Friday, April 29, 2005
EcoDesign / Community
Commitment to Our Children: Sustainable Living
SALT SPRING, BC, Apr. 28, 2005 (SEEDS) - As we face the worldwide destruction and irreversible consumption of our natural resources, and the rapid erosion of traditional cultures and the globalization of our economies, communites that stand together and empower people to live sustainably are crucial. They are the foundation stones for our children and a meaningful future. The SEEDS mandate is to enhance the quality of life on earth by promoting the education and development of sustainable living practices.
Our goals are:
- to develop an ecovillage on the island that will be a living, working sustainable community
- to develop and demonstrate viable ecological alternatives for housing, education, food production, technology, social interactions, and economy
- to enhance individual cooperative creativity, spiritual growth and healing
- to provide land, structure and infrastructure for these purposes
The underlying principle of our ecovillage is a deep commitment to the sacredness of our relationships to the whole web of life. http://www.islandseeds.org/wiki/SEEDS:Home .
Commitment to Our Children: Sustainable Living
SALT SPRING, BC, Apr. 28, 2005 (SEEDS) - As we face the worldwide destruction and irreversible consumption of our natural resources, and the rapid erosion of traditional cultures and the globalization of our economies, communites that stand together and empower people to live sustainably are crucial. They are the foundation stones for our children and a meaningful future. The SEEDS mandate is to enhance the quality of life on earth by promoting the education and development of sustainable living practices.
Our goals are:
- to develop an ecovillage on the island that will be a living, working sustainable community
- to develop and demonstrate viable ecological alternatives for housing, education, food production, technology, social interactions, and economy
- to enhance individual cooperative creativity, spiritual growth and healing
- to provide land, structure and infrastructure for these purposes
The underlying principle of our ecovillage is a deep commitment to the sacredness of our relationships to the whole web of life. http://www.islandseeds.org/wiki/SEEDS:Home .
Sustainable Future Views / Resources
Energy Drives the Economy…
GABRIOLA, BC, May, 2005 (New Society News) - Q: What's a good book worth reading again? A: The Party's Over: Oil, War and the Fate of Industrial Societies by Richard Heinberg. Richard's work has been widely reviewed, but this comes from an unusual source: a recent column in Northern Ontario Business citing the "Collected Wisdom" of Dr. Luc Duchesne, President and CEO, Forest Bioproducts, Inc. Dr. Duchesne continues: "It's about the fact we're running out of oil, oil is driving war and that industrial societies are going to hell in a hand basket. The key point is energy drives the economy. I think we're headed for disaster." While what he says may well be true, it is human energy that will drive the solutions – and that's what New Society books are mostly about, as our new releases demonstrate. http://www.newsociety.com/.
Energy Drives the Economy…
GABRIOLA, BC, May, 2005 (New Society News) - Q: What's a good book worth reading again? A: The Party's Over: Oil, War and the Fate of Industrial Societies by Richard Heinberg. Richard's work has been widely reviewed, but this comes from an unusual source: a recent column in Northern Ontario Business citing the "Collected Wisdom" of Dr. Luc Duchesne, President and CEO, Forest Bioproducts, Inc. Dr. Duchesne continues: "It's about the fact we're running out of oil, oil is driving war and that industrial societies are going to hell in a hand basket. The key point is energy drives the economy. I think we're headed for disaster." While what he says may well be true, it is human energy that will drive the solutions – and that's what New Society books are mostly about, as our new releases demonstrate. http://www.newsociety.com/.
Climate Change / Solutions
Links for Getting There Green
GALT, CA, Apr. 17, 2005 (CIP, by Carol Brodie) - One of the themes at the October 2004 Education for Sustainability Conference in Portland was transportation issues, and how we can move about our campuses, our cities and this planet in a sustainable fashion. This topic was so motivating, and I would like to share what I learned at the conference, as well as other information I have found on the subject. Read more.
Links for Getting There Green
GALT, CA, Apr. 17, 2005 (CIP, by Carol Brodie) - One of the themes at the October 2004 Education for Sustainability Conference in Portland was transportation issues, and how we can move about our campuses, our cities and this planet in a sustainable fashion. This topic was so motivating, and I would like to share what I learned at the conference, as well as other information I have found on the subject. Read more.
