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Check out Transition Salt Spring news below.

Repair Cafe May 4th, 2024

Here Comes the Next Repair Cafe!

Did you miss the last Repair Cafe in February? Do you still have broken items lying around your house that you don’t want to toss out? The Repair Cafe is…
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Don’t Miss Salt Spring’s First Repair Cafe!

Saturday, February 3rd10:30 am – 1:30 pm Salt Spring Public LibraryOur volunteer repair experts can help with textiles, small appliances, electronics, and general repairs.  Ever wondered what to do with that…
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Ready or Not: Facing the Climate Challenges Ahead

Ready or Not: Facing the Climate Challenges Ahead Webinar

As we navigate the aftermath of extreme droughts and wildfires, the question looms—Is Salt Spring Island truly prepared for the climate challenges ahead? Transition Salt Spring has just unveiled the…
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Join the Repair Cafe!

TSS is starting a Repair Cafe on Salt Spring!

We are starting a Repair Cafe on Salt Spring Island! Repair Cafe is a neighbourhood initiative that promotes repair as an alternative to tossing things out. Folks can bring their…
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New Report Shows Us How to Reduce Wildfire Risks

Fire risk reduction in the Coastal Douglas-fir biogeoclimatic zone Read the Full Report here. Introducing a new practitioner’s report focused on reducing fire risk by increasing ecological integrity. Historically, wildfire…
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FIRE Event- Ruth Waldick presents at Cumberland Community Forest Society Science Pub Series

FIRE Event- Ruth Waldick presents at Cumberland Community Forest Society Science Pub Series Event by Cumberland Forest Cumberland Masonic Hall Get Tickets Here The CCFS Science Pub Series is BACK! This…
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Healthy forests can help protect us from disasters

Read the whole article in the May 24th 2023 issue of the Gulf Islands Driftwood. Andria Scanlan won’t ever forget the howling winds and trees that came crashing down around…
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New Local Committee Commission (LCC)All Candidates Forum – Video

New Local Committee Commission (LCC)All Candidates Forum Salt Spring has decided on an innovative new decision-making body that will give eligible residents a greater voice on a range of issues,…
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Hwmet'utsum-MtMaxwell

Learn Where LCC Candidates Stand on Key Issues – Questions

Responses From Local Community Commissioner Candidates Following are the responses to a questionnaire developed for the candidates standing for election to the new CRD Local Community Commission approved by voters…
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Earth Day Bike Ride with Adam Olsen

Earth Day Bike Ride with Adam Olsen

Why: Ride to show your support for safer walking & wheeling trails on Salt Spring. There will also be bicycle blender smoothies afterwards…  What: The group cycling route will take…
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2023 Permaculture Design Course

2023 Permaculture Design Course

2023 Permaculture Design Course with Nick Jones and GuestsWednesday evenings from 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm April 19th, 2023 – September 27th, 2023 @ Paradise Within Farm, Salt Spring Island…
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​​TSS Launches Updated Wood Smoke Reduction Rebates for 2023

​​Transition Salt Spring Launches Updated Wood Smoke Reduction Rebates for 2023 Starting in March, rebates of up to $1000 will be available to Southern Gulf Island residents upgrading an old…
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Maxwell Creek Watershed Field Files

The Maxwell Creek Watershed Project (AKA the CARL Project) is a collaborative, multidisciplinary forest restoration project based on Salt Spring Island under the leadership of Transition Salt Spring with the…
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Waste reduction news

Federal government bans single-use plastics Effective December 20, 2022, the manufacture and import for sale of the following harmful single-use plastics in Canada will be prohibited: The ban on the…
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Climate Report Card

Climate Action Report Card

Can We Handle the Climate Challenges Coming Our Way? From the Driftwood Sept 20 2023 TSS just wrapped up the Climate Report Card 2023, an update on how we’re doing…
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Biochar Working Group

