What are the ecogames?
This fun program consists of a series of challenges, each of which earns you a gold (5 points), silver (3 points), or bronze (1 point) medal. When you win a medal, it counts toward the total points for your Neighbourhood Group! It’s open to all church members, friends, visitors, and staff.
Why the Ecogames?
While many of us wait impatiently for governments and corporations to take action on the climate and ecological emergency, we as individuals can take action now. A recent study shows that, “Through their consumption behavior, households are responsible for 72% of global greenhouse gas emissions.”[1] We can demonstrate to our leaders that we are ready to take action.
[1] Source: It Starts at Home (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214629618310314).
[1] Source: It Starts at Home (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214629618310314).
When do the Ecogames Start and how long do they run?
The EcoGames will run from September 2019 until June 2020, followed by a celebration event.
What are some examples of EcoGames challenges?
- Planting trees or keeping an organic veggie garden earns you a gold medal.
- Walking or biking to work or school earns you a silver.
- Switching to an electronic version of the Church Newsletter and Annual Report earns a bronze.
There are 87 different challenges in all…something for everyone! Choose as many or as few challenges as you wish…do what works for you. It could be behaviour you’re already doing and/or you could try something new.
How do I play?
1. Sign up: online (www.victoriaunitarian.ca/ecogames). You will receive an EcoGames Scorecard to keep track of your medals.
2. Choose challenges that work for you at any time throughout the campaign. Choose as many or as few challenges as you want.
3. Report your completed challenges at church (Medal Claim Forms available by EcoGames Drop Box), by email, or online.
2. Choose challenges that work for you at any time throughout the campaign. Choose as many or as few challenges as you want.
3. Report your completed challenges at church (Medal Claim Forms available by EcoGames Drop Box), by email, or online.
How have the medals been determined for each challenge?
The Environmental Action Team (EAT) and the One Planet Saanich Team have collaborated on it, with advice from the Sustainability Planners at the District of Saanich, the One Planet Saanich Leaders, as well as recent studies.[2]
Challenges were evaluated based on two factors:
1. Their effectiveness at addressing our climate and ecological emergency.
2. The level of difficulty or commitment required of the challenge.
[2] Sources: see note 1, plus The Future of Urban Consumption in a 1.5°C World (https://www.c40.org/consumption), and Church Newsletter Green Corner, “Breaking up with Carbon,” August, 2019.
[1] Source: It Starts at Home (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214629618310314).
Challenges were evaluated based on two factors:
1. Their effectiveness at addressing our climate and ecological emergency.
2. The level of difficulty or commitment required of the challenge.
[2] Sources: see note 1, plus The Future of Urban Consumption in a 1.5°C World (https://www.c40.org/consumption), and Church Newsletter Green Corner, “Breaking up with Carbon,” August, 2019.
[1] Source: It Starts at Home (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214629618310314).
Will I get actual medals for my accomplishments?
There will be a Medal Awards Ceremony in June 2020, but your medals may only be in the form of a certificate. This celebration of all our accomplishments will deserve a gold medal in itself for being the most fun with the smallest eco-footprint!
I still have questions!
Contact us at: ecogames@victoriaunitarian.ca.
