Werds: A book club setting a green example

The guidelines that each member has to adhere to  include: Buying used copies of the books wherever possible, taking public transit to the spot where they are going to meet and discuss the book, bringing only locally produced foods to eat, and local wines from around Ontario to drink.  To minimize their packaging footprint, everything will be transported in reusable containers, or recyclable materials. No plastic cutlery, dishes or paper napkins for this crew- they will only use cloth napkins and china dishes. They also want everyone to wear vintage/pre-loved clothes if possible, otherwise something made of sustainable fabric, like organic cotton or hemp.

In chatting with Matt and Fil about greening their book club, Matt was surprised to see how excited I got to hear of all the sustainable activities implemented, Matt commented, “While this stuff is ‘green’ it also makes a tonne of sense to support our local economy and minimize the excess waste we produce. I do it just as much for political reasons as I do for environmental reasons, which hits home again and again that the two are closely linked.” Fil added enthusiastically, “I think I just want to see a beautiful world for my kids, you know? I always get pumped about getting together with friends and affecting change- I guess I see the world as full of potential and possibility to be creative in how we live sustainably. ”

The first book club night is tomorrow, and Matt and Fil have kindly invited me to attend. I’ll keep you updated as to how it goes (and whether I can read and finish a book in one night!)