Chances are most people know how to cut back on their consumption, but just in case you don't, this is for you:
1.) Change your light bulbs to CFL (compact florescent light).
They last longer, save you money (est. $40 per light life span), and if every person where to change one light in their house in North America, it would reduce greenhouse gases equivalent of removing 66,000 cars off the road. If this isn't enough incentive, well, the government also gives you 50% of the cost back to you if the light bulb is $5 or more.
www.incentivesandrebates.ca/gc
2.) Drive Less (we all know this one)
Chew on this: every 1 litre of gas you use is equal to @ 2.5 kg of CO polluting our air. Don't idle you car when you do drive, car pool, walk, bus or cycle, get some fresh air and keep it fresh too. Again, the government also gives tax breaks on bicycles and and equipment, as well as on transit monthly passes. So keep all your receipts! If we want better bus systems and cycle routes, we must support what we have now.
http://www.icarpool.com/
http://www.erideshare.com/
www.kijiji.ca/vancouver
these seem to be easy and free to join (?) (i haven't gone all the way with the trip planning)
www.incentivesandrebates.ca/gc
3.) Turn Down the Heat or A/C
By simply turning down the heat when out or at night (or in the day whatever you prefer). Just lowering a few degrees can save a lot of energy and money (and you thought you were broke - cha-ching!). Like my father used to tell me...."put a sweater on!!!" In the summer, rather than heating things up while cooling yourself down, opt for a fan instead of using the A/C. I know they don't work as well, however some newer models work decently for a fair price and without the cost of the planet. Seems like fair trade to me. If you are able to, install energy saving windows and appliances, then check out the gov.'s incentive and rebates web page (above) to get some of your hard earned cash back. Maybe even look into installing solar, it has a much better return on investment than any GIC.
4.) Save The Hot Water
Heating water is #4 on the energy drainer's guide and so easy to fix. Wash your clothes in cold (preferably) or warm. It is better for your clothes anyway. Wrap a blankie around your hot water tank. Surprisingly this can save you up to an est. 33% of hot water. (who knew saving the world could save your pocket book too?) Also make sure your tank is maintained properly.
5.) Eat Less Meat; Eat Organic
The food industry another one of the big bad polluters and consumers, especially factory farmed meat and non-organic produce. By choosing to have one or two (or more) meat-free meals a week, you save tonnes in waste water, methane, chemicals, feed, electricity, and of course one sad sorry animal's life of cruelty and pain. When you do eat meat, try to buy free range meats. They are becoming less expensive and more plentiful. Same with organic produce. I always peruse the organic isles first to see what is affordable and surprisingly, it is sometimes cheaper or at least close to the same. And it tastes better too. Delish!
6.) Be Consumer Savvy
You have buying Power - so use it. When you purchase organic, sustainable, eco-friendly products you tell manufacturers to change and create products that do not have the hidden cost of the destruction of our only home. Cotton, for example is not only the most heavily sprayed crop but also the chemicals used are some of the most toxic substances in farming. In 2000, 84 million pounds of chemicals were dumped on 14.4 million acres of US cotton fields. And you don't have to look like a hippie either (unless you want to). Lots of organic clothing companies make really funky and comfortable styles.
Check this site out for some local stores:
http://www.fashionhigh.ca/
7.) Recycle and Re-Use (as if you aren't already)
So we've been doing this for a while, Great! However many aren't. Especially businesses (and they waste a lot!). Encourage your place of work to start a recycling program. If your home or apartment building doesn't have any blue bins, find out how to get some. Look for food packages that can be recycled. Encourage coffee shops to use biodegradable cups, or even better, bring your own. The GVRD has a guide called 101 things to do with all your old stuff (and where to take it).
http://www.gvrd.bc.ca/
8.) Compost
It's easy and cheap and anyone, anywhere can do it.
http://www.cityfarmer.org/
9.) Invest Wisely
You cycle, recycle, eat organic etc. So why are you supporting Big Oil? You pay close attention to how well your investments are doing but you should also pay attention to what you are investing in. After all, what good will that $$$ be in 30, 40 years if our Earth is in shambles.
http://www.greenmoneyjournal.com/
www.sustainablebusiness.com/progressiveinvestor
10.) Write
Write to your government. Write to consumer manufacturers: Food, Cars, Clothing, etc. You don't have to be eloquent with the ink, just tell them what you like and don't like about what they are doing. Offer suggestions for change.
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Monday, February 19, 2007
Events April 2007
Events April 2007
Seedy Saturdays - Running until the end of April throughout the province. Full list.
Bringing together home gardeners, seed savers, native plant collectors, agriculture conservation groups, and community gardeners as well as local seed companies that sell open-pollinated varieties of vegetables, fruits, flowers, grains and herbs.
Visit Seedysaturday.ca
Pulp Fantasy
Until April 21
Jane Vilimek's works consist of 3D suspended, wall-mounted and free-standing sculptures created from recycled materials and paper mache.
Art+Soul Gallery
Pacific Pallisades Hotel
1277 Robson St.
604-874-7797
Fee, Fi, Faux, Fun: Fakery in Fashion
Sun, April 1, 2pm
Explore historic fashion fabulous and not-so-fab fakes. Presented by the Original Costume Museum Society.
