Group Eco Leadership

Group Eco Leadership by Larraine Roulston ‘Protecting Our Ecosystem’ Every community has citizens who join a group of like-minded individuals. Whether they are known as a committee, team, society, club, association, council, or network—their first discussion in the new year will probably include the results that they hope to achieve in 2026. For all groups, a positive first meeting after the holidays would be the appointment of environmental advocates to share resource management ideas. To be gentler on the earth’s ecosystem, these ‘Eco Avengers’ volunteering for this post would be mindful of all the ‘Rs’ —Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Revamp, Refill, Recover, Repair, Rethink, and composting — all the alternatives to creating waste. This approach will not only cut costs, but also lighten the load of those in charge of cleaning up. Money would be saved from purchasing bottled water or coffee at meetings, as the environmental crew would encourage that each attendee bring their own beverage in a thermos. This decreases the use of single-use plastic. Also, supply a container to retrieve apple cores, tea bags, et cetera from snacks for composting at home. Another suggestion is for all printed correspondence to be double-sided. For social events, reusing decorations would take top priority over recycling or discarding. Avoid disposable plates and cutlery. An alternative option could be to purchase several sets of dinnerware from a thrift store. The money spent on disposable plates and taxpayer money to landfill, would now be channelled toward a community thrift store. Either find a spot to keep all the plates, or return them as a donation. A discussion regarding carpooling might be possible for some. Although it may be easier to order prizes online, local retailers should take preference. Some items could even be purchased at a thrift store —no excess packaging or transportation involved. Springtime prizes can include potted plants or garden seeds. If a social group is one that meets at a fast food restaurant, each member brings their own mug. For a round of donuts/muffins, also provide a cookie tin. It sends a strong message for customers who line up behind several people all carrying their own reusable containers. When the organization needs items or equipment, the ‘Eco Avengers’ will recommend renting or borrowing. If your group creates crafts, perhaps there is a waste material - such as wood chips or pieces of fabrics. Advertise what you discard might become another person’s treasure! Over the past decades, we have all been cleverly manipulated through social media, advertising, and the movies to be a throw-away society. You may even remember actor Tom Bosley promoting the larger, heftier green garbage bags. This history has shaped us to imagine ourselves not as citizens or residents, but as consumers. “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed individuals can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Mead