Explore the Neighbourhood Guide

Make a difference where you live with OneEarth's Lighter Living Action Pack for Neighbourhoods in BC (PDF). You’ll find lots of fun and inspiring actions that you and your neighbours can take to have the highest impact to advance Lighter Living. The 7 Action Packs are:
​1. Building on the Block Party
2. Good Stuff
3. Big Wins
4. Next-Level Food
​5. Life Changes
6. Cultivating Connections
7. Lighter Living Super Challenge

Lighter Living means meeting the everyday needs and aspirations of everyone in ways that make us and the Earth’s living systems happy and healthy. ​​​
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Apply for a Neighbourhood Small Grant

If you live in New Westminster, North Surrey or the Sea-to-Sky region, apply for a Lighter Living Neighbourhood Small Grant (LL-NSG) (up to $500) to take an action from one of the 7 Action Packs or one inspired by the guide. This is available in 3 pilot communities in 2022, from 1 May. 

Use the guide - and make your idea a reality!

The guide is based on the view that, when we join up with others and take bold and inspired action, we can really make a difference in our communities for the long term. 

Once you have your action idea, decide if you need additional resources. If so, here are some options:
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​​We want to make sure you’re having the biggest impact possible. That’s why this guide is based on the latest science and research on our local footprints in Southwest BC.

​​​The guide supports ecological and carbon footprint reductions - while advancing social justice and wellbeing. Priority areas include how we eat, move around, live in our homes, and the stuff we buy. Together, we can support fair, healthy and meaningful lives for all residents.
  • Food is 50% of our footprint, which we can reduce it by tackling food waste and shifting to plant-rich diets.

  • Mobility is 25% of our footprint, and we can reduce it by finding alternatives to personal car ownership and increasing the percentage of trips by walking, cycling and public transit.
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  • Buildings are 15% of our footprint, and we can reduce it by lowering our housing energy needs and tackling our building and construction waste.
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  • ​Stuff is 10% of our footprint, which we can reduce by reusing and repurposing furnishings and appliances.
PictureIllustration of the ecological footprint of Southwest BC. Food is 50%, mobility is 25%, buildings is 15% stuff is 10%.
Our ecological footprint - Southwest BC

Get started with one of the 7 Action Packs!

You may already be doing things in your own household that model the change you want to see. Practicing these at home and starting a conversation with your neighbours is powerful. But remember, to really have an impact, you’ll want to engage others as well. Start with whatever package seems like the best fit for your community. Once you've finished one, take on another - or commit to the Lighter Living Super Challenge!
Building on the Block Party
Click the image to download Action Pack 1 - or turn to p. 12 in the guide
Good Stuff
Click the image to download Action Pack 2 - or turn to p. 17 in the guide
Big Wins
​Click the image to download Action Pack 3 - or turn to p. 22 in the guide
Next-Level Food
​Click the image to download Action Pack 4 - or turn to p. 27 in the guide
Life Changes
​Click the image to download Action Pack 5 - or turn to p. 32 in the guide
Cultivating Connection
​Click the image to download Action Pack 6 - or turn to p. 37 in the guide
Lighter Living
​Super Challenge
​Click the image to download Action Pack 7 - or turn to p. 42 in the guide
Explore how people are taking action across the province
Building On The Block Party: Leveraging Car Free Day
  • ​See page 16 in the report
Good Stuff: Metro Van Repair Cafes
  • See page 21 in the report
Big Wins: Vancouver Civic Engagement
  • See page ​26 in the report
Next Level Food: Il Centro
  • See page 31 in the report
​Life Changes: Walking School Bus
  • See page 36 in the report
Cultivating Connection: Hives for Humanity
  • See page 41 in the report
Lighter Living Super Challenge: Hub Cycling Bike to Work/Bike to School Weeks
  • See page 46 in the report 

REFLECTING ON YOUR TEAM AND PROJECT
Pre-start checklist​ 

Before getting started with your neighbourhood action pack, remember what the primary goal is: 
  • ​To reduce footprints while prioritizing shifts that lead to better living and greater wellbeing for everyone.

Pre-Start Checklist (PDF)
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​This means that, when you engage with others in your community, you need to be conscious of your own background and perspectives. This requires some important personal reflection. The Pre-Start Checklist helps you reflect on yourself as a change-maker and addresses community action.

REMEMBER! It's OK to let yourselves be vulnerable! 
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