Articles from:December 2021

  • How to Have a Sustainable 2022

    Friday, December 31, 2021 | By

    Blog Contributor: Madison Lepp

    The new year is always a great time to consider making positive changes – there are many small changes an individual can take on to create a more sustainable lifestyle. Here are some suggestions for living sustainably in 2022 and new year’s resolutions to take into consideration…

    1. Shop Smarter

    Aim to only buy what you need and will consume or use. Shifting your mindset to think of the resources we have as limited, will allow you to use them more conservatively in the new year. Aim to shop locally and support independent businesses where possible. Think about whether the item you are buying is sustainably sourced, ethically produced, high quality, and long-lasting. Ask yourself – Do I need it? Where is this product from, who made it, and what is it made of? How is it packaged? How can it be disposed of after use? Can I buy a used or thrifted version of the product? 

    New year’s resolution idea: Switch to buying Fairtrade and locally roasted coffee beans! 

    2. Save Energy

    Globally, about 78% of GHG emissions from human activity are from the production and consumption of energy. Wasting less energy is a simple way to reduce your carbon footprint and requires very little effort! Simply turn off light switches, switch your bulbs to LEDs, wash laundry on a cooler setting, and/or air-dry clothing to reduce your household energy usage. Properly insulating your home is also a great way to reduce the energy needed to keep your home warm this winter. A plus to this is that you will also lower your energy bill!  

     New Year’s resolution idea: Only wash full loads of laundry and wash on cold! 

    3. Slow Fashion Only

    Did you know that according to Fashion Checker, 93% of brands are not paying garment workers a living wage? Or that, Clothing production is the third biggest manufacturing industry (after automotive and technology) and that textile production contributes more to climate change than international aviation and shipping combined. The hard truth is that more than 500 billion dollars of value is lost every year due to underutilization and lack of recycling. We oftentimes think of garments as short-term tools, contributing to wasteful consumption patterns that inevitably leading the world toward drastic climate change. We must shift this to thinking of garments as long-term investments. Try asking yourself: Is this an item I need and will use until the end of its lifecycle? How will I dispose of this clothing item at the end of its lifecycle? Will I love this item in 2 weeks, 2 months, 2 years? Who made this item and were they paid fairly? A great resource to ensure the brand you are purchasing from has good intentions is the website/app Good On You.

    New year’s resolution idea: Only purchase one clothing item a month or have a one in – one out rule! 

    4. Waste Not

    Over the past 50 years, world plastic production has doubled – bringing the weight of production up to 300 million tonnes every year! To put that into perspective, that’s equivalent to the weight of the entire human population. To make matters worse only 9% of all plastic produced is recycled. At times plastic seems to be scary and unavoidable but it is still possible to reduce the amount of single use plastic you consume! Always pay attention to the products you buy and brands you support. Make sure to dispose of and recycle everything you use correctly; opt for compostable items where possible; and check out TerraCycle schemes. If you can: donate, pass on, or sell something before disposing of it – this is always your best option. Making zero waste swaps is a great way to reduce waste! Here is a list of 50+ Zero waste swaps to try!  

    New Year’s resolution idea: Commit to one zero waste swap a month or set a rule of thumb to only purchase 10% or 20% plastic items at the supermarket.  

    5. Embrace and Support Mother Nature

    It’s scientifically proven that spending time outside can reduce stress, encourage creativity, and promote better immune system functions. Studies have shown that even just 20 minutes per day spent in nature can lower stress hormone levels, boost self-esteem, and improve mood. Spend more time outside and show nature appreciation by planting trees, wildflowers, and pollinator friendly plants; picking up litter while you walk; adding bird feeders to your yard; and/or supporting a wildlife charity! 

     New year’s resolution idea: Create a regular date with nature! 

     

     

     

    Categories: Student Contributor

  • Facilities Management is Taking Action through a Holiday Sustainability Challenge

    Friday, December 17, 2021 | By

    Blog Contributor: Elenore Breslow

    Every day we make choices in our lives that impact the environment around us – from the food we eat to the car we drive. Leading a sustainable lifestyle is an important first step in taking climate action, and perhaps can become a precursor of wider change to help incentivise climate action on a larger scale.  

