We are a small group of friends from Victoria that are pooling our $100 to see what we can create. This idea was inspired by a Sierra House Cooling Party, a project of the Sierra Club of BC.
Here is our plan:
1) We will pool our money and invite our friends and family to contribute their cheques to our Climate Action Fund
2) All the money collected will be put towards our Random Acts of Rebates Campaign. Here is a breakdown of the kinds of things we want to do:
Random Acts of Rebates Coming to a Neighborhood near us!
(The following random acts of rebates will be done by us for families that are ready and willing to reduce their carbon footprint, but that may not have the resources to do so)
Amount of $$ Raised:
$500
Install clotheslines for 5 families, buy and distribute light bulbs, buy Gordon a vermicomposting bin
$1,000
All of the above + car share co-op membership for one family
$2,000
All of the above + compost pick up service for a school for one year
$5,000
All of the above + electric bike, bicycle, large appliance, compost pick up service for a household
$10,000
All of the above + organic food delivery for one year for 2 families in need
$50,000
All of the above + a brand new hybrid car for a family in need
Our challenge to you: Amalgamate your rebates!
We want you to think creatively about how you are going to use your $100. Please don't spend it at the pumps or liquor store! If you have kids, they too will get a cheque – include them in the conversation and ask them how they would like to invest it. Get your friends, family, neighbors, co-workers on board. Pool your rebates, or invest it on your own. Some ideas of what you can do:
Transport yourself differently:
- There are many ways! Walk, rollerblade, bike, skateboard, bus, ride a horse, skip...
- Find out if there is a Car Share Co-op in your community. Check out Car Sharing to find out. If there is, become a member! In Victoria a lifetime membership at the Victoria Carshare Co-op is only $400.
- Buy an electric bike for your family ($700 and up – visit Green World Electric Vehicles for more info)
- Buy a new or used bicycle and use it to commute to work.
- Bike resources: Pedal Energy Development Alternatives (Vancouver), Recyclistas (Victoria)
Take a look at how you eat:
- Start a veggie garden in your backyard. This is a project you can do with just your family, or if you want, include your neighbors! In Victoria, check out Lifecycles for various programs and to find a space to garden if you don't have one.
- Support a new young farmer – ask around or contact your local farmers market to find out who could use a little bonus.
- Start composting! Contact The Greater Victoria Compost Education Centre for more info. Or sign up with a local compost pick up company. One that exists in Victoria for residential pick up is called Community Composting and they charge $240 per year.
- If you live in a municipality that allows it, raise chickens in your backyard. Visit Backyard Chickens for tips and information.
- Sign up for an organic food box delivery program. Visit Farm Folk City's Folk's webstie to find a service near you.
- If you live in the Fraser Valley and want to find a farm near you visit Farm Fresh.
Make your home cooler:
- Install a clothesline on your property ($30-$60 depending on length and quality).
- Sign up for a Home Energy Audit with and EnerGuide Advisorto find out where you can save on energy and cost in your own home.
- Upgrade one or more of your appliances that needs replacing with one that has a ENERGY STAR rating.
- Replace ALL of your home light bulbs to ones that are more energy efficient
- Install a rainwater harvest system on your home.
- Check out the BC Sustainable Energy Association for ideas.
Spend time with loved ones:
Take your sweetie out on a Rebate Date! Here are some ideas:
- Visit a restaurant that supports local food production.
- Have a 100 mile picnic.
- Turn off the lights, and have an energy free evening!
Share the wealth:
Join or make a donation to a local organization that has a climate change campaign. Thetyee.ca has a contest to find out how you will Green Your Campbell Cash. Check it out for ideas of projects that you can donate to.
Below are some other ideas, but also look for an organization in your community:
- Sierra Club of BC
- David Suzuki Foundation
- BC Sustainable Energy Association
- Pembina Institute
- Lifecycles
- Farm Folk City Folk
- Dogwood Initiative
- Greenpeace Canada
- Environmental Defence
- Ecojustice
Calculate your personal carbon emmissions using an easy online calculator, found here, before and after spending your rebate.
TELL US WHAT YOU'RE DOING! VISIT THE GREAT REBATE ECOCHALLENGE FORUM!
Or email us at rebateecochallenge@gmail.com
Most importantly – Have fun with whatever you do!
Include your family, friends, neighbors and co-workers – see what you are able to create together!
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