Carbon Slim - a guide to sustainable living

Vote Out Carbon Fatties

2011-04-27T23:06:00.004-04:00

The federal election is upon us and I can hardly stand the suspense! Looks like Harper and his carbon obese entourage are stalling in their quest for all mighty five-year-rule. That’s five years of unmitigated carbon binging. Imagine what that will do to your kids' future, and yours.

Coming up from third place is Jack Layton’s NDP, which, thank heavens, knows we need to trim up via a good wholesome diet of energy efficiency and renewable energy development. Now their proposed mechanism on how we get there - cap & trade – needs some work, but at least their hearts are in the right place and they are likely receptive to better ideas. Unlike Harper.

But isn’t Harper a better steward of the economy? Sure – if you like to see the gulf between rich and poor widen, would rather see tar sand development continue to carve out our manufacturing sector, and don’t believe what a growing number of economists are telling us – that the costs of inaction on climate change will far outweigh the costs associated with action.

First step, please vote. If there are young adults in your lives, encourage them to do so as well.

Vote strategically if you live in a swing riding. I know some of you think that doing so is an affront to democracy. Try a Harper majority. The man has been whittling away at our democracy for a few years now. Imagine what he will do in five years of uncontested power?

Here are a few sites to assist you:

AVAAZ - Take Back Democracy
Provides insights into your riding. Just type in your postal code
http://www.avaaz.org/en/canada_elections/?cl=1035687505&v=8938

Catch 22
Targets swing ridings with volunteers on the ground encouraging strategic voting
http://catch22campaign.ca/

Canadians for Coalition
My group! Please sign the open letter to Layton and Ignatieff to consider forming a coalition government or legislative alliance should a minority Conservative government demonstrate yet again an unwillingness to work with the opposition.
www.thepetitionsite.com/13/open-letter-to-michael-ignatieff-and-jack-layton/

www.canadiansforcoalition.ca

Join us on Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Canadians-for Coalition/108826285865447

Follow us on Twitter - @coalitionnow

Let’s take our democracy back – and build a sustainable economy.

Vote! Don’t Blow it!

Lights Out and Coalition Now!

2011-03-26T18:34:00.002-04:00

Earth Hour begins at 8:30pm today! Remember to turn off all lights, power bars and other electronics. Light some candles and enjoy! Jane and I will celebrate at the Library Café at the Royal York Hotel where they turn out the lights every Saturday evening and serenade patrons with live guitar music.

While you are in the dark and with friends, conversation may turn to the upcoming election. I and a few of my friends have started Canadians for Coalition. If the Conservatives win another minority, we want the Liberals and NDP to form a Coalition government.

Visit www.canadiansforcoalition.ca to find out more about coalition government and how you can take action. In the meantime, enjoy this first of several videos we will release in the weeks ahead. It's legal. It works. It's time we tried it.

Our Oily Video on Oil Subsidies

2011-03-16T20:24:00.004-04:00

This is the last week to ask Harper and Flaherty to end subsidies to fossil fuel companies, some of which are the largest companies in the world. The budget announcement is next week. There will likely be an election called due to a vote of non-confidence, but hey, it doesn’t hurt to still send home the message.

And to bring home that message we at the Citizens Climate Lobby produced this little video, which touches, ever so lovingly, on the absurdity of government handouts to rich oily companies.

Please call the PM and Finance Minister if you have not already. Dial 866-599-4999 and ask for the PM office or Jim Flaherty, the Finance Minister. Sound scary? It isn’t. All you’ll do is leave a message with a machine or receptionist. Phone calls are taken more seriously than emails. Let them know there are better ways to spend our money.

The Conservative's Extraordinary Priorities

2011-03-03T21:09:00.002-05:00

The Conservative Party has such extraordinary values. They're so funny. It's budget time and they have to chip away at the deficit. Where to cut? Hmmm. Should they cut important environmental services, including climate change research, or should they end the billions in subsidies to fossil fuel companies?

Guess what the Conservatives plan to do?

Forget that fact that in 2009 during the G20 Summit in Pittsburg, Prime Minister Harper signed a statement with the other G20 countries committing to end fossil fuel subsidies. Canada gives $1.4 billion to oil countries every year through tax breaks, etc. (by the way: five of these companies are the largest in the world).

This past week, we learned that the government plans to cut $1.6 billion in environmental services, including climate change research, but no cuts to subsidies as promised.

Wow.

I am involved in the Climate Action Network’s campaign to urge the government to keep its international promise and cut fossil fuel subsidies. Please join us. Write to Harper and Flaherty asking them to keep the environmental services, but end fossil fuel subsidies. Mailed letters are better (it’s free!) as politicians tend to take them more seriously than emails.

Prime Minister Harper
Parliament of Canada
House of Commons
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0A9

Calling is effective too - (866) 599-4999. Ask for the Prime Minister’s Office.

For more on the fossil fuel subsidies, check out the op-ed I wrote for rabble.ca, which was posted last week.

It's time to end Canada's billion-dollar handout to big oil and coal

Heatless in Toronto

2011-02-15T21:54:00.002-05:00

I have been terribly remiss with my Carbon Slim blog. There has been nary an installment in weeks. No, I haven’t been suffering from Writer’s Blog Block. I’ve been busy. Busy getting the Citizens Climate Lobby Toronto off the ground, and busy with Transition Toronto.

Both initiatives are grounded in local action to avert the climate crisis, and are replicated in other cities and towns. Both stem from proven methodologies and allow for adaptively in local regions. And the people I meet through these channels are inspirational.

I do want to blog about these initiatives in the weeks ahead. And I will. Really.

In the meantime, I want to let you know of a little video that I and other Citizens Climate Lobby members worked on as a fundraiser for our lobby efforts. We submitted a video to People for Corporate Tax Cuts, a tongue and cheek campaign to draw awareness to the absurdity of corporate tax cuts in Ontario, which amounts to $500 per household. The contest asks us what we are willing to give up so big corporations can have their tax cuts. The winner receives $500.

This is our answer (and we won the contest!)

Writing a Storm to Quell the Storms

2010-12-16T21:52:00.005-05:00

These past few weeks have been busy, what with the climate conference in Cancun. Many seem cheered that world leaders are back negotiating after the train wreck that was Copenhagen. However, meaningful targets are still not set to avert runaway global warming.

Working behind the scenes to ensure the world does not slip into the unthinkable are grassroots groups slogging it out to make some kind of difference.

One of those groups is the Citizens Climate Lobby, of which I am now a member. We have blasted the media with proposed op-eds and letters to the editor throughout the conference. The following is an op-ed I wrote on behalf of the Citizens Climate Lobby that rabble.ca published this week. I take issue with the Prime Minister's assertion that getting real about climate change will put millions out of work:

Just before the world met in Cancun for climate talks, Conservatives in the Senate -- abetted by the prime minister -- deprived Canadians of legislation that would address the pressing problem of global climate change and also usher in a prosperous clean energy economy. Continue reading

Finally, I’d like to end with a little holiday cheer from Jane and me to you. Happy Holidays!!!

Buy Nothing Day this Friday

2010-11-24T20:23:00.001-05:00

Friday, November 26th is Buy Nothing Day. It’s a day of non-action action to give us pause before launching into the buying frenzy that is known as Christmas.

Now some may argue that holiday gift giving helps drive the current economy (as the current economy drives us over a cliff). But really, the current economy is not very sustainable.

I love receiving and giving gifts as the next person. I also like giving a livable planet to my niece and nephew. That’s a nice gift.

When celebrating the holidays, please celebrate taking action for a sustainable economy. Whatever you give, please consider:

Ensuring the receiver will really use it, that it won’t fall apart or be forgotten in a matter of minutes
That it’s carbon slim
That it’s locally made and doesn’t poison anything
That it’s helping your local economy
That it doesn’t spoil anyone rotten

Whatever you buy, please make sure it’s not on Friday. On that day, let’s celebrate what makes us truly happy…. Please don’t say that only shopping makes you happy, because that’s sad.

Happy Buy Nothing Day!

Unelected Conservative Senators Kill Bill C-311 before debate

2010-11-17T22:02:00.003-05:00

In a surprise move, unelected Conservative Senators defeated Bill C-311, the Climate Change Accountability Act 43 to 32 without debate and before being sent to committee. The last time something like this happened was 70 years ago.

This demonstrates a profound lack of respect for the will of the majority of elected representatives.This troubling development also sets a dangerous precedent, calling to questions future legislation supported by elected Members of Parliament.

Now in the weeks leading to the climate summit in Cancun, the Canadian government has further demonstrated its disinterest in meaningful action on one of the most pressing problem of our time.

It is important to let our elected MPs, the Prime Minister and the unelected Senate know that this action is not cool. Please contact:

Your MP

The Prime Minister - Harper.S@parl.gc.ca

Leaders of the opposition parties:
Layton.J@parl.gc.ca
Ignatieff.M@parl.gc.ca
Duceppe.G@parl.gc.ca

They can also be reached at 1 (866) 599-4999

Senators

Write letters to the editor. Let citizens know about this dangerous precedent on Facebook and Twitter.

Ask the questions:

Why did unelected Conservative Senators delay due process on legislation supported by elected representatives?
Why did they call the surprise vote without debate and committee review, when many opposition Senators were unavailable to vote?
Why is Prime Minister Stephen Harper stacking the Senate with Conservative Senators, when he made it clear he wants an elected Senate?
Will unelected Conservative Senators choose this tactic to kill future legislation, supported by elected representatives, that Harper does not like?

Unelected Conservative Senators Block Due Process on Climate Change Bill

2010-11-03T21:55:00.003-04:00

In September I urged you to contact Senators to support Bill C-311, the Climate Change Accountability Act. The Conservative Senate was to debate the bill and we were to encourage its passage into law.

It’s an important piece of legislation. If passed into law, the Climate Change Accountability Act will set science based emissions reductions, require the government to produce five year target plans, establish independent reviews, and punish polluters who break regulations.

There’s a problem. The critic of the bill, Senator Neufeld, is not debating it. Now part of me thinks that this is just grand, but – it’s stalling the process. The ball is in Neufeld’s court, and yet he is not picking it up.

This is not just a climate issue anymore. It’s a democracy issue. The majority of elected representatives passed the bill in May. The Conservatives are now delaying it indefinitely in the unelected Senate.

The Conservatives are in a tricky situation. The optics are terrible. They don’t want to appear that they are the bad guys when it comes to climate change. Their talk is supportive (their actions are not). Harper also campaigned on government transparency and an elected Senate. Their talk is supportive….

So why are unelected Conservative Senators stalling due process on a bill passed by elected representatives? They are banking on an apathetic public not making noise on a bill that can languish for months on end until perhaps (hopefully they feel) an election is called and the whole thing dies.

Well I tell you, apathy sucks. It’s time we kick it in the ass.

Senator Mitchell, who introduced and is championing the bill, asks everyone to write or call Senators Neufeld and LeBreton (Leader of the Government of the Senate) to urge them to stop stalling the bill. He tells me that our letters matter.

Please write a handwritten letter to the Senators in question. A handwritten letter means you’re serious. You took the time. The issue matters to you. No one writes handwritten letters anymore, except for people who are serious and those who grew up writing handwritten notes and are still happy with their penmanship. I’m sure your penmanship is fine.

Or call them. I’m now calling Senator Neufeld every day after a Senate session devoid of Bill C-311 debate. If you call him, you will have a 99 percent chance of leaving him a message either on a machine or with an actual human being. Tell him you are watching progress on the bill and would like to know why he hasn’t debated it and when he plans to.

Or at least email.

For a sample message, click here - http://www.trunity.net/climateresponse/articles/view/159424/

I have put so much work into this. I’m asking you to take a half hour to a few minutes out of your day. Please contact Senators Neufeld and LeBreton. They cannot get away with ignoring important climate legislation that our elected officials supported. They can’t. The only people who can stop them are us.

Details and updates on the bill can be found on http://www.trunity.net/climateresponse/topics/view/53728/

Thank you for making our democracy a little stronger and for taking a stand on progressive climate action.

When the Chips are Down

2010-10-27T23:25:00.002-04:00

It’s been a tough week, certainly here in Toronto. Forty-seven percent of those who voted chose a right wing mayor, making true what so many feared for months. Mayor Ford has vowed to devote the city’s congested streets to cars, ripping up streetcars and halting progress on bike lanes.

South of the border Americans brace themselves for a Republican sweep during the mid-term elections on Tuesday. Most of the about-to-be-elected politicians espouse serving the ‘market’ interests, while stripping the public sector. Oh, and they don’t believe in climate change.

Pundits of course are weighing in. George Monbiot, the UK’s climate activist journalist, argues in a recent article “The Values of Everything” that extrinsic values (“what about me”) have overtaken intrinsic values (“what about the community”). Progressives need to understand this and work to shift societal attitudes back to the intrinsic side, he argues.

Henry Giroux goes further, predicting the eminent collapse of democracy in America. In his recent article in Truth Out he writes: “young people are increasingly presented with a future in which there is no language of democracy, justice, solidarity and the public good. Instead, they offered a language that maximizes self interest, undermines any shared sense of purpose and devalues public service. Under such conditions the formative culture necessary for critical citizens and a vibrant democracy collapses into a Hobbesian world in which the competitive, self-absorbed, unattached, materialistic individual consumer is the only meaningful category of citizenship.”

This is a dark vision. It certainly seems we’re headed in that direction. Kunstler’s predictions in his book The Long Emergency are not only coming true (he predicted the subprime mortgage crisis) but seem to be taking a very dark turn.

And yet, one gets a sense that a counter movement is brewing. It’s organizing. It’s learning. I’m listening in on teleconferences of the Citizen Climate Lobby where American citizens share how they are engaging congresspersons to adopt a fee and dividend approach to climate change. Reduce income tax and tax carbon to prompt market signals to invest in renewable energy. For them legislative failure on climate action is a citizens’ failure. They are adopting a methodology, proven successful through RESULTS, an organization that addresses poverty, to effectively lobby for legislative action. These are citizens bringing intelligence and passion to the democratic process for the betterment of all communities. I and two other Canadians are in initial stages to build our own Citizen Climate Lobby groups here in this country.

I also just became a member of Transition Toronto, a local organization that is part of the global Transition Town movement for a low-carbon economy.

If you feel the world is going to hell in a hand basket, you’re right it is. That doesn’t mean we give up in despair. The world needs you. It needs me. I encourage you to connect with your local movement. Find your local Transition Town and become a member. If your town doesn’t have one, create it. Connect. The likelihood that we will see profound change in the next 20 years is great. The end of cheap oil is here. The carbon heavy economy isn’t doing so well. It’s not going to get better. Be part of a positive grassroots movement that will help you become more resilient, prepared and connected.

Still depressed? For those of you in Toronto, Ford will likely not scrap the streetcars. Too expensive. City Council will likely act as a brake to much of his other crazy campaign promises. It’s going to be a struggle, no doubt. But all is not lost.

Finally, I want to leave you with this. Please view it. It’s inspirational.

Blog Action Day - Water Wary

2010-10-15T08:10:00.003-04:00

Blog Action Day 2010: Water from Blog Action Day on Vimeo.

Today is Blog Action Day, a once-a-year blogging fest focused on one pressing theme. This year, we’re blogging about water.

Water is so incredibly precious yet so completely taken for granted. If you don’t think so, have a gander at the sobering facts listed below. Access to clean water is becoming more of a challenge now with billions of people clamouring for access, global warming and industrial use.

Global warming is helping to create both deluge, such as in Pakistan, and scarcity, as what we are starting to see in the American southwest and the Canadian prairies. Glaciers are melting, affecting rivers systems that support farms, and rainfall patterns are shifting, placing a big question mark around traditional planting regions. Canada’s water expert, Dr. David Schindler warns of a century of chronic drought in the Prairies. It certainly doesn’t help that the tar sands are poisoning river systems such as the Athabasca. According to the Pembina Institute, toxic substances become concentrated in tar sands tailing lakes. These lakes may be leaking into the surrounding environment at a rate of 11 million litres per day.

I don’t even want to begin with the oceans, which are 30 percent more acidic than they used to be when we started burning fossil fuel.

So what can we do? Enough with the depressing facts (for your reading pleasure I list more below). How can we take action? As an advocate for carbon slimming, I encourage people to find out how much they ‘weigh’ and commit to shedding at least 10% their carbon weight per year.

As with carbon calculators, you can measure your water consumption via a Waterfootprint Calculator. It asks you to figure out how many kilograms of certain foods you eat per week, which can be difficult to do. I’m not sure how I measure up to the average North American. Probably pretty good considering I don’t eat meat.

Most Effective Way to Reduce your Water Footprint and Help Protect our Water

Eat less meat. Did you know that it takes 24 litres of water to produce one hamburger? That means it would take over 19.9 billion litres of water to make just one hamburger for every person in Europe. Imagine the hamburgers consumed in North America, and, well, yowza! Not only that, but factory farms are one of the leading causes of water pollution. More Info »

Buy less stuff. Industry is a big user and waster of water. Reuse. Swap. Purchase items that the repair person can easily repair. Donate items you don’t use anymore. Focus on services rather than stuff for yourself and when buying gifts. More Info

Don’t waste food and support local & organic farms. According to the Union of Concerned Scientists, for every dollar you spend on fruits, vegetables and grains, 2355 litres or 622 gallons of water has been used. So much food is thrown out because it doesn’t conform to retail standards on what sells. Support your local organic farm and embrace the crooked carrot.

Say no to bottled water and yes to stainless steel containers. The US, Mexico and China lead the world in bottled water consumption, with people in the US drinking an average of 200 bottles of water per person each year. Over 17 million barrels of oil are needed to manufacture those water bottles, 86 percent of which will never be recycled. More Info »

Be mindful of the water you consume. The average American uses 159 gallons of water every day – more than 15 times the average person in the developing world. More Info »

More Sobering Facts About Water

Technology Footprint: The shiny new iPhone in your pocket requires half a litre of water to charge. That may not seem like much, but with over 80 million active iPhones in the world, that's 40 million litres to charge those alone. More Info »

Fashion Footprint: That cotton t-shirt you're wearing right now took 1,514 litres of water to produce, and your jeans required an extra 6,813 litres. More Info »

Waste Overflow: Every day, 2 million tons of human waste are disposed of in water sources. This not only negatively impacts the environment but also harms the health of surrounding communities. More Info »

Polluted Oceans: Death and disease caused by polluted coastal waters costs the global economy $12.8 billion a year. More Info »

Uninhabitable Rivers: Today, 40% of America's rivers and 46% of America's lakes are too polluted for fishing, swimming, or aquatic life. More Info »

Home-Carbon Slim-Home

2010-10-06T22:07:00.003-04:00

10/10/10
10/10/10 is just around the corner. Be part of the largest global day of action in history by joining or creating a climate change work party.

Even AVAAZ is getting in on the action.

I’ll be attending the Mushroom Walk & Letter-Writing Campaign near Owen Sound, followed by a family Thanksgiving feast. Special thanks to Margot and Doug Miller for arranging this event.

Results of our Home Energy Audit
We finally received the results of our home energy audit. As you may recall our first audit concluded that our 90-year old house was 43% efficient. The GreenSaver auditor prioritized a series of recommendations to tighten the house. He advised that if we followed the recommendations we could increase our house’s efficiency to 76%.

Well, we did it.

The efficiency rating of our once insulation-free house is now 76. It cost us roughly $40,000 to retrofit our house. Together the federal and provincial governments will cover a quarter of the cost. Our auditor was pleased to report that we are the third client he’s ever had to reach the maximum grant allowance of $10,000.

When I began this blog way back in 2006 I hoped that in my journey to become carbon slim I could eventually slim up the house that Jane and I were about to buy. We’ve come a long way from simply changing the light bulbs to compact fluorescents. The investment to retrofit the house was huge, but worth it.

Jane and I have noticed a big improvement in the comfort of our home. We’ve also seen remarkable savings in our gas bill. I don’t know if it’s due to adjustments in the fixed amounts we pay each month, but our gas company gave us significant credits over the summer. Last year we paid $1258 between January and September. This year, we paid just $397 during the same period. I doubled checked the invoices because I couldn’t believe it. The savings in gas consumed is 279 m3 thus far.

I’m just happy to know we're more carbon slim than ever before.

To follow our home energy audit journey, click here.

Blog Action Day is October 15th – Topic: Water
Next week I’ll take part in Blog Action Day’s spotlight on water.

Join the 10/10/10 Global Work Party, plus Green Halloween with SwapSity

2010-09-30T22:22:00.003-04:00

Be part of the largest global movement in history on October 10th. Bill Mckibben, renown author, activist, and founder of 350.org is once more calling for a global communal response to the climate crisis. Last year we mobilized on October 24th. It was considered the largest activist event in history. As of today 5,249 10/10/10 events have been registered online, beating last year’s figure of 5,248. Where our political leaders fail us, citizens of the world are taking action.

In an email sent today to 350.org members, Mckibben writes: “I'm a bit tired, but am feeling completely recharged by today's milestone. It sure is nice to know that this movement is growing bigger all the time.”

Ok, so What’s a 10/10/10 Work Party?
According to the 350.org website, the concept of a work party derives from traditions of various cultures such as the minga in the Andes. All of these cultures have in common the idea of bringing their whole community together for a day of collective work, usually to complete a project that will benefit the whole community. These traditions are often typically followed by a fun event involving food and music to celebrate the big accomplishment. For 10/10/10, folks are invited to join forces with others in their communities to complete a sustainability project that will benefit the community, and help make carbon reduction tangible – and fun – for everyone. People are organizing bicycle workshops, reforestations, solar panel installations, apple pressing and so on.

Jane and I will celebrate Thanksgiving with family near Owen Sound. We’ve been invited to join a 10/10/10 community guided mushroom walk led by a mycologist to learn how to uncover mushrooms – the ones that won’t kill us when we eat them, or do strange and curious things to our minds. I’ll also engage the family in a letter writing campaign to urge Senators to pass Bill C-311, the Climate Change Accountability Act. I am hearing from some Liberal Senators that the Conservatives are stalling debate on the Bill.

To Join - To join a 10/10/10 event in your community, click here - http://www.350.org/en/map

Create Your Own Event - Want to create your own 10/10/10 event? Click here for some ideas - http://www.350.org/workparty-ideas. Click here to register your event - http://www.350.org/1010

350.org Wiki – To learn more about taking action in your community, and to share your experiences, visit the 350.org Wiki at http://wiki.350.org/

I’ve just finished the first chapter of Mckibben’s new book Eaarth. I tell you, it’s probably the most sobering piece of news I’ve ever read. We need to work together immediately to reduce our carbon output, and make our communities economically diverse and resilient. The stable climate we’ve depended on during our civilized existence is now dramatically changing and it’s only going to get worse. Oh, and our resources have begun to dwindle. So we either work together, reduce our carbon emissions and strengthen our communities, or we ignore the warning signs and develop no skills to handle the onslaught of food and water shortages, natural disasters and economic crashes as a result of dwindling resources.

Green Halloween with SwapSity
SwapSity is offering a creative way to save money this Halloween season. Instead of shopping for costumes, decorations and accessories, eco-minded individuals can swap for them. Why buy a costume you'll only wear for a few hours when you can trade for a gently-used ensemble that's new to you?

SwapSity has two ways to save money during Halloween. Members can participate in the online swap and post all the adult and kids costumes, pumpkin carving sets and decorations no longer needed and barter for something they really want. On October 2nd, they're also holding a face-to-face swap meet in downtown Toronto to help everyone recycle their Halloween themed items. Parents can bring in their child's outgrown black cat accessories and pick up a superhero costume or trade in tombstone lawn decorations for a new sound effects CD to play during trick-or-treating. Adult costumes and accessories are also barter-worthy. To learn more, visit http://www.swapsity.ca/pages/halloween_2010

Urge Senators to make the Climate Change Accountability Act a reality

2010-09-17T08:47:00.002-04:00

Carbon Audit Update
GreenSaver conducted the second audit last week. All went well. Haresh Patel, our auditor, predicts we’ll receive at least $8,000 in government grant money for all the work we did. Haresh noted a few minor leeks in unusual places. I have a wee bit more caulking to do. In the meantime, Jane and I are waiting on Haresh’s report to find out how we did in improving our home’s energy efficiency.

Urge Senators to Pass Bill C-311, the Climate Change Accountability Act
This is something I’ve thrown myself into. I’ve put a lot of work into it, so you don’t have to.

Canada is close to passing the Climate Change Accountability Act, but it's under threat by Conservative Senators. Parliamentarians passed the Bill (C-311) in May. Now the Bill needs the support of 53 Senators. Of the 105 Senators, 52 are Conservative.

The situation is precarious. Years of hard work to get the Act to this point could prove meaningless if it does not get the support from all 53 opposition Senators: 49 Liberal Senators, two Progressive Conservatives and two Independents.

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce is calling on its members to lobby the Senate to oppose the Bill. Join me in a concerted citizen campaign in support of Bill C-311. The Bill resumes debate on September 28th.

What’s the Big Deal? – If passed into law, the Climate Change Accountability Act will set science based emissions reductions, require the government to produce five year target plans, establish independent reviews, and punish polluters who break regulations. It will also position Canada as a global leader in the transition to a low carbon economy.

I heard Dr. James Hansen, one of the world’s top climatologists, speak in Toronto on Wednesday. Dr. Hansen heads NASA’s Goddard Institute for Space Studies. He’s been sounding the climate action clarion call for decades. Dr. Hansen reminded us that addressing climate change is a moral issue. The safe level of greenhouse gas parts per million (ppm) in the atmosphere is 350. In the past, natural global warming has taken place at a rate of .0001 ppm. Currently, we are experiencing an increase of an astonishing 2 ppm per year. According to Hansen, if we burn all the fossil fuel left on the planet, the greenhouse gases will constitute 1000 ppm in our atmosphere.

