The critics --- which include lawyers, green NGOs and federal Liberals -- can only speculate who stood to gain from pending amendments that turn one of Canada's most important green pillars "into hash," as one academic lamented.
The strategy is a "fantastic opportunity" and a long time coming, said Peter Miller, a senior scholar at the University of Winnipeg's Centre for Forest Interdisciplinary Research and the policy chair at Resource Conservation Manitoba.
Miller said once a plan is in place, it might be smart to launch pilot projects in some areas of the city to work out the kinks before a volley of early complaints short-circuit the process and weakens council's resolve. "Everyone remembers (former mayor) Glen Murray trying to get people to pay for anything beyond two bags of garbage," laughed Miller.
"I think Earth Day still has great value," Said Randall McQuaker, the director of the enviro-friendly Resource Conservation Manitoba group.
"It does turn people's thoughts to environmental sustainability, getting them thinking about some of the things they might do. The concern from our perspective is that the actions don't stop there. It isn't just enough to do something on Earth Day."
A growing movement of men and women are choosing a more personally fulfilling ecologically sustainable lifestyle by relying less on monetary income and instead learning domestic skills such as vegetable gardening and cooking.
Since 80% of communities now live in cities, trees are needed to perform their environmental duties. After being on hiatus, the Green Streets program is back to bring trees to urban communities.
Animal owners are gathering to support the bill that, if passed into law, will outlaw no-pet rules in apartments. After being passed in Ontario years ago, fewer animals have been destroyed.
Winnipeg Transit launched its new BUStxt service, an automated service that sends stop schedules via text message to people anxiously waiting for their bus.
Recently, some Winnipeg homes have traded in their garbage cans for new 240 liter rolling carts that are emptied by semi-automated garbage trucks, in hopes by the city that this would encourage more recycling and composting, However, some residents are complaining the carts are not large enough. The solution: exchange for a larger cart or purchase a second cart - but only at a fee.
This
page will provide regularly updated information, opinions and news
about environmental issues and events important to Manitobans.
Views expressed in this section are not necessarily those of RCM. We
want to invite responses and discussion. Please feel free to post
comments on the stories and items posted here.
Cycling Infrastructure in Manitoba
August 24, 2010- This week the Province of Manitoba announced $25 million of new funding for new road projects in Winnipeg. The announcement includes half a million dollars of new bikeway funding. This amount is greatly appreciated by advocates for greening our urban infrastructure. However, the disparity between funding for cars and bike merits notice.
The City of Winnipeg's active transportation committee has recommended that 3% of road infrastructure funding be dedicated to bikeways. This is based on research by the City of Winnipeg in 2004 showing that 3% of commuters use bikes as their most common mode of transportation. At the very least they deserve a proportionate share of the funding. Given the growth in cycling over the past few years, we can safely assume this number is growing faster.
The $500 000 promised here by the Province is a good first step, but it only amounts to 2% of the total funding on the table. It leaves a significant shortfall in our active transportation budget that still needs to be addressed. It leaves still quite a few pothole unfilled.
Global Overshoot Day
Usually when I receive e-mails alerting me to my overdrawn
account, I safely assume it to be spam and hit delete.Here is one we should take more seriously. According
to Global Footprint Network we are overdrawn on our account with nature.
August 21, is the date when we exceeded nature’s budget for
the year.We are using up resources
faster than they are replenished, while dumping garbage, toxics, greenhouse
gases and other forms of pollution into the atmosphere, soil and oceans faster
than they can be broken down and reabsorbed. In 2010, we are expected to use
150% of the renewable resources available to our planet.
"What do you suppose," said Mr. Jaggers, "what do you suppose you are living at the rate of?"
"At the rate of, sir?" "At," repeated Mr. Jaggers, still looking at the ceiling, "the - rate - of?" Reluctantly, I confessed myself quite unable to answer the question. "I thought so!" - Great Expectations, Charles Dicken
In Canada, our consumption is even higher.While the average global citizen uses 2.6
global hectares per person, Canadians use 5.8 hectares each.Meanwhile, the Manitoba government found in
2005 that we are using almost eight hectares each.That is three times the global average and
432% of what is globally sustainable.So
while the world celebrated Earth Overshoot Day 2010 just this past weekend, we
had already used up our share by March 26.
Resource Conservation Manitoba offers lots of ideas for
reducing our waste and lightening our footprint.If we are to bequeath anything at all to future generations, it is time to take stock and take action.
Winnipeg Votes For Food
Across Winnipeg, people are getting interested in issues about food. What cities do about food issues can make a big difference. Cities have roles not only in farmers markets and community gardens but also in land zoning, developing infrastructure, poverty reduction and education to ensure that healthy food is available for all.
MAFRA, a group of food policy researchers has put together a toolkit to help map out the important food issues in the upcoming civic elections. Their research outlines some key issues about our food system, and helpful hints for organizing events and meetings with candidates during the 2010 election campaign.
Together, we can put a healthy, local, and sustainable food system on the municipal plate!
Download the document here:
To get involved in making sure food is addressed at the municipal level in Manitoba, you can get involved through the Winnipeg Food Policy Council Working Group, a network of groups and individuals working to see food policy addressed at the civic level in Winnipeg.
Imagine if Manitoba could attain food self-sufficiency, and do so while drastically reducing pesticides, fertilizers and other artificial inputs. Too hard to give up bananas and your morning coffee? Instead imagine we doubled or tripled the amount of local food we ate. Imagine we switched to diets with less meat and more sustainably grown produce. Despite Canada being one of the world's largest food exporters, for most of us only a small part of our diet is grown locally. That leaves of lots of room for improvement.
The experience of Britain during World War II shows that major improvements in local food production can be achieved when governments show leadership. Food policy blogger Eleanor Boyle writes in a review of a The Ministry of Food, an exhibition at the Imperial War Museum in London, England:
The Ministry rallied citizens through radio broadcasts and public meetings, explaining the reasons for the sacrifices and teaching people how to procure and prepare food in ways that would assist the war effort. People needed to be taught the basics. How to dig. How to design a garden. How to compost. Don't leave tools out in the rain.
As a result, local food production increased dramatically, and the population was much healthier.
While the exigencies of war provided Britain an impetus for drastic policies, the urgency of climate change ought to propel us to adopt creative solutions also. We cannot afford to Keep Calm and Carry On with the same old ways that got us here. If we are to adopt a wartime motto, I would prefer Dig For Victory!
Environmentalists Call on Premiers to Address the Health of Lake Winnipeg
August 5, 2010
Toxic algae blooms have erupted once again this year on Lake Winnipeg. Horrifying pictures on several media websites have frightened away tourists, but for the area's year round residents as much as for the region's wildlife, there is nowhere to retreat. Premiers gathering in Winnipeg for the meeting of the Council of the Federation, August 5-6, 2010, should take the opportunity to implement solutions for this fragile but globally significant eco-system.
15 organizations and six individuals from across Canada and have joined the call for action to protect Lake Winnipeg.
"Lake Winnipeg is sick, but it's not just a Manitoba concern. The Lake Winnipeg watershed stretches one million square kilometres across four provinces. No one jurisdiction can tackle this problem alone. We need the Provinces to come together to save our lake," said Josh Brandon, water caucus coordinator with the Manitoba Eco-Network.
Scientists have found levels of algae have been increasing in both the North and South basins of Lake Winnipeg over the past ten years. Warm temperatures combined with high levels of nutrients in the water lead to rapid growth of algae choking off other life forms in Manitoba's lakes and rivers. Worse still, under some conditions, toxic cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) can form, harming wildlife and endangering both humans and their pets. Scientists and environmental groups have been warning about the problem for years, but the lake's water quality continues to degenerate.
An action plan was created by the Lake Winnipeg Stewardship board in 2006. Since then, there have been improvements in some areas, but on several important items there has been little progress.
Priority action items that should top the premiers' agenda include:
protection and restoration of wetlands;
implementing strategies to reduce excess phosphorus and nitrogen fertilizer usage on cropland;
addressing nutrient build-up in livestock facilities;
better management of nutrients from municipal wastewater;
securing funding from the federal government to see that all levels of government share these responsibilities.
