Celebrate the Season Sustainably: Simple Ways to Have a Low-Waste Holiday

The holiday season is a time for joy, togetherness, and celebration, but it can also be a time of excess — whether it’s food waste, unwanted gifts, or disposable decorations. This year, why not give the Earth a gift by embracing a more sustainable approach to your holiday traditions?

Here are a few easy tips to help make your festivities both fun and eco-friendly.

Deck the Halls — Sustainably

Make your home feel cozy and festive with this low-waste decor:

• Paper Snowflakes: Grab some old magazines or scrap paper and cut out beautiful snowflakes to hang around your home.

• Popcorn Garland: String together some air-popped popcorn for a classic, compostable decoration.

• DIY Tree: Instead of buying a new artificial tree, create your own using books, a ladder, existing house plants or even branches for a minimalist, whimsical look.

• Natural Elements: Collect pinecones, dried leaves, and branches on your next nature walk. These items make for beautiful centerpieces, wreaths, or mantel accents.

Tip: Visit your local thrift store for unique, secondhand decorations – check out this reel from Educator Shania for inspiration! 

Low-Waste Feasts

Planning a sustainable holiday meal is easier than you think! 

• Make a List: Take a queue from Santa by creating a grocery list before you shop and make sure to check it twice. This helps ensure you only buy what you need and avoid overstocking.

• Compost Scraps: Inevitably, some food waste is bound to occur— for unavoidable scraps be sure they end up in the compost and not the landfill.

• Share the Leftovers: Hosting a holiday dinner? Encourage guests to bring reusable containers so everyone can enjoy the leftovers. Anything left after that can be frozen or turned into a soup to share with friends and family.

Tip: Looking for some planet-friendly meals for your celebrations? Check out the EcoCooks blog for recipes for plant-based Holiday Roast and our favourite holiday sides!

Thoughtful Gift-Giving

Did you know that nearly 30% of adults receive unwanted gifts each year? Avoid the waste by giving meaningful gifts that will be used and appreciated. Here are a few ways to rethink holiday shopping:

• Keep a Running List: Throughout the year, jot down gift ideas when someone mentions something they need or love.

• Ask Around: Unsure what to give? Check in with a close friend or family member for suggestions.

• One Big Gift: Instead of giving multiple small items, coordinate with friends or family to contribute toward one meaningful gift.

• Gift an Experience: Memories can last longer than things! Consider giving experiences instead of physical gifts, such as:

• A visit to a local garden, show or Christmas tree farm.

• A mason jar filled with ingredients for your favorite cookie recipe.

• A pottery, cooking or painting class for a creative, hands-on experience

Tip: Discover more tips on gift-giving (+ other great sustainable holiday tips!) at Metro Vancouver’s Make Memories not Garbage.

Stay tuned on our Instagram this month for more holiday ideas and inspiration - did someone say sustainable gift-wrapping? Oat nogg? Textile cards?

By making small changes in how we decorate, cook, and gift this holiday season, we can celebrate more sustainably while spreading joy and cheer. Happy Holidays!

Introducing our Garden!

You may wonder, what do Elements staff do in the summer? When we are not in the classroom, we usually work from home - and when the school year ends, we often find that we miss engaging with students as well as each other!

Enter the garden plot. This spring, we joined the world of community gardens and are so excited to have a little piece of land to care for. That’s right, we have a plot in Kingcrest Community Garden! Located near Knight and Kingsway, this garden offers food production space for over 30 families and community groups in the Kensington-Cedar Cottage neighbourhood.

We have already been hard at work planting our garden. So far we are growing the three sisters (corn, beans, and squash) as well as tomatoes, basil, and arugula… and any surprise ‘volunteers’ that may spring up from last year (hello broccoli & dill!). In addition to growing local organic produce, we are excited to use the plot as a base for public education. We are inviting folks to come hang out with us each week as we explore how plants grow, where food comes from, how compost works, and much more!

