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As the annual Raincouver rainy season has begun and the spring blooms are flourishing, now is the perfect time to start your spring cleaning! Spring has traditionally been the season of renewal; a time to clean your home and refresh your surroundings! So, this year while spring cleaning, why not also focus on keeping your community sustainable and renewable?

Many communities and cities treat spring cleaning as a part of their annual rituals. This may involve getting rid of unnecessary items in your home or simply disinfecting your house from top to bottom. During COVID-19, it is now more crucial than ever for each of us to do our part to keep our environment safe, clean, and healthy.

In line with SDG 13: Climate Action, it is important to keep in mind the environmental impact of spring cleaning when going about cleaning your surroundings. SDG 13 is focused on climate action, which can also be incorporated into your daily cleaning routine. Additionally, SDG 11: Sustainable Development strives to create sustainable cities and communities. In order to encompass these SDGs into your spring cleaning, follow some of the tips below!

Use less water to clean your laundry by hanging it up to dry.

Opting to hang your clothes to dry instead of running your dryer can end up saving you some cash while also helping to reduce the energy used from this mighty, power-sucking appliance. BC Hydro states that “…dryers can account for 12% of your home’s energy. Dryers typically use more [energy] per use than any other appliance.” Since most of us are spending an extra abundance of time at home these days, hanging your clothes to dry can also be a great way to get a few extra minutes of exercise in!

Clean with reusable towels instead of paper towels

Whenever appropriate and available, using reusable towels is an eco-friendly alternative to disposable paper towels. Paper towels are single-use and therefore end up collecting in landfills without the possibility of being reused. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of paper towels and other disposable products has skyrocketed. This is alarming for the environment because paper towels require a huge amount of water to be produced – specifically, “…to make one ton of paper towels, 17 trees are used and 20,000 gallons of water are consumed.” So instead, try to utilize reusable towels when possible. You can even tie-dye or customize old rags or clothing into unique, DIY reusable towels!

Get creative with your wardrobe and shop vintage or second-hand.

Snagging an outfit from a thrift store isn’t only a cool look for Mackelmore! According to the 2019 ThredUp resale report, more than one in three Gen-Zers will buy secondhand and 51% of all consumers plan to spend more on second hand clothing in the next five years. Purchasing from a thrift or vintage store online or in-person means that the item gets a chance to be reused without being dumped into a landfill. Other ways to get second-hand items include trading clothes with friends or family, buying pre-loved items from Facebook Marketplace or Etsy, or even using recycled fabrics to create a whole new look. This also applies to clothes you already own and might be considering throwing out this spring. Consider gifting an item that no longer fits to a friend or selling it online before tossing it out. You can also donate your old clothing to a local shelter, thrift store, charitable organization, or reuse it as dish rags.

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We hope you this helps you incorporate sustainable and ethical choices when it comes to your springtime routine. If there are any other tips or tricks you have, please share them in the comments below.  Happy spring from all of us at UNAC-V!

Special thanks to our Communication Volunteer Sharon Neb for her article contribution!

References:

https://www.bchydro.com/news/conservation/2019/hang-dry-your-clothes.html

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The United Nations (UN) declared March 21 as the International Day to Eliminate Racial Discrimination in response to the killing of a group of racialized and peaceful demonstrators in Sharpeville, South Africa.

It is apparent that more work needs to be done; not only in our local communities, but all over the world.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been many reports of cultural minority communities, particularly the Asian community, being targets of violence in Canada and across the world. The attack on Indigenous peoples in the healthcare system in BC and other parts of Canada are well-documented.

Racism identified in various structures of government, in community-based businesses, and other organizations must be eliminated.

Let us all work together to form a just and peaceful society for all, irrespective of race, gender, religious and political affiliations. Let us observe this day as a day to examine our own role in creating a racism-free world!

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2021 was a year of ups and downs for all of us; and it’s during such a global economic rollercoaster that it becomes more important than ever to look local. Canada, and Vancouver in particular, is a hub of innovation and small businesses!

