Food Systems Literacy Series, March Edition - Indigenous Food Systems
Indigenous Peoples pre-colonization created incredible, resilient and abundant food systems, and now many Nations are working to revitalize these culturally rich traditions. Our team recently heard a talk with Diné (Navajo) and Tsétsêhéstâhese (Cheyenne) musician and researcher Dr. Lyla June for the Four Seasons of Learning online course on Indigenous education for reconciliation. You can watch her Tedx talk here: 3000-year-old solutions to modern problems | Lyla June | TEDxKC.
She explains that, in our current era, humans are often represented as a virus that is harmful to ecosystems and other creatures, yet for Indigenous civilizations for millennia, humans acted as a keystone species. These civilizations supported and augmented the natural systems that give abundant food sources to whole ecosystems. In the examples from her talk, we heard about how West coast Indigenous Peoples planted kelp beds to enrich coastal food systems, how the buffalo followed the Diné as they managed grasslands with controlled burns, enriching soils for medicinal plants and expanding buffalo habitat South and East, and much more. In all the examples, she emphasized, Indigenous Civilizations increased the biodiversity of regions where they cultivated foods and made these areas so abundant that they could feed densely populated human villages and more-than-human animal relatives.
In our EcoCooks workshops, we share an example of this with students. This Tsimshian Nation food forest remains a much more biodiverse stretch of forest even hundreds of years after colonization interrupted the Tsimshian cultural care for this Land.
More and more research shows the millennia-long histories of Indigenous Peoples cultivating the Land, which oral histories have long known, telling us that these Nations had their own cities and sophisticated food systems. This CBC article, for example, tells of how new research on hazelnut tree species distribution points to a “civilization epicentre that few people really are aware of” in the Skeena River valley of BC.
What does this mean for food systems transformation? When we look at soil health, at biodiversity loss, at climate change, it is clear that our food systems have a major part to play in finding a healthy ecological balance for humans with the more-than-human world. This Food Tank story shares the idea that food systems sustainability requires us to embrace intercultural knowledge creation, meaning that Indigenous and Western food knowledges both contribute to solutions. The research from the Universidad Intercultural Maya found that agroecology and regenerative agriculture solutions did not succeed in helping Mayan farmers when they omitted local cultural knowledge.
“Through conversations with Yucatec Maya knowledge holders, the researchers learned that the Yucatec Maya food system includes several components, many dating back to pre-Hispanic times. These include: several gardens of staple foods, medicinal plants, beekeeping, forest collecting and several subsystems of edible animals. They also learned that the Yucatec Maya’s notion of food systems requires food security, food sufficiency, and food sovereignty.
The authors say that the path forward to transforming food systems requires ‘different ways of creating knowledge’ working together.”
What does this mean for us as food educators in Canada? When we are looking for sustainable solutions for present-day problems, we need to be in conversation with Indigenous histories and perspectives! We need to examine colonial assumptions about cultivating food and relationships with the land, and we can help students do this questioning too. For a food secure future, we need to learn from the land and learn from local Indigenous Nations.
Food Systems Literacy Series, February Edition - What is Food Systems Literacy?
Hi, I’m Cate, an Elements team educator, and I got excited this winter to learn more about food systems literacy. I love to see how interconnected things are in the world, and I want more kids and youth to get curious about these connections. So I’m going to guide you through my big-picture learning journey in Food Systems.
Defining food systems: an approach to looking at food activities that includes all the interactions and linked networks across agriculture, food distribution, communities, policies, cultures, and more.
I was inspired by Alicia Martin et al. (2024) who surveyed experts in food education to see what they thought the important competencies were for youth learning about food systems. From these responses, they created a Food Systems Literacy Competencies Framework, or a curriculum for students about food systems. There is so much in this curriculum! Over the next few posts, I’ll share a taste of each of the big areas of Food Systems Literacy they talk about:
Indigenous Food Systems
Food Security
Sustainability
Governance
Food Systems Activities
The first post is on Indigenous Food Systems, and I’m so inspired by what I learned for this one. Maybe next year, I’ll do a series just on Indigenous Food Systems.
At EcoCooks, we see all the time how excited students are to learn about food. Food plays such an important role in our day-to-day lives and the stories we have about our families and communities. In this Food Systems learning journey, I’m seeing all kinds of interesting questions and possibilities open up! Stay tuned here on our blog and our Instagram channel, where once a month I will post about a new area of learning. See you in March for our next big topic!
For Reference
Martin, A. E., Haines, J., & Fraser, E. D. (2024). Development of the Food Systems Literacy Competencies Framework for youth: A modified Delphi study with experts. Food Policy, 128, 102702.