BioChar Activities and workshop on Salt Spring

December Biochar Workshop: presented by Brian Smallshaw Changed from Saturday, Dec 10 to SUNDAY, 11 December 2022 1-4pm Geri Alton’s horse paddock, 125 Stevens Road South end: Beaver Point Road, past…
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Maxwell Creek Watershed Project Field Files Part 2: Developing surveying methodologies 

Exerpt from: https://www.raincoast.org/2022/08/maxwell-creek-watershed-project-field-files-part-2-developing-surveying-methodologies/ Andrew Simon shares about the methodologies used in the Maxwell Creek Watershed project. By Shauna Doll, Gulf Islands Forest Project Coordinator August 5, 2022 The project takes…
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Ruth Waldick and Pierre Mineau

CBC Features Ruth Waldick and the Mt. Maxwell Project Team

Maxwell Lake, along with the watershed, provides water for about half of Salt Spring Island and the team is taking a look at how to protect this crucial freshwater source.…
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Ruth Waldick Wins the Islands Trust 2022 Community Stewardship Awards!

Ruth Waldick Wins the Islands Trust 2022 Community Stewardship Awards! Congratulations to our very own Ruth Waldick who won the Islands Trust 2022 Community Stewardship Awards! The Islands Trust Council…
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Mt. Maxwell Forest

Notes from the Field: Updates from the Mt. Maxwell Team

Intern Simona Taronna Writes an Update from the Field 9:00 am and the little parking lot by the “No Trespassing” North Salt Spring Waterworks District sign on Maxwell Road is…
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Mt. Maxwell Creek Watershed

Maxwell Creek Watershed Project Field Files Part 1: Project Impetus

By Shauna Doll, Gulf Islands Forest Project Coordinator A watershed-level restoration initiative focusing on improving ecological integrity within local forests Transition Salt Spring has partnered with experts and organizations from…
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Beaver

Learning from Nature: Nature-based Approaches to Restoration in the Maxwell Creek Watershed

People have relied on what we call Maxwell Lake and the surrounding watershed for thousands of years, for water, food, and other resources provided by the forests. These forests support…
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Yellow Flag Iris

Removal of Yellow Flag Iris

On Monday, June 13th, the Native Plant Stewardship working group, and a few community members, led by Dr. Catherine Tarasoff, removed some yellow flag iris at a site on Miles…
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Rainwater Harvesting Rebate Program

Rainwater Harvesting Rebate Program

Rainwater Harvesting Rebate Program Want to save money on a sustainable water solution? Transition Salt Spring is pleased to offer a second round of rebates to help residents of the…
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Jean Wilkinson - Native Plant Stewardship Group

What do the TSS Working Groups do?

An Interview with Jean Wilkinson from the Native Plant Stewardship Group At the heart of our organisation are five dedicated board members and five part-time staff and extending out from…
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Sandra Ungerson (NSSWD Director and wetland expert)

Maxwell Creek Watershed Project

On March 2nd, some of the members of the TSS Maxwell Watershed Project Team including Ruth Waldick (TSS), Pierre Mineau (SSIC photographer), Sandra Ungerson (NSSWD Director and wetland expert), and…
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World Water Day 2022 - Stream on Salt Spring Island

World Water Day – March 22nd, 2022

World Water Day – March 22nd, 2022 For Release March 16, 2022, authored by SSIWPA World Water Day reminds us we live at the intersection of climate change and elevated…
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Non-profit in Salt Spring Island, B.C. offers rebate to homeowners collecting rainwater

From CBC News · Posted: Oct 30, 2021 8:00 AM PT | Last Updated: October 30, 2021 A non-profit organization in Salt Spring Island, B.C., dedicated to fighting climate change is encouraging…
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TSS Annual General Meeting

We held our AGM on Tuesday Feb 22 at 7pm. Read our annual report here:
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The Millions of Tons of Carbon Emissions That Don’t Officially Exist

How a blind spot in the Kyoto Protocol helped create the biomass industry. excerpt from The New Yorker By Sarah Miller, December 8, 2021 In the North of England, in a…
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🔧✨ Don’t toss it, fix it! Our Repair Cafe was a smashing success!

