Add Your Voice
People across Alberta are adding their voice to the One Simple Act campaign. You can add your voice too!
Look Who’s Talking!
I wash cloths in cool/cold water only; I always hang everything to dry. I do not use a dishwasher or clothes dryer...even though both are inherited residents of the house.
Ed, Lamont
My change was to reuse bags for shopping. I keep the bags in the car so I don't forget. I also recycle almost everything and I don't have too much garbage anymore.
Sharon, Edmonton
Our class organized a one-week One Simple Act commitment at school. The second week students took the commitments home.
Grade four class, Lethbridge
Our family has committed to conserve water and other resources by changing to a vegan/vegetarian diet. I recently learned that the production of a single hamburger consumes the equivalent amount of water to seven months worth of showers for a single person.
Keith, Edmonton
My husband built a four-wheel bicycle which has been a great "ambulance" when my friends and I go on our 5 km walk. He brings along water, band aids, Kleenex and encouragement for those who find it too far to walk. We are also able to go for groceries, do garage sales, take in our recyclables and peddle our way throughout our neighbourhood. Cycling through Canmore last fall was amazing.
Anita, Calgary
I pass on the One Simple Act email messages that I receive to my co-workers and friends
Kathy, Edmonton
We have only one rain barrel, 30 four-litre plastic jugs and a variety of other containers. When these are filled, we have enough rain water for our house plants for nine months of the year. The plants love the rain water and thrive on it. (By the fall of 2011 we will be able to store enough water to last until spring, 2012.) I was raised in Regina until 1939. Water was precious then and carried by the pail from the standpipe at the end of the block. The water was heated on a coal and wood kitchen stove, first to wash the dishes and then used to wash the kitchen floor. The water was then carried to the garden and poured one cup at a time on the potatoes. We thought that we were lucky because we lived less than a block to the corner. Wash days, every Monday, required many trips to fill the old copper boiler on top of the stove, to heat the water, and then many trips to the garden to water the plants. Clouds would form and everyone would get excited because it might rain. It seldom did. But, when it did, kids would be allowed to run up and down the wooden side walks in the rain, in our underwear. Most people born in the fifties and later, find it difficult to believe this story. Sometimes they asked how we flushed the toilet. They were quite skeptical when I told them that it did not need to be flushed. Those were the good old days--believe it or not.
John, Strathmore
We need to continue wetland education in the school system for future environmentalists and town hall meetings for adults, especially landowners. This would be a great educational tool because as we learn the value of a wetland more respect will be shown to maintaining and creating more wetlands.
Carleen, Calgary
Recycle, conserve energy and talk to friends about doing it.
William, Edmonton
I promote recycling every opportunity I get, especially at work, and also among friends and family.
Amy, Fort McMurray
Chandos Construction is committing to One Simple Act. Our objective is to achieve a 50 per cent diversion rate of construction and demolition waste from the landfill.
Jan, Edmonton
I forward the One Simple Act newsletter that I receive onto others who are on my paper-free distribution list.
Kathy, Edmonton
My commitment focuses on organic waste disposal and soil fertility. I use the One Simple Act PowerPoint and presentations at workshops.
Leanne, Crownsnest Pass
Our class is inviting our whole school (200 students and staff and our parents) to commit to One Simple Act for two weeks in October, 2010.
Carol, Lethbridge
The Edmonton Chamber of Commerce is developing a sustainability certification program for its members. It will be known as ECO Business Edmonton and will promote green-friendly business practices to support the integrity and improvement of our environment.
Liz, Edmonton
It is a very good reminder regarding everyday acts that can make a difference.
Gladys, Edmonton
I will purchase products with less packaging when I am given a choice. I will reduce, reuse and recycle. I am telling others in my community and circles about the One Simple Act challenge.
Heidi, Sundre
I have pledged to carpool more often, make an effort to be more sustainable in my everyday activities and will encourage others to act and promote more sustainable living.
Elise, Berwyn
I am all ready environmentally-conscious but there is always more that people can do and One Simple Act is an excellent way of accessing information about what you can do to reduce your environmental footprint.
Ian, Calgary
I once read that those who are crazy enough to believe they can change the world usually do. This year I have a new assignment in my teaching career and I hope to share my love and care for the environment and encourage others to join in. Each of us does make a difference!
Mrs. W., Stony Plain
I signed up for One Simple Act Newsletter. I will set up our water barrels for newly planted bedding plants.
Judith, Grande Prairie
My major change will be using reusable bags, not plastic bags.
Barbara, Beaumont
I am replacing my toilet with a dual flush model to conserve water, and I am shopping for "gently used" products first before buying new to reduce waste in the environment.
Valerie, Grande Prairie
I will stop using plastic grocery bags and use less water.