Groups joining the call for premiers to address Lake Winnipeg include:
Vicki Burns, Community Foundations of Canada Cathy Holtslander, Beyond Factory Farming Cheryl Kennedy Courcelles, Spirit of the Red River Lindy Clubb, Mixedwood Forest Society Mo Tipples, Save Our Lake (Grindstone Owners Cottage Association) Shiela Muxlow, Sierra Club, Prairie Chapter Chanda Hunnie, Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, Manitoba Chapter (Rev.) Ted Chell,co-Chair, Regional Cambrian Agassiz Kairos Committee Dr. Mary LeMaître, Chair, Development & Peace, Archdiocese of Winnipeg, and Water Watch Mike Bray, Regina-Qu'Appelle Federal Green Party Association Bruce Smith, Lake Winnipeg Foundation Inc. Dave Crabb President,Manitoba Association of Cottage Owners Inc.(MACO) Jack Thornburgh, The Eco-Cell at St. John's, North Saanich, BC Ian L. Robson, Coordinator, Region 5, National Farmers Union
Individuals signing on include:
Heather Souter, Commercial Fisher Fiona Muldrew, Cottager Donna & Don Winstone Gil & Marcella Pedersen
New plan to increase fogging approved
City Council approved a motion July 21 that could see radical changes in how mosquito control is conducted in Winnipeg.
Reduced buffer zones sizes, increased frequency of adult mosquito fogging, and new barriers to residents wishing to apply for buffer zones could be approved in the near future. As yet neither the Province nor the City has sought public consultation on the issue. The city is also asking the Province to fund expansion of the biological larviciding outside the city. Winnipeg had earlier planned to switch to 100% biological larviciding by 2007.
The Province of Manitoba has agreed in principle to all the changes put forward by the City. Pending an application from the City, the Province plans to implement changes in the City's pesticide permit "expeditiously". This could mean that Winnipeg residents would see smaller buffer zones, reduced warning time before fogging is applied and more frequent fogging as early as this year.
The plan calls for sending out the fogging trucks whenever the mosquito count exceeds 25 on a city wide average. Last year, between July 13 and August 17, mosquito populations were above 25 on 16 days, or 45% of the time. The new policy could result in near constant fogging operations for much of the summer.
Resource Conservation Manitoba again calls for more research and greater opportunity for public input before rushing ahead on a plan to increase fogging, potentially at the expense of human health and the environment. We encourage citizens to write the Province with their concerns. Several resources, including links to the City of Winnipeg's report and a copy of the letter from Conservation Minister, Bill Blaikie are available at:
Last April, a new system to pay for recycling was adopted in Manitoba based on the principles of Extended Producer Responsibility. This is the principle that companies that sell disposable products and packaging take responsibility and pay the clean up costs. A producer organization called MMSM was created to coordinate and share responsibility. Unfortunately, the bottle producers decided they would rather slip through the cracks.
Instead of taking responsibility for their own costs, bottlers in Manitoba have decided to shift those costs onto consumers. April 1, they began charging a 2 cent levy on beverage containers, collected at point of purchase against the spirit of the new EPR program. The new fee replaced a recycling tax on bottles that was phased out the same day. To consumers it looks like a new version of the old recycling tax on containers, but with an important difference: the organization collecting the estimated 9 million dollars in annual fees is not accountable to the public or government.
Resource Conservation Manitoba has written to Manitoba Conservation to express its views on the program. One fear is that the beverage container levy could be just the beginning of a new series of consumer fees. If the bottle industry is allowed to continue charging consumers, it could open the way for a new array of consumer eco-fees charged to a wide range of products. This has already happened in Ontario. There the public outcry has even caught the attention of the provincial ombudsman.
Eco-fees charged as add-ons at the point of sale not only shift responsibility from the producer to the consumer, they can be used to disguise price increases. Worse still, they undermine support for environmental programs by giving the impression that they are extras that result in additional costs. Until we consider environmental costs as integral to the goods and services we consume, we are unlikely to transform our throw-away society and build a lasting and green community.
Katz plans to expand fogging program
EPC to vote tomorrow on new mosquito plan.
Lack Of Science and Public Accountability in New Mosquito Plan
City Council's Executive Committee will vote on a new mosquito control plan, three weeks after a surprise motion appeared on the council floor calling for a review of the policy. Environmentalists have already raised concerns that the City was rushing towards approval of a new plan with insufficient research and a lack of public consultation. The plan put forward to EPC for tomorrow's vote confirms these fears.
"There is still no commitment from the city to fund biological larviciding outside the city, even though it has been part of the insect control plan since 2005. The City of Winnipeg would spend an extra 929 thousand dollars for increasing chemical fogging, but plans to turn cap-in-hand to the province for new funding to cover the switch to biological larvicide controls." said Josh Brandon, Living Green Coordinator with Resource Conservation Manitoba. "These priorities should be based in science, not political expediency."
The proposed plan calls for a reduction in buffer zones, a speed up of fogging applications and a crack down on alleged abusers of the buffer zone registration process. As well there will be a request for money from the province to expand biological larviciding to outside the city limits.
Again this is walked on by amendment, removing the 96 hour notice requirement. There is almost no time for comment as the plan is revealed only late, the day before council meets.
The effects of buffer zones are "hard to determine" according to the report. There has been no research on what the effect of buffer zones on mosquito populations are. Despite lack of research, the city is rushing to reduce the size of buffer zones. No explanation is given to show why this is desirable.
The city plans to introduce new barriers to make it harder for citizens to register buffer zones, citing abuses of the system. There is no evidence cited of abuse of the system, or discussion with the public how these barriers might affect citizens' ability to express their right to a buffer zone.
Resource Conservation Manitoba again calls for more research and greater opportunity for public input before rushing ahead on a plan to increase fogging, potentially at the expense of human health and the environment.
That the City of Winnipeg Public Service request the Province of Manitobato reduce the size of the buffer zone currently stipulated in the 2010 Pesticide Use Permit.
That the City of Winnipeg Public Service request the Province of Manitoba to amend the minimum criterion for fogging of 3 consecutive days (of greater than 25 nuisance mosquitoes) to 2 consecutive days.
That the City of Winnipeg Public Service request the Province of Manitoba to reduce the 48-hour initial notice time to start a fogging program to 24 hours.
That the Public Service review the Anti-Pesticide Registrant (APR) process and make process changes to minimize potential abuses of the registration system.
To instruct the Public Service to increase the service level, through the 2011 budget process, to adulticide (fog) the entire city from the current level of four to five nights per cycle to two to three nights per cycle.
To instruct the Public Service to move toward 100% biological control for larviciding by 2012, two years earlier than originally planned.
That the City of Winnipeg request the Province of Manitoba to increase the amount of new incremental funding provided to the City of Winnipeg, including provision of full funding (100%) for the current and any expanded nuisance mosquito larviciding program that is conducted in 10 neighbouring Capital Region Municipalities, to assist in transitioning to a 100% biological larviciding program by 2012.
Optimism For Two Manitoba Species: CPAWS
A recent report by Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society finds cause for cautious optimism for two important Manitoba species. Moose populations have declined from 1800 ten years ago to just over 700 today. However, a recent ban on hunting in and around Nopiming Park could help pave the way the population's recovery. Brown bats need protection in their Fisher Bay breeding areas. A proposed park in the area could safeguard the future of the bats if it is approved next fall.
The report also finds that large tracts of connected land are needed to ensure safe futures for these and other threatened species across Canada. This finding should give pause to those who are considering new highways, roads and development in previously unbroken wilderness. Plans for new highways in areas like the East side of Lake Winnipeg should consider their effects on threatened wildlife before proceeding.
Is the Winnipeg Folk Festival not giving you your fill of beautiful music and eco-love this weekend? Check out: "Landfill in the Sky" released by former Canadian Idol finalist Shane Wiebe. It was produced with the help of Zero Waste BC.
In BC, some claim that they have been running out of space for garbage, even though approval has been given for landfill expansion. Some politicians are proposing incineration as the solution. In Manitoba, we are not there yet, the recently released Our Winnipeg document on waste correctly defines waste diversion as diversion away from both landfills and incinerators. As Winnipeg grows, the pressure for incineration may increase. In this case, Shane Wiebe will have given a powerful and harmonious tool to those who want to keep Winnipeg skies clean.
Another great video has been produced by the Wilderness Committee critizing the plan to burn waste in BC. It is worth watching: Speak Now Or Forever Hold Your Breath.