Once Again, this year’s International Development Week theme is “Go for the Goals,” with a focus on gender equality, health and climate change. Referring to the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, this theme illustrates the idea of moving forward in a collaborative and positive way toward a better world.

Not only are many Canadian businesses upholding the UN’s SDGs and assisting in making the future a better place to be; they are also offering unique and amazing products that can’t be found anywhere else. We all want to feel good about the purchasing decisions that we make, so UNAC-V has compiled a list of businesses you can feel good about shopping from in 2021!

Note: This post is not sponsored and UNAC Vancouver is not affiliated with the local brands featured.

Mala the Brand

The United Nations Association of Vancouver (UNAC-V) is proud to be supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set forth by the United Nations as primary goals and initiatives that need to be implemented for a better world.

SDG #15 is focused on Life on Land which aims to “protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss.”

In line with this goal, we wanted to feature a local brand that will become one of your favorites this holiday season and throughout the year. Mala the Brand is a female-owned small business located in Vancouver, B.C. They are focused on bettering the world one candle at a time by planting a tree in North America for every candle sold. Currently, their candles are sold on their website, at Chapters, Nordstrom, and at local retailers.

Mala the Brand is owned by Melody Lim and she only uses toxic free ingredients such as biodegradable soy wax, phthalate free fragrances, and lead-free woodwicks.

Tentree

In an ever-changing world that has a heavy focus on commercialized city centres, SDG 11 aims to “make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.” This Sustainable Development Goal set forth by the UN is focused on ensuring cities are a safe, healthy, and sustainable environment for all.

Statistics show that air pollution caused 4.6 million deaths in 2016. With this in mind, we wanted to focus on a brand that is determined to create cozy apparel classics, with the smallest environmental footprint. Tentree is a clothing company that produces their goods made from sustainable materials such as organic cotton, hemp, tencel, and recycled polyester. The best part? They plant 10 trees for every product sold. This initiative helps to ensure people all over the world are breathing in fresh oxygen.

In addition, ethical manufacturing is also a main focus at Tentree to ensure those producing these items are treated fairly. On their website, you can also track where the trees are planted and search your own impact by registering your tree codes.

Vancouver Aquarium

Our oceans and marine life are continuously threatened by various factors. A 100-150% increase in ocean acidity is projected by 2100 which will affect half of all marine life. SDG 14 aims to help mitigate the damage to our marine life by “conserving and sustainably using the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.”

Since 1956, a local non-profit has been focused on bettering marine life and devoting time to research and conservation of our oceans. The Vancouver Aquarium has consistently been at the forefront of educating citizens on life under water and protecting our waters. In 2017, they launched Ocean wise: a program that aims to educate people across the globe about ocean conservation and sustainable choices.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Vancouver Aquarium has seen a major hit due to the need to pause their in-person events. Their team provides 24/7 critical care for our 70,000 animals, but without the revenue from being open to the public, donations and online sales are necessary. To support the Vancouver Aquarium, you can donate online or shop from their online store.

The Vancouver Whitecaps have also partnered with the Vancouver Aquarium to promote online sales by creating a limited edition face mask.

Blume

According to Statistics Canada, in 2014, only 15.7% of small businesses were owned by women, while 64.6% were owned by men. Even with ongoing progress, we see the need to strive for gender equality apparent in all parts of the world. To help create change, SDG 5 aims to “achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.”

With a focus on female empowerment, we wanted to highlight a self-care brand that is not only female-founded but also uses environmentally-friendly ingredients in their products. Blume is a local, female-led brand that creates products that not only look good but are good for you. Sisters Taran and Bunny created Blume to help mitigate the stigma around periods and help young women navigate through puberty.

On their website, you can find gift options for everyone on your list that could use some self-care. From an oil to combat hormonal acne to a natural deodorant, you can find all types of neat products from Blume. In addition, Blume’s products contain no silicone, parabens, or artificial ingredients.

Help Blume “build a safe space for young women to learn, grow, and become their badass selves.”

