“We don’t have to engage in grand, heroic actions to participate in change. Small acts, when multiplied by millions of people, can transform the world.” – Howard Zinn
At the University of Northern British Columbia, Green Force is revolutionizing how the campus community thinks about sustainability. Through bi-weekly meetings, this initiative brings together students, staff, faculty, and Prince George community members to brainstorm and implement eco-friendly practices on campus. “Sustainability is a shared responsibility,” says Ann Duong, sustainability manager. “Everyone has a role in building a better future.”
During the winter season, Green Force launched “Green the Season,” an innovative program challenging traditional gift-giving culture. The initiative featured a re-gift station and workshops where participants learned to craft gift bags from recycled materials, including old brochures and T-shirts. Drawing inspiration from the First Nations Centre, the program demonstrated how everyday waste could become personalized, eco-friendly gift wrap.
“Not everything needs to be expensive and complex,” explains a Green Force team member. “We’re showing that sustainable solutions can be both cost-effective and fun.” The initiative particularly aims to counter holiday materialism. “There’s so much pressure for people to buy things they don’t need,” notes Duong. “We’re trying to show that it’s not about the money spent but about spending time together.”
Sustainable living extends beyond special occasions, and Prince George offers numerous resources to help community members adopt eco-friendly practices. The Recycling and Environmental Action Planning Society (REAPS) regularly hosts workshops on zero-waste living, complementing Green Force’s efforts to make sustainability accessible to everyone.
Green Force’s advice is straightforward: start small. Whether it’s gifting experiences instead of objects, sharing a meal with friends, or finding creative ways to repurpose materials, these actions add up. “If they’re truly your friend, they won’t mind if you don’t buy them a gift. Instead, focus on making them feel special in other ways,” the team suggests.
The initiative’s message resonates clearly across campus: sustainability requires community-wide participation, and everyone can contribute through thoughtful, daily choices. As we enter 2025, Green Force reminds us that joy doesn’t need to come with an environmental cost. Through zero-waste practices and stronger community connections, we can build a more sustainable world—one small step at a time.
