|
|
Pebble in the Pond (Pebble in the Pond) started in 2008 when a small group of people in Powell River, a small oceanside community in British Columbia, Canada, decided to take action to reduce plastic garbage in our community and create a sustainable model that can be copied by other people and communities. We are motivated because we know about the plastic garbage gyres in the world's oceans which are growing at an alarming rate, killing sea life and destroying the oceans. We are working hard to expand our base of ecologically-sound alternatives to ‘disposable’ plastic and inspire others, one community at a time. We are dedicated to:
1. waste diversion, especially petrochemically-based plastics;
2. halting further contribution of garbage to the ocean gyres, and
3. assisting with the clean up of beaches and, eventually, the ocean gyres.
In March 2009, we incorporated as a non-profit Society with a mandate is to educate people about the long-term problems plastic poses to humans, animals and the environment, and provide simple, practical alternatives to plastic use. Plastic is toxic in its production, in its use, and in its disposal. Non-toxic alternatives exist.
Pebble in the Pond works in collaboration with local government, business, schools and individuals in Powell River, Tla'Amin First Nation, Powell River Regional District and Coastal British Columbia, plus with individuals and organizations that ask for help with their programs to reduce plastic garbage.
Since its inception, Pebble in the Pond has been very active coordinating annual Community Clean-Ups and Earth Day celebrations, hosting Information Nights for merchants, raising awareness in schools with presentations and hands-on workshops like 'How to Make Your Own Wax Wrap' (an alternative to plastic wrap), and setting up a 'Green Speaker's Corner Video Booth' at public events like the youth Community Caretakers Conference and Powell River Film Festival. We also share this information with people who want to hold these kinds of workshops and activities in their own communities.
Pebble in the Pond's first major target is the plastic shopping bag, which is unnecessary and can be replaced by reusable bags. An ecologically-sound alternative is a reusable, long-lasting, locally-made natural-fibre shopping bag. The program concept was to make a large quantity of bags available to the Powell River area for local businesses and organization, and we received some funding support from the Job Creation Partnership (JCP) program which allowed us to set up an office and hire staff to work on this program. We have also been lobbying local government since early 2008 to impose a disposal fee on plastic bags and this effort is ongoing.
Pebble in the Pond’s Board of Directors is made up of entrepreneurs and environmentalists who bring decades of business experience and strong environmental commitment to this project. Their combined accomplishments include politics, environmental advocacy, green building, software development, journalism, and operations management.
We are working to create local jobs through a social enterprise business in partnership with Tla'Amin First Nation and the Powell River Model Community Project, which includes the establishment of a sewing factory to produce bags and other items in Powell River and provide employment for people with disabilities or other barriers to employment. This proposal has environmental sustainability as a main goal, with local economic development and social benefits as well.
In a very short period, Pebble in the Pond has firmly established itself as a resource in working to eliminate plastic garbage. We have done this in the community of Powell River and also become known around the world through our online presence.
We invite people to join us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. In the first two years of our efforts, we estimate that our awareness campaign has diverted more than 5 million plastic shopping bags from the Powell River garbage stream, and our Community Cleanups have removed more than 1 tonne of garbage from local neighbourhoods and trails. Download our brochure (1 MB pdf) for more information!
Director Bios:
 |
William
Plant - President
(top )
|
|
Judi Tyabji -
Founder &
Past President
Judi
Tyabji has had a career in business and politics and
been involved in public policy and advocacy for the
environment for over 25 years. In 1988 she ran on a
sustainability platform as a by-election candidate
in the South Okanagan, arguing for organic
agriculture and watershed protection. She was a
project manager for EarthCare Environmental Society
in Kelowna in the late 1908s and helped organize a
number of environmental campaigns and fundraisers. |
| She was elected to the BC legislature in 1991 and
became Environment Critic and Agriculture Critic for
the Official Opposition, working hard in both roles
to advocate for environmental planning, promotion,
research, economic development, and education.
During this time she introduced the concept of a
private member's environmental Bill of Rights for
clean air, water, and food. She was active in
supporting the preservation of Clayoquot Sound and
the Blue Lead Watershed and spoke in the legislature
for the preservation of old growth coastal rain
forests.
Tyabji was host and co-producer of
the live current events TV program Tyabji, which
aired daily for one hour (1996 to 1998), and of The
Westerly, a local current events program. While MLA
she hosted and co-produced a live radio show, The
Judi Tyabji Show (1994 to 1996). As host/co-producer
of all these programs she frequently championed
issues that protected the environment and educated
viewers on sustainability. She has written
editorial, columns, and reviews for various
publications. In 1999 she was elected in Powell
River and served on Council and on the Regional
District and argued for sound public policy on land
use, water management and waste management.
Tyabji
has a political science degree (international
relations) and has been an owner/operator in
business prior to her political work, with work
experience in television, radio, and multimedia
production, in the wine industry at Okanagan
Vineyards, the forest sector with Fletcher
Challenge, and in the tourism sector.
Judi
Tyabji is CEO of Tugboat Enterprises, a software
data recovery company based in the United States and
Canada. Tyabji was born in Calcutta, India and is
descended from Badruddin Tyabji, first President of
the Congress Party in India. Tyabji is President and one of the founding
members of Pebble in the Pond.
(top)
|
|
CaroleAnn Leishman
- Founder
-
Certified Built Green Builder; Architectural
Designer & Project Manager for Agius Builders
-
Co-owner GreenStep Solutions - co-authoring a
community sustainability book
-
Director, Powell River 2010 Torch Relay
Celebration
-
Director, 2007 BC Disability Games Ceremonies
& Special Events
-
Extensive theatrical & musical theatre
background
-
President, Far Off Broadway Theatre Company
-
Board Member Powell River Sunset Homes Seniors
Society
(top)
|
|
Melissa Call - Founder
Melissa Call is a business leader committed to environmental ethics in everything she does. She is the creator & owner/operator of Sunshine Organics, who brings fresh organic products to her customers’ doorsteps, supplying local goods whenever available while keeping the 50 mile diet always in mind. She also owns and operates Ecossentials, which provides a retail outlet for organic and local producers of bulk food staples.  Also available are bulk household cleaners in refillable containers.  She really is a pioneer of many new methods of product delivery, to prove that our economy does not need to rely on wasteful, polluting practices while selling quality products that customers need. In addition to her businesses, she is a long-time environmental activist who volunteers for Earth Day, helping organize the event. Melissa is one of the founders of Pebble in the Pond.
(top )
|
|