Urban Sprawl and Heat Islands
Last week, I asked "will Winnipeg be home to the hundred mile diet or the hundred mile commute?" in response to a report that the new Our Winnipeg plan envisions converting several chunks of agricultural land within the city to new suburban development. The new suburbs opening up in every direction point to a lack perspective and vision on the part of our current city government. New evidence suggests this lack of vision in the face of climate change may be deadly by increasing our susceptibility to heat waves.
A study by researchers at Georgia Tech found that sprawling cities are much more likely to suffer from intense heat waves than less sprawling cities. Because pavement absorbs the sun's energy faster than green vegetation, climate researchers have long recognized a heat island effect. We now know this effect is stronger in more sprawling cities. Between 1956 and 2005, the number of very hot days increased by 14.8 days in more sprawling cities like Atlanta or Grand Rapids, Michigan, compared to 5.6 days in more compact cities like Boston or Baltimore.
In the US, heat waves are the most deadly form of natural disaster. 35,000 people died during the heat waves that swept across Europe in 2003. Last summer, over 200 deaths were attributed to heat waves in British Columbia. As global warming intensifies, we can expect heat storms in places like Winnipeg to becoming potentially deadly events. Planning for the future must mean adapting to climate change.
We need to seriously consider what the effects of new development will be for the livability of our cities. Parkling lots and strip malls have long been a blight on urban cutlure. In 1961, city planning pioneer, Jane Jacobs, argued that urban sprawl was leading to the death of American cities. Today her warning is becoming all too literal.
For an alternative vision, check out Resource Conservation Manitoba's contribution to the Provincial Land Use Policy Review. There, we argued that any new development must pass a test to see if the plan is sustainable in the context of both global climate change and peak oil. In this context, Our Winnipeg fails to meet important sustainability criteria.
Waverley West and Beyond
Dave Watson at Waverley West and Beyond has kindly reprinted this posting. See WWAB for his and other's comments on this piece. Send me your own comments for posting here:
Mosquitoes and Pesticides: Some Sensible Questions
The Winnipeg adult nuisance mosquito fogging program started up last weekend. "A fine mist of about 60 grams of malathion per hectare" blanketed large swaths of the city in an attempt to control Aedes vexans, the non-disease carrying, but annoying species of mosquito common to this part of Manitoba. More fogging will continue through this week.
While no one likes mosquitoes, and sympathy is due for those who are allergic to their bites, it does no good to let our emotions drown science in dealing with this problem. The temperature of debate on the question of bug control needs to be brought down a degree. Keeping an open mind it helps to ask a few questions:
Are the chemicals we are using to control mosquitoes safe for human health and for the environment?
Are we using these chemicals in accordance with their label instructions?
Is the current program more effective at eliminating mosquitoes than available alternatives?
The City of Winnipeg uses a potent cocktail of chemicals to control populations. Its Insecticide Use Public Notice for 2010 includes one chemical, Dursban, that is considered dangerous enough to be scheduled for de-registration in the next few years. Others like Malathion are potentially dangerous neurotoxins. They affect a wide range of species, potentially including humans. Others are bacterial agents that are considered are enough to use in organic food production. Common sense would suggest that it is time to switch to using more of the safer insecticides and move away from potentially dangerous toxins in our fight against mosquitoes.
Unfortunately, we have seen evidence that the in some cases the City is not following the legally mandated requirement to follow the label instructions of the pesticides it is applying. Last year, Resource Conservation Manitoba disclosed that Dursban was being used incorrectly to control Dutch Elm bark beetles. It was being used in populated areas and waterways. Also insufficient care seemed to be taken that flowering weeds were not being sprayed. It is very important that if pesticides are being used, they be used safely.
More analysis needs to be done if the fogging program is actually effective. It seems that many areas already sprayed this year continue to show high insect counts. For example, Charleswood, despite being sprayed on saturday has among the highest insect counts in the city at 265. Because mosquitoes need to be in the air to be affected by fogging, adult mosquito populations may be reduced by as little as 10% with fogging. Studies in New York found that fogging may actually increase mosquito population as non-target species, including preditors like dragonflies may also be affected. On a cost-benefit basis, it is probably more effective to switch to alternative methods of biological control.
As well as providing a warning of what could happen in Canada if environmental regulation continues to be undermined, the Gulf of Mexico oil disaster gives a glimpse of what future environmental consultations may look like if we head in our current direction. Last week the US Army Corp of Engineers asked for public input on a hand drawn proposal signed by a certain "C.J." The plan calls for filling in a channel on Dauphin Island to protect waters of the Mississippi Delta. Interveners were given a few hours to comment on this hastily drawn up plan posted on the USACE website.
If Naomi Klein's thesis that disasters provide the laboratory for testing new policy instruments, then C.J.'s rough outline may well provide a map to the future of environmental consultations.
Sylvia Lake: Whiteshell carved up for Tim Horton's Development
This morning, the Province of Manitoba announced the approval of a Tim Horton's children's camp in Whiteshell Park on Sylvia Lake. This approval occurred despite the fact that there is still no plan in place for where and how much development Manitobans want in this important piece of natural heritage in Southeastern Manitoba.
We have heard a lot about planning in Manitoba recently. Plan Winnipeg is being replaced by Our Winnipeg. Our Conservation Districts are embarking of Integrated Watershed Plans. Our elected officials have even sought fit to ensure a sustainable plan for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. So why not a plan for the Whiteshell?
In order for development to be environmentally and socially sustainable, there needs to be a plan to see how it all fits in place. Otherwise, a project that may seem harmless or even beneficial at first glance, may turn out to have negative impacts once we consider how it fits it in with other project it's already underway. We can lose sight of alternative developments that may be even more beneficial. Or we may not be aware of their cumulative impacts. But there still no long term plan for one of Manitobans favourite and most biologically important parks.
This past spring, I had the chance to take part in a hike to Sylvia Lake organized by the Wilderness Committee and CPAWS. I was inspired by the beauty of the isolated location. The Tim Horton's camp will bring new roads and other forms development into the park, driving out wildlife and breaking up the habitat. I was also struck by how there are many opportunities to build the camp outside park. Locations just outside the park would offer the advantages of access to the Whiteshell, while not disturbing the integrity of the land. We can only guess the reasons for proposing to build within the park. Possibly, it offers Tim Horton's Foundation advantages of not being responsible for the roads inside the park. Maybe it is cheaper to acquire subsidized public land rather than pay market price outside the park. We do not know the answers because there has been no public input or participation.
It is time to create plans for all our parks in Manitoba before they are eroded away one by one. Let your elected officials know that you will not stand for your natural heritage being carved up for private projects. Go to CPAWS and Wilderness Committee for more information.
More Cars, Bigger and Driven Further
Driving bigger cars further is back in style as the economy warms up according to a pair of studies released this week. This may mean renewed profits and the big auto companies, but it spells trouble the environment.
Transportation Trends in Focus found that the distance driven in the US is back on the increase after dropping somewhat in 2008-2009.
"After a 2-year interruption to a long-term upward trend, the number of vehicle-miles traveled (VMT) on the Nation's highways appears to have resumed a pattern of upward growth in 2009. While VMT rises and falls seasonally, the years 2007 and 2008 showed significant monthly declines in VMT after the effects of seasonal fluctuations were extracted from the data."
A similar pattern is evident in Canada. The 3rd quarter 2009 Canadian Vehicle Survey found Vehicle Kilometres Travelled increase by 9.6 percent compared to the same period the previous year. This reversed a 2.1 per cent drop between 2007 and 2008. Manitoba drivers alone travelled over 18.5 billion kilometres in 2009.
Meanwhile, vehicle sales accelerate. Scotia Economics released their Global Auto Report Friday, April 30. The study predicts global auto sales to reach a record 54 million cars in 2010. Asian demand is soaring, but Canadian and US markets are picking up as well. Most disturbing for the environment, "Canadians are shifting from small-and lower-priced cars to more expensive light trucks." Small cars have fallen to under 30 per cent in Canada for the first time in several years.
This trend goes against a principle that Resource Conservation Manitoba has long recommended. When purchasing a vehicle consider first what your usual needs for the vehicle are. Too often, people buy equipment for their maximum needs. If you need a truck once a year to haul your yard waste to the leaf depot, consider renting one instead. The rest of the year, you will not only enjoy a lighter load on the environment, but you'll have to pay less in gas as well.
