Humans have a tremendous impact on the planet, especially those in high consumption societies like Canada where we are all attached to an energy grid powered from natural gases (among other things), driving cars powered by fossil fuels, and generally speaking produce a large amount of trash that does not biodegrade. While we know that the biggest responsibility lies in the hands of government and corporations, the London Environmental Network team still believes that individual changes can add up to make a big difference. We asked the team to tell us about a low-impact swap they have made and what makes it rewarding, as well as challenging. Check it out below!
Dipika - Environmental Project Specialist
What are the greatest joys of adopting this swap?:
Marianne - Director of Programs
What is your favourite low impact change you've made in your life?:
In 2017, I stopped driving gasoline cars and switched to an electric vehicle or use a bike to get around.
What was the greatest challenge of this swap?:
The initial financial investment was intimidating, and there is a learning curve for navigating charging solutions. Since I switched out almost 6 years ago, I have started to find it challenging when my peers buy new gasoline cars. I understand using our old cars until they need to be replaced, but it pains me when folks invest top dollar in new gasoline cars when there are so many great alternatives and our government has stated that there will be no further gas car production post-2035.
What are the greatest joys of adopting this swap?:
Almost all of my charging is done at home, so my car feels like magic. It's fast and peppy and fun, and I never have to go to soul-sucking gas stations. The carbon tax propaganda stickers from the Ford government really get me down, so I love not having to see them. I have definitely saved money in the long run, as the increase in my hydro bill is so negligible that it goes unnoticed, and gas prices continue to climb.
Natalie - Green Economy London Hub Manager
What is your favourite low impact change you've made in your life?:
Switching to a plant-based diet.
What was the greatest challenge of this swap?:
I decided to switch to a full-time plant-based diet in my second year of university. This was challenging at times because I had to teach myself how to cook very differently than how I was used to. Back in 2015, there weren't always vegan options at restaurants so I hated feeling like a burden when my friends were deciding where to go out to eat. Fast forward 6 years and almost every single restaurant you walk into has a plant-based option and I don't have to panic and search the menu ahead of time every time I go out.
What are the greatest joys of adopting this swap?:
Switching to a plant-based diet has allowed me to explore cooking in a whole new way. I try to focus on sourcing my produce and groceries locally and choosing organic options when I can, to further reduce the impact the food on my plate has on the environment. Going to the farmer's markets on weekends is one of the best parts of my week, with so many friendly faces to meet. One of the best feelings is when I make vegan dishes for friends and family, and they are surprised by how good they taste and ask for the recipe.
Maya - Business Development Specialist
What is your favourite low impact change you've made in your life?:
I use my own reusable produce bags at the grocery store!
What was the greatest challenge of this swap?:
As a vegetarian, most of my grocery haul is fresh produce, so finding enough bags and remembering to bring them to the store every time can be a bit challenging.
What are the greatest joys of adopting this swap?:
Not having to use plastic bag after plastic bag for everything I buy! It is heartbreaking to have to use new plastic bags for each item of produce, but this way, I can shop without guilt.
Skylar - Executive Director
What is your favourite low impact change you've made in your life?:
In spring 2020, my partner and I built 4 raised vegetable beds on my front lawn and backyard
What was the greatest challenge of this swap?:
My partner and I have to make sure we are regularly pruning and watering our vegetable garden so we get good yields, and sometimes with our busy lives and schedules, we don't take as good care of our vegetables as possible.
What are the greatest joys of adopting this swap?:
Volunteer vegetables. We use compost from our composter (bought for $35 from the EnviroDepot) and in 2021 we ended up with a spaghetti squash and delicata squash plant that volunteered in our tomato garden. We let these plants keep going, and are excited to harvest some squash in the fall. Also the taste of fresh tomatoes from the garden, nothing beats it.
Sasha - Environmental Efficiency Coordinator
What is your favourite low impact change you've made in your life?:
Shopping second-hand for everything and donating/selling/giving away possessions I no longer have use for.
What was the greatest challenge of this swap?:
It can take a little time to stop missing the instant gratification of shopping new - you need something, so you go to the store and buy it. With used shopping it can sometimes take a while to find what you are looking for, maybe you have to look at a few different thrift stores or set an alert for new Kijiji/marketplace posts, but now I find the hunt enjoyable. It makes me consider if I really need the item, and when I do find it I definitely appreciate it more.
What are the greatest joys of adopting this swap?:
This swap has helped me consume less and has given me a greater appreciation for the possessions that I do have. For those looking to start on this path, I recommend joining your local "Buy Nothing" group on Facebook. This group connects neighbours to give their items a new home all through the power of a gift economy!
