Since 1989

Strengthening Resilience.

Igniting Action.

Defending Nature.

Protecting Whistler’s natural environment through advocacy on conservation, climate action, and circular economy practises.

Aware Whistler Forest

Conservation

Protecting habitats sustains biodiversity and strengthens resilience.

Climate Action

Local action drives global change—cutting waste, emissions, and promoting sustainability.

Circular Economy

Reuse, repair, and reduce—building a waste-free future through circular solutions.

For Whistler’s Irreplaceable Natural Landscape

For more than 35 years, we have been at the forefront of environmental protection in Whistler, advocating for sustainable practices and developing impactful community programs.

How to be a responsible tourist

Our Partners

Hundreds of members — and these philanthropic partners — trust us to deliver bold, evidence-based solutions to environmental challenges in Whistler.

Make a Difference

Environmental degradation is an undeniable existential crisis, but we have the power to make a real impact. By preserving the natural landscape we cherish and supporting local sustainability efforts, we can contribute to global climate action.

Donate

Our Impact

With a handful of staff members, we have an outsized impact on protecting habitats and biodiversity, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enabling a local circular economy. Here’s what we’ve done to date. 

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hectares of wildland zones protected through government agreements

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youth engaged in local climate action programs

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km logged during GoByBike Weeks saving 25,036+ kg of GHG emissions

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hectares of wetland and riparian zones protected through advocacy on zoning designation

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lbs of waste diverted from landfill through Zero Waste Heroes services

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lbs of locally grown food at our GROW Community Gardens & Greenhouses saving an estimated 121,500 lbs of CO₂e related to food miles, industrial farming and waste

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members of the community setting new standards for consumption in our circular economy initiatives (Community Garage Sales and Repair Cafes)

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lbs of clothing diverted from landfill saving emissions and money

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events, talks, and workshops connecting the residents and visitors of Whistler to environmental initiatives

In The News

Whistler’s AWARE takes on organic waste campaign

November 5, 2024

Pique Newsmagazine

“We chose to partner with AWARE because of its community impact and commitment to preserving the environment. AWARE has a long history of exemplary community involvement and broad connections with both residents and businesses.”

AWARE-Zero-Waste-Station

April 10, 2024

Whistler Insider

“With great power comes great responsibility. This means the responsibility to protect Whistler’s natural spaces (and the interconnected global climate systems that support them) is huge indeed. Thankfully, we have AWARE, a homegrown group of…

How to be a responsible tourist

December 13, 2023

The Globe & Mail

“Whistler’s population is just shy of 14,000 and the town receives three million visitors a year. The municipality’s goal is to cut its carbon emissions by 50 per cent by 2030, and tourists have a…