A word from the founder

Hello and welcome to GentleWays for OurPlanet!

As we mark over five years since the launch of GentleWays for OurPlanet, I am filled with gratitude. Reflecting on our journey, I am deeply appreciative of the unwavering support from our volunteers, granting agencies, and donors. Together, we remain steadfast in our mission to inspire individuals to reduce their carbon footprint and create a positive environmental impact through local, tangible projects. Our ultimate goal is to contribute to the reduction of collective greenhouse gas emissions, helping to mitigate climate change and restore the planet’s ecological balance through sustainable living.

2024: A Year of Milestones

This past year, 2024, brought many achievements. Our latest project focused on promoting plant-based diets by collaborating with seven local restaurants, raising awareness of the environmental benefits of plant-based eating. We also continued our advocacy for better waste management, encouraging individuals to champion the use of green bins in multi-unit buildings.

In a significant advocacy effort, supported by local environmental networks, I presented to the environmental committee in favor of making the green bin program mandatory in our city. We expanded our advocacy capacity, thanks to Nature Canada, by launching a dedicated space on our website to empower supporters in their advocacy work. I am particularly proud of our successful petition campaign advocating for enhanced animal welfare standards in our province.

Another highlight of the year was our collaboration with the City of Ottawa’s forestry team during our fall tree planting event, where we planted 150 trees in a local park. This event was enriched by the active participation of the Green Reps from the Sustainability Center at the University of Ottawa. I invite you to explore our impact report for more details on these and other initiatives.

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Personal Leadership and Future Goals

Throughout the year, I had the privilege of speaking at various events, where I emphasized the importance of personal leadership. My key message was simple: “Don’t wait for others to act,” and “Don’t aim for perfection.” Every small action towards zero waste can inspire further efforts. Start now; there’s no need to wait for perfect conditions to contribute to environmental protection.

On a personal note, my growth in environmental advocacy has been a significant achievement, all while maintaining our focus on actionable projects. Looking ahead, we will continue to promote plant-based options, aiming for broader awareness and advocacy to make these choices more accessible. Our vision includes encouraging our city to adopt plant-based measures. With continued support from Nature Canada, we will also advance our campaign for tree equity in our city.

In 2025, we are excited to launch a new project centered on the right to repair and waste reduction, furthering our commitment to sustainability.

Join Us

I warmly invite you to follow us on Instagram and visit our website to learn more about our ongoing efforts to make a difference. If you’re inspired to contribute, we would love to have you join us as a volunteer. Together, we can protect this beautiful planet for future generations and all living beings.

 

Sincerely,
Aïda Warah, Ph. D.
Ottawa, Canada

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