when the caribou's in danger, so are you

Across the country, CPAWS' chapters are working in their provinces and territories to protect Boreal Woodland caribou.

Together, they're asking the federal government to meet its obligation to protect Woodland caribou habitat under the Species at Risk Act.

Help CPAWS save the caribou's habitat and combat climate change: sign the petition and send a message to Federal Environment Minister John Baird.

green spring market: toronto

Mark your calendars - Saturday, May 31st is GreenMom's Spring Market, bringing eco-conscious shoppers together with ethical, green companies in a community shopping event.

The event features local artisans, organic cafe, and free babysitting. Check out the details at GreenMom.

we're finally blaming ourselves: poll

A new survey has revealed a profound shift in public opinion on the causes of environmental problems: people now suggest harm to the planet is being driven by their own demand for consumer goods and wasteful activities, rather than by causes such as industry pollution.

About 10,000 people completed online questionnaires, and the survey found the most frequently cited factors for causing environmental problems were wasteful behaviour by consumers and companies alike, and "people consuming more than they need."

That said, the responses also indicated many people want solutions that don't involve too much personal financial pain.

For instance, 60 per cent supported incentives to divert waste from landfills. But there was strong support among only 17 per cent of respondents for charging more for electricity, and 11 per cent for raising heating bills as a conservation measure.

As for personal behaviour, 89 per cent said they recycle glass, metals and paper, 78 per cent turn down thermostats or air conditioning while out, and 76 per cent have switched to energy-saving compact fluorescent lighting.

But only 38 per cent report unplugging energy-using electronics while on holidays, and 30 per cent are using public transit more.

Full article here

painting liberals a pastel green

I came across this editorial from the Sudbury Star on Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty's new pesticide ban:

Earlier this month, McGuinty mused about the idea of banning plastic bags at liquor stores. But there will be no ban on plastic bags at grocery stores. Users are being asked to participate in a voluntary reduction program instead.

So it wasn't until McGuinty announced that the province will ban the use of pesticides in many, but not all, places that he showed environmental gumption, but even then, the initiatives pales, because golf courses and the agricultural industry are exempt from the ban.

McGuinty promised the pesticide ban during last election campaign because of potential health hazards to children and pregnant women, which could lead to disabilities and birth defects. In announcing the ban, the premier waxed about the right of children to play in the grass without being placed in danger from pesticides.

But many municipalities in Ontario already have such a ban, and many businesses have already begun reducing or even yanking pesticides from their shelves.

And while we can understand a possible exemption for some agricultural uses, especially in emergency situations where possible crop damage can take place, it's hard to justify an exemption for golf courses. If we can live with dandelions in our front yard, we can live with them in divot damaged fairways.

If McGuinty wants to go genuine green, he could look to the west coast, where British Columbia's Liberal government announced in February that it will introduce the nation's first carbon tax. It will apply to virtually all fossil fuels, including gasoline, diesel, natural gas, coal, propane, and home heating fuel. And although it is a relatively small tax, it is bolder than anything McGuinty has tried so far.

In the great Kyoto debate, Alberta has played the bad guy because that province is loath to do anything that will affect its booming oil industry. But Ontario has so far refused to look at a carbon tax because it could be detrimental to its fragile industrial sector, especially the auto industry, in which the government has invested so much money.

Suddenly, Alberta's stand becomes a bit more understandable. But if McGuinty wants to turn forest green, he'll follow B.C.'s lead.

my mom's greener than your mom

It occurred to me yesterday that mother's day is just around the corner. While the spirit of the occasion is lovely, the consumerism surrounding it is not. So, this year, skip the greeting cards and do something green for mom:

-take her a play or concert
-give her flowers for the garden or herbs for the window
-treat her to an eco spa day
-go old school and make her breakfast in bed, clean the house, mow the grass, or wash the car
-adopt and animal in her name from WWF

the eco cab arrives in toronto

EcoCabs are already a success in over 50 cities, including Dublin, New York, London and Paris. On May 1st, Toronto will begin using a fleet of 28 of these 3-wheeled inventions in the downtown core. And the best part of it all is that to ride is entirely free! Corporate sponsors are picking up the tab.

EcoCabs mostly use foot-power to get around, in addition to a rechargeable electric battery and are completely emisson-free. They were named the official transport service for the 2004 Athens Olympics and the 2006 World Cup in Germany.

Full article --> Canoe News

the greener way to go

An industry catering to the desire to be green - even in death - will soon offer mourners an environmentally friendly option to bury their loved ones in British Columbia.

Canadians have looked to cremation as a way to address eco-concerns associated with death, and its popularity has skyrocketed - almost 80 per cent of those who died in British Columbia in 2004 were cremated, and Victoria is considered the cremation capital of North America.

But the growing popularity of cremation and concerns about the tonnes of emissions that are spewed out as a result have spawned a newer, cleaner option: natural or green burials.

Fairly common in the UK for more than a decade, a green funeral typically means the body is not subjected to chemical embalming, there are no oversized caskets made of expensive wood and metal, there are no fancy headstones on the grounds, and no toxic emissions are released - as is the case during cremation.

