Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Commitment Newsletter
Welcome Back
Welcome back to the Thompson Okanagan’s source for the Biosphere Commitment Program and sustainable industry updates! We want to continue to provide the industry with opportunities to save on costs, be apart of rebate and subsidy programs, and get one-on-one time with professionals in different areas of tourism.
Here is why you should read it
Welcome back to the Thompson Okanagan’s source for the Biosphere Commitment Program and sustainable industry updates! Over the past 8 months, TOTA has shifted our communications to focus on navigating through the year that has been 2020. We as an industry have been resilient, and tourism businesses have shown a dedication to a more sustainable approach as we forge ahead.
We felt now was the time to continue to establish the message of sustainability across the region and highlight those businesses who have excelled in this area. Furthermore, this newsletter will provide updates on resources available to the industry that can help improve their energy costs, reduce their carbon impacts, streamline their health & safety procedures and much more.
We want to continue to provide the industry with opportunities to save on costs, be apart of rebate and subsidy programs, and get one-on-one time with professionals in different areas of tourism.
As we remind you about the Biosphere Sustainable Newsletter, we want to take the time to introduce several new initiatives available to our stakeholders. The following opportunities are open to all businesses and are not exclusive to Biosphere Committed Companies.
go2HR Open House | Drop-in Sessions
Occupational Health and Safety Open House | Every Tuesday from Oct 20th - Nov 17th, 2:00-3:00 pm (PST) | Join Online
go2HR is pleased to offer a series of virtual drop-in Health and Safety Q&A Sessions for Thompson Okanagan Tourism businesses.
Do you have a health and safety challenge or question, but not sure who to ask?
Want to learn more about the health and safety support available for you through the Biosphere program?
Want to meet and connect with other regional businesses to share health and safety insights, challenges and/or best practices?
Whether you have 5 minutes or 50 minutes, a single question, multiple questions OR just want to drop in to meet the go2HR specialists - we would be happy to speak with you.
Note: RSVP is not required. Click the button above to join anytime during the sessions. Stay for as long as you can or need during the one-hour session.
EV Chargers Installment Funding Available: Dual Port Level 2 ($7,000 - $8,000) Depends on Electrical capacity
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association is in the process of applying for the Zero Emissions Vehicle Infrastructure Program (ZEVIP) grant. This funding opportunity is for the installment of EV charging stations at various locations across the region. Most tourism businesses looking to enhance their parking area with EV charging stations would fit into this application.
The Grant subsidizes a large portion of the costs to purchase and install the charging stations, however, there still will be a cost for each company involved. Preliminary estimates are in the range of $7,500 for a dual port level 2 charging station but will depend on on-site electrical capacity factors. For more information about this opportunity please email industrysupport@totabc.com
Thank you for taking the time to read this newsletter, each of these will be posted on the TOTA Corporate website. We want to make this newsletter valuable to you so please share your feedback and suggestions to help us improve!
Biosphere Training Workshops
Having quality, inclusive training that is adapted to the real needs of the destination is an essential part of tourism sustainability. We are very lucky to have Angela Nagy from GreenStep Solutions (certified GSTC trainer) to provide tips on how to offset your organization’s impact. This is inline with several United Nations’ Sustainability Goals, particularly goal four (Quality Education), goal eleven (Sustainable Cities and Communities), goal seventeen (Partnership for the Goals), and others. This month we are featuring several organizations who are offering or promoting quality education and training to their customers, employees and other stakeholders.
Biosphere Training Workshops
We are pleased to be hosting another Global Sustainable Tourism Council training workshop this fall in the Central Okanagan. The half-day workshop will be held on Wednesday, October 16th, exact venue TBD.
Having quality, inclusive training that is adapted to the real needs of the destination is an essential part of tourism sustainability. We are very lucky to have Angela Nagy from GreenStep Solutions (certified GSTC trainer) to provide tips on how to offset your organization’s impact. This is in line with several United Nations’ Sustainability Goals, particularly goal four (Quality Education), goal eleven (Sustainable Cities and Communities), goal seventeen (Partnership for the Goals), and others. This month we are featuring several organizations who are offering or promoting quality education and training to their customers, employees and other stakeholders.
Leaders in Biosphere
Highlights of businesses committed to the Biosphere Commitment Program
Kelowna Museum Society
The Kelowna Museum Society develops educational activities that engage visitors, stimulating their curiosity around tourism and sustainable development. They work closely with Indigenous communities to ensure their perspectives and priorities are well represented in the museum displays and programs. In addition, their "Ride to the Museum" social media campaign encourages visitors to walk, cycle or use transit to visit them, a relatively modest yet powerful gesture to encourage sustainable transportation.
Read More
Planet Bee Honey Farm, Vernon
Every year Planet Bee Honey Farm presents to thousands of customers about the importance of honeybees to our ecosystems in the educational center. They teach about the plight of the honeybee and give customers advice on what they can do to help. An outdoor learning area is added with informational signage detailing bee-friendly plants, local pollinators, and the plight of the honeybee. All staff are well versed in the necessary information to assist customers in their experience of these areas. They educate their customers by offering ‘bee friendly tips’ in their online monthly newsletter.
Okanagan Lavender & Herb Farm, Kelowna
Okanagan Lavender & Herb Farm teach their visitors about sustainable farming and how they adapted in the agricultural industry to stay current and economically viable. They developed tours for both children (Pollinator tour) and adults (Sustainable farming practices) to teach them about the importance of preserving and respecting the natural environment. They also teach new staff about sustainable initiatives such as reusable water bottles, coffee cups and on-site composting. They also encourage all of their staff to help in the garden as time allows, which enables them to be outside in the fresh air doing physical activity!
Global Biosphere Example
La Cuadra de Antón is a responsible and efficient restaurant in Gijón, Spain. They encourage diversity and offset their impact on the environment. They promote the collaboration with CleanCO2 and the Responsible Tourism Institute (Biosphere Adhesion Destination) to showcase their efforts on calculating their carbon footprint and to offset their emissions in social projects. They also raise awareness for caring for our landscapes and farming by informing their customers on how to adapt to societal changes within the framework of sustainable development.
Read more
Welcome Newly Committed Entities
SDG 4: Quality Education
A great number of community organizations that embody United Nations’ Sustainable Development goals in their daily practices. Below are some successful examples.
1. Show your company history and value, introduce where are the product comes from
2. Showcase your sustainability commitment
For biosphere committed entities, showing your employees and customers that you are Biosphere Certified Entity! You could proudly showcase your biosphere certificate and sustainability commitment on your website and social media
Blog post, Facebook post, brochure, website
Display your Biosphere Certificate proudly!
3. Join TOTA’s upcoming GSTC and Eco-efficiency training!
Are you interested in the upcoming workshops and being part of the Biosphere Adhesion Community?
Yes, I would like to attend the workshops
I am not part of the biosphere adhesion community yet, but I would like to know more!