Community partnerships

Evergreen  

Since 2004, Unilever Canada, through the Unilever Evergreen Aquatic Stewardship and Conservation Grant Program, has provided $522,000 to 98 community groups across Canada working to protect and preserve urban aquatic habitats.  

The grant programme is designed to support small scale, community driven projects that promote the protection and/ or conservation of Canada’s freshwater ecosystems.

Program Highlights since 2004 include:

• More than 21,400 wildflowers and grasses planted

• More than 12,000 trees and shrubs planted

• More than 400,00 square meters naturalized

• Over 200 community events held by grant recipients

• Over 21,000 volunteers involved
  

Wildsight

Unilever proudly supports Wildsight in their effort to protect one of Canada’s most important wetlands.

Between the Rocky and Purcell Mountain ranges in southeastern British Columbia lies the Columbia River Wetlands.  This biologically diverse area is the primary source of fresh water to over 15 million people in the Pacific Northwest, while over 11 million people rely on the river for water, livelihood and recreation.  It is the longest intact wetland in North America providing critical habitat and movement for threatened species such as the grizzly bear and mountain caribou. 

Wildsight is working on the ground through engagement of citizens and decision makers to protect the region from threats of excessive development and human encroachment.  Wildsight works with locals to draw attention to the need to enjoy respectfully, but also protect these sensitive wetlands.  

Unilever has been working with Wildsight since 1999. By sharing our marketing and communications expertise we have helped Wildsight build their capabilities for outreach and awareness. And our financial support has allowed them to do the scientific research and community engagement necessary to pursue protection for this region.

Go Blue

In Canada, freshwater touches every part of our lives. From drinking to cooking, bathing, cleaning our homes and growing our food.  A sustainable supply of freshwater is vital to our health and welfare.  Yet, most Canadians are unaware that our freshwater supplies are at risk.

Canadians are the world’s second largest water wasters; we use 15 times the amount of water that the average global citizen actually needs.  Much of the water we use at home is not used efficiently – water lost to leaky faucets, inefficient plumbing and overuse in our gardens.  In fact, in the summer, more than half of all water used goes onto lawns and gardens.

Unilever created Go Blue with the aim of increasing awareness amongst Canadians about the growing pressure on Canada’s fresh water supply and inspiring Canadians to cut their water use in half.

Water use is growing faster than our population.  From 1972 to 1996, Canada’s population grew by 33% but our water consumption increased by 90%.  This huge demand has already resulted in water shortages in some areas of the country. Yet, most Canadians still believe in the dangerous myth that our fresh water supply is unlimited.

Go Blue aims to debunk this ‘myth of abundance’ by encouraging Canadians to change their habits such as taking shorter showers, installing low flow fixtures in the bathroom and kitchen, choosing native plants for the garden that require less water.