GREEN CHALLENGE GROWING ENTHUSIASM IN 2009 2010

20 Leagues participated in the Green Challenge 2008. At EFCL's AGM April 27, 2009, 14 more leagues received their starter kit at the 2009 AGM and agreed to take the motion to their board to involve themselves in the 2009 Green Challenge. Now 45 leagues are involved.

STARTER KITS INCLUDE: Programmable thermostat, light bulbs, Godo Stoyko's book on retrofits and going green, turn off the light stickers, tips and more ( still some available - contact communications@efcl.org )

HOW TO MAKE IT HAPPEN:

Click to download pdf format motion or doc format motion to take to your board meeting and have them commit to making decisions that are sustainable. New leagues joining the challenge must complete the energy audit and 4 additional criteria to qualify for the 2010 AGM $5000 prize. Returning leagues must complete an additional 3 criteria.

Send your list of completed criteria to communications@efcl.org by April 10, 2010. Where possible include costs, special project instructions (so other leagues can benefit from your knowledge), any tips, and time taken to complete the tasks. If you know your energy savings include that too.

CRITERIA:

1. Complete an energy audit of your hall - professional or self conducted Link to a do-it-yourself audit or see a list of government approved auditors for the Eco Energy Grant or investigate Eco Equity as an option to do your audit, finance your retrofits and make payments based on energy savings - what a great idea ! www.ecoequity.ca Contact happens to be a very active community league board member for Queen Alexandra - Myles Kitagawa, and he is equipped with loads of advice. mylesck@ecoequity.ca

Plus meet four or more of the following challenges

2. Change all old light bulbs and replace them with compact fluorescent bulbs.
3. Replace old appliances with new energy efficient appliances.
4. Place “TURN OUT THE LIGHTS” stickers on all light switches.
5. Sign your hall up with a Green Power provider i.e. Bullfrog Power
6. Re-landscape all skating rinks and put rinks on a separate water meter with EPCOR.
7. Install Programmable Thermostats.
8. Your own innovative “green” ideas.
9. Register with CORE- City of Edmonton Carbon Reduction Strategy www.CO2RE.ca
* returning leagues from the 2008 Challenge must complete at least 3 new criteria in addition to last year’s finished criteria to qualify for the draw. All leagues must provide a list of at least 5 completed accomplishments to EFCL 2 weeks prior to the AGM in April 2010.

We would also like to provide educational challenges that leagues could carry out through their newsletters and websites or public meetings.

1. Pesticide education on the health and environmental risks and alternatives (free advice from info@EnviroPerfectSolutions.com )

2. Vehicle Idling- Busting the Myths - Check out the City "Be Idle Free" web page

3. Host a Green Presentation at your league - Ask EFCL if you need ideas

NEW CRITERIA FOR 2010:

10. START A LIVING LOCAL CAMPAIGN - Since EFCL has declared this a campaign, we encourage all leagues to effect a project such as local motion (a challenge to your community to reduce car trips), Little Green Thumbs, or find your resources in your neighbourhood with the help of Transition Towns. Start a community garden, have a harvest swap for your surplus garden vegetables, plant edibles in the alley for everyone, you pick your project and ask us for resources.

11. Host an Educational Project Presentation Evening

12. Returning leagues registered with the challenge must host an educational evening and complete three new retrofits.

To make this happen several leagues have created the position of Sustainability Director. This position can be redefined according to your local requirements but basically includes: "A Director who is responsible for promoting sustainable practices and programs in the community."

For completing their tasks they not only lowered the Community League Hall Carbon footprint, they also increased awareness of the importance of conservation and caring for our planet. And one lucky league – Ottewell - won $5000 toward an Eco retrofit of their choice. This prize will be offered again in 2009 thanks to CO2RE – the City of Edmonton’s initiative to reduce the city’s carbon footprint.

Take a motion to your league - download a sample motion (doc format) - or (pdf format) and get involved for a greener, more conscientious Edmonton. It starts with the changing of a light bulb!