Celebrating Sustainability
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Get me every issue Become a member! InsiderVolume 32, Number 1 • January–March 2017 Finding Balance Through Retreat: Wintergreen to carry out strategic plan- by Rena Upitis ning. The simple yet comfort- able accommodations include i n t e r g r e e n private rooms, shared rooms, Studios is a year- woodland cabins, and tent spac- round wilderness es for those who prefer to sleep retreat centre. under the stars. WThe built facilities are nestled Guests can explore more than within more than 200 acres of a dozen trails through the proper- forests, marshes, and meadows ty, including guided hikes. There in the heart of the Frontenac are mixed forests and meadows, Arch Biosphere Reserve. ponds and marshes, spectacular This reserve is one of a glob- granite outcroppings, and a gla- al network of UNESCO desig- cier-carved lake. nated reserves, unique natural The hosts serve bountiful regions populated with people meals, featuring local and organ- committed to sustainable com- ic ingredients, much of which is munity living and development. grown in gardens on site. There Located in the Township of are always vegetarian, gluten- South Frontenac, Wintergreen free, and vegan options, and is near the town of Westport, Wintergreen serves responsibly Ontario. sourced fish, and local poultry, Workshops in the arts, educa- pork, goat, and beef. tion, and environmental studies Wintergreen is a not-for- are held in an inviting solar- profit charitable organization, powered lodge. The building incorporated in 2007. The straw- serves both as a demonstration bale lodge was built in 2008 site and a research site for off- and workshops began that fall. grid living on the land that is Wintergreen inspired the devel- part of the ancient granite spine opment of a community-based Working on the green roof at Wintergreen. Photo: Rena Upitis. of North America. renewable energy organization, We also provide retreat and the Wintergreen Renewable Wintergreen is also home Program, begin with a delicious Press is an independent literary meeting facilities for individu- Energy Co-operative, established to Wintergreen Studios Press, dinner, usually attended by peo- press. Like other independent als and groups, such as fami- in 2012. Learn more about the an independent literary press ple within a 20-minute drive of literary presses, Wintergreen lies taking a wilderness week- community-based energy initia- publishing works related to cul- Wintergreen. The meal is served Studios Press is mission-driven, end retreat or corporate groups tives of the Co-op at www.win- ture, education, and the environ- buffet-style and guests mingle not market-driven. seeking an inspiring location tergreencoop.com. ment. with people they have just met The motive to publish is In 2017, as Canada turns 150, or have known for decades. to bring outstanding works by Wintergreen turns 10! A series of The meal is followed by emerging and published writers celebrations are planned around world-class entertainment, all of to the widest possible audience. Inside: the four seasons, with anchor which takes place in the warmth We publish books that stimu- themes for each season, culmi- of the Wintergreen lodge. Past late interest in the arts, history, nating with a Winter Solstice artists and entertainers have a culture, and the environment. A event in December, 2017. wide array of talented groups and book of poetry by Gail Sidonie Celebrating The themes for special individuals. Many musicians are Sobat titled How the Light is events in 2017 include: Stories Juno Award winners. The writ- Spent recently won a national that Sustain (February 3 to 5), ers and poets have international award, the Whistler Independent Land Art (May 14 to June 4), reach: Lawrence Hill’s books Book Award — a testament both Sustainability Healing Earth (August 17 to 20) have been published in multiple the Gail’s work and to the qual- • Sustainable Enterprise Alliance and The Path Ahead (October languages; Lorna Crozier has ity of the Press. 13 to 15). been invited to read on every We hope to welcome many • Making Ottawa a Green City Courses and workshops are continent (except Antarctica!); new people to Wintergreen in on offer (see list on our website) while Patrick Lane, along with 2017. We’re aiming for 10,000 • Sustainability Showcase in a wide variety of art forms Lorna Crozier, recently received new participants over the next encompassing the performing an honorary doctorate from five years. So come. Be inspired • Wheels for Refugees arts (e.g. singing), the fine arts McGill, and Helen Humphreys and nourished. Take small steps (e.g., painting), the domestic and Steven Heighton have both and make the world a better • Eco-Volunteering arts (e.g., soap making), and the won major national literary priz- place. Visit www.wintergreen- outdoor arts (e.g., sustainable es. studios.com • Growing Community through Gardening building). Another part of our