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Make The World Better Magazine

RIPPLE of CHANGE: Sharing Stories to Create Waves of Impact

Every one of us has the power to make a positive change in the world and inspire others to do the same. Sharing the work changemakers are doing with like-minded audiences creates a powerful ripple effect that can spread across the world.

We spoke with Whitney Larson, Creative Director of RIPPLE of CHANGE, about how this purpose-driven magazine uplifts changemakers by amplifying their inspiring stories.

Pictured here are the five original co-founders of ROC. (Clockwise from top: Christy Schmid, Mel Sutjiadi, Cicely Belle Blain, Whitney Larson, and Kate Bouchard)

What was the “spark” that inspired you to start producing RIPPLE of CHANGE?

In 2018, I travelled to India with Christy Schmid, another founding partner of the RIPPLE of CHANGE (ROC) team, to work with the Milaan Foundation. We were there to document stories of girls who are fighting to change the education system — quite literally the embodiment of “ripple of change.” These girls are given resources from the Milaan Foundation to go out into their communities and form a group of 20–25 other girls who also want a continued education past the age that their society typically allows. We saw the confidence and strength of these girls and started talking about how we could share their stories and similar stories of changemakers with a larger audience. 

As a creative duo — a designer and a photographer — we often found ourselves asking the question, “How can we take our talents and use them to make the world better?” We realized that we could use our creativity and influence to share stories like that of Kushboo and Rajkumari, two girls from rural Uttar Pradesh who transformed their own community through education and empowerment. RIPPLE of CHANGE was born to highlight this story, and hundreds of others, in a way that will inspire and engage a global audience of volunteers, activists, and changemakers. And ultimately, encourage them to join in.

What do you consider to be your biggest success?

The story of our launch. In 2020, when everything felt dark and overwhelming, Christy and I, along with three other founders, were committed to telling stories of hope and change. As the struggle, pain, and inequity of our collective experience surfaced, we came together, built the brand, and produced and launched the first issue of ROC in under six months.

We chose grounded optimism to offer clear, tangible suggestions for how to take action. I’m proud that our perspective on how to mobilize change was able to connect others in ways we never had before.

Can you share any stories of the impact your work has had that have surprised you?

Before ROC was born, while Christy and I were in India, we spent our first full day with an incredible girl named Rajkumari. She showed us around her village and told us stories about the challenges she overcame to pursue an education. She opened her heart to us and told us about the people who lifted her up and those who tried to stand in her way. At the end of the day, we stood on the roof of her house, taking her picture as the sun went down. She turned to us and said, “Thank you — you made me feel like Superman today.”

It was such a beautiful moment and has become a kind of internal bar, amplifying people and stories like hers to create that positive ripple effect of goodwill, support, and encouragement.

Since then, we feel it when hearing people talk about what they learned from our articles or seeing the excitement on someone’s face when we discuss how we can tell their story to inspire others. We have that excitement on our internal team, but it’s so encouraging to have it reinforced by the responses and actions of others.

How do you feel having a platform and community help to make the world better?

Hopeful. And proud of all the people who have opened their hearts, arms, and minds to the ideas.

We often talk about the power of small conversations. We encourage people to speak up and ask questions, even if they’re talking to an audience of one, because you never know how far that conversation will travel. There’s no telling how your ideas and perspective might open the mind of someone who was closed off to change in the past. 

One of ROC’s favourite steps in the production process is hanging the pages on the wall and reviewing the book from a bird’s eye lens. Here, their Chicago mascot Hass, is giving it a final review.

What are some of the challenges you typically face in creating content or building out your audience?

Fear and anger can be conversation stoppers. We’ve worked hard to build a platform that encourages inclusivity. That is why the foundation of each of our stories is a personal or lived experience.

Even if you don’t understand the entire experience, you can usually relate to a person on some level and that starts to open hearts and minds. We hope readers approach our stories and content with a sense of curiosity and willingness to engage with a perspective other than their own.

Are there any upcoming initiatives or projects you’d like to share?

We have a few projects in the idea-building phase and will be sharing more in our newsletter soon. We’re looking at how we can engage individuals but also offer opportunities for companies to inspire their staff and act on their goals for social change. We’re thrilled to have three new partners on the team, Bob Roth, Jimmy Watkins, and Kara McPherson, and are working on a mix of digital and in-person events and community-builders, including an Issue 04 launch party!

How can people help support your mission?

Join our email newsletter and jump into conversations on our social platforms. We believe change happens when people with different experiences and viewpoints are willing to share and speak honestly with each other. Small, constructive conversations lead to empathy and positive movement all across the world.

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Make The World Better Magazine

Love Food Hate Waste Canada: Helping Everyone Prevent Waste

When it comes to our individual fight against climate change, where should we start?  We all know the importance of reducing our individual environmental impact, and food waste is one area we can all work on right away, with the right tools, right from the comfort of our own kitchens.

We spoke with Joanne Gauci, Campaign Manager at Love Food Hate Waste Canada, about how this initiative is helping to end food waste by educating Canadians on prevention at home.

Love Food Hate Waste Canada’s “Labour of Love” campaign, which showcased real farmers across Canada.

What was the “spark” behind the Love Food Hate Waste Canada campaign?

Metro Vancouver first launched Love Food Hate Waste (LFHW) in the region in 2015. Then, building on the success of the regional campaign, we launched the initiative across Canada through the National Zero Waste Council in 2018. The motivation behind launching the campaign was to take a “prevention-first” approach to tackling food waste. Food waste is an urgent but solvable local and global challenge, and through LFHW Canada we are able to work with many partners across the country to inspire and empower people to make their food go further and waste less. Today, LFHW Canada represents a unique national collaboration, uniting a variety of business, government, and community champions all working together to tackle food waste in the home.

What do you consider to be your biggest success? Can you share any stories of the impact your work has had that have surprised you?

Everybody has a role to play in tackling food waste, and I think our biggest success has been engaging a variety of partners across the country so that everyone hears the same consistent messaging, whether they are at the grocery store or their community market, for example.  LFHW Canada has grown to become Canada’s leading resource for preventing household food waste due to the efforts of our partners and champions across the country.

By working together, we are able to have a much bigger impact than we can on our own, and Food Waste Action Week, which has taken place in March for the past two years in a row, is a great example of the power of aligning messaging locally and globally. This is an event that we run in collaboration with the international network of LFHW Canada partners, and for that one week, different organizations come together to raise awareness about the issue and opportunities for change. Food Waste Action Week 2023, which ran from March 6–12, was the most engaged campaign we have run since we launched in 2018, garnering over three million impressions across Canada for a week of coordinated activity.

How do you feel having a platform and community help to make the world better?

We hear first-hand that the Love Food Hate Waste Canada website and resources have helped families and individuals make their food last longer, save money, and ultimately prevent food waste. Our campaign partners are extremely active as well, sharing food waste prevention tips and messaging in their local communities, and you will see many of them at your summer farmers market. Food waste is one area where citizens can have a huge impact on climate change, and we feel proud to be working with others across the country to tackle this important issue. 

What are some of the challenges you typically face in creating content or building out your audience? 

We are lucky — there haven’t been a lot of challenges in our content creation to date; people generally love to talk about food and share their own tips and strategies for preventing food waste. However, we do a lot of myth-busting! For example, people often think that if they put their food in the green bin, then there isn’t an environmental impact. The green bin is absolutely the best way to manage unavoidable food waste, like banana peels and egg shells, but the truth is Canadians are wasting much more food than they realize. Our research suggests that approximately 63% of the food we throw out could have been eaten. That leaves a lot of room for improvement!

