Committee recognizes climate action on Earth Day
Individuals, community groups and businesses were applauded for their environmental initiatives Wednesday through Clearview Township’s inaugural Climate Action Recognition Program celebrating outstanding leadership and inspirational contributions to environmental stewardship and climate action.
The motivation is simple, said Climate Action Advisory Committee chair Jerry Sampson, to publicly recognize those actively pursuing positive climate action in hopes of inspiring others to do so.
- Evening Martin was recognized in the student category for her climate action work at Collingwood Collegiate Institute where she has been a member of the environment team for four years and has helped with tree planting, garbage clean ups and raising awareness about recycling. She also runs the school thrift store, second hand holiday market stand, social media and gets involved with community groups/initiatives outside of school.
Three people were recognized in the citizen category:
- Adam Pearce was acknowledged as an advocate for the natural features and protected species at Devil’s Glen Provincial Park, going up against rock climbers and park staff to shine a light on the impacts of recreational uses on the sensitive escarpment.
- As the creator of the Clearview Wildflower Project and a champion for boulevard gardens, Brenna Lattimore was recognized for her efforts to protect pollinators, educate about the benefits of native plants, and inspire many other Clearview residents through workshops and public events.
- Diana Wisniewska was recognized for creating climate resiliency by way of a home renovation that converted the house to a high-performance, low-carbon dwelling including dense insulation and a switch to electric heating and appliances.
There were four presentations in the business/ organization category:
- The Keep Refillery co-founders Jacquie Rushlow and Andrew Murray were honoured for providing consumers a choice to reduce their plastic consumption in light of growing awareness about global plastic and microplastic pollution. The Keep offers waste-free products from ‘closed loop’ Canadian suppliers.
- Mike Matthews of Mpowered Solutions was nominated for his dedication to reducing energy usage by advising builders and designers on energy efficiency and air tightness best practices while also providing services that quantify the efficacy of such practices in real world conditions. Mpowered Solutions offers testing and analysis and advises about energy related government programs and incentives.
- Kelly Sinclair and Chanse Dionne were recognized for taking climate action to protect their business, Highlands Nordic. Recognizing the impact of climate change on snow levels, they have undertaken a substantial tree planting program to mitigate climate change by sequestering carbon dioxide and retain snow to better sustain their ski trails. Their outdoor education programs promote an environmental awareness for younger generations.
- Friends of the Clearview EcoPark was recognized for protecting and enhancing biodiversity through tree-planting, community gardening, and events. During the growing season the volunteer group supplies the food bank with produce from the communal gardens.
Trina Berlo photo: The first honorees of the Climate Action Advisory Committee’s recognition program attended a ceremony at town hall in Stayner Wednesday to accept certificates, from left: The Keep Refillery co-founder Andrew Murray, Evening Martin, Brenna Lattimore, Friends of the Clearview EcoPark volunteer Carol Vaughan; Adam Pearce, Mike Matthews of Mpowered Solutions, and Kelly Sinclair of Highlands Nordic.
