Take Action | One Planet BC

Let’s take action

There are steps we can all take through our personal lives, as well as through our workplaces, schools and community groups to advance One Planet living. You can:

Learn about the key sustainability issues in your community
Evaluate your personal ecological and carbon footprint
Create a One Planet Action Plan to guide your own actions, or create one for your business, school or community group.

Learn more, below.

Test your knowledge on reducing your personal footprint for Earth Day (and every day).

Check out our Kahoot (click here). Play with friends and family.

Download the supplement to go with the quiz (warning: contains answers) and learn more about one planet living.

This Quiz has been developed by BCIT’s Centre for Ecocities, with the support of OneEarth Living, and the Real Estate Foundation of BC.

Create a One Planet
Action Plan

Create a One Planet Action Plan to embed One Planet Living into your business, school, community group or other organization. Think of the One Planet Living Principles as a compass that helps you make sure that your actions are contributing to all aspects of sustainability. Explore ideas about how you can contribute to advancing sustainability across all ten Principles, using the ecological and carbon footprint to pinpoint key priorities for reducing our environmental impacts.

Here are the key steps to create a one Planet Action Plan:

Get buy-in. Once you’ve decided One Planet Living is the right approach for you, you need to get your key stakeholders on board.
Explore key sustainability challenges and opportunities in your organization and across the community. How do you plan to achieve One Planet Living?
Create your One Planet Living Action Plan using the guidance documents linked below, and publish it on oneplanet.com. Get inspired by other schools, businesses; prioritise while being ambitious.
Implement your plan and embed it into your operations and projects. Learn from others in your community – including through One Planet BC peer-to-peer networking sessions.
Monitor progress to ensure you are achieving your intended goals and outcomes.
Report on your progress. Publishing regular progress reports can help promote transparency and demonstrate your continued commitment.

For a step by step guide on developing an action plan for your organization, click here. Detailed goals and guidance documents provide advice and ideas on the goals, actions, targets and indicators you could set for your One Planet Action Plan.
Get inspired by other One Planet Action Plans on our community page.

Tip: You can also create a Personal One Planet Action Plan! Figure out priorities for reducing your footprint using the lighter footprint app, and then create your own personal One Planet Action Plan.

My own plan

There are plenty of actions you can start taking today to make a difference in your own life.

You can use the lighter footprint app to figure out what your personal biggest impact areas are, and get suggestions for action. In BC, the burning of fossil fuels is the main source of greenhouse gas emissions and ecological footprint impacts in our communities.

Here are actions that have a big impact:

Reduce your dependence on fossil fuels – in our homes and from our vehicles.
1. Prioritize active transportation: walk, bike, take transit or car share, or use a vehicle that runs on renewable energy.
2. Use renewable energy to heat your home and consider switching to an electric heat pump.
Get more efficient. By reducing the amount of energy we use, especially fossil fuel energy, we can reduce our impact. This could mean turning down the thermostat in winter or using one vehicle trip for more than one errand.
Consume less and better; repair or buy second-hand when you can. Research shows that buying more stuff doesn’t make us happy. The planet will thank you for buying less and investing in better-quality products.
Reduce wasted food, increase how much plant-based you eat and grow locally.
Support change where you live and work. You can make ripples happen if you take action in your neighbourhood, your workplace, your sports club or your faith community. OneEarth’s guide has 7 action packs for neighbours to take – be inspired to build from there.
Make your voice heard. Write to your local government representative and ask what they’re doing about climate change or tweet businesses that aren’t meeting your expectations.

Explore resources

There are lots of outstanding sustainability resources, organizations, and initiatives that support One Planet Living.

- Below is a listing of some of these arranged by the One Planet Living Principles.
- Click on each principle to see the list, and you’ll be able to see ones that are Local as well as ones that are BC-wide or National.

Community members are a great support in your journey – we all have lots to learn and share. It may be a person working in your local government, a researcher who knows a lot about solar panels, the gardener down the street, a student with a great idea, or someone you meet through a Buy Nothing Group online…

…and you can connect with One Planet BC team members.

As you develop and implement your plan, figure out how can you have the biggest impact for the planet. This graph shows the ecological footprint priorities for British Columbia. Connect with BCIT’s Centre for Ecocities for more details about the community you live in.

