Climate change is today’s most significant global threat to our quality of life. As a community, we have a responsibility to take action. The Kingston Climate Change Symposium is coming up on January 17th and we try our best to walk-the-talk when it comes to sustainability at our events. We want to make a statement and showcase the many simple and effective ways we can work to build a more livable and resilient city. We are proud to showcase several initiatives that will reduce the environmental impact of the event and promote Sustainable Kingston's Six Priority Areas.

See the examples below of how Sustainable Kingston is doing its best to walk-the-talk!

WASTE - FREE

We are working with the City of Kingston Solid Waste Division again this year to make The Kingston Climate Change Symposium a waste-free event.

Waste Sorting Stations, led by a small team of volunteers, will be provided at The Grand Theatre. They will take recycling and organics from attendees and dispose it into the appropriate bins, offering an educational element as well as ensuring effective waste diversion.

Surplus food for the event will be posted on FoodRescue.ca to be donated to social service organizations who can put this food to great use. Anything that isn't picked up will be donated to Farm Sanctuaries.

REDUCE AND REUSE

In addition to supporting a waste-free initiative, we have partnered with local food vendors who will use reusable and compostable materials. Rather than bringing disposable plates, vendors will provide compostable or reusable serving dishes to reduce packaging wherever possible.

Culligan Water is graciously donating water refill stations, so attendees can fill up their reusable water bottles.

Copper Branch is sponsoring a vegan meal to further reduce the event's environmental impact.

Bread and Butter is sponsoring baked goods and The Tea Room is sponsoring coffee for our first break. There will even be oat milk as a vegan alternative to milk and cream for your hot beverage!

CARBON NEUTRAL

Sustainable Kingston is working with Carbonzero to offset the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the Kingston Climate Change Symposium. Sustainable Kingston is proud to recognize Carbonzero as its official offset sponsor.

COMMUNITY

We are providing a student discount of $20 (43% discount from the original ticket fee) to inspire innovation and collaboration among the next generation.

This event will be a positive space event to support and welcome all members of the community.

We are also pushing to make this event as accessible as possible. A couple of examples include a wheelchair accessible event and an available water bowl for service dogs.

TRANSPORTATION

We are partnering with the City of Kingston to provide free bus transportation for ticket holders. Just show your ticket on January 17th and you can use the bus for free for the entire day. The downtown transfer point is only a 3-minute walk to the Grand Theatre! So, take the economic and environmental option and use sustainable transportation.