    Staff members in Facilities Management (FM) are setting the tone across the University by taking part in their first Holiday Sustainability Challenge. Blackstone Energy Services and Brock partnered together to provide an innovative and interactive sustainability app to encourage adoption of more sustainable habits through friendly competition. This past fall a student-focused challenge was hosted but now staff are getting in on the fun too! 

    “We’re so proud of the efforts and overall participation from the FM team in the challenge, said Drew Cullen, Manager, District Energy. “Not only was the competition a great way to inspire everyone to lead a more sustainable lifestyle, but it was also a fun team bonding exercise.” 

    Facilities Management Holiday Sustainability Challenge Winners – The Carbon Crushers. (left to right) Scott Johnstone (Senior Associate VP, Infrastructure & Operations), Mary Quintana (Director, Asset Management & Utilities), Mandeep Mukkar-Ippolito (Facilities Manager, MIWSFPA & Satellite Sites), Dave McArthur (Director, Facilities & Services), John Clutterbuck (Manager, CFHBRC).

    The weeklong challenge started on December 6 and ended on December 10, 2021. Six teams took part, which included team fun names like “Carbon Crushers”, “Captain Planet and the Paperless Posse”, and “Eco Warriors”. FM did not take the challenge lightly; and there may have been some sore losers. In the end the Carbon Crushers took first prize and won sustainable gift baskets from the Campus Store. Even though the competition was all in good fun, it does sound like the other teams are already looking for a rematch. 

    Impact Totals from the Challenge:  

    Over 3.6 tons of CO2 saved 

    270 kilograms of waste diverted 

    5300 gallons of water saved  

    Participants logged their actions in the Blackstone Energy App. Popular actions that earned points included: taking a shorter shower, having a vegetarian meal, carpooling, and visiting a park. The challenge encouraged FM to make more sustainable choices in their everyday lives and share the reasoning behind these behavioral changes with those around them.  

    “The holiday sustainability challenge was a fun experience and it also highlighted that many of us in FM already live sustainable lives, but there is always room for improvement,” said Dave Mcarthur, Director, Facilities & Services.  

    “It also illustrated that adopting sustainable habits doesn’t necessarily cost more, it just can require a little discipline,” he said. 

    Moving forward, there are plans to host more sustainability challenges for staff and faculty, as well as students. Individual action matters and when we choose to take public transit instead of driving, purchase local produce, or switch to LEDs, we have an impact. The goal of these challenges is to showcase how everyone can make their lives more sustainable, and hopefully continue the actions after the contest is over. 

    Categories: Challenge/Contest, Sustainability at Brock

  • Sustainable Holiday Gift Guide

    Thursday, December 16, 2021 | By

    Blog Contributor: Alexandra Cotrufo

    Holiday gifts surrounded by the title Sustainable Gift Guide

    It’s officially December, and if you haven’t already started, you’re probably getting ready to purchase holiday gifts for all your loved ones! The gift-giving season is an opportunity to show your appreciation for those who have been by your side throughout the year. While it’s fun to go out (or go online) and buy the perfect gifts for the people in your life, holiday consumerism has a negative impact on the health of the planet because we generate 30% more waste over the festive season. 

    Each year, the shopping frenzy seems to start earlier and earlier. This year, some retailers started marketing and displaying holiday gifts as early as September, with the reasoning being that gifts may take longer to arrive because of delays caused by COVID-19. While less money was spent on gifts last year due to gathering and shopping restrictions, Canadian holiday spending is expected to increase by 29% this year. The intention behind giving a gift is usually positive, but unfortunately, many gifts given during the holidays get prematurely thrown out and end up in landfills alongside excessive amounts of wrapping paper, tape, plastic, and decorations. In addition, the growing popularity of online shopping has resulted in more packaging waste and an increase in greenhouse gas emissions. 

    But there is good news! Consumers are becoming more aware of how their shopping habits can contribute to climate change, and 45% of Canadians who participated in a Price Waterhouse Coopers (PwC) survey said they are extremely likely to shop from socially and environmentally responsible retailers this year. If you’re looking to do the same, here is a gift guide of some sustainable and local products sure to bring a smile to anyone on your shopping list. If you’re interested in purchasing any of these gifts, and if it’s feasible, try shopping in-person rather than online to further reduce your carbon footprint. Also be sure to check out our previous blog post about tips for green gift giving! 