What to do - Please visit http://www.trunity.net/climateresponse/topics/view/53728/ for sample letters to Senators and their emails. Just cut and paste. Easy. If you have a bit more time and love strategy, cut and paste the sample letters to the CEOs of insurance companies and financial firms, who are Chamber of Commerce members. The letters ask them to lobby the Senate to support the Bill. I also include contact details. Please send these letters off and spread the word.

On September 28th Senator Neufeld will speak out against the Bill when the Senate resumes debate on it. Let's bombard the Senate with emails. Soon I will craft sample targeted emails to Liberal Senators, PC Senators and the Independents, and upload them onto the Climate Response campaign page.

Also – please join the Facebook page, Urge Senators to Support Bill C-311 - http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/group.php?gid=152085321489110

Let's insure that the Climate Change Accountability Act becomes law. And when that's done, let's work to usher in a government that respects it.

We’re solarized

2010-09-02T22:10:00.003-04:00

Jane and I now have solar hot water, and a tankless water heater as backup. John Cannell of J. Melvin & Associates hooked up our Navien tankless system, which is rated 98 percent efficient (our hot water tank was 55 percent efficient). The tankless is also considerably smaller than the tank, measuring at 14 inches deep, 18 inches across and 27 inches high. As you may recall the tankless system heats water on demand. The hot water tank is just that, a tank that heats water 24/7.

For a few days we relied solely on the tankless until GreenSaver returned with a plumber to hook the solar up to the tankless. We noticed that with the tankless the hot water took about 15 seconds to kick in, particularly with the bathroom sink. Oddly enough, hot water was instantaneous for the shower. However, once GreenSaver hooked up the solar, we receive hot water instantly in all faucets when the sun is out.

As I wrote earlier, the solar hot water will heat our water about 60 percent of the time (averaged out throughout the year), with the tankless unit heating water on demand when the sun is not shining.

All this took place in good time. The GreenSaver auditor returns September 10th for the second audit to determine our success in energy efficiency improvements. I just finished all the caulking inside. My last task was to lay down quarter round along the walls in the second bedroom and caulk them. That’s complete. We are now waiting on Gator Windows to replace the bathroom window with one that is Energy Star rated.

Once the second audit is done, I’ll report on how well we did in improving the energy efficiency of our home.

solar + tankless hot water = fun + eco-chic awesome

2010-08-19T20:54:00.006-04:00

First, a few super easy calls to action

Support Wind Power - If you live in Ontario, I encourage you to tell the provincial government that you support wind power. The government is considering a 5km exclusion zone for off-shore wind power. This would kill any attempt to install wind turbines in Lake Ontario. The province is open for comments until Aug 24. Please visit the Toronto Environmental Alliance’s website for more information and a link to the provincial comment page - http://www.torontoenvironment.org/windmills/actnow

Help the People of Pakistan – Weather-related catastrophes are wrecking havoc around the world, chief of which is the mind-boggling devastation in Pakistan due to the flood. We have to kick donor fatigue in the butt, because I can tell you right now, this is a taste for more weather-related disasters to come. An easy way to give is through AVAAZ, which will direct donations to reputable relief agencies in the region - https://secure.avaaz.org/en/pakistan_relief_fund/?fp

solar + tankless hot water = emissions + dollar savings

Last week Green S a ver installed a solar hot water heater on our roof! Yes - a solar panel now sits on our roof! How cool is that!!! – Or, how hot is that, when the sun is out. When the sun is not out we will rely on our tankless water heater, which will be installed next Tuesday.

Recap – In March 2009, GreenSaver conducted a home energy audit on Jane and my house. We found out that it was 43 percent efficient. GreenSaver recommended installing a high efficiency furnace, insulating our attic and walls, caulking bulkheads and cracks, and installing Energy Star rated windows and doors and a tankless water heater. In so doing, GreenSaver estimated that we could bump up the efficiency of our house to 76 percent.

We did most of the work. We have a few last minute things to do, such as the tankless water heater. The second energy audit, scheduled for September 10th, will determine how well we did with the retrofits and instruct the government on how much grant money we will receive. Note that the federal government is no longer participating in the program, but will issue grants on audits made before March 31st.

Solar Hot Water – When I mentioned to someone that we just installed solar hot water her first reaction was that we can expect cold showers on cloudy days. Not so. The Solar Hot Water system works with either your hot water tank or a tankless system. On days when the solar panels are not generating enough heat, the hot water tank or tankless unit kicks in. You always have hot water.

The solar hot water heater reduces the need for your fossil fuel driven water heater, and can save up to 60 percent on your annual hot water heating costs. GreenSaver estimates that Jane and I will save 326 cubic meters of natural gas per year, which constitutes 16 percent of all natural gas we use annually.

Through the EcoEnergy Program Jane and I will enjoy big savings through federal and provincial grants. The governments will together kick in $2,500 to offset the $5,500 system. With an additional discount through a GreenSaver sale, we will pay only $2,500 for a system that will save us money and greenhouse gas emissions for as long as we own our house.

Tankless – Hot water tanks are heated 24/7, even when hot water is needed only briefly throughout the day. To give you a sense of hot water tanks’ inherent energy-hog nature, the efficiency of our current, and fairly new, hot water tank is estimated at 55 percent. That’s pretty piggy. A tankless hot water system heats water on demand, saving you energy and money. A co-worker confided that she has noticed no difference in quality after installing her tankless system. Once our tankless unit is in place, GreenSaver will hook up the solar hot water heater.

My friend John Cannell will hook up our tankless unit, plug up the chimney where the hot water tank was vented, and install a programmable thermostat as well. We’re almost ready for our second energy audit. I'm looking forward to seeing the new efficiency rating for our house.

Writing to People Who Really Should Know Better

2010-08-04T22:16:00.001-04:00

Some of you have been asking about my Carbon Slim blog. My apologies for the spotty installments. I’ve been busy writing to Canadian Senators and now, the President of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, to stop plotting to kill Bill C-311, the Climate Change Accountability Bill. The Bill is now before the Senate.

To read my exchange with Perrin Beatty, President of the Chamber of Commerce, who is urging industry to lobby the Senate to kill the Bill, visit http://www.trunity.net/climateresponse/blogs/view/149327/?topic=28777

For my correspondence with Marjory LeBreton, Leader of the Government in the Senate, visit http://www.trunity.net/climateresponse/blogs/view/147728/?topic=28777

Things are little harry, what with the US Senate not doing a damn thing about climate change, despite 2010 being the hottest year on record. Governments are failing us because, let’s face it, they receive campaign money from big oil and coal, or believe we must hitch our economic wagon to oil and coal extraction.

350.org is mobilizing citizens through its 10.10.10 campaign. If governments won’t act, people will. Time is of the essence. It’s not time to give up. In five years time, if no significant action is taken on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, then god help us all.

Bill Mckibben, who spearheaded 350.org, has this to say about the matter - http://www.tomdispatch.com/archive/175281/

Carbon Slim – Keeping it cool

2010-07-07T21:08:00.002-04:00

I don’t know where you are, but it’s hot where I am. Really hot. So hot, this environmentalist can’t say enough about central air conditioning. I love it! I shudder when I think of the time I worked in a funky arts building that scored high marks on funkiness, but an ‘F’ on comfort during blistering humid days. By the afternooon, I was done. I couldn’t even function.

As thrilled I am with air conditioning, I’m not going crazy. The thermostat is set at 26 degrees Celsius until the temperature dips down, which it’s forecast to do in a few days. At that point, we’ll turn off the air conditioning, open the windows and let the ceiling fans do the work.

If it’s hot where you are, please set the air conditioning at about 25 degrees. Keep in mind that in places like Toronto, the vast majority are using their air conditioning. In order to keep up with demand, the utility will be tapping into its backup, which in Toronto means coal fire plants. Those smoggy humid days are only going to get smoggier.

If you live in Ontario, be sure to sign up for peaksaver. When you do, a signal will be sent during peak load times to reduce the electricity demand of your central air conditioning system. To learn more and sign up, visit www.peaksaver.com. It’s super easy and your utility will likely give you an added incentive.

For more tips on keeping cool while helping the planet stay cool, click here.

Carbon Slimming Update

2010-06-17T20:27:00.004-04:00

Much is happening on the carbon slim front. I’ve been quite active of late. The following is a quick recap.

Bill C-311
The Climate Change Accountability Bill is now before the Senate, which is dominated by the Conservatives, thanks to Mr. Harper. There is fear that this Bill, which sets science-based greenhouse gas emissions targets, will die before the non-elected Conservative-heavy Senate.

For a sample email or letter to send to Senators and a list of Senator emails click here. Please do send the message. It will take a quick minute of your time.

I sent the letter and received a reply from Conservative Senator Marjory LeBreton. Unimpressed with her arguments, I sent her a reply. Click here to read what I wrote to her and her colleagues in the Senate.

The Fake Lake Summit
The G20 is coming to Toronto. You know, that billion dollar attempt to sideline the most important issues of our time and literally build a wall to separate the G-participants from the Toronto community. They are even building a fake lake because heaven forbid any G-20 representative leave the barrier zone to see a real Canadian lake or talk to ordinary folks. Due to mounting international pressure, Harper has finally agreed that the G-folks will likely talk about Climate Change when they meet.

Rather than yell my head off during the G20 Summit, I look forward to engaging in dialogue. This weekend I plan to attend the People’s Summit. For a list of other civic engagement opportunities around the Fake Lake Summit, click here.

Perhaps the best way to protest the astronomical security costs and pressing issues is for folks to stay away from the barrier, and engage in Toronto’s diverse neighbourhoods through public theatre, soap box debate – anything to draw attention and encourage dialogue. Can you imagine all these security forces with all their toys with nothing to do? You think the expense looks bad now....

The Gulf Oil Leak
The earth is hemorrhaging oil in the Gulf. Obama has called for criminal litigation into the BP disaster, as well as regulating the industry – finally. BP must pay fully for their crime, if anything to send a strong signal to all corporations that they simply cannot cut corners on public safety and the environment. And of course, the government, representing public interests, must once again regulate industry.

Despite this nightmare in the Gulf, Harper is considering off-shore drilling in the Arctic. The WWF is circulating a petition to halt this drilling until environmental protection is assured. Please sign it. Click here.

Gardening
When I’m not writing to politicians, I’m gardening. This year I created a raised bed garden in an effort to produce greater yields. I dug out soil a spade deep, two feet by four, and laid in composted manure, and then added back the soil. I created about 10 beds in total. The loose fertilized soil encourages deeper root growth, which allows for vegetables to cozy up closer together. I was very late in preparing and seeding my garden this year. The veggies are growing, but are still fairly young. I just spent the last few days thinning out the beets, carrots and onions. It’s time labored work, but well worth it, especially when the dove coos while I garden.

Solar Hot Water Heater
GreenSaver is assessing the best place for the solar hot water heater on our roof. They may need to build a base to place the system so that it lies flat on our peaked roof. I’ll find out in a week their recommendations.

The Daring Duo - Solar Hot Water and Tankless Unit

2010-05-13T22:41:00.002-04:00

Jane and I are about to embark on the final energy retrofit before calling in the energy auditor for our final assessment. We want to install a solar hot water heater and tankless hot water unit.

A quick recap
Jane and I took advantage of the federal government’s EcoEnergy program in April 2009. An energy auditor from GreenSaver assessed our 90 year old home and rated its efficiency at 43 percent. Based on the auditor recommendations, we replaced the old furnace with a high efficiency one, had insulation pumped into the walls, attic and basement exterior header and replaced the windows and doors with ones that are Energy Star rated. I also went about caulking up the base boards and other cracks, and insulated the electrical outlets. The expected outcome is an improved efficiency of 76 percent.

The Empire Strikes Back
Regrettably, on April 1st the Conservative government ended the popular EcoEnergy program that offered incentives, matched by the provinces, to Canadians to make their homes more energy efficient.

This decision does not affect Jane and me or others who received their audit before March 31st. It just makes it difficult for others who considered participating in the program. Here’s a thought for the feds: rather than subsidize oil, provide grants to Canadians who want to make their homes energy efficient, which will stimulate local jobs. Happily the provinces are still on board to provide the grants.

The Daring Duo - Solar Hot Water and Tankless Combined!
As to the final retrofit act, I was torn. The auditor suggested a tankless hot water unit for our home. Rather than use a hot water tank that heated the water 24/7, the tankless system heats the water on demand. But I was also intrigued by the solar hot water system, which provides a savings of up to 60 percent on annual hot water heating costs. And solar is just so darn cool.

While at the Green Living Show, a representative from GreenSaver suggested I install both a solar hot water and the tankless system, and take advantage of the substantial rebates we will receive from the EcoEnergy program. How much will we save? GreenSaver’s solar hot water system and installation costs $5,500. The federal and provincial rebates at $2,500 almost cut that in half. With an additional GreenSaver promotion, the whole thing will cost us $2,500. We’d be foolish not to take advantage of this opportunity.

Meanwhile, the tankless system, which will serve as a backup to the solar system, alone can provide considerable savings on hot water as well. Prices and efficiency vary depending on the system, but the federal and provincial rebates will be up to $500.

We’re looking into getting a low interest loan through Alterna for the solar and the tankless systems and to pay off the loan in two years. The solar hot water system should last for 20 years.

Action

Sign the AVAAZ petition – No more offshore drilling - https://secure.avaaz.org/en/stop_offshore_drilling_3/?cl=578018492&v=6236

Good News amongst the Rotten

2010-05-06T23:01:00.003-04:00

Let’s face it. The news of late has been anything but uplifting. And while the Gulf Coast braces for the worst oil catastrophe in US history, I’m learning that more environmental nightmares are unfolding or are bound to happen if our governments continue to place industrial interests before environmental protection and public safety.

I’ve spent my week at the Hot Docs Festival in Toronto where I’m learning about how the US (and Canadian) governments are doing little to stop gas companies from seriously contaminating wells and rivers with natural gas and carcinogenic chemicals in their drilling practices (Gasland), and how Finland is the only country working on a ‘safe’ repository for its spent nuclear fuel (Into Eternity). Spent nuclear fuel remains radioactive for at least 100,000 years, likely more. Environmental protection laws get in the way of the bottom line which is why the current oil leak comes as no surprise. Scroll down below for the movie trailers. In Gasland, people can actually light fire to the contaminated water from their faucets.

But the good news. They did it!!

On May 5th, the majority of elected Canadian representatives voted in favour of Bill C-311, the Climate Change Accountability Bill, for the final time. It was a close one. The vote was 149 to 136. Now it faces a Conservative Senate and three more readings before it becomes law. This may be tough. We’re not out of the woods yet. Next round will be about contacting senators to ask them to vote for the Bill. You know, the one supported by the majority of elected representatives.

What’s the Big Deal? – The Act will commit Canada to science-based greenhouse gas reduction targets. We absolutely cannot go beyond a two degree increase in greenhouse gases if we want to avoid runaway global warming, which could hit towards the end of this century. The Act will also mandate that the government set regulations to ensure they meet targets, including publicizing five year target plans and establishing independent reviews, and punish polluters who break regulations. It’ll make it much easier for all of us to go Carbon Slim!

“It is a great day for Canada as we finally have a blueprint for greening our future,” said New Democrat Leader Jack Layton. “We would not be here without the thousands of Canadians who called and wrote to their Members of Parliament, pushing them to finally adopt meaningful climate-change legislation.”

That’s you! A big thanks to everyone who contacted their MPs to support the Bill. Please do send them a follow up thank you email or letter, which they most rightly deserve (if they voted for it).

Gasland – the Movie Trailer

Into Eternity – the Movie Trailer

Climate Change Accountability Bill is Alive and Kicking

2010-04-15T22:01:00.000-04:00

Bill C-311, the Climate Change Accountability Bill, is moving on to third reading and final debate thanks to the vote in the House of Commons today. The motion to do so carried 155 in favour and 137 against. Jim Prentice, the Environment Minister, was one of 137 Conservative members who tried to prevent the Bill from moving on to the final stage.

Once the Bill becomes the Climate Change Accountability Act, Canada will have to observe science-based greenhouse gas emissions targets, and get serious about transitioning to a low carbon economy.

Thanks to those of you who wrote to your Member of Parliament. You were part of a concentrated effort nationwide to ensure MPs, particularly those from the Liberal Party, show up for the vote. For a list of those who voted in favour and those against, click here.

MPs really do like to hear from you. Words of thanks are always welcome. Remember to thank your MP for voting in favour of this important Bill: http://www.parl.gc.ca/Common/index.asp?Language=E

Urgent Vote on Climate Change Accountability Bill

2010-04-08T21:30:00.001-04:00

When Harper prorogued Parliament earlier this year, I was informed that a number of Bills died, including Bill C-311, the Climate Change Accountability Bill.

As it turns out Bill C-311 is not dead yet. It is currently in third reading with a crucial vote slated for April 14.

What’s the Big Deal? – If passed, Bill C-311 will become the Climate Change Accountability Act, and would set Canada’s greenhouse gas targets at 25 percent below 1990 levels by 2020 and 80 percent by 2050 – targets scientists say would prevent dangerous global warming. The Conservative government’s current target is 17 percent from 2005 levels by 2020 (for more on our government’s behaviour on climate action, click here).

The Conservatives don’t like Bill C-311. They recently slated a vote on April 14 to determine whether it should go to third reading even though Parliamentarians voted yes it should during second reading a year ago. Because of the short notice, there is a fear that not enough MPs, particularly Liberals, will be around to vote. Sly Conservatives.

“If the vote fails, the Bill dies,” warns Andy Blair, Legislative Assistant to Bruce Hyer, MP Thunder Bay - Superior North.

This is where you come in. - Please email your MP to let them know you support Bill C-311 and that you request that they be present to vote in favour of it. The message can be short and sweet, but please write!

To find your MP, click here and enter your postal code: http://www.parl.gc.ca/Common/index.asp?Language=E

Writing to your MP is easy and fun! They even write back!

Please write asap.

Please forward this message to your friends and family. Let’s do Canada proud!

Earth Hour is Upon Us

2010-03-26T08:03:00.002-04:00

Earth Hour is on Saturday, March 27. This annual event by the World Wildlife Fund will see lights out in cities around the globe at 8:30pm local time. About a billion people are expected to participate in this symbolic event, where folks take action on climate change.

Visit http://www.earthhour.org/ to commit to turning off your power from 8:30 to 9:30pm (including your power bars). You can also check out Earth Hour events in your community. For Canada, that page is: http://wwf.ca/earthhour/participate/events/.

I’ll be celebrating with Jane and friends with a candlelight dinner party. What do you plan to do?

Bartering made easy by SwapSity

2010-03-18T21:16:00.001-04:00

There is so much unused or forgotten stuff floating out there, or lodged in basements, closets or shelves, they often at some point end up in landfills. Why not extend their life a bit longer and in turn receive goods or services you really would use?

I believe that bartering is the perfect eco-friendly, community-building activity for artists in particular, but hey, for everyone too. So many artists develop a range of skills to augment their income: carpentry, handyman, jewelry making, furniture making, upholstery, cooking, cleaning, and so on. When work or money is hard to come by, why not trade services for services, or services for goods, or goods for goods?

This is all fine and good if there was a system set up to enable such a bartering market. Happily, there is – in Canada at least. It’s called SwapSity and on March 22, this by-invitation-only exchange is opening up to the public.

At the moment, the site is available in Ontario and British Columbia only, with the majority of active users in the Greater Toronto Area. SwapSity Founder, Marta Nowinska plans to expand the service to more provinces later this year.

“To the best of my knowledge, SwapSity is the first Canadian consumer bartering community for trading virtually all goods and services between individuals and within swap groups,” says Nowinska. “It's very exciting for us!”

Getting started with SwapSity is simple. Users create a list of all swappable items and skills and make a wish list of the things they want to receive in return while SwapSity instantly generates local matches to jumpstart swapping.

Users can communicate freely and decide whether they want to accept a swap offer, negotiate or decline it. They can also equalize uneven exchanges with cash. Once a deal is made, swappers exchange in person or ship the items. The transaction rating system establishes a member’s track record and builds trust within the barter community.

The membership is free and the site charges no transaction fees. The site also offers a user-friendly interface to keep track of multiple swap transactions.

If you prefer face-to-face swap meets, SwapSity organizes them in the Toronto area.

To learn more, visit http://www.swapsity.ca/pages/launch_faq

Climate Response Launched (Finally!)

2010-02-18T22:39:00.002-05:00

I have been very busy these past few months. I’ve been building a website! And now I’m launching it. The raison d’être of Climate Response is to act as an arsenal of information for those wanting to elevate the climate conversation in the media.

I started working away at it after bearing witness to the sloppy reporting of the Climate Day rally on Parliament Hill on Oct 24. And then I read Climate Cover Up, by James Hoggan, which chronicles how the fossil fuel industry has been spending big bucks on the climate change denier movement.

Recent trumped up ‘scandals’ connected to the Intergovernmental Panel of Climate Change (IPCC), which collects the peer-reviewed work of more than 2000 scientists from 130 countries, has been under attack by climate change deniers. The scale of this attack is unprecedented. Never has the credibility of an entire body of scientists (we’re talking thousands here) been questioned in modern memory.

Climate Response is about as grassroots as you’re going to get. It’s a citizens’ movement to elevate the climate conversation. The site offers 'fast facts & stats' on climate change and the low carbon economy. Each fast fact is from websites, reports or journals of peer-reviewed scientists and economists, as well as government, agency and corporate reports. Facts & stats are categorized to assist members when writing to the media or government representatives.

I’m gathering troops. Join us. Be part of a level-headed approach to climate change. Armed with expert-backed facts, help elevate the public discourse on climate change and the transition to the low-carbon and sustainable economy. Visit www.climateresponse.ca and become a member. While you’re at it, become a Facebook Fan of Climate Response, and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/climresponse.

Due to my involvement with Climate Response, my Carbon Slim posts will dwindle down. I’ll still provide carbon slimming tips and news, just not as frequently as before.

Green Hot Love

2010-02-10T20:38:00.001-05:00

For those of you who want to celebrate your big love without a big carbon footprint, the following are ideas and suggestions (particularly if you live in Toronto):

Flowers and chocolate
Flowers and chocolate go together like ‘Organic’ and ‘Fair Trade’. For chocolate, Green & Blacks sell an assortment of Valentine’s chocolate that are light on the planet and support growers and their communities.

Organic and even Fair Trade roses and other flowers can be found at organicbouquet.com, Whole Foods and EcoFlora.

Dinner
Romance over local and organic cuisine! Although, eating local during a Canadian winter is a bit of a challenge. Toronto’s Il Fornelo offers local choices. For a list of eco-friendly restaurants check out the Green Living Restaurant Guide

Organic Spa
Nothing says love more than Moroccan Rassoul Clay Wrap. I’ve been to and recommend the following:

Bloor West Organic Spa

Aliviar Spa Organic & Vegan

Elixir Organic Spa

Love Toys
Yup. You can get eco-friendly and non-toxic sex toys (they think of everything!) Treehugger provides insights from various writers. Click here to learn more.

An Ugly Word that will Change the World

2010-01-21T21:27:00.001-05:00

Tax. Nothing sends shivers down the spines of North Americans more than that word. I suppose ‘tax’ has always been considered vile, but decades of conservative promises to squelch taxes have brought about a fresh new revulsion to the word. President Bush kept his word to cut tax even during a war. Where did that get him? Two terms in office. Where did that leave America? Trillions of dollars in debt.

It’s really unfortunate that the one thing that will truly bring about a clean tech revolution is the very thing that politicians promise to avoid.

The green tax. Put a price tag on carbon (while reducing income tax), and see the world transform. Once the true cost of carbon intense products and services is reflected in the price tag, the demand for low carbon commodities will spike. And innovation will soar. That means more industry, more jobs and more market diversity. We’ve seen it happen in Denmark. Its unemployment rate is four percent. It’s one of the lead exporters of wind technology, and its economy is one of the strongest in the world. They’ve had a green tax for years.

With all the work that I and others like me do in reducing our carbon footprints, we know that it doesn’t even scratch the surface in reducing greenhouse gas emissions when governments provide little incentive for others to follow suit.

Economists, environmentalists and some journalists such as Thomas Friedman (Hot, Flat and Crowded) are calling upon governments to tax carbon if we are serious about ushering in the low carbon economy.

The transition will be rough. The payoff will be worth it. We just have to trust. Tell your provincial and federal representatives that you support a green tax, because the more Canada relies on dirty tar sands to drive its economy the less our economy diversifies. Our manufacturing sector suffers as a result of the strong petro dollar, and with all that investment in ‘clean coal’ we simply will not be prepared for the green tech revolution. And it is upon us. Make no mistake. The countries that will benefit the most are the early adaptors, like Denmark and Germany, which lead the way in wind and solar exports. China, for all its belly aching about setting greenhouse gas targets, is starting to flex its green tech muscle. To read more, check out the following:

Economy of the Future, Alex Wood. The Mark.

Who’s Sleeping Now?, Thomas Friedman. The New York Times

Carbon Slimmer!

2010-01-06T22:10:00.002-05:00

Nopenhagen
Despite the rallies and vigils, and fasting for a day, I got no satisfaction from the Copenhagen climate conference. No one did. No legally binding treaty was set. Much blame was placed on the West, but one reporter from the UK’s Guardian newspaper blew the whistle on China - How do I know China wrecked the Copenhagen deal? I was in the room, by Mark Lynas

On the horizon in Canada is Bill C-311, about to go into third reading. When passed it will become the Climate Change Accountability Act and set legally binding science-based greenhouse gas emissions targets. Let your MP know you want them to support Bill C-311.