For more tips on how to drive friendlier to the environment, see our ecodriver program.
Free Stuff Contest-Giveaway Weekend in Winnipeg
Who doesn't like free stuff, especially when it is for the good of the environment. Get even more free stuff when you participate in the Living Green Giveaway Weekend Contest.
This Friday - Saturday (May14-15) is Giveaway Weekend
in Winnipeg. The City of Winnipeg is encouraging households to put
their unwanted junk out for others to take away. It will divert some
things from the landfill, and provide
new homes for those treasures. Get ready to scour the lanes and front
lawns of your neighbourhood for excellent scores. How could anyone have
ever wanted rid of that guitar shaped toilet seat, or that UFO-Cow lamp? Someone has no taste.
Giveaway Weekend is always lots of fun, but there are rules to remember. The City provides lists of what to give, what not to give and rules of etiquette to
make the weekend fun for everyone. Mostly it is common sense, don't put
out dangerous items that contravene health regulations. Only take
things marked Free or obviously meant for giveaway. This isn't an
excuse to steal from your neighbours remember!
Also, keep in mind that Giveaway Weekend is meant to help the
environment. If you are out hunting, stay close to home, take a wagon
or cart and try not using so much fossil fuel. Take the opportunity to
meet your neighbours and build community. While we are building
community, Living Green, Living Well has a contest. Send us a picture
of Your Best Find and your treasure will be featured in the Living Green, Living Well Ecoblog next week. Prizes will be handed out also. Send photos to: livinggreen@resourceconservation.mb.ca
Atlantic Garbage Patch Discovered
Manitobans needing more reason to consider waste minimization an important priority, they need look no further than the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. A patch of plastic floating garbage has been discovered stretching thousands of kilometers, mirroring a similar garbage patch found in the Pacific. Once at sea plastic breaks up into smaller pieces, but does not disappear. It remains a hazard to sea life for decades. 100 000 marine animals die of trash related deaths each year. Trash that does not make its way all the way to the ocean often ends up polluting local lakes and rivers and endangering wildlife. Save a seal - drink tap water instead of bottled.
Genetically Engineered Crop Bill Passes Second Reading
A Private Members bill that will require that new genetically engineered (GE) crops undergo an economic assessment to consider how they would affect export markets passed second reading in the House of Commons on Wednesday, April 14. Bill C-474 has now been sent to the Agriculture Committee for consideration. Sponsored by BC Southern Interior MP Alex Atamanenko, the bill would help protect farmers from the economic damage that can result from the introduction of new GE crops which are not approved in important export markets. For example, last year Manitoba farmers suffered millions of dollars in losses because contamination from GE flax not approved in Europe halted exports to several countries. Other major GE contamination incidents in the past decade, including Starlink Corn and Bayer's GE rice, have caused up to a billion dollars in industry wide losses. Farmers here in Manitoba need assurance that any new crops that are introduced do not negatively affect their already precarious bottom line.
Manitoba Farmers need your support to ensure this bill makes it through the Committee stage and becomes law. The Canadian Biotechnology Action Network suggests the following actions:
Canadian MPs will vote April 14 on a private members bill that would for the first time force regulatory authorities to conduct economic impact assessments for the introduction of new genetically engineered (GE) crops. Now is your chance to tell MPs to support this important legislation.
Since 1996, there have been almost documented 300 cases of GE contamination worldwide. Some of these like the release of illegal US rice in 2006 or the Starlink corn disaster (2000-2002) cost industry over 1 billion dollars each. Unauthorized GE flax continues to turn up in Canadian exports, closing important European markets to Canadian Farmers. Here in Manitoba, GE canola is one of the most persistent weeds since it may be resistant to multiple brands of herbicide.
Canadian farmers need independent verification about the costs of new crops before they are introduced. Plans are underway to introduce GE wheat and alfalfa in Canada. Eventual contamination would be a certain result. Canadian farmers cannot afford to have foreign markets closed. Organic farmers need secure access to quality non-GE feed and cover crops to remain productive. These factors need to be considered before introducing GE crops.
This bill will protect farmers, consumers and the environment by exposing the costs of GE crops that companies like Monsanto do not want you to know about. For more information about the bill and how to contact your MP, see www.cban.ca.
Climate Commitments: What have we aligned to?
Last January, Canadian Environment Minister Jim Prentice revised Canada's greenhouse gas position in favour of a 17 per cent reduction by 2020 relative to 2005 levels. It is now becoming clear that not only has Canada's Government abandoned the weak goals of just yesteryear, but that this new target is really no target at all.
Canada's official submission to the United Nations calls for a reduction of "17%, to be aligned with the final economy-wide emissions target of the United States in enacted legislation." This target sounds impressive enough; "we are embarking on a very ambitious journey," Prentice told a Calgary audience after announcing the target. After decades of inaction, many Canadians would be happy to see any reduction in greenhouse gases at all.
However, the extent of the Canadian government's equivocation takes considerable work to unravel. Many environmental groups have been critical not only because of the shift from a 20 per cent reduction promised in the Conservatives' 2007 "Turning the Corner" plan, but also because a change in base year means that Canada would still be above 1990 emission levels ten years from now. The chart below shows Canada's changing commitments on climate change. The new target is actually 34 megatonnes higher than commitments just two years earlier.
Closer examination of Canada's UN submission demonstrates a retreat from climate change action on all fronts. Besides the changed target, we see that it is contingent on whatever goals end up inscribed US legislation. Canada will match whatever targets are adopted south of the border, depending on which legislation is adopted there. As many as four competing bills are currently before congress, so it is still unclear what those targets will be.
Some cynical spectators may imagine that our government is betting on disagreement in congress as an excuse for further inaction. In any case, whichever bill is ultimately adopted, it will not be possible to simply transpose it to this country. Canadian and US economies have different structures and different greenhouse gas profiles. By way of example, one third of all emissions in the US come from electricity production. US reliance on coal power continues to make its power among the dirtiest on the planet. Any climate change bill in the US will need to tackle coal power as its first priority. In Canada, industry, and in particular oil and gas production, is the biggest hurdle to stopping climate change, and it is here that we have the opportunities for the greatest reductions.
Canadian needs to develop its own climate despite our federal government's desire to import policy solutions from other countries. Canada cannot adopt both the targets and legislation of the US since many of the US policies are not relevant in a Canadian context, and will be unlikely to achieve comparable results. The longer we wait before recognizing the need for a Made in Canada solution, the harder it will be to reach our goals. The months are ticking Mr. Prentice. Time to act.
Reducing Greenhouse Gases “Utterly Pointless,” According to Canada’s Environment Minister
Earlier this week, Environment Minister Jim Prentice told a Calgary audience:
"It's absolutely counterproductive and utterly pointless for Canada and Canadian businesses to strike out on their own, to set and to pursue targets that will ultimately create barriers to trade and put us at a competitive disadvantage."
Prentice delivered his speech shortly after announcing that the Canadian government is abandoning a weak target it had set 3 years earlier, in favour of a still weaker one. Prentice has admitted his own failure, and now seems to want others to do the same. His are the words of a laggard, whose own inaction causes him to dismiss the achievements of others.
In the absence of direction from the Canadian government to reduce greenhouse gases, provinces, municipalities and businesses have been forced to define their own initiatives. Several provinces, including Manitoba, have developed targets that are stronger than Ottawa's. In our case, Manitoba has a long way to go to meeting its target. However, emissions have stabilized, and with some effort, we can still meet our 2012 target to bring emissions 6 per cent below 1990 levels. In contrast, Canadian emissions will still be 3 per cent above 1990 levels in 2020, according to the government's new, reduced, goal.
Many of Canada's largest businesses apparently do not see it as "counterproductive ... to strike out on their own"
Walmart Canada has a goal to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 20% by 2013 (relative to 2005).
Cisco Canada aims to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions 25% between 2008 and 2012.
Far from putting Canadian business at a disadvantage, individual business targets are clearly seen as necessary for retaining market share both domestically and internationally. Climate Change Connection offers a great resource for helping businesses reduce their greenhouse gases, and many these ideas can actually save money as well. One of Resource Conservation Manitoba's most successful programs helps businesses develop travel programs to meet their GHG reduction targets.