Come visit us at the park! Whether you are excited about working in the garden or expanding your knowledge there will be opportunities to learn, chat, play games, water some plants, pull some weeds and *maybe* even sample some produce.

We look forward to keeping our community connections going through the summer!

• Aug 13 | 3:00pm – 5:00pm

• August 20 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm

Tips for a Plastic Free Home

This month, we're diving into practical ways to reduce plastic waste in every corner of your home. From the kitchen to the bathroom, small changes can make a big impact for our planet. Let's explore some simple swaps to help you go plastic-free with ease.

Kitchen: Reduce plastic waste in your kitchen by opting for reusable produce bags. Keep them handy in your pannier, backpack, or car to ensure you always have them when shopping. These bags are not only convenient but can also help keep your fruit and veggies fresh and organized.

Taking lunch to go? Wrap your sandwiches in reusable food wraps or containers instead of plastic wrap. You can also bulk shop for snacks and store them in glass jars to minimize plastic packaging waste.

Living Room: Choose plastic-free alternatives for cleaning. Swap disposable wipes and cleaning solution bottles for reusable cloths and concentrated cleaning tablets that dissolve in water. This switch not only reduces plastic waste but can also save you money. 

Bedroom: Opt for bamboo or wooden alternatives. When your plastic hangers reach the end of their useful life, replace them with durable wooden ones. You can also reduce micro-plastic shedding from your bedroom linens by opting for natural fiber bedding and curtains (such as bamboo). These solutions are sustainable, stylish and eco-friendly choices for your bedroom decor.

Bathroom: Make the switch to a safety razor instead of disposable plastic razors. If you’re in the Calgary area, visit Kent of Inglewood for expert advice on choosing the right razor for you. They provide a razor bank (sharps container) for used blades, ensuring they can be properly recycled or disposed of safely. Safety razors are cost-effective and reduce plastic waste significantly.

Not into shaving? Consider using "sugaring" or going au-natural as alternatives to plastic razors. These methods reduce waste and can be more sustainable options for personal grooming.

Home Office: Reduce plastic use in your home office by setting up a new recycling routine! Did you know that Staples offers free programs to recycle your pens and ink cartriges? Check out the links below to find out more about how and where you can use these services:

• Recycling ink cartridges: https://www.staplesprofessional.ca/recycling-programs/ 

• Recycling pens: https://www.terracycle.com/en-CA/brigades/staples-en-ca#@54.02407489434523:-102.71170552618241zoom:4 

Laundry Room: Choose laundry detergent in cardboard boxes, refillable containers, or as tabs instead of plastic bottles. Look for eco-friendly packaging that can be easily recycled or reused. Bonus: reduce micro-plastic shedding by washing clothes on gentle or installing a micro-plastic filter.

Join the Movement!

These are just a few simple changes you can make to reduce plastic use throughout your home. Remember, every little bit helps in the fight against plastic pollution. Together, we can make a difference this Plastic Free July and beyond!

Stay tuned for more tips and inspiration on living a plastic-free lifestyle.

Happy Plastic Free July!

Green Reads: 7 books to add to your Summer Reading List!

Looking for inspiring reads to dive into this summer? Whether you want to help the children in your life develop connections to the planet, want to expand your own knowledge or simply want to escape into an environmental fiction, these books recommended from our education team offer something for everyone.

Young Children

The Little Hummingbird by Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas

• Genre: Fiction, Picture Book

• Age Group: Suitable for all ages; ideal for young children 5-8

• Why: Illustrated by talented Haida artist Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas, The Little Hummingbird tells a powerful story of courage and hope in the face of ecological crisis. Inspired by a traditional Quechuan tale, this picture book resonates with its message of individual agency and collective action. It's a beautiful reminder that even the smallest actions can make a big difference in protecting our planet.

My Heart Fills With Happiness by Monique Gray Smith

• Genre: Fiction, Picture Book

• Age Group: Young children; under 2

• Why: This beautiful picture book, with illustrations from celebrated artist Julie Flett, serves as a reminder for little ones to reflect on and cherish the moments in life that bring us joy, many of which are connected to place.