Lynn, Peace River
Compost .Compost. Compost.
Monica, Beaumont
My commitment has always been to consume food items that are not plastic packaged whenever possible, which is easier in the summer with Farmers Markets. I try to use vinegar for cleaning as much as possible. We grow a garden with a neighbor in summer. And I try to coordinate vehicle trips to reduce gasoline consumption.
Mildred, Didsbury
I have a recycling centre in my home. I shred paper and only print what's necessary in my office. We're starting to take recycling around here for granted, and that's a good thing.
Kathleen, Didsbury
I coordinate a community garden. Most of our structures are second-hand or repurposed: the trellises; the planter boxes; the tomato cages; the plant stakes; the potato tires; and even the shed, which used to be a large doghouse. We grow our garden without chemicals using companion planting and other organic gardening techniques and get the local schools involved to spread the word. We even have a kids' play area made of recycled materials!
Kate, Red Deer
I commit to drive less and bike more, drink tap water instead of bottled water, turn off lights/electronics not in use, and recycle as much as I can.
Cyndi, Grande Prairie
We landscaped our lot with various sized limestone rock on top of Geo Tech Cloth for weed control. We have several spruce trees but absolutely no grass. Cold or hot rain or shine, it looks good. We save a lot of water, don't mow, don't fertilize or control weeds.
Bob, Red Deer
I do my best in reducing waste.
Ed, Airdrie
I'm turning down my thermostat every evening before I go to bed.
Gabi, Edmonton
We are active recyclers and composters, and have converted most of the light bulbs in our home to CFL bulbs. I plant a large garden that supplies much of our produce through the fall and winter months, while the garden is fed with leaves, grass clippings and compost, and in the absence of rain, watered with water collected from rain barrels.
Rick, Leduc
This past week we made the jump to replace our mid-efficiency furnace with the highly recommended Lennox G61 high efficiency furnace. Fortunately, we had a home audit done by The Energuy, and are now eligible for both a provincial rebate of $700. and a federal rebate of $790. I recommend getting the home audit because the rebates are in effect for at least one more year, until March 1st of 2011 (if I remember correctly.) We have been advised that our new furnace will save us at least 20 per cent on both our electricity and gas bills. We have received excellent advice and service from McKinley Service Experts, regarding the purchase and installation of our new high efficiency furnace.
Jill, St. Albert
I will be kind to the our world by recycling anything that can be recycled and to try to make a difference because it only takes one person to make a chain reaction, so I want to say that it would be you making the world change for the better.
Kathleen, Ponoka
By recycling everything we possibly can, we are gradually reducing the amount of garbage we put out on garbage day. While our neighbours continue to put out four or five bags a week, we now consistently put out only one bag a week at the curb. I challenge all of our neighbours to do the same!
Deborah, Fort McMurray
I am teaching my son the right way versus the easy way.
Linda, Edmonton
I am going to plant a tree, turn off the water when I'm brushing my teeth, change the rest of my regular light bulbs to energy efficient ones and continue to do all the rest of the environmental things that I currently already do. I think we all have a responsibility to our world. I will also keep trying to change others (I did at my previous employer and got my roommates into recycling.) Some people don't think about it and need to be told by someone they know how easy it is to be more environmental.
Regena, Edmonton
“We live in Edmonton and as a New Year's Resolution my wife, myself and our 2 young kids have set out a goal to reduce our environmental impact by many coinciding efforts.
- Reduce the amount of trash/recycling we produce.
- Reduce the amount of utilities we use (gas, electricity, water, etc.)
- Be more involved in our community, make an impact on others
- Reduce household toxins
To track our progress and to hold ourselves accountable we have created a blog and hope to educate others in our community and around us to learn from our travels or join us in some of our efforts. Everyone can make a difference; the impact is simply greater when more people get involved. Please check out our family's blog at www.reducedimpactfamily.wordpress.com”
Keith and Tracy, Edmonton
“I learned of this program at the Grey Cup. I already pick up garbage as I walk the family dog around the block. This is my Simple Act for 2010. I am now going to give up my parking spot downtown and walk or ride to work.”
Gerald, Calgary
“I have slowly been changing my habits. It all began with moving to Edmonton and using the blue bags. I now have an umbrella clotheslines for nice weather, an indoor rack for cold or rainy weather. We have composting worms in the house and have an outside composting bin. We grass cycle and have reseeded our lawn to revitalize it instead of replacing it. We try to keep our cars in top shape and are still driving cars (with three young kids) instead of buying a new vehicle. I walk my eldest to preschool three days a week. I have a collection of reusable bags and have given some as gifts. Our house has switched to biodegradable soaps and cleaners. I began using diapers over a year ago (they are half cloth half disposable diapers - the disposable part decomposing within 90 days!) We replaced a 30 year old furnace with a high efficiency furnace and a broken toilet with a 6L flush one. We retrofitted our other toilet with a two-flush conversion kit (it works great...I rarely have to use the full flush!) I also shop at second-hand children's stores, ebay or kijiji for items instead of buying new. I have sold items that I no longer use, listed them on freecycle or given them to good-will. There are so many things you can do...just start with one thing...and before you know it it's the domino effect...with many things happening.”