Health & Happiness

Public Sector

Island Health Community wellness grant program – http://communitygrants.islandhealth.ca
Providing funding for projects related to:

Healthy Aging
Positive Mental Health
Social Connectedness/Family Connectedness (healthy early childhood development)
Healthy Eating
Physical Activity

CRD Community Map
The CRD Community Map was created to help identify where diverse populations live in the region and what their level of access is to important community assets, including affordable transportation modes and community facilities. Local residents may be most interested in community facilities and transportation routes.
https://www.crd.bc.ca/project/community-health-wellbeing

CRD Clean Air Bylaw (no smoking/vaping) & signage template
https://www.crd.bc.ca/project/clean-air-bylaw

Non-Governmental / Private

Island Sexual Health Society
Offers pro-choice and comprehensive sexual health clinics, education programs and products for all genders, orientations and abilities. Including the Youth Ambassador Program.
https://www.islandsexualhealth.org

Newcomer Sport for Life Program
A collaboration between Sport for Life, The Inter-cultural Association of Victoria and SportFit to provide quality sporting opportunities for immigrant and refugee children.
https://sportforlife.ca

Public Sector

Public Health Agency of Canada
Information and resources to promote healthy living
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/health-promotion/healthy-living.html

Act Now BC: Healthy Living Tips
Provincial strategy to promote health and wellbeing at every stage of life.
https://www.healthyfamiliesbc.ca

Non-Governmental / Private

BC Healthy Communities
Services, programs and support for community groups and local governments to build capacity for community health & well-being.
http://bchealthycommunities.ca/home

BC Alliance for Healthy Living
Research and advocacy for health-promoting policies, environments, programs and services in BC.
https://www.bchealthyliving.ca

Equity & Local Economy

Public Sector

South Island Prosperity Project
Economic development organization providing information, networking and mentoring for local businesses.
http://www.southislandprosperity.ca

Non-Governmental / Private

Vancouver Island Green Business Certification
Developed by Synergy Sustainability Institute, this certification recognizes businesses that are reducing their environmental impact, using internal assessments and on-site verification.
http://www.vigbc.ca/

Public Sector

Government of Canada Social Enterprise Guide
Business planning resources
https://canadabusiness.ca/starting/start-and-grow-a-social-enterprise/

Non-Governmental / Private

MaRS Catalyst Fund
Provides funding and support to Canadian companies pursuing social and environmental outcomes with business models that scale.
https://impactinvesting.marsdd.com/mars-catalyst-fund/

Innoweave
Helps community organizations implement new tools to generate greater impact through assessment, training, coaching and funding for social enterprise.
http://innoweave.ca

Mitacs
Works with universities, businesses and provincial governments to deliver internships, research collaborations and training programs that support social innovation in Canada.
https://www.mitacs.ca/en

Culture & Community

Public Sector

CRD Arts Development
Provides funding for non-profit organizations that produce Arts & Culture programming, initiatives and events in the Capital Region.
https://www.crd.bc.ca/service/arts-funding

Non-Governmental / Private

Greater Victoria Placemaking Network
Volunteer non-profit dedicated inspire people, neighbourhoods and communities to create vibrant public places that promote health, happiness and wellbeing.
https://victoriaplacemaking.ca/placemaking/

Intercultural Association of Greater Victoria
Advocates intercultural awareness, sensitivity and inclusion. Provides services and resources for immigrant and refugee newcomers.
http://www.icavictoria.org

Public Sector

Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage
Provides funding for local festivals, community anniversaries and capital projects aimed at restoring, renovating or transforming community heritage assets.
https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/services/funding/building-communities.html

Canada Cultural Investment Fund
Endowment incentives, strategic initiatives and support for arts organizations.
https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/services/funding/cultural-investment-fund.html

Non-Governmental / Private

First Peoples Cultural Council
Supports the revitalization of Indigenous language, arts, culture and heritage in BC.
http://www.fpcc.ca

BC Alliance for Arts and Culture
Provincial non-profit that works to advocate, inform, connect and serve BC’s creative community.
https://www.allianceforarts.com

Arts BC
Provincial arts service organization that provides tools and support to excel in arts and culture leadership.
https://artsbc.org

Land & Nature

Public Sector

CRD
Information on green infrastructure (low impact development).
https://www.crd.bc.ca/education/green-stormwater-infrastructure