Hycroft, 1489 McRae Ave.
$10-$20 at door
Nepali Film Festival
Sun, April 1, 11am-6pm
5 recent films from Nepal. Proceeds go to development projects in Nepal.
Langara College
100 W.49th Ave.
$10/$7 - one screening
$15/$11 - two screenings
$20/$15 - all day
tix @ Cafe Kathmandu or at door
604-224-5133
www.tras.ca/filmfest
Full Moon Meditation (free)
April 2 /2007 (Aries) 7:30pm
@ SPEC 2150 Maple St.
6th and Maple (2 blocks West of Burrard St.)
bus routes (#4, #7, #9, #17, #16) and 2 bike routes (Cypress and 7th Avenue). www.transmissionmeditation.org
http://www.taracanada.org/
Tuesday, April 3, 2007, 7:45 PM
Italian Cultural Centre
3075 Slocan St.
Tickets $12 at Ticketmaster
Join scientist and broadcaster Dr. David Suzuki, renowned marine scientist and Director of the University of British Columbia's Fisheries Centre, Dr. Daniel Pauly, and Chef Robert Clark of C Restaurant for a friendly discussion about options for maintaining the health of Canada's oceans and the sustainability of our seafood industries.
The event will commence with the presentation of a short documentary, "Can the Oceans Keep Up with the Hunt?" It's a compelling examination of the global fisheries crisis, and highlights the urgent need to restore fisheries and protect essential fish habitat.
Following the formal presentations, the audience will be invited to participate in a question and answer session with the panel.
Parks Canada Speaker Series: Marcia Morash - Gwaii Haanas Marine Reserve (free)
Wed. April 4, 7:30pm
Find out how a national marine conservation area reserve would protect this special place from mountain top to deep sea.
Vancouver Public Library, Central Branch
604-331-3602
AUTHOR, ACTIVIST, VEGAN, PHILOSOPHER
DR. Dr.STEVEN BEST
When: Thursday, April 5, 7:00 PM
WHERE:Lecture Hall 328 South Building,Emily Carr Institute,
1399 Johnston Street, Granville Island, Vancouver, BC
A truly unique evening regarding animal rights & environmental ethics... A community speaking engagement with one of the most eloquent and empowering voices of our time.
AUTHOR, ACTIVIST, VEGAN, PHILOSOPHERDR. Dr.STEVEN BEST
http://www.drstevebest.org/
Winter Farmers Market
April 7, 10am-2pm
Over 20 farm vendors representing 1,530 acres of BC agricultural land. Fresh herbs, frozen berries, grass-fed meats, jams, baked goods.
W.I.S.E. Hall
1882 Adanac St.
604-879-3276
www.eatlocal.org
Sleep, Dreams, and Desire: The Spring of Passion in Song (free)
April 7, 2pm
Baritone singer and psychoanalyst Dr. Cliff Ridley and Pianist Danielle Marcinek explore the deeper currents in our lives through music.
Vancouver Public Library, Central Branch
604-331-3602
Afghanistan: Images of War and Culture
April 11, 7:30pm
A multi-media presentation featuring frontline photos of Canadian troops in combat and behind-the-scenes images of an imperiled people. A benefit to Women for Women in Afghanistan.
H.R. MacMillan Space Centre
1100 Chestnut St.
$15 at door
604-299-2546
David Suzuki Lecture
The Centennial Theatre
Upper Lonsdale, North Vancouver
April 11, 7:30pm
Free
Revealing Our Ocean Secrets With Venus (free)
April 12, 7:30pm
Nature Vancouver presents UVIC professor and Canada Research in Deep Oceans, who talks about the Victoria Experimental Network Under the Sea, which would give researchers and the public access to ocean data, videos, images, and sound.
Vancouver Museum
1100 Chestnut
www.naturevancouver.ca
Fair Trade Carpets
Friday April 13 7pm
An info night featuring artisan stories. Refreshments served
Ten Thousand Villages
1387 MArine DR. West Van
RSVP - Pat 604-913-0844
The $76 Billion Case for Diversity and The Results of the 2006 Census (free)
April 13, 6-8pm
The Vancouver Multicultural Society presents a talk by Nick Noorani from Canadian
Immigrant Magazine.
Hodson Manor
1254 W.7th
604-731-4648
Lynn Valley Community Association - Trail Clean Up
April 14- 9am-12pm
Basic trail work, planting, filling holes, and improving drainage.
Meet at South end of Allen Rd. on the Ross Rd. elementary school playground.
604-984-8401
STEP IT UP VANCOUVER_DO FOR THE WORLD __JOIN US
When: Saturday April 14th, 2007
Where: The Vancouver Art Gallery - 750 Hornby St. http://endtheheat.org/
Show the world that the people of Canada are united against this Global Problem.
