Karin Papier

Sometimes protecting nature requires feeling connected to nature. I will invest 30 minutes in exploring and appreciating a natural area in my region, whether a forest, wetland, coastal area, or somewhere else.

I will research what it would take to replace my arena's fossil fuel powered zamboni with an electric or renewable energy zamboni.

I will complete an online energy audit of my home or office and identify my next steps for saving energy.

I will spend 25 minutes learning about how to make my local arena, community centre, sports complex or home more energy efficient through better insulation and weatherization.

I will work with my community to retrofit my local arena to be more energy efficient.

I will fix faucets or report leaky faucets to facilities that have been wasting up to 11 liters of water per faucet every day.

I will tend to a garden, or prepare for one, each day using sustainable gardening practices.

I will adjust my thermostat down 2 degrees from usual when I use the heat, and up 2 degrees when I use air conditioning.

I will spend 20 minutes a day outside practicing or playing sports.

I will learn about and update the power saving settings on my computer to reduce energy consumption and CO2 emission

I will replace 2 incandescent lightbulb(s) with Energy Star-certified LED bulbs, saving up to $14 per fixture per year.

Organizations have a responsibility to make sustainable business decisions. To understand how to improve sustainable practices, it’s important to start with understanding the current impact. I will share the Tradewater Business Carbon Calculator with my organization.

I will calculate the carbon emissions associated with my household and consider how different lifestyle choices could reduce our carbon footprint and our impact on the environment.

Individual actions are important, but people and organizations working together can make a real impact. I will share a carbon calculator with a friend and invite them to calculate the carbon footprint of their household.

I will spend at least 30 minutes finding out if my city, region, province, or country offers incentives for retrofitting existing buildings.

I will set up an in-person or virtual tour of a green roof in my city, and ask about the codes and process for installing a green roof.

I will spend at least 20 minutes researching heat pumps to see if installing one makes sense for my home/building.

I will plant 2 tree(s) in my community, public parks, or backyard.

I will take a walk for 45 minutes each day and take note of the infrastructure that makes walking more or less enjoyable, accessible, and possible.