In the same speech quoted above, Prentice noted that the tar sands have become an international embarrassment for this country. "Absent this kind of Canadian leadership, we will be cast as a global poster child for environmentally unsound resource development." Well said. In the long run, our poor environmental record may be a greater barrier to trade than would be a concrete plan to limit our emissions.
Is it really so pointless to set targets? Only if we have no intention to meet them. Given the records of Conservative, Liberal, and Progressive Conservative governments on climate change over the past 20 years, I worry about the Canadian Government's commitment to any target whatsoever. But surely this cynicism should not be cause to denigrate those who have set goals and are on their way to meeting them. In fact, maybe its time we all "strike out on our own", reduce our own carbon footprints, and take the collective leadership on climate change that our governments have thus far failed to offer.
Canada's Climate Change Submissions
Last week, Federal Environment Minister Jim Prentice filed a new greenhouse gas emission target on behalf of the Canadian government. Canada's new target of a 17 percent reduction from 2005 by 2020 represents another step backwards for Canadian climate policy. Greenpeace's Dave Martin has pointed out that not only is this figure higher than the 20 percent cut promised by Stephen Harper is 2006, it will actually represent an increase in greenhouse gases compared to the Kyoto baseline year of 1990.
The new target comes in response to a January 31 deadline for countries to submit targets to the United Nations, as agreed to in Copenhagen last year. In protest against the inadequacy of the new targets, Climate Action Network Canada has offered a counter-submission to the United Nations Framework on Climate Change, a copy can be downloaded below. To get more involved in climate action in Manitoba, attend the Climate Change teach-in at the University of Winnipeg: Bringing Copenhagen Home Feb 1-2, 2010.
Resource Conservation Manitoba and the Manitoba Eco-Network invite you to a presentation by Dorothy Wigmore, Occupational Health and Safety consultant and researcher who recently completed a review of this issue in Canada.
Dorothy will present her findings in Manitoba and compare with findings elsewhere in Canada, and the recommendations that she made, and will lead a discussion on the topic.
"A growing number of organizations, governments and First Nations are involved in activities to reduce the use of toxic substances in Canada. Few see what they do as "toxics use reduction" or "pollution prevention", or make connections between occupational and environmental health issues. Most focus on the uses of chemical products, rather than eliminating or reducing production or extraction of the substances. Those are some findings of a recent environmental scal about toxic use reduction activities in Canada and opportunities for networking to promote TUR and cancer prevention"
Thursday, Feb. 4th, 2010. 1 -3pm. EcoCentre Board Room, 3rd Floor, 303 Portage Avenue. Seating is limited. RSVP to 947-6511.
Manitoba's Climate Leadership
Manitoba's leadership on energy issues was recognized by a coalition of environmental organizations at a news conference in Copenhagen today. Premier Greg Sellinger accepted the award on behalf of Manitoba. The David Suzuki Foundation nominated Manitoba for its initiatives in energy efficiency and renewable energy. The Province was recognized for its work on:
National leadership on renewable energy including ground source heat pumps for heating and cooling homes and buildings
A climate action plan with legislated targets of greenhouse gas reductions of 6 per cent below 1990 levels by 2012
Energy efficiency measures at Manitoba Hydro
And a carbon tax of $10 per tonne on emissions from the burning of coal in the province.
Media Release:
Acts of Climate Leadership in Canada Praised in Copenhagen
COPENHAGEN (December 16, 2009) - Canada's leading environmental groups have teamed up to recognize acts of climate leadership by provincial and large municipal governments across Canada. Several premiers, cabinet ministers and mayors received recognition. The jurisdictions are each receiving an award.
"With Christmas coming up, these leaders definitely belong on the 'nice' list for demonstrating that Canadians can innovate with the best in the world. We think their action-oriented approach deserves recognition and celebration," said Dr. Rick Smith, Executive Director of Environmental Defence, and MC for a gala event in Copenhagen called Celebrating Climate Leadership in Canada. "While there is still much more to do, it's important to recognize climate leadership where it exists so we can build on it."
A morning press conference and an evening gala event recognized the following initiatives, and the jurisdictions pioneering them:
Greenest City Action Plan - City of Vancouver
Reaching Out to Global Energy Cities - City of Calgary
Early Initiatives to Reduce Carbon Footprint - City of Edmonton
Tower Renewal and Transit City - City of Toronto
Climate : Plan de Transport - Ville de Montréal
Economy Wide Carbon Pricing - Province of British Columbia
Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Initiatives - Province of Manitoba
Green Energy Champion - Province of Ontario
Climate : Engagement Constant - Province du Québec
Absolute Electricity Emissions Cap - Province of Nova Scotia
The participating environmental organizations are: the David Suzuki Foundation, the Ecology Action Centre, Environmental Defence, Équiterre, ForestEthics, the Green Energy Act Alliance, the Pembina Institute, PowerUp Canada, TckTckTck, and WWF-Canada.
For details of each initiative being recognized, and contacts for each recipient, please visit http://www.environmentaldefence.ca/.
Sustainability at home
The resources we use in our homes make up a big portion of our environmental footprint. At every stage from the design of our homes to the products we purchase that fill our cupboards, we make choices that affect the planet.
Three BC based non-profits have teamed up to produce a sustainabilty toolkit for households. David Suzuki, The Natural Step and Lighthouse, worked together with their Real Estate board to produce Sustainability at Home: A Toolkit. Many of the recommendations are applicable to residents of this province also.
BPA: Banned from baby bottles, but still in everything else
Last week, Environment Canada began consultations for new regulations that will limit the amount of Bisphenol A (BPA) industries are allowed to emit. BPA made global headlines last year when researchers released new evidence of the endocrine disrupting properties of BPA. It was found that even at low doses, BPA can have chronic effects on the development of fetuses and children.
In reaction, the Canadian government wisely placed a ban on the use of this toxic substance in baby bottles. Unfortunately, we have since discovered that this chemical is almost ubiquitous within our industrial system. It is contained in everything from food can liners to industrial lubricants. Global production of the substance was 4 billion kilograms in 2006, of which Canadian chemical companies imported over half a million kilograms. The regulations being proposed are one step to limit the amount of BPA from the environment.
Although any measures to limit BPA from the environment are positive, we question whether these measures go far enough. Toxic effects have been found at levels as minute as 1.75 micrograms per litre. Aquatic organisms are particularly affected. The amount we import every year is enough to severely contaminate all the waters of Lake Winnipeg, or worse. Our knowledge is still in its infancy. Canada needs to take a precautionary approach and ban its import and restrict its use in a much wider range of consumer products.
Environment Canada will be accepting comment on the proposed regulation until early January.
Last year, the Chicago Tribute published a list of 10 surprising sources of BPA.
According to Environment Canada researchers, one of the biggest points of exposure in this country is from bank and credit card receipts. Next time the machine asks if you need a receipt, think of the baby fishes, and write down your balance in a notebook instead.
Pretty Scary
Ghosts and goblins and witches are not the only scary things this Halloween. A new report by Campaign for Safe Cosmetics finds dangerous levels of lead and other toxic metals in Halloween make up marketed to children. Ten out of the ten face paints they tested contained lead, while others contained known skin allergens including nickel, cobalt and chromium-often at levels that exceed industry standards. Lead can accumulate in children's bodies, especially when exposure occurs early in life. It is responsible for numerous medical problems including: attention deficits, hyperactivity, and aggression.
Think twice before you send out your kids this year with scary face paints and read the report Pretty Scary
Planning to save lives
Better transportation planning can save children's lives. This is a central point of a new study in the Canadian Medical Association Journal. Hundreds of Canadian children die needlessly every year because they are hit by cars. Other countries, like Sweden, have injury rates half as low by following simple design principles like eliminating one way roads, and by investing in so-called 'luxury intersections' where the cars go underground and the pedestrians cross at level.
"Child pedestrians are vulnerable users of the road - unprotected from the kinetic energy of speeding automobiles and incapable of making mature judgements to minimize their risk of harm from traffic. Fortunately, there is substantial evidence that modifying the built environment can increase the safety of child pedestrians," according to the report.
Lead author, Dr Andrew Howard, noted in a CBC interview a sobering outcome of the lack of traffic safety for children: "We're raising a generation of kids who have never ever ridden their
bicycles to school, where if you walk to school you're in the
minority."