World Peace Forum: Beyond 2006
April 14, 9am-5-pm (social w/bar 5-7:30pm)
The World Peace Society Board hosts a "stategic visioning" meeting for the discussion of building alliances in orfer to work toward a peacful,just,and sustainable world. A social event with cash bar follows 5-7:30
CAW, Canadian Union Hall
326 12th st. New West
Admission by donation
info@worldpeaceforum.ca
Moving The Earth: Car Culture and Global Environmental Politics (free)
April 14, 2007
8:15pm
UBC Woodward Instructional Resources Centre Lecture Hall #2
http://www.psg.com/~ted/vaninst/
directions:
http://www.psg.com/~ted/vaninst/ViDirections.html
Building Social Capital & Civic Engagement In A Changing World
April 14, 8pm
The Dalai Lama Centre for Peace and Education, in cooperation with the Vancouver Board of Trade and the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, presents a talk by political scientist, Robert Putnam, author of Bowling Alone
Chan Centre for Performing Arts
6265 Crescent Rd. UBC
$22 at ticketmaster
www.ticketmaster.ca
Swap-O-Rama
Sunday, April 15
11:00 - 4:00 pm
Heritage Hall 3102 Main Street
Have a passion for do-it-yourself fashion?
Bringing together local artists, designers, and crafters for a day of creativity and fun. The day will feature:
- Our signature clothing swap (all genders, all ages welcome)
- Fashion entertainment featuring local, innovative,and eco-friendly designers
- Hands-on silkscreening demos with Yuriko from Blim
- Knitting tutorials courtesy of the East VanRevolutionary Knitting Front
- Alteration stations to embroider, embellish, andrefresh your clothing finds
- Live music by DJs Pyxis and Xyn of XyntheticNetlabelVisit
www.swaporama.org for details
or emailhttp://ca.f329.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=van.swap@gmail.com&YY=12618&y5beta=yes&y5beta=yes&order=down&sort=date&pos=0&view=a&head=b to join our mailing list.
$5 admission plus a bag of clean wearables to swap.
Vancouver Swap-O-Rama-Rama is brought to you by TrueStitches and the Work Less Party.
Gardening With Kids
April 16- May 14
May 28- June 25
Mondays 3:30-5:00pm
A creative and fun way to garden with kids 9-12 yrs., including composting and the envirionment. Rainy days will be spent indoors creating crafts relating to flowers and plants.
North Shore Neighbourhood House
$38
604-987-8138
Volunteer Action And The Fight Against Poverty (free of course)
April 17, 1-3pm
Volunteer BC hosts a celebration of innovative programs
Vancouver Public Library
350 W. Georgia
www.volunteerbc.bc.ca/events/week.html.
The North Shore Gogos
April 21, 8:30am-2pm
Fundraising Garage Sale to support Stephen Lewis's fund to help grandmothers raising AIDS orphans in Africa
2309 Inglewood Ave.
West Vancouver
What: Earth Day Vancouver 2007
When: Saturday, April 21, 11:00 AM
Where:Jericho Beach Park from 11am to 5 pm
Event Description: Make Earth Day Matter
Join the global party for the planet by taking part in this year's Earth Day Vancouver Celebration. This free family-oriented event will have tons of fun eco-friendly activities for kids and adults and you'll be able to help restore Jericho Beach Park at the same time!
Raffi Cavoukian, singer, author and ecology advocate is the Honorary Chair of Earth Day Vancouver Celebration 2007. Raffi will launch the hight-energy Earth Day Stage, programmed by The Vancouver Folk Music Festival.
for details and the entertainment lineup:
www.evergreen.ca
Learn more here:
http://environment.meetup.com/237/calendar/5642104/
The Story Of Extreme Waves
April 22, 2:30pm
Sailor Craig Smith presents an illustrated lecture about rogue waves and tsunamis, based on his book Extreme Waves
Vancouver Maritime Museum
1905 Ogden
Free w/museum admission
604-257-8300
April 23-29
Pitch in Canada Recycling and Clean up Action Week. Get yourself involved, get your school involved. To register go to http://www.pitch-in.ca/Pitch-In.php
or call 604-536-4726
for even more info check out http://environment.meetup.com/237/?gj=sj4
meetup.com's environmental activist group in vancouver bc. and talk to Jennifer
Mental Health and Addictions: How to Seek Treatment and Access Services in Vancouver
April 24, 7-8:30pm
Panel presentation and community discussion with members of the public and health professionals.
Gordon Neighbourhood House
1019 Broughton 604-708-5320
Seedy Saturdays - Running until the end of April throughout the province. Full list.
Bringing together home gardeners, seed savers, native plant collectors, agriculture conservation groups, and community gardeners as well as local seed companies that sell open-pollinated varieties of vegetables, fruits, flowers, grains and herbs.
Visit Seedysaturday.ca
Pulp Fantasy
Until April 21
Jane Vilimek's works consist of 3D suspended, wall-mounted and free-standing sculptures created from recycled materials and paper mache.
Art+Soul Gallery
Pacific Pallisades Hotel
1277 Robson St.
604-874-7797
Fee, Fi, Faux, Fun: Fakery in Fashion
Sun, April 1, 2pm
Explore historic fashion fabulous and not-so-fab fakes. Presented by the Original Costume Museum Society.
Hycroft, 1489 McRae Ave.
$10-$20 at door
Nepali Film Festival
Sun, April 1, 11am-6pm
5 recent films from Nepal. Proceeds go to development projects in Nepal.