Thank You, Earth: A Love Letter to Our Planet by April Pulley Sayre 

• Genre: Fiction, Picture Book

• Age Group: Ideal for young children 4-8

• Why:  This book is a stunning exploration of the beauty and complexity of the world around us, touching on subjects from life cycles to weather, colors, shapes, and patterns. This is an ideal resource for science and language art curriculums and a terrific book for bedtime sharing!

Young Adult/Adult - Nonfiction

A Field Guide to Climate Anxiety: How to Keep Your Cool on a Warming Planet by Sarah Jaquette Ray

• Genre: Nonfiction, Environmental Justice

• Age Group: All, especially Gen Z and younger Millennials

• Why: Sarah Jaquette Ray addresses the emotional toll of climate change in this essential guide. She explores why people disengage from environmental issues and offers strategies for cultivating resilience and advocacy. Ray's framework helps readers navigate their emotions and understand their responses to environmental challenges, fostering a sense of empowerment and community amidst daunting realities.

We are the Weather: Saving the Planet Starts at Breakfast by Jonathan Safran Foer

• Genre: Nonfiction, Food, Science

• Age Group: Young Adult, Adult

• Why: Jonathan Safran Foer blends personal narrative with compelling scientific research in this thought-provoking book. Through exploring our daily food choices and their impact on the environment, Foer offers practical actions that each of us can take to combat climate change. It's a perfect balance of facts, stories, and achievable steps, making it both empowering and enlightening.

Braiding Sweetgrass for Young Adults by Robin Wall Kimmerer

• Genre: Science

• Age Group: Young Adult, Adult

• Why: Drawing from her experiences as an Indigenous scientist, botanist Robin Wall Kimmerer demonstrates how all living things—from strawberries and witch hazel to water lilies and lichen—provide us with gifts and lessons. This new version has been adapted to provide the essence of this book in a way that better engages young adults.

Adults - Fiction 

A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers

• Genre: Solarpunk (Solarpunk is a subgenre of speculative fiction that envisions the progression of technology alongside the environment)

• Age Group: Adult

• Why: This unique book offers a positive vision for a future where humans use a combination of technology and simplification to live harmoniously on the planet - also features an interesting take on robots!

These books offer a blend of knowledge, inspiration, and hope, perfect for deepening your understanding of environmental issues or seeking motivation to take positive action. Whether you're lounging at the beach or enjoying a quiet afternoon at home, consider adding these titles to your summer reading list. Have a book you would recommend? Send us your favourites! (serena@elements-society.org).

Happy reading!

A Peek Inside: Creating EcoCooks Elementary

What a treat to be a part of the EcoCooks Elementary creation journey!

We've been impressed with the connections that elementary students make between food choices and the planet —  including some connections that we hadn’t yet made! We have also been impressed with the ability of this age group to understand and dream up actions and solutions that range from simplifying our food production systems and using fewer resources, to harnessing the power of technology to reduce food waste.

One interesting part of the process for us has been thinking about what kinds of prior knowledge this age group might have (as compared to older students) and what curriculum connections we could make. While our secondary program dives deep into subjects such as greenhouse gas production, our elementary pilot takes a broader view of where food comes from – including how plants grow!

We spent a lot of time thinking about how to bring EcoCooks ‘cooking days’ into classrooms where there are no kitchens. We’ve settled on a simple but creative food preparation activity (Trail Mix!) as well as a non-edible cooking activity (Play Dough!). In this way we are able to introduce culinary skills and build confidence within a traditional classroom setting. In our initial pilot program, both options have been hits!

We've also been trying to think about what kinds of food choices are within students' power at this age and tailoring the lesson goals around that. Younger students might not have as much food agency, so where can they make a difference? We are, however, reminded of the old saying ‘knowledge is power’ —  learning where their food comes from and practicing food appreciation is valuable. 

EcoCooks Elementary is made up of two fun, thought-provoking modules (each with 4 workshops) that include adapted activities from our secondary program, and brand new ones as well.

