Eco-Gift Lifestyle Changes

We are so grateful and inspired by the efforts put forth by our guests to create a meaningful eco gift. Many guests have elected to make little changes to achieve big results. We have compiled these written promises received by our guests as their Eco-Gift.

Debbie and Cliff Legge

“We've been doing a lot of thinking about this,(which is something we've been feeling guilty about) and after reading what you two have to say, I realize that Cliff and I aren't really living an eco- friendly life.  We recycle bottles, plastics and newspapers...but...we have a long way to go.  So...we have committed to composting (which is so good for the garden), growing some vegetables next year, buying the curly florescent light bulbs, and since we are in the market for a new vehicle we are researching greener, less gas guzzling cars.  We will also start sorting our garbage in terms of organic and cans etc.  I have also started making sure all unnecessary lights are turned off.  Its not much, but its better than it was...so I really want to thank you both for making us rethink some of our lifestyle.  Good luck and congrats to you both...your generation has lots to teach us old guys.”  

Angela Kelsey

“I've thought about things I could do to make a difference, and it brought me to my everyday habits that affect the environment.  I started to bring a coffee mug to work when I saw that they were using Styrofoam cups, and I noticed a trend with people bringing plates, mugs, etc. to work. But the main thing is shopping bags for me!  When I moved to Montreal, I threw out huge amounts of shopping bags from clothing stores mainly. Since I've lived in Montreal, I've amassed quite a collection of bags from stores as well as from groceries.  I intend to change this habit, as it will cut down on wasted storage space in the home as well as unnecessary waste to the environment.  Instead, I will use cloth bags for groceries, and have a couple foldable cloth bags (one big, one small) in my purse at all times in case I do a little shopping!  I think this will benefit both myself and the environment greatly...and ease my mind about all the shopping I do! lol.”

Celeste Makow

“My Eco Gift to the two of you is to always use cloth bags for shopping. This means all shopping from groceries, clothing, shoes, etc. I used to use all my old plastic bags as garbage bags, but I realized that if I am not collecting plastic bags from the stores what will I use? So I am switching my garbage bags over to biodegradable bags. (You can get them at superstore). They are much better because they breakdown way faster than plastic and this helps the contents to breakdown faster as well. This has also impacted my room-mate Nikki; she is now using cloth bags for shopping! Also when my light bulbs burn out I will replace them with compact fluorescents and continuously think about and take actions that lessen my eco footprint on this planet.”

Sara Mullen

"I thought the most unique gift that I could give at this point in my life is to bring sustainability with me on my travels to 3rd world countries where garbage disposal is not a priority and not something the local people are educated about or aware of.  India is a beautiful country with a gorgeous and rich culture and it is tragic to see garbage dumped into rivers, even the Holy Ganga.  I plan to go back to India in a couple of months and when I get there rather than just stare in shock and sadness I will aim to pick up at least one piece of garbage everyday and to educate local people when I can.  I will carry your commitment to sustainability to the other side of the world and share your inspiring story. Small changes will make a big difference over time."

Randy, Pam, Matt and Aisling Brock (Cowtown Brocks")

"We changed our light bulbs to fluorescents. We boughts bags to do our shopping - so no more plastic. We made sure our car was tuned up before the trip (the big trip from Calgary to Vancouver). Thank you for making us aware... we've only just begun!"

Aja and Sean Shuttleworth

"As for our gift to the Enviroment... your very cool Eco Wedding has inspired us to make the following changes:
1) We have started car-pooling to work everyday. It was annoying at first but now we've realized we really don't need two cars.
2) Sean has started a recycling program at his work for all of the insane amounts of Red Bull and beer cans that are consumed at that place. (Aja's work already recycles)
3) This season at work Aja is really trying to push to use more Eco-friendly fabrics. ie. bamboo and chitosante.
4) We have started switching all of our light bulbs to energy efficient types at our place.

Gena Perala

"My eco gift is to stop using "to-go" coffee cups.  This means I will always have a re-usable coffee cup on hand.  I have replaced all the lighbulbs in my house with powersmart light bulbs.  My dishsoap and laundry soap is now earth friendly as well as my shampoo and conditioner and body lotion."