[separator headline=”h3″ title=”Her Work is Her Passion – By Nicola Maule, Healthwise Ottawa, Winter issue 2014/2015“]

Do you ever wish that your work did not feel like work? Would you like to combine your personal interests with a fulfilling career? Ottawa resident and keen environmentalist Pamela Tourigny has found an ideal job that allows her to follow her passion on a daily basis. It did not happen overnight, but after several years her volunteer work and lifestyle choices were noticed and now she has reaped the reward — a job that makes getting out of bed every day feel like the weekend.

Nearly three years ago, Tourigny accepted her dream job: managing communications for terra20, Ottawa’s wellness-focused department store. It is a one-stop-shop for busy people who want healthier and more sustainable items such as household cleaning products, cosmetics, and lunch and kitchen solutions.

“When I read the job description at terra20, my heart stopped,” says Tourigny. “I was searching for meaningful work and this job was a perfect fit, as it combines my ethical living philosophy with my communications education and experience. I was almost afraid to apply for the position because I knew I would be devastated if I did not get the job. It was the right job at the right time; it felt like serendipity.”

Tourigny grew up on a hobby farm in rural Ontario, surrounded by nature. At an early age, she gained an appreciation for the importance of being respectful to the environment and treating it with care. “[When I was] a child, we often had water shortages in the summer months and made monthly trips to the local landfill, which opened my eyes to the impact humans have on our environment, first-hand,” she explains. Ottawa became home when she enrolled in journalism at Carleton University. After graduation, she landed a day job in communications but wanted to give back to the community and help others explore kinder, more sustainable ways of living.

In 2007, Tourigny was one of the founding members of the National Capital Vegetarian Association and served as its president for four years. The Association began publishing a newsletter, held monthly potlucks, and created a yearly vegan lifestyle event called Ottawa Veg Fest. “It was a lot of work to put on this event. But we were rewarded, as it would attract more than 3,000 attendees in its last few years, so we knew we were on to something,” says Tourigny. “I also was able to understand something about myself: I learned that I like to build things. I enjoy taking an idea, getting people and groups together to get the idea off the ground, and then move on to the next project. This gives me energy and fulfillment.”

The outstanding success of Ottawa Veg Fest over the years made Tourigny a well-known name in Ottawa’s vegan and environmental communities, and subsequently gave her the credentials to land her dream job at terra20. Tourigny has scaled down her involvement with the National Capital Vegetarian Association, but she has not stopped volunteering. “I am currently volunteering for Sit With Me shelter dog rescue, as well as working on some joint initiatives with the Ottawa Humane Society. Volunteering is the rent I pay for using resources, and it’s an important part of who I am. I’m looking forward to taking on new and strategic roles in the near future.”

Tourigny’s achievements are inspiring and a true testament that if you live your life following your passion, you can be rewarded: her environmental efforts were recently recognized by Nature Canada. “Pamela is one of 75 Canadian women to be part of our Women for Nature initiative,” says Jodi Joy, Director of Development at Nature Canada. “This special initiative, to mark the 75th anniversary of Nature Canada, brings together the leadership, knowledge, and passion of amazing women across Canada who are committed to nature conservation.” Margaret Atwood and Elizabeth May are included in that diverse group of women. All of them recognize the value of connecting Canadians to nature — especially young Canadians. Joy says Nature Canada is thrilled to have Pamela as a spokesperson for this initiative. “She is a natural communicator who cares about the health benefits of spending more time in nature and promotes a greener way of living to all Canadians.”

Where does Tourigny go from here? She hopes to help open more terra20 stores across Canada and North America, and bring sustainable living habits into every household. “It’s a goal that benefits us all. We need to not only consume less but to consume smarter, and I am playing a part to ensure that healthier and more sustainable options are available to the mainstream.”

[separator headline=”h3″ title=”Author’s Note”]

I asked Pamela Tourigny what one product I could buy at terra20 that would make a substantial environmental impact. She suggested a house-cleaning product: terra20 has an eco-bar with a large array of cleaning products in bulk that are environmentally friendly, free from harmful chemicals, and competitively priced. Check them out at terra20’s flagship store at 2685 Iris St. in the Pinecrest mall, and at 1304 Wellington St. West.