Vessi Footwear

Vessi Footwear are popular 100% waterproof shoes; the perfect gift idea for Raincouverites. The company offers stylish styles for both men and women, along with gift cards if you are unsure about sizes. Vessi believes that “big change starts small”, which is why they have their own community fund.

Through their initiatives, Vessi has donated warm knits in the wintertime to homeless shelters across North America. They have supported various initiatives by donating masks, have supported the Black Lives Matter movement through donations, and supported mental health projects. Overall, they use their community funds to serve those most in need without bias; helping reduce inequalities. These traits align with SDG 10 to Reduce Inequalities, as Vessi works towards inclusion within communities.

Smoking Lily

Smoking Lily, located in Victoria BC, is a home brand proudly run by women. They offer cards, clothes, accessories, homeware and several other unique creations. Smoking Lily also has a zero-waste line where products are created from leftover fabric. Not only does their creative process produce one-of-a-kind items, but through recycling discarded materials, they contribute to a circular economy. These production patterns are in line with SDG 12; supporting “responsible consumption and production”.

Most of the patterns and designs created by Smoking Lily feature natural motifs and designs that are distinctly West-Coast. This inspiration has also led to the creative team to pursue the usage of non-toxic inks and dyes in their clothing production. Their brand and business motivation are centered around unburdening the Earth and offering environmentally-friendly fashion that people can be proud to support.

Nada

Nada is a unique, Vancouver-based grocery store that prides itself on providing food that has no packaging. Created by two local women, Nada embodies the future of local grocery shopping. It is an innovative space where customers are encouraged to bring their own containers to shop everything from breads to local, fresh produce.

SDG 2 strives to “…end hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture”. Nada is a local sustainable grocery store that aligns with SDG 2 and  is “on the mission to connect people to just food.” The wholesome and healthy food Nada offers is free from chemicals and heavy packaging!

They are sustainably transforming the food system by selling all their items completely packaging-free. They also keep plastics out of the food supply chain. Additionally, 1% from every purchase goes towards environmental organizations to encourage sustainability within food chains.

MAKE Vancouver

With COVID-19 cases on the rise in BC, it’s more important than ever to work together to bend the curve. A great way to do that is to maintain social distancing and wear a mask while in public places. Wondering where to get a cool mask? Check out MAKE Vancouver; a Vancouver-based craft company specializing in custom masks!

What makes MAKE so great is not only that they offer customization and uploading of your own designs to a mask, but their branding and marketing alsommakes their Granville Island location super fun and kid friendly. Adjusting to wearing a mask can be difficult for some children, but MAKE’s atmosphere makes everything approachable and fun, not scary and different. For parents with reluctant children, MAKE offers the perfect solution.

SDG 3 is focused on improving the health of everyone. What better way to invest in your health and support local business than by buying a fun mask for yourself or your loved ones? In case you aren’t feeling overly creative, MASK also has a large range of already-made masks for you to choose from. They also offer holiday-themed masks!

SḴWÁLWEN Botanicals

All-natural? Check. Canadian-made? Check. Indigenous-owned and rooted in cultural importance? Check. Looking for a line of skincare that you can really feel good about putting on your body for a multitude of reasons? Look no further than SḴWÁLWEN Botanicals. The line has been created based on traditional Squamish plant knowledge and is produced in small batches to ensure top quality of ingredients. The line ranges from bath salts to facial toners, with a diverse line of products in between.

The line is sustainable, in line with Indigenous tradition, and has a complete focus on the land and nature in which the skincare ingredients are sourced. The brand also has an amazing story and background; just check out their About page by clicking here. SDG 8 is focused on Economic Equality, and by supporting brands run by Indigenous owners, you are doing your part to take a step closer to economic equality and representation in Canada.

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“ The views expressed by the authors on this page reflect their personal opinions and do not necessarily reflect the views of UNA Canada.”

