Welcome to the Creatively United Community Solutions Sharing Hub
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PairUp Directory
Explore over 275 organizations that share your values
Creative Solutions for a New World
Where Every Day is Earth Day
Creative Solutions for a New World
Where Every Day is Earth Day
Welcome to Creatively United’s Community Solutions Sharing Hub
Welcome to this free community Solutions Hub created in the spirit of collaboration and unity to address climate change and provide solutions for some of the most pressing issues that face our society today. Here you will find a multitude of positive and creative solutions, videos, events, information and resources that contribute to healthier, happier individuals and communities.
Please feel free to contribute your own ideas, tips, book and movie reviews, music, art, information and resources to the Community Blog and share your events plus check out others on the Community Event Calendar.
Welcome to this free community Solutions Hub created in the spirit of collaboration and unity to address climate change and provide solutions for some of the most pressing issues that face our society today. Here you will find a multitude of positive and creative solutions, videos, events, information and resources that contribute to healthier, happier individuals and communities.
Please feel free to contribute your own ideas, tips, book and movie reviews, music, art, information and resources to the Community Blog and share your events plus check out others on the Community Event Calendar.
Safeguard Your Health: What the Public Needs to Know
Would you knowingly eat food, drink water or breathe air that contains toxic chemicals and microplastics linked to cancer that are contained in sewage sludge from Victoria, BC’s wastewater treatment plant?
Right now, forever chemicals, which true to their name last nearly forever in our environment, such as PFAS, and microplastics as well as PAHs, lead, mercury, dioxins, and pharmaceuticals are making their way into our air, water and soil through the bio-accumulation of tons of these toxic chemicals that remain in the sludge after the waste water from our homes, industry, businesses and health care facilities is processed.
Since 2022, the CRD plan was to use these dried biosolids as an alternative to fossil fuels in a cement plant, which is in keeping with a ban on the land application of biosolids the CRD Board passed in 2011. Instead, every day, 10 tons of toxic sludge, also known as “biosolids,” has been spread or buried at Victoria’s Hartland Landfill, where wind and rain erosion disperses these forever chemicals into the neighbouring farms, fields, forests and watersheds.
There is a strong triple bottom line business case for thermal conversion which the CRD needs to employ as it:
- creates a non-toxic biochar which is the desired end product as a result of thermally converting toxic biosolids into inert biochar – a new green industry;
- it’s a carbon free fuel source, not incineration, no pollution, low carbon footprint;
- a plant could be up and running within two years if treated as the emergency this is;
- thermal conversion can stop landfill expansion and convert ALL waste, not just biosolids, into fossil fuel free energy and save our waters, soil, trees, fish, our health and the beauty of the region and why so many people chose to live and visit here.
Solutions Exist! Learn More Here:
Creatively United Biosolids FAQ & Resources
Biosolid Free BC on Facebook
Butchart Gardens
Mount Work Coalition
Raincoast Conservation Foundation
Sierra Club
Take action by letting the CRD know you oppose the land application of biosolids by emailing: crdboard@crd.bc.ca
World Water Day – Film Screening & Conversation
Thursday, March 21, 6:30 pm PT, UVIC Bob Wright Centre, Room B150
Did you know that British Columbia is named after the Columbia River which used to be one of the world’s largest salmon bearing rivers in the world?
In honour of World Water Day, Creatively United for the Planet Society with the POLIS Water Sustainability Project and the Centre for Global Studies at the University of Victoria, will host Changing Course: A River’s Journey of Reconnection, a free public film premiere and discussion 7 pm, Thursday, March 21st, in room B150 of UVic’s Bob Wright Centre, with networking starting at 6:30 pm.
This 60-minute documentary will be followed by conversations with very special guests: Greg Utzig (Conservation Ecologist & Technical Advisor, Upper Columbia Basin Environmental Collaborative), Larry George (Director of Lulumexun (Lands & Self-Governance, Cowichan Tribes), and Katrina Adams (Senior Aquatic Biologist, Peninsula Streams & Shorelines).
RSVPs are not required, but appreciated. If you plan to join in person, please email polisworkstudy@uvic.ca.
The event will also be livestreamed, register here for free. To learn more about the film and watch a two-minute film trailer, please click here.
The Changing Course: A River’s Journey of Reconnection documentary will be available after March 21st to freely view on Creatively United’s YouTube channel.
Metamorphosis: A Healing Journey
Theatrical Performance and Premiere Book Launch
Save The Date! Two Performances Only
Two performances only:
Saturday, April 27: Doors at 7 pm, Performance 7:30-9 pm
Sunday, April 28: Doors at 1:30 pm, Performance 2-3:30 pm
Special early-bird pricing available until April 15th.
Open seating and wheelchair accessible.
Metamorphosis: A Healing Journey is a multi-dimensional experience that features the cathartic stories of real people, many of them artists, whose relationship with nature changed after a life changing event. Live music, stunning visual imagery, poetry, the Victoria Philharmonic Choir and Raino Dance are part of this unique production focused on the inter-relatedness of personal and planetary health.