I’m Carbon Slimmer!
‘Tis the season to calculate my annual carbon footprint. At the start of each year I visit Zerofootprint’s carbon calculator to assess my travel, eating and home energy habits. I want to see how my carbons slimming measures are paying off.

I can tell you, I was a very good girl in 2009. I stepped on the carbon weight scale and measured 4.5 tonnes of C02!! Last year, I was at 7.8 tonnes.

I lost almost half my carbon weight!

Imagine the before and after shots of me on a carbon weight loss program. It would go something like this: BEFORE: Split photo of me in two planes. AFTER: Me in one plane.

Of my 4.5 tonnes, 2.21 constitutes my flight to Vancouver last year. Without that flight, my footprint would have been 2.29 tonnes.

Travel makes up the biggest chunk of my carbon footprint at 3.64 tonnes altogether, with household heating and electricity making up 2.68 tonnes (heating comes in at 2.26). I got nano tonnes from eating local and organic food – they take points off for very good behaviour; however, our four cats contributed to close to a tonne thanks to their voracious appetite for canned meat.

Energy Retrofit Savings
Jane and I took a big step forward this past year with our energy audit and subsequent retrofits. We had a high efficiency furnace and high performance windows and doors installed. We also had Green$aver insulate our walls and attic.

Did all this work make a difference? I compared the gas bills from October to December 2009 with those from the year before. In 2008 we used 650 cubic meters of gas during that time period. In 2009 that figure dropped to 367. It’s a significant decrease, and I strongly recommend homeowners to take advantage of the federal EcoEnergy program.

Carbon Footprints from around the World
According to Zerofootprint, the average person in Canada produces 9.8 tonnes of C02 every year. In 2009, my contribution was less than half that. How do I compare to the average person in other countries?

India – 1.4 tonnes
China – 1.8 tonnes
Mexico – 3.4 tonnes
Germany – 5.8 tonnes
Denmark – 5.9 tonnes
United States – 12.6 tonnes

Believe it or not, the average worldwide per capita footprint needs to resemble that of the average person from India – at this point in time. Lord help us all if their footprint resembles ours. We'd need four more earths just to get by.

Fasting for the Future

2009-12-16T22:28:00.003-05:00

Copenhagen. Heaven only knows what deal world leaders are going to pull out of their hats on Friday when they wrap up the Climate Conference in Copenhagen. Negotiations up until now have been in shambles and protests are raging in the streets. Canada’s squeaky clean image is tarnished with tar sands muck, and leaked Cabinet documents inform us that Canada is considering giving oil and gas companies a bigger break on greenhouse gas emissions than originally planned.

It’s bleak out there, but the night is always the darkest right before dawn.

Answering a call by 350.org, Jane and I are joining thousands in a world-wide fast on Thursday, in solidarity with those fasting in Copenhagen. We urge leaders to take a moral stand on climate change and to chart a sustainable future for our children. A 24-hour fast will be a first for me. Follow my experience at: http://twitter.com/CarbonSlim

Pressure is mounting for a fair, ambitious and binding climate treaty. A legally binding document will not take shape this Friday, but some significant direction could very well. Too much is at stake. Too too much. There is much that you can do.

Sign the AVAAZ petition www.avaaz.org/en/harper_enough_is_enough

Join the fast – www.350.org/fast. Before you do, read the medical information on fasting.

If you can, visit your federal representative’s office to let them know that you are fasting for a fair, ambitious and binding treaty on climate change. At least call and tell them.

Whether fasting is in the cards or not for you, you can do something ridiculously easy and effective. Call - that’s right - call the Prime Minister (if you’re in the US, call your Congressperson). Tell the person fielding the calls:

Your name and where you live.
That you want your government to commit to science-based emissions targets, and to take a lead on climate change.
You want your country to transition to a sustainable, low-carbon economy. This will not only clean the air, it will diversify our economy and create a plethora of green-collar jobs.

This is how easy calling the PM is:

Keep up the pressure!

In the News

A Call For Compromise At The Copenhagen Summit

Poor And Emerging States Stall Climate Negotiations

My Organic Tree and Copenhagen Vigils

2009-12-09T23:55:00.001-05:00

If you live in Toronto and are planning to bring a tree into your home for the holidays, the Canadian Tire location at Danforth and Main is selling organic Christmas trees from a tree farm in Eastern Quebec. Jane and I picked up our tree this weekend. You can also pick up unique fair trade decorations at Ten Thousand Villages.

For more on the eco footprint of Christmas Trees, click here.

Copenhagen
It’s very serious. But for a humorous overview of the climate talks in Copenhagen taking place right now, click here.

AVAAZ is helping to orchestrate candlelight vigils around the world on Saturday evening. Bring your kids. Be part of history. Help push our society toward sustainability. There are 300 vigils in Canada so far. Jane and I will be at the vigil at Queen’s Park in Toronto, starting at 7pm. Join me if you can. Click here to find a vigil close to you.

Are you a mom? (Or Dad?) Moms Against Climate Change are posting photos of their kids to drive home the message to Stephen Harper: Don’t play chicken with their future. On Thursday, December 10th, at 4:30pm local time, Prime Minister Stephen Harper will be sent a striking message. The faces of more than 1,600 children will be projected onto the sides of buildings in Ottawa and Vancouver with this simple reminder, “Stephen Harper: Remember who you’re representing in Copenhagen”. Click here to post your photos before Thursday afternoon.

In the News

Star joins global climate crusade
Toronto Star joins 56 newspapers in 45 countries take the unprecedented step of speaking with one voice through a common editorial.

Toronto Star Blog in Copenhagen
Canada ties first place with Croatia on Fossil of the Day award.

Guardian UK Covers Copenhagen

DreamBank – Goodbye Unwanted Gift. Hello Dream Fund!

2009-12-03T22:14:00.000-05:00

The holidays are weeks away and everyone’s figuring out how to celebrate without breaking the bank. Debt is never very merry. Neither are ho ho humdrum gifts that are rarely used after the merry-making has subsided. According to DreamBank, 83% of Americans received unwanted gifts during the 2006 holiday season. Where do those unwanted gifts end up? What a waste of money and carbon!

DreamBank
Recently, I stumbled on DreamBank. DreamBank is an online gift registry and community for dreamers. Dream of a weekend spa retreat? A trip to New York City? A cross country train trek? Original art in your home? A camera? Why not set up your dream page and invite your friends and family to contribute during the holidays, on your birthday or whenever.

So long strange sweaters, books you’ll never read and plastic holiday fare. When asked what you want for the holidays or your birthday, send them to your dream page.

Wanna see my dream page!? – I love photography!!

Other Green Holiday Tips
The following are tips from Christmas past:

Green and Debt-Free Holiday Giving

The Annual Green Holiday List!

O Christmas Tree

In the News

Climate Change talks in Copenhagen are in trouble before they’ve begun, and Canada is in hot water.

Copenhagen climate change talks must fail, says top scientist

Proposal to exclude Canada from the Commonwealth

Paint the House Green

2009-11-25T22:13:00.002-05:00

It’s been a few months since Green$aver filled our walls with insulation. I can tell you we really do feel the difference in the home temperature. We’re still painting, however. When Green$aver had to put holes in the walls to blow in the insulation, it served as an opportunity for Jane and me to change the colour scheme in our house. Of course painting always always always takes much longer than you think it will take.

Happily, it’s now easier to paint the house green (even when you’re painting it yellow). Benjamin & Moore, located a block away from us, carries its Ecospec and Nutura lines sans Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). We also picked up primer from Home Depot completely free of the VOCs. Home Depot also carries paint brushes and trays made from recycled materials.

What’s the big deal? – VOCs are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids, such as paint, cleaning supplies, glues, and even office equipment to name a few. They include a variety of chemicals, some of which may have short and long-term adverse health effects. Concentrations of many VOCs are consistently higher indoors than outdoors, up to ten times higher according the US Environment Protection Agency. For someone like Jane who is borderline asthmatic, VOCs are unwelcome guests. Depending on the compound, VOCs can contribute to pollution and global warming as well.

After changing the kitchen colour from forest green to lemon yellow in order to brighten up the room, we realized that we’ll also need to stain the cabinets a darker colour to compliment the yellow. Benjamin & Moore carries Minwax’s water-based wood stain line, which offers a variety of colour choices. It’s more work, but worth it when it’s done – hopefully before Christmas.

In the News

Bold action needed on climate change, Al Gore says

Ottawa set to reveal plan for climate conference

Leaked emails mark dangerous shift in climate denial strategy

Our New High Efficient Furnace

2009-11-11T21:47:00.004-05:00

Jane and I are close to completing all the recommendations from our spring energy audit. We replaced our 30-year old windows and doors, had insulation pumped into our walls and attic, and recently exchanged our dinosaur furnace with a high efficiency one.

For the latter, Jane and I called on my friend John Cannell who installs furnaces for a living. John works for J. Melvin & Associates Ltd., and is a member of the eco-book club I belong to, so naturally I turned to him given his expertise and passion for all things green.

John and his brother did a terrific job installing the Goodman furnace, which has an Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating of 95.0. Given that the highest AFUE rating is 96.6, our furnace is about as efficient as it’s going to get.

Have we noticed a difference? The new furnace is quieter than the older one and more even-keeled in generating heat – it’s not a blaster like the other. With the insulation, we notice that the furnace doesn’t come on as often to maintain 18 degrees Celsius.

Next step is to install a programmable thermostat and ensure all seams are caulked and electrical outlets insulated. In the spring, we will decide whether to have John install a tankless water heater or invest in a solar system.

In the News

Canada’s Environment Minister is being a very naughty boy. He’s going to get a lump of coal in his stocking this Christmas if he doesn't change his Scroogy behaviour – but I’m sure he wouldn’t mind that.

Denying Canada's environmental truths

Conservatives Set to Spin Copenhagen Climate Conference

My Climate Correspondence with Prentice

2009-11-07T15:01:00.002-05:00

This past summer I was so appalled by the government's inaction on climate change, I sent Jim Prentice, the Minister of the Environment, a message. Surely he must not understand the danger? Why else be so ineffective on climate change? His staff person's reply troubled me so much, I wrote back. The following is the correspondence we had.

Sent June 6, 2009

Dear Minister Prentice,

I was shocked to hear that Mr. Michael Martin, Canada’s lead negotiator on climate change, confirmed that Canada will not negotiate domestic targets. As you know the targets set by your government are well below those set by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change to mitigate run-away global warming.

Does the government of Canada not understand the danger that human-produced greenhouse gases pose on our biosphere?

I am following the UN climate talks with great interest. I want Canada to join the rest of first world nations in committing to the targets set by the IPCC.

To assume that effectively tackling climate change will hurt the economy is short-sighted. Canada has the potential to be an economic powerhouse through green energy development and production. We need to transition from non-renewable energy to renewables – immediately. By shirking Canada’s duty to mitigate climate change demonstrates to me that you must not understand the full ramifications of the dangers we face. I don’t know about you, but when 90 percent of the scientific community that studies climate change warns of unprecedented devastation if we do not curtail greenhouse gases now, I tend to listen.

It pains me that Canada, which has a reputation for doing the right thing, is selfishly committing to targets that will hurt our children. And it’s them and their children who will experience the brunt of climate chaos. What type of people would do such a thing to their children?

Surly not Canadians and certainly not you. Which makes me wonder, do you really believe what the scientific community is telling you? I am absolutely dumbfounded by the Canadian government’s response to the very strongly-worded advice of the IPCC. Why does it choose to stall progress on the most pressing problem of our time? Is Canada so addicted to the oil sands that it is willing to put the world in danger? As Minister of the Environment during this critical time in human history, is this the legacy you want to leave?

Please reconsider Canada’s position on its domestic targets. To do otherwise will be deeply regrettable for all.

Sincerely,
Cheryl McNamara

September 10, 2009

David McGovern, Assistant Deputy Minister, International Affairs Branch, replied to my email. Click here to read the letter.

September 22, 2009

Dear Mr. McGovern and Minister Prentice,

Thank you for your letter, dated Sept 10th, to my email from June 16th in which I expressed deep concern that Canada’s domestic targets on greenhouse gas emissions fall well below targets set by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

I am writing to express disappointment in your response and to challenge the logic expressed in your letter.

I do understand that Canada is committed to addressing the global challenge on climate change. The problem is that the targets that you have set do not follow the science. If the world followed Canada’s lead, global temperatures will exceed 2 degrees Celsius above pre-Industrial levels. As you note, this must not happen according to the broad scientific view. If it were to happen, feedback loops would kick in, rapidly accelerating global temperatures to dangerous levels. This would commit countless species to extinction and place our own species in peril.

With this danger in mind and recognizing the broad scientific view that the global average temperature must not exceed 2 degrees Celsius, why does Canada still commit to targets that scientist tell us are far below what is required to prevent runaway global warming?

In your letter you state: “We are developing a Canadian approach that makes sense for our circumstances, and we are working closely with provinces and stakeholders to finalize that approach.” “Our circumstances” is of course a euphemism for the tar sands.

Wayne Gretsky famously said that the secret to his success was skating to where the puck is going, not where it is. It’s a great metaphor. I feel that with your commitment to the tar sands, Canada is neither going to where the puck’s heading nor where it is. It’s going backwards. And no investment in green technology will right that wrong. You know this. Otherwise you’d be committed to the science-based reduction targets.

As you point out, other G8 leaders, including those rich in coal deposits, are willing to commit to such targets (80 percent or more by 2050 compared to 1990 levels). Keep in mind that the threshold date is 1990 and not “or more recent years” that you state in your letter.

To believe that Canada is somehow magically exempt from targets to which countries such as the US, UK, Germany and others are committing is naïve. Do you honestly believe that Canada will get away with this? What implications will Canada’s carbon heavy economy have in trade relations? Will Canada have to pay high tariffs for its dirty oil sands and the process of tearing up the Boreal forest to do so? How about importers of our oil, such as China? Will they be dinged too for choosing dirty oil? Canada is evangelical when it comes to free trade but expects an exemption when it comes to greenhouse gas emissions. I don’t think the world will let us have our cake and eat it too.

And why are you so certain that the majority of Canadians are committed to your 2006 targets? As you are well aware, Bill C-311 is in second reading. If passed, the Act would require whoever is in government to set science-based targets to fight global warming, and the government would have to implement a credible plan to meet those targets.

You claim to be working with provinces and stakeholders on your “Canadian approach”, yet isn’t the true Canadian approach currently unfolding in Parliament? I am puzzled that you did not mention the democratic process now underway, which will determine Canada’s direction on climate change policy.

The goal of “ensuring that 90 percent of Canada’s electricity needs be provided by non-emitting sources by 2020” is excellent and to be applauded. I also strongly support your EcoEnergy program, of which, as a homeowner, I am a participant. My spouse and I just installed EnergyStar rated windows and doors, as well as insulation in our 90 year old home. We’re also installing a high efficiency furnace. The work we’re doing will increase the efficiency of our home by 65 percent.

I am concerned, though, about your support for biofuels. Given the amount of fossil fuel required in biofuel production and the market incentive for farmers to grow corn for fuel rather than food, biofuels are neither non-emitting nor humane. Should people starve so others drive?

It is better to invest in public transit rather than biofuels. If all levels of government back state-of-the-art transit that is extensive, fast, affordable and reliable, you’ll find that a great many urban Canadians will chose public transit over being stuck in traffic.

The world must transition away from the carbon economy to one that is sustainable. If Canada commits to the oil sands, it commits to an unsustainable future. The very fact that Canada wants to tear into the Boreal forest, one of the world’s last remaining ‘lungs’, to get at the dregs of the fossil economy is not just foolish. It’s tantamount to suicide.

Canada must fully commit to transitioning to the green economy. We have the talent and resources to do so. We must commit to a 25 to 40 percent reduction in greenhouse gases based on 1990 levels by 2020 and an 80 percent reduction by 2050.

Sincerely,
Cheryl McNamara

C-Day Rally Draws Thousands for Climate Action

2009-11-04T19:53:00.003-05:00

On October 24, thousands of Canadians joined together on Parliament Hill to call for a fair, ambitious and binding treaty on climate change. We were part of an international effort, facilitated by 350.org, which saw hundreds of thousands of global citizens engage in more than 4,000 climate rallies worldwide.

Our rally came on the heels of some dispiriting news from Canada's Environment Minister, who stated that global representatives will likely not decide on a binding climate treaty this year - Ottawa dashes hope for climate treaty in Copenhagen

Tzeporah Berman, Executive Director of PowerUP Canada and Co-Founder of Forest Ethics, spoke at the C-Day rally. She started her speach by citing this news report, calling our government's inaction on climate change a scandal. How can any government - anyone - know of the danger of runaway global warming but elect to do very little about it? Too much is at stake with so much opportunity. Tzeporah devoted much of her speach to this opportunity and to the dream to turn our country around.

There is still time. Leaders meet in Copenhagen this December. Sign the KYOTOplus petition and write to your MP and Minister of the Environment. You can do all that by visiting http://www.kyotoplus.ca/

C-Day: Fill the Hill. Help make climate change history

2009-10-23T00:50:00.002-04:00

I am helping to organize Canada’s largest climate action rally this Saturday from noon to 4pm. The days leading up to the campaign have been exhausting and exhilarating. Well worth the effort! Thousands are heeding the call and making the trek to Ottawa via carpooling and charted bus. Jane and I are going up in a Toyota Prius thanks to AutoShare, taking with us Gracen Johnson, the Founder of C-Day, and Hilary Best, our publicist.

What’s the big deal? – World leaders are convening in Copenhagen this December to decide on the future of our species. They will set targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Will these targets meet those set by scientists to stave off runaway global warming? The Canadian government’s targets fall far short of what is required.

The stakes are incredibly high. That’s why 350.org is assembling thousands of events worldwide that day, asking all leaders for a fair, binding and ambitious treaty in Copenhagen.

What you can do

Join us on the Hill
If you can join us on Parliament Hill on Saturday, great! Click the following for C-Day: Fill the Hill Program of Activities

Join one of thousands of events happening Saturday
Simply visit www.350.org to find a climate action rally in your community.

Sign KYOTOplus and Fill Politicians’ Email Boxes
This is critical. If there is only one thing you can do, communicate to your elected representatives your desire for a fair, ambitious and binding treaty in Copenhagen. It will take you only seconds to do.

KYOTOplus has made it easier for us to do so. There are two steps:

1. Please sign the KYOTOplus petition if you have not done so already and then ask your friends and family to do so.
Sign the Petition

2. Ask your MP to support KYOTOplus by taking the Pledge, which calls on Canada to cut greenhouse gas emissions by at least 25 per cent from 1990 levels by 2020. International climate scientists say cuts of at least 25 per cent are needed NOW.

Click here to find out if your MP has taken the pledge. If so, thank them. If not, ask them to do so.

Want to do more?
Interested in writing a letter to your MP, the Minister of the Environment and/or the Prime Minister, visit Writing to Elected Officials 101 for helpful tips.

Blog Action Day - Climate Action: There’s Still Time

2009-10-15T08:33:00.001-04:00

We human beings are about to make the most critical decision we’ve ever made. No, this is not a promotion for some product that will make our hair less frizzy.

World representatives and leaders are meeting in Copenhagen this December to chart course on how best to dodge a bullet. More than 95 percent of climatologists and biologists who study climate change are very clear. If we don’t drastically reduce our greenhouse gas emissions we will commit our biosphere to runaway global warming.

How bad is runaway global warming? Imagine the torturous demise of our biosphere and you’ll get a pretty good idea. Species that can’t tolerate even the slightest change in their climate will die off, as will the species that depend on them for their survival and so on right up the food chain. Coastal flooding and other frequent natural disasters, and the mass migration they will instigate, will be the least of our worries. Viruses and parasites will flourish. Disease and death will be widespread.

This is depressing. It could be far worse. Imagine the following:

It’s 2020. The world is not on target to meet emissions targets that scientists warn will stave off runaway global warming. World reps signed off on a watered down treaty in Copenhagen way back in 2009. By now killer weather-related disasters are more frequent, parts of Africa are uninhabitable, and the pine beetle has devastated great swaths of the Boreal forest, as have oil companies to get at the tar sands. The summer arctic ice is now gone, glacial ice that millions depend on for their water supply is quickly disappearing and country-size chunks of ice are breaking off of Greenland and the Antarctic and melting into the ocean. The global fishing industry is on the point of collapse.

It’s only going to get worse. And you know it. What do you tell your kids? There is nothing you or anyone else can do to stop it. It’s too late.

It’s 2009. There’s still time.

Fight for this. Fight hard. Give it all you’ve got. You are living on planet earth during the most critical time in human history. World leaders are meeting in Copenhagen this December to set a course. What will it be? Commitment to developing a green and sustainable economy or more investment in the carbon economy? ‘Growth’ at all costs?

Thousands of us are converging on Parliament Hill on October 24th for C-Day: Fill the Hill, Canada’s largest rally on climate action and one of 1700 events coordinated by 350.org that day. Join us. Be one of hundreds of thousands of citizens worldwide who are sending a clear message to their leaders. We want fair, binding and ambitious targets on greenhouse gas emissions. Write to your MP. Sign the KYOTOplus petition. For more visit www.climateday.ca.

Part of Blog Action Day - www.blogactionday.org

Blog Action Day - Your Descendants Will be Green with Envy

2009-10-15T08:15:00.004-04:00

We live in extraordinary times. World representatives and leaders are preparing to meet in Copenhagen this December to chart a course that will dramatically affect the trajectory of our species.

If this claim seems exaggerated to you, consider that it is supported by more than 95 percent of the scientific community that studies climate change. It doesn’t get more conservative than a body of scientists who study and test and analyze and test some more until they come to a consensus.

And what is their consensus? World governments must commit to significant cuts in greenhouse gas emissions in order to stave of global warming and the subsequent breakdown of our biosphere.

For some, it’s difficult not to feel depressed when faced with such a momentous challenge.

For others, it’s difficult not to feel emboldened.

Do you recall the St. Crispen’s Day speech in Shakespeare’s Henry V, when the King inspires his terrified army to rise up and defeat the French despite the disparity in their numbers? It doesn’t matter, he argues, that the odds are staked up against them. Their descendents and contemporaries will kick themselves for not being there on that day when the English army defied the odds through their sheer will.

It’s the spirit of the speech, and not the warmongering part, that I apply to our times. Some wish to avoid danger by escaping to blissful self-induced ignorance.

For the rest of us, we live in inspired times. Our generation will steer our species away from climate catastrophe and establish the foundation of sustainable societies. Our children and their descendants will look back on us with awe and wish that they themselves were alive on this day in 2009 to be part of the global movement taking shape in communities of every country on this planet.

Consider the global movement that is 350.org. To date, more than 1700 rallies worldwide are planned for October 24. One of the largest will be in front of your federal legislature. Join us on Parliament Hill that day and help make climate change history. C-Day: Fill the Hill (www.climateday.ca) will see thousands of Canadians convene to make sure our government sets the right course, the one where our descendants celebrate us.

Earn bragging rights. Tell your grand kids that you helped convince the government to commit to science-based targets on greenhouse gas emissions. Tell them you were part on the forefront of the new sustainable economy. Your grand kids will be green with envy.

Part of Blog Action Day - www.blogactionday.org

Hallowgreen, Green Dreams and Save the World

2009-10-07T20:10:00.004-04:00

Hallowgreen

Halloween is creeping up. Will it be a truly creepy holiday replete with genetically modified candy, toxic makeup and plastic wrappers that will last several vampire lifetimes? How does one enjoy the holiday without having eco-horror nightmares?

To help you green Halloween, Bordon Communications & Design offers the following handy handbook - http://www.bordencom.com/bordenhalloween.pdf

Green Beds

Speaking of preventing eco-horror nightmares, Jane and I happened upon a great new retail outlet for eco-friendly mattresses and bedding. It's called Keetsa and it offers beds - get this - at prices comparable to their toxic equivalents. Why? Keetsa compresses the mattresses to make them portable, thus cutting down on warehouse and transportation overhead. The beds are very comfortable. If you live in Toronto, visit their retail outlet in the Beaches (2245 Queen Street East) to test them out. You can also buy comfort layers for the lumpy pull out couch to give visiting relatives a good night rest.

International Day of Climate Action

Tell your kids, nieces, nephews, grand kids, etc. that you actually did something to save the world. Sadly, this statement is not hyperbole. Join hundreds of thousands worldwide on October 24 - the International Day of Climate Action - and tell our leaders to set science based greenhouse gas reduction targets on climate change. World reps meet in Copenhagen this December to chart a course over the next 40 years. We better get our targets right. Now is the time to act. Join us on Parliament Hill for C-Day: Fill the Hill, where there will be among other things a 1000 person flash-dance, or join one of many events happening near where you live. Make climate change history.

The Yes Men Fix the World

This fantastic documentary opens today with national release on Oct 24. I saw it at the Toronto Hot Docs Festival last spring. Hilarious and sobering all at once, The Yes Men take social activism to a whole new level. Don't miss it!

Insulation Rocks!

2009-10-01T07:47:00.001-04:00

While fall is rearing its ugly head outside, my house was celebrating summer. The morning temperature in Toronto this week has been single digits. Inside, it’s been 20 degrees Celsius and the furnace is not on.

I know this seems obvious, but insulation really does make a difference to home comfort. It’s night and day – or fall and summer.

I must thank Green$aver for doing such an expert job in insulating our house. At first I had a naïve moment and actually considered renting a machine to do the job myself. It’s far far better to hire a company such as Green$aver that knows how to properly pack walls with cellulose. The Green$aver team also laid in insulation in our attic and crawl spaces – no easy feat with our house. These guys got into places I would not dare to go.