Resource Conservation Manitoba has long been arguing for Active and Safe Routes to School for Manitoba children and youth. With medical science corroborating our work, we hope that policy makers and planners will take note.
St Andrews Commits to Waste Reduction
The community of St Andrews is first out of the gate this year to declare October 19-25 Waste Reduction Week. Waste Reduction Week is a national campaign to encourage recycling and the other important R-Words. By declaring a commitment to waste reduction week, St Andrews councilors have shown they recognize the responsibility they have to future generations and to the planet.
Now its time for other communities across Manitoba to step up and support Waste Reduction as well. And not just communities, but schools, businesses and individuals can declare this waste reduction week. Its just seven days, but once you get started, you make waste reduction a habit.
Winnipeg Solid Waste Manager, Darryl Drohomerski, isn't quite "The Man from Glad". He does however, have a plan to rescue Winnipeg residents stumbling to the curb with their overloaded garbage bags: give everyone wheeled carts. His idea has merits, and certainly one can appreciate the safety benefits for workers, but like any other proposal, it could benefit from consultations.
Now it is upto City Council to discuss with residents, workers and community organizations before handing over the contract to the US-based garbage conglomerate, BFI. In particular, how will the plan relate to over all goals of increasing recycling rates and reducing waste? The one size fits all model for the wheeled carts may promote increased garbage from many residents, while penalizing those who reduce waste.
City Council voted down a proposal to rush through debate on the plan this week. A decision is now delayed until next month. Hopefully, the City will take this as an opportunity to listen to residents concerns and ensure the goals of environmental sustainability and waste reduction are met.
Read Resource Conservation Manitoba's News Release and Letter Mayor, Sam Katz below:
Resource Conservation Manitoba is not the only one to raise concern about this plan. Even former Winnipeg Solid Waste Manager, and current provincial assistant deputee minister in change of green planning, Dan McInnis is worried the wheeled cart plan fails to make economic or environmental sense. Read the Winnipeg Free Press Article below:
This afternoon, I received a last minute appeal to attend a phone-in rally at Old Market Square in Winnipeg. Around the world, citizens in 2300 cities are calling their political leaders today to demand action on climate change.
Canadians are being asked to call their MPs as well as the Prime Minister to ask them to support Bill C-311, the Climate Change Accountability Act, and see that it is passed before December when world leaders gather in Copenhagen for the next round of greenhouse gas reduction negotiations. A small clutch of activists attended the Winnipeg rally, but our voices were heard nonetheless as Federal government phone lines were bogged down by concerned citizens.
C-311 is a private member's bill that demands the federal government live up to it's obligations under Kyoto to cut greenhouse gases. In particular it asks for a 25% cut by 2020 and an 80% cut by 2050, using 1990 as a benchmark. Since we are already 25% above these benchmark levels, and on a per capita basis, our cars, factories and homes belch more climate changing gases into the atmosphere than nearly anywhere else in the world, Canadians have much work to do.
Thanks to Emerge Knowledge Design, a Winnipeg company that helps governments, organizations and businesses set benchmarks for waste reduction for organizing the rally locally. The Global Climate Change Wake Up Call is coordinated by Avaaz, a global web-based movement for social change and justice.
To reach Prime Minister Stephen Harper's voice mail, call: 1- (866)-599-4999.
Cold Summer?
Manitobans suffered through 9 straight months of colder than average weather this year. It seems a balmy September will have finally broken that streak. Still, many of us were left wondering if we got the summer we deserved.
New data from the National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration in the US revealed this week that Manitobans are almost alone in the world in experiencing a below average summer. Globally, ocean temperatures were the hottest ever recorded, and 2009 marked the third warmest June to August period over land and sea since 1880. The attached image shows that aside from the North American Prairies, a small area in the North Atlantic and Japan, almost the whole world had above normal temperatures last month.
Bike Paths
Last spring, I attended the Mayor's Symposium on a Sustainable Winnipeg that launched the year-long Speak Up Winnipeg consultation. Mayor Sam Katz reiterated the theme of connectedness as essential to developing Winnipeg sustainably. Unfortunately, much of our biking infrastructure visibly lacks that quality of connectedness. We have some great resources, but small intermittent gaps prevent many cyclists from utilizing them to their full potential. We hope that the new 20 million dollars federal matched funds for active transportation announced this week will do much to rectify these holes. More...
Giveaway Weekend
Every year, Manitobans pour more than one million tons of garbage into our landfills. Solid waste experts have names for the different categories of items that are dumped into facilities across the Province: compostables; e-waste; white goods; as well as various grades of paper and at least seven different polymer types of plastic. All in all, it is clear we in Manitoba consume and throw away too much junk.
The City of Winnipeg is providing an opportunity to reduce our load on our landfills and on our environment by promoting September 26-27 as a giveaway weekend. Citizens are encouraged to put their unwanted, but reusable items, out on the curbside to give them a second chance at life. Items that you can put out on your curb include:
· books, CDs and DVDs · furniture and small appliances · sports equipment and toys · tools · yard and gardening equipment · kitchen gadgets, dishes, cutlery, pots and pans · unwanted gifts · construction material including drywall and hardware · electronics · clothing · paint
If one weekend gets you hooked on giving and receiving freestuff, you may want to get involved in local groups like freecycle that exchange free stuff throughout the year. Another idea is to set up a free box in your local community to allow neighbours and friends to share unwanted items.
Participating in the Giveaway Weekend is a great way to start thinking about reducing the amount of stuff you put in the garbage. You can think of it as a preview of Waste Reduction Week coming up Oct 19-25. For more ideas on how you can reduce your waste, see our Waste Reduction Week top ten list.
Will privatization prevent overruns?
The Winnipeg Free Press reported today that a private partner on Winnipeg's North End Water Pollution Control Centre cost the City between 1 and 10 million dollars in overruns. Somehow, this was kept secret during this summer's debates on a potential public private partnership that would run our water and waste water departments.
Mayor Sam Katz's spin on this overrun is that his rationale for the Municipal Corporate Utility is to bring "private firms into the fold" to reduce future errors. Incorporating corporate wolves like these into our fold, and it seems the more likely result is that we will be fleeced.
Back to School - Chemical Free
Its three weeks until school starts. Whether you are going back university or your kids are starting elementary school, you will need to get supplies. Unfortunately, the notebooks, pens and rulers you need are often made with chemicals, like PVCs, that are toxic to humans and poisonous to the environment. Helpfully, Environmental Defence and the Center for Health, Environment and Justice have teamed up to produce a guide of environmentally friendly school supplies that will make heading back to school easier. More information about the report can be found here:
This morning, the Winnipeg Free Press published
a letter from a citizen concerned about the state of the city’s cycling infrastructure.Antoinette Morton recalled that when her
family moved here, “Sadly there were no bike trails. That was in 1991 and I am
sad to say that things have not improved.” Ms Morton is not alone in her concern.More...
Green Buildings: New Leader in LEED Certification In Winnipeg
An office building in Winnipeg has set a new standard for environmental sustainability: LEED Platinum. The new Winnipeg offices of architecture firm Carter-Smith, have been awarded the Green Building Council's highest distinction for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). More...
Garbage Strike: Waste Not, Want Not
It appears that Toronto's sticky summer garbage strike is shortly coming to an end. For five weeks, residents of Canada's largest city have done without waste collection services with their daily refuse piling up in their front lawns and stoops. Across Canada, citizens have renewed gratitude at the miracle of weekly pick up. But what other lessons can cities learn from the Toronto strike of 2009? More...
Private Water
This is the story of a city that said it would never privatize its
water infrastructure. In 2007, Maynilad Water, a private consortium led
by the French water giant Suez, succeeded in gaining control over the
water supply for the western half of Manila, Philippines. At the time,
the Manila's City government claimed that this was not privatization,
since only operation and management would be in private hands. All the
pipes, sewers, and treatment plants would remain publicly owned.
Enormous efficiencies would spring from allowing the private sector to
handle the operation of the system. Corruption and politicization of
water rates would become a thing of the past. More...
Water Watch Action Alert
The Winnipeg City Council Executive Policy Committee will be meeting
Wednesday, July 15, at City Hall to vote on creating a Municipal
Corporate Utility. The attached action alert comes from Water Watch.
Please call the City Clerks office to register to present: 986-3732. More...
