Save Our Prairie

2012-02-10T08:35:00.000-08:00

24 Hours of Reality Sept. 14, 2011

2011-09-01T09:00:00.000-07:00

"24 Hours of Reality will be broadcast live online from September 14 to 15, over 24 hours, representing 24 time zones and 13 languages. From Tonga to Cape Verde, Mexico City to Alaska, Jakarta to London, people living with the impacts of climate change every day will tell their story. You can experience as much as you like without even leaving your home." See their blog for more information.

Update about housing at Craik, Saskatchewan

2011-08-31T12:06:00.000-07:00

I visited Craik Enviro Village recently and was very impressed with how the site has grown. The round strawbale house is close to completion:

Other smaller projects are coming along and most of the sites have at least one building now:

For more information on the Craik project, see my previous post.

Water, water and nothing to drink part 2

2010-03-30T12:54:00.000-07:00

What Do We Know About Climate Change?

2010-03-06T11:21:00.000-08:00

Great video response to climate deniers!

"In this video we'll go over some of the fundamental discoveries, the basic facts that we know beyond a doubt, about global warming. Of course, many people will never believe science, because they believe that anything that challenges their world view, is all part of a secret, global conspiracy."

Skeptic Arguments and What the Science Says

2010-02-23T10:40:00.000-08:00

There is a great new website that lists the 10 most frequent global warning nay-sayers arguments and what science actually says here. It also has a link to an IPhone app for quick mobile responses.

Image from WildBritArt

Papercrete

2010-01-27T13:44:00.000-08:00

As I have watched people experience failure with Strawbale construction because they take too long and don't protect their bales, I have been looking for alternatives. Here is one idea Papercrete and a description from http://www.livinginpaper.com/#introduction

"Papercrete construction involves using waste paper for affordable, sustainable housing. In the United States, we discard enough paper each year to build a wall 48 feet high around the entire perimeter of the country. Even though about 45 percent of discarded paper is recycled annually, 55 percent or 48 million tons of paper is thrown away or goes into the landfills. Figuring conservatively, it takes about fifteen trees to make a ton of paper."

Another information source is Mason GreenStar.

But how can it be so cold?

2010-01-18T10:38:00.000-08:00

Great explanation about cold winters in a time of global warming. Changes in the Arctic mean more cold air from the north moving south because of the melding in the Arctic. Always thought it should be called "Global Bad Weather"!

See Climate Denier Crock of the Week for similar issues.

Water, water and nothing to drink

2010-01-16T14:00:00.000-08:00

With the disaster in Haiti, I've been thinking a lot about the issue of water and the need for simple quick solutions for getting water quickly to small groups of people. Here is a video about one idea.

Wow I had 1,000 readers last year

2010-01-04T07:57:00.000-08:00

I haven't been very active lately because I had thought the site wasn't being used. I need to get more active.

BBC Polar Bear Song

2009-12-17T09:53:00.000-08:00

The Polar Bear Song is catchy tune by science teacher Tom Rugg, which contains a gentle message about climate change. The Polar Bear Music Video forms part of the bbc wales green season of programming.

One thousand sculptures meld in the sun

2009-09-02T09:00:00.000-07:00

UK artist created thousands of ice sculptures to emphasis global warming. See more images at the Telegraph.

Carbon Capture and Water Saving Gardens

2009-08-01T12:57:00.000-07:00

Wicking Beds are a new process of water conserving, plant growing from Australia.

To read more see http://www.instructables.com/id/Wicking-Beds/

Another video

The Young Leaders' Summit on Northern Climate Change

2009-05-13T14:42:00.000-07:00

Are you 18-30 years old? Are you concerned about climate change and what it means for the future? Do you want to make your voice heard and be part of the solution? The Young Leaders' Summit on Northern Climate Change is your opportunity!

August 17–20, 2009
Inuvik, Northwest Territories

New Strawbale House at Craik

2009-04-22T09:59:00.000-07:00

As the snow finally melts off the Prairie, a new house is being build in the Craik Enviro Village called Riverstone Studios. The foundation was poured in the shape of a three leaf clover last year and my understanding is it will offer two studios and a central living quarters.This house is using a post and beam construction different from the more basic straw bale wall without wood shown in a previous example. The first image shows three of the houses.

The next picture is a closeup of the construction on two of the sections.

Finally here is a picture of either a garage or a power generation station with solar panels in the roof that is behind the house.

I can't wait for my next trip to see how the houses are progressing.

Inspiring Action

2009-04-22T09:43:00.000-07:00

The new GreenPeace video

Nuclear Power: We have much better choices

2009-04-08T10:34:00.000-07:00

Ryan Meili calls on NDP MLAs to oppose SaskParty uranium resolution.
On Thursday, the Saskatchewan Legislature will debate a motion by Meadow Lake MLA Jeremy Harrison supporting the development of nuclear generation in Saskatchewan. NDP leadership candidate Ryan Meili has issued the following statement.

The Wall government’s uranium resolution falsely frames the debate on nuclear energy and uranium development.

Nuclear power is not a viable solution to Saskatchewan’s energy needs. It is too expensive. It is too risky. It is too slow. We have much better choices.

I am calling on all 20 New Democratic Party MLAs to vote “no” on this misleading motion.

Nuclear power is being sold to us as a means to provide cheap energy, as a means of addressing immediate energy needs, even as a means of protecting our environment.
But none of these sales pitches are based on the facts.

• Nuclear power isn’t cheap. A nuclear reactor is a very expensive undertaking and the people of Saskatchewan will pay for it on their electricity bills for a long time to come, if it is allowed to be built. We pay 10 cents per kilowatt hour for electricity now. Whether its Bruce Power or SaskPower, no one will build a nuclear reactor in Saskatchewan for less than 20 cents per kilowatt hour – double the current price of electricity. That simple fact is why most private sector utilities in the United States have been avoiding nuclear power – they know there are too many hidden costs and that most nuclear power construction projects have huge cost over-runs. Add to that expensive repair bills, the high cost of disposing of radioactive nuclear fuel waste and the very high cost of decommissioning a radioactive reactor core. When compared to wind power at 11 cents per kilowatt hour and electricity conservation at less than 6 cents per kilowatt hour, nuclear power’s economics make no sense.

• Nuclear power puts our environment at risk. Yes, nuclear power can reduce the carbon footprint. But that assumed you ignore the massive carbon emissions involved in building the reactor – particularly if it is built in a remote area. A nuclear reactor will also produce intensely radioactive waste materials which no country on earth has successfully disposed of. Why should the next generation of Saskatchewan residents bear the burden of disposing of this radioactive waste material, with the worry that it must be kept out of ground water supplies for tens of thousands of years into the future.

• Nuclear power doesn’t address our immediate energy needs. Nuclear reactors are not designed and built quickly. Sites are not chosen quickly. Even if the process started today, it would be nearly 20 years before a proposed nuclear facility contributed a single watt to the energy grid.

Securing Saskatchewan's Energy Future

2009-04-08T10:28:00.000-07:00

Ryan Meili's response to the energy motions

Earlier today, the Saskatchewan Legislature debated two motions regarding Saskatchewan’s energy future. NDP leadership candidate Ryan Meili has issued the following statement.

I want to commend House Leader Len Taylor and the NDP caucus for showing leadership in introducing a balanced resolution calling for wide-ranging consideration of all options, including energy conservation, in addressing Saskatchewan’s future energy needs and recognizing that energy choices have social and environmental impacts.

The Wall government's original resolution was written to create a false dichotomy where the issue was "nuclear: yes or no", intended to trap the caucus into looking either as though they were in favour of a reactor or blindly opposed to even considering it. This tactic from the Saskatchewan Party diverts our attention from the real matter at hand.

The Wall government has ignored our real energy challenges and done nothing to address climate change. They have dismantled the Climate Change Secretariat and depleted the Green Future Fund. They have made petty investments in carbon capture and ignored conservation or conversion to renewable sources of energy. Now they are beginning a process of mock consultation designed to come to a foregone conclusion: that a nuclear reactor is the only option for Saskatchewan.

In fact, there are more options – safer options, cheaper options and better options – to address Saskatchewan's long and short term energy requirements. I would welcome an open and honest debate about Saskatchewan's energy future. When considered alongside wind, solar, small-scale hydro and other renewable energy options, it will be clear that a nuclear power plant is simply not viable for Saskatchewan – it is too expensive, too risky and fails to meet our short or long term energy needs.

Frankly, the type of consideration the Wall government has in mind is a waste of time and money. A reactor in Saskatchewan has been considered many times. The answer is still no.

We can build an economically and environmentally sustainable energy industry in this province. We have incredible resources for the development of wind and solar power. We have a choice: demonstrate leadership and be at the forefront of renewable energy, or be stuck in the unsustainable answers of the past.