We look forward to expanding this program to more Grade 4-7 classrooms next school year, and expanding to younger students at some point too! If you would like EcoCooks Elementary in your Metro Vancouver or Calgary-area classroom in 2024/25 you can register now. 

~ Education Team

5 Eco-Action Projects to Get Excited About! Earth Week 2024

It’s Earth Week and we’re gearing up to shine the spotlight on 5 exciting projects from around BC & Alberta. This Earth Week, follow us on Instagram to learn how these organizations and their special projects are making a real difference locally and globally. Keep reading for a preview of who we’ll be spotlighting and why we think they are eco-action superstars!

Our Social Fabric: Transforming Textile Waste

Our Social Fabric is a Canadian non-profit fabric store dedicated to tackling textile waste. By selling donated deadstock fabric, they keep tons (literally!) of 'waste' fabric out of landfills, redirecting it to the hands of the fiber arts and slow-fashion community. Elements Society's Earth Week reel will feature a captivating tour of the fabric store and showcase some of the unique products available within.

Still Moon Arts Society: Artful Restoration

Still Moon Arts Society celebrates restoration efforts that merge art and environmentalism. For over two decades, Still Moon has been revitalizing Still Creek, Vancouver's last salmon-bearing stream, by cleaning up garbage and restoring ecological health. We’ll be featuring their current project, Beaver Pondering Lodging - an initiative that exemplifies their dedication to nurturing urban nature.

Binners' Project: Recovering Resources and Dignity

On the theme of 'Recover,' Elements will highlight Binners' Project and their crucial work in waste diversion and social inclusion. Binners, or informal recyclable collectors, are empowered to provide waste sorting services that ensure high levels of material recovery while providing supplementary income opportunities.

Alex Community Food Centre: Cultivating Relationships Through Food

Focusing on the theme of relationships, Elements spotlights the Alex Community Food Centre and their collaboration with the EcoCooks program. Working together, young adults learn about sustainable food practices and foster relationships within the community. Stay tuned as we dive into this tasty initiative!

SPEC: Repair Café

As we focus on the theme of ‘repair’, we’re excited to highlight SPEC - an organization that runs Repair Café’s across the City of Vancouver. A Repair Café brings together fixers and participants and encourages community members to bring anything from computers and laptops to bicycles and textiles, to be diagnosed and repaired.

Your Turn: Connect with Nature

Finally, it’s your turn, here are some ideas to celebrate Earth Week by reconnecting with nature:

🌱Explore a natural area in your community

🌱Volunteer with an environmental organization (like the ones above!)

🌱Start a nature journal 

🌱Attend a nature-based workshop 

Through their work, each of these organizations keeps the sentiments of Earth Week going all year round, and in doing so, inspires us to do the same. Join us in celebrating the success of these projects each day this week on Instagram.

~Elements

My expedition through eco-literature: 6 book recommendations for the environmentally-conscious, green reader

By Emily Clark

One of the greatest joys in my life is reading. Each new fictional book I read holds the promise of escaping reality and transporting myself into other worlds that are seemingly less complicated than our own. Yet, within my reading collection are also non-fiction books that encourage me to delve deeper into the intricacies of our world, particularly those related to the environment. In a conscious effort to understand more about the environment, climate change, and ways that I can personally contribute to the well-being of our planet, over the past few months I have sought out books that weave together themes of climate change, Indigenous Ways of Knowing, western science and humanity’s complex relationship with the environment. 

This collection of eco-literature is curated specially for you, the environmentally-conscious, green reader. May these reading recommendations captivate and inspire you while also creating a space for you to reconsider how you navigate through your own life. I hope that these books offer narratives that affirm and perhaps also challenge your perception of the world. Most importantly, may these books serve as companions as you become an increasingly aware and engaged global citizen, deepen your understanding and cultivate an intrinsic sense of responsibility towards our planet. 

1. Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer

In “Braiding Sweetgrass,” Dr. Robin Wall Kimmerer, a botanist and member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, weaves together Indigenous Ways of Knowing, western science knowledge, and personal stories. This is a beautifully written book that invites us to reevaluate our connection to the natural world, emphasizing reciprocity and respect for the planet and the beings that make their homes here. Dr. Kimmerer’s insights inspired me to reflect on the personal responsibility that I have to the environment and how I can embrace an increasingly sustainable way of living. 

2. Finding the Mother Tree by Suzanne Simard

Suzanne Simard’s “Finding the Mother Tree” takes us deep into the forest’s heart, where trees communicate and support one another through a network of mycorrhizal fungi. Simard challenges traditional views of forests as solely collections of individual trees, instead highlighting the interconnectedness and intelligence of these truly complex ecosystems, with the matriarchal “Mother Tree” at the centre of it all. This book serves as a reminder for us to tread lightly in our lives and pay attention to all that we can learn from these more-than-human beings. As Simard shares, the planet waits patiently for us to realize the agency that these incredible beings have. 

3. The Sixth Extinction by Elizabeth Kolbert

Elizabeth Kolbert’s “The Sixth Extinction” paints a picture of the ongoing biodiversity crisis. Through both research and engaging personal stories, Kolbert highlights the impact that humans have on the planet’s ecosystems and the alarming rate of species extinction spanning both past and present. This book reminds us that as humans, we hold a unique sense of power, and with this power comes responsibility. “The Sixth Extinction” serves as a call to action, urging us to reconsider the consequences of our actions and advocate for conservation efforts to preserve the richness and diversity of life on Earth. 

4. Losing Earth by Nathaniel Rich

“Losing Earth” by Nathanial Rich delves into the social and political challenges surrounding climate change. Rich takes us on a journey through the 1980s when the world was on the brink of addressing climate change, but ultimately faltered. The book sheds light on missed opportunities and the complex interconnectedness of politics, industry, and environmental awareness. It serves as a cautionary tale, emphasizing the importance of global cooperation and decisive action in the face of the climate crisis. Ultimately, this book poses a question to readers, “How much value do you assign to the future?”

5. The Uninhabitable Earth by David Wallace-Wells

“The Uninhabitable Earth” by David Wallace-Wells confronted me with the harsh realities of climate change. This book felt rather heavy and at times, I even felt alarmed. However, I think that all readers should feel alarmed when reading this book as it taps into the deep-rooted fear and climate anxiety that many of us face. Wallace-Wells’ exploration of the consequences of global warming serve as a wake-up call, urging us to accept responsibility and take individual and collective action immediately. This book challenges us to proceed with courage and determination, and it is an essential read for anyone concerned about the fate of our planet. 

6. The Proof is in the Plants by Simon Hill

Simon Hill’s “The Proof is in the Plants” showcases the environmental impacts of food choices, offering compelling arguments supported by scientific evidence. Hill empowers readers to make conscious decisions that not only benefit their well-being, but also contribute to the health of the planet. This book serves as a practical guide for those interested in aligning their consumption choices with the well-being of the environment. “The Proof is in the Plants” encouraged me to reflect on my personal consumption habits and ways that I can support my personal well-being while simultaneously supporting planetary health. 

In the face of escalating environmental concerns, these books offer a diverse exploration of our relationship with the planet. Whether through Indigenous Ways of Knowing, scientific revelations, or compelling personal narratives, each book contributes to a broader understanding of the environmental challenges we have faced in the past, and continue to face in the present day. These books inspired me to take meaningful action in cultivating a more sustainable world in my own life, and I hope that they do the same for you. Through the narratives presented to us in eco-literature, we uncover not only the challenges but also our collective power to shape a sustainable, compassionate and hopeful future. 

Of course, this list can be used as a starting point as there are countless more environmental books spanning many different genres. Which are your favourites, and which are on your TBR list? Connect with us on social media and share your thoughts.

Happy reading! 

