-wastewater-and-stormwater/water-services/rent-water-cooler

Community Gardens. Converting unused City Land into community gardens that offer fresh fruits and vegetables. The only stipulation would be that volunteers commit to a certain number of hours weekly/monthly tending to the needs of the garden. This could also easily partner in with a food bank, since fresh food is often overlooked in food donations due to its perishable nature.