How to plant seeds of change

"I am feeling empowered, rejuvenated, and more confident to talk about environmental issues with others." Coach Emma (Credit: After an Afternoon Photography)

"Ours is not the task of fixing the entire world all at once, but stretching out to mend the part of the world that is within our reach. Any small, calm thing that one soul can do to help another soul, to assist some portion of this poor suffering world, will help immensely." Clarissa Pinkola Estes

This fall, my seventh round of Queen of Green Coaches bravely chose to counter feelings of being overwhelmed and impulses to withdraw with commitments to step forward and act. Each recruited five families to "green"!

Veteran Coach Ali, Chilliwack B.C. (@alilovesbugs) loves bugs, is passionate about people and lives in the forest with her partner and two cats.

Stay-at-home mom Becky, Ladysmith B.C. is "fumbling" her way towards a zero-waste lifestyle!

Blair, Saskatoon Sask. (@blairvmiller) caught the "green bug" early and encourages her family and friends to recycle, compost and ditch toxic chemicals.

Catherine F., Victoria B.C. (@Wilde_Cam) is driven to reduce her consumption by the interconnectedness between people and the environment.

Nature advocate Daniele, Nelson B.C is a mom to four kids and constantly seeks new ways to tread lightly on the planet.

Environmental engineer Emma, Toronto Ont. (@green_at_home) is a mom to two young kids and shares ways to live green and healthy on her Green at Home blog.

Eyecandypopper, London Ont. (@Eyecandypopper) is passionate about green living and healthy eating, and encourages others through her blog.

Janell, Long Creek P.E.I. has a passion for animals, the environment and all sustainable living paths.

Veteran Coach Julia, City of Kawartha Lakes Ont. (@sogreenithurts) is a green living blogger and stay-at-home mom committed to protecting her local lakes.

Nurse, mother, wife, yogi and Beaver Leader Kate, Ladysmith B.C. (@PineConeYoga) is greening a local mom-and-baby group.

Occupational therapist and educator Katie, Vancouver B.C. (@MKatieBunting) believes in the interconnectedness of all life and protecting Earth's diversity.

Mother, librarian, children's art studio owner, veteran Coach and first Queen of Green Leader Kelly, Maple Ridge B.C. (@kellyerinwoods) is mentoring four new Queen of Green Coaches, blogs about green living and dreams of building her own cob home.

Returning Coach Kimberley S., Prince George B.C. has a BA in Kinesiology and a green thumb, loves to DIY (cosmetics to crocheting) and enjoys the challenges of being eco-friendly and bringing others along for the ride.

Lori, Coquitlam B.C. is a retired teacher, new grandma, nature lover and co-author of a free children's nature guide who is committed to better lifestyle choices for the health of humans and the planet.

Agrologist Lynne, Melfort Sask. (@crwatershed) is a mother of four and watershed manager with the Carrot River Valley Watershed Association.

Michele G., Nanaimo B.C. is working on her master's degree in Sustainable Leisure Management and is passionate about the three pillars of sustainability.

Michele R., Kelowna B.C. has been a fan of David Suzuki from age six, became vegan at 16 and raised her two children as vegetarians.

Marketing manager for Winnipeg's largest law firm, Nicola, Winnipeg Man. (@dempseynicola) has been driven to increase and share ecofriendly choices since becoming a new mom.

Nicole, Lethbridge Alta. is a registered nurse working in public health, currently on maternity leave with her baby girl.

DSF volunteer since 2010 and one of the first four Queen of Green Coaches, Norma, Surrey B.C. is currently working on a master's degree in Environment and Management and serves on the City of Surrey's Environmental Sustainability Advisory Committee.

Mom, marketer and nutritionist-in-training Roanne, Maple Ridge B.C. is passionate about eating whole, organic foods, sustainable farming and food security, and limiting exposure to toxins.

Lifestyle coach Sandra, Toronto, Ont. lives in the heart of the city with her Russian Bolonka pup and conscientiously contributes to a sustainable future.

Shannon, Cold Stream B.C. who works from her home surrounded by forest and lakes and believes there is much to learn and many to inspire, especially children.

Project co-ordinator turned entrepreneur Tracey, Sackville N.B. enjoys living on the New Brunswick-Nova Scotia border, loves a challenge and believes in a minimal, eco-friendly life.

Valerie, North Vancouver B.C. is passionate about nature, gardening, healthy eating, helping others and protecting Mother Earth, and wants to inspire people to do the same.

You don't need to be an "official" Queen of Green Coach to lead. What are you doing in your community?

Sincerely,

Lindsay Coulter, a fellow Queen of Green

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