Are there any upcoming initiatives or projects you’d like to share?

This year we have a big focus on tackling fresh produce waste, which is the most commonly wasted food type in Canadian homes. We completed research that brings to life the journey of five different foods: blueberries, potatoes, lettuce, tomatoes, and apples. This research can be found on our website and underpins our current “Labour of Love” campaign, which aims to connect Canadians to the farmers who grow our food and emphasizes the important role of storage in keeping produce fresher for longer. 

Ultimately, this campaign is about getting people to think about the story behind their food, and all of the resources, labour, and care that went into making it. This is a multi-phased project that has been partly funded by Environment and Climate Change Canada, and we look forward to reporting on our key findings.  

How can people help support your mission? 

Share the message that #EveryBiteCounts and encourage fellow Canadians to visit lovefoodhatewaste.ca to get easy tips and tricks to prevent food waste at home.

This story was featured in the Make The World Better Magazine:

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Make The World Better Magazine

Intersectional Environmentalist: Growing the Movement

In the face of global crises, historically-excluded communities are disproportionately impacted by the effects of climate change. Luckily, there is a growing movement that looks at this issue through an intersectional lens, and the individuals behind it are working hard to educate others and spread awareness to take action. 

We spoke with Sabs Katz, Co-Founder and Partnerships Lead at Intersectional Environmentalist, about how this collective is amplifying the intersectional environmentalism movement through content creation, activations, education, and community-building.

IE team and community at the inaugural Earth Sessions Show in Brooklyn in April 2022.

What was the “spark” that inspired you to start creating Intersectional Environmentalist content?

Intersectional Environmentalist (IE) was founded during the resurgence of the civil rights movement back in 2020. After the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, there was little vocal support from the environmental community. Leah Thomas (@greengirlleah) created an Instagram post that would end up going viral, calling on climate advocates to stand in solidarity with Black lives and defining intersectional environmentalism. 

With the momentum and support from the climate justice community online, Leah connected with fellow environmentalists like Diandra Marizet (@diandramarizet), Phil Aiken (@philthefixer), myself (@sustainablesabs), and our larger community to develop a resource hub and Instagram page for learning more about the intersections between climate and social justice.

What do you consider to be your biggest success? Can you share any stories of the impact your work has had that have surprised you?

There are so many things we’ve been proud of, but if I have to choose one I’d say it’s the community we’ve built. Being in community with and having support from 500K individuals across the world has been so affirming. Seeing folks engage with and use our resources, as well as start clubs and groups dedicated to intersectional environmentalism, seeing students change their school curriculum, and even hearing the White House speak to the importance of intersectionality in the climate space shows just how prolific this movement is and how much it’s needed!

How do you feel having a platform and community help to make the world better?

It’s been incredible to have a pulse on our reach and to see how people are taking the message of intersectional environmentalism and really embodying it. By leading with climate optimism, storytelling, and solutions, our community has taken these environmental justice learnings and empowered themselves to start community groups, join local gardens, and participate in wealth distribution for grassroots organizations.

IE Team and community at a hike in Southern California in 2021.

What are some of the challenges you typically face in creating content or building out your audience?

Challenges like the ever-changing algorithm, emerging trends, and digital burnout have encouraged us to get creative and reimagine how we disseminate and share our resources with people. Content creation and education/awareness will always be a part of our offerings, so we’re excited to continue navigating the digital landscape and using social media as a tool for building this movement.

Are there any upcoming initiatives or projects you’d like to share?

We’re currently re-imagining the next chapter for IE, and through that process are focusing on continuing to support our online community with educational assets and fostering more in-person activations that bridge communities with their local environmental justice (EJ) leaders through offerings like Earth Sessions (@earthsessions.ie), workshops, campus visits, and book giveaway meet-ups.

How can people help support your mission?

Following and engaging with our content, joining local environmental justice initiatives, taking action toward the things you’re passionate about (e.g. joining a community garden, supporting frontline communities, voting, etc.), amplifying climate optimism and solutions, and supporting grassroots climate justice organizations are all ways we, as individuals, can support a more equitable and inclusive future.

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David Suzuki Foundation: Catalyzing Climate Activism

Successful climate activism has the power to drive positive change at all levels, from personal to governmental. In order to achieve this, though, we need educational tools to utilize, movements to engage with, and climate solutions to implement. 

We spoke with Craig David Long, Content Manager, about how the David Suzuki Foundation is educating and empowering Canadians to build healthier environments and sustainable communities with its over 30 years of experience.

David Suzuki participated in workshops and breakout sessions at the “Building Power: a Future Ground Network convergence” Vancouver event to help participants dive deeper into how to build and coordinate power collectively and strategically against forces driving the climate crisis.

What was the “spark” that inspired your founders to start creating educational content at the David Suzuki Foundation?

The David Suzuki Foundation got its start in 1990 after a CBC Radio series David Suzuki hosted called “It’s a Matter of Survival.” So many listeners were alarmed by the discussion of environmental problems, including climate change, that about 17,000 people sent in letters asking what they could do. The Foundation’s goal was to provide education and, above all, solutions. 

To complement its activism and on-the-ground public engagement work, the Foundation has worked with the David Suzuki Institute and Greystone Books to publish more than 60 books, many of which have won national and international awards. The Foundation has also published the weekly syndicated Science Matters column under David Suzuki’s name for the past 25 years. 

What do you consider to be the Foundation’s biggest success? Can you share any stories of the impact your work has had that have surprised you?

Over its 34-year history, the Foundation has had many successes. The “Declaration of Interdependence,” written for the 1992 United Nations Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, formed the Foundation’s guiding principles in its early years, and portions of it were woven into the Earth Charter, which continues to gain adherents today. 

Additionally, working with Indigenous Peoples and communities and supporting community activism through the Future Ground Network and Réseau Demain le Québec have informed and helped amplify the Foundation and its allies’ critical environmental work. 

As well, our scientific research and reports have helped reform fisheries practices, offer ways for Canada to reach zero-emissions electricity by 2035, and hold governments to account for habitat protection. 

Last but certainly not least, the Foundation’s Blue Dot Tour and movement provided a major push for Canada’s decision to enshrine the right to a healthy environment in law.

How do you feel having a platform and community help to make the world better?

Our many supporters and followers give us hope. We believe that the Foundation’s adherence to evidence-based information and its collaborative approach are making a difference in Canada and beyond. With the climate and biodiversity crises the world faces, it’s up to us all to do our part to educate and bring about positive change. The David Suzuki Foundation is proud to be part of this growing movement.

Performance stage at a Healing Forest at Riverside School’s Knowledge Path in Albert Bridge, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, on unceded Mi’Kmaq territory.

What are some of the challenges you typically face in creating content or building out your audience?

Like most environmental organizations, the David Suzuki Foundation must find ways to reach a larger audience and not just talk to those who are already on the same side as us. With limited resources, we also have to focus our work and temper expectations from the public about the amount of work we can take on and the issues we can help with. Working with other organizations, community groups, and networks to mutually support each other’s work helps. 

Are there any upcoming initiatives or projects you’d like to share?

The Foundation will continue its critical climate and clean energy work, campaigning for renewable power for all, following up on our research that shows how Canada can have 100% emissions-free electricity by 2035. We will also work at the municipal level to empower citizens and councils to enact sound climate and sustainability practices and regulations, and boost ambition and implementation. And we’ll continue our work in biodiversity and habitat protection, including the Butterflyway Project, pollinator program, and orca and salmon conservation.

