General
Isn’t the biggest responsibility for action with companies and governments?
This is about societal change, not just individual action. Of course, we can’t just blame individuals for our climate and ecological mess and expect them to bear the burden of fixing it. Because our dominant social structures are designed to support mass consumerism and other nature-destroying practices, corporations and governments bear the greatest responsibility.
Live Net Zero isn’t about simply changing light bulbs or more recycling. It’s about a culture shift – with widespread behaviour change at the personal, household and community levels helping to support changes in governance and corporate behaviour.
This includes changes in our diet, transportation choices, personal vacations, housing type, etc., as well as government and business support for things like home heating retrofits, household solar installations and electric vehicles.
Household Challenge
Is Live Net Zero just for families?
No – it’s for households! While many participants are families, anyone can join – whether you live alone, with roommates, as a couple or in a multi-generational household.
What if I rent?
There are plenty of renter-friendly actions you can take, from reducing energy use to changing how you shop, eat and move around throughout your day.
What if I can’t do everything?
You don’t have to. The Challenge helps you take action where it counts most and in ways that work for your life. [Link to LNZ High vs Low Impact actions]
Is this just about individual action?
Lifestyle changes matter – but they’re not the whole story. We need systems change too. The more people act, the more businesses, governments, and communities respond. It all works together. [Link to LNZ 101 Systems section]
If I post more, do I have a better chance of winning?
All households are judged on the same criteria for their social media engagement, whether you share a single powerful post or many smaller ones. What matters is quality, not quantity. (See Tips for a Winning Entry.)
What is the science behind the footprint quiz?
This quiz is grounded in comprehensive research on household ecological footprints across Canada. By analyzing national studies and data, we’ve developed a set of 20 questions that identify the key areas where Canadian households contribute most to greenhouse gas emissions. These areas typically include home energy use, transportation habits, food consumption, and material goods. Your responses help pinpoint which aspects of your household’s activities have the highest environmental impact. Based on this, the quiz suggests the most effective actions you can take to reduce your ecological footprint. This approach ensures that recommendations are tailored to your specific circumstances, making your efforts toward sustainability more impactful. The methodology behind this quiz is informed by the work of the BCIT Centre for Ecocities, led by Dr. Jennie Moore. Their ecoCity Footprint Tool provides a framework for assessing ecological footprints and consumption-based emissions, aiding communities in understanding and reducing their environmental impact. (Take the Quiz.)
Classroom Challenge
I’m an educator, but what if I’m not an expert in climate change?
You don’t need to be. The program is designed to support teachers with ready-made materials and step-by-step guidance. You’ll also be part of a supportive national educator network.
How long does the Challenge last?
The core challenge lasts several weeks, but it’s flexible – teachers can adapt it to fit their schedules. Some schools run it as a focused block; others spread it over a term.
Does it align with the curriculum?
Yes. The Challenge connects with learning goals across science, social studies, civics, geography, health and career education. It also supports competencies like critical thinking, collaboration and active citizenship.
Can home-schoolers or small rural classrooms participate?
Yes. The Classroom Challenge is flexible and inclusive – perfect for home-school families, small multi-grade classrooms, and rural or remote schools. Activities can be scaled to fit your context, and many require little or no special equipment. Everyone’s participation is valued, and your unique perspectives help shape a more diverse and relatable movement for sustainable living.
Is there a cost to participate?
No. It’s completely free to join. Materials are bilingual and available in print or digital formats.