6 Back-to-School Activities from Elements!

For youth, a new school year means a new classroom, a new teacher, new peers, and for some students, even a new school. While for teachers, September is more often about finding activities that will help new students feel oriented, safe, and comfortable in (and out of) the classroom. As you spend this month establishing your new ‘classroom routine’, it’s a great time to create planet-friendly habits that you want your students to carry on throughout the whole year.

1.       Waste Education
Start the school year off with an easy lesson on the importance of waste sorting and how to properly use each bin. Talk about how waste should be sorted in your classroom and make a game out of knowing what kind of waste goes where! PS - check out our free Zero Waste Place program if you’re in Vancouver. 

  2.       Assign Roles

Give students green classroom jobs! For example, one student can be in charge of turning the lights out when everyone leaves the room or checking waste bins to make sure everything is sorted correctly. Want to level it up? Collect soft plastics (granola bar wrappers, etc) and have someone bring them to a recycling depot each month. 

3.       “Sit Spot”

Take learning outside with a Sit Spot activity. Students pick a favourite place in nature that is visited regularly to cultivate awareness, expand senses and study patterns of local plants, birds, trees, and animals. 

Resources:

https://wildsight.ca/education-resources/sit-spots/

https://creativeclassroomcore.com/sit-spots-quiet-nature-observation/

4.       Supply Swap

A new school year means new back to school supplies! Instead of watching your students buy a whole new set of school supplies, organize a ‘supply swap’ with your class where students brings in their extra or used supplies and swap it for someone elses. 

5.       Zero Waste Lunches

Who doesn’t love talking about food? Take learning beyond the classroom with our Zero Package Pantry Activity. 

Resources:

https://images.app.goo.gl/Bth4TKQgrxbcop7n8 

https://images.app.goo.gl/tzv5RH4x7cbXPEwJ7 

https://sfenvironment.org/sites/default/files/fliers/files/sfe_se_waste-less_lunch__k-12.pdf 

6.       Plant Care

Have a bit more time? Put students in charge of their own plant to foster leadership and facilitate place-based learning in the classroom. Even better if you can make it a long term activity. Plant some seeds in glass containers so students can watch them sprout and grow, while they track the growth, sketch the changes, and even predict what their plant will look like!

Resources:

https://www.plt.org/educator-tips/easy-plant-science-experiments-for-the-classroom/ 

https://www.teachingexpertise.com/classroom-ideas/fast-growing-seeds-for-classroom/ 

We Need Your Help!

The need for free, environmental education is stronger than ever. Every Elements Society Program has been full since January and we currently don’t have the resources to offer more classes to students who need it most. Donate now to help us clear our waitlist and offer more programming to students across BC and Alberta!

We believe that all youth regardless of physical, neuro or economic ability should have access to quality environmental education. Every donation made will go directly towards increasing the availability and accessibility of our programs so we can reach more students, like the ones in Tori’s class. Tori is a teacher in the Vancouver Alternate Secondary School program whose class was able to take part in EcoCooks thanks to generous donors like you!

“Elements Society was able to customize the programming to the unique needs of our complex students, and showed professionalism and resilience when faced with challenging classroom dynamics.” - Tori, VSB Teacher

Donations also support adult learners, such as those at PALS Adult Services Society, a program for adults with autism, who were able to take part in Zero Waste Place including a field trip to City Farmer.

We are asking for your help to support these valuable programs that use topics like waste and food as a practical entry point to discuss deeper issues of climate change and sustainability. Please help us clear the waitlist today!

“The program has been fantastic, and I am a firm believer in the strong impact that it can have on learners everywhere. I wholeheartedly support this program run by the Elements Society and hope that they can expand the geographical reach of their programming.”

“Curriculum tie in points are easily found within science, social studies, English, food studies, and career education. The team went above and beyond their commitment in the classroom and was able to provide a list of additional resources that allowed me to enrich and expand on the ideas that they brought up in their sessions.”

“Facilitators were able to provide multiple access points for our diverse learners and they made use of hands-on manipulatives and games to break down complex topics into information that the students could understand and apply.”

'"I LOVED IT SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO MUCH'

New Funding Announcement!