Cole - Green Infrastructure Support Staff
What is your favourite low impact change you've made in your life?:
My favourite low impact change that I have made so far is reducing our usage of non-recyclable materials. We have tried to swap refill options for cleaning products and bulk food products as much as we can - Reimagine Co. and Bulk Barn are excellent sources. By using jars and refill containers for a lot of household items, we have been able to reduce our use of containers that cannot be recycled efficiently or appropriately. There is no perfect solution, but we try to do our best to reduce our impact in ways that are cost-effective and environmentally conscious.
What was the greatest challenge of this swap?:
My greatest challenge with swapping these items is mainly just planning ahead to bring refill containers when I am shopping and choosing where to shop more actively rather than grabbing whatever is easiest. Reimagine Co. has been great for refill cleaning and household products and supporting local helps more than just our environment. Once you get used to the system of refilling products rather than buying new containers every time you need it, it becomes a new way of life and it is no longer a challenge.
What are the greatest joys of adopting this swap?:
The most exciting and joyous part of this process for me and my partner is to see the reduction in single-use plastics and large containers from household products. We aren't able to completely reduce all of our plastic waste, but we have worked towards an acceptable balance and we have seen a noticeable difference in our waste. It is nice to see this on a small scale, and it puts it into perspective if more people were able to incorporate these swaps into their lifestyle.
Priya - Environmental Program Development Specialist
What is your favourite low impact change you've made in your life?:
I opt to bike, walk, or take public transit when I'm travelling anywhere less than 5 km from my house.
What was the greatest challenge of this swap?:
I've been rained on a few times. It's important to be prepared and check the weather before going out. I like to pack an umbrella or raincoat with me if there's any chance of rain. I also need to plan my route accounting for the time it typically takes me to walk/bike/transit. For example, if I'm biking somewhere uphill from my house, I know I'll have to add in some more time.
What are the greatest joys of adopting this swap?:
Being outside and getting to know my neighbourhood is a great feeling. When I walk or bike I get a lot of fresh air and I get in some exercise just by doing my daily activities! Since personal vehicles account for the largest household emissions in London, I like knowing that I'm doing my part to reduce them.
Leah - Operations Manager
What is your favourite low impact change you've made in your life?:
Switching to a largely plant-based and locally sourced diet has been my favourite change. To me, this looks like eating plenty of vegan and vegetarian meals throughout the week and purchasing any poultry products from local farmers at the market or through On the Move Organics! I love going to the Covent Garden Market or Western Fair Farmers Market to get local produce whenever I can.
What was the greatest challenge of this swap?:
The greatest challenge is meal planning. When I first made this change years ago I felt like my meal options were limited and it took some time to figure out what I liked. It also took some time to learn that shopping local is just as important as what you're shopping for, so I've leaned heavily on local stores and markets because I know they prioritize sourcing from local farmers and vendors. After a few years, I've figured out my favourite go-to meals and am still finding more recipes because the plant-based movement has grown so much. Now the greatest challenge is having too many plant-based options which is a good problem to have!
What are the greatest joys of adopting this swap?:
The greatest joy has been continuing to learn about food - where it's sourced, how it's grown, how to best prepare it, and the cultural significance of different foods. As well as knowing that choosing plant-based and locally sourced foods have a lower carbon footprint and help to grow a more local and sustainable food system!
Kelly - Community Organizer
What is your favourite low impact change you've made in your life?:
Package free shopping! I am nowhere near where I want to be (entirely package free) but I have a handful of items that I will always buy package free or will bulk refill at Reimagine Co or a refill shop from my hometown called Great Lakes Refill. The items I always buy package free are Soap (Dish Soap, Hand Soap, Body Soap, Shampoo, Shave Soap), Seeds (Hemp, Chia, Flax), Cleaning Supplies, Fruit, Most Vegetables, and water.
What was the greatest challenge of this swap?:
Time! I am a fairly busy person so when I truly don’t have the time to go to both a typical grocery store and Reimagine Co or Great Lakes Refill, I find myself having to go without items for a little while. Additionally, if I am travelling or camping, it can be tricky to commit to package-free, but I always strive for it!
What are the greatest joys of adopting this swap?:
Having a handful of items that I have committed to buying package free gives me some confidence that I am making a difference. I have a “food cycler” from Vitamix, which helps me reduce food waste. Removing organic waste and certain packaging from my trash bin certainly leads to me taking out the trash less frequently.