A Fun Look Back: What Our Instagram Growth Says About a Big Year at Elements
While social media represents just a small slice of the impact Elements Society has each year, it can be a fun and meaningful way to reflect on moments that brought our community together. Looking back at our 2025 Instagram metrics, we see not just growth on a platform, but glimpses of some of the highlights that shaped our year.
A Snapshot of Our Instagram Growth
In 2025, our Instagram presence reached new audiences and sparked thoughtful engagement:
40.6K views
24.8K accounts reached
782 content interactions
832 link clicks
1.9K profile visits
215 new followers
These numbers don’t define our impact, but they do offer a small window into how our work resonated beyond classrooms, kitchens, and community spaces.
When Highlights Online Mirror Highlights Offline
Some of our most engaging posts also coincided with important milestones for Elements Society as a whole.
Our Trivia Night for the Planet post was a clear favourite on Instagram, but more importantly, the event itself was a joyful community gathering that directly supported EcoCooks programming. It reminded us that environmental education can be social, celebratory, and deeply connected to place.
The significant growth and launch of FERN (Find Educational Resources Now) was another moment where online engagement reflected a major step forward offline. FERN represents a long-term investment in educators — making environmental education easier to find, easier to access, and easier to integrate into classrooms.
And while quieter on social, our Annual Planning Week captured something foundational: the care and intention behind the scenes. Those days of reflection, learning, and team connection helped shape the direction of our programs and partnerships for the year ahead.
A Small Platform, a Big Year
Instagram will always be just one small piece of how we share our work. Our true impact lives in classrooms, communities, kitchens, and relationships built over time. Still, it’s fun to pause and celebrate how this small platform reflected a year full of learning, collaboration, and growth.
Thank you for following along, cheering us on, and being part of such a meaningful year at Elements Society.
Turning Food Waste into Art: EcoCooks x TELUS Spark Summer Pop-Ups
Turning Food Waste into Art: EcoCooks x TELUS Spark Summer Pop-Ups
This summer, EcoCooks Calgary teamed up with TELUS Spark for an exciting series of pop-ups at Steven’s Lab -- and the results were colourful!
We connected with over 2,000 learners of all ages through a weekly fun, hands-on activity blending science and art: upcycling food waste destined for the compost (sourced from Leftovers Foundation!) -- and using a bit of kitchen science -- to create watercolour paints for a take-home piece of art! This activity helped us reimagine the potential in what we throw away while exploring sustainability, science and self expression!
The paint-making process starts by simmering colourful food scraps in water (we used purple cabbage, onion skins, beet peels, and avocado skins), which releases their colour. Now here’s where the magic happens: adding alum (a type of salt sometimes used in pickling) to the mix creates a chemical reaction. Alum binds with the natural colour particles in the water to create a vibrant pigment -- perfect for planet-friendly art!
Want to make your own food waste watercolours? Here's how:
Equipment:
Large pot
Measuring cups and spoons
Mesh strainer
Mixing spoon or spatula
Glass jars with lids
Ingredients:
Colourful food scraps
Tap water
Alum (available at most grocery or bulk stores)
Steps:
1. Roughly chop your food scraps and place them in a pot. Add just enough water to cover them.
2. Simmer gently for 1–3 hours (the longer you simmer, the deeper the colour)
3. Strain the liquid into a large measuring cup using a mesh strainer and squeeze out as much dye as possible. Compost the leftover food scraps. Stop here, or:
4. Return the strained dye to the pot.
5. For every 1 cup of dye, add 1 tsp of alum. You may see solids starting to form – this is the chemical reaction.
6. Simmer gently for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Let cool and store in jars in the fridge. Shake well before using.
Thanks for Joining Our FERN Webinars!
Catch the recordings and explore how FERN can support your environmental education work!
A big thank you to everyone who joined us on May 16 for our free FERN webinars! It was wonderful to connect with educators and organizations from across Alberta & BC who are passionate about environmental education and eager to explore how the FERN (Facilitating Environmental Resource Networks) platform can support and amplify their work.
If you couldn’t make it—or just want to revisit what we covered—we’ve got you covered! Both webinar recordings are now available to watch on YouTube:
These short sessions walk through how to use FERN’s growing database of environmental education resources. Whether you're an educator looking for classroom-ready content, or an organization hoping to connect with schools, you'll find practical tips and tools to get started.
Explore More on the FERN Website
Ready to dive deeper? Visit https://fern.elements-society.org/ to start exploring resources, uploading your programs, and building connections in the environmental education community.
