EPHE 311 had a small focus on tracking our carbon footprint. From what I gathered using the carbon footprint calculator, I am doing a pretty good job. I put in my monthly km travelled and it told me that I need to plant one tree. I care a lot for the environment and have made several changes over the years that make a positive impact on the earth.

  • I do not drive, only take the bus and walk to reduce carbon emissions.
  • I do not buy plastic cups or bags I always bring my own.
  • I have stopped buying ziplock bags and use reusable containers to pack food and I avoid buying items with plastic waste.
  • I bring my own water bottle everywhere and fill it up at water fountains.
  • I have not eaten meat for 12 years. I have learned through my own research that cattle farms are a huge contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. I was the first one in my household to stop eating meat but since then my mother has reduced her meat consumption and my sister has also substantively cut back her consumption. My younger sister wants to grow up to be like me so I think I have the best chance at convincing her to stop eating meat altogether.
  • Another recent change I have made is switching my hair and skincare products to more eco friendly options and to a company who is mindful of their impact on the environment and limits their waste.

I am always learning about new ways I can help the environment myself and activities that I can use in my future classroom. I have volunteered three times with the Greater Victoria Green Team (GVGT) over the past few years. The first time was in Sooke and we were covering periwinkle with cardboard to prevent it from spreading even more and taking over the forest floor. The other two times I volunteered with them was to pull invasive Ivy from Mystic Vale at the University of Victoria. The environment has always been something that I have cared for. In elementary school I was part of an environmentalist team in my  school called the Destination Conservation Team (DC Team). We researched and attended workshops about recycling and started up a recycling and compost program at our school. Later in high school, I took an environmental studies course which is how I was first introduced to the GVGT. In that course we spent a lot of time outside and writing reflection journals about our outdoor adventures but we also did a lot of research about local communities and their impact on the environment and restoration of our ecosystems. Through these experiences I have learned a lot about how I can make a difference and do my part in helping the environment and I feel confident that I will be able to teach my students about what they can do as well.

Here is picture of my cohort and some other volunteers with the green team after a very wet and muddy couple of hours removing English Ivy from Mystic Vale.