"Sustainability? Hey, that’s great! I say go for it! You can count on me!"
"What’s that? Thursday meeting? Sorry, but no can do – I’ve got a Loonie Race to go to. Saturday night? Let me check my calendar – nope, Saturday’s worse than Thursday."
"I’ll tell you what, though, why don’t you guys go ahead and have your meeting without me. I’m sure whatever you guys will come up with will be fine. After all, it’s more your area of expertise than mine. Get back to me when you guys figure out what you want me to do, and I’ll do it. How’s that sound?"
In public opinion polls where the questions are worded the right way, Canadians consistently rate the environment as one of the top political issues in this country.
One Pollara survey found that 87 per cent of the public was either very concerned or somewhat concerned about the environment – slightly lower than the crucial issues of health care, education and jobs.
When asked to rate issues in order of importance, the environment generally ranks slightly lower in the public eye, but it’s almost always in the top 10. Unfortunately these polls only seem to appear during election years, where top priority in the media is typically given to more pressing issues like jobs, trade, health care, day care, and the deficit.
If I were ever polled I would probably put the environment at the top of the list because I feel a healthy environment and sound environmental policy will take care of the rest of these issues. After all, it’s the quality of life not the quantity of money that truly appeals to me – why else would I be in Whistler?
I’m genuinely excited by the idea that Whistler could become the first town on the planet to adopt sustainability as the one mantra by which all issues are to be weighed and decided here, in industry, recreation, local government, and life.
And unlike a few detractors here and there, I believe we can achieve a significant level of sustainability, trading credits for whatever we can’t achieve within our own boundaries and exporting our ideals to the rest of the world. I’ve met the people behind the Whistler. It’s Our Nature sustainability framework, and I have every confidence in their sincerity and ability to see this thing through.
Which I guess is my point.
A science teacher in high school once gave me a 51 per cent passing grade as long as I agreed not to press the issue by taking any more science classes. I was even worse in math.
And yet my input as a resident of Whistler is continually being sought out by the sustainability movement through endless public open house meetings, public launches and sustainability workshops.
I appreciate the sustainability movement’s commitment to seeking public input and approval at every stage of the process, and the sincere attempts to make every one of us feel that this is truly OUR sustainability initiative. It’s always nice to feel included.
In a sense, however, it’s already too late for democracy. The sustainability initiative was not an election issue, and the municipality’s decision to adopt the sustainability framework was made without any kind of referendum or open public discussion. Fair enough. We elect people to make these kinds of decisions for us, and although some critics might have their doubts about the program, I believe it was the right thing to do.
But as for my involvement, I regretfully must withdraw myself from any participation in the sustainability process. Why, you ask? Simply because I’m not qualified in any way, shape, or form to make a meaningful contribution. I don’t have a science background and I sure as hell don’t understand the math. This is the kind of thing I would leave to the experts.
Giving me a voice in this process is the scientific equivalent of putting Backstreet Boy Lance Bass in charge of the International Space Station. Really, I’m just along for the ride.
The movement has lost too much momentum already, and sustainability is in danger of becoming a meaningless buzz word that’s tossed around like a Frisbee. There are already too many chef’s in this kitchen, and the simple sustainability broth is becoming an impossible gumbo – far too thick to suck through the straw of my limited intellect.
What I’m trying to say is that I want is for somebody to take charge of this thing and do all the thinking for me. And then dull it down so a five-year-old can understand it.
They should put a system in place, and then coerce the major businesses in this town to use it, by hook or by crook.
The crook might not even be necessary – two of the largest employers in Whistler are already head chefs in the sustainability kitchen, Whistler-Blackcomb and the Fairmont Chateau Whistler. When companies this focused and resourceful want something done, it gets done
Once the businesses are in, I want to be told what I personally can do, how I have to participate for this initiative to succeed. If it has to be optional – because it’s impossible to make every individual and businesses do anything that’s not legislated – I want somebody to give me a list of dos and don’ts to follow. A comprehensive list that can fit in my wallet or that can be tattooed on the back of my hand.
If it’s not too much trouble, maybe somebody could come to my home and point out all the ways I’m being unsustainable. They can rub my face in the garbage and smack me on the ass with a newspaper if that helps me to learn. I need to be disciplined if I’m going to be house trained.
While some naysayers might interpret the low public turnout at these open sustainability events as apathy on the part of local residents, I think Whistlerites really do care about the environment deeply enough to support this initiative.
But do we really have to give up our free time to make it happen? Can’t we just hire somebody who knows what they’re talking about, and give them the keys to the Caddy?
You want my input? I’d go with the second option.