Thank you again for being part of these conversations. We’re excited to keep growing this network and working together to inspire climate action and environmental stewardship across Alberta & BC.
Have questions or feedback?
We’d love to hear from you! Get in touch anytime at fern@elements-society.org.
Let’s keep the momentum going!
Youth Leadership in Action: EcoCooks Collaboration Breaks Stereotypes
Have you seen the recent press suggesting that post-pandemic youth are becoming ruder in the classroom? An EcoCooks collaboration between high school and elementary students tells a very different story!
When three EcoCooks grade 10 classes “buddied up” with grade 1 and 2 students to guide them through the art of play-dough making, their patience, teamwork, problem-solving skills, and ability to navigate uncertainty were on full display. The grade 10 “Career-Life Education” students honed valuable employable skills, while their younger buddies gained essential food literacy knowledge (not to mention some seriously enviable play-dough!).
Together, a grade 1 student and a grade 10 student carefully measured and portioned out oil for their play-dough, fostering teamwork and mentorship in the process.
While we had high expectations for the high schoolers, a grade 1 teacher shared that her students “absolutely loved” making play-dough with their older counterparts. Throughout the day, teachers and adults in the room were particularly impressed by the leadership and creativity on display. An attending school counselor noted that these types of experiential learning opportunities bring out the best in youth.
“It was nice to have help from the big buddies.” - Grade 1 student
“I liked adding the googly eyes on the play-dough. I made a mouse at home!” - Grade 1 student
A massive thank you to the teachers from Eric Hamber and Van Horne for making this collaboration possible!
Passing the Torch: Thank You, Samantha, and Welcome, Cailey!
After four incredible years of leadership, we say goodbye to our Executive Director, Samantha Rogers. Under her guidance, Elements has expanded, our team has grown stronger, and our impact deeper. Samantha has set a completely new standard of excellence for our organization, her vision and dedication have strengthened our impact, reputation, and inspired countless individuals to take action for the environment.
Serving as the Executive Director at Elements has been the honour of a lifetime for me. I am profoundly grateful to have had the opportunity to contribute to an organization whose mission I believe in so wholeheartedly.
Over the past 4 years, I have had the privilege of working alongside an extraordinary team and dedicated partners across BC and Alberta – Unbounded Canada Foundation, the City of Calgary and the City of Vancouver to name a few. Together, we have accomplished so much, and while transitions inevitably mark change, I cannot wait to cheer you all on as both a volunteer and a donor who believes deeply in this work.
The future for Elements looks bright under the capable leadership of Cailey Meuse, a familiar and trusted leader who has been deeply involved in shaping every aspect of organization over the past 3+ years. With a formal education in both education and environmental subjects and thorough knowledge of the education systems in Alberta and BC, Cailey is the ideal person to carry the momentum we’ve built forward.
— Samantha
While we are sad to see Samantha go, we are immensely grateful for her contributions and wish her all the best as she takes on new opportunities. Ready to build off an incredible foundation developed together, we are thrilled to welcome Elements new Executive Director, Cailey Meuse. With a passion for environmental education and a deep commitment to sustainability, Cailey brings a wealth of experience and energy to our team.
Jumping out of the classroom and into Elements just over 3 years ago was one of the best decisions I could have made. Everyday, I get to work towards a mission I feel deeply connected to with a wonderful team of like-minded people.
One of the amazing people I get to work with is Samantha. Not only is she an incredibly hard worker and thoughtful leader, she is a true friend that the team and I will miss having around. She is a wealth of experience and knowledge, and I am so grateful for our time together and all her mentorship. She will be missed, but we wish her all the best on her next adventure.
As I step into this new role, I am excited to continue leading our team and working with our various partners to carry forward with all the amazing work Sam and I have started together.
— Cailey
Please join us in expressing our deepest gratitude to Samantha and a warm welcome to Cailey as she embarks on this new journey with Elements!
Media Release: New FERN Platform Bridges Gaps in Environmental Education Across BC and Alberta
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
VANCOUVER, January 28, 2025 – With growing demand for climate change education, many educators across BC and Alberta are facing challenges in accessing the resources they need to effectively teach the subject. A national study conducted by Learning for a Sustainable Future (LSF) and Leger Research Intelligence Group (2022), found that only 34% of teachers feel they have the necessary knowledge and skills to teach climate change. The study also revealed that 64% of teachers agree that the education system should be doing "a lot more" to prepare students for the realities of climate change.