We are happy to announce a new funding partnership with the City of Calgary for the EcoCooks: Food Waste series.

The City’s support, provided through the Circular Economy Pilot Initiatives: Food Waste and Repair-Reuse grant, allows the EcoCooks program to be offered in grade 7-12 classrooms throughout the City of Calgary for FREE.

We’d like to sincerely thank the City of Calgary for supporting circular food economy initiatives, and for helping to inspire youth to take environmental action, through education.

Interested in bringing the EcoCooks program into your classroom? Register now for programming this Spring while space remains.

What is EcoCooks: Food Waste?

EcoCooks: Food Waste is a multi-workshop series that introduces food waste to youth at an age where they can start to take actions in their own lives and bring information and skills home with them to share with their family. Students learn about how food waste contributes to climate change, where and why food is wasted, and finally the role of the consumer in reducing food waste and enhancing circularity.

Through hands-on activities, games and food preparation, youth develop the skills needed to take individual circular actions such as - reducing, repurposing, refusing, food preservation, composting and more. Participants will leave workshops with a better understanding of what actions they can take for a circular food economy, but also why those actions are so important. All EcoCooks programs have four main goals, to enhance knowledge, develop skills, inspire action and build community.

New Year, Greener Classroom! Resources and ideas for a greener classroom in 2023

As an educator, there are so many things you can do to make your classroom and school more green. The environmental practices you bring to the classroom can create lifelong habits that support the planet. From fostering connections with nature to supporting student composting and upcycling, small actions can have a big impact over a school year or lifetime.

To get started, check out 10 staff-inspired resources and ideas for your classroom in 2023.

1. Start simple: Help students connect to nature by taking reading time outside

2. Foster environmental leadership by giving students sustainable classroom jobs!
   For example, one student can be in charge of turning the lights out when everyone leaves the room or checking waste bins to make sure everything is sorted correctly.
   Want to level it up? Collect soft plastics (granola bar wrappers, etc) and have someone bring them to a recycling depot each month. 

3. Get Sorted: Speaking of waste… conduct a waste audit. Have students sort through classroom garbage (using gloves) to see what's being thrown out, including any recyclables or compostable items. In Vancouver, Edmonton or Calgary? Try the VanSort, What Goes Where or Sort it Right games!

4. Try something new, ‘Befriend a Tree’ is a fun opportunity for learners to connect to nature and place by reflecting on a tree they choose and how it changes over time. Students can write, draw, or simply spend time with their tree of choice. 

5. Get outside with a simple and fun nature scavenger hunt. Customize great resources like this to get you started.

6. Experiment: Try growing food from scraps inside the classroom by propagating green onions and other vegetables. Or, explore different food storage techniques to see what keeps a veggie of your choice fresh for longer. 

7. Get creative and turn trash into treasure with a fun TRASHformation craft activity. Explore the recycling bin and turn clean used containers into pen holders, or fabric scraps into whiteboard wipes.

8. Think circular by starting a classroom compost bun. Here are some easy instructions.

9. Collect and recycle – dry erase markers a little too dry? Terracycle and Staples Canada have a drop-off writing utensil recycling program. Collect and recycle old markers, pens and pencils from the class or entire school and drop off at the end of the school year.

10. Take on a fun ‘challenge’ as a class to establish new habits and build a sense of team. Waste Free Wednesday: Lunch edition? Plastic-free week? Walk, bike or ride to school? Make it fun with sustainable prizes for the whole class if they work together to achieve their goal successfully.

Want support? Take advantage of programs offered in your region. To learn more about programs offered by Elements visit the programs page.

10 Ways to Enjoy an Eco Friendly Holiday!

As we enter the holiday season, you may be asking yourself, ‘how can I reduce my environmental impact, while enjoying all of my favourite traditions?’ Have no fear! 

Elements staff have tips , that will make your holidays merry and bright! 