Regional Climate Modelling – an analysis of projected changes in temperature, precipitation, and indices of extremes due to climate change in the 2050s and the 2080s.
https://www.crd.bc.ca/about/data/climate-change

CRD hosts numerous all ages nature outings and events throughout the year, led by skilled naturalists. These events foster appreciation and stewardship for Saanich’s natural environment.
https://www.crd.bc.ca/about/events

Capital Region Invasive Species Partnership (CRISP)
CRISP is a collaborative partnership of local governments, working alongside the Invasive Species Council of BC to provide invasive species management in the Capital Region.
http://crispinvasives.ca/

Non-Governmental / Private

Habitat Acquisition Trust
Regional Land Trust that conserves nature on South Vancouver Island.
https://www.hat.bc.ca

Sea Change Society
Terrestrial and marine ecosystem conservation, restoration and education.
https://seachangesociety.com

Garry Oak Ecosystem Recovery Team
Works to protect and restore Garry Oak and associated ecosystems and species at risk.
http://www.goert.ca/index.php

Island Pollinator Initiative
A coalition of groups working to protect pollinators on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. Provides a platform for information sharing, coordination, and planning to support vital pollination work in the Capital Region. It is a collaboration between the Peninsula and Area Agricultural Commission and the Pollinator Partnership Canada.
https://islandpollinatorinitiative.ca/

Vancouver Island Surf Rider Foundation
Volunteer non-profit dedicated to marine conservation and restoration through various programs and campaigns.
https://vancouverisland.surfrider.org

A thorough listing of community partners and agencies that are working to protect the natural environment in Saanich is available on the District website at: http://www.saanich.ca/EN/main/community/natural-environment/community-partners-agencies.html

Non-Governmental / Private

The Land Conservancy
Charitable Land Trust, working throughout BC to protect important habitats and properties with ecological, historical, cultural, scientific or recreational value.
http://conservancy.bc.ca

Sustainable Water

Public Sector

CRD
Greater Victoria Water Supply Area and Facilities tours, facts and figures.
https://www.crd.bc.ca/service/public-tours/watershed-tours

Information, maps and resources linked to local watersheds and stewardship committees.
https://www.crd.bc.ca/education/our-environment/watersheds

CRD Water Conservation Program
This program includes residential and commercial offerings. The Residential Program is focused on education, outreach, research, water conservation bylaws, partnerships and professional training. The Industrial, Commercial and Institutional (ICI) program includes water audits and technical services, rebates, industry education, research and reports.
www.crd.bc.ca/education/water-conservation
https://www.crd.bc.ca/education/natural-gardening

Non-Governmental / Private

POLIS Water Sustainability Project
Research and action to increase awareness of freshwater issues, drive law, policy and governance reform to generate change toward a sustainable freshwater future.
http://polisproject.org/projects/watersustainability

Non-Governmental / Private

Partnership for Water Sustainability in BC
A hub for a “convening for action” network in the local government setting, is responsible for delivering the Water Sustainability Action Plan program through partnerships and collaboration.
http://waterbucket.ca/

Partnership for Water Sustainability in BC
Working to promote and advance the protection and management of natural and engineered water resources in BC.
http://waterbucket.ca

Local & Sustainable Food

Public Sector

CRD
Growing Solutions Calendar for Southern Vancouver Island. Help determines when local fresh foods are available.
https://www.crd.bc.ca/docs/default-source/corporate-communications-pdf/campaigns/growing-solutions-fresh-food-calendar.pdf?sfvrsn=9b7b8cc9_2

The Regional Food & Agriculture Strategy (RFAS) is an in-depth exploration of regional food and agriculture objectives, issues and opportunities to guide action and foster leadership.
https://www.crd.bc.ca/project/food-agriculture

Non-Governmental / Private

LifeCycles Project
Collects unwanted fruit from private and public land for redistribution.
http://lifecyclesproject.ca

Urban Learning Garden
A collaboration between the LifeCylces Project Society and the Food Eco District, this project is an outdoor classroom and garden situated in the courtyard of the Central Branch of the Greater Victoria Public Library. The purpose of the Urban Learning Garden is to provide food education about saving seeds, identifying native plants and their uses, and growing food in urban spaces.
https://www.get-fed.ca/urban-learning-garden

