Sheridan’s Mission Zero is accepting nominations for the next Mission Zero Heroes. Mission Zero is looking for students, classmates, colleagues or professors at Sheridan College that have inspired those around them with their sustainability efforts.
“To be nominated as a Mission Zero Hero means that you have inspired another through your commitment and passion to making a positive change for our environment and our community,” said Christina Wiggins, founder of Mission Zero Heroes.
Being a Mission Zero Hero means you’re taking the steps, even if they are small, to better our environment and the Sheridan Community.
“The whole goal is anybody can be a Mission Zero Hero. It’s anybody that is kind of aiming to reduce our carbon footprint,” says Vicki Tran, Mission Zero’s cycling coordinator.
Being more sustainable doesn’t need to be a grand gesture. Some small steps Tran takes to lead a more sustainable life involve reducing her food waste, buying local food, and biking whenever she can.
“I think I help the environment really in small ways. And I think this is where it becomes very manageable,” says Lydia Novak, a career counsellor at Sheridan College who was nominated as a Mission Zero Hero in 2021.
To reduce her eco-footprint, Lydia does her best to walk, run or bike instead of taking the car. She was thrilled when she was nominated last year and is looking forward to seeing this year’s nominees.
“I’m a firm believer that it’s these small changes that can add up over time to have a bigger impact,” says Novak.
The success of Mission Zero is thanks to the team of professors and volunteers who give their time to ensure the future of the Sheridan Community is a green one.
Mission Zero strives to create a positive change in many areas like transportation, biodiversity and waste. They offer a bike rental program, cycling resources and even a do it yourself repair space.
With the goal of a zero-waste campus, the team at Mission Zero is doing what they can to make this a reality. Recently, they’ve added special waste diversion bins on campus for people to dispose of their masks. The disposed masks will then be taken to a facility and used to create energy.
Even if you’re not a Mission Zero volunteer, you can still do your part to be sustainable on campus and at home.
“Everyone can help Sheridan divert waste from landfill by proper waste sorting. When putting waste into a Mission Zero waste recycling station, remember to take a moment to study the waste sorting signs at the station,” said Wai Chu Cheng, the Sustainability Coordinator for Mission Zero
Educating yourself about what you’re throwing into your garbage and recycling bins is an important tip from Tran. If you’re recycling something that hasn’t been cleaned, it’s considered contaminated. This will then end up in the landfill.
The Ontario Waste Management Association estimates that in 12 years, Ontario’s landfills will be full.
“If you think about that, 10-12 years is not that long,” said Tran.
It’s important to act now. Leading by example could motivate people to do more in their daily lives. Our Mission Zero Heroes are the positive innovators we need more of.
Mission Zero strives for a healthier campus, community and world. If you know someone who would be the perfect Mission Zero Hero, don’t hesitate to nominate them by March 1st, 2022.
It’s time to shed some light on those who are leading us to a greener future.
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Interactive by Jason Octavo