Join us on our carbon neutral journey. During dinner time, you can socialize with your family and protect the planet together.
Joe McMahan, Vice President of Sustainability
November 7th marks the second annual Little Changes Day and the fourth year that Maple Leaf Foods has become carbon neutral. It’s time to celebrate our commitment to becoming the most sustainable protein company, not just in Canada, but on the planet. We’re calling on Canadians to join us in a day of collective action as we work to protect our planet for future generations on Little Changes Day and beyond. What may seem like small changes can have a big impact on the environment if we all move towards sustainability together.
Did you know that while 48% of Canadian families often watch TV during meals, 86% say they want to spend more time together away from screens? We encourage Canadians to take part in the Disconnected Dinner Challenge. Turning off your screens and sharing a meal together can reduce your carbon footprint and help friends and family reconnect with each other.
Stepping away from your TV screen for an hour a day is just one example of a small change that can have a big impact on your environment.More than 50 hockey rinks need to be planted with trees to offset carbon emissions2 Generated by just one hour of watching TV as a family.
Ready to get involved? For ideas on how to get started, see the helpful infographic below and read the disconnected dinner tips below.
Share your plans for disconnecting this day of small changes using the hashtag #DisconnectedDinner and tag @MapleLeafFoods.
Tips for dinners without connections
- Involve your little helpers: Do your kids take advantage of screen time while you cook? From finding the fridge to cleaning the washing machine, giving everyone a role and a chance to participate before the meal helps keep the whole family entertained. Allow them to participate in the creation.
- Feature the table. Children love to set up a special dinner table. Customize your place setting with colorful reusable napkins. Remove lights and screens and opt for candles instead to create ambience.
- Say “no” to notifications: Out of sight, out of mind! During the Disconnection Dinner Challenge, have everyone hide their phones in a basket. It’s easier to connect through conversation without distractions.
- Create a conversation jar. Do you have a TV on as background entertainment? Turn it off! Create a conversation jar and have everyone post their questions in advance. Start table topics in order.
- Go green: “Up-cook” leftovers for hassle-free dinners and reduce food waste. Look for the Carbon Zero logo on protein products. Save water by washing all your dishes at once and running your dishwasher on eco-friendly settings.
- Bonds that go beyond dinner time: Turn off the screen after dinner. Play some retro games from your childhood or start a family project like a puzzle.
Our commitment to a more sustainable future extends beyond Little Changes Day. Recently, our Hamilton factory received his LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification. Learn more about our work here.
