{"id":344,"date":"2022-08-13T16:31:00","date_gmt":"2022-08-13T23:31:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/webspace.royalroads.ca\/dfourt\/?p=344"},"modified":"2022-09-06T11:08:28","modified_gmt":"2022-09-06T18:08:28","slug":"nanaimo-citizens-climate-action-story-gallery","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/webspace.royalroads.ca\/dfourt\/2022\/08\/nanaimo-citizens-climate-action-story-gallery\/","title":{"rendered":"Nanaimo Citizens Climate Action Story Gallery"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-358 size-large lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/webspace.royalroads.ca\/dfourt\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1075\/2022\/08\/Sunrise-Maffeo-Sutton-1024x489.jpg\" alt=\"A hopeful photo of the sunrise shining between trees and off of harbour at Maffeo Sutton Park.\" width=\"1024\" height=\"489\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/webspace.royalroads.ca\/dfourt\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1075\/2022\/08\/Sunrise-Maffeo-Sutton-1024x489.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/webspace.royalroads.ca\/dfourt\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1075\/2022\/08\/Sunrise-Maffeo-Sutton-300x143.jpg 300w, https:\/\/webspace.royalroads.ca\/dfourt\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1075\/2022\/08\/Sunrise-Maffeo-Sutton-768x367.jpg 768w, https:\/\/webspace.royalroads.ca\/dfourt\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1075\/2022\/08\/Sunrise-Maffeo-Sutton-1536x733.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/webspace.royalroads.ca\/dfourt\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1075\/2022\/08\/Sunrise-Maffeo-Sutton-2048x978.jpg 2048w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/489;\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;font-size: 14pt\">Welcome to the Nanaimo Citizens Climate Action Story Gallery. Here is a place to tell real stories about real people taking climate action. The climate is changing, and the choices we make in our lives have impacts on the environment. Those choices can also affect how much the climate will continue to change and how well we will endure the resulting extreme weather events. Citizens taking action now are helping the environment and reducing their climate impacts. They are benefiting from better health, saving money and supporting their community.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;font-size: 14pt\">See page 2 for a story on bicycle commuting, page 3 on installing a heat pump and air filter, page 4 on installing solar panels, and page 5 on starting a seed library. The stories represent a range of options and are told by people of various ages. They are my friends and family, and I am grateful for their willingness to participate in the Climate Action Story Gallery.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-playlist wp-audio-playlist wp-playlist-light\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-playlist-current-item\"><\/div>\n\t\t<audio controls=\"controls\" preload=\"none\" width=\"640\"\n\t\t\t><\/audio>\n\t<div class=\"wp-playlist-next\"><\/div>\n\t<div class=\"wp-playlist-prev\"><\/div>\n\t<noscript>\n\t<ol>\n\t\t<li><a href='https:\/\/webspace.royalroads.ca\/dfourt\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1075\/2022\/08\/Story-Gallery-Welcome.m4a'>Story Gallery Welcome<\/a><\/li>\t<\/ol>\n\t<\/noscript>\n\t<script type=\"application\/json\" class=\"wp-playlist-script\">{\"type\":\"audio\",\"tracklist\":true,\"tracknumbers\":true,\"images\":true,\"artists\":true,\"tracks\":[{\"src\":\"https:\/\/webspace.royalroads.ca\/dfourt\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1075\/2022\/08\/Story-Gallery-Welcome.m4a\",\"type\":\"audio\/mpeg\",\"title\":\"Story Gallery Welcome\",\"caption\":\"\",\"description\":\"\\\"Story Gallery Welcome\\\".\",\"meta\":{\"length_formatted\":\"1:00\"},\"image\":{\"src\":\"https:\/\/webspace.royalroads.ca\/dfourt\/wp-includes\/images\/media\/audio.svg\",\"width\":48,\"height\":64},\"thumb\":{\"src\":\"https:\/\/webspace.royalroads.ca\/dfourt\/wp-includes\/images\/media\/audio.svg\",\"width\":48,\"height\":64}}]}<\/script>\n<\/div>\n\t\n<p><span style=\"font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;font-size: 14pt\"><!--nextpage--><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;font-size: 14pt\"><strong>Bicycle Commuting is Climate Action<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;font-size: 14pt\">New Complete Streets Makes for Safe Commuting<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_355\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-355\" style=\"width: 225px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-355 size-medium lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/webspace.royalroads.ca\/dfourt\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1075\/2022\/08\/Complete-Street-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"A photo showing a complete street is inviting and accessible for all commuters.