    1. Aija Candle Studio Soy Candle from Bioterra Eco Shop 

    Hand-poured in small batches in London, ON, Aija candles are made with 100% organic soy wax and are free of petroleum, lead, paraffin, pesticides, phthalate, and dyes. Bioterra Eco Shop is located in St. Catharines and helps fantastic, ethically made products find their way into the hearts of eco-conscious individuals. 

    2. Small Scale Farms Produce Box Subscription 

    Located in Allanburg, ON, Small Scale Farms offers a produce box service where you can buy a crateful of local fruits and vegetables as a one-time purchase or signup for their subscription service to receive a box on a weekly or monthly basis. In addition, for every subscription box sold, they donate one box to someone in need within the Niagara region. 

    3. Beechwood Doughnuts Gift Card

    Beechwood Doughnuts is Niagara’s first and only 100% vegan doughnut shop. Located in the heart of Downtown St. Catharines, Beechwood Doughnuts proves that plant-based foods can be just as delicious as they are compassionate. Beechwood is a proud partner of YWCA Niagara Region and an Ontario Living Wage Employer. 

    4. Rise Above Restaurant & Bakery Gift Card 

    Rise Above is Niagara’s first 100% vegan restaurant and bakery and is located just minutes from Brock’s main campus! They specialize in delicious comfort foods, healthy choices, and fresh baked desserts. 

    5. {pocket}CHANGE Blue & Tan Waffle Weave Scarf 

    This local shop was created to support artisans in the St. Catharines community. A portion of every purchase, such as the purchase of this fair-trade and handmade scarf, is donated to organizations working to improve health and wellness, education, and the environment. 

    6. Guess Where Trips 

    Guess Where Trips is run by female Canadians who create exciting itineraries that allow travelers to discover new places across Ontario they would have never seen before. They even have some local trips within the Niagara Region! Be sure to reach out to the extremely kind business owners for details on local trips. (Tip: opt for the PDF version of the trip itinerary to save on packaging and delivery emissions!) 

    A final note to remember during this holiday season: while gift-giving can be a fun experience for many, it can also be an incredibly stressful time for others. Several factors such as cost, expectations to get the perfect gift, and large shopping crowds among others can make it difficult to purchase gifts. It’s important to remember that sometimes, the best gifts are priceless experiences which make memories that will last far beyond the lifespan of a materialistic gift. If you can’t afford to buy a gift this year, try making one with materials you have readily available to you or organize an excursion to a nearby town! There are plenty of ways to give joy this holiday season without adding stress to you or the environment. 

    Categories: Student Contributor, Sustainability

  • It wasn’t all blue skies at COP26: A look at the conference from the eyes of activists

    Wednesday, December 01, 2021 | By

    Blog Contributors: Alexandra Cotrufo and Madison Lepp

    Introduction

    COP26 – the conference aimed at tackling current environmental, social, and economic challenges which took place earlier this month – was an event that started with hope and ambition but ended with anger and disappointment for many. For a more thorough review of what happened over the two-week period, you can read our What Happened at COP26? The Summit in Review blog post. The annual conference aimed to bring world leaders together to agree on promises to reduce environmental degradation and provide relief and support for our most vulnerable communities. Concerned citizens and climate activists were hoping COP26 would be an opportunity for leaders to finally commit to ending the burning of fossil fuels by 2030, a critical decision needed to prevent global temperatures from rising above 1.5°C according to the IPCC special report. Instead, powerful governments settled on compromises which put the interests of the fossil fuel industry ahead of the survival of humanity.  

    From the very first day of the conference, activists were on standby inside and outside the front doors of the Scottish Event Campus to hold government leaders accountable for their actions and past promises. Over the following eleven days, many protests broke out on the streets of Glasgow in response to the lack of action being taken toward climate justice, the failure to provide accessibility to the conference, and the prominence of greenwashing. 

    Problems

    Many delegates and activists travelled long distances to get to COP26. To their surprise, many barriers came in the way of them entering the venue. Organizers, who issued accreditation for 39,000+ people to access a 10,000-person capacity venue, were criticized for not accommodating the capacities. Participants who traveled far distances were told to return to their hotels and watch the event from the online broadcast. Although the organizing groups blamed the pandemic, those who planned to attend the conference virtually were also let down by the limited opportunities to interact in the various events. Participating virtually only allowed for viewing and did not allow for the raising of hands or asking of questions. This limited the number of members who were able to participate from the Global South, particularly Indigenous communities. Furthermore, despite the conference’s promotion of ensuring inclusivity, little work was done to uphold this. With no wheelchair access and no sign language interpreters on stage, many accused the conference of being exclusionary and ableist. 