A half hour before and after showtimes, there will be an opportunity to preview and purchase the accompanying fine art book, Metamorphosis: A Healing Journey, featuring 120 pages of beautiful photography, poetry, quotes and short pieces that inspire contemplation and expanded consciousness. Contributors include: Sam Baardman, Krystal Cook, Frances Litman, Alex Taylor-McCallum, Jonathan O’Riordan, Monique Salez and Robert Sandford. Producer: Frances Litman. Director: Monique Salez. Outside Eye: Lynda Raino.
A CreativelyUnited.org production in partnership with Climate & The Arts
Get your ticket(s) now and
take advantage of early-bird ticket prices
Shipping available upon request
(additional fees will apply)
How to Heal the Future, Not Steal the Future
Creatively United offers a wide variety of options, from a free webinar series to posts and resources, that explore solutions to restore and regenerate the planet. This graphic was inspired by the work of Paul Hawken, celebrated author of Drawdown: The Most Comprehensive Plan Ever Proposed to Reverse Global Warming and the just released book, Regeneration: Ending the Climate Crisis in One Generation. This graphic, co-created by Creatively United founder, Frances Litman, and Rhiannon James, was also the inspiration behind Frances’ recent TEDx Talk: How to Heal the Future, Not Steal the Future.
Stay In The Know
Learn about not-to-miss 2024 events and solutions by signing up for occasional email updates from Creatively United.
Browse the Community Blog
Sign on Letter to Trudeau: End All Public Financing of Fossil Fuels
The Government of Canada has made some progress in ending support for the fossil fuel sector, including introducing two policies over recent years aimed at ending international public financing and inefficient fossil fuel subsidies. However, most of the support...
Job Posting: Assistant Outdoor Naturalist Educator
Ecoforestry Institute is seeking an Assistant Educator/Naturalist passionate about protecting BC’s forests, to run interpretive ecoforestry and ecology based school workshops, summer camps, and public tours at Wildwood Ecoforest near Ladysmith.
Biosolids & Thermal Conversion Frequently Asked Questions
What are biosolids? Biosolids are the dried residual sludge created by treating municipal wastewater. What are the main contaminants in biosolids? Heavy metals, micro plastics, pharmaceuticals, and so called forever chemicals that never break down. What is the thermal...
CRD Under Pressure To Make A Plan For Biosolid Waste By June
The CRD has been punting its management problem down Hartland Ave. for years. Pressure to resolve the region’s biosolids and other solid waste management plan has resurfaced as construction plans to increase capacity at the landfill are underway.
Unavoidable Legal Liability of Land Application of Biosolids
Dear CRD Chair and Board, Let me begin by thanking you all for your continued support for the popular and longstanding ban on the land application of biosolids in the CRD. This is just a quick note to share a news story from the Guardian about a community group suing...
Legal Action Could End Use Of Toxic Sewage Sludge On US Crops As Fertilizer
New legal action could put an end to the practice of spreading toxic sewage sludge on US cropland as a cheap alternative to fertilizer, and force America to rethink how it disposes of its industrial and human waste. A notice of intent…
Corporate Lobbying Needs to be Kept Out of the Food System
In my last three columns, I looked at the health and economic burden of unhealthy diets, the role of large parts of the food industry in producing and marketing an unhealthy diet, and the ways in which our current food system harms the planet.
Fifth Annual Water Research Roundup
Our fifth annual Water Research Roundup featured emerging researchers Bridget McGlynn, Christiana Onabola, and Ella Martindale. They spoke on topics ranging from how governance systems align with the environmental challenges they are trying...
Sustainability Blueprint – New Approach towards Balance and Harmony
The Sustainability Blueprint – Practical Climate Adaptation Actions for You, Your Family, and Your Community offers an action-oriented and practical new approach to the two major challenges threatening humanity and the planet: the climate crisis and the ongoing disasters.
Community Events
Explore Solutions for Lighter & Healthier Living
Arts, Community, & Inclusivity
Here you will find a Climate Action Kit; free downloadable cartoon colouring sheets; mayor, councillor and CRD contact information; resources and much more.
Energy, Housing, & Buildings
Learn about solar, heat pumps, how to reduce your energy costs, ways to inspire a new corporate culture, rainwater harvesting, eco buildings and neighbourhoods, plus more.
Food & Health
Explore how to increase your immune system, stay healthy, rise above negativity, transform regional food systems through collective impact, lighten up and recharge, and de-stress.
Nature & Conservation
Zen your yardcare, celebrate clean and green, explore a One Planet approach, learn all about the benefits of oceans and trees, check out the Tree Toolkit and even find tips on pruning.
Transportation
Active transportation, EV facts, transportation systems, idling information, plus a video on the Future of Transportation and more can be found here.