Over 60 items were brought in, and our amazing volunteer repair experts fixed all but a handful! 💪
From toasters to lamps, shower curtains to shredders, and everything in between, our community came together to learn new skills, meet new people, and breathe new life into their beloved belongings. 💚

We want to thank our coordinator, Nancy Deas, our organizing committee, Fig Mulder, Blair Carley and our TSS team! As well, a big shout-out to all of the AMAZING volunteers:

Charley Bennett
Michelle Bennett
David Crone
Meriel Galloway
Gary Kunz
Beau Labine
Rolando Lampidoc
Karen Mouat
John Newton
Osprey Carrasco Pena
Beverly Stewart
Jason Tron
David Turner

Thank you also to the Salt Spring Island Public Library for the use of the space and Windsor Plywood Salt Spring and Country Grocer SSI for communal tools and supplies.

Missed out today? Don’t worry; sign up for our newsletter to hear about the next Repair Cafe: https://transitionsaltspring.com/

Repair cafes are like climate superheroes, saving the planet one broken toaster at a time! It’s all about giving stuff a second chance and saying no to waste.

This event was made possible with a grant from the CRD.
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#RepairCafe #Sustainability #CommunitySpirit #saltspring #saltspringisland
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🌱 Join Our Team: Programs Manager Position Available! 🌟

Passionate about climate action? Transition Salt Spring seeks a dedicated Programs Manager to support operations, programs, and projects, driving our initiatives forward. Responsibilities include collaborative grant writing, operations management, training program development, and more.

Qualifications: Non-profit operations experience, strong organizational skills, software proficiency, and enthusiasm for AI and online tools.

Check out the full job description and how to apply:
https://transitionsaltspring.com/employment-programs-manager/

Let's drive local climate action together! 🌿🌎
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#Hiring #ClimateAction #localclimateaction
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We're thrilled to announce that Transition Salt Spring is starting up Salt Spring's very first Repair Cafe!

It's happening at the SS Library on Saturday, February 3rd, from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm.

Bring in a broken item and our fixer volunteers will do their best to help and share their skills. We'll have materials and tools on hand. Cost: by donation!
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🔥 Concerned about wood smoke? 🌬️ We’ve got some tips for a cleaner burn:

✅ Burn hot, burn bright for cleaner air!
✅ Use well-seasoned dry wood.
✅ Rake those coals before reloading
✅ Burn in cycles and opt for small loads in milder weather.
✅ Don’t damp it down right away—get the fire burning hot and create secondary combustion.

👀 Check your chimney, there should be almost no visual smoke if you’re doing it right. Less smoke=fewer pollutants, and more heat. It also prevents dangerous creosote build-up in the chimney.

Let’s keep our fires clean and safe!

To learn more about Transition Salt Spring’s Community Wood Smoke Reduction Rebate program: https://transitionsaltspring.com/woodsmoke/

The Burn it Smart video series was produced by Transition Salt Spring’s Climate Action Coach program in partnership with @Salt Spring Fire Department
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✨ Master the art of CLEAN burning! Here’s your fire guide:

🔥 DO BURN: Clean, seasoned firewood & just enough plain newspaper to kickstart the flame!

❌ DON’T BURN: Coated, painted, or pressure-treated wood; saltwater driftwood; plywood, particle board, or anything with glue; household garbage; cardboard & paper products; and unseasoned wet wood.

Why? 🚫 Fine particles = bad news for health! Plus, it coats your stove and chimney. Opt for clean burns!

To learn more about Transition Salt Spring’s Community Wood Smoke Reduction Rebate program: 👉https://transitionsaltspring.com/woodsmoke/

The Burn it Smart video series was produced by Transition Salt Spring’s Climate Action Coach program in partnership with @Salt Spring Fire Department
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#FireSafety #SSICommunity #CleanAir #AirQuality #SustainableLiving #SaltSpringIslandSafety #DryWood #EnvironmentHealth #WoodSmokeReduction #cleanburningtips
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🔥🌳 Unlock the secret to cleaner, safer fires! Burn like a pro with wood that’s hot, slow, and CLEAN!

