The Climate Action Committee at Berwick Royal Oak had a slow start – until a question posed by Bonnie, a member of the Active Living Team, sparked a sense of responsibility that empowered residents to act.
"'Empowered living' is a hallmark of Berwick Retirement Communities, and our Climate Action Committee at Royal Oak is proof of that," says Kathy McAree, Community Relations Manager at Berwick Royal Oak in Victoria. "When Bonnie asked our residents how climate change might impact their beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren, it ignited a movement that motivated them to take action."
With future generations in mind, the committee began working on creative ways to reduce Berwick Royal Oak’s climate footprint.
"We started small with a reduce/reuse/recycle campaign within our building, which is home to 270 seniors,”Active Living Manager, Rachelle Reath says. “We worked with the head of hospitality to cut back on non-recyclables and plastic containers, introduced composting by encouraging residents to bring their compost to central bins and are now placing posters in every laundry room explaining proper recycling practices. We also include a monthly ‘green living’ tip in our newsletter."
The committee’s efforts soon reached beyond the residence’s walls.
Berwick resident Terry Dance-Bennink, an author and lifelong activist, addressed Saanich municipal council about the benefit of free transit for seniors – a motion that passed unanimously.
Just two weeks later, former physics professor John McDonald urged Saanich to endorse the "Sue Big Oil" campaign, which demands polluters pay their share of climate damages. With nine B.C. cities already signed on, Saanich could become the 10th, thanks in part to Berwick Royal Oak residents.
The committee is also focused on ongoing education for residents.
"With staff support, we brought in speakers like Andrew Gage from West Coast Environmental Law, MP Elizabeth May and Thomas Homer-Dixon from the Cascade Institute at Royal Roads University. Each session was well attended for sure and sparked lots of conversation and momentum.," Reath notes. "In August, we followed up by visiting Royal Roads to hear Homer-Dixon speak about geothermal energy as a fossil fuel alternative."
Looking ahead, residents are organizing a provincial all-candidates meeting, led by former civil servant Joe Artibise, on Sept. 25. A survey was circulated to gather questions on key issues, including healthcare, transportation, the environment and homelessness.
Berwick Royal Oak will also mark National Seniors Day on Oct. 1 by joining a rally at the B.C. Legislature, organized by Seniors for Climate Action. Similar rallies are planned in over 50 cities and towns across Canada. Those unable to attend the Victoria rally will join local celebrations in their own communities. Berwick Royal Oak’s Climate Action Committee has asked Dance-Bennink to speak on behalf of all Berwick residents at the event.
Capping off a productive year, the committee is planning a 'Green Investments' panel in November, inviting three financial institutions to present climate-friendly investment options.
"It truly is empowered living at Berwick Royal Oak," says Dance-Bennink. "Staff respect and trust us to contribute to society in meaningful ways. We’re not too old to make a difference and an empowered community makes things happen."
Learn more about Berwick Retirement Communities online at berwickretirement.com. To book a tour of Berwick House in Gordon Head, contact Linda McDonald at 250-853-5492. For a tour of Berwick Royal Oak, contact Kathy McAree at 250-419-4012.
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