\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/webspace.royalroads.ca\/dfourt\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1075\/2022\/08\/Complete-Street-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/webspace.royalroads.ca\/dfourt\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1075\/2022\/08\/Complete-Street-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/webspace.royalroads.ca\/dfourt\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1075\/2022\/08\/Complete-Street-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/webspace.royalroads.ca\/dfourt\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1075\/2022\/08\/Complete-Street-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/webspace.royalroads.ca\/dfourt\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1075\/2022\/08\/Complete-Street.jpg 1773w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 225px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 225\/300;\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-355\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><\/span> <span style=\"font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;font-size: 14pt\">(Photo Credit H. Gibbons, 2022)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;font-size: 14pt\">The City of Nanaimo is investing in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nanaimo.ca\/your-government\/news-events\/blog\/blog-detail\/city-of-nanaimo-blog\/2021\/02\/04\/complete-streets-a-180-on-design\">Complete Streets<\/a> to make commuting safe for everyone. That includes people walking, rolling, or taking transit. The complete street shown in the photograph also has visual and textured markings to communicate intersections and crosswalks. This formerly perilous street, for any other than in a car, provides children with a safe walk to school. It also connects to the E&amp;N bike trail. This extends the opportunity to ride safely, providing a pleasant connection to the businesses and shopping district at the other end of the street.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;font-size: 14pt\">Helen Bicycle Commutes Everyday Through Sun, Rain and Snow<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-356 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/webspace.royalroads.ca\/dfourt\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1075\/2022\/08\/Helen-on-Metral-2-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"Helen smiling and enjoying cycling on a warm dry day.\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/webspace.royalroads.ca\/dfourt\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1075\/2022\/08\/Helen-on-Metral-2-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/webspace.royalroads.ca\/dfourt\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1075\/2022\/08\/Helen-on-Metral-2-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/webspace.royalroads.ca\/dfourt\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1075\/2022\/08\/Helen-on-Metral-2-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/webspace.royalroads.ca\/dfourt\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1075\/2022\/08\/Helen-on-Metral-2-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/webspace.royalroads.ca\/dfourt\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1075\/2022\/08\/Helen-on-Metral-2.jpg 1773w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 225px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 225\/300;\" \/><\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_357\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-357\" style=\"width: 225px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-357 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/webspace.royalroads.ca\/dfourt\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1075\/2022\/08\/Helen-Snow-Bike-Path-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"Helen still smiling and cycling on a bike path cleared of snow.\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/webspace.royalroads.ca\/dfourt\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1075\/2022\/08\/Helen-Snow-Bike-Path-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/webspace.royalroads.ca\/dfourt\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1075\/2022\/08\/Helen-Snow-Bike-Path.jpg 720w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 225px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 225\/300;\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-357\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><\/span> <span style=\"font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;font-size: 14pt\">(Photo Credit H. Gibbons, 2022)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;font-size: 14pt\">Helen just retired her last bike. She rode it for five years and clocked 12,000 kilometres. She leaves her car parked and only drives for long excursions. According to <a href=\"https:\/\/treecanada.ca\/carbon-calculator\/\">Tree Canada<\/a>, by not driving her car Helen has avoided 2.63 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions. If she had driven her car, she would need to plant 15 trees to offset her emissions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;font-size: 14pt\">Helen says, \u201cI love seeing the same people each morning and smiling and saying hello. Making connections that you wouldn\u2019t normally get in a car. Bikers, dog walkers, (and) people at the bus stops.