Ziptrek Ecotours

Resolutions for the New Year

January 2011

With every new year comes a fresh start, and so it goes that New Year’s resolutions are in the forefront of our minds. With the recent widespread publicity of environmental issues, the general public is well aware of the need for change in the realm of sustainability. Therefore, many of us may strive to inject some sustainability-oriented resolutions into our upcoming year.

If green initiatives have a place on your resolution list, let’s examine some of the most simple and effective small-scale changes that can bump up your sustainability contributions right here in Whistler.

Composting. We are lucky enough in Whistler to have our own in-vessel composting system, just south of Whistler village. The garbage and recycling facilities at Nester’s and Function Junction have a bin specifically for compost (including yard and garden waste, food scraps, wood products). By separating organic materials from the rest of your garbage at home, up to 60% of your household refuse can be saved from the landfill and become a part of organic soil products used right here in Whistler.

Responsible Shopping. This covers a vast array of sustainability initiatives such as: supporting the local food movement (including organics) by patronizing farmers markets and stores which promote locally produced foodstuffs; let your veggie-loving side flourish by reducing the amount of meat in your diet, even if it is only by one meal per week; support Ocean Wise-labeled seafood at home and when eating out; avoid products with excess packaging and BYOB (Bring Your Own Bags); switch to environmentally friendly products for household needs – just remember to support products that have been legitimately certified, such as products with the EcoLogo symbol.

Greening the Home. The fantastic thing about making sustainable decisions in the home is that often it involves a one-time installation or update – with no further fuss or bother. These installations or updates can include:  low flow toilets, faucets and shower heads; hot water tank covers; upgrading insulation in attics/crawl spaces; switching lightbulbs over to compact fluorescent lightbulbs (CFLs); investing in EnergyStar-labeled energy efficient appliances; and the installation of thermopane windows.

Environmental Stewardship and Advocacy. Unequivocally the most powerful green resolution a person can make is to learn about sustainable initiatives and strive to inspire others. Whether it is education about sustainability for a family, a workplace, a school, or the community, promoting everyday green initiatives by word of mouth can create change where other mechanisms of communication cannot.

To quote Adria Vasil, author of the bestseller “Ecoholic”, “Don’t worry: you don’t have to give up shaving and chain yourself to a tree to be green. Just do what you can, one step at a time.” Incorporating a few green New Year’s resolutions may not change the world in an instant, but it sure is a step in the right direction.

by: Alison McKenzie