In a world that often feels driven by convenience and consumption, the idea of building a truly self-sufficient, sustainable community can feel daunting. But here’s the thing: sustainability isn’t some distant, unattainable dream. It’s achievable, practical, and within our reach—especially when we focus on using local resources and tapping into the power of community-driven solutions.
At Sustainable Life, our mission is simple: to rethink waste, re-purpose resources, and rebuild our communities with sustainability at the core. Today, I want to share a few key projects that highlight how small towns like ours can take meaningful steps toward self-sufficiency while reducing environmental impact.
1. From Waste to Resources: The Power of Local Recycling
Most of what we throw away still has value—it just needs a second life.
Take plastic, for example. In many communities, plastic waste is seen as a problem that gets shipped out to be an issue for someone else. But what if, instead of shipping waste away, we processed it locally? By shredding plastics and using the material for 3D printing, we can create new products right here in our town. Whether it’s parts for repairs or items for local businesses, this approach turns trash into treasure and keeps resources circulating locally.
The same goes for glass. Crushing glass waste and using it to support deep services or for road base materials is another way to give a second life to materials that would otherwise be discarded. Glass should never leave our community.
The best part? These recycling processes can be done on a small scale, creating local jobs and reducing the environmental cost of transporting materials.
2. Growing Food Sustainably: Vertical Farming in Sea-Cans
Food security is an ongoing challenge for many communities. One of our projects to address this is the vertical growing system housed in a repurposed 40-foot sea-can at the local high school. https://www.foothillsschooldivision.ca/oilfields/page/2380/vertical-farming-initiative
Why vertical farming?
- It requires less space than traditional farming.
- It uses significantly less water.
- It can operate year-round, providing fresh produce, herbs, and fruit, even during Alberta’s long winters.
By creating more of these vertical farms around town, we can improve food security together and give our students and neighbours more chances to get involved in sustainable agriculture. It’s hands-on education that shows what’s possible when we think creatively about solving local challenges.
3. Empowering Entrepreneurs with Sustainable Solutions
Sustainability isn’t just about reducing waste—it’s about creating opportunities. Imagine our community, where we can work together to take recycled materials and turn them into products that benefit everyone, creating practical solutions and new opportunities for us all. From handcrafted furniture to practical tools made with 3D-printed parts, these businesses would be rooted in sustainability.
That’s the vision: a local economy fuelled by green innovation.
The key is providing access to resources and tools. My original concept of a Sustainable Living Centre—a community maker-space—was designed to do just that. By offering workshops, equipment, and support, we can help locals turn ideas into realities. And in doing so, we create green jobs that keep money circulating in our community.
Why It Matters
Building a sustainable community isn’t about making huge, sweeping changes overnight—it’s something we’ve learned together over decades of living and working here. It’s about small, intentional steps that reflect our shared experiences and the strength of our community. It’s about taking small, intentional steps toward reducing our footprint, empowering our neighbours, and making better use of the resources we already have.
Every project—whether it’s recycling plastic, growing food, or supporting entrepreneurs—starts with a simple question: What can we do right here, right now, to make our community more resilient?
The answer, it turns out, is a lot.
By focusing on local solutions, we reduce our reliance on global supply chains, lower emissions, and strengthen the fabric of our towns. Sustainability isn’t just good for the planet—it’s good for people and communities, too.
A Call to Action
What can you do today to contribute to a more sustainable community? Maybe it’s starting a local repair cafe like ours, advocating for LEED-certified buildings, or simply rethinking how we manage our waste at home.
Whatever the step, it matters. Because when communities come together with a shared vision, we can achieve remarkable things.
Let’s build that future together—one project at a time.