\u201d She has noticed an increase in commuters, especially on the E&amp;N trail and expects there will be more on the new Metral Drive Complete Street once construction is complete.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;font-size: 14pt\">By not using her car for commuting, Helen maintains her fitness level and saves money on gas and car maintenance. Lots to smile about! Cycling does indeed provide lots to smile about, according to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingweekly.com\/news\/latest-news\/benefits-of-cycling-334144\">Cycling Weekly\u2019s 15 benefits of cycling<\/a> article. In case Helen\u2019s smile doesn\u2019t convince you that cycling is great for your mental health, the article quotes a research study by the YMCA that found \u201cpeople who had a physically active lifestyle had a wellbeing score 32 % higher than inactive individuals\u201d (Arthurs-Brennan, 2022). Some other benefits listed in the article and likely of interest to commuters are that cycling is good for brain health, immune health and can help with weight loss.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;font-size: 14pt\">A fun way to get into cycling is to join <a href=\"https:\/\/gobybikebc.ca\/\">GoByBikeBC<\/a>. GoByBike offers online cycling education for those wanting to learn to ride and be streetwise. But the main event happens each spring and fall. That is when GoByBike works with municipalities and organizations to promote a week of cycling that is supported by fun events, and prizes for teams or individuals who log their bike rides.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;font-size: 14pt\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nanaimo.ca\/transportation-mobility\/cycling\">City of Nanaimo Cycling<\/a> web page is a good resource for route maps and other local cycling info. If you think you want to scrap an old car and buy an electric bike <a href=\"https:\/\/scrapit.ca\/\">ScrapItBC<\/a> offers rebates toward electric bikes purchased from a participating vendor.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;font-size: 14pt\">Thank you, Helen Gibbons, for sharing your story.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-playlist wp-audio-playlist wp-playlist-light\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-playlist-current-item\"><\/div>\n\t\t<audio controls=\"controls\" preload=\"none\" width=\"640\"\n\t\t\t><\/audio>\n\t<div class=\"wp-playlist-next\"><\/div>\n\t<div class=\"wp-playlist-prev\"><\/div>\n\t<noscript>\n\t<ol>\n\t\t<li><a href='https:\/\/webspace.royalroads.ca\/dfourt\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1075\/2022\/08\/Bicycle-Commuting.m4a'>Bicycle Commuting<\/a><\/li>\t<\/ol>\n\t<\/noscript>\n\t<script type=\"application\/json\" class=\"wp-playlist-script\">{\"type\":\"audio\",\"tracklist\":true,\"tracknumbers\":true,\"images\":true,\"artists\":true,\"tracks\":[{\"src\":\"https:\/\/webspace.royalroads.ca\/dfourt\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1075\/2022\/08\/Bicycle-Commuting.m4a\",\"type\":\"audio\/mpeg\",\"title\":\"Bicycle Commuting\",\"caption\":\"\",\"description\":\"\\\"Bicycle Commuting\\\".\",\"meta\":{\"length_formatted\":\"1:49\"},\"image\":{\"src\":\"https:\/\/webspace.royalroads.ca\/dfourt\/wp-includes\/images\/media\/audio.svg\",\"width\":48,\"height\":64},\"thumb\":{\"src\":\"https:\/\/webspace.royalroads.ca\/dfourt\/wp-includes\/images\/media\/audio.svg\",\"width\":48,\"height\":64}}]}<\/script>\n<\/div>\n\t\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt\"><!--nextpage--><\/span><\/p>\n<div>\n<dl id=\"attachment_357\">\n<dd><span style=\"font-size: 14pt\"><strong><span style=\"font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif\">Installing a Heat Pump and Air Filters for Comfort, Health, and Energy Savings<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/dd>\n<dd><span style=\"font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;font-size: 14pt\">Vince and Marianne installed a heat pump system with high efficiency air filters. The system keeps their home comfortable year round regardless of the outside temperature. As senior citizens, Vince and Marianne are vulnerable to high outdoor temperatures. Aging brains are slow to sense rising temperatures, and aging bodies do not respond quickly enough to avoid harm. Conditions like diabetes and common medications like antihistamines also lower the amount of heat that can be handled. When outdoor temperatures rise above 28oC, Vince and Marianne follow their <a href=\"https:\/\/bccare.ca\/2022\/07\/ensure-safety-of-seniors-ahead-of-the-upcoming-heat-in-b-c\/\">heat preparedness plan<\/a> to stay safe.<\/span><\/dd>\n<dd><span style=\"font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;font-size: 14pt\">Vince is happy the house is 22<sup>o<\/sup>C when the front porch is 50<sup>o<\/sup>C<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_353\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-353\" style=\"width: 225px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-353 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/webspace.royalroads.ca\/dfourt\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1075\/2022\/08\/Dad-with-Weatherman-225x300.jpeg\" alt=\"Vince is happy showing the digital weather station to prove his house stays cool when it is hot outside.