Langara College
100 W.49th Ave.
$10/$7 - one screening
$15/$11 - two screenings
$20/$15 - all day
tix @ Cafe Kathmandu or at door
604-224-5133
www.tras.ca/filmfest
Full Moon Meditation (free)
April 2 /2007 (Aries) 7:30pm
@ SPEC 2150 Maple St.
6th and Maple (2 blocks West of Burrard St.)
bus routes (#4, #7, #9, #17, #16) and 2 bike routes (Cypress and 7th Avenue). www.transmissionmeditation.org
http://www.taracanada.org/
Tuesday, April 3, 2007, 7:45 PM
Italian Cultural Centre
3075 Slocan St.
Tickets $12 at Ticketmaster
Join scientist and broadcaster Dr. David Suzuki, renowned marine scientist and Director of the University of British Columbia's Fisheries Centre, Dr. Daniel Pauly, and Chef Robert Clark of C Restaurant for a friendly discussion about options for maintaining the health of Canada's oceans and the sustainability of our seafood industries.
The event will commence with the presentation of a short documentary, "Can the Oceans Keep Up with the Hunt?" It's a compelling examination of the global fisheries crisis, and highlights the urgent need to restore fisheries and protect essential fish habitat.
Following the formal presentations, the audience will be invited to participate in a question and answer session with the panel.
Parks Canada Speaker Series: Marcia Morash - Gwaii Haanas Marine Reserve (free)
Wed. April 4, 7:30pm
Find out how a national marine conservation area reserve would protect this special place from mountain top to deep sea.
Vancouver Public Library, Central Branch
604-331-3602
AUTHOR, ACTIVIST, VEGAN, PHILOSOPHER
DR. Dr.STEVEN BEST
When: Thursday, April 5, 7:00 PM
WHERE:Lecture Hall 328 South Building,Emily Carr Institute,
1399 Johnston Street, Granville Island, Vancouver, BC
A truly unique evening regarding animal rights & environmental ethics... A community speaking engagement with one of the most eloquent and empowering voices of our time.
AUTHOR, ACTIVIST, VEGAN, PHILOSOPHERDR. Dr.STEVEN BEST
http://www.drstevebest.org/
Winter Farmers Market
April 7, 10am-2pm
Over 20 farm vendors representing 1,530 acres of BC agricultural land. Fresh herbs, frozen berries, grass-fed meats, jams, baked goods.
W.I.S.E. Hall
1882 Adanac St.
604-879-3276
www.eatlocal.org
Sleep, Dreams, and Desire: The Spring of Passion in Song (free)
April 7, 2pm
Baritone singer and psychoanalyst Dr. Cliff Ridley and Pianist Danielle Marcinek explore the deeper currents in our lives through music.
Vancouver Public Library, Central Branch
604-331-3602
Afghanistan: Images of War and Culture
April 11, 7:30pm
A multi-media presentation featuring frontline photos of Canadian troops in combat and behind-the-scenes images of an imperiled people. A benefit to Women for Women in Afghanistan.
H.R. MacMillan Space Centre
1100 Chestnut St.
$15 at door
604-299-2546
David Suzuki Lecture
The Centennial Theatre
Upper Lonsdale, North Vancouver
April 11, 7:30pm
Free
Revealing Our Ocean Secrets With Venus (free)
April 12, 7:30pm
Nature Vancouver presents UVIC professor and Canada Research in Deep Oceans, who talks about the Victoria Experimental Network Under the Sea, which would give researchers and the public access to ocean data, videos, images, and sound.
Vancouver Museum
1100 Chestnut
www.naturevancouver.ca
Fair Trade Carpets
Friday April 13 7pm
An info night featuring artisan stories. Refreshments served
Ten Thousand Villages
1387 MArine DR. West Van
RSVP - Pat 604-913-0844
The $76 Billion Case for Diversity and The Results of the 2006 Census (free)
April 13, 6-8pm
The Vancouver Multicultural Society presents a talk by Nick Noorani from Canadian
Immigrant Magazine.
Hodson Manor
1254 W.7th
604-731-4648
Lynn Valley Community Association - Trail Clean Up
April 14- 9am-12pm
Basic trail work, planting, filling holes, and improving drainage.
Meet at South end of Allen Rd. on the Ross Rd. elementary school playground.
604-984-8401
STEP IT UP VANCOUVER_DO FOR THE WORLD __JOIN US
When: Saturday April 14th, 2007
Where: The Vancouver Art Gallery - 750 Hornby St. http://endtheheat.org/
Show the world that the people of Canada are united against this Global Problem.
World Peace Forum: Beyond 2006
April 14, 9am-5-pm (social w/bar 5-7:30pm)
The World Peace Society Board hosts a "stategic visioning" meeting for the discussion of building alliances in orfer to work toward a peacful,just,and sustainable world. A social event with cash bar follows 5-7:30
CAW, Canadian Union Hall
326 12th st. New West
Admission by donation
info@worldpeaceforum.ca
Moving The Earth: Car Culture and Global Environmental Politics (free)
April 14, 2007
8:15pm
UBC Woodward Instructional Resources Centre Lecture Hall #2
http://www.psg.com/~ted/vaninst/
directions:
http://www.psg.com/~ted/vaninst/ViDirections.html
Building Social Capital & Civic Engagement In A Changing World
April 14, 8pm
The Dalai Lama Centre for Peace and Education, in cooperation with the Vancouver Board of Trade and the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, presents a talk by political scientist, Robert Putnam, author of Bowling Alone
Chan Centre for Performing Arts
6265 Crescent Rd. UBC
$22 at ticketmaster
www.ticketmaster.ca
Swap-O-Rama
Sunday, April 15
11:00 - 4:00 pm
Heritage Hall 3102 Main Street
Have a passion for do-it-yourself fashion?
