Sarah Webb committed to reducing her carbon footprint through riding her bike or taking the bus to work every day. WIth her son Quinn atop her bicycle extension, she’s kept her commitment and is one of Saanich’s carbon champions.
The newly-launched Saanich Carbon Champion program is an online tool to help people learn more about resources available to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It includes a pledge to take action, as Webb did.
“The community indicated early on that they wanted us to take a lead on climate action,” said Mark Boysen, Saanich sustainability coordinator.
The program marks the re-launch of the Saanich Carbon Fund Calculator, as well as the municipality’s Facebook and Twitter pages, which will be used to connect with Carbon Champions. Residents who visit www.climateaction.saanich.ca by Oct. 15 and make a pledge to become a carbon champion by reducing their carbon footprint will also be eligible for one of three $400 prizes.
Saanich Carbon Champions Day is set for 2- 6 p.m., Friday, Sept. 23 on the Lochside Trail behind the Saanich Municipal Hall. The first 100 residents who sign-up will be given a Carbon Champion starter kit.
“There’s an opportunity here for specific groups and organizations if they want to lead climate change initiatives or engagement in their community or in their school, a group of people can come together and become carbon champions together within one group and all pledge to take action,” Boysen added.
nnorth@saanichnews.com