The Green$aver team was also very considerate, explained what they were going to do and were mindful of our pussy cats.

These days installing insulation does not entail tearing down walls. However, it does require opening up hose size and sometimes man size holes in walls to pump in the cellulose or get access to crawl spaces. It’s still a major job. Jane and I are in the process of painting the patched up walls. We’ve been meaning to repaint the hall and upstairs rooms anyway, and this has been a great incentive to do so. If you’re going to insulate, prepare to paint.

Happily I discovered that Benjamin and Moore has come up Eco Spec WB, a paint that is free of VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds).

C-Day: Fill the Hill

For those of you who can make the trek to Parliament Hill on October 24 for C-Day: Fill the Hill, arrangements are underway to transport folks to Ottawa. Click here for more details.

C-Day: Fill the Hill will be the largest rally on climate change in Canadian history. The stakes are incredibly high. World leaders are meeting in Copenhagen in December to chart a course on greenhouse gas emissions. If they set a course below the targets recommended by scientists, they are dooming our immediate descendants to runaway global warming which will lead to mass species extinction. Make a difference while you still can. Join us on the Hill on October 24 and/or contact your MP and the Minister of the Environment to let them know you want binding and science-based targets on greenhouse gas emission reductions.

Be sure to take action on this issue. For the sake of your children and everything you hold dear.

In the News

E.P.A. Moves to Curtail Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Ice Bear helps utilities keep their cool – Jim Harris, former leader of the Green Party of Canada, is now writing a column in the Financial Post on why ‘green’ makes good economic sense.

Pumped Full of Insulation

2009-09-24T22:13:00.005-04:00

Our home is dusty. Our cats are recovering. Our house is pumped full of insulation. Green$aver spent three days filling our walls with cellulose and crawling into our teeny attic space to lay down insulation, leaving in their wake hose and crawl size patches in our walls.

Now we have to paint. Happily we’ll paint just the walls that were affected, however now we have an opportunity to change our colour scheme in the hall and upstairs rooms, something we’ve wanted to do for some time.

We plan to visit Farrel & Ball, which provides clay-base and low VOC paint.

It’s a lot of work and a bit discombobulating but well worth it. Our 90-year old house, which up until now had very little attic insulation and nothing in the walls, will do a much better job in keeping in the heat, as will the new Energy-Star rated windows and doors we recently had installed. Green$aver helped us get the R composite insulating value for the walls up to R-12 and the attic up to R-50.

Isaac, one of the guys who got to know our attic very well, gave us insulating pads to place around the electrical outlets. We’ll be doing that, securing them with a bit of caulking, and covering unused outlets with childproof plugs. I’ll also go around and caulk areas such as baseboards that I missed last year. I’ll wait for a windy day to do so, finding the drafty areas with an incense burner.

In the News

I took part in AVAAZ's Global Wake Up Call on climate change on September 21, representing C-Day: Fill the Hill. A sizable group of us engaged in a flashmob at Toronto’s Yonge-Dundas Square demanding a fair and binding treaty on climate change, based on science-based greenhouse gas reduction targets.

I wrote about it on the C-Day blog – The Age of Stupid or The Age of the Green Transition?

We were among hundreds of thousands of people world-wide, calling for the same thing.

Join Us – tck tck tck Flashmob Wake Up Call

2009-09-16T22:18:00.003-04:00

I wrote the following for C-Day: Fill the Hill - http://www.climateday.ca/

As I write this, we are 82 days away from the climate talks in Copenhagen, where world representatives are expected to come up with a climate treaty that sets new binding targets on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Their decisions will significantly affect all of us and our descendants throughout this century and beyond. They better get this one right.

Let’s help them and, more to the point, the Canadian government do the right thing.

We’re going to do a little warm up to C-Day’s massive Ottawa rally Oct 24. Join Gracen, Aiden, Adam, myself and the gang for a little flashmob on Monday, Sept 21 at Yonge-Dundas Square in Toronto. It’s part of AVAAZ’s and 350.org’s tcktcktick campaign, and one of hundreds of similar events happening world-wide.

Let us know you’ll be joining us by visiting:

RSVP – Global Climate Wake Up Call – Toronto flash mob

Facebook group – C-Day, Fill the Hill…tck tck tck

Not in TO? Create your own flash mob
This is what we’re going to do

We’re all going to convene at noon at the south west corner of Yonge-Dundas Square. Arm yourself with your cell phone, iPhone, Blackberry or whatever you have. We’re going to coordinate our phone clocks and set our alarms to 12:18 (signifying Dec 18 Copenhagen climate talks). Then we’re going to disperse. At 12:18, our alarms go off, we join, make noise (bring noise makers, why not?), and email/call our MPs and the Environment Minister to let them know we want Canada to support science-based GHG reduction targets. Someone will film all of this and send the footage to AVAAZ to send to the UN.

We’ll also hand out Postcards to Prentice and info on C-Day Fill the Hill. Some of us will also be wearing C-Day shirts, each with a large letter which will spell out Climate Day when assembled together.

What’s at Stake

Our government remains committed to reducing Canada’s total greenhouse gas emissions by 20 percent from 2006 levels by 2020 and 60 to 70 percent by 2050.

Enviro Minister Jim Prentice tells us that Canada has the tar sands to keep in mind. We tell him that this is absolutely unacceptable. Canada’s targets fall far far below science-based targets of 40 percent from 1990 levels by 2020 and 80 to 90 percent by 2050. The government seems to think that it is possible to negotiate with mother nature. We Canadians need to remind the government that no one, not even the Canadian government, can negotiate with the planet. We need to steer away from the carbon economy and shift into green.

The timing is absolutely critical. Too much is at stake. Join us! Email Prentice and your MP. Join us on Sept 21 and join us on Oct 24. Help make climate change history.

Our new classy & eco-friendly windows and doors!

2009-09-16T22:07:00.002-04:00

September is weatherization month at my house. Jane and I had an energy auditor inspect our house last spring. He rated it 43 percent efficient and recommended raising that number to 76 percent by installing a high efficiency furnace, insulating the walls and attic, installing Energy Star-rated windows and doors, and putting in a tankless water heater. We’re doing everything but the water heater this month.

Gator Windows did a fabulous job installing 10 new windows and two doors earlier this week. The windows are manufactured by Northstar and feature specially treated low e-glass to minimize heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer. This way energy and energy costs don’t go out the window. For more on their energy saving measures, click here. I would highly recommend Gator Windows. It’s a family run business that’s been installing Energy Star rated windows and doors for years. They’re lovely to work with and very professional.

While our new windows and doors get eco-gold stars, they also get a pat on the back for looking marvelous. Our living room, that features five large south facing windows, seems more spacious, and the outside façade that surrounds the windows looks classy. Green and aesthetic. What more can an eco-warrior diva want?

Next week, GreenSaver is coming in to pump our house full of insulation. I can’t wait to tell you all about it!

Fishy Disappearance

2009-09-09T20:26:00.002-04:00

North America’s west coast salmon are disappearing. Why? Overfishing and salmon farms have decimated wild salmon populations. Sea lice multiply in fish farms and find their way into west coast waters where they cause havoc.

If you are wondering why wild salmon is so expensive, now you know.

Where have all the salmon gone?

Collapse of Salmon Stocks Endangers Pacific Fishery

What to Do
Support sustainable fishing practices. World fish stocks have dwindled up to 90 percent since 1950 because of over-fishing and whole-scale destruction of oceanic ecosystems. Happily there are fishers out there who would like to see a future in their trade. Support them.

To assist, several environmental organizations, including the David Suzuki Foundation, produced Canada's Seafood Guide, a handy document on what fish to buy and what to avoid.

Be part of the solution. If we are not, we can expect the collapse of world fish stocks within forty years.

Ask at the supermarket and at restaurants where the fish came from. Was it farmed? The more we ask, the more will listen, such as Loblaw.

C-Day - Historical Climate Action for my Niece & Nephew

2009-08-31T20:52:00.006-04:00

I will not stand idly by and let climate change devastate our biosphere. I am committed to reducing my carbon footprint, and I am committed to joining thousands on Parliament Hill on October 24 to demand from our government meaningful action on climate change.

And I’m doing all of this for my 5-year old niece and 3-year old nephew. I think of them a lot. What will their lives be like decades from now? Will they face a hopeless future because we’ve surpassed the tipping point on climate change, or will they thank you and me - our generation - for steering humanity towards sustainability?

Join me and thousands of others on October 24 in Ottawa on Parliament Hill. Write to your MP and the Environment Minister. Let them know we want Canada to lead on climate change during the Climate Conference in Copenhagen this December. They are signing a new climate treaty, a new road map to steer us away from climate catastrophe. Canada has been more than a hindrance than a help leading up to this conference. This is unacceptable.

In the future, you will tell your your children, grandchildren, and/or nieces and nephews that you made Climate Change History when you joined thousands in Ottawa on October 24, 2009 and told our government to do the right thing on climate change.

I am Filling Parliament Hill for Lauren and Keefe who are 5 and 3 years old. Who or what are you Filling Parliament Hill for?

About C-Day Fill the Hill (www.climateday.ca)

C-Day: Fill the Hill is the focal point of the largest climate action to ever take place on Canadian soil. Climate Day is about Canada Coming together to demand Change. It is a Culmination, a Critical mass, a Call for action, a Cultural tipping point. C-Day is about active Citizenship. We need to show the world that Canada Cares about its Children and the future of Earth. Join us as we Converge on Parliament Hill to demand government Commitment to a Cooler earth and Climate justice.

On October 24 – 350.org’s International Day of Climate Action – millions of us in virtually every country on earth will stand in solidarity for a sustainable future. Canada is responding with a movement that rustled in the grassroots, became a whisper on the wind, and has grown to a chant nationwide: FILL THE HILL!

Who: You, thousands of fellow heroes, and all of the friends and family you bring along!

What: A history-making mass mobilization to show our Parliament that, “Yes they can” make wise and just decisions when it comes to climate change. C-Day: Fill the Hill is the focal point of the largest climate action to ever take place on Canadian soil. This will be a day to remember.

Where: Parliament Hill, Ottawa – you won’t miss it. There are simultaneous events across the country for those good souls who cannot make the trek to The Hill.

When: October 24th - 350.org’s International Day of Climate Action. While we Fill The Hill, we stand in solidarity with millions of people in cities around the world in a global call for fair and binding climate agreements in Copenhagen.

Why: There are boundless reasons to Fill The Hill and we would love for you to tell us yours. Who are you marching for? Seriously. Send us a message, a video, a letter, a tweet.

How: Very simply – just get on The Hill.

Seasonably Green

2009-08-19T21:31:00.002-04:00

August is slowly making its way towards September. Many of us are harvesting veggies and fruits from our gardens (despite the poor start to the season). Others are thinking about going back to school.

Harvest
My vegetables started to show some life after weeks of rain and finally some warm weather. I came home from my vacation to string beans, a wonderful surprise! I am embarrased to say that when I planted the medley of beans in the spring (kidney, etc.), I had no idea how they would manifest themselves. I had no idea that string beans are the product of…you know… bean beans. Ruth in my office enlightened me that typicially one waits for the string beans to dry out before harvesting the beans inside them. News to me. Now I know. That’s why I like to plant new vegetables every year – to find out what they look like when they grow.

This year my friend Jane Miller will guide me in making pear jam and canning. Every year I’m trying to learn to do something new, and for good reason. I’m reading Jeff Rubin’s Why Your World Is About to Get a Whole Lot smaller. Everyone who is currently dependant on oil, such as all of us, should read it. After you do, you’ll want to learn how to can and do other self sustaining activities too.

Jeff Rubin is the former Chief Economist at CIBC World Markets, and certainly no chump. He’s been following the demise of the era of cheap oil for some time. Our world is about to profoundly change. Make sure you are not caught off guard (such as being the owner of an SUV or suburban home).

School
For those getting your mind around getting back to the routine of school, why not get off to a green start. Challenge yourself to go 100 percent green on the school supplies if you can.

How? Make sure you paper is all recycled. And use paper as little as possible. Companies such as Grassroots are selling biodegradable pens these days. You can also get pencils from sustainably harvested wood from companies such as Green Cricket. If you’re buying a computer, make sure it’s low on the toxic material side and high on the energy efficiency and longevity side. Avoid any supplies with PVC. Ride a bike or take transit to school. Get active in making your school more sustainable.

Some sites to help you go green:

Environmental Defence PVC-Free Back-to-School Guide

Green Cricket supplies

Laptops

7 Portable Solar Laptop Chargers Worth Considering

In the News

Collapse of Salmon Stocks Endangers Pacific Fishery
The news from the US

Salmon crisis threatens ecology and culture
The news from Canada

Oil Lobby To Fund Campaign Against Obama's Climate Change Strategy

Finally! Eco-Friendly Sunscreen that Doesn’t Make Me Look like a Robot

2009-07-29T18:50:00.003-04:00

I finally found an eco-friendly sunscreen that doesn’t make me look like the robot from Metropolis. Most sunscreens have chemicals to help your skin soak in the lotion. The problem is that these same chemicals also alter the sex of some fish and can cause cancer over time.

Safe active ingredients include Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide, but they tend to leave an odd metallic sheen on the skin.

I stumbled across Mexitan SPF 30 at Toronto’s Carrot Common. It leaves a barely noticeable sheen and works very well. It’s also water resistant. I’m currently vacationing in Grand Bend on Lake Huron and haven’t had to reapply after dipping in the lake.

For more on eco-friendly sunscreens, click here.

In the News

Low carbon way 'to reshape lives'

A Forewarned Future: As 'Climate Security' Forecast Darkens, Is Canada Ready?

Time of Use Smoothes Out Peak Demand

2009-07-22T22:48:00.001-04:00

Ontario is moving towards time-of-use electricity rates in an effort to smooth out peak demand periods. This means they will charge users more during peak times and less during non-peak times such as nights, weekends and statutory holidays.

Jane and I purchased our electricity through a retailer and are not subject to this type of pricing for now. However, we are very interested to know when we use electricity the most and what we can do to cut back during peak periods.

What’s the big deal? – When we all use electricity at the same time it of course strains the grid, uses more expensive types of energy and tells power system planners that they need mega generators like nuclear power to keep up with demand. By making peak-use more expensive, electricity providers set appropriate market signals for consumers to cut back.

I registered Jane and me at Toronto Hydro Electric System for a daily account of our time-of-day electricity use. If you live in Ontario, register with your electricity provider and help smooth out the peak.

In the News

Ten Best Green Jobs for the Next Decade

Money in the Window

2009-07-16T20:55:00.003-04:00

Before insulating our house we want to replace our 30 year-old windows and doors with Energy-Star high performance equivalents.

I tell you, those windows and doors ain’t cheap.

Gator Windows, a family run business in Scarborough, came highly recommended by someone in the business so we asked them to provide an estimate for 11 windows and two doors. As we waited for the cost Jane and I played The Price is Right, a guessing game on how much the price would be. Jane’s guess of $12,000 was completely outrageous, I thought, until she turned out to be right. She really needs to be a contestant on that show. She’d make a bundle.

I asked Harold Schaffrath from Gator to reduce the price without compromising quality. He managed to shave it down somewhat.

It’s a tough call because based on the potential rating improvement, installing windows and doors will not be the biggest bang for our buck, unlike the high efficiency furnace and attic and wall insulation. Nevertheless, they will improve our home's efficiency and last for decades so we decided to go ahead and have them installed.

High Performance - High Demand
The demand for high performance windows and doors has jumped quite significantly since Harold started installing them earlier this decade, thanks to the increase in energy audits. One of the first companies to install high performance windows and doors, Gator is now so swamped that Jane and I can expect a delay of six to eight weeks before we can have our new doors and windows.

Despite the delay, I am thrilled Gator is doing so well. We can thank the EcoEnergy program for that.

High Performance Windows
High performance means Low-E Coating on the windows. Low-E is a thin, invisible metallic layer applied to the glazing surface. It allows the suns energy in, but doesn’t allow the heat to escape – a big bonus during the winter. It also blocks the heat radiated from warm objects from entering the house – helpful during the summer. Of course, during the summer you will want to shield your home from the sun’s rays with blinds.

Other benefits to Low-E Windows

• Double-glazed windows with Low-E have the same insulating value as standard triple glaze. This means less weight and consequently less wear and tear on the window’s hinges.
• Fewer UV rays in the house means less faded carpets and fabric.
• Greater home comfort.
• Lower heating bills.
• Lower carbon pounds. More carbon slimming!

Framing
Framing is very important when it comes to windows, and doors for that matter. The frame should minimize conductive heat loss.

The Ministry of Natural Resources Canada recommends looking for insulated (non-metal) spaces and thermally broken, low-profile frames. It suggests fiberglass. Gator windows uses North Star vinyl windows. I’m not crazy about vinyl, a non-recyclable plastic with a nasty off-gassing habit. Harold informs me that fiberglass framing is hardly used and he isn’t sold on whether it’s a better material at this point in time. He also informs me that even if we choose fiberglass, vinyl will still be used. What’s a eco-warrior supposed to do?

High Performance Doors
When it comes to doors, we are looking at the following:

• Energy Star, Climate Zone B.
• Minimum of double glazing with a 12mm or greater air space.
• Materials with high insulating values
• Low leakage rates (pre-hung door systems).

More on our Energy Audit to come. In the meantime, check out http://www.360winnett.com/, a site that chronicles the eco-home renovations of a Toronto couple.

In the News

The planet's future: Climate change 'will cause civilisation to collapse'

Ontario pushes electric cars as auto-sector boost

The Green Affordable Laptop Machine

2009-07-08T22:21:00.002-04:00

Jane and I just bought a laptop. Of course we wanted the greenest one that we could afford. So we settled on the Toshiba A500.

We considered the Sony Vaio. Last year Green Peace gave the Vaio strong marks in its Green Electronics survey, which assesses hazardous material use, waste and energy.

I called OTA, a Toronto electronics repair company, whose services I’ve used. I wanted to know what brand is easiest to repair. The fellow I spoke to warned that parts for Sony laptops are hard to come by. He advised purchasing a Toshiba. They tend not to breakdown as much as other brands, and when they do their parts are easier to find.

Green Peace dubbed Toshiba Protégé R600 the greenest. It’s also the most expensive with a price tag at $2,000 (cough and sputter), up there with Mac laptops - which we really don’t need.

Gold, Silver or Bronze
The other green gadget gage is EPEAT, which rates environmental attributes according to Gold, Silver and Bronze. According to EPEAT, the Toshiba A500 rates Gold. With this rating, and the thumbs up from the computer-repair guy, we bought this model.

We also invested in Futureshop’s service plan. Through the plan, they clean the machine every year, helping to safeguard its longevity.

After all, it’s not really green if we have to replace it after a few years. Futureshop will also recycle it once it goes to laptop heaven.

In the News

US, other wealthy nations vow global warming cuts

Canada ranked last in G8 on climate action

Oxfam dubs climate change greatest threat to humanity

Garbage Strike Smargage Strike

2009-06-25T20:48:00.001-04:00

Toronto, the city where I live, is currently enjoying a garbage strike. As people gnash their teeth over the mounting trash, Jane and I are diverting our organics to our compost which feeds our garden. We’re also nonplussed about landfill-bound garbage as we purchase products with minimal packaging.

Suffering from garbage strike woes? Take control on waste. Reduce it and feed your organics back to plants that feed you or brighten your day.

On composting, click here.

On reducing your garbage, click here.

In the News

Global Warming's Not Back. It Never Went Away

Riding a bike made of grass

What's in the Meat? Food Inc. Delivers

2009-06-19T07:59:00.002-04:00

I saw the anticipated film Food Inc. on Monday. It opens in Canadian theatres today.

This film will likely do for big agribusiness what An Inconvenient Truth did for climate change. If you always wanted to read Fast Food Nation and The Omnivore's Dilemma but never got around to doing so, Food Inc. summarizes quite succinctly the pickle we're in thanks to agribusiness practices.

Click here for the trailer.

Click here for the review in the Globe & Mail.

The film is shocking to those who are unaware of the the litany of problems that agribusiness has unleashed. With 60 years of government subsidies to corn and the birth of fast food giants taking advantage of cheap commodities, the farming industry has consolidated into a few agri-giants who have a powerful hand to influence public policy and strong-arm farmers and live-stock owners to do exactly what they want them to do.

As a result animals and migrant workers are treated inhumanely. The fallout to the environment with the release of methane from the multitude of cattle, not to mention salmonella from the manure, is staggering. The health problems arising from feeding cows corn, which lead to the birth of a deadly E. coli strain, and antibiotics, not to mention the fact that most processed food comes from corn or soy and chemicals is well...now epidemic. Diabetes and obesity are on the rise and have been so for more than a decade.

The film is very good at showing the alternatives and reminds viewers that we have the power to vote at the grocery store. Vote for local organic food.

Please see this film. Happily, I understand that it's been selling out in theaters in the States, where it's been running for a week.

No Regrets. Bear Witness to Climate Change Negotiations

2009-06-11T19:57:00.002-04:00

Climate change talks are underway, leading up to the Copenhagen Conference of the Parties later this year. These talks are probably the most important that humanity has ever organized. They will chart a course on how we mitigate greenhouse gases in the next forty years.

Do we want to look back and say – ‘we’ll, we really blew it”? Or do we want to regard this time with pride knowing that our representatives set the right course. It’s the future of our children and their descendants that’s at stake. Even ours. We will likely feel the effects of climate change in our lifetimes.

Now is the time to act. AVAAZ offers us a unique opportunity to follow the progress of the climate change talks and let the negotiators know we are listening. Canada’s track record at these talks has been particularly appalling. Making your voice heard is critical.

Adopt a negotiator and take part in what will be a defining juncture in human history.

Adopt

Keep in mind that scientists call for 25 to 40 percent global emission cuts below 1990 levels by 2020, and 80% by 2050. Canada is promising 2.7 percent emission cut below 1990 levels by 2020. This is unacceptable, appalling and a cop out that will hurt our descendants beyond imagine.

Garbage Challenge Blues – Battle with the Plastic

2009-06-03T20:13:00.002-04:00

Jane and I have hit a snag with our garbage challenge. I was naïve. I thought the city of Toronto would graciously accept all the plastic bags that we’ve accumulated over the year through its Community Environment Days. Somehow the city would find some facility to recycle them, so I thought. The City does recycle plastic grocery bags, but not the vegetable, bread or freezer bags. We’ve reused these bags many times, but it gets to a point when they get a little disgusting despite multiple washings.

So we were stuck with an enormous bag of plastic. With a heavy heart, I put out the bag for garbage pick up this week. Rather than sending only four bags to the landfill this year, we are sending five.

Plastic bag, you think you got the best of me. Think again!

We have a new rule. No plastic vegetable and bread bags. No matter what. When we go shopping we bring out canvas bags and the following:

Reused Plastic Containers
Jane and I are big on bulk but the bulk section provides the dreaded plastic bag as the receptacle. When we go shopping we now take plastic containers and fill them up at the bulk section. We weigh them at the checkout station prior to filling them to avoiding paying for the container.

Mesh Gags
At the Carrot Common, we bought a $1 assortment of mesh bags to collect vegetables.

In the News

'Earth 2100': Is this the Final Century of Our Civilization?
ABC aired this program last night. It offered a frightening insight into what life will be like in the United States during this century if we do little to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions.

Climate change odds much worse than thought

First, there was expensive oil
Finally mainstream media is starting to pay attention.

Earth-Safe Sprays that Rappel Bugs

2009-05-27T18:49:00.004-04:00

Garden work is hard work. No question. Digging up grass to plant trees and develop veggie plots is now on my list of things I least like to do. It’s also on the list of the job that does not end. To help get me through the endless digging, I envision eating copious amounts of arugula and tomatoes, the end result of all this digging. But as I dig, I encounter the bugs and slugs that will also enjoy my arugula and tomatoes, certainly as much as I will.

Getting Tough with the Bugs
The minds of the twentieth century got us thinking that zapping ‘pests’ with poison was the magic bullet to safeguard crops. The reality is that during that time pesticides have offered short term gain with long-term pain.

Poisons do not discriminate between beneficial bugs and predatory bugs. They also kill off birds and worms, key players when it comes to the ecosystem, particularly edible plants.

The problem is that humans have replaced sustainable agriculture - a partnership with nature - with chemicals that nature has never seen. How effective are pesticides? According to Greenpeace, between 1940 and 1990, Americans increased pesticide use by 3000 percent and pesticide potency by 1000 percent. In 1940, the US lost 31 percent of its crops to insects, compared to 37 percent in 1990. Companies with pesticides to sell tell us their products are essential. I think we are all being sold a bill of goods.

Removing Uninvited Guests
If you have a plethora of veggie loving bugs, it could be a sign that something is amiss with your garden’s ecology. I refer to The Organic Gardener’s Home Reference and Marjorie Harris’ Ecological Gardening to guide me in what plants to place together to repel unwanted creatures and attract good insects to eat the ones that eat my food. Marigolds are particularly effective at rappelling and even killing a number of pesky bugs.

Non-Poisonous Sprays and Alternatives
No matter what you do, however, you will get the odd bug munching on your greens. It’s important to keep an eye on your crops. If your lettuce starts to resemble Swiss cheese, there are recommended sprays and alternatives that will not harm you, your plants or the soil.