Our Shifting Focus
Declaration of Interdependence from the David Suzuki Foundation
VANCOUVER, BC, Apr. 22, 2005 (Reprinted in the BALLE Conference Newsletter) -
This We Know: We are the earth, through the plants and animals that nourish us.We are the rains and the oceans that flow through our veins.We are the breath of the forests of the land, and the plants of the sea.We are human animals, related to all other life as descendants of the firstborn cell.We share with these kin a common history, written in our genes.We share a common present, filled with uncertainty.And we share a common future, as yet untold.We humans are one of thirty million species weaving the thin layer of life enveloping the world.The stability of communities of living things depends upon this diversity.Linked in that web, we are interconnected -- using, cleansing, sharing and replenishing the fundamental elements of life.Our home, planet Earth, is finite; all life shares its resources and the energy from the sun, and therefore has limits to growth.For the first time, we have touched those limits.When we compromise the air, the water, the soil and the variety of life, we steal from the endless future to serve the fleeting present.
This We Believe: Humans have become so numerous and our tools so powerful that we have driven fellow creatures to extinction, dammed the great rivers, torn down ancient forests, poisoned the earth, rain and wind, and ripped holes in the sky.Our science has brought pain as well as joy; our comfort is paid for by the suffering of millions.We are learning from our mistakes, we are mourning our vanished kin, and we now build a new politics of hope.We respect and uphold the absolute need for clean air, water and soil.We see that economic activities that benefit the few while shrinking the inheritance of many are wrong.And since environmental degradation erodes biological capital forever, full ecological and social cost must enter all equations of development.We are one brief generation in the long march of time; the future is not ours to erase.So where knowledge is limited, we will remember all those who will walk after us, and err on the side of caution.
This We Resolve: All this that we know and believe must now become the foundation of the way we live.At this turning point in our relationship with Earth, we work for an evolution: from dominance to partnership; from fragmentation to connection; from insecurity, to interdependence.
2005 BALLE BC Membership Invitation still only 35.00! Sign up by May 15 at www.ballebc.com for important added membership benefits and a chance to win great prizes! If you would like to be notified about upcoming balle events, please email us at info@ballebc.com.
Declaration of Interdependence from the David Suzuki Foundation
VANCOUVER, BC, Apr. 22, 2005 (Reprinted in the BALLE Conference Newsletter) -
This We Know: We are the earth, through the plants and animals that nourish us.We are the rains and the oceans that flow through our veins.We are the breath of the forests of the land, and the plants of the sea.We are human animals, related to all other life as descendants of the firstborn cell.We share with these kin a common history, written in our genes.We share a common present, filled with uncertainty.And we share a common future, as yet untold.We humans are one of thirty million species weaving the thin layer of life enveloping the world.The stability of communities of living things depends upon this diversity.Linked in that web, we are interconnected -- using, cleansing, sharing and replenishing the fundamental elements of life.Our home, planet Earth, is finite; all life shares its resources and the energy from the sun, and therefore has limits to growth.For the first time, we have touched those limits.When we compromise the air, the water, the soil and the variety of life, we steal from the endless future to serve the fleeting present.
This We Believe: Humans have become so numerous and our tools so powerful that we have driven fellow creatures to extinction, dammed the great rivers, torn down ancient forests, poisoned the earth, rain and wind, and ripped holes in the sky.Our science has brought pain as well as joy; our comfort is paid for by the suffering of millions.We are learning from our mistakes, we are mourning our vanished kin, and we now build a new politics of hope.We respect and uphold the absolute need for clean air, water and soil.We see that economic activities that benefit the few while shrinking the inheritance of many are wrong.And since environmental degradation erodes biological capital forever, full ecological and social cost must enter all equations of development.We are one brief generation in the long march of time; the future is not ours to erase.So where knowledge is limited, we will remember all those who will walk after us, and err on the side of caution.
This We Resolve: All this that we know and believe must now become the foundation of the way we live.At this turning point in our relationship with Earth, we work for an evolution: from dominance to partnership; from fragmentation to connection; from insecurity, to interdependence.
2005 BALLE BC Membership Invitation still only 35.00! Sign up by May 15 at www.ballebc.com for important added membership benefits and a chance to win great prizes! If you would like to be notified about upcoming balle events, please email us at info@ballebc.com.
Exemplary Resources / Education
New Resources … And Happy Earth Day!
