Michèle Shannon, a resident of Powell River, B.C., shares her realization about the environmental impact of excessive paper use during her teaching career. Referred to as the Packet Queen by a student, Shannon initially saw the numerous photocopies she distributed as valuable educational resources. However, upon reflection, she recognized the significant environmental toll of her paper consumption.
Commencing her teaching journey in 1994 in Squamish, B.C., Shannon relied heavily on photocopied handouts to supplement her lessons. A rough estimate revealed that over three decades, she distributed more than 1.6 million sheets of paper, equivalent to a towering stack exceeding 150 meters. This realization weighed heavily on Shannon as she acknowledged the environmental “pulp debt” accrued during her teaching tenure.
Advancements in digital technology and the shift to paperless teaching, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, prompted Shannon to reconsider her paper usage habits. Despite retiring in 2022 with regrets about her past reliance on photocopies, Shannon and her spouse have since taken steps to offset their carbon footprint. Their initiatives include investing in sustainable practices like hybrid vehicles, solar panels, and planting native trees and shrubs on their property in Powell River.
Transitioning to retirement life on B.C.’s Sunshine Coast, Shannon now focuses on environmental stewardship by cultivating pollinator-friendly gardens and naturalizing their lawn to mirror the local ecosystem. By consciously selecting indigenous plants and contributing to restoration efforts, Shannon aims to repay her ecological debt and embrace a more sustainable lifestyle post-teaching career.
Reflecting on her past impact on the environment, Shannon draws parallels to the historical industrial significance of Powell River as a major newsprint producer. Despite the closure of the Powell River Mill in 2023 and the site’s repatriation to the Tla’amin Nation, Shannon recognizes the evolving landscape and acknowledges the importance of personal accountability in environmental conservation.
In her retirement, Shannon finds solace in planting shrubs and trees, envisioning each addition as a small step towards offsetting her past paper consumption. With a newfound focus on environmental responsibility, Shannon aligns her actions with the changing dynamics of her community and the broader environmental consciousness, striving to leave a positive ecological legacy.