welcome

It is a lesson that most of us learned before kindergarten: sharing -- the focus of this month's issue. Rather than own, maintain and store items that you use infrequently, save space and money, and share, trade, borrow or rent!

One Day is a City of Vancouver initiative that encourages residents to take small actions in their daily lives to use less energy at home and on the move, to help protect the climate, and to make Vancouver the cleanest, greenest, healthiest city in the world.

One Day actions of the month

This month we encourage you to embrace what your parents always told you and SHARE! We’re all used to sharing movies and books (think of our wonderful libraries) but here are a few more things to consider. Options to owning “new” reduces the amount of resources and pollution associated with the production and movement of materials.

Cars – Why own when you can share? Consider joining the Co-operative Auto Network or using Zip Car. Car sharers pay for cars only when they need them. They don’t have all those monthly maintenance, gas and insurance payments that come with owning a car. Biggest plus, you have access to a variety of vehicles when you might need one. There are a few hundred cars throughout the region available at anytime.

Rides – We’d be remiss if we gave up the chance to remind you to ride-share (aka carpool). If you are looking for a new commuting buddy, register with the Jack Bell Ride Matching database. You never know, your perfect commuting match could be right next door.

Tools, lawn and sporting equipment - Get to know your neighbours by pooling resources you can share: camping, lawn equipment, tools and, heh, why not vacuum cleaners? Who really has space to own a ladder anyhow? Most hardware stores rent larger items when you need them. A few communities even have tool lending libraries set up – maybe you should start one in yours!
We all love our gear, but quite often it makes more sense to rent. Ask at your local sporting store if they have rentals.

Garden space- Have a backyard space but no time to garden, or vice-versa? Register your backyard space on Sharing Backyards.

Clothing – Have you out-grown or grown-tired of your threads? Have a clothing swap with your friends or a visit a vintage shop. It can not only be a good time, its a huge money saver and both are planet-friendly solutions.

Now there are no excuses. Thanks to the internet it is easier than ever to trade, buy or sell old items using sites like craigslist, eBay, or any of your other favourites.

Borrowed bike update

Vancouver residents and visitors alike caught an early glimpse of a public bike share system during a recent demonstration in mid-June. They were able to see how a self-serve rental station for bikes works, and provide their feedback. Check the City’s website for the most up-to-date information, including a summary of feedback and future plans.

One Day wonders

This month’s wonders are Stephanie and Matt for sharing their experience of their Run for One Planet journey on VIDEO! This inspiring couple ran 11,000 miles, raised over $120,000, inspired 26,800 actions and touched countless people. Check out their top 10 actions for the environment.

Our next wonders are Alex and Kathy. After moving from New Brunswick to their Kerrisdale home last fall, they quickly became neighbourhood favourites. In the spirit of true Maritime hospitality, this couple lent out their collection of shovels and ice scrapers to ill-equipped neighbours during this past winter’s snowfalls. Since then, the sharing hasn’t stopped. This spring, Alex and neighbour Ed even bought an electric lawnmower together!

Did you know...

...the City of Vancouver is the newest (and biggest) client of The Company Car? The Company Car is a subsidiary of Vancouver's not-for-profit car sharing organization, The Car Co-op. City employees are sharing cars at City Hall with members of The Car Co-op, who can use the vehicles when they aren’t being used for City business.

Remember...

…someone who shared their Slip’n Slide, LEGO or Etch A Sketch with you so long ago? Return the favour and forward this e-mail; they’ll love One Day!

New readers, sign-up here.

What's happening

Energy efficiency workshop
Aug. 12, 7-8pm
Rhizome Cafe
Learn how to improve the energy efficiency of your house while accessing up to $13,605 in rebates. RSVP.

Community garden tour
Every 2nd Sunday, July-Sept.
11am-1pm
Visit select gardens for a personalized tour with an experienced community gardener. Or take your own self-guided tour any day of the week.

Guest Expert Speaker Series
July 18, 2-4pm
Barry Milner speaks about geoexchange systems.
July 25, 2-4pm
Join Bryn Davidson as he presents his laneway pilot project.
Cost $5. RSVP.

Birds, Bees and Berries
Aug. 8, 2pm
Bring your kids for an interactive family lesson on how vital bees are for healthy plants! Cost $25, register online.

Edible Tour
Aug 9, 9am-4pm
This farm tour includes transportation, a delicious lunch, a knowledgeable tour guide, in-depth tours of three farms and the opportunity to purchase farm fresh fare! Tickets $80.

Farmers Markets
Summer 2009
A 9-week trial market in Gastown has been approved by City Council! Stay tuned for details. New at Kitsilano and Main Street Markets: Bought too much to carry? Have UBC AMS Market Cargo Team deliver your purchases by bike.

Green Building Market Forum
Jul 29, 8-10:30am
Learn about the latest BC green building products and materials, and how policy can impact the evolution of this sector. Cost $62.50. Register online.

Summer spaces
Summer Sundays
Roam freely on the streets in Gastown, Main Street, Commercial Drive and Collingwood and see what your community has to offer. Visit website for dates, times and programming details.

Check out our events calendar for more sustainability related events happening in and around Vancouver.

In the media

Check out the One Day media section for more climate change related news.