When Premier Wall is prepared to stop hiding behind wordplay and "independent" panels of nuclear industry apologists, when he is ready to engage in a real debate about Saskatchewan's energy future, Saskatchewan New Democrats will be ready.

The text of the Saskatchewan Party motion (Jeremy Harrison, Meadow Lake) is as follows:

That the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan supports the consideration of further value-added development of Saskatchewan’s uranium industry including nuclear power generation and recognizes the potential benefits to the growth and prosperity of the people of our province.

The text of the NDP motion (Len Taylor, The Battlefords) is as follows:

That the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan supports the consideration of the further value-added development of Saskatchewan’s energy industry including energy conservation, nuclear, solar, wind, hydro, geothermal and other alternative power generation, and as part of that consideration (which would obviously involve extensive public consultation) recognize not only the potential benefits to the growth and prosperity of the people of our province.

Google Earth and renewable energy

2009-04-02T15:44:00.000-07:00

Two environmental groups have teamed up with Google in an effort to help steer renewable energy development away from sensitive areas, by utilizing Google Earth maps.

The National Audubon Society and the Natural Resources Defense Council on Wednesday unveiled the new tool –which is called the Path to Green Energy– and it’s available for the public to use. Read the full article

Flicking The Lights Off

2009-03-18T14:25:00.000-07:00

Earth Hour Parody

Why do we have so much trouble listening to Science?

2009-03-18T14:05:00.000-07:00

"It's as if scientists know a bomb will go off, but can't find the right words to warn the people who might be able to defuse it." - Marlowe Hood

Read the article Climate change blues: how scientists cope from the Vancouver Sun.

Earth Hour March 28th, 8:30

2009-03-17T12:21:00.000-07:00

"Earth Hour is a symbolic event. Turning off our lights for an hour won’t stop climate change but it does demonstrate that our individual action is important and adds up to make a big difference. More importantly, it sends a very powerful message to government and world leaders that people want policies and regulations put in place that can achieve meaningful emission reduction to help fight climate change."

Climate scientists warn of "irreversible" climate shifts

2009-03-15T11:51:00.000-07:00

CNN reports "The world is facing an increasing risk of "irreversible" climate shifts because worst-case scenarios warned of two years ago are being realized, an international panel of scientists has warned.

Drought, flooding, storms and mass extinction in the future will have a heavy social cost as well.
Temperatures, sea levels, acid levels in oceans and ice sheets were already moving "beyond the patterns of natural variability within which our society and economy have developed and thrived," scientists said in a report released Thursday.

The findings came at the end of a three-day conference in Copenhagen, Denmark, where nearly 2,000 researchers gathered to discuss climate change."

Read full article.

The Great Tar Sands Debate

2009-03-10T12:37:00.000-07:00

MUENSTER, ST PETER’S ABBEY – Michael Hall, Rm 101 Sunday / March 15 / 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. Doors open at 1:00 pm
5 miles east of Humboldt, south side of Hwy 5 – use Parking Lot C For more information: please call Elaine Hughes (306-323-4938)
========================

SASKATOON – Broadway Theatre – Broadway Ave. between 10th & 11th Streets Sunday / March 15 / 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.   Doors open at 6:30.
For more information: please call Nayda Veeman (244-0034).
================================

SASKATOON – Uof S – Rm 241, Arts Bldg.
Monday / March 16 / 3:30 – 5:30 p.m.    Doors open at 3:00 For more information: please call Shannon Dyck (966-6970) ======================

SASKATOON – McNALLY ROBINSON BOOKSTORE – 8th St. at Circle Drive Monday / March 16 / 7:30 p.m.
====================

PRINCE ALBERT - Cuelenaere Public Library – 125-12th St. E.
Tuesday / March 17 / 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. Doors open 6:30 For more information: please call Rick Sawa (306) 922-3851 / (306)
961-7894
=================

NORTH BATTLEFORD – Chapel Gallery – 203 - 891 – 99th St.
(note: this is the only location with a 7:30 pm start time) Wednesday / March 18 / 7:30 – 9:30 p.m.   Doors open at 7:00 (Going west toward the River, take the last left hand turn off South Railway Ave.) For more information: please call Reid Stewart (446-4512) ==========================

REGINA – U of R – Education Auditorium
Thursday / March 19 / 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 (enter campus on Kramer Blvd. Education Auditorium is about 3 blocks in, on the left.) For more information: please call Don Narine (527-4566).
=========================

MOOSE JAW – MJ Public Library
Friday / March 20 / 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. Doors open at 11:30 For more information: please call Larissa Shasko ( 692-7925 / 684-3463)

========================

SWIFT CURRENT – Great Plains College
Friday / March 20 / 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. Doors open at 3:00

Why I'm going to work for Ryan Meili

2009-02-26T15:27:00.000-08:00

Ryan Meili is running for the NDP leadership in June. He is a family doctor and community organizer; for years, he has been working to build healthier communities in Saskatchewan. Currently employed as a rural relief locum, Ryan’s job as a family doctor takes him all over the province to give doctors in small communities some much-needed and well-deserved time off. When not on the road he lives in Saskatoon’s core community of Riversdale.

This is what he says about the environment:

Building a healthier society requires a long-term vision for a sustainable relationship with our environment. Saskatchewan has been blessed with an abundance of natural resources. The way that we choose to use them is a true test of our stewardship.

To ensure that we use our resource wealth responsibly, Saskatchewan must invest heavily in the future. We have an opportunity to grow a green economy in energy production, manufacturing and conservation at a time when the world needs us to use less.

- Implement floating royalty rates to ensure that the economy continues to grow while Saskatchewan people receive fair value for their resources. Invest the wealth generated wisely and sustainably in environmental stewardship and renewable energy.

- Invest boldly in obtaining our energy needs from renewable sources such as wind, solar and hydro rather than non-renewable technologies such as coal, fossil fuels and nuclear power. This will decrease our carbon and waste footprint as well as conserving scarce resources for future generations.

- Reduce our energy needs by investing in conservation. Support retrofits for existing buildings. Incentivize and regulate new construction to promote energy efficiency, including the use of geothermal heat and solar power.

- Because transportation is one of the greatest energy users and pollution producers, we must invest in rail, public transit, bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure and high efficiency vehicles.

These changes can be made so as to benefit us both economically and environmentally. We can put the eco back in economy and grow both our prosperity and our sustainability. Not only can this shift be made, it must be made. Climate change is happening and we are contributing to it. The cumulative impact of unsafe industrial practices threatens our environment. It is not too late to change, but the time has come to use our best energies to build a greener, cleaner, healthier society.

GET INVOLVED

Alberta environmentalists take it to US

2009-02-18T07:54:00.000-08:00

This advertisement from Forest Ethics,
the Mikisew Cree First Nation
and the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation
appeared Tuesday in USA Today. (Forest Ethics)

According to the CBC, "An anti-oilsands advertisement placed by an environmental group and two northern Alberta First Nations appeared in Tuesday's edition of USA Today, the most widely circulated newspaper in the United States."

Check out Local Bounty

2009-02-17T12:13:00.000-08:00

Local Bounty began one year ago as a forum for connecting local chefs who want to serve Saskatchewan food with the farmers, gardeners, fishers, orchardists, etc., who produce it. Chef Anthony McCarthy is this year's artisan taking Saskatchewan produce and melding it into an experience for our taste buds.

Local Bounty Saskatoon
March 8, 2009
The Saskatoon Club

Image of Darwin

2009-02-15T11:07:00.000-08:00

A lovely creation from Neoformix made of 10,000 images of animals. A larger image is available on his website.

One Million Acts of Green

2009-02-11T10:07:00.000-08:00

Does anyone know where this image comes from?

In 100 days, Canadians performed 1,000,000 acts of green and counting. Keep it up Canada!

Saskatchewan Resources

2009-02-07T13:45:00.000-08:00

Cartoon by Nick D Kim, lab-initio.com. Used by permission

Reduce Carbon Dioxide by 15%

2009-01-29T09:29:00.000-08:00

Making bales with 30 percent of global crop residues – the stalks and such left after harvesting – and then sinking the bales into the deep ocean could reduce the build up of global carbon dioxide in the atmosphere by up to 15 percent a year, according to just published calculations.

That is a significant amount of carbon, the process can be accomplished with existing technology and it can be done year after year, according to Stuart Strand, a University of Washington research professor. Further the technique would sequester – or lock up – the carbon in seafloor sediments and deep ocean waters for thousands of years, he says. http://www.labspaces.net/95162/Some_of_Earth_s_Climate_Troubles_Should_Face_Burial_at_Sea

How does a society collapse?

2009-01-25T16:16:00.000-08:00

So according to my reading of Diamond, a society collapses because its decisions about how to handle 5 major types of crisis result in extreme depletions of population and resources.

