More stories of change

We’ve had many people submit stories of how they’ve made changes to their lives to reduce their impact. While they’re not all as detailed as a full blog post, they are definitely worthy of acknowledgement and show how people like you and me care and can make a change for climate. Here are some of their stories.

Tammy Robinson

I've been changing for climate for awhile now. My hubby and I are both nature lovers and have always wanted to live a life that sets a positive example for the next generation. We do so many of the things you mention in your action logs. From washing with cold water and hang drying our clothes to biking everywhere I need to go most of the time. We limit our showers, grow our own food, utilize the toaster oven, compost, keep worm bins, we collect rainwater for the garden and house plants, we recycle everything we possibly can, grow our own food and herbs, only flush the toilet if we need to (if it's yellow let it mellow), and bring our own bags to buy items in bulk (flour, sugar, etc.). I'm sure there is more I'm forgetting, hahaha. Everyday we are working towards a more efficient and sustainable life. The less of a footprint we leave behind, the happier we are with our lives.

Peter Zuurdeeg

I have grown a permaculture garden, have no grass, and planted the boulevard as a rain garden so that it waters the city trees. I worked on the first strawbale building in the city and I am building with hempcrete.

Ben Pike

I used to cycle to work only once a month or less, but when my bike was stolen, I bought an electric bike and now commute the 10 km to downtown every day (winter excepted). This aids my fitness and also helps by reducing car usage.

Michelle Jackson

I believe it is important to do what you can, when you can, with what you have and just start there. The environment needs our help and it’s time to show our beautiful planet the respect it deserves so our great grandchildren may safely call it home too. We can help, we should be much kinder to Mother Nature than we have been in the past. Personally I moved so I can walk to work, I am a vegetarian, I eat from local farmers markets, and I practise the three R’s. But I know I can do more. I am excited to find this today to help with ideas on how exactly I can prioritize our fragile environment in my everyday practices. Thank you for starting this initiative.

Anne Marie Langley

I live in a condominium so my ability to change something is limited. I try to wash laundry in cold water, use cloth bags for shopping and ride my bike to buy groceries locally. I keep the heat on low as long as possible and wear a sweater or housecoat in the mornings if it's chilly out. I bought new energy efficient light fixtures and use the right light bulbs. I had a low flush toilet installed last year. We had a building retrofit for the outside with new windows and balcony doors. Thank you for letting me participate in this.

Meg Nakaya

I try my best to reduce the single use of plastic and also try to implement this at work. I do all I can do to raise awareness but the impact is slow. Some just don’t care while some agree. Some listen and others ignore, while some choose to change their lifestyle. This has been a challenging journey for myself as well, with facing dilemmas and understanding everyone making their own choices. I would like to be in touch with anyone who is feeling the same way and trying their best to share the change.

These are people who care about protecting our environment and acknowledge their impact on rapidly changing climate. These are people who could be your neighbours or colleagues. These are people like you and me. So what actions are you taking to make a change for climate?

This post was a compilation of submissions from various Edmonton community members. Some may have been edited for clarity.

If you live in Edmonton and have a climate change story to tell, let us know! Your story could be shared here too.