\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/webspace.royalroads.ca\/dfourt\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1075\/2022\/08\/Dad-with-Weatherman-225x300.jpeg 225w, https:\/\/webspace.royalroads.ca\/dfourt\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1075\/2022\/08\/Dad-with-Weatherman-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/webspace.royalroads.ca\/dfourt\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1075\/2022\/08\/Dad-with-Weatherman-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https:\/\/webspace.royalroads.ca\/dfourt\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1075\/2022\/08\/Dad-with-Weatherman.jpeg 1536w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 225px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 225\/300;\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-353\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><\/span> <span style=\"font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;font-size: 14pt\">(Photo Credit M. Fourt, 2022)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;font-size: 14pt\">Vince and Marianne accessed incentives and grants from several programs that covered over 70% of the costs of installing the heat pump. To qualify for the incentives and grants an energy assessment was completed. The energy assessment recommended installation of a heat pump system, additional attic insulation and taking steps to reduce heat from the sun shining through windows and skylights. They were pleased to find that installing solar film on their kitchen skylight made a noticeable reduction in glaring heat. With all the work done to date their 15 year old home uses 10% less energy than a brand new home, saving them money and reducing their greenhouse gas emissions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;font-size: 14pt\">Marianne stays cool thanks to solar film on her skylight and a new heat pump.<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_354\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-354\" style=\"width: 225px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-354 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/webspace.royalroads.ca\/dfourt\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1075\/2022\/08\/Mom-with-Paperwork-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"Marianne standing under the skylight in the kitchen protected from the glaring sun. She is holding up a copy of the energy study and contractor information to show there is some paper work involved to access incentives.\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/webspace.royalroads.ca\/dfourt\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1075\/2022\/08\/Mom-with-Paperwork-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/webspace.royalroads.ca\/dfourt\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1075\/2022\/08\/Mom-with-Paperwork-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/webspace.royalroads.ca\/dfourt\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1075\/2022\/08\/Mom-with-Paperwork-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/webspace.royalroads.ca\/dfourt\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1075\/2022\/08\/Mom-with-Paperwork-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/webspace.royalroads.ca\/dfourt\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1075\/2022\/08\/Mom-with-Paperwork.jpg 1773w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 225px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 225\/300;\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-354\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><\/span> <span style=\"font-size: 14pt;font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif\">(Photo Credit D. Fourt, 2022)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;font-size: 14pt\">Marianne had a high efficiency filter installed in the heat pump air handler. She has asthma and is sensitive to slash burning and forest fire smoke. Since the new heat pump was installed over nine months ago, she has not had to use her rescue puffer. This has improved her quality of life, so she can literally breathe easier. Vince and Marianne have not stopped telling their friends and neighbours how much they like their new system, inspiring four neighbours to install similar systems.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;font-size: 14pt\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bc.energywerx.ca\/\">Energy Werx<\/a> did the energy assessment. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.servicexcel.ca\/\">Service XCEL<\/a> installed the heat pump system. Island Solar Films installed the solar film. The grants and incentives were from the following programs: <a href=\"https:\/\/betterhomesbc.ca\/rebate-guide\/\">Better Homes Rebates<\/a> (BC rebates), <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nrcan.gc.ca\/energy-efficiency\/homes\/canada-greener-homes-grant\/23441\">Greener Homes Grant<\/a> (federal rebates), and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nanaimo.ca\/property-development\/rebates\/home-energy-assessment-rebate\">Home Energy Efficiency Rebates<\/a> (City of Nanaimo).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;font-size: 14pt\">Thank you, Vince and Marianne Fourt, for sharing your story.