    Marginalized groups and minority communities are those most hit by the harsh effects of climate change while also being the least responsible for it. For this reason, their voices should be at the center of climate action. CNN interviews with dozens of underrepresented groups revealed the harsh truths of COP26. Throughout the conference, underrepresented groups were placed at the back of auditoriums and were asked to leave the rooms when capacity levels were reached. A representative from the Indigenous Peoples’ Caucus was asked to leave negotiations on carbon markets – the very issue that impacts their lands the most. Many felt they were being tokenized, given the observer status to perform dances and prayers, but unable to voice their opinions when negotiations started. 

    Not only was the presence of country delegates outnumbered by the presence of fossil fuel industry members, it was also clear that members of this industry had an agenda – and this agenda involved a lot of greenwashing. Within the exhibitions, many noticed that the European Union’s events were being run by lobbyists. Examples include events such as “Global Guarantees of Origin for Clean Hydrogen” which was run by Hydrogen Europe, a lobbyist group with members including the likes of Shell, Total, and Equinor. And the European Union (EU) was not the only one, further events were being run by gas giants in the attempt to employ a key strategy of the fossil fuel industry. 

    Protests

    Large protests broke out over the course of the conference in response to the lack of accountability and action being taken toward the climate crisis, as well as the presence of fossil fuel lobbyists. Well-known youth activists such as Vanessa Nakate, Dominika Lasota, Mitzi Tan, and Greta Thunberg released an open letter, which has received more than 1.8 million signatures, urging political leaders to step up and use their position of power to make the decisions needed to save the planet from further devastation. Just a couple days later, hundreds of protestors gathered outside a nearby shopping center to demand that companies take ownership for their contribution to rising greenhouse gas emissions and end greenwashing tactics. This protest came after the news that since 2010, a large portion of the $1.1 trillion invested in the energy sector went towards funding the fossil fuel industry. 

    A mass rally of over 10,000 people was also held by the Fridays for Future Scotland activist group on November 5th, where protestors marched throughout the city’s west end to call for immediate action from world leaders. This was one of the largest protests that took place in response to COP26, and activists from all over the world gave speeches about how climate change is affecting the places they call home, including Greta Thunberg who called the conference a failure. Many students skipped school to join the protest in an effort to bring discussions about climate change out from enclosed spaces and onto the streets. 

    An even bigger protest took place the following day, which included more than 100,000 participants according to event organizers. Despite the rain, spirits were strong among the crowd as banners were held high and bagpipes were played. Peoples from Indigenous communities from North and South America joined the march, many of whom did not have adequate representation inside the conference, to fight against the environmental destruction caused by mining and deforestation.  

    These are a few examples of the many protests that took place in response to the events at COP26. Activists fought to make leaders aware that they are not backing down in the fight toward climate justice and they will continue to push back until promises are turned into progress. 

    How You Can Take Action

    Every one of the climate promises to come out of COP26 must be kept if we are going to have a chance at restoring the Earth. You may be thinking “how can I help Canada and the world stay on track to meeting these promises?” Here are some ways you can take action in the fight for climate justice: 

    Follow “on the ground” activists

    Ensuring the right voices are being heard is paramount to winning the race against climate change. Supporting activists that are doing the work through following and spotlighting their actions is something we can all do. Our Instagram post has highlighted various pages and activists who deserve attention and support. 

    Get active where you can

    Throughout history, social groups have created transformational change. Protests have played a vital role in laying the groundwork for systematic change. If you haven’t already, reach out to organizations in your area that host these rallies and find out how you can get involved.  

    Sign petitions

    Signing petitions can be an effective way to raise awareness on climate issues and communicate public opinion to leaders and decision–makers. Join millions of others in signing the emergency appeal for climate action! 

    Remind your leaders

    One of the most impactful ways of reminding the Canadian government about their climate and social promises is through your local MP – so take a minute out of your day and let them know about the issues you believe deserve greater attention. If emailing your MP seems a bit daunting, WWF has created an easy template to help you craft and send an email to newly elected officials. 

      

    Categories: Climate Change, Student Contributor, Sustainability