Working to build healthier environments and sustainable communities on this land we call Canada requires a diversity of voices and a wide range of knowledge and ideas, especially the knowledge of Indigenous Peoples who have known these lands and waters for millennia. The Foundation’s collaborative work on reports and a series of videos explaining “Land Back” and treaties shows how land governance must change to recognize and uphold Indigenous rights and responsibilities and to restore nature’s once abundant ecosystems.

The Foundation is also working with the National Healing Forests Initiative to encourage reconciliation by dedicating space in forests, gardens, or green spaces as places for healing, learning, sharing, and reflecting on Canada’s history and the legacy of Indian Residential Schools.

As always, we at the Foundation know that environmental and social justice go hand in hand, and we strive to be an inclusive and powerful amplifier for the many diverse voices calling for better ways of living on this land and with each other.

As always, you can learn about the above and other good work, at davidsuzuki.org. 

How can people help support your mission?

People can get involved in many ways, including volunteering, getting involved in campaigns, signing petitions and joining actions, and donating. We offer opportunities for volunteers in everything from pollinator work and the Butterflyway Project to the Suzuki Elders. It’s also important for people to talk to friends, family, coworkers, and others about the climate and biodiversity crises and their solutions. Greater awareness leads to growing potential for change.

This story was featured in the Make The World Better Magazine:

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Make The World Better Magazine

Brown Girl Green: Building Community to Fight Climate Change

Online communities can lead to powerful real-world connections. With the right content, tools, and a dash of radical vulnerability, creating a platform to share stories has helped close gaps and bring more people into the fight against climate change, especially those often left in the fray.

We spoke with Kristy Drutman, Founder of Brown Girl Green, about how her platform is empowering conversations, community, and careers in the climate change space.

Kristy Drutman.

What was the “spark” that inspired you to start advocating for and creating content about environmental rights?

When Typhoon Haiyan hit the Philippines, I felt devastated about the impacts the climate crisis was having and would have on the country where my family members live. I realized I had a responsibility and privilege to use my voice to raise awareness about these issues, especially in the US.

What do you consider to be your biggest success? Can you share any stories of the impact your work has had that have surprised you?

My biggest success was building an online community where people started learning about each other’s work and actually meeting each other in real life after discovering one another through the Brown Girl Green platform. 

Further, creating the Green Jobs Board, a company now helping thousands of people find and secure jobs to work on the climate crisis, feels like a true, tangible impact I’ve created through digital media tools. I identified a major pain point and storytelling gap when it comes to mobilizing and bringing more people into the movement: finding spaces and opportunities for them to build long-term, lifetime careers. Multiple young people of colour are on my team, working to address accessibility gaps in the world of climate work and to begin building the standard for a sustainable and equitable future.

How do you feel having a platform and community help to make the world better?

Having a platform creates a space for conversations that otherwise wouldn’t be prioritized or heard. It increases the surface area of opportunity for communities and campaigns that otherwise get left off the radar by the mainstream media. It provides me with the agency and autonomy to put out good work in the world without having too many strings attached to me in the process. In that way, my radical vulnerability creates a space of permission for others to strive and speak their own truth as well. 

Kristy speaking to a group and doing resume review for green job seekers at the Earth Day festival in New York City.

What are some of the challenges you typically face in creating content or building out your audience?

Algorithmic suppression of BIPOC creators, internet trolls/haters, and keeping the work funded through partnerships, collaborations, and my management team. All of this requires a lot of energy and brainpower to ensure the moving puzzle pieces create a sustainable platform and workflow. Also having to vet who I work with — based on ethics, sustainability of my work, etc. — takes it to the next level. 

Are there any upcoming initiatives or projects you’d like to share?

Yes! The new release of greenjobsboard.us. For any companies and organizations looking for a platform to hire amazing, diverse talent, please consider using Green Jobs Board! Also, the Brown Girl Green podcast is up and on fire these days with weekly episodes all about climate education and environmental justice. If you’re looking for an environmental podcast curated with fascinating topics and full of melanin, subscribe to wherever you listen to shows and the Brown Girl Green YouTube channel.

How can people help support your mission? 

I am always looking for organizations and values-aligned businesses to collaborate with, whether it be speaking engagements, workshops, content, or getting green jobs up on our site! If you’re someone who feels aligned with my work and mission to bring more diversity, equity, and inclusion to the climate space via storytelling and education, please hit me up! 

Social Media:

browngirlgreen.com/ 
browngirlgreen.com/greenjobs 
facebook.com/browngirlgreen/ 
twitter.com/browngirl_green (@BrownGirl_Green)
linkedin.com/company/brown-girl-green/ 
instagram.com/browngirl_green/ (@browngirl_green)
youtube.com/@BrownGirlGreen/ 
patreon.com/browngirlgreen 
communities.kajabi.com/browngirlgreen/challenges

This story was featured in the Make The World Better Magazine:

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Asparagus Magazine: Amplifying Sustainable Living

Sustainable living helps fight climate change and build a better world, but the journey can often feel overwhelming and discouraging. To keep people motivated, it’s important to apply a creative, intersectional lens, providing encouragement, expertise, and a touch of levity, so everyone can make big and small changes in their lives.

We spoke with Jessie Johnston, Founder, Publisher, and Editrix-in-Chief of Asparagus Magazine, about how this publication is using storytelling to inspire and support a community of readers determined to live sustainably.

Left to Right: Asparagus Vancouver-area team members Aniana Dominguez, Christine Fwu, Jessie Johnston (holding dearly departed Feline-In-Chief Millicent), Zohra Shahabuddin, Daina Lawrence, and Sun Woo Baik at a rare in-person gathering in 2022. Photo credit: Sun Woo Baik.

What was the “spark” that inspired you to start creating Asparagus Magazine content?

I founded Asparagus in 2018 because it was the magazine I wanted to read but just couldn’t find. Despite my passion for the environment and social justice, I mostly read magazines focused on other subjects. My favourite was Wired, a publication that brings together in-depth reporting, excellent writing, practical tips, and big-picture thinking, all woven through with a refreshing thread of irreverence.

When I first dreamed up Asparagus, there seemed to be two major trends in storytelling about sustainability: articles were either focused on small consumer choices, with guidance that was easy to digest but often not backed up by reliable evidence, or they were evidence-based examinations of big issues that were heavy and depressing to read.

Sometimes people want to understand a complex systemic issue, and sometimes they just need help picking toilet paper. My goal was to create a place where skilled writers could tell both the large and small stories of how we can live sustainably and tell them in a way that took the issues seriously without taking ourselves too seriously. The “Wired of green,” as it were.

Readers can care about the environment and social justice, and also want a break from the dread of 21st century living. So, from the very beginning, Asparagus has been a publication that values humour and creativity as highly as we value rigorous fact-checking and an intersectional worldview.

What do you consider to be your biggest success?

Our biggest success was winning the award for British Columbia Magazine of the Year at the 2022 Alberta Magazine Awards. For a publication as small as ours, receiving that recognition from our peers was meaningful and inspiring. We’re also thrilled that an initiative we’re a collaborator on — the Climate Disaster Project — has been nominated in the Engagement category of the 2023 Covering Climate Now Journalism Awards. It’s pretty incredible to be part of a finalists list with international heavy hitters like The Guardian and Al Jazeera.

Since publishing the Winter 2021 cover story on bats, the Asparagus team has learned something surprising: Everybody loves bats, but nobody knows that everybody else loves bats! This issue is by far the most popular choice when they give copies away at farmers markets. Photo credit: Erin Flegg.

