Cool Communities

Environmental issues such as global warming are on the BCGEU's environment agenda. We've worked closely with groups and organizations around the province who have protecting the environment as their mandate.

The union brings a special experience to this issue, since its members work with government departments that have a mandate to protect and preserve our environmental heritage. The Environment Committee provides direction to the union on the direction it takes on this critical area.

Global warming threatens us all - our environment, our health, our economies, our social services, and our children’s future. Significant reductions in greenhouse gases are required if we are to slow and reverse the warming trend in our atmosphere.

The BCGEU is embarked on a major, long term campaign to fight global warming. We are taking action to reduce our union's carbon footprint. Along with other groups, we're pressing government and corporations to take action to turn down the heat. And we're working to ensure that the consequences and costs of global warming are shared equally, so that working people are fairly treated.

Through our Cool Communities campaign, we're working to create concrete opportunities for BCGEU members to be part of the solution. From expanding recycling programs to promoting more local food production, BCGEU's Cool communities campaign is our way of trying to make a difference.

For more information about the Cool communities campaign, email: mike.eso@bcgeu.ca

  • Managing BC's Forests for a Cooler Planet The BCGEU co-published this report on the need for forest policy to be driven by sustainable job creation and carbon storage. The BCGEU is a partner in the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternative's Climate Justice Project initiative examining climate change through a social justice lens.
  • Environment Links

AirCare Is No Cash Grab, It Works - Opinion Article in The Tyee

In an opinion article published today in The Tyee, BCGEU President Darryl Walker and Sierra Club B.C. Read more »

BC Unions and Environmental Groups Organizing Green Economy Conference - Invitation to Keynote Speaker on September 10

BC’s labour movement and leading environmental organizations are coming together to find solutions to create green jobs and build a green economy in BC, starting with a landmark conference that will set priorities for the future. Read more »

Organic Gardening Seminar May 29

Environment Week in Canada

Environment Canada’s Environment Week is May 30 to June 5. Here are 20 ways you can participate. Read more »

BCGEU Organic Gardening Workshop - May 29, 2010

BCGEU Organic Gardening Workshop

 

Bring your friends and family and join in our next free workshop demonstrating organic gardening designed to help you take action against climate change.

In this workshop "Beneficial Insects" - you will learn how to provide natural pest control for your garden and eliminate the need for toxic pesticides. Read more »

BCGEU members turn out for gardening seminar

Master gardener Sharon Hanna demonstrates organic gardening in a hands-on workshop free for BCGEU members in Burnaby, April 28. Twenty two members participated. Watch the e-bulletin for more environmentally-friendly courses. If you have your own idea for a member-driven environmental initiative, join our Cool Communities network and get your union’s support for your idea. Read more »

BCGEU Organic Gardening Workshop - April 28, 2010

Bring your friends and family and join in our next free workshop demonstrating organic gardening designed to help you take action against climate change. Read more »

Earth Day is April 22

Join more than 6 million Canadians and 500 million others globally in staging events and projects to address local environmental issues. Earth Day is the most celebrated environmental event in the world. It's all about providing the opportunity for positive actions and results, while creating public awareness about ongoing and future environmental solutions. Read more »

Earth Hour is March 27

Earth Hour 2010 takes place Saturday March 27, 2010 at 8:30pm (Pacific time). Last year, millions of people in 88 countries participated in the event. It was the world's largest global climate change initiative.

Earth Hour 2010 is hoping to reach out to one billion people. The campaign asks you to switch off your power for one hour to pledge support for the planet. Read more »

Environmental action event March 25

Enjoy an evening of images and information about B.C.'s Flathead River Valley, Thursday March 25, 2010 in Victoria. Sponsored by The Sierra Club of BC.

Click here for more information.