Leadership 11 and 12 students from Gleneagle Secondary organized the school's first ever Green Fair on November 12, 2019 to raise awareness of the increasing problems associated with climate change and to encourage participation in sustainability projects by their peers.
Over 500 students visited the Green Fair to learn more about: Metro Vancouver's regional climate action strategy Climate 2050, preserving air quality and reducing carbon emissions through the promotion and use of electric vehicles, the City of Coquitlam's forestry department and their initiatives to reduce invasive plants, proper home recycling, Force of Nature's and Metro Vancouver's Youth 4 Action organization initiatives, owl conservation and more!
The event was attended by Coquitlam Mayor Richard Stewart, SD43 Board Chair Barb Hobson and Trustee Carol Cahoon.
“Students educating and empowering themselves was our main intention of organizing this event. So, it was incredibly rewarding to watch my peers attend the event and interact with the various representatives, who were all so passionate and well-spoken about their organizations. And as we reach a critical point in our battle against climate change, this event reminded us all that we need collaboration and conversation in order to succeed. Duncan from Force of Nature Alliance told me something his grandmother used to say: "How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time!" It sounds funny, but perhaps that is actually how we should be approaching this issue. Perhaps we shouldn't spend our time waiting for sweeping change with the single signature of a pen, but take it on ourselves to act as stewards of our shared home. And when the small actions of individuals are added up, we'll see that they really do make a difference." – Lucas Hung
Thank you to students Connor, Erik, Bill, Samantha, Carter and Lucas for organizing a successful Green Fair!
Thank you to the following organizations who also made this event possible!