How do you feel having a platform and community help to make the world better?

The cover story of our most recent issue was called “We’re All in This Together,” and that’s as true of the climate crisis as it was of the COVID-19 pandemic. So many of the world’s problems arise from people’s failure to recognize our deep interconnectedness with each other and the rest of life on Earth.

Storytelling is one of the most powerful tools humans have to bridge those divides. By publishing stories that connect our readers to their neighbours, to people continents away, and to the ecosystems we’re all part of, Asparagus can strengthen those readers’ resolve — and capacity — to take action in their own lives that can impact the planet as a whole.

Stories not only help people better understand each other and the world around us, but they also bring people together. Our journalism has enabled us to create a community of readers who gather around issues they care about and want to understand better. 

Since 2018, we’ve presented virtual and in-person documentary screenings and discussions, and in August 2022, we held our first in-person event in over two years. That sold-out gathering — co-hosted with EartHand Gleaners Society — was a joyful opportunity for us to share the sustainable textile expertise of EartHand’s artists with some of our longtime readers and welcome EartHand fans to our community. These kinds of opportunities to learn and connect are critical to building the informed coalitions we need to make things better for all life on Earth.

What are some of the challenges you typically face in creating content or building out your audience?

We are a tiny organization with an even tinier budget. It’s important to us to always pay contributors, even if we can’t pay them as much as we think they deserve. As such, we’re only able to publish as many stories as we can afford to pay for, which, these days, is not very many. But without new content, it’s hard to grow our audience to the size that could support us. It’s a vicious circle we’re trying hard to break out of so we can create award-winning, thought-provoking journalism for years to come.

And, as of this August, we’ve been hit with a new challenge to growing our audience: having all our posts and links to our website blocked in Canada on both Facebook and Instagram as a result of Meta’s punitive response to recent federal legislation.

Are there any upcoming initiatives or projects you’d like to share?

We are working on building partnerships that will help us get back to publishing online and in print with the frequency of past years. If you work with or know of an organization looking to collaborate on high-quality journalism about how we can live sustainably, we’d love to connect. Our next exciting initiative could be a partnership with you!

How can people help support your mission? 

Having the COVID-19 pandemic start just as we celebrated publishing our second issue meant we weren’t able to build our audience the way we had planned at a time when our young organization really needed to grow. As a result, we don’t have the number of readers or financial supporters that we need to sustainably support the work we created Asparagus to do.

People who believe in our mission can best support us by subscribing to the print magazine and/or by making a financial donation. Those who can’t contribute financially can still help by spreading the word about our work to their communities, whether by posting on social media, requesting that their local library or newsstand stock the magazine, or, most impactful of all, making individual recommendations to family, friends, and co-workers who want to build a just society on a healthy planet.

This story was featured in the Make The World Better Magazine:

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Events Impact Inspiration & Initiatives

Key Takeaways from the 2023 Zero Waste Conference

The circular economy is central to our vision of a better world. Our active role in working to help advance sustainability and our attendance at last year’s inspiring event fuelled our excitement to return to the Zero Waste Conference in our home city of Vancouver.

After travelling to multiple circular economy events this year, we felt more connected to the space and more energized than ever. Bringing along new experiences, deeper knowledge, and the sparks of meaningful ideas, we were able to benefit greatly from the conference’s action-focused presentations and networking sessions.

Keep scrolling for our highlights, including details about this year’s iteration of the event, pathways for affecting change, the role of storytelling, and inspiring circular economy innovations.

Connecting With Circularity Champions

Around 500 people from various backgrounds and professions gathered at the Vancouver Convention Centre to get behind the zero-waste movement. We noticed more students in attendance than last year, along with a mix of industry, academic, and government groups, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau — an encouraging sign that the circular economy is moving into the thought space of senior government officials, bringing us to new heights of possibility and widespread action.

We were also thrilled to see featured changemakers from Make The World Better Magazine at the conference, including ReFeed Canada, Circular Economy Leadership Canada, ShareWares, and Love Food Hate Waste Canada (coming up in Issue 6!). 

And since consistency is key for bringing far-reaching change into any space, it was encouraging to reconnect with folks we met at last year’s 2022 Zero Waste Conference and the Canadian Circular Economy Summit 2023.

Everyone brought an incredible amount of energy and engagement to this year’s theme “climate action through circularity.” There was palpable excitement around circular economy solutions and a focus on what we can do as opposed to things that we cannot control. This created a beautiful counterbalance to the anxiety that often arises in the face of negative environmental impacts and climate change.

Part and parcel with taking action, the event maintained a strong level of sustainability from start to finish. Meals were vegetarian (and delicious), dishes and utensils were reusable, no unnecessary swag was distributed, and magnetic badges were used instead of lanyards. To add an extra zero-waste touch, the badges were collected to be reused at next year’s conference and last year’s decorations were reused throughout the event.

While the decorations were the same, there were some notable changes to the 2023 iteration of the event. As a result of feedback given last year, the conference portion of the agenda was a bit shorter to provide greater opportunities for networking (thanks for listening!). We were able to walk away with a lot of new learnings, connections, and inspiration. 

Positivity and Problem-Solving Pathways

We were given thought-provoking insights into problems impacting the circular economy space, finding pathways for circular economy solutions, and taking action to end waste. 

The opening keynote was given by Dr. Jonathan Foley, Executive Director of Project Drawdown, who offered a clarion call: “We need science, dreams, heroes and leaders,” to help solve today’s climate crisis and bring about solutions. 

The truth is most people don’t realize that 80% of the solutions to address climate change are actually cheaper than current approaches, only 1% are talking about solutions, and many are getting lost in the “doom and gloom” of our climate crisis. 

We need to shift the conversation to meet people where they are and talk about tangible and solvable issues, strike a balance, and replace fear with an image of what a better future looks like. This will help us move beyond climate anxiety, which has become a stumbling block both to proper education and action.

Dr. Foley also highlighted the valuable role of imagination and positive stories, which can help us create and get people on board with winning circular economy strategies. This resonated with us personally since we use Make The World Better Magazine as a vehicle for presenting stories about changemakers who are actively taking action to make a positive impact.

This theme carried over into the day two keynote, “The Elephant in the Room: Behavior Change Solutions for Climate and Circularity,” where Dr. Jiaying Zhao, Canada Research Chair in Behavioural Sustainability and Associate Professor at the University of British Columbia, also discussed the importance of positivity as a solution pathway.

As Dr. Zhao explained, only 5% of people in North America talk about climate change on a regular basis, while 65% of people in the world have climate anxiety. “We’re often told what not to do, not what we can do,” Dr. Zhao said. We need to change the narrative and present people with solutions. 

Dr. Zhao introduced us to a simple yet fascinating solution: “Happy Climate Actions.” Happy Climate Actions can be carried out across all facets of our daily lives and implemented into existing schedules, including thoughtful transportation, conscientious shopping, and reducing food waste. Dr. Zhao provided Happy Climate Action examples for clothing, including making clothing easy to re-wear and repair, making shopping a special treat, and turning clothing swaps into social outings. Happy Climate Actions in day-to-day life are a great way to inspire hope, accelerate circularity, and achieve happier living. 

Storytelling Toward Circularity  

The essential role communication, storytelling, and education play in bringing us closer to our net zero and zero waste goals was centre stage throughout the event.