Create a diversion – or trap. Slice up apples, potatoes, cabbage or lettuce and place where you are having slug or bug trouble. Once you get them munching on your bait, pick them off and destroy them quickly by stomping on them. No salt please. That’s cruel.
I tried the garlic spray last year, but it’s very stinky and cumbersome to prepare. According to Marjorie Harris, Canada’s gardening guru, the most effective general spray is also very easy to make – and not stinky. Mix 1 teaspoon of Ivory soap (nothing with a detergent in it) into ½ litre of water. If you see a bug on your plant, blast them with it.
Ruth in my office swears by her turmeric mixture (1 tablespoon turmeric to four cups of water). She sprinkles it along the border of her beds once a month. Works like a charm, she says.
Marjorie Harris’ Ecological Gardening makes other suggestions that are focused on particular pests. Her book is a great resource. I highly recommend it.
Avoid spraying during blossoming season or on a windy day. Spray in the evening when there are no bees. You don’t want to hurt these essential pollinators. You also don’t want to tick them off.

In the News

Did you hear? The province of Ontario passed a law where homeowners have to have an energy audit when selling their home. For more, click here.

The not-so-green side of gardening waste
Where to recycle your plastic pots

Meet Canada's climate point man

Homeowners can soon manage power use, Google says

Paul Hawkin’s Commencement address in Portland
http://www.charityfocus.org/blog/view.php?id=2077

Our Energy Audit Plan of Attack

2009-05-20T19:58:00.002-04:00

Jane and I have been busy with our garden and preparing our home eco-renovations.

In the past few weeks we planted eight trees in our front yard – seven cedars to act as a hedge and one Japanese Maple to provide colour and shade during the summer. I’ve also planted most of our edibles and look forward to fresh delicious veggies throughout the summer.

Our Energy Audit Update
On the home eco-reno front, we are underway with some preliminary work. I’ve learned that there is an order to all of this.

First step was to evict families of raccoons and squirrels from our attic. Our visitors made an incredible racket at 6:00am and sounded quite messy. As much as I love animals, these ones had to leave. Besides, how could we install new insulation when furry critters had taken up residence?

So first step was to call in AAA Gates’ Wildlife Control to cage all the vents, with an exit cage to allow the animals out and not in. That’s done.

Next on our list is venting the kitchen and bathroom. If you can believe it, our house has no vents in these critical areas. While venting does little on the carbon slim front, it does much for indoor air quality. It’s best to install the vents prior to blowing in the insulation. Vents will be installed next week.

Also prior to insulation, we will install the Energy Star rated windows and doors. Based on recommendation from an eco-expert, I contacted Gator Windows to set up an appointment to make a cost assessment. Gator Windows also install doors.

Insulation Recommendation
About insulation, I asked Greg Labbé at Green$aver for advice on the most eco-effective blow-in insulation on the market. He recommends cellulose for its low thermal conductivity. It’s also backed by Natural Resources Canada and is up to Passive House standard. When installed properly, cellulose will not settle and leave a gap. 'Installed properly' are the operative words here. At first I thought we'd install it ourselves, but since learned the folly of that idea.

Cellulose has an R value of 3.2. While Polyurethane Foam has a higher R value, it is also a petroleum product. Greg pointed out that if every home in North America was insulated with Polyurethane, the greenhouse gas contribution would be staggering.

After we insulate, we will bring in the high efficiency furnace. The jury is still out on the tankless water heater for now. It’s carbon slim impact is surprisingly low. I am also receiving mixed reports. More on that later.

In the News

Obama to Toughen Rules on Emissions and Mileage

Bigger isn't better
Rich, Poor And Climate Change (CNN Report)

Climate Change Is Biggest Health Threat Of 21st Century, Claims Report Into Global Warming

Yes Men Fix the World

2009-05-06T19:11:00.002-04:00

Imagine a world where major corporations provide full compensation for past wrongs, and adopt policies that place human and environmental welfare at the top of their priority list.

Dream on?

A group of activists called the Yes Men actually live the dream. They are corporate imposters, sending out ‘press statements’ from companies such as Dow Chemical, apologizing for past atrocities such as the chemical spill in Bhopal, India in 1984. Dow bought out Union Carbide India Ltd., which was responsible for the accident that killed 3,000 and injured and disabled half a million Indians, including children born to this day. Neither Union Carbide nor Dow has cleaned up the toxins.

The Big Bogus Interview
Sometimes the media mistake the Yes Men for the real deal, as in the case of the BBC in 2004. Responding to their mock Dow Chemical website which posted a press release announcing their Bhopal compensation plan, the BBC invited Yes Man Andy Bichlbaum to speak about the issue on live TV. Andy suddenly had an audience of 300 million viewers. That interview, in which ‘Dow’ officially apologized for the human suffering and offered full compensation to the victims, caused the Dow Chemical stock to fall dramatically, generated copious media interest in the Bhopal tragedy and provided much embarrassment for Dow which countered that they’ve made no such claim to clean up the mess for which they are now responsible.

Yes Men antics are showcased on their newly released documentary, The Yes Men Fix the World. It’s now on the Festival circuit, currently being screened at Toronto’s Hot Docs Festival. There are two more screening times – on Thursday and Friday. I highly recommend it.

Isn’t it Ironic
Much media criticism against the Yes Men is directed at the perceived false sense of hope that victims must feel when told a company or government agency is finally prepared to do the right thing. We learn in the film that those affected actually welcome the media attention that Yes Men bring to their cause. Ironically, journalists don’t seem to direct their critical eye at the corporation that caused the problem in the first place.

When Corporate Profit Feasts on Human Flesh
Yes Men also give lectures as phony corporate representatives at major conferences. At the core of their presentations is the shadow side of the free-market vision purported by so many corporations and politicians. How sociopathic can people get when it comes to fulfilling this vision? A group of bankers in London found acceptable the Yes Men presentation on the golden skeleton – how to profit from human disasters. Insurers bought into the lame-brained scheme of investing in personal inflatable body pods in times of crisis brought on by climate change.

Holy eye-opener.

The Yes Men finally (sort of) hit a cord when, posing as Exxon reps at a Calgary oil and gas convention, they suggested an alternative fuel in response to dwindling oil production: the bodies of the billions of people projected to die as a result of climate change disasters. The point was hit home when the audience members were asked to light candles purportedly made from the body of an Exxon employee who died after cleaning up toxic waste.

If you like wacky activism that spotlights the absurdity of it all, The Yes Men Fix the World is for you! For more on Yes Men activism, visit http://theyesmen.org/

Action

AVAAZ - The Truth About Swine Flu
Sign the petition! End factory pig farms

In the News

Harper to fight with EU over climate change
The Yes Men need to pay Harper a visit.

Ontario to Outmuscle Arnold via Green Energy Act

2009-04-29T20:40:00.002-04:00

Move over Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Ontario is poised to be North America’s leader in green energy and the new green economy.

The reason? Ontario may soon have the Green Energy and Green Economy Act. The Bill is currently in third reading. If you are one of those folks who love to read bills and parliamentary debates, visit Bill 150, Green Energy and Green Economy Act, 2009. Enjoy!

For those of you who just want the quick facts
Ontario is trying to catch up with Germany, which is on the forefront of renewable energy development. In fact, many of the policies implemented by the Germans are proposed in Bill 150. The goal is to get Ontario on the renewable energy bandwagon as quickly as possible, which means giving businesses and citizens great incentives to invest in solar panels and the like. Bill 150 proposes the following:

Developing a Feed-In Tariff to provide guaranteed pricing structures that help boost investor confidence and increase access to financing. It basically sets premium rates for renewable energy, based on technology, to encourage the rapid development of these technologies and sectors. To date, 280,000 jobs in conservation and renewable have been created in Germany.

Providing ‘As of Right’ grid connections to ensure that renewable energy projects which meet technical, economic and other regulatory requirements, have access to the power grid.

Creating ‘service guarantees’ to make wait times for approvals more transparent and ensure information is publicly accessible.

Streamlining the approvals process for renewable energy projects, eliminating duplication and barriers while ensuring that health, safety and environmental concerns are adequately addressed.

Establishing a Renewable Energy Facilitator to assist community proponents in navigating the project approvals process, ensuring compliance with necessary requirements.

Investing in a ‘Smart Grid’ to facilitate and maximize the development of new renewable energy projects, making it easier to connect to the system and setting the stage for new technologies like the plug in electric car.

What’s the Snag?
Many are calling for the inclusion of Take-or-Pay. This means all green electricity that's generated must be purchased whether it's needed or not. This provides additional guarantees to those investing in renewable energy. Currently, the nuclear industry enjoys this perk.

The other sticky wicket is that Ontario still plans to invest heavily in nuclear with the expectation that it will comprise 60 percent of the province's energy needs. However, if this Act is passed, renewable electricity has the potential to fill half of grid in the next few years. According to the article in the April 22 issue of the Toronto Star, there are 150 energy developers with 381 projects in various stages of development.

Environmentalists love it!
I attended the event, Why Green Energy last Thursday with David Suzuki. Hermann Scheer, German parliamentarian and Green Energy guru was on the bill but unfortunately could not attend. Filling in was Preben Maegaard, Vice-President of Eurosolar and Executive Director of the Danish Folkecenter for Renewable Energy. Also speaking was Dennis Hayes, the founder of Earth Day and Director of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory under the Carter Administration. All three environmentalists lauded the Bill.

In fact, experts from Europe and the US were in Toronto last week to lend support and advice. The stakes are high. If Ontario gets it right, it could serve as a model for other North American jurisdictions.

At the Thursday event, environmentalists decried the nuclear industry’s hold on Ontario. Dennis Hayes was quick to advise not to toss out the baby with the bath water. Once in force, the Green Energy Act will make it much easier for the renewable energy sector to take hold, likely (hopefully) trumping nuclear, which is too costly, cumbersome and dangerous to support. Let’s hope Mr. Hayes is right.

If you live in Ontario, please support the Green Energy and Green Jobs Act by signing the petition. To do so click here.

In the News

Environmentalists in battle to be heard in pesticide case
Will Dow Chemical get its way thanks to NAFTA? It’s the people vs. the big corporation.

Organic Priority List

2009-04-22T20:49:00.006-04:00

Happy Earth Day! Jane and I participated in a clean up of a local park, organized by our riding’s Green Party. We found the usual: plastic bags, plastic bottles, glass, prophylactics, Viagra cartons, bicycle frames, cooking fuel…. Our efforts seemed small given the degree of garbage strewn around the park, but we felt good doing something.

This installment is not about waste, however. It’s about poison and food, and what fruits and veggies you definitely wanted to buy organic.

Eating Well during a Recession
Times are tough. When funds are low, what should we cut? The cell phone or good quality food? Hmmm.

Many opt for cutting the latter.

We do know that more nutrients are found in local organic food than in jet-setting mass-produced comestibles. Local organic is not just good for the planet – it’s much better for you, according to a recent article in Now Magazine.

What’s the Big Deal? As Rachel Carson pointed out in her seminal book Silent Spring, tiny doses of pesticides magnify as they make their way up the food chain. We also now know that they can cause lasting damage to human health, particularly during fetal development and early childhood. Pesticides and herbicides also kill off natural insecticides such as birds and helpful insects, and have not proven to be more effective in keeping pests off the fruits and veggies than the latter.

The US-based Environmental Working Group (EWG) developed a Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides based on 87,000 tests collected by the US Department of Agriculture and the US Food and Drug Administration. If you must be more discerning in your shopping, the EWG provides a list of fruits and vegetables that you are better off buying organic due to the high pesticide content in their agri-business counterparts. Top on the list are:

Peach
Apple
Bell Pepper
Celery
Nectarine
Strawberries
Cherries
Kale
Lettuce
Grapes (imported)
Carrot
Pear

In the News

Bugs, cornstarch replace pesticides today
Ontario leads North America in ban on cosmetic pesticides. Suppliers of non-toxic alternatives are now faced with huge demand.

Carbon Slim – Swishing your way into Echo-Fashion

2009-04-15T20:17:00.002-04:00

For all you clothes swappers, there’s a name for what you do. It’s called swishing, and it’s all the rage now that the world economy is in the toilet.

I went to a swishing event a few weeks ago with no knowledge that it actually has a name. Indeed, in the UK it even has a website: www.swishing.org.

What, exactly, is Swishing?
According to swishing.org:

Dictionary Definition: To rustle, as silk.

Our definition: To rustle clothes from friends.

The Art of Swishing involves getting your friends together to swap gorgeous clothes and party at the same time. Every lady must bring at least one good quality, clean item of clothing, or an accessory, that she'd feel proud to hand on. (Large sacks of designer frocks are also gratefully received. And people who bring along anyone else with a bulging wardrobe.)

My Swishing Story
The Swishing event I attended, hosted by the wonderful Nina Okens, was a great opportunity to enjoy local wine and potluck treats, catch up with old friends and augment my wardrobe. Nina did a great job arranging the items according to type: coats, slacks, blouses, accessories, etc. As a costume designer she has easy access to coat racks which helped. It was like shopping, only in Nina’s living room.

Did I score? Absolutely. Two great summer slacks – for free - in time for the season.

I must confess, I have a problem shopping in second hand stores. I don’t know if it’s the smell or my middle-class upbringing, but it puts me off. Swishing is a great solution. I swap clothes with friends or friends of friends, and socialize while I’m at it. I clean out my closet, get free new clothes, meet new people and catch up with old friends. It’s win-win.

Organizing a Swishing event is easy. Have some clothes you want to get rid of? Why not facebook your friends and arrange a Swishing party? Great for your pocketbook and good for the environment. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle! I mean, with all the clothes in the world, why crank out and transport more?

Upcoming Events

Earth Day Events
April 22. Find out what’s happening in your community - www.earthday.ca

If you live in Toronto, the following events may be of interest. I'll be at most of them. Hope to see you there!

Living on Earth as if we want to stay
April 17 – 7pm to 8:30pm
Centre for Social Innovation
215 Spadina Ave. 4th floor

Why Green Energy? - Renewable Solutions with Dr. David Suzuki & Dr. Hermann Scheer
April 23 – 6:30
Convocation Hall, University of Toronto

Green Living Show
April 24 – 26
Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place

Hot Docs Festival
April 30 – May 10
Hot Docs is screening several enviro-themed films. Many point to big problems, of which I am aware. I'd rather be inspired than depressed. That's why I've bought tickets to see Fierce Light, When Spirit Meets Action and The Yes Men Fix the World.

In the News

Tiny Saskatchewan town turns carbon trap into cash
God help us all.

Garbage Diva Stories

2009-04-08T19:03:00.002-04:00

I have two garbage success stories that I would like to share. You may recall that last year I was struggling to improve my composting technique, and in early January, Jane and I committed to producing only four modest bags of garbage for the entire year.

I have some good news to report.

Composting Diva
Last summer my compost wasn’t really cooking. Literally. A good compost should do so. I consulted a few resources such as the Composting Council of Canada and found the recipe for a smok’n compost. I posted my findings on my blog installment Compost that Cooks and followed the guidelines.

I knew I was doing something right when in the heart of winter, and we’re talking 20 below here, I could drill my compost stick right to the bottom of the compost no problem. That pile was generating heat.

My compost is now quite full. Soon I will open the bottom hatch to remove the rich mulch that will augment the soil of my edible garden. Jane and divert half our organic waste to our compost. It’s win-win: less waste to be shipped and free compost for our garden.

Garbage Challenge
It’s early April. For three months, Jane and I managed to limit our landfill-bound garbage to one bag for the first quarter. The garbage collector picked it up yesterday. Next garbage pick up is early July.

We buy in bulk as much as we can, visit cheese shops where they wrap in paper, and buy our fish from Whole Foods where sustainably harvested seafood is wrapped in paper as well. We also reuse any plastic bags we manage to collect and save them to recycle during Toronto’s Environment Days.

Our garbage challenge would be a crazy Herculean feat if it weren’t for the City of Toronto’s commitment to divert 70 percent of the city’s waste from the landfill by 2010. Recycling organic material as well as paper, aluminum and most plastic is a big help.

Canada’s Opposition Parties Support the Climate Change Accountability Act
Great news. On April 1st, Liberal, NDP and Bloc Québécois Members of Parliament supported BillC-311, the Climate Change Accountability Act. If passed by the Senate, the Act will set Canada’s greenhouse gas reduction targets at 25 percent below 1990 levels by 2020 and 80 percent by 2050. These levels are recommended by the Nobel Prize-winning Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Every other sane country in the world is following the IPCC recommendations – even the USA. The bill passed second reading, with 141 votes in favour and 128 against. The entire Conservative Party voted against the bill. Good grief!

Action

Tell Congress: Close the carbon pollution loophole!
For Americans. Please sign the petition to get your green economy up and running. Please show us the way. Someone has to.

I give a dam about our natural waterways
For Canadians. The Conservatives are gutting laws that protect waterways. Help stop them!

In the News

GM: Goodbye Hummer? Hello electric scooter

Awful Ice Melting News:

Thinning Arctic sea ice alarms experts

Ice bridge holding Antarctic ice shelf cracks up

Results of our Home Energy Audit

2009-04-01T18:19:00.005-04:00

The results of our home energy audit are in. On a scale of one to 100, with the latter being most efficient, our 90 year-old home rates 43. If we accomplish all of the recommended retrofits in our report, we will increase our home’s efficiency rating to 76. That’s a 56 percent jump in our home’s energy efficiency and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 6.3 tonnes per year. Not bad, and much better than I thought it would be.

Our report is lengthy, 20 pages altogether, and full of advise on how to best weatherize our home. Recommended retrofits are prioritized according to potential rating improvement. For our home, top items are:

Heating System – replace our heater with an ENERGY STAR qualified gas furnace that has a 92.0 percent annual fuel utilization efficiency or better, equipped with a DC variable-speed motor. Potential Rating Improvement: 12.6 points. The federal grant, which is matched by the province, is $500. I understand that our utility will kick in about $200 as well.

You can see that the recommendations are detailed and specific.

The next priority at 10 potential improvement points is Wall Insulation. We need to increase our exterior wall insulation by an amount greater than RSI 1.59 (R-9). The federal grant, matched by the province, is $1500.

Next on the list is Basement/Crawl Space Insulation. I won’t get into the gory details. I think you get the picture. Other recommendations for our house in order of priority are attic/roof insulation, air sealing (more caulking), replace windows & doors, and replace our water heater with one that is tankless.

The report’s layout is very helpful, enabling us to zero in on top priority areas. I was happy to hear that GreenSaver also offers their services in insulating our home, something many contractors may not be interested in doing.

The retrofits will take place in the months to come. We look forward to an efficient and comfortable home next winter.

In terms of resale value, for those of you who feel that energy efficiency isn’t high on a home buyer’s list, think again: Smaller, energy-efficient homes popular: survey

In the News

Climate change experts call on G20 members to commit to action

Concrete Is Remixed With Environment in Mind

Call to Action on Climate Change

2009-03-26T08:22:00.002-04:00

You’d think that when 2,500 leading scientists collectively issue a ‘desperate plea’ to politicians on climate change, the world would stand up and take note.

Major media basically ignored them.

These scientists, attending the Climate Change Summit in Copenhagen, issued their plea last Friday. The UK’s Telegraph and The Guardian were some of the few major press that covered the story. The following link is from the Telegraph.

World's leading scientists in desperate plea to politicians to act on climate change

Given that few corporations own all major media, the media’s lack of response is hardly a surprise. News on the Climate Change Summit spread through the blogosphere like wildfire though.

Word needs to get out. Please email this story to your family, friends and colleagues. Write to your representatives. Don’t delay! We’re talking about our descendents’ future. If you’re a parent or grandparent – or parent to be - think of your kids. I think of my niece and nephew. Put a face to this. It’s their faces. It’s this personal. It matters this much. Please get the word out.

The London G20 Summit takes place next week. Sign the AVAAZ Petition demanding a green recover now. http://www.avaaz.org/en/global_economic_rescue/?cl=206960687&v=3082

Write to your representatives at the local, provincial/state and federal levels to commit to:

Cut carbon dioxide to at least 25 percent below 1990 levels by 2020 and 80 percent by 2050.
Stop subsidizing fossil fuel immediately.
Make retrofitting houses, buildings and factories a priority.
Invest heavily in public transit.
Invest in cleaner and greener cities.
Support market development of clean energy technologies that include solar, wind, geothermal, tidal and wave.
Stop putting your eggs in the carbon sequestration and ‘clean’ coal baskets. The former will take years to be cost effective and environmentally sustainable (if ever). The latter simply doesn’t exist. It’s an idea only. A true oxymoron.
Stop supporting nuclear. Help homeowners and businesses generate the bulk of their own power.

These investments will create thousands of jobs committed to work that needs to be done immediately. These are smart solutions in troubled times.

Please visit your city’s and Province/State’s websites to locate contact details of your representatives. For your federal representative, click on one of the following:

Canada

USA

Please write! We’re talking about your kids here.

Our Home’s Energy Audit

2009-03-18T20:04:00.005-04:00

My cute little home is a carbon monster thanks to lousy insulation and inefficient heating.

Jane and I live in a house built in the 1920s. We try to keep the thermostat at about 17 degrees Celsius during the winter, but the inside temperature fluctuates between too hot and too cold. Getting it right is a challenge. So much of that heat escapes and along with it our hard earned money.

So we brought in the energy auditor.

Quick Recap
Jane and I have taken advantage of low interest rates to refinance our home and are tapping into our home’s equity in order to participate in Canada’s ecoEnergy program, an incentive-based program to encourage Canadians to weatherize their drafty houses. Through the program:

We bring in an energy auditor to provide a complete assessment of our home’s efficiency and advise on appropriate retrofits for our house.
We have 18 months to weatherize our home based on the
recommendations.
Once we’re done, we bring in the auditor to reassess our home.
We send that assessment and receipts to the federal and provincial governments for rebates.

Our Energy Auditor
Enter Haresh Patel. Haresh is a Certified Energy Advisor with GreenSaver, a Toronto-based not-for-profit organization that provides a full assessment on a home’s energy efficiency.

Haresh took stock of our appliances, measured the house, prodded behind the outlets in vain search of insulation, took lots of pictures and placed a huge turbine contraption at our door to simulate windy conditions. When the turbine was in full throttle we toured the house in search of drafts. And boy did we find them, despite my best caulking efforts.

Haresh is compiling a report for Jane and me. In it we will find out how our house rates in terms of efficiency, as well as a priority list of retrofits to reduce energy loss and utility costs. On a scale of one to one hundred, with one hundred being most efficient, our house will be rated. Haresh suspects it’ll be about 40, which is a lot higher than I predicted.

Preliminary Findings
Haresh discovered what I suspected all along. Our house has no wall insulation, and the attic insulation needs replacing. The following are some recommendations that we can expect in the official report. Happily, we now have $30,000 earmarked for home renovations (most of it for energy retrofits) thanks to refinancing and tapping into our home’s equity.

Insulate the walls, attic and crawl space under the living room
extension.
Replace the old furnace with an ENERGY STAR qualified gas
furnace (our old furnace is releasing carbon monoxide, which – for some reason - causes concern).
Stop venting the furnace through the chimney. Stop up the chimney. So much cold air is drawn into our house that way. Vent through a wall instead.
Say goodbye to the conventional water heater, which heats water even when we don’t need it. Purchase a tankless heater, which heats on demand.
Waterproof and insulate the basement exterior wall.
Seal off the basement header area.
Replace all doors and windows, which were installed in the 1980s and about as efficient as an American-built car.
Install a vent in the bathroom.
Install a heat recovery ventilator that is certified by the Home Ventilating Institute. Once the house is more efficient, it is recommended to keep the home well ventilated.

That’s a long list. Beside each item is a dollar amount that the federal government will payback if installed. For example, the feds will rebate us $500 if we replace our furnace with the specifications outlined in the list. The province will match that amount. That’s $1,000 off an estimated $4,000 furnace, or 25 percent discount. I am not sure what the overall discount will be, but it sure is a helping hand. We will also get some money back from the Home Renovation Tax Credit.

The plan is to apply those rebates to our mortgage’s principal. In the end we will benefit, not only from a much more comfortable and safer house, but from a house with greater home equity.

In the News

Leading climate scientist: 'democratic process isn't working'

Shell dumps wind, solar and hydro power in favour of biofuels

And now for a little humour….

Low Carbon Fun with the Refrigerator

2009-03-11T19:18:00.002-04:00

First off, dust off your candles and prepare your party invitations for your annual Earth Hour dinner party, taking place March 28th. The lights will go off all over the world starting 8:30pm for one hour of carbon low fun.

Speaking of carbon low fun, an article from the Toronto Star (Getting by without a Fridge) got me thinking creatively about refrigerators. My fridge is Energy Star rated but still an energy beast. I’m concocting a plan to reduce its energy sucking ways, and my electricity bill to boot.

Sign a Petition
I interrupt my fridge plan for an important announcement – click here to sign AVAAZ’s petition to get the European Union to adopt strong efficiency standards for energy-using products like fridges, televisions, and boilers, to reduce Europe's overall climate pollution.

My Fridge Plan
My fridge has an EnerGuide rating of 447 kWh per year. It’s ok. Can Jane and I reduce its energy consumption even more?

You can imagine my surprise and intrigue when I learned that some folks get by without a fridge, but then I thought – hold on. I live in Canada. During half the year outside temperatures range from fridge-like to deep-freezer. Why not take advantage?

What’s the Big Deal? – The refrigerator alone comprises 10 percent of an average home’s carbon footprint. If you can tame your fridge, or do without, you win gold stars in the carbon slim department (so long as unplugging the fridge does not entail more car trips to the grocery store.)

Back to that Fridge Plan
Jane and I are vegetarians so there is no concern about meat contamination. The back mudroom is very cold in the winter. Why not install a cabinet to store our dairy products and leftovers, and give the fridge a rest for four to five months?

This year we plan to buy tons of local vegetables and fruits, chop them up and freeze them to enjoy during the winter. I’d like to investigate getting a large cooler to place outside to store these frozen items.

In the summer we will keep the fridge going but at a low setting. In fact, I set the fridge at two (the highest setting is seven).