Capital Region Food and Agriculture Initiatives Roundtable (CRFAIR)
Works to mobilize and connect efforts to develop healthy, equitable and sustainable food systems in the Capital Region.
http://www.crfair.ca

Food Share Network
Umbrella organization enhancing food security in the Capital Region through collaboration among food retailers, food banks, community centres, donors, etc. Also lists funding sources to support sustainable food initiatives.
http://www.foodsharenetwork.com

Topsoil
Converts underutilized urban spaces into productive growing areas (currently active in Victoria).
https://www.topsoileatlocal.com

Mason St Farm
Local urban farm that provides education and training in sustainable food cultivation.
http://masonstreetfarm.com/mission/

Island Farm Fresh
A local farm directory
https://islandfarmfresh.com/

Haliburton Farm
A community supported certified organic educational farm. The farm practices and promotes sustainable farming practices; involves the community in sustainable food production; demonstrate the viability of small-scale cooperative community farming and educates community members about agroecology.
https://haliburtonfarm.org/

Victoria’s Food Eco District
An urban district of sustainable food and edible gardens in partnership with local restaurants.
https://www.get-fed.ca

Non-Governmental / Private

The BC Farmers’ Market Trail
A directory of farmers’ markets in BC
https://bcfarmersmarkettrail.com/

Travel & Transport

Public Sector

CRD
Walk and Wheel to School Week- October event to promote active school travel. Schools sign up for resources and prizes.
www.crd.bc.ca/walkwheel

The CRD bike map encourages everyone to pick up a bike and ride – to work, the grocery store or to get their kids from school. (new map anticipated 2019).
https://www.crd.bc.ca/project/regional-transportation/pedestrian-cycling-master-plan/bike-maps

Non-Governmental / Private

GoByBikeBC & Greater Victoria Bike to Work Society
Cycling skills and workshops. Organizes Bike to Work and School Week locally.
https://www.biketowork.ca/victoria

Greater Victoria Cycling Coalition
Advocacy for improved bikeways in the capital region. Organizes special themed bike rides throughout the year.
https://gvcc.bc.ca

Victoria Transport Policy Institute
An independent research organization dedicated to developing innovative solutions to transport problems.
http://www.vtpi.org

Public Sector

BikeBC Cycling Infrastructure Funding
Provides cost sharing cycling infrastructure projects with local governments.
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation/funding-engagement-permits/funding-grants/cycling-infrastructure-funding

Clean Energy Vehicle Program
Electric vehicle incentive program through affordability, infrastructure, research and economic development.
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/electricity-alternative-energy/transportation-energies/clean-transportation-policies-programs/clean-energy-vehicle-program

Non-Governmental / Private

Car Share
Car sharing options e.g. Modo, Zipcar
https://www.modo.coop
https://www.zipcar.ca

Materials & Production

Non-Governmental / Private

Women in Need Resale Shops
Second hand stores for gently used goods. The donation centre recycles goods that are not suitable for resale. The cooperative provides programs and resources for women in transition.
http://www.womeninneed.ca/win-resale-shop-locations

Habitat for Humanity ReStore
Home and building supply stores that accept and resell used hardware, furniture, appliances and home accessories.
https://www.habitatvictoria.com/restore.html

Victoria Tool Library
Tool library for greater Victoria.
http://victoriatoollibrary.org

The Make House
A local sewing studio, library and fabric store, the Make House provides sewing classes, workshops, sew-by-the-hour, meet-ups and parties. They emphasize up-cycling used materials and learning how to make your own clothes in order to reduce the consumption of globally produced textiles.
https://themakehouse.ca

Recyclistas
A bicycle repair shop, recycling depot and educational work space, Recyclistas hosts regular bicycle maintenance and repair classes. They divert waste by accepting used bikes and parts by donation and rebuilding and selling reconditioned bikes.
https://recyclistas.ca

The Soap Exchange
Biodegradable household products sold bulk in reusable packaging.
http://www.victoriasoapexchange.com

Resources coming soon!

