Taking the Guesswork Out of Green

Posted on behalf of REAP Calgary.
“Green” is very fashionable these days. It seems that every major company is now marketing their products as green or launching new products to take advantage of the trend toward eco- alternatives. But how do you know who or what to believe?
REAP understands that it’s difficult for the average person to know which companies are authentic in their claims. That’s why we’re here – to give Calgarians a place to go for local information about green products and services.
REAP stands for Respect for the Earth and All People. We’re a not for profit association of Calgary businesses that care about people and the planet as well as profits. We want to help conscious consumers find organizations that reflect their values, so that they can make more choices with positive consequences.
We evaluate locally-owned companies against social and environmental criteria to ensure they are truly committed to sustainability before we accept them into our association. Members are listed on www.reapcalgary.com along with their sustainability profile so that everyone can see exactly what they’re up to.
Our website also includes articles about the environment, the economy and social justice, as well as reviews of books, films and websites that relate to sustainability. Subscription is free and every article includes ways to take action locally. We also have an Action Tracker so that you can see the results of your efforts.
Want to find other resources to help you go green? The Green Living Series (in partnership with Conscious Home) provides information and inspiration as well as a toolkit of products to give you everything you need to make changes easily, immediately. We’ll be launching a Green Business Series (in partnership with Conscious Brands) for small businesses next year.
And for those who want to connect offline, REAP hosts a variety of public and business events. Check the event calendar at reapcalgary.com often or subscribe to receive invitations so that you don’t miss a thing!
Here are two of the events we are offering this fall:
REAP Business Workshop: Planning a green event
September 18 from 3:30 – 5:30 pm
Webster’s Gallery, 812 – 11 Avenue SW
Join Calgary’s business leaders for an information session on green event management and learn how to minimize the environmental impact of your company’s events. Margaret Chandler, owner of Green Fuse Communications, and Theresa Howland, VP Western Region for Bullfrog Power, will be presenting. Presentations will be followed by cocktails and networking. Advanced registration is required. Visit the event calendar at reapcalgary.com for details.
Earth Charter Summit
October 11 from 12:00 – 4:00 pm
Eau Claire Market, Centre Court
REAP gives thanks to Mother Earth! Come join us at this annual, global celebration in support of the Earth Charter. There will be music, family entertainment, a green market, and a live global webcast. Admission is free and all ages are welcome, so bring your family and friends.
You’ll see how Calgary’s organizations are making our city a better place to live and work through their support of the Earth Charter principles:
1. support and care for the community of life
2. ecological integrity
3. social and economic justice
4. democracy nonviolence and peace
For more information about the Earth Charter or to endorse it, please visit www.earthcharter.org. For summit details visit reapcalgary.com/summit.