Behind the Vinyl Curtain
The
twentieth century was the age of plastics. Tens of thousands of new
synthetic materials promised prosperity and comfort. Polyesters,
polyvinyls, high impact polystyrenes, who could resist these triumphs
of modern technology and the conveniences they offered? Only now are we
starting to realize their costs to human health and the environment.
Volatile Vinyl: The New Shower Curtain’s Chemical Smell is a recent
study of vinyl shower curtains by the eco-watch group Environmental
Defence. It raises new questions about the safety of welcoming toxic
chemicals into our homes. More...
Metro Vancouver is expanding their yard waste collection
program to include kitchen scraps.Meanwhile,
Edmonton’s sophisticated waste management system already separates all compostable waste
that enters the garbage system and turns it into a soil supplement. What about
Winnipeg? More...
Compost bin sale extended
If
you missed out on Winnipeg’s City-sponsored compost bin and rain barrel
sale earlier this month, you can order one by phone and pick it up next
month. Many residents showed up on June 13 for the popular sale, but
were disappointed when supplies ran out early. Residents must order and
pre-pay by credit card by calling Norseman Plastics at 1-800-894-8397
ext. 824 before June 30. Compost bins that normally sell for $100 are
available for $30 and 208 litre rain barrels are $50.
Unfortunately for Folk Festival fans, the items must be picked up
Saturday July 11 between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. at the St. Vital Centennial
Arena, 580 St. Anne’s Rd.
To meet popular demand, Resource Conservation Manitoba will be
organizing a build your own rain barrel workshop later this summer.
Stay tuned to the Ecoblog for details or email josh@resourceconservation.mb.ca.
Conspicuous reduction: Net Zero Homes
Last
week, I had the chance to see a Net Zero, energy efficient home in
Edmonton. The beautifully crafted luxury home in trendy Strathcona
neighbourhood produces all its own electricity and heat, with minimized
use of water or toxic materials. I found myself asking: Could
conspicuous reduction replace conspicuous consumption, as we evolve
towards a culture of sustainability? More...
Commuter Challenge Day 1
It’s a beautiful June morning in Winnipeg and I joined thousands of
other citizens in walking, cycling or taking other forms of sustainable
transportation to work this morning. It’s the start of the Commuter Challenge,
a week long campaign to get Canadians across the country out their
single occupancy automobiles. My walk across the Osborne Bridge and
downtown provided a refreshing start to my week. Resource Conservation
Manitoba is proud to coordinate the event in Manitoba. More...
When your dog eats your climate action plan...
Two news stories released today highlight how increasingly unlikely
it
is that Canada will meet its commitment to reduce greenhouse gases and
meet its international commitments. The Winnipeg Sun reports that
greenhouse gas emissions in Manitoba reached record levels in 2007. More...
The Logic of Curbside Compost Pickup
A simple change could result in the greenhouse gas equivalent of
3500 cars off Manitoba roads. Manitoba has so far lagged behind the
rest of the country when it comes to composting. According to
Statistics Canada, only Newfoundland and Labrador does worse than we
do. More...
Sustainable Winnipeg Symposium
Last
Saturday, I joined 200 other Winnipeggers at the Winnipeg Art Gallery
to discuss how to make a more sustainable city. Participants were asked
to express in 85 words or less their visions for the future. If we were
at all representative of the population, a few key issues stand out as
priorities for the city. More...
Germany bans GE Corn, will Canada follow?
Here is an excellent example of the precautionary principle in
practice. You can ask Agri-food Canada if this decision will
prompt a review of genetically engineered corn, MON 810, which is
widely grown in Manitoba. As German Agriculture Minister Ilse Aigner
states below: "there is a justifiable reason to believe that
genetically modified maize of the type MON 810 presents a danger to the
environment.” Maybe there is something she knows that her Canadian
counterpart, Gerry Ritz doesn't. More...
National Energy Board Projections
The
latest draft of a National Energy Board report foresees out of control
growth of greenhouse gas emissions until 2030. RCM submitted today a
report to the Energy Board calling for a review of its scenarios to
show that real reductions in emissions are plausible. More...
Manitoba: Home to North America's biggest polluters
Conde
Nast Portfolio, a New York-based business and investment magazine, has
devised a list of the 10 worst corporate polluters in North America.
We, at Living Green Living Well, note that an unusually high
concentration of these companies have found a home in this province. More...
RCM credited for program to reduce auto emissions
This time last year, California and 15 other states
were suing their federal government for the right to demand higher
vehicle emission standards. Most Canadian jurisdictions were waiting
for the results of the court case or, more likely, the Presidential
election before issuing their own demands. What a difference a year
makes! More...
Nuclear success an oxymoron?
Try searching the phrase “nuclear success”
in Google’s “I’m feeling lucky” feature. The results, thanks to
Greenpeace, give us something sobering to consider as Manitobans
contemplate a new nuclear facility in Pinawa. More...
Does Michelle Obama read our ecoblog?
According to the New York Times yesterday, Michelle Obama and her family have given up high fructose corn syrup. Given that our eco-blog
posted about the health and environmental dangers of glucose, fructose
and other corn by-products last month, we at RCM are wondering what the
US First Lady is reading. more...
New Web tool for cyclists
A
website put together by a team at UBC lets cyclists throughout the
Vancouver region plan trips according shortest route, most greenery or
least pollution. You can even use it to avoid steep hills. Try it
out, and imagine how such a tool could transform biking experiences in
your city. more...
Global warming is Not other people
It's been said more than once,
"It is difficult to get a man to understand something when his salary
depends upon his not understanding it." So we should not be surprised
when a small Alberta Daily prints an op-ed piece claiming global
warming is caused by human and animal breath. To distract us from the
ecological disaster of the oil economy, the proselytizers of
hydrocarbons will lay the blame on anything from killer house cats to
smog emitting forests. more...
Lake Clean up: Phosphorus or Nitrogen?
The
Clean Environment Commission is releasing its report on Winnipeg's
water treatment plans. The Province argues that we should be cleaning
up both phosphorus and nitrogen. Many scientists have argued we should
concentrate on phosphorus only. more...
Get Unfogged!
Already
the City of Winnipeg is gearing up its supplies of lethal pesticides
and fogging equipment to spray on city streets, lawns, and parkland.One common pesticide used to kill adult mosquitoes is malathion.According to the California-based Pesticide Action Network, malathion is not only a possible carcinogen... more...
A Coalition of the Unwilling
According to the City of Winnipeg’s recent preliminary budget,
the first goal of having a public transit system is to provide
“mobility to those who do not or choose not use other modes [of
transportation]” (p. 12). Aside from the very limited objective of
“providing mobility”, there is something a little derisive about
designating bus riders as a stubborn remainder, who for some reason,
“choose” to not own a car.more...
Are you subsidizing Monsanto and Boeing?
Are
City tax dollars subsidizing Monsanto and other big international
polluters? Next time you are waiting for a late bus in the snow, and
thinking about giving up on the environment and driving to work, you
should remember that the multinational giants located here are getting
a big break in this year’s City budget. more...
Where does our our trash go?
The
thaw earlier this month that shut down Winnipeg’s River Walking Trails
for a few days not only provided a brief reminder that spring is on the
way, it also exposed a vast mess of refuse scattered across the city’s
parks, sidewalks and empty lots. Where does all our garbage come from
and where does it go? more...
Manitobans Near Bottom of Eco-scale
The good news is that an increasing number of Canadians are starting to pick up on a few environmentally conscious habits. more...
Accounting for Sustainable Development
"Science indicates that we are not on an environmentally sustainable
path." This recent announcement comes not from some weedy
eco-activist, but from the fiscally sober accountants at the Office of
the Auditor General. more...
Corn Syrup-Free in 2009
I
am not as fastidious about ecology as I would like to be. So this year,
when I made my New Year’s resolutions, I made a plan to fail. more...
August 24, 2010- This week the Province of Manitoba announced 
Usually when I receive e-mails alerting me to my overdrawn
account, I safely assume it to be spam and hit delete.
Across Winnipeg, people are getting interested in issues about food. What cities do about food issues can make a big difference. Cities have roles not only in farmers markets and community gardens but also in land zoning, developing infrastructure, poverty reduction and education to ensure that healthy food is available for all.
