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Epic hot air?

LETTER: For the week of Jan. 3
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UNSPLASH

As I celebrate my 10th winter in Whistler, I am thankful for all the amazing people who are now friends, the incredible natural playground at my doorstep, and the engagement opportunities to ensure the future of this beautiful community.

Of course, access to the playground comes at a cost.

Looking back, our family has spent about $50,000 over the past decade for services that enable access, and yet a tiny fraction of that money has been invested into programs that protect nature.

[Whistler Blackcomb's] Epic Promise isn't achieving anything close to what is needed, and we are running out of time.

It's both the little things and the big things that get under my skin. The fact that on a busy weekend, disposable cups are often all that can be found, and staff throw up their hands apologetically when asked.

Waste management needs to begin much higher up the operation than simply separating what's left on the tray.

From the ethically sourced products in the gift shops to packages promoting buses over cars, there are countless ways for Whistler Blackcomb to demonstrate real Epic Promise leadership.

Why isn't it part of everyone's job at Whistler Blackcomb to achieve sustainable business operations, and why aren't managers held accountable for climate action key performance indicators?

How can the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) require more of Whistler Blackcomb to achieve our Community Energy and Climate Action Plan objectives, and where are the community engagement opportunities promised by the RMOW last November?

Thanks for the thoughtful piece last week in the Pique on the impact of flying ("On the fly: Contending with our—and the ski industry's—reliance on flying," Jan 16. www.piquenewsmagazine.com). I hope to see more of this kind of critical climate crisis coverage.

It's clear to anyone paying attention that the real costs of the ski industry will be paid for by our children. Yes, we should all be taking personal action to reduce our carbon emissions, but the government and companies we support through taxes and purchases bear significant responsibility as well.

Let's make 2020 the year that we demand better. Write to Whistler Blackcomb: EpicPromise@vailresorts.com, write to the RMOW council: corporate@whistler.ca. No one else is going to do this for you, and no, you don't need to be an expert. Do it today.

Randi Kruse // Whistler