In his presentation, Neil Menezes, Packaging Sustainability Policy Manager at General Mills, spoke about the value of promoting innovation through social media. Offering a glimpse into the company’s commitment to a more recyclable future, he shared insight into their work to make their Nature Valley Crunchy bar wrappers store drop-off recyclable. Two ways to promote this innovation were discussed, along with the benefits and limitations of each. Only providing on-package messaging would speak directly to the communities where drop-off recycling is possible but would limit reach and awareness and slow the pace of adoption. Promoting through social media would demonstrate innovation, speed progress toward sustainability goals, and make it possible to raise awareness among a wider audience but some communities may not be able to recycle.

On the second day, a workshop on Circular Food systems, FOOD SOLVE for loss and waste, invited participants to examine case studies for solving food loss and waste from several different organizations. A grocery store in Vancouver caught our attention, as they’re currently facing an issue with communicating the value of food and supply chains to consumers, a gap they want to close so they can better combat food waste. As a group, we brainstormed solutions for the owner of the store. Most of the solutions the group came up with were centred around education and storytelling, including marketing collateral, effective in-store design, and digital campaigns.

This supports our belief that we need to lean into storytelling if we want circularity to become mainstream. With the right education and emotional connections, people will come to understand the value of zero waste and how they can make sustainable lifestyle choices. 

Inspiration and Innovation

During the conference, we had the chance to connect with a variety of changemakers in the circular economy space and learn about inspiring innovations. 

Our discussions with sustainability professionals led to many encouraging discoveries. In speaking with the Fairmont team, we learned there’s a lot of neat circularity work being done behind the scenes. One of their team members is creating fun and interesting ways to communicate sustainability and is building a culture of sustainability focus.

We also had the opportunity to learn about Oberland Agriscience, an innovative company rearing nutrient-rich black soldier fly larvae that will become part of livestock, pet, and fish feed, and an all-natural fertilizer. To maximize the circularity of the loop they’ve created, the insects use discarded fruit as their food source. Their products and processes can also help activate natural plant defences that could reduce the need for pesticides.

Apart from these fruitful conversations, we engaged with many presentations that shed light on innovative circular solutions and sustainability-minded companies.

Dr. Ehab Sayed, Founder and Chief Evolution Officer of Biohm, gave a presentation about this biotechnology company’s fascinating approach to problem-solving using fundamental concepts in physics to help derive real-world solutions. The connection Biohm drew between macroscopic and microscopic was not only interesting but was the ultimate end product in their construction of new materials derived from fungi.

Mindful Architecture was another noteworthy organization and the star of an interesting presentation on architectural projects based on Indigenous designs and lifestyles. In all of their projects, Mindful Architecture seeks to interweave nature with architectural design to re-establish a symbiotic relationship with nature. 

Indigenous-owned, slow fashion, sustainable clothing brand Anne Mulaire also gave a great presentation. Considering the heavy impact of fashion on our planet and the fight to transform the fashion industry through circular solutions, it was great to see a brand making a tangible difference. 

Let’s Work Together to Make an Impact

At the Zero Waste Conference, people from all walks of life brought unique approaches to the (circular) table. Sharing these different perspectives and circular economy strategies is a powerful way to activate people, gain support, and find the best path forward. All of these inspiring changemakers and advocates carry the desire, expertise, and authority to make a positive impact on the world and are proving what’s possible. 

A graduate student told us that the Zero Waste Conference made her feel like she wasn’t alone in wanting to make a difference. That’s a feeling we want everyone to experience.
Are you working to make a positive difference in the world? We would love to team up and amplify your impact. Contact us for a free marketing consultation.

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Events Impact Inspiration & Initiatives

20+ Purpose-Driven Events to Attend in January – March, 2024

Is making the world better one of your New Year’s resolutions? Look no further! There are purpose-driven conferences for every cause that matters to you, including advancing the circular economy, supporting underrepresented communities, championing DEI, advocating for accessibility, and more. 

We’ve tracked down over 20 learning, collaboration, and networking opportunities taking place both online and in-person, in Canada and globally, in the first three months of 2024, so you can start planning an impactful year.

Keep scrolling to learn all about purpose-driven events taking place this January, February, and March.

January

Having Difficult Conversations

Date: January 11, 2024, from 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM PST

Location: Online

Description: This workshop helps individuals with disabilities and their families learn how to navigate conflict and difficult conversations.

Masterclass: Creating Accessible Spaces with Debbie Patterson

Date: January 13, 2024, from 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM PST

Location: Online

Description: At this masterclass, participants will join Winnipeg playwright Debbie Patterson as she explores how to create accessible spaces for artists and audiences with disabilities. 

Connect and Caffeinate: Writing the CFRE

Date: January 18, 2024, from 8:30 AM – 10:00 AM EST

Location: Williams Fresh Cafe, Niagara Falls, Ontario

Description: Join the Niagara Fundraisers Network (NFN) for discussions about fundraising and pursuing Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) certification over cups of coffee.

JEDDI Seminar: The Geography of Inequality

Date: January 19, 2024, from 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM PST

Location: Online

Description: Learn how geographic place, labour markets, and public policy influence households’ economic lives and inequality at this JEDDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, Decolonization, and Inclusion) seminar.

Tasting Climate Change / Goûter aux Changements Climatiques 2024

Date: January 23 – 24, 2024

Location: Marché Bonsecours, Montréal, Québec

Description: This conference gathers together international experts to explore sustainability and sustainable production solutions in the wine industry through panel discussions, networking, and wine-tasting sessions.

Indigenous Child and Family Well-Being Conference 2024

Date: January 23 – 25, 2024

Location: Shaw Centre, Ottawa, Ontario

Description: Discover ways to contribute to improving the lives of Indigenous children and families at this conference. Connect with professionals, community leaders, and individuals passionate about supporting Indigenous communities; explore culturally responsive practices, holistic approaches to well-being, and community engagement strategies; and participate in interactive workshops, networking, and knowledge sharing.

Understanding Disability: Community Resources

Date: January 25, 2024, from 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM PST

Location: Online

Description: This workshop will help caregivers and professionals supporting individuals with disabilities prepare for adulthood and seniorhood and access what they need to live a good life.

CrossRoads 2024 — Alberta’s Crop Conference

Date: January 29 – 31, 2024

Location: The Westin Calgary Airport, Calgary, Alberta 

Description: Convened by the FarmTech Foundation of Alberta, this agriculture event explores the theme “New ideas and directions – examining big picture innovation in agriculture” at the intersection of people and ideas. Join discussions around agricultural sustainability, policy, markets, innovations, and farm management while enjoying a daily full breakfast and fun networking socials.

February

JEDDI Seminar: Non-Standard Work

Date: February 2, 2024, from 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM PST

Location: Online and In-Person at UBC Sauder School of Business, Vancouver, British Columbia

Description: Discover how individuals adapt to contingent work arrangements and the true organizational costs of hiring different types of contingent workers at this JEDDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, Decolonization, and Inclusion) seminar.

15th Annual Black History Month Gala

Date: February 3, 2024

Location: SteelWorkers’ Union Hall & Conference Centre, Sudbury, Ontario

Description: Join the Afro-Heritage Association of Sudbury (AHA) for a Black History Month celebration centred around the theme, “Empowering Change Through Dedicated Service.” Enjoy a special keynote, business showcases, exhibitions, and performances while celebrating  Afro-Caribbean culture and building a deeper sense of community.

CityAge Vancouver: Urban Zero Challenge

Date: February 6, 2024, from 8:30 AM – 1:30 PM PST

Location: Fairmont Waterfront, Vancouver, British Columbia

Description: Rise to CityAge Vancouver’s Urban Zero Challenge at this event, which will explore key themes around reducing environmental impacts, including decarbonizing cities, zero-emission transportation, zero-emission buildings, a new approach to urban development, and connecting Cascadia, along with the technologies and tools needed to meet this challenge head-on.