On November 29^th the UN will once again be celebrating the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. The day was mandated by UN General Assembly Resolution 32/40 B of 1977. Since the UN was founded in 1945 – with the express aim of reducing or eliminating conflicts around the world – the Palestinian conflict, starting with the founding of Israel in 1948 has been one of the longest-lasting and most intractable conflicts which the UN has ever had to deal with. Much discussion and debate have taken place at the UN Security Council and General Assembly over the years and yet the Palestine matter is one of the issues about which the UN has been unable to reach an agreement since 1948.

After numerous formal and informal efforts over the decades to resolve issues between the Jewish and Arab peoples of the Middle East, the conflict has still not been resolved. Several wars have been fought on this land which is considered to be holy by three of the world’s most prominent religions, yet no permanent resolution to the conflict has ever been found. Many young people today fall short in recognizing the importance of the Palestinian conflict in the world’s current political and cultural atmosphere.

The conflict is clearly a highly political issue and many world leaders have tried to find a solution, but very few have paid much attention to the people actually living in the area. Talks of negotiations and deals have been in the works for decades, as well as several United Nations resolutions that were often ignored by one side of the issue. Although the United Nations is an international organization best known for trying to mediate conflicts politically, it is also an organization that is home to one of the world’s most impressive humanitarian and advocacy efforts. That is why in 1977 the UN General Assembly passed its resolution declaring November 29^th of each year to be a day of solidarity with the Palestinian people. This day would remind the whole world of the plight of displaced Palestinians.

While an international day of observance may not, in the end, solve the Palestinian conflict, it does a lot of good. Dedicating such a day to show the UN’s commitment to the humanitarian aspects of the conflict has been important in keeping the Palestinian conflict relevant. Thanks to this day of observance, many young still know about it today. The date of November 29^th has kept people all over the world remembering that there is still a very serious issue going on in Palestine.  There are real people suffering, and there is still an urgent need for a solution.

Join in the effort to keep the Palestinian conflict front and centre before today’s generation of young people. Learn more about the issue. Educate yourself and people around you by following the links below and participate in the events held on November 29^th by United Nations branches all over the world.

Sources

https://interactive.aljazeera.com/aje/palestineremix/timeline_main.html

http://www.nytimes.com/learning/teachers/studentactivity/20090109gazahistory.pdf

https://israelipalestinian.procon.org/view.timeline.php?timelineID=000031 

About the Author

Raheil Inaim is a volunteer website writer for the United Nations Association in Canada–Vancouver Branch. A graduate of Simon Fraser University with a Bachelor of Art in Criminology, Raheil is interested in continuing a career as a writer. Raheil is Palestinian-Canadian; having lived in both countries for years at a time. The often-contradicting ideals of these two diverse countries have given Raheil a special perspective on global issues, which she enjoys sharing with the world.

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On Wednesday, November 21^st at 7pm the Vancouver Branch of the UN Association in Canada partnered with the Burnaby School District to host Dr. Joanna Ashworth and screen her documentary to an audience of UNAC-V-V members, and Burnaby students and parents. UNAC-V-V co-Vice President Jessica Steele provided opening remarks which can be read, in part, below.

We are honoured to have Dr. Joanna Ashworth, the filmmaker, joining us tonight for post film comments and a Q and A after the screening. We are gathered here on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Coast Salish Peoples including the Squamish, the Musquem and the Tsleil-Waututh Nations. Indigenous Peoples have been taking care of this place since time out of mind and it is our responsibility as settlers, immigrants and new comers to Canada to continue to take care of these lands and waters.

Earlier this year, a landmark scientific report was released by the IPCC, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. The IPCC report laid out the impacts of our planet warming by 1.5 to 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. Increased warming, they said, will result in up to 400 million people being affected by drought. Warming to this level will result in regular ice-free summers in the arctic and the disappearance of virtually all of the world’s coral reefs. Already, with a global temperature increase of 1.1 degrees, we are seeing extreme weather events, weather pattern changes and sea level rise—and these are affecting poor and vulnerable communities the most. For those who hadn’t been taking climate change seriously, this report was an urgent call to action—the report stated “we need rapid, far-reaching and unprecedented changes in all aspects of society” to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

In Paris, in 2015, at the 21^st Council of Parties (known as COP 21) for the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the Paris Agreement was adopted. This monumental agreement set up goals to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. In just a couple weeks, parties of the UNFCCC will meet again for COP 24 in Poland. They will be discussing how to take the goals of the Paris Agreement and put them into action. If countries, including Canada, lay out ambitious action plans to address climate change, we could see a substantial move away from fossil fuels and a system of support for those communities most affected by climate crises.

