Welcome to We Conserve

Campaign Ideas

Movement-based campaigning is when a number of lead partners develop a collaborative campaign that can be adapted and adopted by a wide range of campaign partners. Key elements are:

a shared goal
common high-level messaging
adaptive messaging that can be interpreted and tailored to individual audiences
ability to co-promote related programs and services

Traditional campaigns bring groups together to focus on policy change. Through We Conserve, we look for campaigns that help change society.

Campaigns are when a movement really comes together to achieve results! Here are some ideas we are working on -- feel free to pick up on them.

The Doors Closed campaign was an early test for a movement-based campaign. Lead partners with the Conservation Council were greenTbiz, Summerhill Impact, and the Ontario Power Authority. The campaign involved 24 organizations to reach 5,000 stores in 15 communities with a common message to save energy in a heat wave.

Priority Action	Campaign	Status	Purpose
Integrated	Green Leaders	In development	Promote green leadership by businesses, organizations, and governments. Encourage adaptation into municipal green programs Encourage adaptation for specific sectors (eg business associations)
	Green Homes	Suggested	Provide an integrated home package (nature, energy, waste) Provide home audits and retrofits Encourage natural landscaping
Help nature	At Home with Nature	Suggested	Promote natural yards, balconies, and common spaces Provide homeowner advice and neighbourhood green tours
	Urban Forests	Suggested: could scale up local projects	Map and research the health and diversity of street trees and urban forests Support the planting of street trees
Save Water	Roll out the Barrel	Suggested: could scale up local projects	promote downspout disconnection services and rain barrels
Save Energy	Doors Closed	Success	Promote stores restaurants and offices that save energy during heat waves
	Lighten Up	Tested - limited success due to competition with other energy campaigns	Promote energy conservation in the home Promote the Energuide for Homes audit Hold community workshops on energy conservation Promote other energy conservation options
Use Green Power	10 by 20	Suggested - can build on Our Power	Aim for 10% of Ontario homes (over 4,600) to have solar power by 2020
Drive Less	Safe Cycling	In development.	Promote safe cycling strategies for all municipalities Promote a provincial safe cycling strategy Promote programs for educating cyclists and drivers Promote cycling infrastructure (bike lanes, bike posts)
Eat Smart	Save our Farms	Suggested	Preserve prime farmland Promote farm viability Support community-based agriculture Promote organic food Develop a sustainable food system
Reduce Waste	Green Bags	Suggested - build on 5 cent/bag fee	Promote reusable bags Use the five cent per bag charge to support community green projects
Prevent Pollution	The Red Box	In development	Promote safe storage and disposal of household hazardous waste
	Toxic Free	Developed in 1990s	Promote alternatives to household hazards
Buy Green	Buy Green	In development: Toronto pilot to build on Doors Closed campaign	Encourage businesses to be green leaders Promote stores, restaurants and other businesses that are green leaders Co-promote environmental labeling and certification programs Encourage consumers to buy green
	Invest in Green	Suggested: build on work of the SIO	Promote socially responsible investing (RRSPs)
Live Local	Complete Communities	Suggested: provide a positive vision and marketing for the Ontario Smart Growth Network	Curb urban sprawl Conduct community surveys to identify needs and opportunities to enhance community values through development Assist communities to develop a community plan Aid citizen involvement in the planning process