Community Action Report: We are Connected to the Environment

45

Improve understanding and actual actions around sustainability. This includes increasing chances for community cleanups and schoolwide initiatives (that include all students), reducing the number of paper ads distributed across Waterloo Region, and improving recycling practices in public spaces.

More chances to volunteer for community clean ups
– Sense making sessions

 

More school wide initiatives re. Environment and sustainability (not just connected to clubs)
–  Sense making sessions

 

I think improving people’s access to nature with more trails, creating more outside spaces for meeting, and actively encouraging people to be outside will improve well-being in the community.
– YIS Qualitative

 

Reducing number of papers ads you get in the mail (unnecessary and get thrown out)
– Sense making sessions

 

Better understanding of sustainable farming practices

Sense making sessions

If you have information as to how this is moving forward in our community, please connect with jlincho@caminowellbeing.ca

46

Increase affordability of reusable or sustainable options. Encourage reusable options in public spaces where possible (e.g.grocery stores, restaurants).

Make reusable or sustainable options more affordable
– Sense making sessions

 

More plastic restrictions in grocery stores and restaurants
– Sense making sessions

 

More info on recycling vs. garbage
– Sense making sessions

 

More plastic restrictions in grocery stores and restaurants
– Sense making sessions

 

Promoting rain barrels
– Sense making sessions

 

Organization: Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region 

Extend-A-Family has partnered with Sustainable Societies Consulting Group and Devon Fernandes to create the Kitchener-Waterloo Library of Things (KWLOT). KWLOT is a space where you can borrow infrequently used items such as tools, garden equipment, kitchen appliances or camping gear. Learn more about Extend-A-Family here

47

Improve people’s access to nature (trails, outdoor meeting spaces, encourage people to be outside). This is better for the environment, and improves the collective well-being of our community.

More natural areas and more small shops
– From YIS Qualitative

 

Leave more green space. Try to limit land being turned into buildings and/or recreational areas.
– YIS Qualitative

 

Adding more local parks to neighbourhoods that contain houses older than 15 years. Like all em, new, local parks are in new neighbourhoods
– YIS Qualitative

 

I think improving people’s access to nature with more trails, creating more outside spaces for meeting, and actively encouraging people to be outside will improve well-being in the community.
– YIS Qualitative

 

More nature and trails/parks
– YIS Qualitative

 

Organization: Waterloo Public Library (WPL)

WPL has a new eastside branch located at RIM Park Manulife Sportsplex. Eastside branch is nature and sustainability focused. There is a natural outdoor space used for dynamic programming and educational activities for all ages. Teaching Beehive is a space at the Eastside branch where you can enjoy programs and workshops centered around teamwork, food production and environmental stewardship. Learn more about the Waterloo Public Library here!

 

Organization: Kitchener Public Library

Gain free admission to Grand River and Ontario parks! This initiative is part of a province-wide partnership to provide individuals and families with the opportunity to spend time in nature and explore the beauty of Ontario. All passes can be borrowed for one week. You must have a library card to borrow a pass. Learn more about park passes and other cool things the library has here!

48

Increase understanding/practices of sustainable farming, community/home gardens, and composting. Build in opportunities and resources that are easily accessible for all to build this understanding, and apply it in their daily lives (e.g.more ways/places to compost).

Better understanding of sustainable farming practices
– Sense making sessions

 

More knowledge and opportunities for composting
– Sense making sessions

 

Promote composting
– Sense making sessions

 

Sustainable farming practices (fast food industry and animal farming practices)
– Sense making sessions

 

If there is any way this organization could try to get more produce gardens into communities that would be absolutely amazing
– Feedback Survey

 

Plant more trees, help the bees by planting more flowers.
– YIS Qualitative

Organization: Idea Exchange 

Idea Exchange, Preston location has a free seed library where you can browse and choose from a wide variety of seeds. As well as, a tool library which lends out gardening tools for free. The Preston location also has a community garden. Learn more about Idea Exchange here


Organization: House of Friendship 

Sunnydale Community Centre a community centre HOF is connected to offers children and youth gardening programs as a tool to connect children and youth with nature and learn the importance of practising sustainable farming. Learn more about House of Friendship here


Organization: Smart Waterloo Region

The SWR Innovation Lab’s Nurture and Food Forest program is focused on building community gardens to tackle food security issues, while also supporting youth by creating a safe space for them.They’re creating child & youth-led food production across the region addressing mental health, skills training, and employment among children & youth. Learn more about Smart Waterloo Region Innovation Lab here!


Organization: Youth in Food Systems (Seeds of Diversity)

Youth in Food Systems creates opportunities for youth to connect with food systems, learn sustainable practices, and explore careers in food and agriculture. Multiple youth-led projects include garden education, youth food markets, a podcast series, etc. Learn more about Youth in Foods Systems here!


Organization: Kitchener Public Library

Looking to grow your own plants? The library provides seeds for you to begin growing your own garden at home! Seed packs are available for pick up in the spring. Learn more about seed packets and other cool things the library has here!

49

Increase and improve mobility across communities, and promote public transportation. This includes access to public transportation (e.g.affordability, as well as increasing routes and times out to townships), as well as clearing sidewalks and common “foot traffic” areas in the winter.

Safer crosswalks for kids (bridges). More pride flags and things around the city
YIS Qualitative

 

Improved safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and scooterists.
– YIS Qualitative

 

Region is so big, it can be hard to get around (especially if your not comfortable taking the bus alone)
– Sense making sessions

 

Busses not making it out to townships – have to rely on parents to get around
– Sense making sessions

 

Clearing sidewalks in the winter → some places great, others terrible
– Sense making sessions

 

If you have information as to how this is moving forward in our community, please connect with jlincho@caminowellbeing.ca

50

Ensure that everyone has access to clean drinking water, regardless of their income or where they live - build this into taxes.

Everyone should have access to clean water → shouldn’t have to pay (provided through taxes)
– Sense making sessions

Organization: Smart Waterloo Region Innovation Lab 

The Smart Waterloo Region Innovation Lab is supporting a youth working to develop mobile water testing kits. Currently in our Region, those looking to have well water tested must drop off samples at a Regional site. This innovative solution will allow folks to test their own water!  Learn more about the SWR Innovation Lab here!