Saskatchewan is facing decisions about climate change, loss of trade and economic erosion such as loss of water, soil, minerals and forest. How do you think our decision makers will respond to this crisis?

Reflections on "Collapse"

2009-01-25T13:24:00.000-08:00

I've been reading Collapse: How Societies Choose to Fail or Succeed by Jared Diamond. In a nutshell, this is my take on what he is saying.

Saskatchewan has recently experienced a resource increase because of the worlds need for oil making extraction from tar sands more viable. As a result, we have been experiencing a large population increase that has driven the cost of land and housing to unexpected heights. Increasing employment opportunities have supposedly offset the increase in prices, so we have suddenly become a "have" province ready to ride out the economic downturn. So we are at our pinnacle point.

We have recently felt the inkling of crisis as trade has decreased because of less need for resources such as timber, grain, fertilizer and a fall in the price of oil.
So what does Diamond say about how a societies response to crisis leads to success or failure? What should Saskatchewan do?

Earth Hour 2009

2009-01-06T11:13:00.000-08:00

What can I do? I'm just one person.

Earth Hour 2009 will take place Saturday, March 28th at 8:30pm wherever you are around the world.www.earthhour.org

Why?

2009-01-06T09:44:00.000-08:00

A beautiful, award winning video from Switzerland about why we need to change our obsessive, overcrowding behaviour. http://www.connect2earth.org/core/view/index.cfm?id=4000859

Download a 36 MB version for full screen http://www.photosnature.org/Photosnature/Digiramas/6858000000.exe

Repower America

2008-12-11T11:50:00.000-08:00

President-elect Barack Obama and former Vice President Al Gore discuss "Repower America"

When will Canada open its gasoline pasted eyes? Instead of supporting American automakers, why don't we put the money into Canadian Cars? Why is no one asking that question?

Clean Coal

2008-12-10T09:23:00.000-08:00

A message from This is Reality that is important for Saskatchewan
"Coal companies seem to be spending their money marketing coal as "clean" rather than actually making it clean. This has got to stop. That's why we're calling them out boldly and publicly on their rhetoric. We're expecting a major response from the coal industry, and we need your help.The tag line and core message of the Reality campaign is simply "In Reality, there's no such thing as clean coal" -- highlighting that in America today, no such thing exists. We're insisting that the coal industry do more than "talk the talk," but that they now "walk the walk." We're challenging them to immediately invest in the technologies that can stop carbon pollution from entering the atmosphere. Over 600 coal plants operate now without such controls and more than 60 new dirty plants are proposed. None of these plants are "clean."We're going to need your help to get out the word, because the coal industry has a lot of money and resources to move their message. Today, to start, we're asking folks simply to sign up to help -- to join the movement and help form a new "Reality Corps."To see the ad and help, just go to:
http://www.ThisIsReality.org "

Building Saskatchewan Green

2008-12-05T07:10:00.000-08:00

Building Saskatchewan Green was a great success! Over 600 attended Thursday evening for a great Tradeshow and Mike Holmes, along with conference delegates in workshops Friday. For event pictures and/or to read bloggers notes on the workshops take a look at http://www.buildsaskgreen.ca/

Walk the Chalk

2008-12-01T10:13:00.000-08:00

A great idea for an educational activity that connects food to production.Two Mt. Holyoke College students interview another student about her knowledge of the food system.

Craik Enviro Village in November

2008-11-11T14:44:00.000-08:00

We have had one of the most beautiful, warm Octobers in Saskatchewan history and thank goodness because it allowed for work to continue on the Round house in Craik. This is another variation of strawbale housing, which I wrote about previously. Hopefully, they will be able to close the building in before winter. I have a deep affection for round dwellings, so I am eagerly anticipating the completion of this endeavor.

When I went to take a closeup of the Round house, I discovered the underground house. Another interesting approach to the harsh Prairie climate. This building looks like it will be completed soon.

Craik Enviro Village in October

2008-11-11T14:32:00.000-08:00

The town of Craik has offered inexpensive land to people who are willing to built environmentally friendly housing. At the beginning of October 2008, I took the following pictures. This is how the village looked from the Saskatoon/Regina highway. Two buildings stand out, a traditional rectangle and the frame of a round house.

The rectangle house closer up seems to be a very large, traditional structure. I heard that it might be a new school for international students??

The round house.

Migration Update

2008-11-10T15:03:00.000-08:00

As mentioned in a previous post, snow geese are flying south and find Craik an appealing stop over. A month after the previous picture, I discovered the water full of their white colouring. Unfortunately, they took flight in the thousands as I opened the car door but here is a taste of the experience.

Straw Bale Construction

2008-11-10T14:41:00.000-08:00

What does Saskatchewan have in abundance?

So if you want to built an inexpensive, environmentally friendly dwelling, you use what's at hand. Straw bale housing lasts 100's of years in the prairie environment and its thick walls provide a high R value. Craik's Flaxhouse Larry is building a demonstration project using Flax bales, which have a high fire resistance and aren't a preferred insect food.

After the wall is up, you cover the bales with stucco to protect the bales from moisture and increase the asthetic appeal. Here is an example of the first layer.

Then add a couple more layers, smooth the final coat and paint it. Here is an example of the entrance to the Flax Store in Craik, Saskatchewan.

So next time you are driving between Regina and Saskatoon, check out the Flax houses.

Chapter 11

2008-11-06T09:42:00.000-08:00

CBC's "The Current" on Radio1 had an interesting debate today about whether Chapter 11 of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) included water as a good or not. The debate is because chapter 11 is worded vaguely, at a time when water conservation was not a forefront topic at all.

According to some that weighed in, the growing demand for water in North America means that it can therefore be considered a good. This means going down a one-way street, because once considered a good and distribution has begun, it is a violation of NAFTA to stop. Basically, once the taps are turned on, it is very difficult to turn them off!

Others on the show said that it can still be argued that water is not a good, but a necessity, and NAFTA stipulates that trade does not have to occur if it is hurting the exporting country. It is still reasonable that if we start selling water, we can stop when we like.

To read chapter 11 and make up your own mind on the subject, go here!

Congratulations to Ogema, Saskatchewan

2008-11-05T07:51:00.000-08:00

OGEMA, Sask. - A tiny community in southern Saskatchewan is being recognized as one of the most livable places in the world. Ogema has made the shortlist for the 2008 International Awards for Livable Communities. See the CBC article for more information.

I Love Fall on the Prairies

2008-11-04T13:41:00.001-08:00

Snow Geese landing outside of Craik, Sask on their southern migration. They were so noisy you could hear them a mile away.

Migration

by Jeffrey B. Moran

It's early in September near Edmonton, Alberta.
I feel a chill down in my hollow bones
The south suddenly has attraction because of the interaction
'Tween prolactin and corticosterone.
There's serious changes in the weather, gotta check my long pointy wings and feathers,
Gettin' ready for a three thousand mile migration.
Still gotta fatten up some more, put some energy in store.
But I think it's time for a tropical vacation.

O mighty North Wind, so cold and strong.
It's time to tell this summer place "So long!"
The days are getting shorter, the nights are getting colder,
And there's changes going on inside of me.
It's time to migrate, so I'm putting on some weight.
This fat's gotta last 'til I get across the sea.
O mighty North Wind, up in the sky,
I feel the need to get on your back and fly!

Your Ecological Footprint

2008-11-03T22:30:00.000-08:00

In times like these it is important to better understand the impact we have on the environment. One measure of your effect on the environment is the measurement of your ecological footprint. "What's is and ecological footprint?" you may ask; it is nothing more than the total square feet of land that produces food, divided by the population, giving you a square feet per person measurement (referred to as one ecological footprint).

I believe that the best defense is a good offence when it comes to the environment, and to me this means letting people know how they are directly affecting the planet, and even more importantly, those on it. Let me put it this way: if you calculate the amount of footprints each person on earth can have, and then calculate your footprint, you will notice something startling. If I don't miss my guess, you will find that your footprint is far above the average, meaning that somewhere on earth there is someone that is using less than one footprint (keep in mind that 1 footprint is needed for survival). Sadly, this burden falls most often on Africa, but there are ways that you can help. Sending seeds, engineers, and educators to third world countries allows the creation of more farmable land, meaning increasing the magnitude of one footprint. The other is to reduce your wear and tear on the planet.

This fight is not over, there is much that can be done.

Calculate your ecological footprint (Royal Saskatchewan Museum)

People change politics

2008-10-30T09:40:00.000-07:00

Robert Kennedy was on The Hour talking about how oil and lumber companies used religious right wing groups to subvert the climate change agenda in the US. Well here is a more heart warming message from the UK.

A ground breaking new climate change law has been passed by MPs in UK Parliament thanks to peoples efforts.