Manitoba-Elections-Guide-2010-low-res.pdf
Imagine if Manitoba could attain food self-sufficiency, and do so while drastically reducing pesticides, fertilizers and other artificial inputs. Too hard to give up bananas and your morning coffee? Instead imagine we doubled or tripled the amount of local food we ate. Imagine we switched to diets with less meat and more sustainably grown produce. Despite Canada being one of the world's largest food exporters, for most of us only a small part of our diet is 
Toxic algae blooms have erupted once again this year on Lake Winnipeg. Horrifying pictures on several media websites have frightened away tourists, but for the area's year round residents as much as for the region's wildlife, there is nowhere to retreat. Premiers gathering in Winnipeg for the meeting of the Council of the Federation, August 5-6, 2010, should take the opportunity to implement solutions for this fragile but globally significant eco-system.
Lack Of Science and Public Accountability in New Mosquito Plan
A recent report by Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society finds cause for cautious optimism for two important Manitoba species. Moose populations have declined from 1800 ten years ago to just over 700 today. However, a recent ban on hunting in and around Nopiming Park could help pave the way the population's recovery. Brown bats need protection in their Fisher Bay breeding areas. A proposed park in the area could safeguard the future of the bats if it is approved next fall.
Is the Winnipeg Folk Festival not giving you your fill of beautiful music and eco-love this weekend? Check out: 
Last week, I asked "will Winnipeg be home to the hundred mile diet or 
This morning, the 
In order for development to be environmentally and socially sustainable, there needs to be a plan to see how it all fits in place. Otherwise, a project that may seem harmless or even beneficial at first glance, may turn out to have negative impacts once we consider how it fits it in with other project it's already underway. We can lose sight of alternative developments that may be even more beneficial. Or we may not be aware of their cumulative impacts. But there still no long term plan for one of Manitobans favourite and most biologically important parks.
Driving bigger cars further is back in style as the economy warms up according to a pair of studies released this week. This may mean renewed profits and the big auto companies, but it spells trouble the environment. 
Who doesn't like free stuff, especially when it is for the good of the environment. Get even more free stuff when you participate in the Living Green Giveaway Weekend Contest.
Manitobans needing more reason to consider waste minimization an important priority, they need look no further than the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.
Closer examination of Canada's UN submission demonstrates a retreat from climate change action on all fronts. Besides the changed target, we see that it is contingent on whatever goals end up inscribed US legislation. Canada will match whatever targets are adopted south of the border, depending on which legislation is adopted there. As many as four competing bills are currently before congress, so it is still unclear what those targets will be. 
Earlier this week, Environment Minister Jim Prentice told a 
Last week, Federal Environment Minister Jim Prentice filed 
The resources we use in our homes make up a big portion of our environmental footprint. At every stage from the design of our homes to the products we purchase that fill our cupboards, we make choices that affect the planet.
Last week, Environment Canada began consultations for new regulations that will limit the amount of 
Ghosts and goblins and witches are not the only scary things this Halloween. A new report by Campaign for Safe Cosmetics finds dangerous levels of lead and other toxic metals in Halloween make up marketed to children. Ten out of the ten face paints they tested contained lead, while others contained known skin allergens including nickel, cobalt and chromium-often at levels that exceed industry standards. Lead can accumulate in children's bodies, especially when exposure occurs early in life. It is responsible for numerous medical problems including: attention deficits, hyperactivity, and aggression.
The community of St Andrews is first out of the gate this year to declare October 19-25 Waste Reduction Week. 
Winnipeg Solid Waste Manager, Darryl Drohomerski, isn't quite "The Man from Glad". He does however, have a plan to rescue Winnipeg residents stumbling to the curb with their overloaded garbage bags: give everyone wheeled carts. His idea has merits, and certainly one can appreciate the safety benefits for workers, but like any other proposal, it could benefit from consultations. 
This afternoon, I received a last minute appeal to attend a phone-in rally at Old Market Square in Winnipeg. Around the world, citizens in 2300 cities are calling their political leaders today to demand action on climate change. 
The 
Its three weeks until 
An office building in Winnipeg has set a new standard for environmental sustainability: 
It appears that Toronto's sticky summer garbage strike is shortly coming to an end. For five weeks, residents of Canada's largest city have done without waste collection services with their daily refuse piling up in their front lawns and stoops. Across Canada, citizens have renewed gratitude at the miracle of weekly pick up. But what other lessons can cities learn from the Toronto strike of 2009? 
The
twentieth century was the age of plastics. Tens of thousands of new
synthetic materials promised prosperity and comfort. Polyesters,
polyvinyls, high impact polystyrenes, who could resist these triumphs
of modern technology and the conveniences they offered? Only now are we
starting to realize their costs to human health and the environment.
Volatile Vinyl: The New Shower Curtain’s Chemical Smell is a recent
study of vinyl shower curtains by the eco-watch group Environmental
Defence. It raises new questions about the safety of welcoming toxic
chemicals into our homes. 
LEED-Canada-for-Homes-2009-Checklist.xls
Metro Vancouver is expanding their yard waste collection
program to include 
If
you missed out on Winnipeg’s City-sponsored compost bin and rain barrel
sale earlier this month, you can order one by phone and pick it up next
month. Many residents showed up on June 13 for the popular sale, but
were disappointed when supplies ran out early. Residents must order and
pre-pay by credit card by calling Norseman Plastics at 1-800-894-8397
ext. 824 before June 30. Compost bins that normally sell for $100 are
available for $30 and 208 litre rain barrels are $50.
Unfortunately for Folk Festival fans, the items must be picked up
Saturday July 11 between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. at the St. Vital Centennial
Arena, 580 St. Anne’s Rd.
Last
week, I had the chance to see a Net Zero, energy efficient home in
Edmonton. The beautifully crafted luxury home in trendy Strathcona
neighbourhood produces all its own electricity and heat, with minimized
use of water or toxic materials. I found myself asking: Could
conspicuous reduction replace conspicuous consumption, as we evolve
towards a culture of sustainability? 
It’s a beautiful June morning in Winnipeg and I joined thousands of
other citizens in walking, cycling or taking other forms of sustainable
transportation to work this morning. It’s the start of 
Last
Saturday, I joined 200 other Winnipeggers at the Winnipeg Art Gallery
to discuss how to make a more sustainable city. Participants were asked
to express in 85 words or less their visions for the future. If we were
at all representative of the population, a few key issues stand out as
priorities for the city. 
Here is an excellent example of the precautionary principle in
practice. You can ask Agri-food Canada if this decision will
prompt a review of genetically engineered corn, MON 810, which is
widely grown in Manitoba. As German Agriculture Minister Ilse Aigner
states below: "there is a justifiable reason to believe that
genetically modified maize of the type MON 810 presents a danger to the
environment.” Maybe there is something she knows that her Canadian
counterpart, Gerry Ritz doesn't. 
The
latest draft of a National Energy Board report foresees out of control
growth of greenhouse gas emissions until 2030. RCM submitted today a
report to the Energy Board calling for a review of its scenarios to
show that real reductions in emissions are plausible. 
Conde
Nast Portfolio, a New York-based business and investment magazine, has
devised a list of the 10 worst corporate polluters in North America.
We, at Living Green Living Well, note that an unusually high
concentration of these companies have found a home in this province. 
Try searching the phrase 
A
website put together by a team at UBC lets cyclists throughout the
Vancouver region plan trips according shortest route, most greenery or
least pollution. You can even use it to avoid steep hills. Try it
out, and imagine how such a tool could transform biking experiences in
your city. 
It's been said 
The
Clean Environment Commission is releasing its report on Winnipeg's
water treatment plans. The Province argues that we should be cleaning
up both phosphorus and nitrogen. Many scientists have argued we should
concentrate on phosphorus only. 
According to the City of Winnipeg’s recent preliminary 
Are
City tax dollars subsidizing Monsanto and other big international
polluters? Next time you are waiting for a late bus in the snow, and
thinking about giving up on the environment and driving to work, you
should remember that the multinational giants located here are getting
a big break in this year’s City budget. 
The
thaw earlier this month that shut down Winnipeg’s River Walking Trails
for a few days not only provided a brief reminder that spring is on the
way, it also exposed a vast mess of refuse scattered across the city’s
parks, sidewalks and empty lots. Where does all our garbage come from
and where does it go? 
I
am not as fastidious about ecology as I would like to be. So this year,
when I made my New Year’s resolutions, I made a plan to fail. 