Not So Green...

Michelle: 30th Mar 2008 - 14:21 GMT

To whom it may concern (and really it should concern all of you...)

Last night was Earth Hour from 8-9 pm. Why were your lights on? I live in
an apartment building so looking off of my balcony I was VERY DISAPPOINTED
to see that you didn't have the DECENCY to turn your lights off.

Your mission statement, your name and the very place that you occupy
suggests that you would be supportive of Earth Hour. I don't know how you
could have chosen to ignore Earth Hour.

Shame on you!

Michelle Hilscher

P.S. Check out citynoise.org

AG: 31st Mar 2008 - 12:55 GMT

I agree with you Michelle - this was really a thoughtless move by Evergreen.

Newton: 31st Mar 2008 - 13:33 GMT

At their core, they're just a commercial enterprise, and are in business to make money, just like everyone else. Such a simple, blatant action as disregarding Earth Hour is practically enough to nullify all the environmentally-friendly content liberally splashed across their website (www.evergreen.ca/en). I guess trying to appear environmentally friendly helps boost sales, too, eh?

Shame.

David Stonehouse: 31st Mar 2008 - 17:51 GMT

All of us at Evergreen were thrilled with Toronto's embrace of Earth Hour and indeed all staff went to enormous lengths to do our part. Unfortunately, when it comes to Brick Works site we are not responsible for the day-to-day operations as of yet.

As many of you know Evergreen has begun work transforming the site into North America's leading environmental discovery centre.

But please note the word "begun." The Don Valley Brick Works Property is not yet managed by Evergreen. The site is owned by the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority and managed by the City of Toronto. We do not currently have control of how the site is managed.

Over the next few years, Evergreen will be leasing and renovating the site's buildings for the purpose of operating an education centre - Evergreen Brick Works - related to the natural and cultural heritage of the Don Valley Brick Works site. There is much to do before Evergreen Brick Works is open (spring of 2010), including planning, design and fundraising. We have been hosting awareness and education events at the site, including a weekly farmers market this past year, however, we are a long way away from "opening day", when we will have the authority and ability to participate in events such as Earth Hour.

When completed, Evergreen Brick Works will showcase many green building features, including green roofs, LED lights and renewable energy systems. It is our ambition to make Evergreen Brick Works a 24/7 response to climate change.

We welcome your observations regarding the Evergreen Brick Works site. It is a sign that there many people in the community who share our firm and active commitment to the principles of sustainability.

Evergreen can not speak on behalf of the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority or the City of Toronto. However, it is our understanding that the site is lit in this manner in response to public concerns related to safety and vandalism. The City of Toronto was an active participant in Earth Hour but the City owns/manages thousands of parks and it would have been a massive undertaking for the City to dim every light in every park for the appointed hour.

For the record, Evergreen is a Canadian charity. We have delivered environmental education programs across Canada since 1991.

Please do not hesitate to contact me directly with questions or concerns related to Evergreen Brick Works.

David Stonehouse
Evergreen
416-596-1495, x232