Canadian Tire: Making Green by Selling Green

2008-10-22T15:47:00.000-07:00

I've been wanting to kick-up my environmental game lately and am in the market for solar panels. I'm not talking about those little dashboard cellphone-charging ones either, I want some decent wattage panels! I am in continuous conflict with myself, as there is a delicate balance for me between investing in the environment, and the fact that I have very little to invest! Short story shorter, I don't want to spend a fortune before I reap my reward.

Obviously, like any true Canadian, I go to the Canadian Tire website. They have more and more gear all the time, but selection is still limited. I decide to do a little wider search, but let's face it, there is not much for supply OR demand here in the prairies. Finally, I come across a site, www.advancegreen.ca, and it turns out that it's another Canadian Tire site, but better, what gives?

From what I gather, Canadian Tire is setting up the mother of "living-green" do-it yourself product sites. It is actually an entire site dedicated to green living gear at that Canadian Tire-patented "little-over-price-but-I'll-buy-it-anyway-because-I-can't-find-it-anywhere-else" price.

I'm not going to say that they care about the environment in any moral sense, because I don't know, but the fact is that there is a solid market out there for enviro-goodies and this site is tapping into that.

UPDATE:

I have just found another site that sells wind turbines and solar cells, and it is located in none other than sunny Saskatoon. Visit wsetech.com for tonnes of helpful information on setting up your power grid, as well as handy wind and solar newsletters.

One Million Acts of Green

2008-10-22T15:08:00.000-07:00

Today, October 22nd, onemillionactsofgreen.com is not even 24 hours old and already clocking in at 30,737 acts of green.

If you aren't familiar with the site yet let me fill you in. It is the brainchild of MuchMusic Vjay turned CBC ratings-booster George Stroumboulopoulos, who launched the site from his program, The Hour at 11pm last night. The premise is that many small, seemingly insignificant tasks to live "greener", can have a startling effect on greenhouse gas reduction. To give you an example, the 30,737 acts of green performed by those already signed up to the site, reduce the number of greenhouse gasses by a whopping 2,083,776 kg!

The site features groups, projects, and friends, in a very Facebook-esque manner. It contains a multitude of advice on how to reduce your carbon footprint, and not just the obvious and disillusioned "buy a Prius" banter. The site has the benefit of telling you how much you are saving (my 9 green acts thus far, including "don't idle car" and "use reusable coffee cup", amount to 738 kilograms of saved greenhouse gasses)!

It is easy to complain and state that the government is not doing enough to slow/stop/reverse global warming, but the big differences that small "green" acts can make to the environment argues the hypocracy of that sentiment.

Video Challenge

2008-07-04T08:59:00.000-07:00

Check out the Saskatchewan and Alberta entries for the Kaleidoscope Real World Video Challenge

Love to Love You Landfills by Joel Entwistle & Maxim Gertier-Jaffe

Global WarNing by Yelena Cerezke-Riemer (Unfortunately this one is very slow to load but worth waiting for)

The Global Water Crisis by Sierra Dakin Kuiper

Modular homes offer green alternative

2008-06-15T11:47:00.001-07:00

Prefabricated, or modular, home construction is enjoying a renaissance in the booming green building market. Some people may think that prefab or modular building connotes cold uniformity, but in this newsletter we’ll introduce you to companies that are making this new breed of homes beautiful, comfortable, and most importantly very light on the planet!http://www.lowimpactliving.com/blog/2007/09/24/green-prefab-homes-prefabulous/

Buy Local Food

2008-05-14T08:24:00.000-07:00

Daryl Hepting has created a google map of local food options in Saskatchewan.

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msa=0&msid=105018192435865430118.00044d223061873fc99d1&ie=UTF8&t=h&z=7

Speaking Out

2008-05-04T11:48:00.000-07:00

The Green Children have made a video about speaking out.

As Springtime Finally Reaches the Prairies

2008-05-02T13:43:00.000-07:00

One of the fond memories of my youth on the prairies was of my boyfriend's homemade dandelion wine. The hours spend picking the blossoms turned his skin a rich gold like the wine.

"Is interest in foraging growing? A quick blog search on 'foraging food' came up with 165 hits over the past week, as compared to 83 hits over the same week last year." This article by Cincinnati Locavore recommends checking it out.

Earth Hour

2008-03-30T11:34:00.000-07:00

So Earth Hour has come and gone. What did you do? Send your stories through our comment section.

The University of Saskatchewan, along with the City of Saskatoon, Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools, Meewasin Valley Authority, Road Map 2020, Saskatchewan Environmental Society, Saskatchewan Waste Reduction Council, Saskatoon Health Region, and Saskatoon Public Schools is participating in Earth Hour 2008. The Center Mall in Saskatoon dimmed its outside lights.

Time magasine's critique of Earth Hour:

Because climate change is essentially a political problem, and the language of politics is symbolism. Just because an act is symbolic doesn't mean it empty. The only way to truly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, to take the pressure off global warming, is an international regime that puts a cap and a price on climate pollution. And the only way that will happen is if politicians around the world become convinced that climate change is an issue that matters to people, one that will make them change the way they live, buy — and vote.
We risk green fatigue because, after all, what can we do about it? But this is the moment when we need to keep pushing in every way we can. The technologies that will help us decarbonize energy are developing, but they need a push — and that will only happen if we keep climate change near the top of our political agenda. Earth Hour, Earth Day, Earth Year — we'll need it all.
http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1725947,00.html?cnn=yes

A message from Al Gore

2008-03-24T07:17:00.001-07:00

Global warming is a problem of unprecedented magnitude and that's why we've launched the largest mobilization campaign ever. Actions by individuals like you will be the driving force behind this campaign and our ultimate victory. We're going to succeed, but I need your help today.
More than 850,000 people have already joined us, but if leaders in business and government are going to make stopping climate change a priority, we need you to urge your friends to get involved today: http://wecansolveit.org/invitealliance
We need to grow to 1,000,000 members by April so we can send a loud message that we want action now. That is why I need you to forward the email below to all of your friends and family right now and ask them to add their voice.
Thank you,
Al Gore

The Progressive Insurance Automotive X PRIZE: Yet another $10m prize to find the most fuel-efficient car

2008-03-24T00:09:00.000-07:00

The X Prize Foundation - which helped kickstart commercial passenger space travel - is funding another $10m prize to find the most fuel-efficient car.

The Automotive X Prize, or rather the "Progressive Insurance Automotive X PRIZE", aims to find a realistic super-efficient vehicle. It aims to find cars which actually just go into production, rather than just prototypes showcasing new technology. It also aims to offer a level playing field for both amateurs and manufacturers.

There are two categories; mainstream cars, with four wheels and room for four or more passengers, and alternative vehicles, which must carry two or more passengers but can have any number of wheels.

Both classes must achieve at least 100 miles per gallon or equivalent, give out less than 200 grammes per mile and satisfy US EPA Tier II, bin 5 standards. The production of the cars should also be equivalent to typical vehicles.

The vehicles should be reasonably priced too, assuming production of 10,000 a year, and should have features likely to attract the average consumer.

Some 66 teams have already paid $5,000 to register for the prize. Most entries are from the US although there are two from Northampton in the UK and one from Germany.

Entries are pretty varied - from electric three-wheelers that look like souped-up Sinclair C5s, to drive systems that can be retro-fitted to any medium-sized car. The Avion is a very lightweight and aerodynamic fibreglass body designed to be fitted with recycled engines and gearboxes.

All cars will have to run on either petrol, diesel, electricity, natural gas, bio-diesel and E85 - ethanol and petrol.

Mercedes Benz says it will be the first to introduce European-style "AdBlue" clean diesel technology to US and Canadian consumers.

2008-03-23T23:12:00.000-07:00

German motor titan Mercedes Benz's AdBlue technology involves fitting cars with a tank of special urine-like liquid, which is used to clean the exhaust emissions.

In a statement before Easter, the company said:

The diesel engine has proved an attractive alternative [for] the USA in times of increasing fuel prices and growing sensitivity to the issue of CO2 emissions. In the land of large minivans, pickups and SUVs, and the given driving conditions characterised by steady cruising speeds on the highways and enormous overland distances, the diesel is able to show its advantages particularly well.
At the same time, American legislation sets very strict emission standards for diesel-powered vehicles. This is why Mercedes-Benz introduced the E 320 BlueTEC with its in-house BlueTEC technology in America first, and is now including a variant of this BlueTEC technology with AdBlue injection in its cross-Atlantic range. This innovative drive technology enables these large and powerful SUVs to meet the limits imposed by the US ...

Diesel engines, especially turbocharged ones, are quite green in many ways compared to petrol jobs. They are economical of fuel, and hence can have low CO₂ emissions - which saves money on taxes as well as on buying fuel. For instance, even quite muscular turbodiesel 4x4s can escape London Mayor Ken Livingstone's swingeing new taxes against "gas guzzling Chelsea tractors", and the carbon-banded road taxes ease as well. The teeny, super-economical VW Polo BlueMotion turbodiesel is the lowest-CO₂ car registered in the UK at the moment, just qualifying for the new sub-100g/km zero road tax band.