1. Get creative with beautiful and sustainable wrapping! Get creative with your gift wrap this year by choosing reusable, or upcycled materials like jars, boxed, and fabric. Check out our favourite ideas for inspiration! https://www.treehugger.com/eco-friendly-alternatives-wrapping-paper-4858648

2. Regifting! Lets break the stigma around ‘regifting’. One person’s trash is another one’s treasure - before you purchase new gifts, consider what you’ve received that you haven’t used or that would make a better gift for someone else. New to regifting? Here are some helpful tips:
   https://www.cbc.ca/life/holiday/how-to-regift-the-right-way-1.6677696, https://www.readersdigest.ca/home-garden/cleaning/top-ten-rules-regifting/

3. Make memories not garbage! Have someone who is hard to buy for? How much more "stuff" do we really need? For Zero Waste Place, we encourage students to think about the entire lifecycle of their object. What is it made out of? How long will you use it for? Where will it end up once you're done with it? Often, we gift toys or products that might get used only once or twice. Instead, consider gifting consumables or experiences, a few of our favourites:

   • A fancy food or drink item from a local farmers market

   • Purchase an "experience" that you could do together

   • Donate to a charity in their honour (winky face …)

   • Adventures, such as skiing, zip lining, an escape room, etc

   For more ideas, visit: http://www.metrovancouver.org/services/solid-waste/reduction-reuse/create-memories/  

4. Recycle your tree! If you or your loved ones are putting up a tree this year, check out where you can compost trees or decorative greenery. Check out your local municipal website to find an option near you.

5. Adjust your thermostat! As the snow falls, we understandably respond by cranking up our thermostats. This year, get cozy with some holiday PJs, a cozy blanket and a warm drink. 

6. Handmade decorations! Holiday decorations can often be wasteful (not to mention costly). This year, explore what crafts you can do with your family at home to repurpose or upcycle existing household items as decorations! Ideas include collecting real pinecones and branches to use like garland, or popcorn on string for tree decorations. Explore more ideas at: https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/christmas-ideas/g393/homemade-christmas-ornaments/

7. Enjoy an eco friendly feast! While preparing all of your favorite holiday dishes, try to support local farmers that grow sustainable ingredients, opt for plant-forward dishes as much as possible, and get creative with the resulting leftovers! 

8. Switch to LED Holiday lights! As old lights burn out, replacing with LED lights can save you around $50 on your holiday season energy bills because they use 90% less energy. Sounds like a win-win for the planet and your wallet.

9. Send an eco-card! As the holidays draw near, many wish to send a card to commemorate the season.  But as appreciated as they are, many cards get thrown away once the holidays are over. The solution? Send an eco friendly holiday greeting card that’s made from recycled paper, upcycled artwork, or send a personalized e-card! When going the paper-route, avoid cards with glitter or other plastic attachments.

10. Ditch the cheap stocking stuffers! Often, stockings are filled with cheap plastic items that end up broken, lost, or discarded once the holiday season ends. Instead, fill them with delicious homemade treats and a few small, thoughtfully chosen gifts to round it out. Stockings are a fun part of the Christmas tradition, and with a little thought, they can be transformed from wasteful to awesome!

Did we miss any? Comment below or tag us on social media with your top eco-friendly Holiday tips!

Support Accessible Environmental Education Today

Sustainable actions start with education. However, access to Environmental Education programs vary across communities.

Executive Director of Elements Society, Samantha Rogers, is working to consolidate an inventory of existing environmental education in BC to better connect learners with programs and to identify gaps in access so they can be addressed.

Follow the link above to add your environmental education programs to the database. Don’t work in environmental ed? Help address gaps in access by sharing the link with those in your network!

Cookin' up Some New Ideas with EcoCooks!

Taco bout’ delicious!

Our first official week of EcoCooks School has come to a close and we could not have been happier with the results!

From meeting guest chefs to experimenting with plant-based S’mores and learning how to dehydrate food to creating and devouring Rainbow Tacos… we are so proud of all of the EcoCooks for diving deep into the intersections of food and planet.

Learn more about the program and how to get for priority registration for the Fall here.