PORTLAND, OR, Apr. 22, 2005, (EFSWN) - Dear Friends of EFS West, We're excited to announce the release today, on Earth Day 2005, of two valuable resources from EFS West/Second Nature to support your efforts: 1] The long-awaited "Educational Resources Databases" (built on the original databases created by Second Nature). They contain thousands of course syllabi, campus EFS profiles, and teaching methods & projects contributed by faculty, staff, administrators and students from across the U.S. and Canada. The databases are a unique source of information, and provide a great place to highlight and share EFS activities and resources from your own campus. Thanks to the National Council for Science and the Environment for their financial support in hosting the databases. http://www.efswest.org/resource_center/databases.php. 2] The release of six new Second Nature/EFS West "Resource Sheets" covering topics from green buildings to purchasing. The resource sheets highlight innovative as well as pragmatic approaches to sustainability taking place on campuses. Each sheet provides summaries of campus activities as well as electronic and print resources relevant to the particular topic. These are beta versions, so your feedback on their content, format and usefulness is welcome. Second Nature expects to finalize them over the next few months. http://www.secondnature.org/efs/efs_rec_readng.html#sheets. Happy Earth Day from both of us! Judy and Julian.
New Resources … And Happy Earth Day!
PORTLAND, OR, Apr. 22, 2005, (EFSWN) - Dear Friends of EFS West, We're excited to announce the release today, on Earth Day 2005, of two valuable resources from EFS West/Second Nature to support your efforts: 1] The long-awaited "Educational Resources Databases" (built on the original databases created by Second Nature). They contain thousands of course syllabi, campus EFS profiles, and teaching methods & projects contributed by faculty, staff, administrators and students from across the U.S. and Canada. The databases are a unique source of information, and provide a great place to highlight and share EFS activities and resources from your own campus. Thanks to the National Council for Science and the Environment for their financial support in hosting the databases. http://www.efswest.org/resource_center/databases.php. 2] The release of six new Second Nature/EFS West "Resource Sheets" covering topics from green buildings to purchasing. The resource sheets highlight innovative as well as pragmatic approaches to sustainability taking place on campuses. Each sheet provides summaries of campus activities as well as electronic and print resources relevant to the particular topic. These are beta versions, so your feedback on their content, format and usefulness is welcome. Second Nature expects to finalize them over the next few months. http://www.secondnature.org/efs/efs_rec_readng.html#sheets. Happy Earth Day from both of us! Judy and Julian.
Sustainable Future Views
Save the Cob Garden
VANCOUVER, BC, Apr. 22, 2005, (Save the Cob Garden) - In the midst of the city there lies a vibrant wild garden that is one hundred years-old with a little cob house that is just around the corner from Commercial Drive on Salsbury Drive. It is quiet and peaceful and renews the spirit. This garden is well-loved throughout the neighbourhood and is certainly home to many diverse plant species, including a native bitter cherry, a hundred-year old cedar as well a family of raccoons, squirrels and many songbirds that do not normally sing or nest in this area. The cob house was built about three years ago by the hands of a local natural builder Ian Marcuse and many others. http://members.shaw.ca/savethecobgarden/ or email us at:savethecobgarden@shaw.ca.
Save the Cob Garden
VANCOUVER, BC, Apr. 22, 2005, (Save the Cob Garden) - In the midst of the city there lies a vibrant wild garden that is one hundred years-old with a little cob house that is just around the corner from Commercial Drive on Salsbury Drive. It is quiet and peaceful and renews the spirit. This garden is well-loved throughout the neighbourhood and is certainly home to many diverse plant species, including a native bitter cherry, a hundred-year old cedar as well a family of raccoons, squirrels and many songbirds that do not normally sing or nest in this area. The cob house was built about three years ago by the hands of a local natural builder Ian Marcuse and many others. http://members.shaw.ca/savethecobgarden/ or email us at:savethecobgarden@shaw.ca.
Simple Living / Solutions / Examples
Ecology North's Sustainable Living Fair
YELLOWKNIFE, Apr. 12, 2005 (Ecology North) - On May 7&8, Ecology North will be holding a Sustainable Living Fair upstairs in the Multiplex during the Chamber of Commerce Trade Show. We plan on having a series of booths and displays that highlight ways that we can make our city and our own lifestyles more sustainable. We hope to feature products and services that can help us to reduce our impact on the planet and future generations. Currently, ideas for displays include: Making Your Own Energy - solar panels, energy conservation, human powered generators, hand-powered devices. Composting - I would like to actually build one at the fair using wood from the dump. Sustainable Recreation - Camping, canoeing, hiking. Sustainable Transportation - bikes, buses, strollers, wagons ... Energy Star Appliances - front-load washing machines, fridges, Compact Fluorescent light-bulbs. Business that help you to recycle - YK Recycling Services, lists of businesses that take stuff back, businesses that actually repair things. Natural and Organic Products - displays of organic foods, items with less volatile organic compounds, items with recycled content. Suggestions and ideas, please contact doug@ecologynorth.ca or at 873-6019.