But diesels do emit comparatively large amounts of nitrogen oxide, which is nasty. Many US states, led by California, are imposing tough new nitrogen-oxide standards on new vehicles, and even tougher regs are on the horizon in Europe. Hence several manufacturers have begun making diesels as clean as they can - usually using the word "blue" in the branding for some reason.

Thus there is BlueMotion, BlueTEC etc. Early models wearing these badges have used different measures including filters, catalysts, engine modifications and whatnot. This latest "AdBlue" move involves fitting a tank full of "aqueous urea solution" which is squirted into the "exhaust tract" in very small amounts. This converts the nitrous oxide into ammonia, which in turn gets broken down into harmless nitrogen and water in a following catalytic unit.

Presumably the more obvious choice of "Golden" as a colour to represent this technology was deemed unsuitable. Too blue, perhaps. AdBlue is already used on large buses and trucks in Europe.

As a prelude to showering the US consumer with blue-green goodness, Mercedes showed off its new BlueTEC ML320 sports-utility Chelsea tractor at the recent New York auto show in March. Its 28-litre tank of golden AdBlue is said to be enough to go 28,000km, seemingly, so Mercedes don't expect that customers will need to top it up themselves. This will be done by technicians during routine servicing.

Sadly this is not a very clean diesel. Mercedes Benz are using chemical technology to eliminate produced gases that exceed the govt standards. It is a clean emissions vehicle, not a clean diesel as they proclaim.

Canada's hope for the future

2008-03-20T08:40:00.000-07:00

Excerpted from http://www.cnn.com/2008/TECH/science/03/20/mpg.xprize.ap/index.html

" The X Prize Foundation, best known for its competitions promoting space flights, is offering $10 million to the teams that can produce the most production-ready vehicles that get 100 miles per gallon or more.

British Columbia-based Fuelvapor Technologies is among the competitors. Vice President Todd Pratt said the six-person company, which has funding from 47 shareholders, has spent more than two years developing its car. The car has three wheels and two seats and has the aerodynamic design of a jet cockpit. It is gas powered but saves fuel through a proprietary technology that replaces traditional fuel injection. The car currently gets 92 miles per gallon, Pratt said, but the company thinks a hybrid version could achieve up to 400 miles per gallon. "It's kind of like the X Prize was designed for us," Pratt said. "We're just six guys who are really passionate about doing something different."

Accomplishments to date include:
92 mpg US (2.56 L/100km)
0-60 in 5 seconds
1.7 G’s cornering ability

Wind Turbine for Urban Dwellers

2008-03-17T15:56:00.000-07:00

This wind turbine for urbane areas won Ben Storan a BSI sustainability award in the UK. Great design for the prairie urban folk.

Adaptation to Climate Change in the Canadian Plains

2008-03-14T09:17:00.000-07:00

RCE has announced an important meeting for prairie people. Earlier on this blog, I discussed the idea that global warming meant good times for frigid Saskatchewan.

Adaptation to Climate Change in the Canadian Plains
April 22, 2008
Travelodge Hotel, Regina SK

The semi-arid Palliser Triangle in the southern portion of the Prairie provinces is second only to the Arctic in terms of its vulnerability to climate change in Canada. While public awareness about climate change is becoming mainstream, this unique patch of land seems to get lost in the discussions. Public policy to address adaptation to climate change will be a critical element in determining our success or failure as human societies. As such, this symposium will present information and analysis on adaptation to climate change in a policy-relevant and accessible manner for a Saskatchewan audience.

Program Speakers Include:

Elaine Wheaton
Climatology, University of Saskatchewan and Saskatchewan Research Council

John Drexhage
Director, Climate Change and Energy, International Institute for Sustainable Development

Barry Smit
Professor, Canada Research Chair in Global Environmental Change Department of Geography, University of Guelph

Carmen Dybwad
President, Energy Council Canada

Dave Sauchyn
Professor of Geography, Research Coordinator for the Prairie Adaptation Research Collaborative and PARC/Manitoba Hydro Research Professor

Registration required, visit SIPP website for fees, full program and registration form:
http://www.uregina.ca/sipp/ClimateChange_2008.html

Contact SIPP at sipp@uregina.ca or (306) 585-5869
Registration deadline April 16, 2008

This event is sponsored by:
PARC, Canadian Plains Research Centre, Institutional Adaptation to Climate Change Project (IACC), University of Regina, Johnson-Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy, and The Saskatchewan Institute of Public Policy.

Craik Film Festival Eat Local Challenge

2008-03-13T10:00:00.000-07:00

Another notice from RCE SASK

The Earth Day Film Festival in Craik this April 25 - 27, 2008 has taken the Eat Local challenge.

Following last weeks successful event at the Eco-Centre (Coming Home for Dinner with Amy Jo Ehman and the Craik Sustainable Living Project) it was decided we would provide local food for 3 meals during the film festival. Both lunches on Saturday and Sunday (2 pm), plus the Saturday evening meal (6pm) will be locally procurred food, organic if possible.

And, to follow that theme, our Sunday afternoon workshop (2pm) is Eating Local, Going Organic - idealism vs. reality

Besides that, the festival is coming along nicely. Many excellent folks and organizations are supporting it, including, but not limited to Flo’s Bar and Grill, BlackSmith Computers, J & B Ackland Auto Service, Jim and Jacquie Nodge, Bonsai Faery Soap Co., Green Party of Saskatchewan, Solar Freedom International, Craik Hardware, Saskatchewan Environmental Society, Saskatchewan Eco Network, Stillwater Farms, S.O.D. Food Miles Campaign…

If you have any questions or suggestions, do drop us a line 306-734-5160 or email kelly(at)boilingfrog.ca

Community Supported Agriculture

2008-03-13T08:56:00.000-07:00

A message from RCE SASK

Come out to learn more about Community Supported Agriculture in Saskatoon. Meet Keith Neu and the members of his community supported farm for a potluck on Friday March 14th at 6pm at Circle Drive Alliance Church. An informational/sign up meeting will follow so invite anybody interested. Bring a main course, dessert, or side dish. Coffee, tea and juice will be provided. Everyone is welcome to attend!

Keith Neu's Community Supported Farm (CSF) provides food for 30 families in Saskatoon, Regina, and surrounding area. Members of the CSF divert some of their grocery money every month in return for grains, garden produce, beef, chicken, and eggs the year around. We are investing in the future and will eventually support 150 families with all of the above as well as fruit, honey, pork and just about anything that can be raised in Hudson Bay SK.

Greenpeace Training in Edmonton

2008-02-25T09:57:00.000-08:00

Greenpeace Canada is pleased to invite you to apply to be a part of our Basic Action Training in Edmonton March 21-23.
Greenpeace is gearing up for an exciting year of taking action to protect the planet and we need to expand our existing Activist base to make this happen. (If you would like to participate in Greenpeace actions this training is compulsory.)This weekend long training is an intensive program that includes an introduction to Greenpeace and non-violent direct action, includes a full legal briefing, media training, direct action simulation and much more.
The training will begin Friday at around 5:00pm and finish around Sunday at 5:30pm. The location will be announced shortly. There is a selection process and although we hope to accommodate as many people as possible not everyone will be invited to participate in the training.
To apply for this training you must:

be in good physical healthspeak and understand Basic Englishbe
willing to participate in Greenpeace activities that my result in the risk of arrest

To assist with the selection process we are asking all applicants to answer the following questions:

Why do you want to participate in Greenpeace actions?
What do you hope to get out of the training?

We are asking that you apply only if you are confident that this training is for you.It is imperative that if you commit to this training you are able to make it. Please respond by e-mail to mhudema@greenpeace.org

Turn off the lights for one hour

2008-02-19T11:01:00.000-08:00

On March 29th, 2008 at 8pm local time Earth Hour will commence ALL AROUND THE WORLD.Created to take a stand against the greatest threat our planet has ever faced, Earth Hour uses the simple action of turning off the lights for one hour to deliver a POWERFUL MESSAGE about the need for action on global warming.Be part of making Earth Hour 2008 a huge, global success by telling your friends and family. Remember, every single light makes a statement and makes a difference.Last year, on 31 March 2007, 2.2 million people and 2100 Sydney (Australia) businesses turned off their lights for one hour – Earth Hour. This massive collective effort reduced Sydney’s energy consumption by 10.2% for one hour, which is the equivalent effect of taking 48,000 cars off the road for one hour.++Pledge your support for Earth Hour and find out more about the lights-out campaign at earthhour.org, the official website. http://www.earthhour.org/

Plastic Solar Cells by Solarmer:Plastic Solar Cells

2008-02-14T02:15:00.000-08:00

Plastic Solar Cells by Solarmer:Plastic Solar Cells

Saskatchewan's Shame!