Here’s what you need to know:  

✅ Burn wood that is dry, as it creates less soot and smoke, making it better for your health and the environment—a win-win!

❌ Don’t burn saltwater-soaked driftwood, wet/green wood, painted, pressure-treated, or glued wood.

🚫 Why? Because burning these can release it can release tiny particles (PM2.5) into the air and pose risks to your health and contribute to dangerous creosote build-up in the chimney.

Let’s make informed choices to keep our homes and the air clean!

Ready to upgrade your old wood stove? See Transition Salt Spring’s Woodsmoke Reduction Rebate Program for up to $1000 to upgrade your home heating: 👉https://transitionsaltspring.com/woodsmoke/

The Burn it Smart video series was produced by Transition Salt Spring’s Climate Action Coach program in partnership with @Salt Spring Fire Department
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#FireSafety #SSICommunity #CleanAir #AirQuality #SustainableLiving #SaltSpringIslandSafety #DryWood #EnvironmentHealth #WoodSmokeReduction #cleanburningtips
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🌐✨ Have you wondered how to revolutionize decision-making in your organization?

Join us for an immersive journey into the world of Sociocracy - a transformative governance framework reshaping the landscape for community-driven initiatives. 🌍🤝

What to Expect:

▶️Real-world Insights: See firsthand how Sociocracy champions values like equity, shared power, and transparency in organizations globally.
▶️Operational Principles: Dive deep into the foundational systems shaping governance structures rooted in Sociocracy principles.
▶️Hands-On Experience: Craft your own organizational chart, embracing the power of distributed leadership.

Transition Salt Spring and other local non-profits are embracing Sociocracy, and we invite you to join this empowering movement! 🌐💙

Save your spot now and step into a new era of collaborative decision-making!

Register today!
bit.ly/47TIcNQ

#Sociocracy #EmpowerChange #NonProfitLeadership 🌟🔗
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🎄✨ Warmest Holiday Wishes and a Bright New Year! 🌟

As the holiday season wraps us in warmth and cheer, the entire Transition Salt Spring family extends heartfelt wishes to you and yours!

Reflecting on the past year, we are filled with gratitude for the incredible community shaping Transition Salt Spring. Each one of you plays a vital role in creating positive change and sustainable living on our island.

As we usher in the New Year, let's carry this spirit of togetherness and commitment to a resilient future. We're excited about the possibilities that lie ahead, the projects we'll embark on, and the positive impact we'll create collectively.

Here's to a year filled with meaningful action and deeper connections!

Thank you for being a vital part of our journey. Your support and enthusiasm inspire us daily.

Happy Holidays and a Joyful New Year from all of us at Transition Salt Spring!

#SeasonsGreetings #HappyHolidays #NewYearNewPossibilities #TransitionTogether
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🔥🌲 Wondering how to store your wood for the best fires? Prep your wood like a pro with these tips 🪵:

1️⃣ Start in spring—let it cure for 6-12 months.
2️⃣ Keep it off the ground to avoid mold and decay.
3️⃣ Keep the top covered
4️⃣ Stack the wood where it can be exposed to sun and wind

Dry fuel is crucial as it produces less smoke, fewer pollutants, and more heat. It also prevents dangerous creosote build-up in the chimney.

Let’s keep our homes and the environment safe by choosing dry wood for burning. Share these tips and get set for warmth! 🏡🔥

Ready to upgrade your old wood stove? See Transition Salt Spring’s Woodsmoke Reduction Rebate Program for up to $1000 to upgrade your home heating: 👉https://transitionsaltspring.com/woodsmoke/

The Burn it Smart video series was produced by Transition Salt Spring’s Climate Action Coach program in partnership with @Salt Spring Fire Department

@ellaa.bakerr
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#FireSafety #SSICommunity #CleanAir #AirQuality #SustainableLiving #SaltSpringIslandSafety #DryWood #EnvironmentHealth #WoodSmokeReduction #CleanBurningTips
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✨ 💚 Do you have someone in your life who is passionate about climate action?