Zero Waste & Circular Economy
Discover how food sharing, tool sharing, book sharing and even fashion all contribute to a circular economy and what you can do to save money, while saving the planet.
“Your website is an indispensable resource for anyone looking for ways to live a more climate conscious life and for ways to support government and community in taking the urgent climate actions needed now.
Your community blog is a cache of the most valuable information and has helped connect and inform us for positive action at a time when we need this more than ever. What a gift!”
– Alison Spriggs
Awaken - A Forest Ballet
Awaken, an exquisitely intimate performance inspired by the soft whispers of the forest, features original music composed, sung and orchestrated by Canada’s multi award-winning legend, Ann Mortifee, in collaboration with former Chilliwack band member, Ed Henderson (guitar), and Finn Manniche (cello). The story follows the delightful journey of a young girl and her dog who discover the magical wonders of the forest thanks to guidance from forest sprites.
Free Solutions Guide
Welcome to the premiere edition of Solutions where you can quickly and easily find solutions for a wide variety of topics relevant to living life at home, work and school, more fully and sustainably.
Consider taking on one solution a week with the understanding that there are more solutions than problems — solutions that can contribute to your health and happiness, while saving you money, energy and resources.
Trees Matter
Through music, dance, song and stunning visuals, the importance of protecting, preserving and planting trees is artfully expressed in this unique collaboration involving members of the Victoria Symphony, the Victoria Philharmonic Choir, the Emily Carr String Quartet and Ballet Victoria. In addition to showing Trees Matter, the half hour launch event, included Leq’á:mel First Nation (Stó:lō Nation) Indigenous Leader, Patrick Kelly, plus a Fairy Creek old growth forest update with popular singer & songwriter, Luke Wallace, and ecoforestry advocate, Kathleen Code.
Creative Solutions for a New World Webinar Series
Since 2012, Creatively United has hosted large, in-person, zero-waste Earth Day events in celebration of community – until the arrival of Covid in 2020.
Like many others, we pivoted to online learning and engagement with a free Climate and Artists webinar series. More than 40 timeless webinars, featuring an incredible array of world-class presenters, authors, and artists, can be found on Creatively United’s YouTube channel, with a few examples below.
Please be sure to sign up for our newsletter to stay informed with occasional updates about upcoming events and information.
Protecting Nature in Cities: A Matter of Survival – Webinar Replay
Protecting Nature in Cities with Indigenous Wisdom, Creativity and Science Presented by the Community Trees Matter Network, CreativelyUnited.org, and Programs in Earth Literacies Links & Resources Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action:...
We’re All In This Together… Now What? – Season 4 Finale
We’re All in This Together… Now What?, the final webinar of Creatively United’s Climate and Artists fourth season, explores how we can collectively reduce our carbon footprint by 40% by 2030 and transformatively shift to healthier…
Amplifying Youth Voices in the Fight Against Climate Change
The 10 year anniversary of Creatively United for the Planet’s first Earth Day event was celebrated with an incredible panel of youth voices that featured five young Canadian changemakers working in creative ways to help amplify youth voices…
Take The Lighter Living Pledge
By taking the Lighter Living Pledge and sharing with us what you are doing or intend to do, you can help others see what’s possible. Each step we take, regardless of how small it might be, is a step in the right direction. Anything is possible. Together we can build community and feel encouraged by the positive steps we are all taking.
Take Action! You will be automatically entered into a prize draw from Creatively United. Winners will be notified by email.
Community Climate Partners
Community Trees Matter Network
Take a stand for the trees in your neighbourhood. Collectively our voices can make a difference in protecting and preserving our urban trees.
Learn More
Ecoforestry Institute Society
Dedicated to the principles and practices of ecoforestry, demonstrating that we can harvest trees and plants from the forest while maintaining healthy and integrated ecological systems.
Learn More
Sierra Club BC
Our vision is to support people stewarding abundant ecosystems and a stable climate, while building resilient, equitable communities.
Learn More
Take Action – Contact Government Officials
Take action on issues that matter to you. Local, provincial and federal government officials need to hear from the public to create action. Every voice matters and the more voices, the better. This handy guide provides easy access to do just that.
Pair Up! Non-Profit Directory
Find organizations who share your values.
Take The Lighter Living Pledge
and inspire others to do the same
Stay Informed
Receive updates from Creatively United
Creating Cultural Change
Collectively, we can continue to catalyze a more socially and environmentally thoughtful approach to life in our community, where everyone wins.
Our goal is to keep the conversations going and growing so that caring for our environment and each other becomes second nature, from public policy to procurement practices and everything in between.
Our Partners
The Gail O'Riordan Climate and the Arts Legacy Fund, supported by The Victoria Foundation, is dedicated to changing human consciousness towards global environmental change by combining science with the creativity of the performing arts.
Creatively United for the Planet Society and Climate and the Arts also gratefully acknowledge the support of the Polis Foundation.