2008-02-01T07:36:00.000-08:00

According to CBC, Saskatchewan's carbon emissions rose 61% in the last ten years and will be even higher in the next five years as we increase our gas production.

Take Charge! A National Day of Action

2008-02-01T07:33:00.000-08:00

The Council of Canadians is organizing Take Charge! A National Day of Action to Demand a Canadian Energy Strategy on Saturday, February 2, 2008.

For more info: http://www.canadians.org/energy/action/index.html

ACTION: Send a mitten to Stephen Harper
All Canadians need to stay warm!

Download PDF:
http://www.canadians.org/energy/documents/EDA_toolkit/mitten_action.pdf

Study on reusable plastic containers

2008-01-30T13:31:00.000-08:00

Exposing drinking bottles made from polycarbonate plastic to boiling water significantly speeds up the release of the chemical bisphenol A compared with room temperature water — and the amount of leaching is similar whether containers are well-used or brand new, researchers say. Read more at http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2008/01/30/bisphenol-study.html

Why we need to act?

2008-01-28T14:37:00.000-08:00

"Global warming ranks far down the concerns of the world's biggest companies, despite world leaders' hopes that they will pioneer solutions to the impending climate crisis, a startling survey will reveal this week.

Nearly nine in 10 of them do not rate it as a priority, says the study, which canvassed more than 500 big businesses in Britain, the US, Germany, Japan, India and China. Nearly twice as many see climate change as imposing costs on their business as those who believe it presents an opportunity to make money. And the report's publishers believe that big business will concentrate even less on climate change as the world economy deteriorates."

To read more see http://scienceblogs.com/effectmeasure/2008/01/no_volunteers_to_save_the_worl.php

I Count - I'm Irresistable

2008-01-23T15:01:00.000-08:00

A great little video from LiveEarth UK about individual voices. Anyone want to make something similar here before the next election?

Illusions of Absurd

2008-01-21T17:17:00.000-08:00

The real and perceptible dangers of climate change is offset by the illusion of the most absurb and impossible market human civilization has ever seen. - Goumilra Ghosh -National Forum of Forest Peoples & Forest Workers

Pedro Moura Costa made $ 83 millions selling carbon credits through Eco Securities.

These two statements send shivers down my spine at the Prairie Sustainable Campuses Conference's Climate Change and Social Justice Panel. I've always felt suspicious about Carbon Credit dollars. Everyone seemed to be jumping on this bandwagon as a way to mitigate guilt for air travel and SUV's, but no one seemed to know where the money was actually going. Too many companies said something like "Credits can be used to finance carbon reduction schemes between trading partners and around the world." One presenter showed factories in India belching smoke that was recieving carbon credits from the UK to improve production.

One of the issues with solutions to climate change that take place in someones else's backyard is the loss of control and information and the potential for poorly reearched scams that are worse than the problem they solve.

From Rhetoric to Action

2008-01-20T11:41:00.000-08:00

Reporting live from the Prairie Sustainable Campus Conference attended and organized by students from Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta.

What are prairie universities doing?

University of Alberta

Michael Rawson Clark wants “to transform the University of Alberta into a participatory member of a sustainable society through the creation of bio-economics, clean technology, clean energy, and sustainable economics.” He reported that the U of A has improved steam, water and electrical use significantly but that has been offset by a 37% increase in the density of buildings because of increasing enrollments. Projects he was involved in included replanting lawns with prairie grasses, green roofs, green investing and purchasing FSC recycled printing paper as part of the sustainable purchasing initiative. Below is an image of Michael taken by Jennifer Bonnycastle during his report.

University of Saskatchewan

Students at the University of Saskatchewan reported on several initiatives including

Footprint Design –students in engineering promote sustainability through workshops, concerts and projects such as Chris McKay's wind turbine that will provide enough electricity to power a house and the car that runs on used vegetable oil from restaurants.

Ecobash is an annual music festival supported by local musicians that raises funds for projects such as the wind turbine and the Prairie Sustainable Campus Conference.

The Students Union provides worm composting, curbside recycling, the green career fair, and a sustainability policy that provides a model for the university administration.

LEED building policy – All new UofS construction must meet LEED standards. The new Law building is an example.

University of Regina

Billy Patterson who describes himself as a part time student, full time activist reported on the Enviroment Action Network, Transdisciplinary Enviromental Studies degree, Public Interest Research Group (professor/student research), and Green Investing.

University of Winnipeg

The highlight of the University of Winnipeg’s initiatives is the Sustainable University Now Sustainable Earth Together (SUNSET) project which received funding to hire a staff person to involve more students in sustainability research and link course materials with community resources.

The University has a campus sustainability policy adopted by the Board of Regents. Some of the projects students have been involved in include:

Bike to the Future – bike-riding advocacy
Campus Recycling
Student Experience in local organizations.

The RiverGreen Ecovillage in Saskatoon

2008-01-18T13:55:00.000-08:00

RiverGreen aims to meet the exacting LEED-Platinum standard of the Canadian Green Building Council, ensuring outstanding environmental performance. Features like solar water heating, high-efficiency district heating, natural cooling, and rainwater harvesting will dramatically reduce resident's ecological footprint and greenhouse gas emissions. http://www.prairie-ecovillage.org/ or http://www.rivergreen.ca/

Prairie Sustainable Campus Conference

2008-01-14T10:16:00.000-08:00

The University of Saskatchewan will be hosting the Prairie Sustainable Campus Conference Jan. 18-21, 2008.

Purpose:

The Prairies Sustainable Campuses Conference will bring together campus community members from across Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta to build a regional network as part of the national movement to institutionalize social and environmental sustainability on campus. The Conference will act as a forum to:

empower campus community members to build new and more effective sustainability initiatives

share organizing experiences: successes, challenges and new directions

learn about specific Prairies sustainability initiatives and challenges

plan for future collaboration between campuses within the region

Agenda:

Friday January 18th in ARTS 143

4:00 Registration Begins

7:00 Welcome

7:15 Keynote Panel Discussion - Climate Change and Social Justice

9:30 Evening Socializing

Saturday January 19th in Arts 241

9:00 Outdoor Activities (so bring warm clothes unless you prefer to be inside)

11:00 Intro to SYC and the Conference

12:00 Lunch

1:00 Anti-Oppression Training

2:00 Personal Sustainability Training

3:00 Open Space / Personal Sustainability Time

4:00 Success Stories from Prairie Campuses Interactive Discussion

7:30 Keynote Panel Discussion - Tar Sands Activism

9:30 Evening Socializing

Sunday, January 20th in ARTS 143

9:00 Strategic Organizing Training

10:00 Regional Campaign Proposal Presentations (Campus Climate Challenge, Student Unions for Sustainability, PaperCut, United Students Against Sweatshops, and more)

10:45 Campaign Breakout Group Planning

11:45 Campaign Reportbacks and Regional Strategizing

12:45 Conference Wrap

For more information, http://syc-cjs.org/sustainable/Prairies+Sustainable+Campuses+Conference

Saskatchewan Food Sources

2008-01-13T11:52:00.000-08:00

Check out Home for Dinner, a blog by Amy Jo Ehman for a list of Saskatchewan food producers http://homefordinner.blogspot.com/2006/04/saskatchewan-food-sources.html

Amy Jo Ehman is part of the Saskatchewan Food Challenge that asks us to take a pledge to eat Saskatchewan foods for two weeks. She and her husband ate only local foods for one year. Check out the rest of her blog for some great recipes and other articles about eating locally.

For anyone reading this blog who is not from Saskatchewan, this image is of Saskatoon Berries, one of the best things about late summer.

Democrats hit The White House hard last year! Why not now?

2008-01-12T20:29:00.000-08:00

Back on Thursday, Oct 25, 2007 the Democrats hit The White House hard on global warming testimony .. Why are the same candidates in the primaries not shouting louder?

They accused President George W. Bush's administration of trying to hide the threat from global warming by censoring testimony of the top US health official on the issue.

California Senator Barbara Boxer wrote to Bush to complain that prepared comments by Dr Julie Gerberding, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) had been "heavily edited" by the administration.

"I am deeply concerned that important scientific and health information was removed from the CDC Director's testimony at the last minute," Boxer wrote.

She later told reporters: "this administration wants to downplay the threat global warming poses."

Boxer's office released a copy of the testimony which it said had been leaked by angry CDC officials, showing large swathes of Gerberding's remarks crossed out.

One passage that was not eventually delivered at a hearing of the Senate committee on environment and public works on October 23, went into possible impacts on health of global warming.

"Scientific evidence supports the view that the earth's climate is changing," Gerberding was to have said according to the testimony.

"A broad array of organizations, (federal, state, local, multilateral, faith based, private and non-governmental) is working to address climate change.