Women of Influence Nanaimo (WIN) Awards

Date: February 7, 2024, from 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM PST

Location: Vancouver Island Conference Centre, Nanaimo, British Columbia

Description: Celebrate the accomplishments of women, non-binary, two-spirit, and gender-diverse role models in the Nanaimo community at this purpose-driven awards ceremony.

1st Global Conference on Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestries & Food (GCAFFF)

Date: February 9 – 11, 2024

Location: The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia

Description: Meet with professionals, policymakers, sector leaders, and relevant participants in the agriculture, fisheries, forestries, and food industries for an interdisciplinary conference focused on sustainable methodologies, economically feasible and environmentally responsible strategies, societal considerations, and the effects of climate variability, all with the purpose of stimulating transformative change.

1st Global Conference on Renewable Energy and Environmental Sustainability

Date: February 9 – 11, 2024

Location: The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia

Description: Get ready for a deep dive into renewable energy technologies and environmental conservation at this conference, which aims to bring together global leaders, experts, and policymakers to address global issues such as climate change, energy security, and equitable access to resources, and to collaborate toward actionable solutions.

Protecting Human Rights in AI: Integration in Risk-Based Governance

Date: February 14, 2024

Location: Mila – Institut québécois d’intelligence artificielle, Montréal, Québec

Description: This conference seeks to advance the critical efforts needed to incorporate human rights into AI governance. Experts will speak on several relevant topics, including human rights impact assessments, tools for risk measurement, and how to ensure accountability. 

Starting Courageous Conversations

Date: February 16, 2024, from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM AST

Location: IGNITE Atlantic Auditorium, New Glasgow, Nova Scotia

Description: At this workshop, folks in Pictou County will learn about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; unconscious bias and language changes; and how to build and foster inclusive and welcoming communities.

Networking Brunch / Déjeuner-causerie – “Celebrating Black Excellence”

Date: February 17, 2024, from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM EST

Location: Plaza Centre-Ville, Montréal, Québec

Description: Celebrate Black History Month at this networking event, which seeks to inspire entrepreneurs and provide them with valuable insights to help them succeed. Plus, enjoy a recognition ceremony that will highlight the achievements of successful members of the Montréal Black community.

International Conference On Women Startups

Date: February 27 – 29, 2024

Location: 91 Granton Drive, Richmond Hill, Ontario

Description: This conference demonstrates why women are needed to develop the economy, discusses the benefits of women innovators and diverse entrepreneurship, and seeks to support women’s economic empowerment.

March

JEDDI Seminar: Consumer & Societal Wellbeing

Date: March 1, 2024, from 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM PST

Location: Online

Description: Learn how to help improve consumer’s financial, health, and food decisions, particularly among vulnerable populations at this JEDDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, Decolonization, and Inclusion) seminar.

Wilderness, Wildlife & Human Interaction

Date: March 2, 2024, from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM MST

Location: Bragg Creek Community Centre, Bragg Creek, Alberta 

Description: At this “Wilderness, Wildlife and Human Interaction”-themed symposium, explore new perspectives surrounding wildlife preservation, domestic and wild landscape management, conservation past and present, alternative energy, new technology, and more, and uncover creative methods toward achieving a healthier and more sustainable planet. 

Women Inspire-2024 (Celebrating Women in Business & Leadership)

Date: March 6, 2024, from 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM EST

Location: East Water Front- Ball Room, Toronto, Ontario

Description: In honour of International Women’s Day, this forum provides a platform to showcase lessons from Canada’s inspiring business women, including lessons learned and best practices. The event will include networking and debates to help cultivate new partners, relationships, and markets for business growth.

Persons with Developmental Disabilities (PDD) 101

Date: March 13, 2024, from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM PDT

Location: Online

Description: This workshop provides an introduction and overview of Alberta’s Persons with Developmental Disabilities (PDD) government service. Caregivers will gain an understanding of the program and service provision options.

Champions Retreat 2024: Restore

Date: March 18 – 22, 2024

Location: Vancouver Convention Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia

Description: Join members of the B Corp movement at this inspirational event, designed to connect and mobilize values-aligned people from Canada and the US who are using business as a force for good. This year’s theme, “Restore,” will engage attendees on a journey toward collective and personal restoration while examining the power of healing in community.

Global Conference on Girl Child Empowerment (GCGCE 2024)

Date: March 23 – 25, 2024

Location: Woodbine Banquet and Convention Hall, Toronto, Ontario

Description: Convened by The Amara Girls Initiative (TAGI), this conference will unite over 400 delegates from around the world and all walks of life to inspire women and girls and promote general equality. This year’s theme will focus on how empowering girls and investing in their education and health will lead to a better future for everyone.

Source to Stream 2024

Date: March 26 – 27, 2024

Location: Pearson Convention Centre, East Brampton, Ontario

Description: This event, organized by Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) in association with Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) and Lake Simcoe Conservation Authority (LSRCA), through the Sustainable Technologies Evaluation Program (STEP), will showcase the work of leading industry experts, influencers, and researchers who are shaping a low-impact future for stormwater management, erosion and sediment control, and stream restoration.

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On a mission to make the world better? Our marketing experts can help make your impact story shine. Let’s talk purpose.

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Impact Inspiration & Initiatives

Sparx Publishing Group’s Year in Review 2023

Here at Sparx Publishing Group, we’ve been busier than ever. With a heightened focus on purpose, connection, and sharing stories of hope, we’ve gained some major traction on our mission to make the world better.

As we prepare for another year of impact, we’re reflecting on 2023’s biggest achievements.

Keep scrolling for some of this year’s brightest moments, including new certifications, programs, and partnerships; our 2023 event circuit; and Make The World Better Magazine milestones. Plus, we’re debuting our social purpose statement and offering a special sneak peek at what’s coming in 2024.

Certifications, Partnerships, and Programs 

This year, Sparx was thrilled to participate in a number of purpose-driven programs, enter into new values-aligned partnerships, and receive impact-focused certifications to ensure we’re walking our talk when it comes to making the world better.

Here are some of the exciting certifications, partnerships, and programs we took part in this year:

Events

Collaboration is pivotal to making Sparx’s vision of a better world a reality. 

Not only do we get to meet inspiring changemakers and learn how we can amplify our purpose, we’ve been able to connect values-aligned people from various industries, such as connecting impact investors with entrepreneurs so they can find the types of projects they want to support and help drive social good. 

We also created a series of blog posts that share purpose-driven events for each month of the year (April-June, July-September, October-December, January-March) so socially-minded folks can plan their calendar, expand their knowledge, and make the critical connections they need to grow their impact. 

Here are some of the big events we attended and participated in this year:

Make The World Better Magazine

Something we’ve seen emphasized throughout the year is the power of and need for stories of hope. Our theory of change rests on the premise that by demonstrating that it is possible to do good without having to sacrifice doing well financially, we can ignite purpose-driven sparks and inspire action, especially in the face of today’s most troubling challenges. We’ll be sharing more stories of hope in Make The World Better Magazine in the year ahead by including even more positive stories outside of the issues we produce each year and building out a hope-filled, purpose-driven community around the magazine.

After all, hope is deeply embedded in our social purpose statement. And what is our social purpose statement, you ask? Drum roll, please…

“We exist to amplify voices that catalyze positive change.”

