By Stephanie Carter, Zerofootprint

In August 2008, the City of Edmonton launched the Zerofootprint Edmonton Challenge. A part of its thriving EcoVision initiative, the Challenge lets Edmontonians help improve the world by greening their city. Participants are eligible for regular monthly prizes and the grand prize of a Toyoto Prius hybrid for a year. The Challenge is now in its final month, with the final draw occurring on June 1, 2009, and the grand prize winner to be announced at the Edmonton ICLEI World Conference, June 14-18, 2009.

The Zerofootprint Online Carbon Calculator (http://edmonton.zerofootprint.net) is the rallying point for the Challenge. Edmontonians create an account on the website and measure their current carbon footprint by answering questions about their lifestyle. They are provided with tips on how to reduce their energy emissions; they pledge to lessen their footprint by committing to specific actions, join groups and compare their results with others. Participants are entered into monthly random draws for prizes that assist them achieve their environmental goals, such as low flush toilets, energy efficient lawn mowers, solar chargers, and composters. The City awards six prizes on the 15th day of every month, with the next draw taking place on May 15th.

The Zerofootprint Edmonton Challenge has been so successful that, to date, participants have pledged to remove 1,000 tonnes of carbon from what otherwise would have been created in the city. If you reside in Edmonton and would like to participate, please go to: http://edmonton.zerofootprint.net

URL: http://www.greenspacealberta.com/