Earth Day is taking place on April 22nd this year. This is a global movement, meant to bring awareness, education and action to protecting our planet. As individuals, we all have a responsibility to care for the areas we call home, this Earth Day we’re highlighting 4 ways you can make Campbell River a little greener.
“We’re trying to instill a sense of respect for marine life among our community so that it can be maintained and cherished by future generations.”
1. Ditch the Car (at least sometimes)
The completion of the Greenways Loop in 2020 has given residents and visitors (when permitted) a new and low-impact way to navigate the city. This 27km loop connects Campbell River’s forests, rivers, ocean and green spaces. Bike along the sea walk to get into town, or detour through the Beaver Lodge Lands for a fun trail ride. Biking or walking is a great way to reduce your environmental impact, while also making sure you work multiple muscle groups. And as an added bonus, there is plenty of nice weather ahead, which makes it easy to get out on your bike. You can find a map of the loop here
2. Organize a Beach Clean
It’s no secret that people that live in Campbell River love the outdoors. The beaches, parks, mountains and forests are what make this corner of the world so special. This April 22nd or any other day, give back to the earth, by organizing a beach clean or a trail clean with your household/ bubble. Then challenge your friends and family to host their own clean. You can find more info about organizing a beach clean at the Great Canadian Shoreline Clean up
P.S. Extra points if you get in the habit of bringing along an “Adventure Bag” whenever you go out to explore, that way you’ll always be prepared to pick up a piece of litter anywhere you find it.
3. Volunteer With a Local Organization Focused on Making Campbell River Greener
Giving your time to a local organization is a great way to give back, as well as contribute to making our whole community greener. We recommend checking out Greenways Land Trust, they have a number of programs that focus on food security and sustainability as well as caring for local trails and greenspaces. Get more info on how to get involved.
4. Eat Mindfully
Take-out is king right now. When it comes time to make the choice on where to get your next meal out, take into consideration if they have packaging that can be recycled or composted. If your favourite eatery doesn’t have sustainable packaging, it never hurts to let them know kindly that it’s something you would love to see them implement. Another important consideration is where the food is coming from, many local eateries in Campbell River are committed to sourcing locally whenever possible which helps reduce the environmental impact.
*Green Practices Spotlight*
STONEHOUSE TEAS
– Locally roasted organic coffee brewed in a French press (French press produces zero waste by not using a disposable coffee filter). Locally farmed honey is available, as well as milk alternatives for your fav drinks.
– Reusable straws available to purchase for cold drinks, cups are plant-based and compostable
CAMPBELL RIVER WHALE WATCHING
– Carbon neutral as of 2018 by partnering with Wilderness International to protect over 6848 of old-growth rainforest in BC. Aiming to be carbon negative by offsetting 2x their carbon footprint.
– Ethical whale watching by turning boat engines to neutral when a whale is within 400m to reduce the impact of engine noise on whale delicate hearing
– $1 collected from every guest is donated to the North Island Marine Mammal Stewardship Association to support local conservation efforts.
– Online paper-free booking, phosphate-free cleaning products
– All onboard lunches made locally at Snack Shack packaged in reusable containers.
SHELTER POINT DISTILLERY
– Barley grown on their own fields, water naturally filtered from an on-site underground aquifer.
– Harvested fields are over-seeded to increase organic matter and naturally rebuild the soil. This action also feeds waterfowl that spend winters on the farm and prevents soil erosion
– Leftover grains from the distilling process are fed to cows to prevent food waste
– 1350m of the property along the river was donated to be protected. It is now encouraging the return of natural species and migratory waterfowl, reestablishing ancient wetlands, allowing old creeks to become fish-bearing again.
SESSION TAP ROOM & KITCHEN
– Session uses 100% compostable or recyclable packaging for all of their take-out. In addition, they use paper straws for drinks. Session also has a growler fill program that helps to cut down on waste.
– Session makes a point to source their food and ingredients locally. Reducing the need for food to be shipped from a long distance as well as contributing to the local economy. We call that a win win!
WESTCOAST WILDFLOWERS & CO
-Wildflowers and Co are dedicated to carrying brands that are sustainable and ethical. Their shop has a whole section dedicated to low waste products, including shampoo bars, reusable mugs, beeswax wraps and much more.
BEACH FIRE BREWING
-Give leftover grains from the brewing process to local farms to feed their animals. This helps cut down on waste.
-Beach Fire Brewing makes an effort to source its ingredients locally supporting the economy as well as lessening their footprint.
