Climate Action Opportunities with Kitchener Congregation

Please invite friends and family who may be interested to either or both of these current events.
 
Project Neutral Presentation on Carbon Footprint Calculation and 10-year Plans

On Sunday, June 13th for our 7-8 p.m. congregational Zoom session, Sydney Hennessy of Project Neutral will be presenting how to calculate our current carbon footprints and how we can form action plans to reduce it, over time, to “neutral.” (see https://app.projectneutral.org/reep )
 
For those who join via tablet or phone, it will be helpful to have a computer available to facilitate following along with the steps. We'll go through the 'Getting Started' survey during the session, which will be an overview of the various categories that impact our footprint (home energy, daily transportation, waste, etc.). There are additional “deep dive” surveys that explore each category further, and these can be completed individually at a later time.
 
If you do not normally receive an email with the link to the Kitchener Sunday evening sessions but would like to attend this event, please email Paul Wagner to get the Zoom link.
 
In preparation for the session, start to think about some high-level things that might impact our footprints such as: the age of your home, average driving (both week and weekend), flights per year (projected for post-COVID), estimated amount of food waste and other household waste.
 
After the session, when you’re ready to dive deeper and complete the rest of the surveys, you can expect to learn about the following needs for your household:
o   Electricity (kWh) and natural gas (m3) consumption
o   Number of household cars, make/model/year of each, and annual km driven
o   Number and length (in hours) of flights, train trips, and/or intercity bus trips
o   Servings of meat, seafood, eggs and dairy products consumed weekly
o   Approximate waste and organics weekly output, what kinds of items you recycle
 
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Food Forest Planting at Kitchener Congregation
Saturday, June 19th from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.  

With funding and support provided by the Region, we are one of 8 faith groups that are planting a perennial “Faith Food Forest” on the church property. This is a pilot and educational project to increase awareness of how traditional urban landscaping impacts biodiversity and the climate, to model how attractive “food hedges” (fedges) can be a part of our action, and how we can nurture community through the sharing of fresh-grown food. (see https://climateactionwr.ca/events/creating-food-forests-in-waterloo-region/ )
 
Volunteers of all ages are needed for the planting (and would be appreciated for a watering rotation in the month to follow). Come and share in this outdoor experience, and learn about the benefits of using a no-till “lasagna” planting method that you can use in your own gardens.

Ontario will be in Stage 1 of the Reopening, which allows for up to 10 people to be gathered outdoors. However, as this is considered an agriculture event, up to 25 people can be present at a time – masked and practicing social distancing.

When we arrive at 10 a.m., the plants will be placed (in pots) where they are to go. Volunteers will dig shallow holes for the plants, thoroughly soak the flattened cardboard to be placed around the plants, assist with carrying (in wheelbarrows) and placing the layers to be added on top (compost, straw, top-soil, mulch), then planting the plants and watering everything well.

Everyone wishing to participate should register before June 15th by emailing Joan Thompson so that we don’t exceed our maximum number of people.

o   No tools are required, but everyone must have a hat, a mask, and a hydration source!
o   Gloves are also recommended and some lawn chairs for resting in the shade between tasks.
o   Those (especially children) who will be watering down the cardboard, may wish to have rubber boots (or bare feet can work).
o   We have some shovels but bring one if you have one handy.
o   If you can only come for part of it, we’re still happy to have you come!
o   Restrooms will be open (along with signs on wiping down surfaces you’ve touched).
 
We’re looking forward to sharing these events together.
Your Climate Justice Team