Zero Waste

Public Sector

CRD
Hartland Landfill and recycling facility tours, facts and figures.
https://www.crd.bc.ca/service/public-tours/landfill-recycling-tours

Waste, compost and recycling information for the capital region.
https://www.crd.bc.ca/service/waste-recycling

The CRD Community Clean-Up Assistance Program supports groups that make visible environmental improvements to their community through organized clean-ups.
https://www.crd.bc.ca/service/community-clean-up-assistance-program/community-clean-up-assistance-program

MyRecyclopedia: A search engine for where and how to recycle different materials.
https://www.crd.bc.ca/service/waste-recycling/recycle/myrecyclopedia

Non-Governmental / Private

Compost Education Centre
Promotes composting, organic gardening, conservation, local food production, and urban sustainability through: public education programs, demonstration site, volunteer programs, etc.
https://www.compost.bc.ca

Pedal to Petal
Bicycle powered kitchen scrap pick-up.
https://www.facebook.com/Pedal2Petal/

reFuse Resource Recovery
Residential, commercial and event compost, garbage and recycling.
http://refuse.ca

Public Sector

RecycleBC
Tools, resources and apps for recycling (provincial)
https://recyclebc.ca/

Non-Governmental / Private

RCBC Retailer Take Back Program
Recycling hotline, recyclopedia, smartphone app, and Road to Zero Waste School Program

One Earth
Nonprofit ‘think and do’ tank aimed at transforming production and consumption patterns to be sustainable, healthy, and just within the limits of living systems. For ideas on lighter living actions see the One Earth Sustainable Lifestyles report.
http://www.oneplanetnetwork.org/resource/sustainable-lifestyles-options-and-opportunities

Zero Carbon Energy

Public Sector

CRD
Provides a list of solar hot water installers
https://www.crd.bc.ca/education/campaigns/list-of-past-campaigns/solar-crd/registered-installers

Climate Action To-Go Kits: tools to help take action on climate change at home – available through the Greater Victoria Public Library, Salt Spring Island Public Library, Vancouver Island Regional Library and Camosun College Library.
https://www.crd.bc.ca/education/climate-action/at-home/climate-action-to-go-kits

Non-Governmental / Private

Better Business Bureau
Provides a list of solar energy system designers, system suppliers and installers.
https://www.bbb.org/en/ca/bc/victoria/category/solar-energy-design
https://www.bbb.org/en/ca/bc/victoria/category/solar-energy-equipment
https://www.bbb.org/en/ca/bc/victoria/category/solar-energy-contractors

Public Sector

Natural Resources Canada
Service organizations that help plan energy-efficient renovations in new homes.
http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/residential/personal/home-improvement/service/contact-advisors.cfm

Community Energy Leadership Program
Supports local government and First Nations investment in energy efficiency and clean energy projects.
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/electricity-alternative-energy/community-energy-solutions/community-energy-leadership-program

BC NRCan ISO 50001 Implementation Incentive
Provides funding for industrial companies to implement energy management systems.
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/electricity-alternative-energy/innovative-clean-energy-solutions/iso-50001-implementation-incentive

BC Hydro Power Smart
Tips, advise and rebates to improve home energy efficiency.
https://www.bchydro.com/powersmart.html

BC Home Energy Coach
Provides information about the options and opportunities to improve residential energy efficiency. Including a list of energy advisors.
https://bcenergycoach.ca

Non-Governmental / Private

City Green Solutions
Provides tools, resources and services for energy efficiency of homes and buildings in BC.
https://www.citygreen.ca

General Information

Public Sector

CRD
Provides a list of solar hot water installers
https://www.crd.bc.ca/education/campaigns/list-of-past-campaigns/solar-crd/registered-installers

Non-Governmental / Private

Public Sector

Natural Resources Canada
Service organizations that help plan energy-efficient renovations in new homes.
http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/residential/personal/home-improvement/service/contact-advisors.cfm

BC Hydro Power Smart
Tips, advise and rebates to improve home energy efficiency.
https://www.bchydro.com/powersmart.html

BC Home Energy Coach
Provides information about the options and opportunities to improve residential energy efficiency. Including a list of energy advisors.
https://bcenergycoach.ca

Non-Governmental / Private

City Green Solutions
Provides tools, resources and services for energy efficiency of homes and buildings in BC.
https://www.citygreen.ca

We are grateful to live, work, and be in relation with people from across many traditional and unceded territories, covering all regions of British Columbia.