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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 Vancouver Branch of the UN Association of Canada (UNAC) is proud to note that the Norwegian Nobel Committee has awarded the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize to the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP).

In a small coronavirus-restricted award ceremony on Friday the chairwoman of the committee said that the award was given to WFP because it wanted to focus the world’s attention on “the millions of people who suffer from or face the threat of hunger.”  She added that hunger is used as a “weapon of war and conflict.”

In its citation the Nobel Committee praised the UN agency for its contribution to creating peace in conflict-affected areas such as Syria and Yemen. In a tweet of thanks, WFP responded “This is a powerful reminder to the world that peace and #ZeroHunger go hand-in-hand.”

The UN World Food Programme joins former UN Secretary-General the late Kofi Annan who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2001 for revitalizing the UN and UN Peacekeeping Forces who received the award in 1988.

UNAC Vancouver is proud to acknowledge its board member Rosio Godomar who served in the UN WFP from 1991 to 2011.

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The theme for the International Day of Peace, September 21st, 2020 is “No More Hirosima, No More Nagasaki,” recognizing this year as the 75th anniversary of the atomic bombing of both Japanese cities.

The City of Vancouver today issued the above proclamation recognizing the importance of this day.

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Monday, September 21^st marks the annual United Nations International Day of Peace, a day dedicated to the core foundation and mandate of the UN – maintaining peace and security.  The annual General Assembly begins, also marks another milestone, the seventy-fifth anniversary of the adoption of the UN Charter by the fifty governments who made up the UN’s founding member states. Tweeting in June this year the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, noted “[the UN Charter’s] principles ring just as true today. It is a much-needed guide to solving our shared problems. Let us now realize the vision of peace, human rights, justice and development – of dignity for all.”

It is the role of the UN Association in Canada (UNAC), as well as UNAs around the world, to empower and educate their citizens, and especially youth through informing them about the UN’s role, and advocate for the goals and ideals of that organization.

The first mention of the United Nations was in 1942 when the wartime Allied leaders conceived of an international organization that would ‘…save future generations from the scourge of war.’ The UN Charter, which came into force in October 1945 calls for the organization to maintain international peace and security; promote social progress and better standards of life; strengthen international law; and promote human rights. In the intervening years, the UN Secretariat has been joined by UN specialized Agencies such as UNICEF, the World Food Programme (WFP), the World Health Organization (WHO), the UN Development Programme (UNDP) and others, dealing with Human Rights or refugees for example. These agencies have focussed attention on some of the world’s most intractable problems.

The broad range of tasks envisioned in the UN Charter 75 years ago is as valid today as it was then. The goals, values and ideals which the Charter sets for the UN remain the capstone for a world mired in a pandemic, torn by discrimination, endangered by climate change and scarred by poverty, inequality and war. Every generation of young people in all 193 UN member states demands that the goals and ideals of the UN must be promoted.

In honour of the International Day of Peace each year the UN General Assembly calls upon the global community to participate in 24 hours of non-violence and cease-fire. On that day, staff in UN offices around the world from New York to Bangkok to Nairobi will celebrate the day with the communities they serve. Military and civilian staff from UN Peace Operations in diverse locations such as Mali, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Cyprus will use the day to advocate for the peaceful resolution of conflict.

At the UN Headquarters in New York the UN General Assembly will this year hold a virtual event. Because of the pandemic, world leaders will participate in the meeting through recorded video statements while their representatives will be in New York.  The theme will be ‘The Future We Want; the UN We Need: Reaffirming our Collective Commitment to Multilateralism.’ It will focus on collective problem-solving and efforts to ensure that effective global governance is a reality when it is needed.

The United Nation’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) will also be taking center stage during the 75^th anniversary commemorations. The main purpose of the SDGs is to be a blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. For a more detailed view of the UN SDGs, please see the related article on the UNAC Vancouver website as well as the UN website.

As the UN marks its 75^th anniversary, the UN Secretary-General acknowledge that many political, economic and social problems “are ratcheting up.” The organization itself faces a number of political and economic challenges yet it remains, after 75 years, a key part of the world’s response to those problems.

If you would like to get involved, please join us in sharing your views through this global survey and check out what UNAC Vancouver and other associations around Canada are planning.

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The Vancouver Branch of the UN Association in Canada was pleased to partner with SFU in hosting the successful 6th annual Rosemary Brown Symposium on the evening of Thursday, September 26th. 

A large public audience in the Morris J Wosk Centre for Dialogue was able to listen and learn from the keynote speaker, Joy Johnson, Vice President, Research and International, SFU. Additionally, Marion Buller, as the recipient of the Rosemary Brown Award for Women, spoke on “Reclaiming Power and Place”. The theme of the evening was “Women & Social Justice”. 

Thanks to Dariel Filwood for contributing the event photos. 

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