In celebration of Earth Day Event, ERP College Canada recently partnered with Green Calgary to host an insightful webinar series aimed at promoting sustainable living and eco-friendly practices. This Earth Day event provided ERP students with the opportunity to learn from experts Judi Vand and Resty Nabateraga, who shared practical tips on energy efficiency and reducing food waste—essential steps toward protecting our environment. These sessions weren’t just informative; they equipped participants with actionable steps to make a meaningful impact in their daily lives.

What Were the Key Takeaways on Energy Efficiency?

Energy efficiency plays a crucial role in reducing our carbon footprint, and as Judi Vand highlighted in the webinar, individual actions can collectively make a significant impact. Understanding Alberta’s primary reliance on gas for electricity, she encouraged attendees to adopt practices that help minimize energy usage.

Here are a few practical tips shared during the session:

• Monitor Your Energy Usage: Start by reviewing your monthly energy bills to identify areas of high consumption.
• Adjust Home Practices: Reducing unnecessary heating and unplugging unused devices can save energy. Even small changes, like turning off lights in unoccupied rooms, add up over time.
• Use Energy-Saving Tools: Consider investing in tools like thermal-insulated curtains, faucet aerators, and water-saving shower heads to reduce energy and water waste.
• Seal Drafts and Insulate Pipes: Simple fixes, such as sealing window drafts or insulating hot water pipes, can prevent heat loss and cut down heating costs.
• Create a Plan: Set a personal plan to reduce energy usage each month.

How Can We Reduce Food Waste in Daily Life?

In his presentation, “Spill the Beans,” Resty Nabateraga tackled the critical issue of food waste, emphasizing its environmental and economic impacts. Food waste not only squanders resources like water, money, and fertilizers but also contributes to greenhouse gas emissions when it decomposes. Shockingly, about 63% of food in Canada goes to waste, which averages around 140 kg per person annually. Much of this wasted food includes vegetables, fruits, and meats.

Nabateraga provided practical strategies to help reduce food waste:

1. Meal Planning

Thoughtful meal planning and making shopping lists help avoid over-purchasing and ensure ingredients are used efficiently.

2. Smart Shopping

Checking pantries before shopping and buying from local vendors ensures fresher, chemical-free produce and while supporting local businesses.

3. Proper Storage

Food preservation techniques like cooling, pickling, canning, and fermentation extend the life of perishable items. Storing perishables between 1 to 4 degrees Celsius also helps maintain freshness.

4. Recognize Eco-Friendly Labels

Labels like “Organic Biologique Canada,” Carbon Trust Certified, and Green Seal indicate environmentally friendly products, helping consumers make sustainable choices.

5. Opt for Seasonal Products

Buying seasonal products reduces the need for preservatives, as these items are often fresher and less resource-intensive.

How Can We Apply These Insights to Lead a Sustainable Lifestyle?

Living sustainably isn’t a one-time action—it’s a lifestyle choice that requires planning and commitment. By using the insights from the Earth Day webinar, you can start implementing eco-friendly habits that align with a greener future.

1. Develop a Personal Sustainability Plan

Create a plan with specific goals, like reducing energy usage or minimizing food waste. Track your progress monthly to stay motivated and see tangible improvements.

2. Incorporate Small, Daily Eco-Friendly Practices

Simple actions, such as bringing reusable bags to the store or using refillable water bottles, make a difference. These habits become second nature over time.

3. Engage with Local Environmental Initiatives

Look for community programs focused on sustainability. Many cities, including Calgary, have green initiatives you can join to contribute to local climate action efforts.

4. Learn Continuously Through Environmental Webinars

Stay informed by attending more webinars on topics like energy efficiency, food waste, and climate action. Green Calgary and similar organizations frequently host sessions that provide updated and practical advice.

5. Inspire Others to Take Action

Share what you’ve learned with friends and family to create a ripple effect. Small efforts, when multiplied by many, lead to significant positive outcomes for the environment.

Conclusion

As we reflect on the insights shared during this Earth Day event, it’s clear that adopting small, consistent actions can make a significant impact. From energy efficiency to reducing food waste, every step we take contributes to a healthier, more sustainable world. By incorporating these eco-friendly practices, we don’t just celebrate Earth Day Event—we actively work toward a future where sustainability is part of everyday life.