Instead, the body is wrapped in a simple shroud or placed in a biodegradable box, at most only a simple stone is placed on the ground to mark a burial spot, and the effect on the environment is minimized. And - bonus - they may also cost less than a traditional burial.

The only issue now is convincing cemetery's to dedicate plots for green burials - more at The Canadian Press.

Crash Parallel asks “what are we waiting for?”

In support of their debut album, Toronto-based quartet Crash Parallel are tackling important issues with the title track and first single “World We Know,” a powerful call to arms that challenges our generation to take action and protect our world.



Compared to artists such as Coldplay, The Fray, David Gray and Counting Crows, Crash Parallel was formed three years ago by singer/ songwriter Tim Edwards and songwriter/guitarist Dan Saitua, later joined by Gary Rugala (bass) and John Vitellaro (drums).

The band has taken a grassroots approach to their career while working on their debut album, set for release May 6th, 2008.

Check out Crash Parallel at Myspace, Facebook or Youtube

Let earth day 2008 be the start of infinite changes and responsible choices. Helping the world in recovery is something we all have in common and can all participate and take pride in. Fight for your home everyday.
- Tim Edwards

even god can go green (for a price)

As Earth Day approaches, the United Church of Canada is encouraging its congregations to reduce their ecological footprint, with how-to guide on making church buildings more energy efficient and sustainable.

"As a church community we are called to live with respect in creation," said Michelle Hogman, program co-ordinator for Congregations and Community Development. "The guide encourages congregations to take concrete steps to live out this conviction."

"Greening the Church" can be purchased for a bargain $4.95 - plus shipping and handling - through the United Church's Resource Distribution Centre at 1-800-288-7365.

workplaces going greener

A recent Angus Reid survey commissioned by Grand and Toy says more than half of Canadians polled say they have personally tried to introduce a green initiative at work. And only 11 per cent of respondents described their employers as "Green Foes," indicating a higher level of eco awareness among Canada's workforce.

"What we're seeing is an increased willingness from organizations to be mindful of their ecological footprint," said Maria Borges from Grand and Toy.

The company is celebrating Earth Day with the launch of GREENOFFICE, a website dedicated to the promotion of eco-smart practices in the workplace.

"Grand and Toy has more than 200,000 clients it can influence to make small, simple but positive changes to their day-to-day operations," said Borges. "Collectively, these changes will have an enormous impact on the environment."

Starting April 22, visit grandandtoy.com/greenoffice to learn more on
solutions to maintain an eco-friendly office.

it's official - BPA is out

On Tuesday, Health Canada formally designated Bisphenol-A as a dangerous substance.

“Although the government won't announce specific bans or restrictions, the designation could pave the way for the hormonally active chemical to be listed as toxic under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, which would allow Health Minister Tony Clement to issue specific measures to curb its use.” (Globe and Mail)

Major retailers including HBC, Zellers, Sport Check and Athlete’s World have announced that they are taking off products that contain bisphenol-A off their shelves, following in the footsteps of Mountain Equipment Coop and Lululemon.

BPA is the key ingredient in polycarbonate food and beverage containers – sometimes designated with the recycling number #7 PC inside the triangle – a hard, clear or tinted plastic that is essentially shatterproof. It is also used in the epoxy liners of food cans, and as an antioxidant in plasticizers in #3 PVC plastics.

From Environmental Defence: “Bisphenol A, is a known hormone disruptor and is associated with adverse health effects, including breast and prostate cancer, early puberty in girls, attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder, and obesity.” Kudos to them for spearheading this revolution!

From GREENMOM

Canada's first green building summit

Shifting Into the Mainstream is Canada's first green building summit where over 1,000 professionals from all sectors of the building industry are expected to gather.

“Summit speakers, sponsors and exhibitors recognize the impact buildings have on Canada’s overall GHG emissions, and their significant role in a Canadian solution to climate change,” says Thomas Mueller, president and CEO of the Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC), who is hosting the summit.

Currently, buildings contribute more than a third of the greenhouse gas emissions in Canada.

Dr. David Suzuki will be just one of the keynote speakers at the summit, which runs June 11 and 12 in Toronto.

Canada Green Building Council

Ontario to tackle e-waste

It’s estimated that Canadians throw out more than 140,000 tonnes of e-waste each year and that number is only going to grow.

Waste Diversion Ontario (WDO) has pitched a plan to the Minister of the Environment to apply a levy to all electronics sold in Ontario. BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Nova Scotia already have similar programs to divert e-waste from landfills.

"We need an incentive to make it easy and convenient for e-waste collection and disposal," says Glenda Gies, executive director of WDO. "When you buy a new TV, the store will deliver it and take your old one back to the store. They'll be paid to collect the old electronics, and a truck will come by and pick it all up for recycling."

The plan also includes partnerships with retailers and not-for-profits to offer drop-off locations and create a small revenue stream for those who do.

Full story - cbc.ca