Bringing together local artists, designers, and crafters for a day of creativity and fun. The day will feature:
- Our signature clothing swap (all genders, all ages welcome)
- Fashion entertainment featuring local, innovative,and eco-friendly designers
- Hands-on silkscreening demos with Yuriko from Blim
- Knitting tutorials courtesy of the East VanRevolutionary Knitting Front
- Alteration stations to embroider, embellish, andrefresh your clothing finds
- Live music by DJs Pyxis and Xyn of XyntheticNetlabelVisit
www.swaporama.org for details
or emailhttp://ca.f329.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=van.swap@gmail.com&YY=12618&y5beta=yes&y5beta=yes&order=down&sort=date&pos=0&view=a&head=b to join our mailing list.
$5 admission plus a bag of clean wearables to swap.
Vancouver Swap-O-Rama-Rama is brought to you by TrueStitches and the Work Less Party.
Gardening With Kids
April 16- May 14
May 28- June 25
Mondays 3:30-5:00pm
A creative and fun way to garden with kids 9-12 yrs., including composting and the envirionment. Rainy days will be spent indoors creating crafts relating to flowers and plants.
North Shore Neighbourhood House
$38
604-987-8138
Volunteer Action And The Fight Against Poverty (free of course)
April 17, 1-3pm
Volunteer BC hosts a celebration of innovative programs
Vancouver Public Library
350 W. Georgia
www.volunteerbc.bc.ca/events/week.html.
The North Shore Gogos
April 21, 8:30am-2pm
Fundraising Garage Sale to support Stephen Lewis's fund to help grandmothers raising AIDS orphans in Africa
2309 Inglewood Ave.
West Vancouver
What: Earth Day Vancouver 2007
When: Saturday, April 21, 11:00 AM
Where:Jericho Beach Park from 11am to 5 pm
Event Description: Make Earth Day Matter
Join the global party for the planet by taking part in this year's Earth Day Vancouver Celebration. This free family-oriented event will have tons of fun eco-friendly activities for kids and adults and you'll be able to help restore Jericho Beach Park at the same time!
Raffi Cavoukian, singer, author and ecology advocate is the Honorary Chair of Earth Day Vancouver Celebration 2007. Raffi will launch the hight-energy Earth Day Stage, programmed by The Vancouver Folk Music Festival.
for details and the entertainment lineup:
www.evergreen.ca
Learn more here:
http://environment.meetup.com/237/calendar/5642104/
The Story Of Extreme Waves
April 22, 2:30pm
Sailor Craig Smith presents an illustrated lecture about rogue waves and tsunamis, based on his book Extreme Waves
Vancouver Maritime Museum
1905 Ogden
Free w/museum admission
604-257-8300
April 23-29
Pitch in Canada Recycling and Clean up Action Week. Get yourself involved, get your school involved. To register go to http://www.pitch-in.ca/Pitch-In.php
or call 604-536-4726
for even more info check out http://environment.meetup.com/237/?gj=sj4
meetup.com's environmental activist group in vancouver bc. and talk to Jennifer
Mental Health and Addictions: How to Seek Treatment and Access Services in Vancouver
April 24, 7-8:30pm
Panel presentation and community discussion with members of the public and health professionals.
Gordon Neighbourhood House
1019 Broughton 604-708-5320
Events March 2007
Events March 2007
March 2-8 9:15 pm
The Five Ring Circus (the untold 2010 olympic story in vancouver)
The RIO Theatre
Commercial and Broadway
www.thefiveringcircus.com
March 8, 8 pm (reception and silent auction at 7 pm)
Kay Meek Centre (1700 Mathers Ave., West Van.
Canadian a capella group the Nylons performs at a benefit for the Coalition to Save Eagleridge Bluffs.
Tix $50, info 604-913-3634
(March 9-11, 2007
Matthieu Ricard, the world's "happiest man",discusses cultivating life's important skill, happiness. Internationally renowned Buddhist monk, author, and researcher Matthieu Ricard, Ph.D. (Biochemistry) comes to Vancouver for the first time to give four free talks on how changing your thought processes can help make you happier. In his new book, Happiness: A Guide to Developing Life's Most Important Skill (Little,> Brown), Ricard describes in accessible language how the regular, long-term practice of "mental training," or meditation, significantly enhances one's ability to concentrate, manage stress, and enjoy life. And the researchbacks up his ideas - MRI test results from Ricard and other Buddhist practitioners recently led the British newspaper The Independent to dub Ricard the"world's happiest man". See the website at www.ricard.cfis.ubc.ca for more details and to RSVP for a chance to win a signed copy of Happiness.