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July 2009 Hello! welcome It is a lesson that most of us learned before kindergarten: sharing -- the focus of this month's issue. Rather than own, maintain and store items that you use infrequently, save space and money, and share, trade, borrow or rent! One Day is a City of Vancouver initiative that encourages residents to take small actions in their daily lives to use less energy at home and on the move, to help protect the climate, and to make Vancouver the cleanest, greenest, healthiest city in the world. One Day actions of the month This month we encourage you to embrace what your parents always told you and SHARE! We’re all used to sharing movies and books (think of our wonderful libraries) but here are a few more things to consider. Options to owning “new” reduces the amount of resources and pollution associated with the production and movement of materials. Cars – Why own when you can share? Consider joining the Co-operative Auto Network or using Zip Car. Car sharers pay for cars only when they need them. They don’t have all those monthly maintenance, gas and insurance payments that come with owning a car. Biggest plus, you have access to a variety of vehicles when you might need one. There are a few hundred cars throughout the region available at anytime. Rides – We’d be remiss if we gave up the chance to remind you to ride-share (aka carpool). If you are looking for a new commuting buddy, register with the Jack Bell Ride Matching database. You never know, your perfect commuting match could be right next door. Tools, lawn and sporting equipment - Get to know your neighbours by pooling resources you can share: camping, lawn equipment, tools and, heh, why not vacuum cleaners? Who really has space to own a ladder anyhow? Most hardware stores rent larger items when you need them. A few communities even have tool lending libraries set up – maybe you should start one in yours! We all love our gear, but quite often it makes more sense to rent. Ask at your local sporting store if they have rentals. Garden space- Have a backyard space but no time to garden, or vice-versa? Register your backyard space on Sharing Backyards. Clothing – Have you out-grown or grown-tired of your threads? Have a clothing swap with your friends or a visit a vintage shop. It can not only be a good time, its a huge money saver and both are planet-friendly solutions. Now there are no excuses. Thanks to the internet it is easier than ever to trade, buy or sell old items using sites like craigslist, eBay, or any of your other favourites. Borrowed bike update Vancouver residents and visitors alike caught an early glimpse of a public bike share system during a recent demonstration in mid-June. They were able to see how a self-serve rental station for bikes works, and provide their feedback. Check the City’s website for the most up-to-date information, including a summary of feedback and future plans. One Day wonders This month’s wonders are Stephanie and Matt for sharing their experience of their Run for One Planet journey on VIDEO! This inspiring couple ran 11,000 miles, raised over $120,000, inspired 26,800 actions and touched countless people. Check out their top 10 actions for the environment. Our next wonders are Alex and Kathy. After moving from New Brunswick to their Kerrisdale home last fall, they quickly became neighbourhood favourites. In the spirit of true Maritime hospitality, this couple lent out their collection of shovels and ice scrapers to ill-equipped neighbours during this past winter’s snowfalls. Since then, the sharing hasn’t stopped. This spring, Alex and neighbour Ed even bought an electric lawnmower together! Did you know... ...the City of Vancouver is the newest (and biggest) client of The Company Car? The Company Car is a subsidiary of Vancouver's not-for-profit car sharing organization, The Car Co-op. City employees are sharing cars at City Hall with members of The Car Co-op, who can use the vehicles when they aren’t being used for City business.	Remember... …someone who shared their Slip’n Slide, LEGO or Etch A Sketch with you so long ago? Return the favour and forward this e-mail; they’ll love One Day! New readers, sign-up here. What's happening Energy efficiency workshop Aug. 12, 7-8pm Rhizome Cafe Learn how to improve the energy efficiency of your house while accessing up to $13,605 in rebates. RSVP. Community garden tour Every 2nd Sunday, July-Sept. 11am-1pm Visit select gardens for a personalized tour with an experienced community gardener. Or take your own self-guided tour any day of the week. Guest Expert Speaker Series July 18, 2-4pm Barry Milner speaks about geoexchange systems. July 25, 2-4pm Join Bryn Davidson as he presents his laneway pilot project. Cost $5. RSVP. Birds, Bees and Berries Aug. 8, 2pm Bring your kids for an interactive family lesson on how vital bees are for healthy plants! Cost $25, register online. Edible Tour Aug 9, 9am-4pm This farm tour includes transportation, a delicious lunch, a knowledgeable tour guide, in-depth tours of three farms and the opportunity to purchase farm fresh fare! Tickets $80. Farmers Markets Summer 2009 A 9-week trial market in Gastown has been approved by City Council! Stay tuned for details. New at Kitsilano and Main Street Markets: Bought too much to carry? Have UBC AMS Market Cargo Team deliver your purchases by bike. Green Building Market Forum Jul 29, 8-10:30am Learn about the latest BC green building products and materials, and how policy can impact the evolution of this sector. Cost $62.50. Register online. Summer spaces Summer Sundays Roam freely on the streets in Gastown, Main Street, Commercial Drive and Collingwood and see what your community has to offer. Visit website for dates, times and programming details. Check out our events calendar for more sustainability related events happening in and around Vancouver. In the media Home renovation tax credit helps economy and taxpayers Vancouver charges ahead with electric-car plug-ins Consumer demand spurs a corporate sea change A bridge, abridged Pedal for the planet launch in Vancouver Why buy when you can rent Student changes light bulbs, attitudes Check out the One Day media section for more climate change related news.

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