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-playlist wp-audio-playlist wp-playlist-light\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-playlist-current-item\"><\/div>\n\t\t<audio controls=\"controls\" preload=\"none\" width=\"640\"\n\t\t\t><\/audio>\n\t<div class=\"wp-playlist-next\"><\/div>\n\t<div class=\"wp-playlist-prev\"><\/div>\n\t<noscript>\n\t<ol>\n\t\t<li><a href='https:\/\/webspace.royalroads.ca\/dfourt\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1075\/2022\/08\/Heat-Pump-for-Climate-Action.m4a'>Heat Pump for Climate Action<\/a><\/li>\t<\/ol>\n\t<\/noscript>\n\t<script type=\"application\/json\" class=\"wp-playlist-script\">{\"type\":\"audio\",\"tracklist\":true,\"tracknumbers\":true,\"images\":true,\"artists\":true,\"tracks\":[{\"src\":\"https:\/\/webspace.royalroads.ca\/dfourt\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1075\/2022\/08\/Heat-Pump-for-Climate-Action.m4a\",\"type\":\"audio\/mpeg\",\"title\":\"Heat Pump for Climate Action\",\"caption\":\"\",\"description\":\"\\\"Heat Pump for Climate Action\\\".\",\"meta\":{\"length_formatted\":\"1:48\"},\"image\":{\"src\":\"https:\/\/webspace.royalroads.ca\/dfourt\/wp-includes\/images\/media\/audio.svg\",\"width\":48,\"height\":64},\"thumb\":{\"src\":\"https:\/\/webspace.royalroads.ca\/dfourt\/wp-includes\/images\/media\/audio.svg\",\"width\":48,\"height\":64}}]}<\/script>\n<\/div>\n\t<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n<\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt\"><!--nextpage--><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;font-size: 14pt\"><strong>Installing Solar Panels to Lower Energy Costs and Reduce Environmental Impact<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;font-size: 14pt\">When thinking about the future, Sue and Stu are concerned about the environment, climate change and the cost of living. Their home already has a heat pump system and a suite to help generate income. Adding solar panels to their roof appealed to them as the panels generate electricity and help reduce their energy costs. Since the energy is renewable, they also reduce their carbon footprint. After completing an energy assessment, they qualified for a $5,000 federal government incentive which covered 30% of the cost of the solar system.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;font-size: 14pt\">Sue and Stu feel good about their solar panel investment.<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_359\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-359\" style=\"width: 225px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-359 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/webspace.royalroads.ca\/dfourt\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1075\/2022\/08\/Sue-and-Stu-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"Sue and Stu sitting outside. Stu is happily pointing up to the sun on the roof. More sun means more electricity is produced.\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/webspace.royalroads.ca\/dfourt\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1075\/2022\/08\/Sue-and-Stu-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/webspace.royalroads.ca\/dfourt\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1075\/2022\/08\/Sue-and-Stu-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/webspace.royalroads.ca\/dfourt\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1075\/2022\/08\/Sue-and-Stu-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/webspace.royalroads.ca\/dfourt\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1075\/2022\/08\/Sue-and-Stu-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/webspace.royalroads.ca\/dfourt\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1075\/2022\/08\/Sue-and-Stu.jpg 1773w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 225px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 225\/300;\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-359\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><\/span> <span style=\"font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;font-size: 14pt\">(Photo Credit D. Fourt, 2022)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;font-size: 14pt\">When the solar system produces electricity, it replaces the electricity they would typically use from BC Hydro. If they make more electricity than they need, the extra is sold to BC Hydro. If the solar system is not producing enough electricity to meet their demand, they use BC Hydro produced electricity.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;font-size: 14pt\">All in all, this has reduced their energy costs. The online monitoring system shows them how much electricity the solar panels produce and tracks their energy and emissions savings. The panels were installed only four months ago, and in that time, they have made 4,555 kilowatt hours of electricity and avoided three tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions. They estimate their investment will be paid off in eight years with the electrical cost savings.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;font-size: 14pt\">Sue and Stu are planning on buying an electric car once their existing vehicles are ready for replacement. With that in mind, they plan to install 10 more solar panels to produce more electricity to help power the car. As they think about retirement, they are happy to create their own energy, protecting them from rising costs and benefiting the environment.