To the Editor,
The Kootenay Gallery of Art hosted an event called Snow Longer to coincide with two exhibitions that have been on in the Gallery since March 2. Both the exhibitions and event talk about climate change. Thanks to everyone who helped out at Snow Longer, including Laura Sacks of the Citizens Climate Lobby, Erin Thompson of the West Kootenay Eco Society and especially Victoria Oh. Thanks to all who attended for making the evening a success.
At the Snow Longer event, we asked participants “What can we (Castlegar and area) do to slow the impact of climate change?” Here are the answers we received:
* Creating Castlegar a more pedestrian-friendly city, a continuous walkway from downtown to South Castlegar and connecting the city
* Reduce the amount of packaging (plastics) that we use
* Reduce food waste
* Bridge from Selkirk College to downtown Castlegar. Make the city walkable
* Create Environmental Clubs in primary and secondary schools
* Provide garbage bins in all playgrounds and public areas to reduce litter.
* Provide recycling bins in all playgrounds and public areas
* Citizens can encourage council to sign a pledge to be using 100% renewable energy by 2050
* Become fire-ready, reduce the amount of deadwood in and around town
We wanted to share with you what some of your fellow citizens are thinking about what we can do as a community.
Maggie Shirley
Curator, Kootenay Gallery of Art