The Emerald Documentary Series premiered in early October at the historic Metro Cinema in Edmonton, brandished on the marquee alongside the likes of Resident Evil and Vampyros Lesbos. While spooky movies are hot in fall, we know that combating climate change doesn’t need to be scary. The series, featuring ten of the 2019 Emerald recipients, showcases Alberta’s incredible innovators of environmental and sustainable progress. While we celebrated with recipients and members of the community on the big screen, the Emerald Documentary Series is available 24/7 for your binging pleasure. Here are 10 life learnings from the Emerald Documentary Series!
- We’re all in it together, says Nathalie from the Battle River Watershed Alliance. Partner with organizations in your community to spark discussion and action about how we can keep our natural resources clean, healthy, and safe.
- Gather all the details. City of Edmonton Natural Asset Mapping does the proper research to define the city’s semi-natural areas. Having the knowledge and background allows us to take the next steps in protecting and maintaining land.
- One person’s trash is another’s treasure. It may be an age-old cliché, but College H.U.N.K.S. Hauling Junk & Moving proves this expression true. Learn how to repurpose old furniture and work with secondhand and thrift shops rather than taking that trip to the landfill.
- There are many things you can do to make your home friendly to the land and wildlife. Organizations like Edmonton and Area Land Trust host bee hotel and bat box workshops and provide resources to educate the community on how we can protect nature.
- Don’t take your access to energy knowledge and information for granted. “A lot of people come to Canada and they’ve never lived in a Canadian home before,” says Yasmin from Empower Me Alberta, “which can lead to a lack of basic knowledge about how your home works.” Educate yourself and those around you about home energy efficiency.
- Your community likely already has recycling programs in place. Take it from the Goodwill Impact Centre, where they give donated items a second chance at finding a new home!
- One person can make a large impact. Lloyd Dahl took action when he noticed the Alix Lake Trail wasn’t being properly maintained, which inspired him and others to work together on many environmental projects in their community.
- Sustainability is everybody’s business, says Kerstyn from the Sustainability Leadership Council at MacEwan University. Programs like the SLC’s Stationary Stationery Station, which puts donated school supplies in the hands of deserving students, increase accessibility in the community.
- There are convenient options for leading a low-waste lifestyle. Online grocery delivery service SPUD.ca is a sustainability leader in the ever-changing grocery landscape. They only purchase what they sell instead of creating wasteful displays like at traditional stores, compost, source product locally, optimize travel routes, and more – all with the convenience of delivery to your door!
- All kinds of damage can be healed in all kinds of ways. LRIGS teaches and develops the process of recovering damaged land, giving humans the opportunity to improve upon the nature of our give-and-take relationship with the earth.