In response to these pressing issues, we are thrilled to announce the launch of Find Educational Resources Now (FERN), a centralized platform designed to connect educators and learners with environmental education programs across BC and Alberta.
FERN connects the entire environmental education community, offering a solution to organizations that struggle with outreach, and helping teachers and learners quickly find programs tailored to their specific needs. By providing a streamlined search tool with customizable filters, FERN makes it easier than ever for educators to access programs and resources that are relevant to their classrooms.
Why FERN?
Many small environmental education organizations lack the resources and time to market their programs.
Teachers don’t have time to sift through internet search results to find programs that work for their class needs.
FERN’s centralized directory will allow us to assess gaps in environmental education offerings across every corner of the provinces over time, providing valuable data to support new programming priorities.
“Our hope is that FERN will bring the environmental education community together to ensure that, regardless of where learners are across BC and Alberta, they will have access to high-quality environmental education opportunities” Samantha Rogers, Executive Director, Elements Society.
FERN is currently in beta, and we welcome feedback from users. To join FERN or add your environmental education program to the platform, visit fern.elements-society.org.
About Elements Society
Elements Society is on a mission to inspire environmental action through education. Elements’ innovative programs and initiatives empower individuals and organizations to lead positive environmental change. For more information about Elements, visit https://elements-society.org/ or follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
Media Contacts
Samantha Rogers Serena Bonneville
samantha@elements-society.org serena@elements-society.org
(604) 695-0165
Empowering Youth, One Meal at a Time: co-leadership a recipe for success at EcoCooks
Empowering Youth, One Meal at a Time: co-leadership a recipe for success at EcoCooks
In early 2021, an ambitious idea brought us—Pamela Murkin and Samantha Rogers—together.
What started as a simple conversation between two passionate Executive Directors quickly evolved into a shared vision: empowering youth with the knowledge and skills to take climate action through the universal lens of food.
Within months, we found ourselves feeding off each other's passion and excitement, grounded in shared values and a determination to dream bigger together. We didn’t just want to create another educational program; we wanted something that inspired hope, combated climate anxiety, and turned learning into tangible action. We knew we would have limited success as organizations if we approached this independently but if we harnessed the different skill sets of our teams, together we might just be able to cook up something great!
The strength of the EcoCooks partnership comes from a foundation of openness, the assumption of good intentions, looking out for our partner organizations’ best interests in addition to our own and the program as a whole, and frequent communication. Navigating the natural hiccups of starting something new required us to embrace challenges head-on, having hard conversations that are solutions oriented and rooted in a shared commitment to big picture goals. Instead of letting obstacles divide us, we lean into those goals, constantly cheering each other on and celebrating each other's successes as if they were our own.
We have co-designed our dream, with our equally committed teams, from the ground up, creating a program that equips youth not just with knowledge but also with practical skills to act. EcoCooks is more than education—it’s empowerment. By focusing on food and food waste as key drivers of climate change, we can see them as tools of action, demonstrating how small changes can lead to significant impacts.
Four years later, EcoCooks is now thriving across Metro Vancouver, the Okanagan and Calgary with nation-wide learning opportunities set to launch later this year. Youth, parents, teachers and partners alike have responded to the energy and hope embedded in the program.
Our goal is to empower people to cook and eat in a way that nourishes both them and the planet. Whether it’s learning how to cook with seasonal produce, reducing food waste, or eating more plants, every small change adds up significantly over a week, year and life.
Lessons from Our Partnership and Co-leadership Journey:
Shared Values and Dreams: goals can grow bigger and become more achievable when they are dreamed up together among a supportive team
Communication is Key: honest and considerate dialogue allows for collaboration, growth, and resilience through challenges.
Celebrate Each Other: Success isn’t a zero-sum game; lifting each other up creates a stronger, united front.
In the non-profit industry we are regularly tasked with accomplishing a lot, with a little. Partnerships present an opportunity to share skills and resources to ultimately achieve much more collectively – partners hold each other accountable and inspire one another to reach their potential. As EcoCooks continues to grow, we hope to inspire other non-profits to seriously explore the potential of partnerships.
If this resonates with you, let’s connect. In the meantime, we’ll be over here building toward a more sustainable future together—one meal at a time.
2025 Reading List Recommendations
Looking to expand your understanding of the planet, find deeper meaning in the world, and embrace sustainability? Here are seven must-read books to add to your reading list for 2025.
1. The Anthropocene Reviewed by John Green
Recommended by Ella
Short essays on things from all parts of life. Be prepared to question, be inspired, feel in awe of the world around you and begin to notice more of the little things.