March 17 - Out of Afganistan - Into Kyoto Rally
12:30 - meet English Bay (Denman & Davie)
1:00 - march
2:00 - rally Art Gallery (Georgia & Hornby)
March 15 - Melanie Mark – (Peter Kaye Room, Lower Level)As President of the Board of Directors of the Urban Native YouthAssociation, Melanie Mark is the driving force behind the capitalcampaign to build a fifty million dollar project to serve as acornerstone for the Native community.Growing up in a disadvantaged environment, Melanie has made it herwork to be an advocate for at-risk Native youth. Whether through herwork at Covenant House, or as a board member for variousorganizations, she is devoted to empowering Aboriginal youth - leadingby example, sharing her vision, giving her time, and working towardspositive change.
March 16-18, 2007
EPIC: The Sustainable Living ExpoVancouver Convention Centre, Vancouver BC GLOBE Foundation of Canada presents EPIC (Ethical Progressive Intelligent Consumers). This event is expected to attract 30,000 visitors and have over 250 exhibitors promoting their products and services. www.epicvancouver.com
March 20 - Daniel FrancisDaniel Francis explores the colourful and ultimately tragic story ofprostitution in Vancouver, in his new book, Red Light Neon: A Historyof Vancouver's Sex Trade. Working in long overlooked archives anddrawing on personal interviews, Francis shows how in some wayscommercial sex has been both a reflection and a result of Vancouver'sessential character, with its tolerant social mores, ethnic diversity- and political opportunism. It's a tale that takes in mayors andmasseuses, police chiefs and pimps, judges and johns.Daniel Francis is BC's leading popular historian. He is the editor ofthe Encyclopedia of British Columbia which was the recipient of two BCBook Prize honours.
March 22, 2007 8am-12pm 12-1pm
Sustainability Purchasing Network: Managing Carbon Emissions in Your Supply Chain Workshop & LuncheonCanada Export Centre, 602 West Hastings, Vancouver BC The business case for reducing carbon emissions; An introduction to measuring the carbon footprints of products and services; How to identify the carbon 'hot spots' in your supply chain; Best practices of leading companies, offering practical examples, tools and resources. More info...
March 28-29, 2007 4th BC Power SummitVancouver BC The Province's anticipated Energy Plan II is likely to stand high on the horizon, promising significant implications for every participant in the B.C. power sector. This event is a unique opportunity to gain information valuable to your business on an element of strategic importance to the British Columbia economy. More info...
BC Provincial Parks: Can The Image Be Restored?
March 29, 7:30pm
Guest Speakers will discuss the objectives of our parks and the protected areas system, linking people toparks through recreation, stewardship, staffing, and communication.
St. Mary's
2490 W.37th Ave.
History Speaks Lecture Series: Climate Change
March 29, 7-8:30pm
Join CLimate Change researcher in exploring the future potential impact of climate change in our communities.
Surrey Museum
17710 56A St.
$5
pre-register: 604-592-6956
March 30. 7:30pm
Blaxploitation Rarities 2
Evil Film School
Screening of 2 films:
Black Shampoo (1976)
Savage (1973)
Blim, 197 E.17th Ave
near Main St.
vancouver
$5-$10
www.evilfilmschool.com
"Seeds In The City- The Greening Of Havana" film screening
plus…Delicious Food to help you spring into action!
Learn About The Edible Garden Project and how you can get involved!
WHEN: FRIDAY, MARCH 30, 2007 6:30pm – 9:00pm
WHERE: St. Andrew’s United Church, 1044 St. George’s Ave., North Vancouver.
1 block east of Lonsdale, between 10th & 11th Streets.
Visit Translink for travel options: Seabus, Bus #229 Westlynn or #230 Upper Lonsdale DETAILS: Tickets $20 each.
Available from: Whole Foods Market (Park Royal Shopping Centre, West Vancouver) or on VISA by calling FarmFolk/CityFolk at 604-730-0450.
This is the remarkable story of how the people of Havana have pulled themselves back from the brink of disaster. Faced with food shortages and widespread hunger, city dwellers began growing food on rooftops, in schoolyards, and in front of office buildings. Now there are 20,000 urban farms in a city better known for its music, dance and nightlife. Yet more than a million tons of food is produced within the city limits, about half of Havana’s nutritional requirements. Most of it is organic. The green revolution has changed communist Cuba in other ways, leading to the legalization of food markets and small businesses. Join us on a visit to Havana rarely seen…. to ration shops, hospitals, and the homes of ordinary Cubans. And find out what the greening of Havana means to our own food security.
March 30, 7:30pm (free)
Umoyo (Life) & Grandmothers: The Unsung Heroes of Africa A screening of two documentary films:In Umoyo, two young Zambian women fighting to reclaim their lives fromthe spectre of AIDS meet three young Canadian women confronting theserealities for the first time. They struggle to understand oneanother's worlds and are transformed.Grandmothers highlights the role African grandmothers play in caringfor AIDS orphans, and holding their families and communities together.The film invites the world to listen to the stories of four Africangrandmothers and take action.
Filmmaker Rebecca Levere Umoyo) will be in attendance.
Vancouver Public Library Central Branch
Seedy Saturdays - Running until the end of April throughout the province.
