More stories of change from Edmontonians

The actions we take to reduce our impact on climate change collectively make a difference. Check out these stories submitted by everyday Edmontonians who care about making a change for climate.

George Millar:

At 75 years of age, I auctioned off my car (with the funds going to the “Because I’m a Girl” charity). And the result: much more walking, chatting with people on public transit and shopping locally or at the Farmers’ Markets. NO more car worries, NO more vehicle expenses, NO meds, NO aches and pains, LOST 6 kilos, I EAT better, I go to bed TIRED and therefore I SLEEP better. That CAR was KILLING ME!

Kristin Lee Hawryluk:

Eating less meat and always buying second hand clothing for me and my family. Planning meals so there is no waste. Tons of walking and hiking! Always turning off lights and using minimal water.

Bethany Ellis:

This may seem silly but... I love dairy milk in my tea and cannot enjoy non-dairy 'milks', so I buy oat milk and dairy milk and mix them together which is palatable and uses half the amount of dairy. I also sew cloth produce bags from upcycled fabric to eliminate my use of plastic bags in the produce section of the supermarket. I also grow my own vegetables in my front and yard raised beds getting rid of the lawn. We have begun adding more fruit-bearing shrubs and trees on our (small urban) property. We also use grey water from baths and from water butts [rain barrels] to water the gardens and house plants.

Lineshkumar Patel:

I just want to share my actions to support this movement Change for Climate. (1) I started carpooling with one of my co-workers, not for the full week but at least 3 to 4 days per week. (2) I stop asking for single-use bags from the store since I am using green [reuseable] bags for groceries. (3) We are not eating outside often. Instead, we prepare food at home and buy what we require. (4) I reduced by half my kitchen faucet water use. (5) I am using LEDs for lighting. (6) We have almost zero waste of cooked food.

These are local people taking action to protect our environment and to reduce their impact on climate change. They could be sitting next to you at the local pub or passing by you on their bicycles. They’re 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.