goBEYOND

On November 21 and 22 a group of UBC Okanagan students took their ski trip one step further by erasing an ecological footprint they created. The “Earn Your Turns” Zero-Footprint Ski Trip was conceived by a group of students who are deeply involved in outdoor recreation and have seen first-hand the effects of climate change on our winter. With the support of UBCO Office of Workplace Health and Sustainability and UBCO goBEYOND, the UBC Varsity Outdoor Club-Okanagan (VOCO) planned a trip with virtually zero environmental impact.

Working with UBCO goBEYOND campus coordinator, Mallory Hewlko, the student group took several initiatives to lower their impact. Instead of travelling to a nearby resort, they decided to hike, snowshoe and skin in the Rogers Pass area to truly “earn their turns” in the BC backcountry. They carpooled to a propane heated Alpine Club of Canada hut 2 km off of the Number 1 highway and enjoyed a locally sourced feast sponsored by The Village Cheese Company and Mt. Begbie Brewing. By taking these steps, we hope to inspire other student groups to follow suit.

To offset the carbon emissions from their transportation, UBC Okanagan Workplace of Health and Sustainability funded a lightbulb exchange on campus to replace existing rooms with higher efficiency lighting. The annual carbon dioxide savings from this project will offset the travel emissions.

In the week leading up to the trip, students participated in two short seminars on the impact climate change is having on the snowpack in British Columbia and the importance of being conscious of ones carbon footprint.

We are quickly approaching 2010, and with that comes the Provincial Government mandate for public institutions to be “carbon neutral.” By supporting this student initiative, UBCO demonstrates its commitment to sustainability and facilitating student groups to be leaders of change in Canada. Nick Therrien, President of the Varsity Outdoor Club – Okanagan says “I came from Alaska to UBC Okanagan because of UBC’s reputation for sustainable initiatives. It’s time to apply those standards to all activities associated with UBC Okanagan.”