CJ Rhodes

As a local politician, I often get asked (all the time and everywhere) what I’m doing about this situation or that problem. Most Osoyoos folk are very respectful…some not so much but I take the time to listen to each. It is incredibly important to me to know how people feel and if that requires a “butt chewin’” once in a while, I’m OK with that.

So, at this time of year when everyone is making up top ten lists on every subject imaginable, I get this one shot back at you. Here are my top ten things you can do to make Osoyoos a more sustainable and environmentally stable community:

1. GO THROUGH YOUR GARBAGE—Before taking your garbage to the alley for pick-up ensure that there are no recyclables or compost material in the bag. It’s your garbage and your responsibility. This simple action will prolong the life of your landfill by several years.
2. IDLING CONTROL—All the science (and there’s a lot of it) says idling for more than 10 seconds uses more fuel than restarting your vehicle. It’s a no-brainer and the reduction of GHG’s is enormous.
3. SHOP LOCAL— If you want a strong local economy, great community services and, a vibrant main street then keep your dollars local and whenever possible shop local.
4. WATER CONSERVATION—You can make a difference. Xeriscape wherever possible, install low flow shower heads and faucet aerators, replace all toilets with ultra-low dual flush systems, fix leaky faucets and pipes, re-fit all outdoor irrigation with drip systems, know and understand the source of your water and, educate yourself on water conservation.
5. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT— Become engaged in “things” that are important to you…it’s how you get stuff done in our community. 
6. VOLUTEER—Many organizations that do very important and beneficial things in our community rely on volunteers. Get involved.
7. COMMUNICATE—As a councillor one of the most important things to me is hearing from residents about their ideas and opinions.
8. BE CREATIVE—You are the best source of creative and innovative ideas that can make our community a better place.
9. STOP COMPLAINING —Walt Disney said it all when he was asked about his success. “I woke up one day and decided to stop complaining. My motto then became… stop talking and, start doing”. We could all benefit from that advice.
10. TOURISTS—Treat your tourists as you would your best friend. Tourism is our biggest industry and the driving force behind our economy. It’s what we are so let’s do it well.

Yeah, I know..there goes that damn CJ telling us what to do again but if you’ve read to this point then I’ve done my job. If you even pause to think about one of the above points then I’m happy.