The Next Steps

posted by: Sandra

"We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children."

On Friday, we formally announced that the BlogHers Act Canada issue is ... the ENVIRONMENT. There were much applause and email flurries and great enthusiasm for our chosen direction. Our energy, creativity and collective voice are sure to make a significant difference in the 12 months ahead.

So where do we begin?

The most important thing now is focus. F-O-C-U-S. Without a clearly defined issue and set of objectives, we could run the risk of making loads of noise but not really seeing any concrete results from our efforts. Rock stars, celebrities and media are certainly talking a lot about green issues but we want to do more than talk. We want to affect change and take action.

We all need to hear your thoughts on what that actionable direction should be...

Is it getting Canada to commit to Kyoto?
Is it seeing legislation passed to eliminate plastic shopping bags?
Is it pesticides?
Is it educating children about living green?
Is it protecting our vast natural resources?
Is it pollution?
Is it packaging?
Is it over consumption?
Is it eating locally?
Is it green power?
Is it any one of the thousands of other possible areas that need our attention?

Over the next week and a half we are asking everyone to participate in choosing our direction. Which area do you feel we can make the biggest difference? Which area is the most pressing priority for Canada? Is there some poignant research you want to share or a non-profit you want to tell everyone about? Do you have any initial ideas on how we can rock this?

Please blog about your perspective (sending us the link). And discuss it here and at our Facebook group.

Then on August 10th, we'll have another short survey to collect consensus on our direction.

With our focused agenda we'll partner with NGOs across the country to gather their insight and work together for tangible change. We'll also have a monthly calendar of actions for the next twelve months.

Right now it is about brainstorming and refining and harnessing all the passion for this rally cry.

Green is where it's at people. Let's make sure Canada leads the way.

Comments

[Kuri]

Is it getting Canada to commit to Kyoto?

Well, we did that once. We didn't follow through.

A much more specific, achievable and (most importantly) enforceable plan, is the revised Clean Air and Climate Change Act (Bill C-30), which was rewritten by a cross-party committee and sets clear targets for industry with specific penalties for non-compliance. I think a campaign aimed at compelling our government to pass and implement Bill C-30* (which must be brought back to the House for second reading) would be an excellent idea. Commitment is easy - honouring that commitment with action is much harder by much more important.

* http://www.parl.gc.ca/common/bills_ls.asp?lang=E&ls=c30&source=library_prb&Parl=39&Ses=1

[Mouse]

I made this my Global Warming Wednesday topic: http://themousesnest.blogspot.com/2007/08/global-warming-wednesday-strength-in.html

And yes, you can consider this my offer of help.

[The City Gal]

Here is what I think about "Sustainability":

http://thecitygal.blogspot.com/2007/08/sustainability.html

If anyone has any questions about Environmental Protection, I can try to research it an answer it properly (since that is my job). Feel free to check the weblog

[Her Bad Mother]

Awesome resources, everyone! Keep 'em comin'!!

[Janet]

So many worthy causes fall under the umbrella of the environment. But cosmetic pesticide use has been on my mind for some time now. I wrote a little blog post about it; it goes something like this:

http://threeandholding.blogspot.com/2007/08/my-grass-roots-are-showing-back-in.html

[Her Bad Mother]

Pesticide use in cosmetics and other products is a pretty big deal. Are you all familiar with EWG (www.ewg.org), a watchdog group in the state? Perhaps Canada needs something like that...

[Janet]

Just to clarify, by "cosmetic pesticide use" I mean the use of pesticides for cosmetic purposes in the urban environment. For example, getting a lawn care company to come and douse your grass with pesticides all summer long so that it will look like pristine astro turf.

[Janet]

Wow, I just re-read my previous comment and it sounds really judgemental. I didn't mean for it to come across that way (that's what happens when you type with a hungry toddler at your feet).

What I meant to say is that I would like to see municipalities outlaw the use of pesticides on grass and promote non-toxic alternatives to a maintaining a healthy, vibrant lawn.

[Hollie]

made my post today about going ecogek on the cheap!

[Shannon]

Ack! I didn't see this post til today... my bad.

Right off the top of my head... I am thinking of starting a few general awareness campaigns locally about "smart choices", such as reusable bags/tap water/ghost energy. I haven't thought it through yet, but the main point is, getting consumers to really think about what it is they're using, and what the smarter choice might be. To me the most important thing is to get the everyday consumer thinking green... once the consumers are mobilized and onboard, governments will be far more amenable to policy changes. Most consumers "want" to help but don't know how, and furthermore don't understand the impact of their everyday choices. Sure, recycle your water bottle.. but think about hte impact of the the plastic petroleum derivative shipped across the world bottle in the first place. Are there better choices?