Consider giving the gift of a tax-deductible donation to someone special in your life, and we'll send them a card to let them know of your thoughtfulness.

Make a donation today:
👉https://tinyurl.com/TSSHolidayGiving

#YearEndGiving #LocalClimateAction #donateforchange #SupportLocal #EmpowerChange #SaltSpringIsland #EcoFriendlyGifts #GiftsThatGiveBack #ClimateAction
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🔥When it comes to burning wood, dry is the way to go! Burn smart with DRY wood for a healthier you and a happier environment!

Here’s why:

✅ Less soot, less smoke—better for your health and the planet!
✅ Aim for <20% moisture, ideally 15%—check for cracks, listen for that satisfying hollow sound!
✅ Softwood or hardwood have different drying times, so cure for at least 12 months to play it safe.

Say no to wet wood—more heat, less smoke, and a safer, cleaner burn!  

To learn more about Transition Salt Spring’s Community Wood Smoke Reduction Rebate program:
👉https://transitionsaltspring.com/woodsmoke/

The Burn it Smart video series was produced by Transition Salt Spring’s Climate Action Coach program in partnership with @Salt Spring Fire Department

@myshdm
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#FireSafety #SSICommunity #CleanAir #AirQuality #SustainableLiving #SaltSpringIslandSafety #DryWood #EnvironmentHealth #WoodSmokeReduction #cleanburningtips
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A big thank you to our Climate Action Coach sponsor Bearfoot Renewables for supporting local climate action.

You can hear Jeff Chamberland from Bearfoot Renewables speak at our 'Climate Action Starts at Home' - A Webinar on Home Refits and Rebates 2022 replay here: https://youtu.be/mExVxZy2Fyg?si=LKWtqQlqkRp6g4I2
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🌍✨ Exciting Opportunity at Transition Salt Spring!

We're looking for a Climate Action Campaigner & Researcher to join our team! Seeking a motivated individual to lead fun, engaging, educational advocacy efforts.

This is a part-time contract with a chance for renewal based on Salt Spring Island (negotiable for a portion of the time).

To apply: https://transitionsaltspring.com/campaigner-researcher-contract/

Join our mission to empower islanders and drive positive change!

#ClimateAction #JobOpportunity #TransitionSaltSpring
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🌲✨ Support the Next Generation of Forest Stewards! 🌳💚

Did you know about an extraordinary collaboration between Salt Spring's vibrant youth from Wildhaven School and Transition Salt Spring's Climate Adaptation Research Lab (TSS CARL)?

🌳Collaborating with TSS's CARL team—comprising ecologists, knowledgeable guides, practitioners, and scientists—the students aim to understand how forest stewardship safeguards the ecosystem, preparing us for the changes ahead.

We need YOUR help to continue nurturing the next generation of forest stewards! 🌟💙

Your donation ensures more immersive experiences and education to nurture the environmental stewards and change-makers of tomorrow! Let's empower the future caretakers of our planet. 🌍

Donate Today!
👉https://tinyurl.com/TSSHolidayGiving

#LocalClimateAction #ClimateEducation #youthstewards #YouthClimateAction #DonateForChange #YouthLeaders #ForestConservation
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✨ Embrace the Holiday Spirit with Purpose! 🌍🎁

This season, let's fuel change together! 💪 Join Transition Salt Spring in our mission to unite the community for passionate discussions and collective action against climate change.

🗳️ Advocacy in Action:
We've been busy creating connections and fostering discussions on vital issues, from hosting a lively All Candidates Forum with over 300 participants to bringing island non-profits together for a crucial climate action supper.

🌐 Unite for Change:
Our vision includes unified governance, strong relationships, regenerative agriculture, water solutions, and connecting our youth with nature.

