Editors notes: Living the Good Life - It’s up to you

One of the biggest events of the summer was Live Earth, a 24-hour, 7-continent concert series that took place on 7/7/07 to trigger a global movement to solve the climate crisis. Commandeered by former U.S. Vice President Al Gore, Live Earth was the kick-off to a multi-year campaign to propel individuals, corporations and governments to take action to solve global warming.

Certainly, climate change and rising energy costs are on a lot of people’s minds these days as we witness the Editor - Belinda Bruce (Sarah Needley)increasing scarcity of resources and the adverse effects of human consumption on the environment. A powerful message that Live Earth helped promote is: Positive change starts at home.

In other words, simplify. Reduce, reuse, recycle, restore.

Every small effort we make as individuals, from unplugging cellphone chargers and turning off computers when not in use to building more eco-friendly environments, can have a significant impact over time. Business can contribute in many ways, through programs, practices and services, such as Harbour Air’s carbon offsetting program. Taking steps to increase the efficiency of our homes and transportation, and finding ways to use renewable energy sources such as geothermal, solar, wind and biomass, are all part of the process of change for a better world.

British Columbia happens to be a North American leader in green technologies and building construction products and services. In this issue of Coastlines, we explore ideas of home and healing across the Coast. We introduce you to some smart West Coast people and companies that are creating better living environments in an effort to contribute to a sustainable future.

It’s common wisdom that part of building a habitable future is knowing the details of our habitable past. Take our invitation to peek into Vancouver’s history through the stories behind some of its early homes. And meet people who take an active interest in documenting and preserving our society in various forms for generations to come such as Vancouver’s first Poet Laureate.

Ultimately, our capacity to engage with our community hinges on our ability to relate to it with a clear mind and a healthy body. We must find a balance between work and play,
and pick our moments to relax and renew. Coastlines reveals some emerging therapies and choice spots where you can go to restore your own energy reserves, heal body and mind and just have fun.

Editor - Belinda Bruce