Digital Citizenship

"You can't have the benefits of globalization without some of the responsibilities" -Bono 

Digital Citizenship goes far beyond how we're acting on the internet.

The world is moving more towards more sustainable and ethical practices. Often I think about the food I eat, the clothing I wear, the services I use and whether they have a positive or negative affect on the world. I have to admit, I never really thought about it when it came to my phone. 

This summer I worked at FortWhyte Alive. 

"FortWhyte Alive is more than just a nature centre, wildlife refuge, or a place for education – our 640 acres of protected urban greenspace is an award-winning destination for incredible outdoor experiences.
We connect humans with nature through a variety of unique programs and events that foster sustainability in our community, as well as offering every day nature exploration, outdoor recreation, adventure and discovery – leaving our visitors inspired, with a new and memorable experience, each time they visit.
Experience our passion for the outdoors and the things we care about – active people, a healthy planet, and a vibrant community."

While working there, I learned a lot about sustainability. Some of the initiatives from their 2015 Sustainability Plan include:

• Acquire Call2Recycle battery recycling boxes for all buildings (2014 - ongoing) 
• Develop educational signage to promote waste reduction program (2015) 
• Develop an internal e-waste recycling program (2015) 

*Aside*: The FortWhyte Alive website also has a ton of resources for educators. They have early , middle and senior years outdoor lesson plans on sustainability, the environment and Canadian history.

Throughout the center, I saw these initiatives in action, alongside a really neat composting program. Often we would get people coming in with bags of batteries to recycle, or folks calling with questions about where to recycle aerosol cans, markers and old technology. 

Recycle Manitoba is a great resource for figuring out where to dispose of certain items. 

It's super simple and user friendly. Just select the material, item and location and it will tell you where to go!

Thanks for reading,

Mme. Lamont