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;font-size: 14pt\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.coeff.ca\/\">CoEfficient Building Science<\/a> did the energy assessment, and <a href=\"https:\/\/hakaienergysolutions.com\">Hakai Energy Solutions<\/a> installed the panels. They took advantage of the federal government\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nrcan.gc.ca\/energy-efficiency\/homes\/canada-greener-homes-grant\/23441\">Greener Homes Grant<\/a> for solar energy.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;font-size: 14pt\">Thank you, Sue and Stu Coker, for sharing your story.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-playlist wp-audio-playlist wp-playlist-light\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-playlist-current-item\"><\/div>\n\t\t<audio controls=\"controls\" preload=\"none\" width=\"640\"\n\t\t\t><\/audio>\n\t<div class=\"wp-playlist-next\"><\/div>\n\t<div class=\"wp-playlist-prev\"><\/div>\n\t<noscript>\n\t<ol>\n\t\t<li><a href='https:\/\/webspace.royalroads.ca\/dfourt\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1075\/2022\/08\/Installing-Solar-Panels-for-Climate-Action.m4a'>Installing Solar Panels for Climate Action<\/a><\/li>\t<\/ol>\n\t<\/noscript>\n\t<script type=\"application\/json\" class=\"wp-playlist-script\">{\"type\":\"audio\",\"tracklist\":true,\"tracknumbers\":true,\"images\":true,\"artists\":true,\"tracks\":[{\"src\":\"https:\/\/webspace.royalroads.ca\/dfourt\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1075\/2022\/08\/Installing-Solar-Panels-for-Climate-Action.m4a\",\"type\":\"audio\/mpeg\",\"title\":\"Installing Solar Panels for Climate Action\",\"caption\":\"\",\"description\":\"\\\"Installing Solar Panels for Climate Action\\\".\",\"meta\":{\"length_formatted\":\"1:46\"},\"image\":{\"src\":\"https:\/\/webspace.royalroads.ca\/dfourt\/wp-includes\/images\/media\/audio.svg\",\"width\":48,\"height\":64},\"thumb\":{\"src\":\"https:\/\/webspace.royalroads.ca\/dfourt\/wp-includes\/images\/media\/audio.svg\",\"width\":48,\"height\":64}}]}<\/script>\n<\/div>\n\t\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt\"><!--nextpage--><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;font-size: 14pt\"><strong>Starting a Neighbourhood Seed Library to Build Community and Reduce Waste<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;font-size: 14pt\">Kurstin loves plants, and she loves her neighbourhood. She wanted to give back to the community and came up with the idea of starting a neighbourhood seed library. Kurstin studies and works in horticulture. She thought a seed library would encourage neighbours to grow their own seeds. They could then use the library to share their seeds and plants with neighbours. This will help reduce the plastic waste created by buying plants commercially and save everyone money.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;font-size: 14pt\">The Beehive Seed Library is ready for saving seeds and sharing plants.<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_360\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-360\" style=\"width: 225px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-360 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/webspace.royalroads.ca\/dfourt\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1075\/2022\/08\/Kurstin-Bee-Hive-cropped-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"Kurstin's vision of a seed library is complete with a peaked roof, a wood sign, several shelves and a glass door for safe seed storage.\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/webspace.royalroads.ca\/dfourt\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1075\/2022\/08\/Kurstin-Bee-Hive-cropped-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/webspace.royalroads.ca\/dfourt\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1075\/2022\/08\/Kurstin-Bee-Hive-cropped-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/webspace.royalroads.ca\/dfourt\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1075\/2022\/08\/Kurstin-Bee-Hive-cropped-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/webspace.royalroads.ca\/dfourt\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1075\/2022\/08\/Kurstin-Bee-Hive-cropped-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/webspace.royalroads.ca\/dfourt\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1075\/2022\/08\/Kurstin-Bee-Hive-cropped.jpg 1773w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 225px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 225\/300;\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-360\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><\/span> <span style=\"font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;font-size: 14pt\">(Photo Credit C. Rispin, 2022)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;font-size: 14pt\">Many people started gardening during the pandemic and realized that gardening provided more than just food. They connected with the environment as they spent time outdoors and felt improvements in their mental health. Kurstin wanted to support this gardening revival, so she applied for a small neighbourhood grant to buy materials and build the library.