February 5
2010
TEDx Whistler Entry – Be the change.
I’d like to share with you a quote that I live by.
“You must be the change you want to see in the world”
-Mahatma Gandhi
TEDx Whistler is promoting sustainable tourism and travel, I am a full supporter of this movement. Humans need to significantly drop our carbon footprint in order to ensure our planet remains livable for future generations. In Whistler we rely heavily on tourism to maintain our economy. People fly from all corners of the Earth to see the natural spectacle of the Whistler area, adding to an overall increase in carbon emissions. How can we offset these emissions as locals while still actively increasing our tourism revenue?
The answer lies in education.
As a general rule, most Whistlerites live well below the national average carbon emissions of 20 tons per person per year. With no car and living in shared accommodation, I produce 3 tons annually. Is this the result of a great deal of effort on my part? No. I just choose to live a simple life and make informed choices. I travel to work by bicycle, I prefer to buy local produce, and I turn lights off. I know many of my friends and peers make these same choices. Change doesn’t have to be difficult, we just need to make the change, and educate others about the choices they make.
Whistlerites have a powerful voice when it comes to matters of the environment. As ambassadors we are responsible for educating tourists on how they can help keep our planet green. By spreading our story of living a low carbon lifestyle and encouraging others to do the same, we can help negate the effects of global jet-setting required to visit Whistler.
I encourage all Whistlerites to be the change and share the change.
