Crapshoot Review: Putting Education into Action (May 2008)

The horrifyingly disturbing images in the movie “Crapshoot”, shown at our recent meeting in Capreol, led to a vigorous discussion about how we can “think globally and act locally” about issues of water and waste management.

Perhaps the most important messages were that:

  • We cannot assume that technology will find solutions to the problems we are creating; huge changes in public policy and private behaviour are required.
  • In order to motivate change, we need to overcome the disconnect which currently exists between our behaviours and their consequences. We need to be aware of where our water comes from and where our waste goes.
  • We can make a difference through political and social action. These issues will become part of the public debate if we demonstrate to local, provincial and federal politicians that they matter to us.
  • We can make a difference through our personal choices.

Suggestions from the group included:

  •  Using environmentally friendly cleaning products; this involves educating ourselves so that we are able to make good choices.
  • Supporting recycling projects for items like batteries and cell phones and starting such projects if they don’t exist in our communities
  • Promoting and using hazardous waste depots
  •  Treating pharmaceuticals carefully – they can often be returned to pharmacies; but discuss store policies to make sure that that returned products are appropriately processed
  • Conduct inventories of our homes to ensure that we are being as responsible as possible in our use of water and disposal of waste.

Sincere thanks to Nels Conroy for this presentation and to the members of Trinity United Church, Capreol who hosted this event and provided a wonderful meal and an excellent forum for discussion and fellowship.