Full list. Bringing together home gardeners, seed savers, native plant collectors, agriculture conservation groups, and community gardeners as well as local seed companies that sell open-pollinated varieties of vegetables, fruits, flowers, grains and herbs.
Visit Seedysaturday.ca
First Nations Cultural Day
Sat. March 31, 10 am
Traditional Pow-wow featuring dancing, drumming, singing, storytelling, food, vendors, carving, weaving, and silent auction.
Earl Marriott Secondary School
15751 16th Ave Surrey
info: Micheal 604-531-8354
Exposing Truth
Sat. March 31, 7-10pm
A photo essay insight into the daily life of Sherp in Kenya by Jordan Campbell.
Delaney's Coffee House
2424 Marine Dr. West Van
www.truerhythms.com
19th Annual Vancouver International Jewish Film Festival
The best of Isreali Cinema, award-winning documentaries and dramas.
Various venues; until Sunday April 1. 2007
604-266-0245
www.vijff.com
March 2-8 9:15 pm
The Five Ring Circus (the untold 2010 olympic story in vancouver)
The RIO Theatre
Commercial and Broadway
www.thefiveringcircus.com
March 8, 8 pm (reception and silent auction at 7 pm)
Kay Meek Centre (1700 Mathers Ave., West Van.
Canadian a capella group the Nylons performs at a benefit for the Coalition to Save Eagleridge Bluffs.
Tix $50, info 604-913-3634
(March 9-11, 2007
Matthieu Ricard, the world's "happiest man",discusses cultivating life's important skill, happiness. Internationally renowned Buddhist monk, author, and researcher Matthieu Ricard, Ph.D. (Biochemistry) comes to Vancouver for the first time to give four free talks on how changing your thought processes can help make you happier. In his new book, Happiness: A Guide to Developing Life's Most Important Skill (Little,> Brown), Ricard describes in accessible language how the regular, long-term practice of "mental training," or meditation, significantly enhances one's ability to concentrate, manage stress, and enjoy life. And the researchbacks up his ideas - MRI test results from Ricard and other Buddhist practitioners recently led the British newspaper The Independent to dub Ricard the"world's happiest man". See the website at www.ricard.cfis.ubc.ca for more details and to RSVP for a chance to win a signed copy of Happiness.
March 17 - Out of Afganistan - Into Kyoto Rally
12:30 - meet English Bay (Denman & Davie)
1:00 - march
2:00 - rally Art Gallery (Georgia & Hornby)
March 15 - Melanie Mark – (Peter Kaye Room, Lower Level)As President of the Board of Directors of the Urban Native YouthAssociation, Melanie Mark is the driving force behind the capitalcampaign to build a fifty million dollar project to serve as acornerstone for the Native community.Growing up in a disadvantaged environment, Melanie has made it herwork to be an advocate for at-risk Native youth. Whether through herwork at Covenant House, or as a board member for variousorganizations, she is devoted to empowering Aboriginal youth - leadingby example, sharing her vision, giving her time, and working towardspositive change.
March 16-18, 2007
EPIC: The Sustainable Living ExpoVancouver Convention Centre, Vancouver BC GLOBE Foundation of Canada presents EPIC (Ethical Progressive Intelligent Consumers). This event is expected to attract 30,000 visitors and have over 250 exhibitors promoting their products and services. www.epicvancouver.com
March 20 - Daniel FrancisDaniel Francis explores the colourful and ultimately tragic story ofprostitution in Vancouver, in his new book, Red Light Neon: A Historyof Vancouver's Sex Trade. Working in long overlooked archives anddrawing on personal interviews, Francis shows how in some wayscommercial sex has been both a reflection and a result of Vancouver'sessential character, with its tolerant social mores, ethnic diversity- and political opportunism. It's a tale that takes in mayors andmasseuses, police chiefs and pimps, judges and johns.Daniel Francis is BC's leading popular historian. He is the editor ofthe Encyclopedia of British Columbia which was the recipient of two BCBook Prize honours.
March 22, 2007 8am-12pm 12-1pm
Sustainability Purchasing Network: Managing Carbon Emissions in Your Supply Chain Workshop & LuncheonCanada Export Centre, 602 West Hastings, Vancouver BC The business case for reducing carbon emissions; An introduction to measuring the carbon footprints of products and services; How to identify the carbon 'hot spots' in your supply chain; Best practices of leading companies, offering practical examples, tools and resources. More info...
March 28-29, 2007 4th BC Power SummitVancouver BC The Province's anticipated Energy Plan II is likely to stand high on the horizon, promising significant implications for every participant in the B.C. power sector. This event is a unique opportunity to gain information valuable to your business on an element of strategic importance to the British Columbia economy. More info...
BC Provincial Parks: Can The Image Be Restored?
March 29, 7:30pm
Guest Speakers will discuss the objectives of our parks and the protected areas system, linking people toparks through recreation, stewardship, staffing, and communication.
St. Mary's
2490 W.37th Ave.
History Speaks Lecture Series: Climate Change
March 29, 7-8:30pm
Join CLimate Change researcher in exploring the future potential impact of climate change in our communities.
Surrey Museum
17710 56A St.