Ecology North's Sustainable Living Fair
YELLOWKNIFE, Apr. 12, 2005 (Ecology North) - On May 7&8, Ecology North will be holding a Sustainable Living Fair upstairs in the Multiplex during the Chamber of Commerce Trade Show. We plan on having a series of booths and displays that highlight ways that we can make our city and our own lifestyles more sustainable. We hope to feature products and services that can help us to reduce our impact on the planet and future generations. Currently, ideas for displays include: Making Your Own Energy - solar panels, energy conservation, human powered generators, hand-powered devices. Composting - I would like to actually build one at the fair using wood from the dump. Sustainable Recreation - Camping, canoeing, hiking. Sustainable Transportation - bikes, buses, strollers, wagons ... Energy Star Appliances - front-load washing machines, fridges, Compact Fluorescent light-bulbs. Business that help you to recycle - YK Recycling Services, lists of businesses that take stuff back, businesses that actually repair things. Natural and Organic Products - displays of organic foods, items with less volatile organic compounds, items with recycled content. Suggestions and ideas, please contact doug@ecologynorth.ca or at 873-6019.
Events / Climate Change / Youth – Victoria, BC – July 3 - 6
Come Change the world in 4 Days!
NEW DENVER, BC, Apr. 6, 2005 (Changing Climates Environmental Society) - Dear Sir or Madam, I am currently organizing the Canadian Youth Climate Change Conference (YC3), a youth driven event (as director I am 17) planned for July 3rd-6th 2005. We are bringing together youth from coast to coast to coast, giving them the skills, support, and empowerment the lead the challenge of mitigating climate change. YC3 is currently trying to attract delegates from all over Canada to attend. I would sincerely appreciate your time and support if you could circulate the below notice about YC3 through your networks, and include a notice about the Conference in your next newsletter edition. I have also attached our poster in PDF format, please see our website www.yc3.net for more information, or let me know if you require more details. Sincerely, Alysia Garmulewicz, Director, Canadian Youth Climate Change Conference, Changing Climates Environmental Society, RR1, S.2 C.49, New Denver, BC, V0G 1S0; Ph: (250) 358-2303; Fax: (250) 358-2353.
Come Change the world in 4 Days!
NEW DENVER, BC, Apr. 6, 2005 (Changing Climates Environmental Society) - Dear Sir or Madam, I am currently organizing the Canadian Youth Climate Change Conference (YC3), a youth driven event (as director I am 17) planned for July 3rd-6th 2005. We are bringing together youth from coast to coast to coast, giving them the skills, support, and empowerment the lead the challenge of mitigating climate change. YC3 is currently trying to attract delegates from all over Canada to attend. I would sincerely appreciate your time and support if you could circulate the below notice about YC3 through your networks, and include a notice about the Conference in your next newsletter edition. I have also attached our poster in PDF format, please see our website www.yc3.net for more information, or let me know if you require more details. Sincerely, Alysia Garmulewicz, Director, Canadian Youth Climate Change Conference, Changing Climates Environmental Society, RR1, S.2 C.49, New Denver, BC, V0G 1S0; Ph: (250) 358-2303; Fax: (250) 358-2353.
Sustainable Future Views / Climate Change Solutions
Wintry Canada to Use Solar Power to Heat Homes
TORONTO, ON, Apr. 4, 2005 (Reuters) - Canada, better known for snow than sun, plans to build a 52-home solar powered community in Alberta that will harvest the sun's rays in summer and use them to heat homes in winter, the government said on Wednesday. The Drake Landing development, already under construction in the western province, will be the first of its kind in North America. Officials say it will cut greenhouse gas emissions by 260 tonnes a year and supply the homes with more than 90 percent of the heat they need. http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/nm/20050330/wl_canada_nm/canada_life_solar_col&e=5.
Wintry Canada to Use Solar Power to Heat Homes
TORONTO, ON, Apr. 4, 2005 (Reuters) - Canada, better known for snow than sun, plans to build a 52-home solar powered community in Alberta that will harvest the sun's rays in summer and use them to heat homes in winter, the government said on Wednesday. The Drake Landing development, already under construction in the western province, will be the first of its kind in North America. Officials say it will cut greenhouse gas emissions by 260 tonnes a year and supply the homes with more than 90 percent of the heat they need. http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/nm/20050330/wl_canada_nm/canada_life_solar_col&e=5.