"Despite this extensive activity, the public health effects of climate change remain largely unaddressed. CDC considers climate change a serious public health concern."

On Wednesday, White House spokeswoman Dana Perino denied that Gerberding's testimony had been censored when it was submitted to a review process in the Executive Office of the President.

"This administration's policy on climate change is an open book," she said.

"Scientists across the administration were taking a look at it, and there was a decision that she would focus where she is an expert, which is on CDC."

Beauty of the Prairies as a slideshow

2008-01-12T20:26:00.000-08:00

The Canadian Electric Car

2008-01-12T14:44:00.000-08:00

Buy Canadian!
The Canadian Electric Car

Now watch Rick Mercer report on it not being available to Canadians.

Write your favourite MP about this one.

Start Eating Locally

2008-01-08T14:33:00.000-08:00

One thing you can do now to reduce your personal carbon imprint, eat locally grown food. So here's what you do.

Next time you are in the grocery store, check where the produce, packaging and dry goods you are purchasing comes from.

Calculate how much gas planes, trucks and boats use to bring those groceries to your door?

Seek out the independents that might carry local food.

Check out farmer's markets and other sources.

Share what you find out with this blog. In the upcoming editions, I'll write about what I learn.

Read http://100milediet.org/why-eat-local/ for more uplifting reasons.

The image below is of flax and canola against an incredible prairie sky, so buying locally also helps the farming economy and fills the fields with beautiful colours.

Alberta needs to take its head out of the tar sands

2008-01-08T12:57:00.000-08:00

More cars and trucks on Alberta's roads in the last nine years are offsetting the fact the vehicles are spewing fewer emissions per trip compared to 10 years ago, says a new study.
A study released Tuesday by the Clean Air Strategic Alliance measured exhaust emissions from 60,000 cars and light trucks in Edmonton, Calgary, Red Deer and Canmore in the fall of 2006.
Read the article

Alberta's government says it will oppose any federal efforts to bring in a carbon tax after an advisory panel commissioned by Ottawa released its report Monday.
The panel was struck to study ways Canada can make a 60 per cent cut in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Read the article

What me worry?

2008-01-07T15:26:00.001-08:00

This cartoon is from Nearing Zero, a great site for science cartoons http://www.nearingzero.net/

How It All Ends

2008-01-03T11:21:00.000-08:00

This video has created a lot of discussion about the risk management of dealing/not dealing with global warming.

Solution # 1

Solution # 2

Solution # 3

Solution # 4

To see the entire series, go to http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=wonderingmind42

Craik Sustainable Living Project

2007-12-31T13:42:00.000-08:00

Craik, a small community on the highway between Saskatoon and Regina, Saskatchewan inspires me with its sustainable living projects. According to their website http://www.craikecovillage.ca/:

Operating in the Mid-Lakes Region of Saskatchewan, the Craik Sustainable Living Project's Community Challenge will build on current activities and initiate new ones. They will address concerns and opportunities for greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction in rural Saskatchewan, targeting the general public as well as students. Their activities will include:

Continuing to work on climate change and GHG reduction with students (K-12)

Developing how-to conferences and workshops on GHG and energy use reduction topics such as home energy, farming practices, retrofitting, home construction and water and waste management

Participating in local fairs

Using the newly constructed CSLP Eco-Centre, a living demonstration site for sustainable building, gardening, water and waste management practices, as a focal point of the Challenge
Creating a regular feature for local newspapers and ensuring other media uptake, including CBC and magazines.

The CSLP Eco-Centre

In 2003, Craik started planning the Eco-Centre, a combination golf course, restaurant and sustainable project. The building seen in the photo below is a recycled post and beam, straw bale construct with geothermal heating and cooling, solar energy and composting toilets. The building was designed by Sow's Ear Builders, Box 31825, Whitehorse, YT Y1A 6L3 Phone: 867-667-6574 or 867-334-2076

The stonewall that faces the southern windows and absorbs heat in the winter.

The Eco-Village

Participants in the Eco-Village will be expected to build energy efficient housing on separately deeded, unserviced lots 38 m (125 feet) by 30.5 m (100 feet). All lots have been sold and construction should be complete by 2008.

The Botanical Xeric Garden

Completed in November of 2005, the garden consists of 298 species of grasses, perennials, bulbs, shrubs, vines, and trees. It is located on the slope to the east of the Eco-Centre. The Garden will be used to demonstrate and educate people about site reclamation and naturalization, the rich diversity of native plants as well as exotic plants that are suited to prairie conditions, and xeriscape (low water use) strategies. The selection and design was done by Alan Weninger.

The Craik Flax House

A store and processing plant built for Golden Flax 4 U Inc, the Craik Flax House is located on the edge of the highway and is build of flax bales. All heat and electricity is created by a combination of solar and wind generators. http://www.blacksmithcomputers.ca/flaxbales/

Reigning SUV's

2007-12-27T20:47:00.000-08:00

I ask Congress to give me authority for mandatory conservation and for standby gasoline rationing. To further conserve energy, I'm proposing tonight an extra $10 billion over the next decade to strengthen our public transportation systems. And I'm asking you for your good and for your nation's security to take no unnecessary trips, to use carpools or public transportation whenever you can, to park your car one extra day per week, to obey the speed limit, and to set your thermostats to save fuel. Every act of energy conservation like this is more than just common sense -- I tell you it is an act of patriotism.

This speech was made by President Carter in July, 1979. The Americans responded by electing Ronald Reagan, who immediately put a stop to all the reforms Carter started and began a massive economic resurgence of consumer spending that has led us to ….

Yesterday as I was waiting for my bus, I counted 81 cars with single drivers, 9 with two people and none with more than two people. At 8:45 AM, I climbed on a monster bus with 8 other people and thought about how wasteful public transportation is when no one uses it. Later, I read a newspaper report about the number of SUV’s the government had purchased in the last year. Many of them were hybrid vehicles, but they still consume more gasoline than a smart car.

When did the great Canadian dream become an SUV in every garage, two if you are really deserving?

Have we heard so many the sky is falling stories in the last fifty years that we stopped checking the heavens?

Winter Solstice

2007-12-22T21:09:00.001-08:00

Drought Model for two Prairie Provinces is now in place

2007-12-22T18:12:00.000-08:00

The Modified Palmer Drought Model that was originally designed for Alberta has recently become a component of the Saskatchewan Agricultural Drought Reporting Plan as reported by DroughtWatch A Map of the drought regions in the Prairie Provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba is shown in yellow.

Alberta and Saskatchewan are the provinces hit hardest by the drought

2007-12-22T17:50:00.000-08:00

The rural economy in Alberta and Saskatchewan has been shaken at its very roots.

Like many of his neighbours ranching near Kinsella, AB., Barry Irving has been going through some tough times. Eight consecutive years of drought have wreaked havoc on the 7,000-acre cattle operation he runs.

"This year has been the worst by far because of the cumulative effects. It'll take three or four or five years to recover," he said.

For years, his operation has turned a profit or broken even. But this year, for the first time, Irving expects the ranch he runs--the University of Alberta Kinsella Research Ranch--will suffer a financial loss.

In January 2002, sensing hard times ahead, Irving sold off 60 calves about seven months earlier than he’d originally planned to. And he got a decent price for them, too, but that was before BSE hit hard.

"I should have sold the whole works--we would have done better," he said.

By the end of May 2002, he’d sold off 340 more calves. "We'd sell them in lots of 100 or 120. We'd sell 100 and go a couple of weeks without rain and sell 100 more. We are continually gambling on price and moisture."

The odds have been stacked against prairie farmers for the past eight years now. And even if precipitation levels returned to normal when the snow melts, the impact of the drought will be felt in rural communities for the next few years. According to Dr. Jim Unterschultz, professor of rural economics at the U of A, the average consumer won’t feel the blow inflicted by this summer’s record dry spell, but the result of that lost revenue is going to ripple through farm communities for the next few years.

The map on the provincial government's Drought Watch Web site needs little elaboration. A sizable swath of red across central Alberta indicates a record-setting dry spell between last September and this August. The drought devastated the region's wheat and barley crops.

"I read recently what the expected production would be—it's way down for Alberta," Unterschultz said. "So overall in the prairies, we're looking at the lowest wheat crop in 30 years and the lowest barley crop in 30 years."

Alberta is the biggest barley producer in Western Canada and "some areas are getting nothing" in terms of production, Unterschultz said.

"Cash sales at the farm level are about $7 billion a year, give or take, and of that $7 billion over half of that comes from livestock and the biggest portion of that is cattle. So in this province we have cash sales at the farm level related to cattle of, say, $3 billion. The shortage of feed has a huge impact on primary agriculture in Alberta."

A shortage of feed grain has resulted in cattle farmers selling off their herds. Unterschultz says that up to 25 per cent of the two million cows in Alberta may be sold this year because there simply isn't anything to feed them.

