Biosphere Commitment Monthly Newsletter - February

Written By Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association
 
 

Biosphere Commitment Monthly Newsletter

February was a busy month for the Biosphere Commitment Team, with the addition of our new Energy Analyst Harshit Srivastava, and three new Biosphere Committed Companies! A warm welcome to Howling Moon Craft Cider, Naramata Inn, and Destination Silver Star, we are so excited to welcome these amazing companies and for them to begin their Biosphere sustainable journey. Read more about these three companies and what they are already doing in regards to sustainability.

Valentine’s Day Sustainable Tips:

  1. Vases and water picks are welcomed back at most floral shops so that they can be reused

  2. Place expired flowers into your green bin or compost bin

  3. Keep chocolate boxes to reuse as a gift box for other holidays

  4. Recycle where ever possible

  5. Recycle Valentines cards or use them as gift tags for Christmas, Birthdays, or other holidays

Introducing the new Sustainable Development Goal Action Highlight

Have you been wondering about meeting your requirement to demonstrate work towards the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as part of the Biosphere Commitment Program?  In this new section of the Biosphere Monthly Newsletter we will be highlighting one sustainable action each month from the Biosphere Sustainable Lifestyle (BSL) platform and presenting options for the evidence you can use to demonstrate your hard work on the 17 SDGs.  We will be including the SDG number, action target number, and action number so that you can find it easily on the platform.

If you have an action that you would like us to highlight, please let us know by selecting the button below and we would be happy to include your work in this new section!

 

Credit: Destination BC/Blake Jorgenson

 

Welcome Destination Silver Star

Joining the Biosphere Commitment Program allows the continuation of sustainability planning for Destination Silver Star along with supports to advance and create a Biosphere sustainability journey. 2022 marks the first year of the resort association and they endeavour to lead sustainable initiatives across the destination with their members and for their visitors. Destination Silver Star is located at SilverStar Mountain Resort. The largest partner, SilverStar Mountain Resort, is committed to doing all that they can to protect the environment and enable participation in adventure support community.

 
 
 

Howling Moon Craft Cider

Howling Moon Craft Cider has joined the Biosphere Commitment Program to help guide the choices they make to ensure they are ingrained with sustainable decision making. Located in Oliver, Howling Moon Craft Cider has many sustainable parts to their business and they are excited to start their Biosphere Journey. We are very pleased to welcome them to the Biosphere Commitment Program!

 
 

Naramata Inn

Naramata Inn has the joined the Biosphere Commitment Program and we are excited to welcome them as part of the Biosphere community! Naramata Inn is located in Naramata and has a hyper-local focus in their business operations and keep sustainability at the front of decision making. They are looking forward to having Sustainable Development Goals to quantify their efforts in areas that ensure they continue to grow and better themselves and their destination.

 

News Highlights

A few Biosphere updates and highlights from this month:

Featured
BC Parks Additions Strengthen Protection of Wildlife Habitat, Ecosystems
Thompson Okanagan
BC Parks Additions Strengthen Protection of Wildlife Habitat, Ecosystems
Thompson Okanagan

Legislation has been introduced to expand B.C.’s parks and protected areas system, contributing to existing ecosystem conservation and expanding opportunities for outdoor recreation. The additions include the following lands in the Thompson Okanagan region:

  • Blue River Black Spruce Park (near Blue River): 59 hectares to protect a wetland and the ecological integrity of the North Thompson River.

  • Edge Hills Park (near Clinton): 50 hectares to enhance wildlife connectivity and protection of the Fraser River bluffs.

  • Okanagan Mountain Park (near Kelowna): 21 hectares to enhance wildlife connectivity and species protection, along with the addition of the Golden Mile Trail for recreation.

  • Gladstone Park (near Christina Lake): six hectares to add additional shorefront lands on the north end of Christina Lake, which is an important kokanee spawning area.

To further protect lake values, 27 hectares of lake foreshore would be added to Christina Lake Park, Kootenay Lake Park, Gladstone Park, and Purcell Wilderness Conservancy Park.

Boundary modifications to correct administrative errors and address safety issues would also be made at Big White Mountain Ecological Reserve.

Learn More →

Read More →
Thompson Okanagan
Largest Solar Power Wall in North America
Thompson Okanagan
Largest Solar Power Wall in North America
Thompson Okanagan

Toronto is soon to be home to the largest solar power wall in North America. Through the technology of photovoltaics, the wall panels replicate the exterior finishes of typical buildings that many passersby will not be aware of the difference. The wall will be 7,000 square feet and generate 90,000 kWh of energy annually.

Read More →
Thompson Okanagan
Hotel Footprinting a Free Online Resource for Hotels
Thompson Okanagan
Hotel Footprinting a Free Online Resource for Hotels
Thompson Okanagan

The Hotel Footprinting tool is a free online resource that allows hotels to search carbon emissions and energy usage for comparative hotels around the world, and generate carbon footprint reports.

Read More →
Thompson Okanagan
Kal Grad 2022 Globox™ Fundraiser | Raffle Ends March 15, 2022
Get Involved, Thompson Okanagan
Kal Grad 2022 Globox™ Fundraiser | Raffle Ends March 15, 2022
Get Involved, Thompson Okanagan

The 2022 Kalamalka Secondary School and Glohaven Community Hub online raffle ticket campaign has launched with nearly $12,000 worth of amazing prizes from an incredible 45 local Okanagan businesses, including Indigenous businesses and Biosphere Committed Companies.

Prizes include:

  • 2 Indigenous Globoxes™ (featured experiences: a getaway to Spirit Ridge Resort and a Moccasin Trails excursion)

  • 1 Remarkably Loved Globox™ (featured experience: a getaway to Sparkling Hill Resort).

  • 1 Family Fun Globox™ (featured experience: Sicamous Houseboats Vacation package)

  • 1 Eldorado Resort VIP Globox™ (featuring a getaway to the Eldorado Resort in Kelowna)

Tickets: 1 for $20, 3 for $50, OR 7 for $100

Raffle Ends: March 15

View Prizes & Buy Tickets →

Read More →
Get Involved, Thompson Okanagan
 
 
 
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association
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Biosphere Commitment Monthly Newsletter - January