Here’s how we’ve lived out our statement through Make The World Better Magazine and some other magazine-related milestones we reached this year:

  • Make The World Better Magazine Impact Update: This year, we took the time to reflect on the impact of Make The World Better Magazine and the strides we’ve made toward our goals. So far, the first five issues of Make The World Better Magazine have attracted over four thousand online readers from 54 countries and featured 40+ changemakers who have achieved some incredible milestones. Be sure to check out the full update report for more highlights.
  • Transition from Issuu: In May 2023, we moved away from publishing Make The World Better Magazine on Issuu. While a great platform, we wanted to increase accessibility and community around the magazine. Initially, we shifted from publishing on Issuu to publishing on the Sparx website. Now, we will also publish magazine content on Patreon to help us grow our purpose-driven community.
  • Make The World Better Magazine Patreon: We’ve decided it’s time to give people an opportunity to support Make The World Better Magazine financially. We won’t ever gatekeep and will continue to offer free content, but creating a Patreon is a way for us to keep things financially sustainable, grow our community, and share more stories by expanding our medium.

2024 Look Ahead

There’s a lot to look forward to in the year ahead at Sparx Publishing Group. 

Several new issues of Make The World Better Magazine are slated to come out in 2024, which will explore exciting themes. Issue 7, the Wellbeing Economy, is already in the works!

We’ve also got big plans in store for our Patreon. Stay tuned for new types of content, bonus stories of impact, and new support tiers that will allow our readers to choose how they support Make The World Better Magazine. 

Plus, we’re already starting to fill up our event calendar for the year. With the planned return of the Summit on Responsible Investment, our return to annual events like the Zero Waste Conference, and more, we’re looking forward to an action-packed year of connection, education, and collaboration.

Most of all, we plan to focus more than ever on community-building and inspiring hope. Together, we can make the world better and create long-term wellbeing for all.

Inspire Hope and Share Your Purpose Story

Are you doing good and striving to make a difference in the world? We know how much your purpose-driven efforts matter. Contact us for a free consultation. We know your story can inspire hope and action. Together, let’s make it shine.

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Impact Inspiration & Initiatives Purpose-Driven Marketing Tips Sustainability Tips

30+ Eco-Friendly and Zero-Waste Gift Ideas for the Holidays 2023

The holiday season is a time of thoughtful giving, but it can be detrimental environmentally. Thankfully, there are a lot of ways we can spread some holiday cheer while also spreading positive impact.

Alternatives, like finding pre-loved items, are a great way to give unique gifts. Homemade gifts, including sharing recipes, make for personal and heartwarming presents. And making memorable experiences together is something truly priceless.

If you choose to shop for the people on your list, there are plenty of eco-friendly options out there and sustainable ways to gift wrap. Öko Creations offers some beautiful zero-waste gift wrap selections, including reusable bows, gift bags, pouches, and furoshiki wraps made from rescued fabrics. Other waste-free ways to package presents include upcycling gift bags you were given, reusing boxes, wrapping in recycled and recyclable paper, or getting creative with things you already have, like scarves or beeswax wraps.

And if you’re looking for something new and meaningful to buy, check out these sustainable and purpose-driven gift options we’ve rounded up that not only help support the planet but people as well.

Home & Lifestyle

Nature Bee Fire Starters – Keep your loved ones warm all winter long with these eco-friendly fire starters made from beeswax wrap offcuts by Nature Bee, an inclusive, woman-owned and -operated, sustainable Canadian company that uses locally-sourced ingredients to make products in-house.

Mimi & August Reusable Candle – Available in three different sizes, this reusable candle is hand-poured in Canada, 100% vegan and cruelty-free, made from biodegradable soy wax, and uses non-toxic fragrances. The website includes tips on how to use every drop of wax and ways to reuse the jar, including as a coffee cup, a spice container, or jewellery holder.

Friendsheep Wool Handmade Gifts – Handmade for fair wages by Nepalese women artists, these beautiful Eco Coasters are made with 100% cruelty-free New Zealand wool and coloured with azo-free eco-friendly dyes; and these Penguin Dryer Balls are all-natural, organic, fully reusable for over 1,000 loads, and add a touch of wintertime festivity to every load of laundry. Plus, Friendship Wool has a partnership with Eden Reforestation Project meaning a tree is planted for every product purchased; is a member of 1% of the Planet; donates about 20% of all their proceeds to several nonprofit organizations; and is compostable and plastic-free down to the packaging.

Baloo Weighted Blanket – Give a gift of warmth and comfort with this chemical-free, plastic-free, vegan, weighted blanket from Canadian brand Baloo. The fact that the company donates a portion of profits to the Pajama Program and is carbon neutral through a partnership with SeaTrees by Sustainable Surf makes this one feel extra cozy.

Pebbly Compost Bin – This functional, lightweight, and durable compost bin adds sustainability to any home or countertop. It’s made from metal and bamboo, has a handle for easy lifting, comes with a charcoal filter, and a seven-litre capacity.

LastTissue Reusable Tissue Pack – These reusable, 100% Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified organic cotton tissues come in an easy-to-clean silicone case with sewn-in barriers for sanitary storage. Each tissue can be cleaned in a washing machine and used over 520 times. Plus, LastTissue is a certified B Corp, mom-owned, charitable, and practices safe and fair labour, with products that are compostable, cruelty-free, organic, and with low-impact dyes and inks.

Tech & Accessories 

Ronxs Rechargeable Electric Lighters – Save matches and skip the disposable lighters and butane. These electric chargers come in different styles and colours, are USB rechargeable, wind- and weather-proof, and can light hundreds of times per charge, making them a great and practical eco-friendly gift option.

Pela Biodegradable Phone Cases – These plant-based, biodegradable phone cases come in a wide variety of designs and styles to suit the needs of everyone on your list. Plus, Pela is carbon neutral, supports various purpose-driven organizations and nonprofits, partners to help other companies reduce their footprint, is on a mission to keep 10 billion pounds of waste from being made, and donates to Ocean Cleanup and Preservation initiatives each time they make a sale. 

Nimble Ethically-Made Tech – Made using recycled and eco-friendly materials, Nimble’s portable chargers, wireless chargers, and charging cables are housed in plastic-free packaging made from biodegradable recycled paper with no harmful inks or dyes and built to last. These durable charging products are a great gift for all the tech-users in your life. Plus, Nimble includes a recycled plastic bag and a prepaid shipping label with each product so they can recycle old tech and e-waste for free.

Games & Activities 

Bare Market Flower Paper Kit – This eco-friendly kit is ideal for the crafter in your life who wants to engage with nature and enjoy an activity using sustainable and natural materials. Plus, Bare Market offers local delivery and ships using 100% plastic-free upcycled packaging. It’s all part of their mission “to make sustainable and ethical living easy and accessible for everyone, everywhere.”

The Good Tee DIY Shirt Kits – Your loved ones can customize to their heart’s content with these sustainable t-shirt kits that come with water-based, non-toxic, acid-free fabric paints, markers, or natural dye ingredients. They can feel good wearing their creations, as The Good Tee is a certified B Corp on “a mission to humanize the fashion industry,” with durable and sustainable products, a 100% transparent and traceable supply chain, and contribution toward UN Sustainable Development Goals, positively impacting both people and planet.

Zefiro Recycled Coloured Pencils – Support your loved one’s creativity with these recycled coloured pencil sets made from 100% recycled newspapers and packaged in a recyclable travel container. Each set is plastic-free, biodegradable, and compostable. The brand Zefiro is a member of 1% for the Planet and donates 1% of their annual sales toward environmental causes, while the seller, Zero Waste Hero, is a women-operated and -owned Canadian online store dedicated to providing sustainable alternatives.