💙 Join the Movement:
Be part of our advocacy journey by becoming a monthly or one-time donor, or donate as a gift in someone's name!

Make a donation today:
👉https://tinyurl.com/TSSHolidayGiving

Your support fuels our collaborative efforts for a resilient and sustainable future. ✨
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#HolidayGiving #CommunitySupport #YearEndGiving #GiftOfImpact #LocalClimateAction #SeasonOfGiving #DonateForChange #ThankfulForSupport #SustainableFuture #ContributeToLocalChange #WorkingTogether #HolidayKindness #GiveBackLocal #SupportLocal #EmpowerChange #TransitionSaltSpring #SaltSpringIsland #GiveTheGiftOfChange #EcoFriendlyGifts #ClimateActionForChristmas #GiftsThatGiveBack #GreenHolidayGiving #SustainableSeason #EcoChristmas #ChangeMakers #GiftsThatMatter #ClimateAction
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🎄✨ This Holiday, Gift with Purpose! 🌍🎁

Let's come together this holiday season to create a more resilient community and future! 🌱 Transition Salt Spring is on a mission to empower islanders to take climate action in fun, engaging and educational ways!

In 2023, we successfully launched our first Slow Down Salt Spring Community Swap event!

🙌 Over 900 kilos of clothing were rescued from landfills, and over 550 wonderful people came to the event.

By reducing consumption and embracing reuse, we're shrinking our carbon footprint and slowing down the race for new things. In fact, fast fashion emits more CO2 than international flights and shipping combined!🛒🌿

Join the movement for a lighter living! Consider becoming a monthly donor, one-time donor, or make a donation as a gift in someone's name and help us roll out more events like our clothing swap!

Make a donation today:
👉https://tinyurl.com/TSSHolidayGiving

#HolidayGiving #GiftOfImpact #LocalClimateAction #DonateForChange #ThankfulForSupport #supportlocal #EmpowerChange #SaltSpringIsland #GiftsThatGiveBack #SustainableSeason #GiftsThatMatter #ClimateAction #SlowDownFashion #CommunitySwap #ReduceReuseRecycle #lighterliving #HolidayDonations #clothingswap
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🌟 Maximize Your Impact with Tax-Smart Giving! 🌍

Did you know that when you donate through the Salt Spring Island Foundation, you not only support crucial causes but also unlock a tax-smart benefit? Your contribution can make a lasting impact while maximizing tax savings!

🌿 Climate Action Fund: Check out the Foundation's Climate Action Fund. Your donation sustains Transition Salt Spring's vital work and allows you to contribute to climate action.

👉 Tax-Smart Giving: Here's the key: All donations receive a charitable tax receipt. For substantial philanthropic gifts, consider tax-smart options like donating securities to save on capital gains tax.

Your contribution, big or small, creates positive change in our community and offers a smart way to make the most of your generosity!

Visit Making a Donation: https://ssifoundation.ca/support-a-cause/

Thank you for participating in the journey toward#localclimateaction

@saltspringifoundation

#TaxSmartGiving #CommunityImpact #LocalClimateAction
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🚫 Did you know? Burning wet wood isn’t just bad for the environment—it’s bad for you too!

🌿 Wet wood = more smoke, releasing pollutants that can irritate your eyes, throat, and lungs.

😷 Switch to dry wood for cleaner air, efficient burning, and a hazard-free chimney! 🔥✨

Learn more about Transition Salt Spring’s Community Wood Smoke Reduction Rebate program:
👉https://transitionsaltspring.com/woodsmoke/

The Burn it Smart video series was produced by Transition Salt Spring’s Climate Action Coach program in partnership with @Salt Spring Fire Department

@hayatotanaka
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#FireSafety #SSICommunity #CleanAir #AirQuality #SustainableLiving #SaltSpringIslandSafety #DryWood #EnvironmentHealth #WoodSmokeReduction #cleanburningtips
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