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;font-size: 14pt\">Her vision is to create a loop starting with sharing seeds, planting seeds, and harvesting the plants with some plants left to go to seed for the following year. Neighbours enthusiastically supported the Beehive Seed Library by sharing extra plants and pots. Kurstin says,\u201c I have met so many people I may not have otherwise by visiting and chatting about plants and our neighbourhood.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;font-size: 14pt\">Funding from the Nanaimo Foundation <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nanaimofoundation.com\/neighbourhood-small-grants\/\">Neighbourhood Small Grants<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;font-size: 14pt\">Thank you Kurstin Decker for sharing your story.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-playlist wp-audio-playlist wp-playlist-light\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-playlist-current-item\"><\/div>\n\t\t<audio controls=\"controls\" preload=\"none\" width=\"640\"\n\t\t\t><\/audio>\n\t<div class=\"wp-playlist-next\"><\/div>\n\t<div class=\"wp-playlist-prev\"><\/div>\n\t<noscript>\n\t<ol>\n\t\t<li><a href='https:\/\/webspace.royalroads.ca\/dfourt\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1075\/2022\/08\/Seed-Library.m4a'>Seed Library<\/a><\/li>\t<\/ol>\n\t<\/noscript>\n\t<script type=\"application\/json\" class=\"wp-playlist-script\">{\"type\":\"audio\",\"tracklist\":true,\"tracknumbers\":true,\"images\":true,\"artists\":true,\"tracks\":[{\"src\":\"https:\/\/webspace.royalroads.ca\/dfourt\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1075\/2022\/08\/Seed-Library.m4a\",\"type\":\"audio\/mpeg\",\"title\":\"Seed Library\",\"caption\":\"\",\"description\":\"\\\"Seed Library\\\".\",\"meta\":{\"length_formatted\":\"1:20\"},\"image\":{\"src\":\"https:\/\/webspace.royalroads.ca\/dfourt\/wp-includes\/images\/media\/audio.svg\",\"width\":48,\"height\":64},\"thumb\":{\"src\":\"https:\/\/webspace.royalroads.ca\/dfourt\/wp-includes\/images\/media\/audio.svg\",\"width\":48,\"height\":64}}]}<\/script>\n<\/div>\n\t\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Welcome to the Nanaimo Citizens Climate Action Story Gallery. Here is a place to tell real stories about real people taking climate action. The climate is changing, and the choices we make in our lives have impacts on the environment. Those choices can also affect how much the climate will continue to change and how [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1115,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"gallery","meta":{"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"default","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"default","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"_themeisle_gutenberg_block_has_review":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[21,33],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-344","post","type-post","status-publish","format-gallery","hentry","category-cals502","category-story-gallery","post_format-post-format-gallery"],"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":false,"thumbnail":false,"medium":false,"medium_large":false,"large":false,"1536x1536":false,"2048x2048":false},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"Deanna","author_link":"https:\/\/webspace.royalroads.ca\/dfourt\/author\/dfourt\/"},"uagb_comment_info":1,"uagb_excerpt":"Welcome to the Nanaimo Citizens Climate Action Story Gallery. Here is a place to tell real stories about real people taking climate action. The climate is changing, and the choices we make in our lives have impacts on the environment. Those choices can also affect how much the climate will continue to change and how&hellip;","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/webspace.royalroads.ca\/dfourt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/344","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/webspace.royalroads.ca\/dfourt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/webspace.royalroads.ca\/dfourt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/webspace.royalroads.ca\/dfourt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1115"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/webspace.royalroads.ca\/dfourt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=344"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/webspace.royalroads.ca\/dfourt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/344\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":409,"href":"https:\/\/webspace.royalroads.ca\/dfourt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/344\/revisions\/409"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/webspace.royalroads.ca\/dfourt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=344"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/webspace.royalroads.ca\/dfourt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=344"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/webspace.royalroads.ca\/dfourt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=344"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}