Angela, Edmonton
“I am adding five more beds to the raised vegetable garden and will have to double my compost size which was 2009's resolution and it was a great success. So for 2010, our family is hoping to be able to: eat local with a couple of exceptions and then they have to be in-season and bought in-bulk or fair trade; double the capacity of our rain barrels and look into the possibility of a window wall farm (made of recycled two-litre pop bottles and would allow a certain amount of fresh food production even in an apartment with no balcony or in a house in Alberta when it is -30 C); continue to bug federal and provincial politicians to look at increasing funding to develop a greener community by making solar, micro wind and other alternatives to home owners where we become the grid in an intertie system (repayable homeowner grant/loans could actually in a weird way make the province it's investment back); and last but not least, fix my bike for errands around town.”
Janet, Sylvan Lake
“I am a grade four teacher and my science and social studies curriculum fit so nicely together at the beginning of the year to be able to use the One Simple Act materials that your campaign has provided. In my class we recycle paper, reuse paper (use both sides), recycle cardboard, recycle pop cans, tetra packs, water bottles and milk jugs. I have had our staff save microwavable lunch dishes for me so that I can use them for our parties - instead of using throwaway dishes. We wash plastic spoon and forks and reuse them and I have purchased plastic cups to drink out of, for my parties also. We create junk art throughout the year and we also clean up our playground a couple times per year. We also turn off lights that are left on in unoccupied rooms as we go down the hall to another room. I also encourage the shutting off of taps when the students are soaping up.”
Rita, Lethbridge
“I am committed to lowering my personal and family carbon footprint on our planet through energy consumption, purchasing decisions and waste disposal and recycling.”
Michelle, St. Albert
“Our grade 4 class is studying Waste and Our World in Science. October 19-25 is Waste Reduction Week in Canada and we asked our entire school to commit to One Simple Act for the week. We have 175 students and 24 staff including teachers, educational assistants, librarian, bus drivers, custodian and office staff. We are excited about the ‘huge impact’ our school will make this week.”
Carol, Lethbridge
“We have done many things in our family to reduce waste: compost kitchen scraps and yard waste all year; switch to CFL light bulbs as the incandescent bulbs burnout; wash clothes in cold water; turn off lights when not in rooms; plan out car trips to make best use - go to the furthest point and work backwards towards home. We send most of our gently used and no longer wanted clothes to Goodwill or Salvation Army; we contribute gently used winter clothing and blankets to the shelters. Clothes that are not good enough to go to charity become rags to be used around the house. This Summer I replaced my fence and I used the old fence boards to make more composting bins for myself and friends. We recycle all bottles, cans, glass and cardboard. We would like to learn more ways to help preserve the environment for future generations, too!”
Kim, Spruce Grove
“We started using cloth bags for shopping back in the early 90s. I make the bags when I can get the material cheap or free. I also give these to family and friends for gifts. We haven't had a dryer for over 12 years; we’re using the solar powered model outside.”
Shelia, Crowsnest Pass
“I am installing a tank-less water heater.”
Alex, Red Deer
“As a grade four teacher, I plan on integrating my science unit, Waste in Our World with part of my social units on Alberta: Sense of the Land and Alberta: Celebration and Challenges, along with art and health lessons with environmental messages.”
Rita, Lethbridge
“Learning together through discussions at work on how we can reduce our ecological footprint at work and at home through simple steps.”
Joanna, Edmonton
“I commit to reducing my waste by recycling and composting more.”
Gillian, Edmonton
“I will be collecting the office compostables and taking them home.”
Kathy, Edmonton
“I love the humble company of bicycles. Cycling everywhere increases my adventure-radius. My phrase, “green preparedness”, will one day be a movement. Currently, I'm using the phrase to convince local city council that outfitting public transit with bike racks is a good idea, to say the least. I had contact with the transit director, the mayor and other council members. The city says bike racks are not a current priority. It's a step towards being green prepared and council needs to realize bike racks on buses are a necessity.”
Lexi, St. Albert
“I am lessening the amount of electricity used by replacing 40 watt instead of 60 watt or 100 watt light bulbs and I am recycling cans, plastic, etc.”
