Organization

Mission

Through its four programs - ecological agriculture, fair trade, sustainable transportation and energy efficiency – and its two campaigns- climate change and responsible consumption- the organization has developed projects that encourage individuals to take concrete actions that bring about positive change. All of Équiterre’s projects are backed by solid expertise, built on the latest developments in the related fields.

Équiterre helps build a social movement by encouraging individuals, organizations and governments to make ecological and equitable choices, in a spirit of solidarity.

History

Equiterre was founded in 1993 by a group of young people who had participated in various preparatory conferences at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, the previous year. This group shared the view that issues of poverty, the environment and North-South inequities must be considered in order for real change to occur in society. They decided to create an organization that would enable them to put their principles into action. Equiterre has since been devoted to implementing projects that focus on solutions rather than problems. The organization has grown thanks to the synergy of the many individuals who have joined its ranks.

Programs

Ecological Agriculture
Equiterre’s Ecological Agriculture program allows Quebeckers to experience the benefits of agriculture and food without pesticides or chemical fertilizers. In addition to forming a network of farms that supply organic food through its Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) project, Equiterre organizes initiatives that stimulate citizen action, such as the Organic Baskets and Organic Daycare projects.

Fair Trade
Equiterre's Fair Trade program was created to enable consumers to use their buying power to oppose existing inequalities in international trade. In purchasing fair trade products certified by Transfair Canada, the consumer-actor allows small farmers in the South to obtain a fair price for the products they cultivate, such as coffee, tea, sugar and cocoa.

Energy Efficiency
Équiterre’s Energy Efficiency program was developed with the aim of reducing the many environmental problems related to excessive energy consumption, including urban smog, climate change and flooding in virgin forests. Equiterre advisors, accredited by the Agence de l'efficacité énergétique, make home visits in order to evaluate household energy use and provide residents with tips to help them develop energy-efficient habits that are beneficial to the environment and easy on the wallet.

Sustainable Transportation
Équiterre’s Sustainable Transportation program was born out of a desire to reduce the impact of pollution caused by transportation, in particular greenhouse gas emissions, which are an important cause of climate change. In keeping with this aim, Équiterre has developed a practical information kit to help citizens adopt a combination of modes of transportation such as car-pooling, bicycling, walking or public transport. By implementing structures making it easier for citizens to use this “transportation cocktail,” the program makes a valuable contribution toward the achievement of the objectives of the Kyoto Protocol.