arts work Some special evenings, known involves publishing. Established Rena Upitis is Director at as the Dinner Entertainment in 2010, Wintergreen Studios Wintergreeen. Thanks to: Sustainable Eastern Ontario for their sup- port in creating this insert, and the Ontario Peace and Email: [email protected] Trillium Foundation and the Community Environment Send submissions to: Foundation of Ottawa for providing funding. [email protected] Resource Centre Phone: (613) 230-4590 Coming Next Issue: Sustain Your Community Sustainable Enterprise Alliance: Think Local measure success through not just from big box retailers to local Studies show that there is a more environmentally responsible. from the Sustainable profits but also the value they independent businesses. We also multiplier effect when a dollar is The movement encourages a win- Enterprise Alliance place on their people and the encourage the purchase of local spent at a local independent busi- win outcome with benefits to both planet. “People. Planet. Profit.” produce and locally made goods. ness. For example, “buying local the community, economy and the n 2009 a group of entre- Treated as equals, all three can Businesses will be encouraged food has a multiplier effect of environment. preneurs and volunteers be nurtured. to do the same. 1.4 to 2.6 throughout the wider We intend to do the same for started the Sustainable In 2015, the steering com- Why should the community local economy” according to Ottawa, building a more resil- Enterprise Alliance (SEA), mittee realized that SEA needed support local businesses? We Sustain Ontario (2012). If every ient, interconnected community Iwhose goal is to advocate for to be financially sustainable and have all seen cities entice large household in Ontario spent $10 with benefits to people, planet environmentally conscious busi- needed an appointed staff mem- corporations to move into town a week on local food, that could and profit. nesses and professionals. We ber to work on delivering pro- with tax breaks, but often these add up to an additional $2.4 bil- As long-time SEA member launched with much fanfare grams, member recruitment and businesses move away when a lion in our local economy and Guy Souliere noted, “As a small in 2010 with over 60 found- community engagement. To that different jurisdiction sweetens create 10,000 new jobs. In fact, a business owner going through ing members representing not end, we became an incorporated the deal. Big businesses, unless 1% increase in local shopping in the good years and bad years, just brick-and-mortar businesses non-profit organization in 2016. they were born in the area, do British Columbia was shown to what helped me most and what I but students, builders, non-profit The Sustainable Enterprise not have a reason to stay when create 3100 jobs and $94 million enjoyed the most were the rela- partners and consultants. Alliance is grateful for the sup- times get tough. in wages for British Columbia tionships I built.” Over the years, we have port and capacity building ser- A local business, meanwhile, workers. Join us for our re-launch organized seminars highlight- vices provided by Sustainable has a vested interest in the com- SEA was inspired by the event on January 19, 2017, at ing green business practices and Eastern Ontario. With their help munity that it lives in, and can- work of the Business Alliance the Sustainable Capacity Centre hosted workshops and network- we have secured a grant and will not easily relocate just because for Local Living Economies on the second floor at 969 ing sessions. We discussed top- employ a Local First Co-ordi- another jurisdiction has offered (https://bealocalist.org/). They Wellington Street West. We are ics like B-corporations and local nator. We will be organizing a them an incentive to move. work with networks of business- also actively looking for board first campaigns. local first campaign for Ottawa, Often local owners have es across Canada and the United members and volunteers. Our mandate is to bring togeth- appropriately on Canada’s 150th roots in the community. Local States, to highlight the benefits If you know a great candidate er local businesses to strengthen birthday — what better way to independent businesses tend to of investing, and support busi- for the Local first Sustainability their ties to each other and the celebrate! Check out goodwork. spend more locally, have local nesses with local roots. Cities Coordinator Position, please communities they serve. SEA ca or .com listings for the SEA’s lawyers and accountants, and in the US that were hard-hit by send a message to : sustain- recognizes the achievements of job posting. rely on other local suppliers and the 2007-08 financial crisis have ableenterprisealliance@gmail. local businesses, especially when business services. Profits earned found success by focusing on com / chair@sustainableenter- they reduce their environmental What is the Think Local First would also be spent locally.