Giving up plastic improved her life

On Jan. 15, a "30something woman" who gave up plastic for a year will give a Life Without Plastic workshop in Courtenay.

On Jan. 15, a “30something woman” who two years ago decided to give up plastic for a year will give a Life Without Plastic workshop from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Seniors’ Evergreen Lounge at the Filberg Centre in Courtenay.

Taina Uitta will then address the regular service of the Comox Valley Unitarians at 4 p.m at 250 Beach Avenue (Comox United Church).

Her story is uplifting and she says that contrary to her initial fears, her decision to refuse plastic actually improved rather than diminished her life and her one year challenge has become a life-long quest.

Whether you’re ready to completely refuse or simply gradually reduce plastic use, Taina’s workshop will help you. She will share her story as well as tips and tools for getting you started and will walk you through her Motivational Plastics 101.

You will leave the workshop with your own set of guidelines for confronting everyday consumer decisions. The cost is $10 at the door or what you can afford. For more information, call 250-338-1947.

Taina wrote her Plastic Manners blog about her experience and is now writing a book and working on a documentary. With a masters degree in Natural Resources Conservation, and her work for a national sustainable seafood program, Taina has a passion for protecting the oceans and the environment. She recently moved to Denman Island.

At 4 p.m. Taina will address the Comox Valley Unitarians on the subject of Living Without Plastic – A Gateway to Good.

She believes strongly in “the great abundance in going without” and giving up plastic two years ago was her gateway to ‘good.’ All are welcome to attend this service and anytime after 3:30 p.m., to join Kazimea Sokil for the Early Bird Sing, which is child friendly and open to all ‘young-minded’ folks.

There is free childcare and a Spiritual Education program for children from Grades 2 to 6, which explores values, different faith traditions and explores the commonality of all religions.

For more information, call 250-890-9262 or visit the Unitarian website at www.cvuf.ca.

Please note that for at least January, there will be services on only the first and third Sundays.

— Comox Valley Unitarians

Comox Valley Record