Jane is lukewarm to the idea, so to speak. I have half a year to convince her.

Click here for more tips on greening your fridge.

In the News

Smart and Stupid approaches to Global Warming

Canada's ground temperatures rising, study finds
The right way to take advantage of global warming.

Connect2canada Podcast
The really stupid way to take advantage of global warming (melting arctic ice paves the way for more oil extraction!! These people are nuts.)

Be Defiant! Cultivate Seeds

2009-03-04T19:57:00.002-05:00

Last weekend I checked out Seedy Saturday, an annual gathering of urban garden enthusiasts who buy and sell heirloom seeds and talk garden shop. The event was so well attended I had to squeeze my way from stall to stall. My efforts were well rewarded though. I came home with a multitude of heirloom seeds with far-out names such as Di Cicco Broccoli, Scarlet Nante carrots and Chicago Warted Hubbard (it’s a squash). I’m even going to grow beans!

What’s the Big Deal? – With the likes of Monsanto claiming proprietorship over seeds, and the whittling away of variety in veggies and fruits over the decades, the act of cultivating nature’s wide diversity is at once an act of defiance and a movement to strengthen our food supply. The latter is of critical importance given what’s ahead of us as the climate changes. Diversity will help us better weather changes that some species find intolerable.

Indoor Incubation
Every year I challenge myself to expand my gardening activities. This year I plan to start my planting early. Real early. In Toronto where I live planting day is typically the end of May when there is no risk of frost. This spring I’m turning my house into a plant incubator. I’m going to start the growing process inside and transplant them to the garden in late May. While at Seedy Saturday, I took in a workshop on indoor planting. This is what I learned:

Mix 90 percent potting soil with 10 percent coconut coir. This mixture provides the seeds with nutrition-rich airy soil in which to thrive.
Use a potting medium that makes it easy to remove plants during transplantation to the garden bed. Those plastic potting trays with small units are designed for this purpose. You can also use egg cartons. Just make sure to punch a tiny hole in each unit to ensure drainage. For plants such as tomatoes, be sure to use a small pot – something larger than the potting tray.
Moisten the soil before planting.
Once you’ve planted the seeds, cover the soil with newspaper or, if using egg cartons, the carton lid. This will help retain moisture. Calculate the germination time and mark it in your calendar. You want to remove the lid or paper just before the plants start poking through the soil.
For complex plants, like most veggies, you will need to ensure they get full spectrum lighting. I believe you can buy a special lamp. The easier alternative, if you are able, is to place the young plants at a south-facing window so they receive optimum sunlight.
Weeks prior to transplanting to the garden, start introducing the plants to the elements. Let them sit outside for six hours or so everyday. You want to get them hardy in preparation for transplantation.
Be sure not to over water. Moisten the soil only when it’s dry.
When transplanting, the plant should have at least three leaves. Gently pinch the top leaf and use a flat devise like a flat wooden stick to pry up the plant. Ideally you want to the soil to go with the plant. The roots should be while. If they are dark, discard the plant as it’s unhealthy and will likely not survive.

To find out how many weeks to start the seeding process, check out this great Toronto-based site called You Grow Girl. Click here for their guide chart.

The reason to start the edibles indoors is twofold: to give them a heads start so that we can harvest sooner, and to nurture them in a safe environment for greater chance of survival.

Our Problem
I’m all gung-ho about starting my edibles indoors. Our south facing living room is blessed with large windows, great for giving our edibles a head start. However, Jane and I have a bit of a challenge. We have four very curious cats who find green leaves absolutely irresistible to chow down on. So this is what I’m thinking: plenty of cat grass on the floor and giving the containers a douse of lemon. Nothing turns a cat off more than citrus. Blah!

Inspiration

Check out this great little video on one family’s journey to self sufficiency.

In the News

Ontario to prohibit 85 cosmetic pesticides
Rachel Carson would have been pleased.

Endangered Species Act 'has serious holes'
And then there is this.

Harper rolls dice to play oil sands 'wild card'
Great article by The Toronto Star’s Tyler Hamilton

Home Energy Audit Here We Come

2009-02-18T19:34:00.004-05:00

Jane and I will have $30,000 to invest in energy retrofits for our house. How did we come upon $30,000? Lottery? Inheritance? Theft?

None of the above. We’re refinancing our home thanks to low interest rates and unlocked $30,000 from our property’s equity. Being a homeowner is fun!

This is how it all played out for us….

We approached our mortgage broker Bonnie Smith of Invis about getting a ‘green’ mortgage, basically a low interest loan to retrofit the house. TD Bank is the only institution that offers this product and we would rather fold the loan into our current mortgage with First National.

Bonnie advised that we tap into our home’s equity. We approached Ron Hyde, our real estate agent, to determine the selling price of our house today. Despite the subprime meltdown in the US, the market in Toronto is still reasonably healthy. Ron told us that he would list our home $60,000 higher than the purchase price two year ago, based on current selling prices in our neighbourhood and the work we’ve put into the house.

Interest rates are currently very low. Bonnie looked into the possibility of refinancing our mortgage and came up with the low rate of 4.39 percent over five years. Even with the penalty and lawyer’s fee, which amounts to $3,600 altogether, our savings will make refinancing worth our while.

By refinancing at that low rate and receiving $30,000 to improve the home, our biweekly mortgage payments will not significantly increase. In return we will transform our leaky 90 year old house into one that’s energy efficient.

If you are a homeowner living in an older house you may want to take advantage of the current low interest rates while they last and improve your home’s energy efficiency. Benefits include increased comfort and home value, and reduced utility costs and carbon footprint. You will also employ people during a time when they need it the most.

I’ve just booked our energy audit with Green$aver, our local energy auditor, to assess our house on March 13. Once we’ve made the suggested improvements to the house and have our home reassessed, we will receive federal and provincial rebates, as well as enjoy reduced utility bills. The rebates and savings will go towards paying down the mortgage once the loan matures in five years. That's the plan.

In the months ahead I will keep you apprised of our journey to make our home a lean mean energy efficient machine.

Interested in booking your own energy auditor? Canadians can find a list of auditors across the country by visiting Green Communities. Americans can visit the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE) for State incentives and the US Dept. of Energy’s Professional Home Energy Audit page for more information.

In the News

Take Peak Oil seriously - it'll be here much sooner than you think

Everything's gone green
Well Universities are getting in the act.

Scientists losing war of words over climate change
Interesting article on how the conservative language of scientists is misunderstood and taken advantage of by the naysayers.

'Dirty' oil potential source of friction as Obama heads to Canada to discuss clean energy

Happy Green Valentine’s Day

2009-02-11T18:58:00.001-05:00

The day of love is upon us. To get you in the mood for a green hot Valentine’s Day, check out the following links for sweet insights on dinner, flowers, chocolate and wink wink nudge nudge say no more say no more.

Carbon Slim - Spreading the Green Love
My V-Day installment last year. Like love, it’s timeless

Red Hot Green Loving
For those of you who think that David Suzuki is sexy, it doesn’t get any hotter than this.

Happy V-Day! Love the planet.

In the News

Scientists plan emergency summit on climate change
Scientists to get more vocal. Hopefully everyone listens.

Blue-box leftovers go to China and back
This is a Toronto problem. It’s terrific to throw all our recycling in one bin but as a consequence our recycling is shipped to China for sorting. Good grief!

Will firms bankroll recycling?
On the flip side, Toronto is looking into charging companies for their packaging as an incentive to reduce it.

Carbon Slim for the Kids

2009-02-05T19:13:00.004-05:00

I visited my brother's family in Vancouver this past week, spending quality time with my four and three year old niece and nephew. That trip across the country is my first of the year. It's also my last if I am to keep my commitment to cut my air travel by half from 2008.

It's ironic but visiting my niece and nephew reminds me why I count my carbon calories and write about it every week. Lauren and Keefe and everyone in their generation should not have to pay for our excess.

Thank goodness for Windows Live Messenger and our webcam which enables us to talk to each other face to face (for free!) when we are thousands of kilometers away. Not as good as the real thing but a great tool to stay connected while keeping carbon slim.

In honour of my niece and nephew, I want to leave you with a simple yet brilliant message from an up and comer. Changing priorities to live happily and sustainably depends on you and me. Be the change you want to see.

It’s the sustainable economy, silly

2009-01-28T13:10:00.002-05:00

First things first – I’ve changed my name. Way back in 2005, when I dreamed up my blog, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change said that collectively we need to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions by 60 Percent by 2050 to avoid runaway global warming. I have a weakness for targets so I coined my weekly missives the 60 Percent Campaign.

Since that time, the Panel adjusted the target to 80 percent by 2050, upping the ante and rendering my blog name meaningless.

The purpose of the blog is to encourage us all to be carbon slim so Carbon Slim it is. If you’ve included a link to my blog in your own blog or website, be sure to change the URL to www.carbonslim.blogspot.com.

It’s the sustainable economy, silly
The US and Canadian feds are having a field day with money. Billions of it. I applaud initiatives to stimulate the development of green technology and industry, but in the interests of sustainability there needs to be a greater emphasis on transit and urban density initiatives and much much less on road development (unless they want to build more bike lanes).

I’m fascinated by the concern expressed by some economists that reducing taxes will only prompt ‘consumers’ to pay down debt and save rather than continue with the frenzied spending spree of a consumer-driven economy.

The questions I have in the midst of all the chatter about how best to stimulate the economy is what got us into this mess in the first place and how can we move towards sustainability?

How did we get here? – For a litany of the foolish decisions and shenanigans that got us in this massive mess, I encourage you to read Joseph E. Stiglitz’s Capitalist Fools from the January edition of Vanity Fair. Mr. Stiglitz is a Nobel Prize winning economist and professor at Columbia University, so he’s no chump. The article is most enlightening.

How can we get on the road to sustainability? - The first place for policy makers to start is to stop assessing economic performance solely through the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). By viewing everything through the GDP lens economists and governments encourage all transactions that contribute to ‘growth’, even those that are socially and environmentally debilitating. To give a rather perverse example, in our economy illness is good. You can’t have a vibrant pharmaceutical industry without it, can you? This leads to no real incentive to prevent illness in the first place. So what’s the alternative to the GDP? The Genuine Progress Indicator (GPI). GPI accounts for income distribution and household and volunteer work, in addition to personal consumption. It then subtracts that with the costs associated with crime and pollution. Click here to read more.

What We Can Do
Don’t just leave it up to the government to kick start the economy. If you’re lucky enough to be gainfully employed, develop your own economic stimulus plan. Mine looks something like this:

Have a get-out-of-debt strategy matched with a watch-my-savings-grow plan. Learn to live within your means.
Buy local so that more of your dollar stays in your community. According to Yes Magazine, 45 cents stays in the community when bought locally as opposed to 15 cents when you support a company like Walmart. Favour the mum & pop shops and eco-friendly stores and look for products made in your country.
Support restaurants and local arts. A dollar spent in the arts sector generates $6 because it usually gets people in restaurants and bars and creates vibrant communities that attracts businesses. Not a bad return on investment.
Choose quality over quantity. Avoid cheap products that kick the bucket the day after the year warranty ends. Buy items that are built to last and that your local repair person can easily find parts for. This is a challenge, particularly when it comes to gadgets. Eco-Geek seems savvy when it comes to the latest eco-friendly electronics.
Focus on services. Pamper yourself! Take care of your things. Get a home energy audit and do the retrofits to increase your home’s comfort, decrease utility bills and reduce your carbon footprint.

In the News

Obama Directs Regulators to Tighten Auto Rules

Europe to Ask Wealthy Nations to Adopt Carbon Trading System

Jonesing for an Energy Audit

2009-01-21T21:12:00.003-05:00

My house has an insulation problem. It doesn’t have any. If Jane and I were caught up in the terrible blackout that plagued Toronto’s west-end from January 15 to 16, our house would have transformed into a deep freezer.

For the privilege of living in a drafty house, Jane and I pay hefty utility bills and a heftier carbon toll – 3.91 tonnes to be exact or half my total greenhouse gas emissions in 2008.

Up until now we’ve focused on the ‘low-hanging fruit’ of greenhouse gas reductions, such as installing compact florescent light bulbs, hanging laundry to dry year-round, choosing local and organic produce and products, enjoying a vegetarian diet, biking and taking transit, and of course reducing, reusing and recycling. If you’ve been following my blog, you know what I’m talking about.

Jane and I have done all we can to live lightly but we have to prepare for the next step. It’s time to get serious about calling in a home energy auditor.

Energy Audit
Solar panels and geothermal are fun and all, but first things first. Before transforming our home into an energy producer, we need to ensure that it’s not an energy drainer.

Our governments provide homeowners like Jane and me with incentives to make our houses more energy-efficient.

For my American friends, the U.S. Department of Energy currently provides financing solutions and incentives for homes and businesses. Click here to learn more. With the new administration I am sure (hope) that a more comprehensive program is to come.

Canadians have the ecoENERGY Retrofit – Homes Program, which provides rebates for home energy efficiency renovations. These are the steps to follow:

Call in a licensed energy auditor to evaluate the home and provide a comprehensive assessment and energy efficiency rating (between 1 and 100, with 100 being most efficient). I can only imagine what the rating of our house will be. The full cost to do so is about $300 with half that covered by the provincial government. In my case that’s Ontario. So we will pay about $150.
Do the work based on the auditor’s advice. The average cost to retrofit a home is $5,000. This may include insulating the attic and walls, installing energy efficient windows and doors, caulking up the cracks, etc.
After the work is done, or 18 months have passed, call in the auditor again for a final assessment. Based on your rating – and how much it’s improved – the federal and provincial governments will provide up to $5,000 in rebates. Check your provincial government for how much they are willing to kick in. In Ontario, it’s up to $5,000.

Financial Assistance and Incentives
Retrofits require money upfront. Jane and I have been working with our Mortgage Broker Bonnie Smith at Invis about securing a Home Equity Line of Credit with the institution that handles our mortgage. The timing is good due to the current low interest rates. This way we will increase home comfort – and possibly home value - while decreasing utility costs. The government rebates will help offset the overall retrofit price. In addition, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), and Genworth Financial Canada offer a 10 percent refund on mortgage loan insurance premiums when a borrower buys or builds an energy-efficient home or makes energy-saving renovations to an existing home.

TD Bank has pioneered the Green Mortgage and Green Home Equity Line of Credit. Jane and I plan to fold our loan in with our current mortgage, otherwise we’d contact TD.

I will keep you posted on our progress.

In the News

How Mark Bittman saved the world and lost his belly

Warming in Antarctica Looks Certain

Carb(on) Diet Now

2009-01-14T19:39:00.002-05:00

Starting something is tough. For months Jane encouraged me to meditate. She found it helpful and thought it would benefit me. I agreed. But when the opportunity came to learn how to meditate– and there were many opportunities – I just didn’t feel like it. One morning I agreed to her instruction. Since then I meditate first thing every morning.

This installment is for those of you who have not started calculating your carbon footprint. Now is the time. Too busy? Don’t feel like it? Afraid of finding out what your footprint really is?

If you are serious about starting a low carb(on) diet, you’ll need to know how much you weigh. I weigh 7.8. carbon tonnes. I know. I’m a long way from reaching 1.4 carbon tonnes per year, the target that we each must work towards to prevent runaway global warming.

The good news is that I’m on the right path. It’s going to take me a few years but I’ll get there through planning and a deep desire to ensure a stable biosphere for my niece and nephew and their descendants. I know you too are serious about making a difference. To make a difference, you need a plan. Every good plan needs a beginning. We begin by knowing where we are and where we want to be.

What do you need to get started? Just a half an hour of your time. Start now. If you simply can't right now, open up your calendar and mark at time to do so. Here is a list of carbon calulators:

Zerofootprint
I use this one. It’s very comprehensive. You can choose Toronto, Ottawa, Seattle, etc.

Carbon Friendly Solutions
Vancouver-based

Al Gore’s Carbon Calculator
US-based

Carbon Fund
US-based

Online carbon calculators make it easy for you. Prior to beginning, collect your utility bills which will help you ascertain your annual heating and electricity output. If you don’t pay these bills (or don’t have records of them) the calculator will provide you with an average estimate. I know I discussed carbon calculators last week. I bring it up this week because I believe it’s really important. About half of Canada’s carbon emissions come from individuals through their homes, travel and diets. A calculator will help you plan and strategize your personal carbon reduction in the years to come.

We have until 2020 to make a significant dent in our carbon emissions. Now is the time to begin if you have not already. When you do so, tell your family and friends. Spread the word! Issue challenges. My goal for 2009 is 6 tonnes – about a 25% reduction from 2008. I challenge everyone out there to reduce their carbon footprint by 25%. And even if you fall short of that goal, you will still be on the right track.

Carbon Offsets
I visited Canada’s PlanetAir, a Gold Standard carbon offsetting company, to confess my global warming sins and invest in renewable energy technology. Offsetting 7.2 tonnes costs $300. I am now on PlanetAir’s online monthly program, investing $25 over the next 12 months. When offsetting your greenhouse gas emissions, I encourage you to consider Gold Standard which supports sustainable technologies. The sooner these technologies are made available to us, the easier it will be for each of us to produce 1.4 tonnes of carbon per year.

Garbage Challenge
After three months of reducing our landfill-bound waste, Jane and I are left with one bag to deposit in our garbage bin. The only blip in the campaign was our trip to the BC’s Lower Mainland where the cities of Surrey and Langley do not compost their organics. We brought as much of the land-fill bound garbage home with us but had to leave the organics for obvious reasons.

The garbage challenge was surprisingly easy. It simply forces us to be more mindful of our packaging and what we toss out. Jane and I now limit packaging that cannot be recycled which means that bulk purchasing is part of our weekly shopping ritual. We are even reusing old packaging. All of the non-recyclable materials are soft plastics, although the City of Toronto now accepts plastic shopping bags. Jane and I reuse and then save the bulk plastic bags to take during the City’s Environment Days. The bag of garbage we toss out will take 1000 years to deteriorate. Jane and I are committed to producing as little of that as possible - only four bags of landfill-bound garbage per year.

In the News

Americans seeing the light on carbon tax
Ah, the irony.

My Incredible Shrinking Carbon Footprint

2009-01-07T21:58:00.003-05:00

In India and China there is pressure and expectation for folks to consume like westerners. Mother Earth is letting us know that westerners need to take a page from the Chinese and Indians, who have one of the lowest carbon footprints on the planet.

It’s 2009, a year that promises to be absolutely lousy for a lot of people thanks to the ministers of financial deregulation and kingpins of the subprime mortgage. Despite the mayhem and confusion over root causes (like runaway credit and crazed-consumption – maybe?), I have something to celebrate. I dramatically reduced my carbon footprint in 2008.

Last year at this time I reviewed my footprint through Zerofootprint’s Carbon Calculator. Boy oh boy did I get a nasty shock. In 2007 I unleashed into the atmosphere 11.6 tonnes of carbon. Five domestic roundtrip flights really add up. They contributed to more than half my carbon emissions during that year.

I vowed to cut my footprint by 40 percent in one year, an ambitious goal to be sure. I am pleased to say that while I did not reach a 40 percent target, I did lower my emissions by 33 percent. Not bad, eh? In 2008, I was responsible for 7.8 tonnes of carbon emissions, below the Canadian and American averages of 9.8 and 12.6, respectively. However, I am well above the national averages of the following:

Average in Mexico – 3.4
Average in UK – 6.5
Average in Denmark – 5.9
Average in China – 1.8
Average in India – 1.4

Note the average for India. By 2050, possibly sooner, every human being must average 1.4 tonnes of carbon per year to stave off runaway global warming and ensure sustainable societies. Runaway global warming is a scenario we must avoid. It will lead to the breakdown of ecosystems on which our species depend.

Sobering, yes? Insurmountable, no.

Reducing our footprints to sustainable levels will not entail a meager existence. By focusing on renewable energy, nutritious local food, preventative health-care, quality education and local service-based economies, we will say goodbye to the rat race and welcome a more quality-of-life existence.

If you have not already, calculate your carbon footprint and make a plan to reduce it, even modestly, by this time next near. A carbon calculator is a great tool to help you plan and reduce your carbon footprint. There are many online calculators. I like Zerofootprint’s because it’s quite detailed. If you like a particular calculator, please recommend it on the comment section of this blog.

As for my footprint, the biggest carbon culprits continue to be air travel, now at 3.99 tonnes, and home heating (natural gas) at 3.91. I have one flight scheduled this year for work. I want to keep it at that. Home heating….that falls into energy conservation. Jane and I are seriously considering scheduling an energy audit sooner rather than later. More on that next week.

In the News

London’s creative schemes to green the city:

Boris Johnson launches plan to retrain jobless Londoners as energy advisers
News on the climate crisis is low priority what with the recession. At least one politician is linking help for the environment with help for the unemployed. Van Jones will be pleased.

Mini-turbines to harness energy from pressure in UK's gas pipelines

Garbage Challenge Rockstars!

2008-12-17T22:15:00.000-05:00

It’s been two and a half months since Jane and I began our three-month garbage challenge. During this time we’ve limited ourselves to one modest bag. And that’s it. All waste generated outside the house is brought back for disposal, recycling or otherwise.

To keep within the confine of our modest bag we have become mindful of what we buy, avoiding products with packaging as much as we can.

Once you become mindful of packaging, it is mindboggling the amount of plastic attached to products. Plastic lining, protective seals and produce stickers comprise most of our garbage. Despite this, our garbage bag isn’t overflowing. If we scrunch down the plastic we can accommodate about a third more. The secret to our success?

We avoid packaged foods and buy veggies and fruit, as well as bulk dried fruits and nuts, cereal, rice, pasta and flour. We use plastic bags for the bulk foods but save them for recycling.
No junk food.
We buy our organic cheese from Global Cheese in Kensington Market, and engage in lovely chats with people who love cheese. We also get more for less than what we normally pay for aged organic cheddar.
No plastic bottles. We bring our stainless steel water bottles when we are out and about and I drink tap water from a glass at work. Jane, who loves her coffee, brings her thermos with her. If she forgets it, she either asks for no lid or requests a ceramic mug to drink in the shop.
We use cloth bags, eliminating the need for plastic ones. We don’t put our veggies and fruits in plastic produce bags – unless they are biodegradable.
We tend to prepare lunches and snacks at home to take with us to work. Less packaging and less expensive. But when we forget occasionally or are lazy, we buy takeaway in recyclable containers or ask for no wrapping.
We are blessed to live in a city that has an organics bin program, enabling us to divert a good portion of our waste to city compost. A part of our organics is placed in our backyard compost. Toronto also has a comprehensive recycling program, which was recently expanded to include plastic shopping bags and Styrofoam. Please click here for guidelines on how to properly prepare these items for recycling.

Keeping our garbage to one bag in three months hasn’t been the impossible challenge that some of our friends predicted. It’s actually quite doable, not to mention conceivable that we can keep our garbage down to four modest bags per year, something that Jane and I are prepared to do.

I don’t know about you but I love a good challenge. It motivates me and keeps me focused. I challenge you to challenge yourself to reduce your landfill-bound garbage. You will likely find that you will eat better and save money while you’re at it.

Charitable Gifts

The Gift of Light – Solar Aid
Here’s an interesting charitable gift from an organization fighting global poverty with renewable energy.

In the News

Removal of Nature Words from Dictionary Causes Uproar

Latest Obama environment picks raise eyebrows

'Embarrassing' to be a Canadian at climate talks: Green party leader
Why is Elizabeth May so embarrassed? Here’s why….
Deep cuts to greenhouse gas emissions not in the cards: Prentice
Scientist dropped from climate delegation to save money: Prentice

Sea level could rise by 150cm, US scientists warn

Christmas Wish - Toxic-Free Toys

2008-12-10T19:02:00.002-05:00

Christmas is rearing its consumer-driven head. Like many, I’m cultivating a holiday experience that is calm, fun-filled and debt-free. This may seem impractical for folks whose children are jumping up and down over the latest flumtugtugger or hoohallhopper. There’s an added concern. Did the Whos in Whoville ever have to worry if their toys were toxic?

Welcome to the New Economy – the one that equates sustainability with everlasting growth, where profit is king and everything else , such as human and environmental health, are ‘externalities’. This is the same economy that’s currently crashing and burning around us.

For those buying gifts for kids, a must visit is Healthy Toys – the Consumer Guide to toxic chemicals in toys. Is Barbie a cesspool of toxicity? The Guide provides visitors with a breakdown of each toy under brand name. Another site worth checking out is 12 Tips for Non-Toxic Toys

Happily, more and more humane enterprising folks are creating toys that are safe for kids and the environment. Here are some eco-friendly online stores:

Nature Pod

Eco Toy Town

Zabazoo

More on non-toxic toys from Ideal Bite....

Check out the following for the skinny on PCV – the poison plastic. Beware the rubber ducky.

Rant Against Toxic Toys
Needless to say, I am aghast, disgusted and furious by the fact that companies pump out toxic toys that end up in the hands of kids due to lax government regulation. William McDonough, architect and designer who is behind cradle-to-cradle philosophy in design, has some choice words when it comes to this unbelievable practice. He quite rightly asks: what kind of culture exposes its young to toxins?

Click here for his talk: William McDonough: The wisdom of designing Cradle to Cradle

Highway to Disaster
Skepticism of ‘everlasting growth’ is mounting. Check out Contemplating life without growth, by Toronto Star columnist Carol Goar

Also, if you haven’t already, visit Annie Leonard’s Story of Stuff. Is it really necessary to buy buy buy during Christmas?

ACTION
Help hens where you live
On May 28, 2007, the City of Richmond, BC became the first city in Canada to go cage-free with respect to eggs when the local council passed a unanimous resolution to help hens. Since that time, 14 other cities in BC and Ontario have passed similar resolutions or made other progressive changes. Write to your local council to take positive action on this issue. Click on the link above to send a message to your councillor.

