Lethbridge Sustainable Living Association

The Lethbridge Sustainable Living Association (LSLA) is a non-profit society that was started in 2012. A group of pioneers came together recognizing a need in Lethbridge and surrounding area for a group of sustainably minded individuals to start addressing problems in the area of food production, ecologically sound building practices, local currencies and sustainable energy matters. The original goal of this group was to create an egalitarian Eco Village. Over time, the group has expanded and grown.

Today, the LSLA, is focusing on the following initiatives:

* Permaculture Lethbridge

* The Fruit Rescue Program

* The Community Clothing Swap

* Zero Waste

* Apple Fest Celebrations

* Urban Hens YQL Initiative  

The LSLA founded its ever expanding "flagship" event, Apple Fest in 2012 and this event has been going strong ever since. Apple Fest celebrations continued until 2018 when the current board of the time re-envisioned how to reach the public and spread the word about local fruit and sustainable food harvest a little more. During the summer of 2018 and onward, the LSLA chose to do several public and private juicing events. Partnering with other business and non profits, the LSLA was able to harvest, juice, preserve and distribute 100's of liters of juice and 1000's of pounds of fruit within Lethbridge.

The Fruit Rescue Program can be seen all year round at a variety of events in the community. The summer is packed full of opportunities for everyone to join in the picking and juicing events. During the winter you can find our juice for sale as a fundraiser for the next season.

In 2014 the LSLA took under its wing, the Lethbridge Urban Farming Guild. This is our present day Permaculture Lethbridge. Permaculture Lethbridge has been responsible for numerous workshops, tours and events in the areas of community garden development, herb spiral building, composting and soil building. This arm of the LSLA is taking off in a BIG and global way! Currently, PL is hosting a monthly social gathering in which participants are gathering in an informal way to watch documentaries, book swap, share information, plan other projects and create more community.

The LSLA has been hosting 4 times per year, a Community clothing swap. We take donations of gently used clothes and shoes and offer a space for people to come "shopping". This event is always inclusive, family friendly and FREE.

We believe that there is no reason to have to buy all clothes and want to keep as many items from the landfills as possible. At the end of each event, the leftover clothes are used for upcoming re purposed workshops and local charities who are in need of specific items. It is the intention of the LSLA to continue with this quarterly event moving forward.

Zero Waste Lethbridge is really just an extension of the SAZW community that was founded on Facebook by Camille Strate. Since Camille's re location out of Lethbridge, the LSLA has worked hard to maintain opportunities for the community to learn and grow. the LSLA has offered many workshops and hands on skill shares in the area of rescuing our waste. This includes tours of local businesses and organizations who are working hard to do the same.

The LSLA empowers and inspires our community to foster meaningful and diverse relationships through connected and sustainable initiatives.

The LSLA Mission provides opportunities for sharing, collaboration, and support of personal and collective journeys in the various aspects of sustainable living:

* Food and clothing

* Housing and Lifestyles

* Community and Family

* Connection and Health

* Nature and Personal Growth

The LSLA values:

* Education on sustainable lifestyles and practices

* A solid sense of community and meaningful relationships

* Connection to individuals, local initiatives, and businesses

* A supportive CORE- space to inspire invitations for personal change

* Inclusivity, accessibility and practicality for all individuals

We are looking for those people who recognize the importance of connection, diversity, and sustainable/regenerative practices in all areas of "life" . If you have a skill or interest to share with the group, would like to keep informed about what's "going on" in the Lethbridge and area or of you find any of what has been shared here to be important to you....please connect with us.

The Lethbridge Fruit Rescue is looking for 1 Liter Mason jar, sealer and lid donations for our 2022 Fruit Rescue Season. These jars can de dropped off or arrangements made for pick up by emailing the Fruit Rescue at lethbridgefruitrescue@gmail.com

Thank you for your continued donations and support for our Fruit Rescue and distribution efforts.

Please note that ALL volunteers will be required to attend a short 1 hour online training PRIOR to picking. If you are interested in picking this season, please send an email to our coordinator at lethbridgefruitrescue@gmail.com with the caption "training" to book your own training session

DONATE YOUR USED CLOTHES LOCALLY!

Drop off location -TBD

We are aiming to organize a clothing share 3-4 times per year. This event is FREE but we will always accept donations on behalf of the LS LA in order to continue our work here in the community.

Please ensure that the clothing you are donating is clean and in decent shape. .It bogs down our volunteers when they need to take an extra step and wash or clear out clothing that isn't fit for distribution.

The Events Page and all updated information can be found here