Connie, Edmonton
"I am using One Simple Act to encourage my family to really think about their everyday actions and how easy and fun it is to go green.The most fun so far is going organic in our yard and garden. I would really like to see more information on the subject and challenge people to quit using chemicals."
Karen Gall, Red Deer
"I am walking to work and arranging all of my errands into a weekly "trip" instead of driving around to different places every day. This saves on gas and makes me wonder if that errand is really necessary because it involves a separate car trip. We bought a high efficiency Maytag washer and a gas dryer ($0.10 a load vs $0.25 electric dryer). I wash with cold water and buy the largest containers of high-efficiency laundry soap available to cut down on the number of containers that I send to the landfill; the recycling of these containers is not available in our area. I shop locally and encourage all of my friends to do the same. Saturday Farmer's Markets should be available in every town!!! These are a few of the things I do, however, my biggest commitment is that of pledging to think things through to the environmental consequences of my actions and to act accordingly. This includes planning ahead and not acting impulsively: hopping in the car instead of walking or bussing; impulse buying of stuff that isn't packaged efficiently; forgetting the cloth bags and thinking it doesn't matter; etc. I am striving to apply the saying "every action has a consequence" to how I treat our environment each and every day."
Deborah Muir, Fort McMurray
"I am going to try to change our three toilets to low flush ones. Water conservation is the way to go."
Anna, Calgary
“I have been taking the ETS since moving to Edmonton in 2006 and have recently began cycling to work (32km round trip) 3 times per week. Our home recycles plastic, glass, paper and aluminum...but at the present we do not compost; not because we choose not to but because we don't have a garden. We use the energy efficient bulbs in all of our fixtures and are switching from florescent in the laundry room to the LOW-E incandescent bulbs.”
Deborah Cartagena, Edmonton
“I believe that all of us need to find ways to live in a more sustainable fashion. Our family has taken a number of steps in this direction, including moving to a smaller house in an inner city neighbourhood, carpooling and using public transit, planting trees, recycling, composting, capturing rain water, using a programmable thermostat and compact flourescent bulbs, etc., but we still need to do more and are interested in learning more ways to reduce our environmental footprint.”
Doug Roberts, Calgary
“I have committed to turning off the tap when I brush my teeth. I am also using the program materials at my work to encourage other commitments.”
Nelia Heydenreich, Fort McMurray
“I hang my clothes out to dry”
Shelby Macleod, Lethbridge
“Encouraging corporate offices to offer flexible work spaces, work schedules, and work locations to minimize travel inefficiencies.”
Frank Seto, Calgary
“Starting a friends of the environment committee at work.”
Valerie Archer, Rocky Mountain House
“Recycle all beverage containers consumed - ALWAYS!”
Cherie Cohen, Calgary, AB
“I am cycling or taking the train to work, recycling, composting, and improving the energy efficiency of my home. I am choosing to live in the inner city (even though it means a smaller, older house) to avoid car dependence. Most importantly, I am to trying avoid overconsumption by buying fewer things.”
Heather Wrigley, Calgary
“I will commit to walk or bike to work.”
Brenda L Goddard, Fort Saskatchewan
“I am the Director of a non profit Teen Centre in Manning and for the whole month of April, our theme was Being Earth Friendly. I myself am a novice environmentalist and am passionate about teaching others to make wise choices with everyday living. This month the teens learned to sew cloth shopping bags using recycled materials to exchange for plastic bags during our Earth Day fundraiser. As we exchange these bags, we will also be showing a powerpoint on a laptop about the dangers of plastic bags in the environment. The teens also learned how to build composters to sell to the community. The teens have designed posters to share throughout the community with simple tips that they could practice to live greener. We will also be handing out tree seedlings for free to encourage regrowth in our town. The teens are getting an awesome message out to others which will hopefully stick not just for this month, but all year long! Thats what we are doing in our small town of 1500. I hope this encourages others.”
Ingrid Hillyard, Manning
“I have been taking the ETS since moving to Edmonton in 2006 and have recently began cycling to work (32km round trip) 3 times per week. Our home recycles plastic, glass, paper and aluminum...but at the present we do not compost; not because we choose not to but because we don't have a garden. We use the energy efficient bulbs in all of our fixtures and are switching from florescent in the laundry room to the LOW-E incandescent bulbs.”
Deborah Cartagena, Edmonton
“I believe that all of us need to find ways to live in a more sustainable fashion. Our family has taken a number of steps in this direction, including moving to a smaller house in an inner city neighbourhood, carpooling and using public transit, planting trees, recycling, composting, capturing rain water, using a programmable thermostat and compact flourescent bulbs, etc., but we still need to do more and are interested in learning more ways to reduce our environmental footprint.”
Doug Roberts, Calgary
