Invent the Future
BC Hydro set up a fun contest asking students to 'invent the future' and here are some of the winners:
'Look to the Green Heavens' http://www.inventthefuture.ca/essay.php#175 - an essay
Walking into the Lower Mainland, where the main concentration of British Columbia's population resides, multiple story buildings are a common sight. Trees, however, are losing sight. With the idea of mandatory green space, as part of city development legislation, birds will find a great view gazing down at the concept of GREEN ROOFS, not only improving air quality, but promoting the idea of local produce, and further beautifying our province.
'Use the Grey Save the Day' http://www.inventthefuture.ca/video.php#126 - a video
'Encouraging Sustainable Consumption: An Incentive/Tax based Education Program' http://www.inventthefuture.ca/essay.php#148 - an essay
Our food system is one that is vast, complicated and oftentimes difficult to comprehend. Awareness about food system issues are just starting to become relevant to the modern consumer but this is just one step towards a more sustainable future. People in our society are more likely to change their habits and consumerism patterns if there are incentives and penalties involved. My idea is an educational awareness program that is enhanced by a tax and incentive program on all grocery store food items.
'From Vending Machine to Fountain Machine' http://www.inventthefuture.ca/video.php#124 - a video
'Motivating Recycling' http://www.inventthefuture.ca/essay.php#123 - an essay
Recycling isn't always easy to do. It takes some time and effort to accomplish, and many people are too lazy to do so. Therefore, what if we were to give out redeemable points that could be exchanged for a variety of prizes every time somebody recycles? It would make more and more people recycle; consequently, we would see an improvement in our environments. Read on to find out more about this idea.
AND - my favourite!! - 'Turn the POWER off as you leave the room, please! Old habit, new benefits' http://www.inventthefuture.ca/essay.php#40 - an essay
You wouldn't be comfortable leaving your bedroom light on all day while you were out of the house, so why don't people bat an eye about leaving their microwaves or TVs plugged in and drawing power all day every day? Up to 13% of total residential power consumption is spent powering appliances while they are off--an unfortunate and unnecessary waste. Let's help turn off Phantom Loads.
'Look to the Green Heavens' http://www.inventthefuture.ca/essay.php#175 - an essay
Walking into the Lower Mainland, where the main concentration of British Columbia's population resides, multiple story buildings are a common sight. Trees, however, are losing sight. With the idea of mandatory green space, as part of city development legislation, birds will find a great view gazing down at the concept of GREEN ROOFS, not only improving air quality, but promoting the idea of local produce, and further beautifying our province.
'Use the Grey Save the Day' http://www.inventthefuture.ca/video.php#126 - a video
Click to view'Encouraging Sustainable Consumption: An Incentive/Tax based Education Program' http://www.inventthefuture.ca/essay.php#148 - an essay
Our food system is one that is vast, complicated and oftentimes difficult to comprehend. Awareness about food system issues are just starting to become relevant to the modern consumer but this is just one step towards a more sustainable future. People in our society are more likely to change their habits and consumerism patterns if there are incentives and penalties involved. My idea is an educational awareness program that is enhanced by a tax and incentive program on all grocery store food items.
'From Vending Machine to Fountain Machine' http://www.inventthefuture.ca/video.php#124 - a video
'Motivating Recycling' http://www.inventthefuture.ca/essay.php#123 - an essay
Recycling isn't always easy to do. It takes some time and effort to accomplish, and many people are too lazy to do so. Therefore, what if we were to give out redeemable points that could be exchanged for a variety of prizes every time somebody recycles? It would make more and more people recycle; consequently, we would see an improvement in our environments. Read on to find out more about this idea.
AND - my favourite!! - 'Turn the POWER off as you leave the room, please! Old habit, new benefits' http://www.inventthefuture.ca/essay.php#40 - an essay
You wouldn't be comfortable leaving your bedroom light on all day while you were out of the house, so why don't people bat an eye about leaving their microwaves or TVs plugged in and drawing power all day every day? Up to 13% of total residential power consumption is spent powering appliances while they are off--an unfortunate and unnecessary waste. Let's help turn off Phantom Loads.