While the high-level meetings of COP 24 are occurring, there will be many side events being run by academia, non-profits, NGOs and others. This is where I expect to see real inspiration and innovation. While it may seem like change needs to occur from the top (and it does), change is spearheaded at the grassroots level. And this sustainable change is being led by those who are often not represented as much as they should be in these high level meetings—women and young people.

The UN Sustainable Development Goals are a collection of 17 global goals set by the United Nations General Assembly. The UN SDG 13 is “Take Urgent Action to combat climate change and its impacts”. As with all UN Sustainable Development Goals, SDG 13 needs people from all walks of life to take a stand. As you will see in this film, inspirational change is coming from women right here in our community. If we want to see positive change for our climate then women need to be at the forefront of these conversations. Youth need to be at the forefront of these conversations. And we need to take action, individually and collectively. Because this positive change will ripple through our communities, cities, provinces and country. Currently, there is an upward curve in global temperature. Let’s learn and be inspired by these incredible women featured in this film. From UN high-level meetings like COP 24 to small steps you can take in your school or workplace, together we can take the necessary urgent action to bend the curve on climate change.

BIOGRAPHY: Jessica Steele is the co-vice president of the United Nations Association in Canada–Vancouver Branch. A graduate of the University of Victoria with a Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology, Jessica is a passionate environmental educator and climate justice activist. Jessica has worked for Ocean Wise Conservation Association as a Mobile Programs educator, crossing the country connecting communities to the oceans, and as a G7 Oceans Youth Challenge Coordinator. She currently coordinates Ocean Wise’s Ocean Bridge program where she empowers youth and young adults across the country to participate in ocean conservation service projects. Jessica sits on the KAIROS Canada Ecological Justice Circle and will be representing KAIROS at COP 24 in Poland this December.

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You are invited to attend a free film event offered by the UN Association in Canada (UNAC-V-V) in partnership with the Burnaby School District. On Wednesday, November 21st from 6:45 pm to 9 pm, Dr. Joanna Ashworth will be in attendance at the screening of her recent documentary, “Women Bending the Curve on Climate Change” which will take place in the Centre for Dialogue in Byrne Creek Community School – 7777 – 18th Street in Burnaby.

Come out and support the local branch of the UN Association, watch a local documentary and join the post-screening discussion with the filmmaker. Climate change is a number one priority for the United Nations, and we hope to provide a new lens to view it through. This film is receiving excellent reviews and large audience attendance. Help us build the momentum.

The event is free. However, please register by sending your name and how many will attend to [email protected] . Donations to UNAC-V-V will be accepted at the door.

See more information here: https://globallearninginburnaby.com/2018/11/16/free-district-event-local-filmmaker-to-attend/

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Ottawa, October 18 2018:  The United Nations Association in Canada (UNA-Canada) is pleased to announce that Her Excellency the Right Honourable Julie Payette, Governor General of Canada has kindly accepted the request that she serve as UNA-Canada’s Honourary Patron.

Kathryn White, President and CEO of UNA-Canada, notes that “we are pleased that Her Excellency has continued this meaningful tradition of previous Governors-General for over 60 years. It speaks to the recognition of and support for the work of a historic, national charitable organization providing a leading policy voice on multilateralism, innovative programming focused on the Sustainable Development Goals and engagement of the next generation of youth in Canada and internationally.  Our mission is to educate and engage Canadians in the work of the UN and the critical international issues that affect us all”.

“We believe that a strong and effective United Nations is essential if we are to secure a future based on equality, dignity and justice for all. Our mandate is to promote full and constructive Canadian participation in the United Nations system and to grow global citizens in Canada who embrace the principles of the UN Charter

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