Daria Petch

- Daria’s involvement with the David Suzuki Foundation is what she calls a “donor perspective.” In January of each year she chooses to make three charitable donations - one local, one national and one international. And, for the past several years she has chosen the David Suzuki Foundation as her National choice. She feels that by giving in each of these areas, her donations “cover the world” and also contributes to three elements important to our existence.

“I enjoy the good feeling that comes with knowing that my small contribution is making a difference. Kudos to the David Suzuki Foundation for effectively communicating all the positive work they do,” says Daria.

Daria understands that she can’t take on the world on her own but she does know what she can do and does her best each day. “I know that I can always do more, and I continually search for the perfect balance. I truly believe that a lot of people doing little things can make huge changes.” Here are just a few things that Daria is doing in her every day life to make an environmental difference:

Uses compact fluorescent light bulbs
Refuses to use lawn fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides
Uses rechargeable batteries when batteries are needed
Buys fruit and vegetables locally and maximizes the freezer, she fills it with berries and jams and home-made goodies.
Walks a lot
All Christmas presents this year were hand-made by Daria!

Some of her future plans include:

Ditching her 2-stroke gas lawn mower and opting for the true push, lawn mower! (no need to exercise on lawn mowing days – a double bonus)
Expand her vegetable garden
Write more letters! Lots and lots and lots of letters. She thinks they make a difference!

Daria realizes that the issues we face with our environment can encompass many things. “Generally, the issues I support are intangible and difficult to measure. Issues really boil down to encouraging people to be social responsibility, understanding what their own morals and values are, and doing the right thing.” Says Daria.