Made By Bees All Natural Beeswax Crayons – Bring joy to the children on your list with these handmade 100% Canadian beeswax crayons that are safe for all ages, durable, use food-grade pigments, and are made to fit small hands. Each purchase includes a free downloadable colouring book to teach children about bees and encourage creativity. Proceeds from crayon sales will be donated to the Tech Transfer Team based out of the University of Guelph which conducts vital research for Ontario’s beekeeping industry.

Forestation Board Game – This environmental strategy board game is a great gift for families, friends, and gamers alike, and challenges players to build and maintain a sustainable ecosystem of plants and animals. Made by a family-run company in Victoria, BC, the FSC-certified game uses local artwork, animals, and trees to make an immersive experience and is sustainably manufactured in the Netherlands using sustainably sourced materials. Plus, 5% of all sales go to the Wilderness Committee and 5% to the Rainforest Conservation Foundation.

Plantoys Beaver Tumble – This timber-toppling game is sustainably made in Thailand using chemical-free rubberwood, formaldehyde-free glue, organic pigments, and water-based dyes. It’s available for purchase through The Mini Branch, a small Canadian company run by a husband-and-wife team that aims to provide families with durable and sustainable products, offers guaranteed clothing buy-back and no-time limit returns to help encourage sustainability, and supports local vendors and community outreach.

Food & Drink

Fernwood Coffee Beans – Fill their cup with purpose with this coffee blend from Victoria-based company Fernwood, a Certified Canada Organic, Fair Trade, Swiss Water Process, and Offsetters climate-friendly company. Through a partnership with Raincoast Conservation Foundation and Pender Island Conservancy, proceeds from this blend go to the Raincoast Conservation Foundation to fundraise for their project to preserve and protect a special ecosystem in British Columbia’s Gulf Islands.

Raven Rising Holiday Chocolates – Choose from a collection of holiday-themed, sustainable, ethically sourced, traceable, Fair Trade, organic chocolates for the foodie on your list. Ingredients are sourced from Indigenous people and businesses in Canada and globally. Indigenous women-owned and -operated, Raven Rising donates a portion of proceeds to various societies that support Indigenous organizations and carries a number of certifications.

Camino Hot Chocolate – Find a drink for everyone on the list with these certified organic, Fair Trade certified hot chocolate mixes that come in a variety of flavours, including milk, dark, maple, and chili and spice. Canadian company Camino is focused on making both a social and environmental impact through dignified and meaningful employment, sustainable packaging, donating unsold products to food banks, investing in carbon offset bonds, and more.

Pluck Holiday Tea – These limited edition holiday tea blends come in reusable stacking glass jars and three flavours: Apple Spice, Gingerbread Spice, and Chocolate Orange. Made by Toronto-based brand, Pluck, each ingredient is ethically sourced in Canada from a growing network of Rainforest Alliance, Fair Trade, and organic certified tea farms. Plus, many of their ingredients are Upcycled Food Association certified and their tea bags are plastic-free, made from plants, renewable, compostable, and biodegradable.

Drizzle Cinnamon Spiced Honey – Gift your loved ones a sweet treat with this holiday-themed Cinnamon Spiced organic, bee-friendly, all-natural, non-GMO, 100% raw honey from certified women-owned and -operated B Corp, Drizzle, who donates 1% of profits to pollinator research.

Self Care

Rockwell Beard Products – Give the gift of plastic-free, anti-static beard care with these durable beard shapers and bristle brushes made from bamboo. Rockwell Razors is on a mission to eliminate single-use plastic from its supply chain, has diverted over 100 tonnes of plastic waste, is committed to continuous improvement when it comes to the sustainability of its packaging, and seeks to create more products that replace traditionally plastic-laden items. 

No Tox Life Moisturizing Vegan Shaving Bar – These gentle, moisturizing, and palm-oil-free shaving bars for body and face ditch plastic bottles to make showers more sustainable and are wrapped in paper for shipping. No Tox Life is a family business run by a mother-and-daughter team that uses plant-derived ingredients and plastic-free, upcycled, and biodegradable shipping materials. 

Educated Beards Beard Wash – Handcrafted in small batches, this beard wash is great for removing ingrown hairs and dirt and is good for all skin and beard types. Non-comedogenic, cruelty-free, made from natural and certified organic ingredients, and housed in 100% biodegradable packaging, this wash is a great gift option from a brand that collaborates with Fair Trade companies and uses local ingredients and vendors wherever possible. 

Sḵwálwen Botanicals Gift Sets – Nourish good with sustainably and renewably hand-harvested, hydrating, and healing gift sets. In harmony with the teachings of their Skwxwú7mesh ancestors, Sḵwálwen uses an Indigenous supply chain, native botanicals, and regenerative practices, works to preserve Indigenous plants, and creates products that are free of harsh chemicals, phthalates, synthetics, and parabens. 

Soft & Butter Caona – Exfoliating Facial Scrub – This sustainable golden honey exfoliating facial scrub is made using an Indigenous plant-to-product model and natural ingredients that help with underlying skin issues. Soft and Butter, founded by Jasmine Swimmer, a member of the Taino Arawak First Nation people, infuses traditional Indigenous plant culture into each product, partners with Indigenous farmers and lawn owners, and champions sustainability and economic growth between Canada and Africa.

Little Seed Farm Holiday Sugar Body Scrub – Your loved ones can luxuriate in the scent of their favourite holiday treats with this all-natural, organic, cruelty-free, peppermint vanilla sugar scrub that comes in a glass jar with a recyclable metal lid. Little Seed Farm, a family-farm–owned and -made brand, is 100% solar powered, uses zero-waste biodegradable and recyclable shipping, and humanely manages a 100% grass-fed goat herd, making this gift guilt-free.

Apparel 

Unbelts Stretch Belts – Equitably made, made to last, and made from recycled materials, these stretchy belts are comfortable, machine-washable, super adjustable, and made in Canada by B Corp-certified company, Unbelts. This female-founded company engages in a lot of social and environmental good initiatives, including donating a portion of their inventory to community organizations, offering mentorship to purpose-driven companies, advocating at sustainable apparel events, and using circular methodologies.

Good For Sunday Save the Ocean Bamboo Crewneck – Made from sustainable bamboo in a family-owned factory in Toronto, every sweater purchased helps protect our oceans and marine life via a $5 donation to Sea Shepherd. Plus, Good For Sunday has embedded environmental and ethical responsibility into all its business processes and practices, including compostable packaging, responsible shipping with carbon offsetting, and an environmentally responsible return program called EcoDrop. 

Solmate Socks – Bundle up for winter with socks made from recycled yarns that contain no added chemicals. Best of all, Solmate is a B Corp with additional certifications by the Global Recycling Standard and Oeko-Tex materials that sources from Recover’s Upcycling System, practices carbon offsetting, and is involved in several giving initiatives to help various causes.

The Better Good Upcycled Wool Mittens – Give a practical and unique gift with these lined winter mitts made with 100% upcycled materials. Your loved ones will feel extra warm knowing that The Better Good sells products that are organic and Fair Trade and made with upcycled, recycled, or renewable materials; works with local producers; is involved in giving initiatives and hosts free community events; and offers a special discount program to help people make values-aligned purchases who wouldn’t be able to otherwise due to costs.

Giftwrap Your Marketing With Sparx

Engaging in purpose-driven efforts to make the world better? The experts at Sparx can help package up your message and deliver it to your audience. Contact us for a free marketing