The sale of cattle for slaughter means ranchers, like Irving, will have a few years of playing catch up just to get their herds back to where they were.

"The following year, when people start to consider rebuilding their cow herds, there will be fewer calves going to market. The decision to expand the herd takes three years if you’re doing it, so that can have a huge impact."

But Unterschultz says this impact won't be felt at the supermarket--meat stocks are up because so many farmers are selling off their livestock for slaughter--but the impact will affect rural communities, where the economy is oriented around agriculture-oriented products and services.

"You've got a lot fewer dollars coming from primary agriculture [in rural communities], so as a result there are fewer dollars flowing into agriculture-related business, there's less money going to service industries that serve agriculture, such as machinery dealerships, and fertilizer suppliers. This will translate into fewer jobs. You're also going to have less handling of grain, which means less work for the railways."

One estimate, from the Canada West Equipment Dealers Association, foresees a 50 – 70 per cent drop-off in drought-afflicted areas for the sales of parts and services of farm equipment, because farmers may postpone repairs or sell off equipment to compensate for revenue losses.

Unterschultz says crop insurance and the Net Income Stabilization Account, which works as a sort of RRSP account for producers, as well as aid from financial institutions in the form of deferred loan payments, may ease the cash crunch this year, but they won’t necessarily put farmers on solid ground to rebuild in better times.

"If you get to defer your payments, it doesn’t get easier even in better times to make up the difference. So yes, it's useful in terms of cash flow and in terms of the farmer surviving and staying in business, but it does come with some hardships in terms of cutting into future cash flow."

But Dr. Mel Lerohl, a professor or rural economy at the U of A, says the drought isn't the Biblical catastrophe it is being made out to be in the media. What has changed, he notes, is that the people suffering this year haven't experienced drought conditions like these before and may not have been prepared for them.

"It is bad in specific situations for people who have no crop insurance and no forage insurance; and it is especially bad for those people whose dugouts and water courses have dried up," Lerohl said.

"But the difficulties are specific to the people facing these circumstances...There is no disaster brewing. This is not the end of agriculture. This is something that happens from time to time."

Dr. Debra Davidson, a professor of environmental sociology at the U of A, says the emotional state of those hit by the drought is often overlooked but is of paramount importance.

Those farmers who failed to insure their crops and have found themselves in dire straights stand to lose more than money. Losses will be felt personally as surely as they will be felt economically.

"There is a sense of identity in farming, so losing the farm isn't purely an economic event," Davidson said. "There is family wrapped up in this; there is community wrapped up in this. Agriculture is a source of identity."

If there is a positive side to the ongoing drought, it’s that no one can hide their problems -- communities are suffering and coping together, and perhaps growing stronger as a result.

Davidson doubts that efforts such as the national Hay West project, which has seen Ontario farmers donating hay to their Alberta counterparts, accomplish much in the long run.

"I'm no economist but--farmers helping farmers? Most of them are already economically stressed."

Irving admits to feeling the stress himself. The cattle he didn't sell have been feeding on pasture intended for use next spring, "So I've kind of mortgaged our future a bit to take care of this herd," he said.

"It's pretty depressing," he added. "But I'm a bit different--we make decisions for academic reasons. We know we need to keep 350 – 380 cows to support research."

Rainmakers needed as the drought continues to haunt farmers in Alberta.

2007-12-22T17:28:00.000-08:00

The Province of Alberta has many rural regions, some of which are experiencing major droughts annually. Back in 2002, the Alberta Government announced $324 million in aid to help desperate farmers and ranchers survive the three-year drought they had already suffered.

"I can't make it rain. If I could, I can assure you it would have rained some time ago," the Agriculture Minister at the time, Shirley McClellan said.

It's clear, she said, the existing farm insurance packages are not enough as farmers face drought and now an unprecedented invasion of grasshoppers.

"We're estimating that a good 70 per cent to 75 per cent of our province is in a record dry state.

"Over half of our municipalities have declared drought disaster areas or are on drought alert."

The money will be available in per-acre payments. McClellan said 85 per cent will be handed over immediately. The rest is to be paid out as soon as applications have been checked. Many wells in Alberta are drying up. Now, people often have to drill twice as far as usual to hit water.

The drought is forcing many ranchers to sell off their cows because they can't afford to feed them.

"It's emotionally very draining. Every day, we're talking to people who are selling their livelihoods. They're selling their future," Will Irvine told CBC Newsworld. Irvine runs a cattle auction in Calgary.

"They don't know what tomorrow brings. Do they get a job? What do they do?"

Irvine described the ranchers as proud people who don't usually ask for government aid, but he said now they've been brought to their knees. They're desperate.

"Some of these people bring their cattle to town ... They're getting the same kind of money today that they would have received last fall, except they've put $170 or $180 a tonne of hay into their cows. They've got no money left, they've got no grass, they've got no choice."

Even if conditions return to normal, it will take at least two to three years to even begin restocking herds, McLellan said.

Crops are dry, grasshoppers are eating what's left. Farmers were no better off then or now. Their crops are dry, and grasshoppers are eating what did manage to grow.

"If, when I left agriculture school, you had told me 35 years later I'd have a crop like this, I would have said, 'you're dreaming, you're pulling my leg,'" said Ken Arnold, a farmer in Rockyford, Alta.

"All the time I farmed with my dad and all the time I farmed on my own, I've never ever seen a crop like this. And I've never seen it gone by the end of June. I've never seen a crop toast."

Arnold said the $324 million will mostly go toward paying off retailers for farm machinery or fertilizer. And he worries about the future of farming.

"My worry is that there's no young farmers in agriculture and there's no encouragement for them to stay there ... I think we can't go on in this ad hoc basis where the government comes in every four or five years and says, 'here's some money, go away and don't bother us any more.'

Well here we are 5 years later in 2007 with a farmer as Premier and guess what? We have not made a dent in the drought situation nor are we encouraging farmers to find climate change solutions for the Prairies.

From a Prairie Home Companion in the Oil Patch capital of Canada

2007-12-22T11:41:00.000-08:00

Our illustrious Environment Minister, John Baird, has just returned with his tail between his legs from Bali, having been pilloried with a "Fossil of The Day" award at the United Nations Climate Change Conference. And... so far the silence from the two Conservative Provincial Governments of both Alberta and Saskatchewan was, as expected, deafening.

I suspect they too refuse to make false promises they know they cannot keep!

As the Globe and Mail editor in chief, Edward Greenspon so eloquently wrote in the Dec 18th 2007 newspaper article on page A16, "Efforts to fight climate change cannot possibly succeed without strong committments from major polluters such as China and India. Those countries have still not been forced to set binding targets, but they have begun to accept more responsibility, and it is unlikely that would have occurred without pressure from Canada and other nations.

Mr Baird's claim was that Canada can play a bridge building role between the two sides. No doubt the Conservatives have taken a major public-opinion hit for their short sighted approach.

It does not help that the former Prime Minister, Jean Crétien, has been running around blaming his successors for the failure to meet the Kyoto targets, neglecting to mention that they have been saddled with the mess he left behind."

Why is it that we, the people, ever trust our elected politicians to do the "right thing" and follow up urgently on such vital international negotiations by achieving measurable results at home?

Developing a comprehensive "roadmap" by the end of 2009 is now a call for us active and inactive individuals on the Canadian Prairies to play our part in climate change activities in our home towns and cities. It also begs the obvious question of how is that going to be possible to Save Our Prairies in any part of North America without a long overdue regime change occuring in our neighbour's White House!

Since the USA has never signed on to the Kyoto Agreement with Canada now faltering in that regard, are we, the two leading members of NAFTA, not by far the worst global polluters?

I also wonder if the task of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from current levels by between 38% and 53% (this was the majority of the Bali Conference members numbers on emission reduction strategy) is not a far more personal rather than a governmental choice anyway!

Let us all do our level best to reduce our carbon footprint during this festive season.

David from Calgary

Winter Solstice

2007-12-22T09:29:00.000-08:00

There is something very significant about starting this blog on the Solstice with a temperature of -26 Celsius. I gaze out on vast expanses of white as I listen to weather warnings on the CBC. I long for the return of warmth and sunshine.
Global warming, I could use some of that, the sooner the better right. I chuckle at the video about Moose Jaw being the new tropics. If only it were true! But that's just it it isn't true, it's wishful thinking. A warmer Saskatchewan followed by the worst droughts in 600 years, followed by the lose of glacier fed waterways is not going to make this a better place to live.

I'll close with the winner of the 60 seconds to save our planet winning video.

So I've decided to write a blog. What are you going to do about the elephant in the pasture?

Maybe you could start by answering the UTube call for submissions to the DAVOS conference on economic development. What one thing do you think countries, companies or individuals must do in order to make the world a better place in 2008?