Help Support Ontario’s pesticide ban
For those of you living in Ontario, please click on the link and make the following comment - or edit so it’s in your own words - in the comment box:
1. I strongly support the pesticide regulations and hope they will come into effect by Spring, 2009.
2. The regulations will help Ontario industry become innovators in non-toxic lawn care, creating economic growth and green jobs.
3. I hope the government will also require golf courses to reduce pesticide use.

After writing your comments, please hit the ‘save’ button to submit it.

In the News
Canada ranked near bottom in list of climate change fighters
Embarrasing.

Recycle Your Plastic Shopping Bags & Styrofoam in Toronto
Finally!!

Fostering Sustainable Behaviour in your Pet

2008-12-03T21:48:00.001-05:00

Action
The Liberals and NDP have formed a coalition in a bid to replace the minority Conservative government in which they’ve lost confidence. If formed, a Liberal and NDP government will address our struggling economy, as well as provide a plan, supported by scientists and environmentalists, to reduce Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions.

They need your help. Please sign AVAAZ’s petition and write to your Member of Parliament and the Governor General offering your support.

Sustainability and your Pet
You’re doing your bit to reduce your carbon footprint. Is your dog? How about your cat? What are they doing to ensure that future four legged fuzzies have a future?

I know. How can you blame our little furry friends when they depend on us for everything? So let’s help them out.

Litter
Jane and I weaned our cats off clay-based litter and got them onto corn. Rayal Cormier of Bark ‘N’ Scratch, our local pet store, recommended Anderson’s Clump & Flush, a pure corn litter, as an eco-alternative that cats quickly adjust to. The trick to a successful change in product is to add gradually and build. During the first week I added a modest amount of corn litter to the clay. Week two, I added half & half. By the third week, the corn variety made up two thirds of the box. By the fourth, it was exclusively corn without the feline riot act.

What’s the big deal? – Clay based litter contains silica dust, which is carcinogenic. The litter is also often strip-mined, making clay litter a danger to your cat and planet. Clumping clay-litter is particularly dangerous because of the ingredient used to clump the litter: sodium bentonite. This chemical acts like expandable cement when wet. When cats lick their paws, guess what they’re ingesting? – Cement that expands in their little systems.

Here are a few choices that are good for the planet and your cat:

Anderson Clump N’Flush – Yes it clumps, naturally. No chemical is added. In fact it is so safe you can flush it down the toilet without creating havoc to the plumbing. If you live in Toronto I recommend tossing it in the organics bin and not the toilet, which will end up in the lake. The advantage to the corn litter is that you can clean out the box every three weeks or so and not every week. You can also put the old corn in your compost heap.

Feline Pine – My friend Anne recommends pine litter. Her fussy cat Mary took to it with no problem.

Pet Food
Now that we’ve successfully switched our cats to better litter, we are turning our attention to their food. The recent recalls of pet food demonstrate that something is seriously amiss in the pet food industry. Poor inspection standards and inhumane treatment of animals, not to mention environmental fallout from the practices of agribusiness, make the food unfit for…well…animals – particularly the ones you love.

Like anything, there are environmental and healthier choices.

What’s the big deal? – Next to accidents, kidney failure is the number one cause of death for pets. They’re also getting fatter. Why? It’s the filler they put in the food. Like humans, pets are getting a hefty dose of corn and soy in their meals. It’s a cheaper substitute for meat. For more information: What’s really in pet food by the American Protection Institute.

Healthy Alternatives – For a growing number of us, ‘healthy and sustainable’ trump ‘cheap’ when it comes to food choices. This priority should extend to our pets as well. I asked Rayal at Bark ‘N Scratch about organic pet food. His reply was that most of the food he sells is high-end, which means that they contain human-quality meat and vegetables without the corn and soy filler. Some ingredients are organic.

One of the products Rayal suggested is Massachusetts-based Wellness. Other products worth checking out are:

Holistic Blend (Canadian-based)

Pet Promise (US-based)

Nature’s Variety (US-based)

While our cats Beau and Blacky will enjoy whatever food we offer them, Bunny and Bear require more patience, particularly Bunny – little Ms. Feline Prima Madonna.

If you feed your pet earth-friendly food, please post a comment on what you use and your pet’s response to it.

Walkies
Dogs never see a tree they do not like. ‘Nature calls’ is a great euphemism for their daily constitutional, which affords their human caregivers an opportunity to commune with nature, whether in a park, ravine or near a body of water.

If all of us connected with nature daily, we’d be a lot happier and more connected to reality. The solution to the environmental crisis: everyone needs to adopt a dog.

Holiday Spirit
Choosing a Christmas Tree
If you are like my partner Jane, you’ll want to put up your Christmas tree this weekend. What’s the best choice for the environment? The following links will help you make eco-friendly choices when choosing a tree:

60 percent Campaign – O Christmas Tree

Greening Your Christmas Tree from Care2

In the News

Zenn and the art of electric car maintenance

Death bloom of plankton a warning on warming

Hug a Wind Turbine and Green & Credit-Free Holiday Giving

2008-11-26T21:12:00.002-05:00

Toronto Hydro
If you live in Toronto, please lend your support to Toronto Hydro’s proposal to test wind capacity off the shore of Lake Ontario. This proposed test is a first step towards a possible offshore wind farm near the east end of the city. The project will also require a full environmental assessment prior to moving forward. If all goes well, it is anticipated that the offshore wind farm could produce 575,000 MWh electricity per year, saving 287,500 tonnes of CO2 annually and providing much needed employment in Ontario.

There is some opposition to the project from folks in south Scarborough. I’ve read their points of concern and much is based on faulty information. Your voice is needed to give Toronto Hydro the public blessing it needs to conduct preliminary research.

Please click here for a sample letter to send to Ontario’s Minister of Natural Resources.

Please click here to sign an online petition lending your support.

For more information on the project:

Toronto Environmental Alliance (Frequently asked questions on the project)

Toronto Hydro Energy Services (Proposal Information)

The Annual Green (and Debt-Free) Guide to Holiday Giving
It’s good to give. The last thing I want is for my loved ones to ring up a ridiculous amount of debt in the process. I certainly don’t want that for myself. But it’s difficult, isn’t it?

We want to demonstrate through spending that we love our friends and family. Hmmm…. What’s wrong with this picture?

The average American household’s credit card debt jumped from $2,966 in 1990 to $9,840 in 2007, according to author and journalist, Gary Weiss. The shopping demands during Christmas haven’t helped. Now that we’ve hit a wall with the credit crisis, our spending habits have got to change.

The root of happiness is not located in your wallet, despite popular belief, but in meaningful relationships. Make the holidays thoughtful and debt-free this year. Here are some ideas when planning your gift-giving.

Make a pledge to go debt-free this Christmas, and share this pledge with family and friends with whom you exchange gifts. The pledge could include giving without spending a dime or giving under $10. You could also pick from a hat one family member to give to.
Give yourself a focus such as giving gifts that are used, self-made or locally-made. Used gifts may include a favourite book you want to pass on, a piece of jewelry or article of clothing. Make it personal.
Rather than a gift, arrange for a holiday get-together such as a potluck dinner party or holiday skate. Small gifts could include fair trade coffee or chocolate, local wine, organic socks or gloves or a fun service such as a manicure at an organic spa.
Give on behalf of a loved one to a charity that is important to you and them.
Think of your local economy. Invest in your local restaurants, theatres and other cultural attractions.

For more holiday gift ideas click here.

In the News

So much in the news is depressing these days. Here are some good news stories on the eco-front:

Plumbing the oceans could bring limitless clean energy

Rona vows to buy only eco-certified lumber

OPG testing biomass fuel in coal-fired power plants

City plans five-cent bag fee

The Runner’s Footprint

2008-11-19T22:22:00.000-05:00

On the heels, so to speak, of my previous installment, which features eco-fashion, this week’s focus is on the mighty running shoe. For those of you who have survived marathons, even half marathons and 10K runs like me, a shoe that effectively cushions the body from the punishing toil of long distance running deserves the highest props.

Except when it comes to the planet.

I’ve always appreciated the simplicity of running. Just slip on some shoes and go – preferably wearing clothes, outside and not on some treadmill. Clothing, treadmill and indoor energy needs aside, the following focuses on the shoe itself, based on the Runner’s World’s article, The Runner’s Footprint by Florence Williams. Thanks to my friend Kirk for passing on the link.

The Making of a Running Shoe
Your typical running shoe is highly complex. It’s made up of more than 50 parts, supplied from various regions around the world, pieced together by more than 100 assembly line workers – most likely from China’s Guangdong Province which pumps out 80 percent of the world’s running shoes.

Energy - If you are to look at the full energy consumption of your running shoes, keep in mind that more than half of it comes from processing and producing raw materials prior to assembly. What are the full energy requirements of your shoes? According to Nike, 42 Kilowatt hours of energy. What does that mean? Run a microwave for 40 hours, then you’ll get the picture. Keep in mind that this estimate doesn’t even factor in the energy required to bring the shoes to you.

Raw Material - And what about the raw material that morphs into that fancy polymer technology that helps us across the finish line? Why, it’s heavily processed crude oil (a.k.a. plastic), which takes a thousand years to break down. Added to the mix are chemicals that keep all those 50 parts together. These chemicals are hardly benign.

Waste –Every day at the Brooks plant, Chinese garbage collectors drive a couple of trucks full of running shoe waste to a landfill. Thanks to advances in waste reduction at Brooks, this amount is nothing compared to what it used to dump. Clearly, waste generated during manufacturing continues to be a big problem. And then there is the issue of the spent shoe after use. For the active runner, shoes go flat quickly. Runners need to change our shoes as frequently as every three months. Where do the vast majority of shoes end up? The landfill of course.

Greening the Industry
So what can we runners do?

Reduce & Recycle - First off, we can reuse our shoes – for walking and yard work, and recycle by dropping them off at The Running Room, which accepts old runners. Nike and Asics also have ‘take back’ programs. The soles of the shoes are melted and used for running tracks. Please recycle your runners. Currently only one in a hundred is recycled.

Consumer Choice – Ask your shoe salesperson about greener options. The more folks who ask, the more retailers will take note. Choose a shoe for function and not fashion. The more bells and whistles, the more materials and energy required.

Top companies such as Nike, Adidas and Brooks are assessing what to do about greening their operations. Needless to say, greening an energy-intensive industry that relies on a non-renewable material has its challenges.

Runner’s World’s Florence Williams offers an insight to the industry’s dilemma: “Is it better to use a nontoxic water-based glue that requires more heat (and thus energy), or is it better to use a more hazardous solvent-based glue as long you use the solvents really carefully? In this manner, each brand has to evaluate its priorities: toxins versus climate change; renewable energy versus renewable materials. Almost every change has its consequences.”

Greening Update
Here’s a quickie on what some of our shoe producers are currently up to on the green front. With rising fuel prices, the heat is on to find solutions and alternatives to this fossil-fuel dependent industry:

Adidas & Brooks have stopped using toxic polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which was a footwear staple.
Brooks uses silica, rather than fuel byproducts, in 25 percent of its shoes.
Mizuno has replaced some plastics with castor oil products.
Nike has pioneered better glues.
Asics has started adding rice husks to its outsoles. It also provides marathon runners with 100% rice husk soles. The advantage, aside from the green-light qualities, is greater traction. Downside: they only last 50 miles.
Brooks is working on a biodegradable midsole. While the shoe will biodegrade in 20 years instead of 1000, some thought needs to be made in keeping it out of landfills, whose airless environments make it impossible for anything to breakdown.
Patagonia is working on a shoe that lasts a few years rather than a few months. This entails a replaceable inner and a stronger more durable outer shoe. If this comes into market, runners will likely have to pay a lot upfront with the knowledge that they will save in the long term.
END, a company new to the scene, is producing shoes with partly recycled soles. In an effort to reduce the number of parts and production steps, they’re eliminating the frills and extras, focusing on performance and not fashion. END shoes contain about 25% recycled content, compared with Nike’s 3%.
New Balance and Brooks use recycled boxes. Duh. No brainer here.
Some new companies such as Oboz are planting trees to offset carbon emissions. Again, a no brainer.
Brooks, Nike and New Balance and others are pressuring vendors to adopt better practice standards.

Corporate Watch
What about these companies’ practices when it comes to quality of life for their workers? Much work has been made to improve working conditions but it sounds like some have more work to do. The following links are from Corporate Watch.

Nike - CHINA: At Nike Plant, no Sweatshop, Plenty of Sweat

Adidas - INDONESIA: Adidas 'fails to act' over sacked workers

In the News
Greider: Who Rigged Wall Street ?
Great food for thought.

Schwarzenegger gives starring role at climate change conference to Obama

Scientists talk; politicians listen
Some hope for the Boreal Forest?

Honesty About Ethanol
New York Times editorial

Green and Marvelous Darling, Simply Marvelous!

2008-11-12T21:02:00.001-05:00

This past Saturday, Kate Holloway of Carbon Zero invited me to attend Fashion Takes Action’s The Green Gala: Midnight In The Garden, held at Toronto’s Distillery District. It was an evening of eco-runway fashion and carbon-low wine and cocktails – not to mention good old fashion schmoozing.

Fashion Takes Action, the brainchild of Kelly Drennan - a fashion and lifestyle publicist, advances a movement in the fashion industry to lighten the carbon load while looking simply marvelous, darling! Indeed the entire gala was planned to be as carbon light as possible – from the printing and energy-use to the décor and bevies.

In addition to the gala, this not-for-profit organization produced the Sustainable Style Show earlier that day, which featured a group of eco-friendly fashion and beauty vendors selling products and holiday gift ideas to eco savvy buyers.

Prior to the event, Kate Holloway and I pointed out to one other the eco-friendly qualities of our gala outfits. While I showed off my Canadian designed and made slacks and dress jacket, Kate received gold stars for her lovely bought-used-at-Kensington-market coat. Nothing says eco-chic like savvy reused.

Greening your Wardrobe
Whether couture is your bag or not, what’s in the bag when it comes to the planet concerns us all. The following is a guide to greening your wardrobe.

Locally Designed and Made.
Buying local makes a triple-whammy difference on the sustainable-friendly front: you reduce carbon miles, avoid sweatshops and support your local economy.

What’s the Big Deal?
Human Toil - Visit any retail clothing chain and check the Made-In tags. China, Malaysian and Indonesia are some of the countries bound to come up. What are the working conditions of those who created the garments in these countries? How can you know for sure? Chances are that women, even children, are forced to work long hours in uncomfortable environments to create the clothing that most of us wear. To find out more, visit Clean Clothes Campaign, which advocates for improved working conditions for garment makers. Traidcraft, which is all about Fair Trade, is another avenue for information and purchases. However, this leads us to the problem of….

Clothing Miles - Coupled with the human rights issue, how many miles do our garments travel to get to us? How much waste is produced in the process?

In an effort to reduce its footprint, Patagonia, the US-based outdoor and active gear company, has created a fascinating site entitled the Footprint Chronicles that tracks its garments’ travels, carbon miles, waste and energy use. For example, the footprint of one organic t-shirt (traveling from Turkey to California) is:

Distance - 12,617 km
CO2 – 1.6 kg
Waste – 170 grams
Energy – 4.7 kWh

Local Options
Due to globalization, finding clothing made in your country is challenging to say the least since clothing makers are drawn to cheap labour. In several cities, however, independent designers, whose pieces are made locally, have mobilized to bring their wares to you.

The Clothing Show – This biannual event brings Ontario designers to one location. It’s a great introduction to who’s out there and who you like.

Fashion Takes Action – Keep an eye out for more events from this new organization that features Toronto eco-designers.

Shop Cocoon – This retail space in Vancouver showcases local designers, providing them with much needed exposure.

Mudshark Streetwear – Online eco-clothing site that supports Canadian-designed and eco-friendly threads.

Eco friendly materials
Of course eco-friendly duds mean eco-friendly threads. Or in English, what’s in the materials? For a quick overview of nasty fabrics visit GreenChoices’ Environmental Impacts of Clothing.

Happily, bamboo, soy, linen, hemp and organic cotton are making their eco-friendly presence felt in some quarters. Companies like Cotton Ginny and American Apparel have undertaken to fold in sustainable fibers in their array of products.

GreenChoices offers a lowdown on sustainable fabrics. And for organic cotton near you, visit the Directory for Organic Cotton

Recycled clothing revamped.
Buy used – It seriously does not get any greener than buying used. Good Will, Value Village and vintage stores happily recycle our clothing, from receiving items we’ve grown tired of to selling them in the community.

Clothing Swap Party – If you have trouble buying clothes previously worn by strangers, why not organize a clothing swap party? Invite your friends to bring clothes they don’t wear anymore, arrange the articles in a room and collectively have at it. Kate Holloway regaled me with the many advantages to this arrangement. You know that what you’re trying on is a keeper when your friends vigorously nod their heads and beam. Isn’t this better than a retail clerk on commission claiming it looks great on you?

Revamped – Some savvy designers, such as Toronto-based Precocious, create from used sweaters and shirts. I myself sport one of her creations. Not only do I support recycled wares, but a local designer to boot.

In the News

The Climate for Change, by Al Gore

The Gospel of Green on The Fifth Estate
On tonight. Catch it on the CBC if you can.

Greenhouse takes heat, reuses it

First Day of the 21st Century

2008-11-05T18:47:00.001-05:00

To even the crustiest of curmudgeons the announcement confirming Obama’s incumbency as next President of the United States cracked open doubt and cynicism and left us with something truly unusual: joy.

We know that Obama faces a tough journey. His vision will not be realized immediately. Indeed, it may take years. But last night and today we felt something not collectively felt in a very long time. Hope. Joy. The dawning of a new era. For that, I cannot thank Obama, his campaign team and those who voted for him enough. That defining moment at 11pmET November 4 was a real gem of a gift, particularly for those of us who struggle with the specter of ecological fallout coming soon to a future near you.

Someone once wrote that Obama does not just talk change. He manifests it. He manifests it through grassroots activism, channeled brilliantly through the Internet, touching the pulse of the age. Where Roosevelt understood and maximized the medium of radio, and Kennedy, TV, Obama realizes fully the potential and power of online communication. He will continue to tap into this medium throughout his presidency. Obama has changed the game.

November 5, 2008. Welcome to the first day of the 21st century.

And to celebrate, I call upon Judy and Babs! Let’er rip girls….

Action

Message to Obama
Congratulate him! Remind him why we love him.

Ask Politicians to PowerUp
Harper. Oh yeah. Remember him? PowerUP Canada, whose backers include ForestEthics, Environmental Defence and the Pembina Institute, helps funnel public concern on global warming to government ears. They’ve crafted a message for you to send to Canada’s leaders. You just have to provide your name and email. It’s that easy.

In the News

Obama victory signals rebirth of US environmental policy
Bring it on!!

Canada to seek continent-wide approach to climate change
Obama’s take on Canada’s watered down climate change policy? It’s going to be very interesting.

One Month on a Garbage Diet and a Prayer for Obama One Kenobi

2008-10-29T21:08:00.003-04:00

One Month of Garbage Weight Watchers
Jane and I have survived one month of garbage prudence. Two months to go! Already our small bag of garbage is half full. The culprit? The plastic lining of the large cat food bag, as anticipated. The rest? Crinkly plastic protectors around bottles, plastic tabs for the almond milk and in a brain dead moment, the packaging of sustainably caught smoked salmon. I was too focused on the treat and not on the packaging. My carnivorous desire for salmon got the better of me.

This week, however, I celebrate a few successes. I was in Montreal for work where I was troubled to discover that only polystyrene plates – a.k.a. plastic number six – were provided for the meals. Plastic number six can't be recycled where I come from. I didn’t bother to ask if polystyrene is given another life in Montreal. With nary a recycling bin to be found at Bonadventure, such a question seemed pointless.

Emboldened by the encouragement from the folks at my table, I kept and cleaned my plate and plastic cutlery and used them at every meal. Needless to say the wait staff seemed a little puzzled by me. I must have looked a little crazed whenever they attempted to collect my plate. And it wasn’t just my plate and cutlery I kept. Every scrap piece of waste was lovingly wrapped and placed in my bulging pockets, bound for the organics bin in my house. It’s a darn good thing the trip lasted only two days.

The plate and cutlery I’ve kept for reuse.

Imagine if everyone avoided the garbage bin like a bad idea. We might all be crazy, but not as crazy as throwing everything in the bin without thought to its collective impact.

In the US that’s 1,700 pounds of trash per person times 300 million. Imagine what that looks like. Lord help us. What if we all reduced it to four modest bags of garbage per year? Trust me, it’s doable. Or didn’t throw any of it out like Dave Chameides?

Halloween Fair Trade Fun!
Jane and I have given up our dream to renovate the house. Instead, we are spending our money on Halloween candy.

I can’t be a party pooper. I have to give the little goblins something fun and for me something fun is chocolate. And I can’t buy chocolate without choosing fair trade organic which costs more money, a lot more, than chocolate harvested by child slave laborers. For some reason.

We’ve ordered 200 Cocoa Camino dark chocolate minis. They were shipped to my office today. I’m not even going to tell you the cost (under $50!). We may also get a few boxed raisons to augment the minis. Just because. Think of it as a chocolate separated raison treat. Happy Halloween!!

Help us Obama One Kenobi
To all my Democrat American friends and anyone else living on planet earth, let us pray:

Dear great spirit, please give the American people the wisdom to elect Barak Obama as President and end eight years of hell that has befallen the US of A, not to mention certain parts of the world. Please guide him when he's in office, oh great one, as he transforms his country from the second biggest carbon gas emitter on the planet to an effective leader on sustainability. May he serve eight great years, be one of the most beloved and important presidents in American history and live to a great old age. Look after him oh big spirit. He’s going to need it.

And if that doesn’t cut it, envision me in a white robe with cinnamon bun hair sending a simple message in a droid in a country not too far far away....Help us Obama One Kenobi. You’re our only hope.

In the News

World is facing a natural resources crisis worse than financial crunch

Google’s Green Agenda Could Pay Off

Mexico Pays Fishermen to Help Save a Species

Farmer Gal

2008-10-22T22:27:00.002-04:00

One Million Acts of Green
The CBC just launched this eco-groovy site. Join. Participate. Help them get to one million acts of Green.

Harvest
It’s cold. Ridiculously cold. Only last month I was wearing summer wear, and only last weekend I harvested the remaining thriving tomatoes, Swiss chard and spicy salad greens before the temperatures plummeted. All are gone save for some rogue cosmos brilliantly arching across soil that once nurtured potatoes, peas, carrots, onions and beets, along with the greens and tomatoes.

It was a very good garden year thanks to rainy El Nina and an excellent triple mix we added during the spring. While we did not produce enough food for freezing and canning to enjoy through the winter - the pears excepted - we put a slight dent in our summer grocery bill and got top nods for eating as local as your gonna get.

Since spring we did not buy lettuce and boy did we eat a lot of it. Our tomatoes have kept us in the red since August. We grew enough potatoes to last a month. The rest we enjoyed for a brief period, given their lifespan.

Our carrots and beets did not do as well as they should have because we didn’t cull them enough during their growing stage. We also get low marks on weeding.

Despite our laziness, we’re hooked! Gardening is good for earning green points, and great for the body. I cannot begin to describe to you the culinary joy of pulling up potatoes, washing them, par boiling and then lightly frying them in butter, garlic and a bit of lemon – then, placing them in my mouth and letting them melt. A potato never tasted so good.

There’s a reason for this.

The nutrient clock starts ticking once you pick or pluck a garden morsel. The sooner you eat them, the more nutrients you will receive. This may explain why produce from South America may not taste like anything at all (except if you’re in South America and eat them right when harvested). For more on this I encourage you to pick up Barbara Kingsolver's fabulous book, Animal, Mineral, Miracle, which chronicles her family's one year journey in local eating.

Next Steps

This Fall

We will expand the garden by about 40%
Add sheep manure and the compost stewing in our composter
Add more soil enhancers based on recommendations from our soil sample
Plant some garlic, which takes a year to harvest.

Next Spring

We’ll add more compost, a great mulch that helps with water retention

To avoid weeds, we’ll place newspaper down in between the beds. Newspaper will block the sunlight that plants need, curtailing weed growth. Eventually the newspaper will dissolve into the earth.

Carrots and beets will be given extra culling attention.

Next Summer

Continue to buy locally, but load up on berries and veggies such as broccoli to freeze for the winter. That way we can continue to enjoy locally raised food and support our local farmer and economy.

What’s the Big Deal?

As I mentioned, you get better nutritional bang for your buck when you eat food right from your garden. And that affects taste. Veggies actually taste wonderful! You will also help reduce your food carbon miles. The average piece of produce travels between 1,500 too 2,500km to get to your table. Think that veggies and fruit taste a bit wooden? No wonder!!

No matter what you have – a yard or a balcony – think about starting a modest edible garden for next spring. Pick an area that gets moderate sun. If it’s in your yard, cut a patch now and add manure and triple mix to get it going.

Start small and build from there. Not sure what something looks like when growing? Plant it and find out! One of chief reasons I planted potatoes was to see what they look like when they grow. I knew they grew in the ground, but imagine my surprise when they produce very tall plants – so tall we had to secure them with stakes.

In the News

Taking out the trash
This is after my own heart.

Greenprint for the homes of the future

Ottawa a top generator of toxic junk, report says
Not surprised.

Ban on pesticides may face NAFTA test

60 Percent Campaign – Election Blues and Halloween Dilemma

2008-10-16T23:27:00.001-04:00

All I can say is thank god it’s over.

