Background
Bonnie Jean-Louis is a community activist, photographer, environmentalist and mother. A native of Hawkesbury, Ontario, she started a citizen’s community group, “Citoyens Responsables,” and founded “Ligne Verte” to create public awareness campaigns around local environmental issues.
Bonnie is motivated by a desire to engage individuals and help them become responsible citizens who share a vision of a healthy and sustainable community.
Taking action
Bonnie has led several community initiatives including:
- Reducing electronic waste in landfills by providing curbside pick-up during the municipality’s spring clean-up program.
- Working with local organizations to coordinate the watershed’s Creek Clean-up and Appreciation Day.
- Providing environmental workshops to local organizations, businesses, schools, municipal elected officials, and at community events.
- Engaging residents in organic community gardening and composting.
Achieving results
- 40 tonnes of electronic waste diverted from landfill, reducing contamination of local soil and water.
- 35 large bags of debris removed from the shoreline and water on the Creek Clean-up and Appreciation Day with Stewardship Ontario’s Prescott-Russell Stewardship Council.
- 100 large bags of recyclables were collected from various community events.
- Event coordinators now plan for the collection of recyclables during their festivities.
Bonnie engages citizens, raises awareness and encourages others to take action on environmental issues. By doing so, she is strengthening her community and protecting the health and safety of the people who live there.