2. The Overstory by Richard Powers
Recommended by Ella
This one might take you a while to get through but the beautiful weaving of stories all connected to trees and each other is stunning. It made me feel hopeful, angry, powerful, helpless and more.
3. Talking to My Daughter About the Economy: or, How Capitalism Works - and How it Fails by Yanis Varoufakis
Recommended by Ella
This book starts right at the beginning, before money, before markets, right at the time people began exchanging goods and services and then it brings you up to speed. Explaining complex economic systems in easily digestible words and examples and making me feel like I might know a thing or two about markets.
4. A Field Guide To Climate Anxiety by Sarah Jaquette Ray
Recommended by Abdo
Written especially for Gen-Z and young millennials, this book examines the role that human psychology and our emotions play in staying engaged in the face of a looming crisis.
5. Fire Weather by John Vaillant
Recommended by Anna
A highly readable book exploring the Fort McMurray wildfire and weaving in themes of climate change, emergency management, and the relationship between humans and fire.
6. Wildlife as Property Owners by Karen Bradshaw
Recommended by Cailey’s friend
What if animals, who live on the same land and share the same air and water as humans, could own land? An interesting intersection of law, biodiversity loss and possible solutions to habitat loss.
7. Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer
Recommended by The Whole Elements’ team and all their friends
Through both indigenous and scientific lenses you explore the natural world and human relationships. Feelings, relationships, rocks, plants, history and more. You have to read this book.
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/
12 Ways to Reconnect with Nature this Summer
When our pace of life is fast and our to-do lists are never-ending, it’s easy to become disconnected from the natural world. Finding time to connect with nature and reap its benefits can seem daunting but it doesn’t have to be. From delicious seasonal recipes to simple 5-minute activities, we’ve got you covered this summer with 12 easy ways to reconnect with nature.
When our pace of life is fast and our to-do lists are never-ending, it’s easy to become disconnected from the natural world. Finding time to connect with nature and reap its benefits can seem daunting but it doesn’t have to be. From delicious seasonal recipes to simple 5-minute activities, we’ve got you covered this summer with 12 easy ways to reconnect with nature.
1. Take work outside
with a little help from an extension cord, take your work outside for at least a couple of hours each day; it's a nice way to get fresh air and break up the work day!
2. Repurpose (food) waste
Short on time, outdoor space, and want to save $? Look to your compost bin and turn your food scraps into a windowsill garden that keeps on giving. Our favourite place to start is green onions, all you need is a is the end of your green onion, a jar and some water to get started.
3. Get social outdoors
When catching up with friends or family (on the phone or in person), suggest a 'walk and talk' as a nice way to connect socially while also connecting to nature.
4. Opt for an adventure novel
Use the power of imagination to 'connect' with different environments by living vicariously through others' experiences in the wild (bonus points for taking the book outside!)
5. Guided 'nature walks' (Great to do with kids)
This is fun to do at any age: use an identification or sightseeing scavenger hunt to become more aware of the ecosystem when you take a walk. With kids it can be a fun opportunity for everyone to choose a different plant/animal to observe, or an invasive/native species to identify, and then share what they learned about it to the group.
6. Picnics
a great way to really settle 'in' the outdoors – pack your fave seasonal snacks and spend your lunch break outside.
7. Recreating
Hiking, camping, rolling, strolling, swimming, paddling, yoga in the park, game day at the beach, or catching an outdoor movie, there is something for everyone!
8. Start with one (plant)
Growing a garden can be overwhelming, make it easier by starting with one plant at a time -- whether a herb, a pollinator, or a native shrub the act of planting and nourishing and witnessing a plant grow is a great opportunity to reconnect with nature.
9. Eat the seasons
So many memories are connected to food, and the abundant local fruits and veggies available in the summer can be a great way to tune in to the nature around us while creating those lifelong connections to it. With cherry season upon us, check-out our favourite cherry cheesecake smoothie!
10. Look up!
Stargazing (or cloud gazing depending on the weather!) is an underrated outdoor activity that has so much to offer: it’s free, accessible, and can be incredibly calming to spend time looking up at the sky.
11. Walk, ride or make it a combo
With the nicer weather, try spending more time outside by simply changing how you get from A to B. If the place you’re going is too far to walk or ride, consider walking part-way and finishing the trip on a bus or with a bike-share service!
12. Bathe in Nature
Have you ever heard of forest bathing? Not only is this a great way to connect with the nature around you, but it’s scientifically proven to increase your mental and physical health.
Follow along our social media accounts for more resources and how-to’s (and recipes) for reconnecting with nature this summer!
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'