On the bright side, the Conservatives didn’t get their majority (oh yippy) at the conclusion of the latest Canadian election. Stephan Dion will be replaced and the Liberals will get their mojo back. Unfortunately the carbon tax now carts some serious baggage making it a tougher sell in the future. And Elizabeth May of the Green Party didn’t get elected. No one from the Party did. Needless to say dudes I’m seriously bummed.

But I’ll get over it. I’ve learned my lesson not to naively trust politicians, the media and general public on important issues such as climate change during an election campaign.

So I turn my appeal to you (yes you). Anyone who gives a damn about our future is needed at the grassroots level. You’re a reasonable, intelligent and stable person. You seem credible to friends and strangers. Know the issues and solutions regarding the climate crisis and start conversations. It’s only through word of mouth that people will start waking up to the problem and opportunities. And even if some don’t do much about it at least they won’t be so blind when others come forward with solutions that require their support.

What’s at issue? Eleven years. We have eleven years to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions by at least 20 percent by 1990 levels. Impossible? No. Know the obstacles but know that it’s not impossible to reach this goal. We just have to be clever.

What’s at stake? I think you know.

One more Kick at the Proportional Representation Can
I can’t help myself. Check out the discrepancy between the popular vote and how many seats the parties collected. This time around the voices of 19% of voters are not represented in parliament. Think this is unfair? Visit Fair Vote Canada to sign their petition.

Halloween
The spooky season is upon us. What’s a girl on a garbage challenge to do with a holiday that revels in packaging? If I’m not supposed to produce garbage, can I really give kids candy with packaging that will end up in the garbage? I can’t really give out apples. A) Boring. B) Creepy C) Waste of apples.

Last year, I gave out fair trade organic chocolate, shipped from San Francisco. The chocolate was so tiny the goblins seemed dumbfounded that I could be so cheap (and believe me, those little chocolates were anything but).

So what do I do? Skip Halloween? Or dress up as Scrooge and lecture trick & treaters on reducing their carbon footprint? Surly there must be another way!

The challenge is to find treats with packaging that can be recycled. I can’t control what they do with the waste, but at least some will recycle it or it won’t take centuries to break down. That leads me to boxed raisons. Hmmm…. A) Boring. B) Waste of raisons.

The search is on to find something organic, recycle-friendly and affordable. The best I can come up with are the tiny organic dark chocolate bites made by Equal Exchange, which I gave out last year. Cost is $12 US for 46 pieces. For organic & fair trade candy, this is pretty good. I could order lots and give out two at a time. If anyone else has any bright ideas, please let me know.

Other tips to celebrate with a tiny footprint…

· Don’t drive the little goblins to trick or treat. Stick to the neigbourhood.
· Ensure your pumpkin is organic and local. Toast the seeds. Use the pumpkin innards for a soup or pie. Compost the rest of the pumpkin
· Use LED lighting or candlelight for your walkway. Keep your indoor lights off.
· Make your own costume from scratch or bought from a used clothing store. Be creative. I remember one gal dressing up as the orange fairy. She wore a fantastical orange outfit and put orange dots on the people she met. It was a great ice breaker.

In the News

Climate Change: New Exhibit at Natural History Museum
If you’re in New York, check it out. It will go on tour too. It really needs to come to Canada, particularly Calgary and Regina.

Fears rise that EU may drop climate pledge
If this happens, it’s very very bad news.

60 Percent Campaign – ABC Rally & Conquering Ubiquitous Garbage

2008-10-08T18:46:00.001-04:00

Vote ABC (please)

Wondering who to vote for on October 14? How about who not to vote for.

Canada’s leading climate scientists are calling for Anything But Conservative!

Margaret Atwood highly recommends Anything But a Harper Majority. She’d even vote for the Bloc if it would annihilate one Conservative seat.

AVAAZ, the world’s citizen’s watchdog, is sending this little petition around: Save The Planet: Stop Harper! Even the world doesn’t want him.

NL Premier Danny Williams, himself a Conservative, cries ABC.

Artists and arts organizations, essential to sustainable communities, are calling for ABC.

David Suzuki would holler ABC if it didn’t threaten his Foundation’s federal grants. The Foundation and ten other leading environmental organizations asked party leaders to put their position on climate change on video. All but the Conservatives responded.

We’re six days away from the election and the Conservative lead is slipping. Save the biosphere. Save the arts. Save the Canada we all want to live in. It’s as simple as ABC – or VFE.

Time is a ticking. We have no time for a Harper plan on climate change. Check out the clarion call from Andrew Simms of the New Economics Foundation - The Final Countdown, printed in the Guardian in August. And then there is this amazing little film…

“Impossible!!”

Jane and I have heard that word a lot this past week. Producing only one bag of garbage in three months is just plain impossible.

It’s not.

Jane and I often produce one bag of garbage per month. We’re stretching that out to three.

Torontonians can recycle at least two-thirds of our waste if we place our organics in the green bin and recycle packaging that the City accepts. Jane and I are just taking it one step further. This is how….

Directing most of our yard and food waste to our backyard compost. The compost is excellent mulch for our garden and lawn, which we apply in the spring and autumn.
We’re either going to place our dryer lint in the compost or in an onion net for the birds to pick at for their nests. We hang our clothing as much as we can, but are caught in the awkward period of cool days and a basement that’s still moist.
Feeding our stale bread to the birds.
Placing cat litter and organic waste that takes time to break down, such as avocado pits, in the City organic green bin.
Choosing items with packaging that the City of Toronto recycles.
Depositing plastic bags in the bag recycling bin at Sobeys or Metro.
Reducing our plastic bag collection by bringing canvass bags with us when we shop.
Wrapping our food in biodegradable plastic bags, picked up at the Carrot Common and Noah’s. Our house is a Saran wrap-free zone.
Using biodegradable plastic bags for organic waste.
Depositing cat hair and indoor dust in the garden – like what they did in the olden days. Cat hair ‘supposedly’ acts as a deterrent to animals that like to feast in the garden.

It’s really that simple. The challenge is to be mindful of what we purchase.

It amazes me the little things that turn up in the products we buy that cannot be recycled. The following reared their ugly land-fill bound heads this week:

What we Avoided or Reuse

The plastic pull off strip of concentrated juice cans. We knew this before which is why we are now buying organic juice in the 1.89 liter packaging. More packaging but it all gets recycled.
The plastic packaging of Jane’s soy cheese. This means she’s giving up on her beloved Sheese. What’s the alternative? She is allergic to dairy products but tends to fair well enough with goat cheese. We buy it locally in a recyclable tub.
The strange plastic wrap on the stem of bananas, particularly the organics. We avoided them this week.
The net around onions, which we bought over a week ago. We’ll keep it and find some use for it around the house (like a net for dryer lint for birds to pick at).

And then there are the things that we picked up when we are out in the world. A sushi dinner now requires us to stuff our chop sticks and their paper wrap as well as napkins in our purses. What do we do with them? They’re excellent food for our composter.

What we Took In

Jane’s coffee container, which looks deceptively like paper, bought at the bulk section at the Carrot Common. From now on we’re sticking with the bulk coffee at Noah’s. Noah’s bulk coffee is packaged in paper – with a thin plastic wrap. Not perfect but the best we can do.
The plastic wrap around cucumbers! Ugg! I bought such a thing last week without thinking. This week, I picked up a cucumber as God intended. Naked. Not wrapped in petroleum product.
I was merrily sipping away on a cocktail at a fundraiser and suddenly realized that a foreign petroleum non-recyclable straw was in my drink. I couldn’t really hand it back to the bartender. It’s in our one bag of garbage.
A tiny plastic strip at the bottom of a raspberry plastic container. The latter can be recycled. The former can’t. I’ve put an end to raspberries now that they are out of season.
The plastic security protector around the Cold F/X.
The packaging for pine nuts bought weeks ago. We used the last of the nuts and are stuck with the garbage.

Halloween will be a challenge. More on that next week.

In the News

Harper Government Suppresses Climate Report - Now Available Here
Remember when this happened? Don’t vote Conservative.

Jane and Cheryl’s Fabulous Garbage Challenge!!

2008-10-01T19:49:00.002-04:00

The American economy is in a tailspin due to the credit crisis. Americans have bought houses and all the stuff to go in them (not to mention boats, trips, bling, shoes, Botox, etc.) on borrowed money without the capacity to pay for them – within their lifetimes.

But payback time has arrived and it’s driving the economy over a cliff.

We’re headed towards another harrowing credit crisis. We are consuming resources faster than can be replenished. As a result, we are borrowing from our children’s future with no way to pay it back. Another cliff awaits if we don’t act now.

The way we deal with money and our resources is completely unsustainable. It’s a one way ticket to chaos. Enough. I don’t mean to be a party-pooper but we’ve got to stop trashing the house!

Speaking of trash….

Jane and Cheryl’s Fabulous Garbage Challenge!!

It’s October first. First day of our three month journey into a moratorium on land-fill destined garbage. Except for one modest bag. Please join us. You don’t have to commit to three months. Try one month and see how you do.

As you recall, Jane and I have pledged to eschew any products that come with packages that cannot be recycled, except for one bag to accommodate the plastic lining of our cats’ food. There are a few things we need to add, including the plastic lining in Jane’s Fair Trade and organic coffee and the small tabs from the Almond Milk that we love so much.

Here’s the rule. This garbage challenge cannot be a thorn in our side. It must not deprive us of what we love to eat or do. If anything, it should serve to enhance our lives. We just have to find alternatives to what we like. Rather than buy organic cheese wrapped in plastic from the grocery store, I now pick up beautiful ripe unpasteurized organic cheddar, wrapped in paper, from an expert at a local cheese shop. I also buy items such as granola and pasta in bulk, and note a reduction in our grocery bill.

We just have to be more mindful. And acting more mindful is not bad at all.

Most of us pay little mind to garbage. Why should we. It’s garbage! The lowest of the low. But what if we could follow where our garbage travels? How does it impact people and other species? I think we’d be rather horrified by what we encountered.

This past weekend, Jane and I visited our local garbage depot to drop off refuse and recycling collected from our basement. For our landfill-bound garbage we were directed to a large indoor facility with hills of trash managed by large tractors. Jane ranted as we drove out of there in our rental – “If people only could see this!” Not to mention smell it. It certainly served as one more visual to inspire us to stop contributing to an unsustainable practice.

That plastic bag that you toss – envision it ending up in the stomach of a turtle. Imagine kneeling beside this creature on a beach as it’s slowly and painfully dies. Would you vow to never throw out plastic again? Every year, tens of thousands of water creatures die in this manner due to the garbage - ninety percent of which is plastic - that ends up in our oceans and water ways.

Imagine meeting the folks who live in the town that receives your garbage. They look you in the eye and tell you that since their local dump site has received your trash they’re getting sick, they can’t deal with the smell and their property values have plummeted. How do you respond?

It is this personal. Out of site out of mind? I say let’s broaden our minds and reach out to where our garbage is going. With the average American (and by extension, Canadian) producing 1,130 pounds every year (times 331 million Americans and Canadians), we can’t afford not to.

Next week I will regale you with annoying non-recyclable plastic things that find their way into some products and alternatives.

Election
Don’t forget to tune into the Election Debate on Thursday, October 2nd at 9pm.

In the News

Scientists say carbon dioxide emissions up 3%
This needs to change, fast.

Brazil's loss of Amazon rain forest escalating
As does this.

ABC’s of Strategic Voting and Garbage Retirement

2008-09-24T21:49:00.002-04:00

Despite gaffs from some of its candidates and disturbing policy announcements, the Conservative Party of Canada has a very healthy lead in the polls. It’s so healthy it’s ghastly. I’m not one to tell others who to vote for. It’s personal. None of my business. But given that Harper’s plan on climate change is the most ineffective of all other western governments – second only to Bush and McCain – and that my blog is a call to action to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, it is my prerogative to ask of you Please, Don’t Vote Conservative, or ABC – Anything But Conservative.

For a review of party policies on climate change action, please visit my September 17 blog installment - Winners & Losers - Climate Change Election Platforms

For a wonderful visual essay that encapsulates Harper’s failure to act on climate change, please check out Dear Prime Minister by Franke James.

Strategic Voting
Aggk. How is it that a party leading in the polls at 38 percent is close to forming a house majority? Anything under 50 percent is not a majority. I learned that in high school math. If the majority of Canadians do not vote Conservative, why should the Conservatives have carte blanche control in Parliament?

My vote is for proportional representation. However, that vote is not on the docket. Unfortunately. And even if it were on the docket, people wouldn’t understand it. The media and most politicians would desecrate it, and it would be voted down.

Without proportional representation I am faced with the option of strategic voting. The Conservatives are huddled in one party and the centrists and lefties are split among several others, thereby splitting the vote.

Vote for Climate, a grassroots campaign, has identified 80 key ridings that will see close races or where Conservatives will target. Now my riding - Beaches/East York - is a Liberal and NDP stronghold, representing 40% and 35% of the 2006 vote respectfully. The Cons can try as they might but the likelihood of them getting elected is doubtful. They garnered 18% of the vote two years ago. I think I will vote with my heart this time. Please review the site to see if your riding is a key one. To find out how your riding did in past elections, click here.

I know the election is depressing but please vote, even if you don’t know who to vote for. Don’t like the candidates? Vote for your kids and all future kids instead. All parties except for the Conservatives observe the IPCC targets. Vote strategic or close your eyes and pick. Try again if you pick Conservative. Many who don’t like the Conservatives will likely not vote. That isn’t helpful. Please please vote.

On a happier note – Obama is leading in the polls (knock on wood). Considering that the USA is the second largest polluter on the planet, second only to China, representing more than 20 percent of the planet’s greenhouse gas emissions, an Obama victory will be a huge victory for our descendents, if he makes good on his promise to reduce greenhouse gases by 80 percent by 2050.

Canada contributes more than two percent of world emissions due to our tiny population so we will hardly make a dent. But it saddens me that Canada will not seize this great opportunity to be a leader in the green shift movement. The international community will pressure Canada until finally it follows suit. Until that time, it is up to us who understand the danger to take action to reduce our own carbon footprints.

Garbage! – Bin Retirement

This past Tuesday was garbage day. Next week is recycling which means that as of yesterday, Jane and I retired the garbage bin until the New Year. No more products with plastic non-recycling packaging for us. We have to be conscious. Aside from giving the good people in the Detroit suburb a break from our garbage for three months, this little exercise will serve as an eye opener on what comes with the products we buy. Organic loses its shine when its packaging can’t break down.

This week I’ve focused my shopping on the bulk section of the health food store, including bulk organic and fair trade coffee with paper bag – but thin plastic lining. This is the best I can do. The plastic lining, along with the lining to the cat food bag, will make up our one bag of garbage allotted to us for the three month time period. Now I just have to find a cheese shop that serves it up sans plastic.

In the News

Report Says Charities Would Be Lacking in a Big Disaster
It’s a bit of a vicious circle, I’m afraid. Clearly we are not at all prepared for the effects of climate change now that the economic house of cards is falling apart. The sooner we move to a sustainable model the better.

Solar Panels Are Vanishing, Only to Reappear on the Internet
Now it’s really not easy to be green.

Winners & Losers - Climate Change Election Platforms

2008-09-17T21:27:00.002-04:00

Election fever is upon us. Is it global warming or Stephen Harper’s warming personality that’s heating things up?

Mother of all Elections
In a feat of daring-do, Prime Minister Stephen Harper has undermined his own policy of fixed election dates and called a Canadian election against the mother of all American elections.

Well, our election is the mother of all Canadian elections. Much is at stake. Forgive the dramatics. Here’s why….

Important issues such as health care, the economy, the arts and environment require strong and specific policies from political parties (let’s not forget follow-through). Chief among these important issues is climate change. The decision we make now to reduce greenhouse gas emissions could dramatically affect future generations. Our generation will either stabilize temperatures at an increase of two degrees Celsius or give future generations runaway global warming.

The Climate Change Target
A ‘pesky’ group of climatologists and biologists (making up about ninety percent of all such scientists) are telling us, urging us, emphatically trying to let us know that we need to stabilize the concentration of greenhouse gases to 450 parts per million to avoid runaway climate change. Runaway and rapid climate change is really bad. Among other things, it kills off countless species which destabilizes our biosphere.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), where these scientists convene, is very specific about what we must do to avoid the unthinkable. To avoid the tipping point of runaway warming, developed countries (yes, that means the US and Canada) must reduce their emissions 25-40% below 1990 levels by 2020 and 80-95% below 1990 levels by 2050. There is no room for negotiation. We either meet the target or we fail. Failure is not an option.

Who’s on Target. Who’s Not
All parties have a plan to tackle climate change. Some meet the IPCC recommendations. Others fall short. The Sierra Club of Canada grades and reviews these plans. For the full report, click here. Don’t have time to read it? Read on for a short synopsis, followed by a quick review of Republican and Democrat policies.

Quick note: The Sierra Club endorses a hybrid approach to tacking climate change – combining a carbon tax and cap-and-trade system. Think a carbon tax will harm the economy? Think it’s too risky? Ask a Swede. Sweden has taxed pollution since the 1990s. Its economy is thriving, it will meet its Kyoto targets and its green-tech sector is well underway. Even Sir Nicholas Stern, former World Bank chief economist, supports the carbon tax as an effective way to curb carbon emissions and correct “the biggest market failure the world has ever seen.”

According to the Sierra Club of Canada: “…Canadian exports may lose competitiveness if we fail to act, as the European Union is considering whether or not to impose ‘carbon tariffs’ on Canadian goods. Putting a price on carbon will spur innovation and investment, ensuring that Canada is better poised to thrive in the low-carbon economy of tomorrow.”

Green Party: A-
Emissions Target - 30% below 1990 levels by 2020. Meets IPCC target.
Approach - Carbon tax and Cap-and-Trade hybrid. Carbon tax begins at $50/tonne rising to $100/tonne by 2020 if required. Income tax reduced. Cap-and-Trade to get started immediately.
Tax Revenue Directed to - Those most vulnerable during transition to greener economy.
Areas for Improvement – Direct some of that money to achieve more greenhouse gas reductions.
Note – The Green Party platform does include investment in low carbon technologies. Be sure to watch the leaders’ debates on Oct 2nd now with Elizabeth May on the docket. She’s gonna spice things up!

Liberal Party: B+
Emissions Target – 20% below 1990 levels by 2020 (25% if other countries match this target). Currently falls short of IPCC target.
Approach – Carbon tax and cap-and-trade hybrid. Carbon tax begins at $10/tonne rising $10/tonne each year until it reaches $40/tonne. Will not apply to diesel and aviation fuel during first year. Income tax reduced and monitored by Auditor General. Cap-and-trade implemented after a few years.
Revenue Directed to – Tax cuts/credits, those most vulnerable in society, stimulate innovation and investment in the green sector.
Areas for Improvement – Increase target to at least 25% below 1990 levels by 2020.
Note – Despite the need to increase the target, the Liberal’s plan is comprehensive and credible to achieve significant emissions reductions. When Stephan Dion was Minister of the Environment during the last two years of Liberal rule he realized the critical need to address climate change. As Chair of the Montreal COP in 2006, which review progress of the Kyoto accord, Dion was viewed by the international community as a credible leader on climate change action. To associate his two years as Environment Minister with over a decade of Liberal inaction on climate change is unfair and unhelpful. Dion may not be the most charismatic leader (neither was Lester B. Pearson) but he is quite sincere about shifting Canada to the new green economy.

New Democratic Party: B
Emissions Target – 25% below 1990 levels by 2020. Meets IPCC target.
Approach – Cap and Trade only. Projected that the auctioning of permits will generate at least $2.5 billion.
Revenue Directed to – Increased investment in green technologies, training to workers to assist in transition to green economy, and help middle to lower income families retrofit their homes and purchase low consumption appliances and vehicles.
Areas for Improvement – Sierra Club feels that it will be difficult to meet 25% target without including a carbon tax as well. Greater detail required to show how current plan will meet target.
Note – Kudos to Jack and his team for their work on climate change legislation.

Bloc Quebecois: B
Emissions Target – 25% below 1990 levels by 2020. Meets IPCC target.
Approach – Cap and Trade only. Provincial based system that plans to meet or exceed national target. Does not set price for carbon emissions.
Revenue Directed to – Up to each province.
Areas for Improvement – Provide details and specify price for carbon emissions. Again, consider a carbon tax.

The Conservatives: F+
Emissions Target – 3% below 1990 levels by 1990 (20% below 2006 levels by 2020) – Well below IPCC targets.
Approach – Emission Intensity Targets. Regulation of old facilities.
Financial Rewards – Will give financial incentives to folks wanting to buy energy efficient vehicles and retrofit their homes and businesses.
Areas for Improvement - Increase target to at least 25%. Drop the idea of intensity targets, which do not guarantee that industrial emissions will decrease. Find market-based solutions to the climate crisis such as a carbon tax and cap-and-trade hybrid. AND, acknowledge that the climate crisis is a serious threat, stop obstructing progress at international meetings and keep to the 1990 baseline.
Note – What ever happen to the ‘conserve’ in Conservative?

The Big Fat Juicy American Election

Amidst the hoopla over Sarah and her children and guns and patriotism and her proximity to Russia, and the current economic meltdown in the States, what do the two prospective leaders of the world’s largest carbon emitter plan to do about the greatest threat facing humankind and fellow species? Hmm?

Barack Obama
Emissions Target – 80% below 1990 levels by 2050. Meets IPCC target, but what about the 2020 target?
Approach – Cap and Trade.
Revenue Directed to - Clean energy future, habitat protections, and rebates and other transition relief for families.
Areas for Improvement – Details details details. We need more details.

John McCain
Emissions Target – 1990 levels by 2020 and 60% below 1990 levels by 2050. Falls below IPCC targets.
Approach – Cap and Trade.
Revenue Directed to - Development of Advanced Technologies
Areas for Improvement – Need to raise the target to meet IPCC targets.
Note – McCain was also one of two Republican presidential nominees who actually acknowledged that humans are causing climate change. Now he just has to convince his running mate. Drill baby Drill? Aside from the obvious Freudian analysis, is this anyway to end America’s dependence on a non-renewable resource and get it on target to prevent runaway climate change?

In the News

City eyes coffee cup ban
Hey, good timing! This will help with my no-garbage campaign…if it passes. If you live in Toronto please write to your councillor to support this ban. Click here for contact information.

Saint John looks at geothermal energy for city buildings

New health risks linked with plastic in bottles

60 Percent Campaign – Garbage! My Revolution

2008-09-11T08:06:00.001-04:00

Our new garbage bin arrived this week. It’s very cute - tiny - and part of Target 70, the City of Toronto’s plan to divert 70 percent of our garbage from Michigan’s landfill by 2010. Under Target 70, those who ‘need’ extra large bins pay $190 per year for their flagrant excess. Those who use the small bins receive a $10 credit per year.

In celebration of our adorable garbage bin, Jane and I plan not to use it.

That’s right…we’re about to take…the no-garbage plunge.

From October 1 to December 31, Jane and I vow to produce no non-recyclable garbage. Ok – we vow to produce just one bag of garbage that can easily fit into our small garbage bin. I’ll explain the one-bag-of-garbage later.

Inspiration
I’ve been thinking about this challenge for months after seeing Garbage! The Revolution Starts at Home at the Hot Docs Festival. The documentary follows a Toronto family who store their solid waste in their garage during the three months leading to Christmas. Surprise surprise, we learn that the average family generates an excessive amount of waste.

What I found particularly moving in the film is the plight of the people in a town just outside of Detroit, Michigan who live near the landfill. Five years ago Toronto signed a deal with the landfill company. Canadian dump trucks have been pouring in ever since. The townspeople did not approve of this deal. And why would they? They are left with the disgusting smell, illness and plummeting value of their properties.

People must have a say on what goes on in their communities. And no one should have to deal with other people’s garbage. Out of sight out of mind is a recipe for environmental disaster. Happily, the people of Michigan pressured their representatives to place a hefty price tag on out-of-State refuse, which prompted Toronto to devise Target 70.

After seeing the film, I thought about a potential sequel - the featured family commits to producing no garbage over three months. And then I thought – I should commit to that challenge. With some trepidation, Jane agreed to join me.

The Challenge
Ok – so just one bag of garbage. We will continue to divert most of our organics to our backyard compost, and other organics such as kitty litter to the City organics bin. As always, we will recycle our bottles and plastics and be mindful of what can and can’t be recycled.

What can’t be recycled can’t be bought. In other words, no plastic packaging and that includes that impossible-to-penetrate packaging on some products, take out containers, food products with plastic lining and anything with wrappers.

And we can’t cheat – this no garbage edict is to be carried into our work and social lives outside the home. Even the bags we use to contain our organic waste must be biodegradable.

We will be non-garbage producing machines…with one exception. Our cats. The cat food they so love has a plastic wrapping that can’t be recycled. Changing the food would be ok for Beau and Blacky but not for Bunny and Bear who are old prima donnas and could care less about their carbon paw print. So for them, we produce one bag of garbage in three months. It’s their garbage, mind, not ours. And that goes for the kitty litter, packaged in a plastic bag that cannot be recycled. Any sudden change to litter will spell a feline disaster in our household. We will, however, attempt to slowly change their clay based litter to corn based. It will be trail by error but worth the try.

To chronic the joys and pains of our campaign, I will provide updates on this blog. We may even be tech-savvy and videotape, or ‘vlog’, our progress. This should make for some stimulating footage…let me tell you. Stay tuned. To find out what others are doing to increase their waste awareness and reduce their waste, click here.

Next week…those elections.

In the News

Peter Senge's Necessary Revolution

Countries abusing human rights by failing to fight global warming: Oxfam

4 former PMs join call for climate change action