$5
pre-register: 604-592-6956
March 30. 7:30pm
Blaxploitation Rarities 2
Evil Film School
Screening of 2 films:
Black Shampoo (1976)
Savage (1973)
Blim, 197 E.17th Ave
near Main St.
vancouver
$5-$10
www.evilfilmschool.com
"Seeds In The City- The Greening Of Havana" film screening
plus…Delicious Food to help you spring into action!
Learn About The Edible Garden Project and how you can get involved!
WHEN: FRIDAY, MARCH 30, 2007 6:30pm – 9:00pm
WHERE: St. Andrew’s United Church, 1044 St. George’s Ave., North Vancouver.
1 block east of Lonsdale, between 10th & 11th Streets.
Visit Translink for travel options: Seabus, Bus #229 Westlynn or #230 Upper Lonsdale DETAILS: Tickets $20 each.
Available from: Whole Foods Market (Park Royal Shopping Centre, West Vancouver) or on VISA by calling FarmFolk/CityFolk at 604-730-0450.
This is the remarkable story of how the people of Havana have pulled themselves back from the brink of disaster. Faced with food shortages and widespread hunger, city dwellers began growing food on rooftops, in schoolyards, and in front of office buildings. Now there are 20,000 urban farms in a city better known for its music, dance and nightlife. Yet more than a million tons of food is produced within the city limits, about half of Havana’s nutritional requirements. Most of it is organic. The green revolution has changed communist Cuba in other ways, leading to the legalization of food markets and small businesses. Join us on a visit to Havana rarely seen…. to ration shops, hospitals, and the homes of ordinary Cubans. And find out what the greening of Havana means to our own food security.
March 30, 7:30pm (free)
Umoyo (Life) & Grandmothers: The Unsung Heroes of Africa A screening of two documentary films:In Umoyo, two young Zambian women fighting to reclaim their lives fromthe spectre of AIDS meet three young Canadian women confronting theserealities for the first time. They struggle to understand oneanother's worlds and are transformed.Grandmothers highlights the role African grandmothers play in caringfor AIDS orphans, and holding their families and communities together.The film invites the world to listen to the stories of four Africangrandmothers and take action.
Filmmaker Rebecca Levere Umoyo) will be in attendance.
Vancouver Public Library Central Branch
Seedy Saturdays - Running until the end of April throughout the province.
Full list. Bringing together home gardeners, seed savers, native plant collectors, agriculture conservation groups, and community gardeners as well as local seed companies that sell open-pollinated varieties of vegetables, fruits, flowers, grains and herbs.
Visit Seedysaturday.ca
First Nations Cultural Day
Sat. March 31, 10 am
Traditional Pow-wow featuring dancing, drumming, singing, storytelling, food, vendors, carving, weaving, and silent auction.
Earl Marriott Secondary School
15751 16th Ave Surrey
info: Micheal 604-531-8354
Exposing Truth
Sat. March 31, 7-10pm
A photo essay insight into the daily life of Sherp in Kenya by Jordan Campbell.
Delaney's Coffee House
2424 Marine Dr. West Van
www.truerhythms.com
19th Annual Vancouver International Jewish Film Festival
The best of Isreali Cinema, award-winning documentaries and dramas.
Various venues; until Sunday April 1. 2007
604-266-0245
www.vijff.com
Letter for Action
If you agree with the following requests, please feel free to copy and paste into an email to send to the government. I am currently trying to post this as a petition, but need to fiqure out how first. I will soon post some email addresses for officials you may want to send this and any other info to.
P.S. you can skip to the summary at the end to get the gist.
Letter for Action
While it is wonderful to see our government finally taking an interest in our environment, and we fully support any and all efforts, we decided to offer some suggestions for real concrete actions we would like to see take place.
1.) First, the worst - vehicles. We all know vehicle pollute and emit greenhouse gases. Yet car manufactures are still pumping out bigger and thirstier and they are allowed. We would like to see car manufacturers take responsibility for the future – theirs and ours. While some have made small attempts, it is not enough. We would like to see the production of gasoline run vehicles terminated within five to ten years. All new vehicles produced from then on should be electric, hydrogen fuel cell or bio diesel and range within the same prices as vehicles do today so they may still be affordable. Current gas stations should be converted to renewable energy stations.
In the meantime a “No Idle Zone” should be implemented in every school while parents gather their children.
To compliment this, gas prices should be higher for older gas cars still on the road and parking downtown should be raised as well to encourage more transit travel. The extra money can be put into programs such renewable fuel stations, better transit systems, and/or monthly transit passes (zone dependant on their place of work, school, and home) issued to low income individuals, and the government tax reimbursement for those who buy their own monthly transit passes which is currently in place should continue.
As far as air travel is concerned, it should be required that a carbon neutral tax be added to each flight ticket.
2.) Another major polluter is the energy used and wasted in our homes and businesses. To tackle this all new homes and buildings should be built using renewable materials and fitted either with ground source / geo thermal energy or solar energy. The energy that is stored and saved from these new buildings can be sold for a small (regulated) price to older homes and buildings wishing to satisfy their conscience and public responsibility. Private energy companies wanting to cash in can help fund older buildings to be fitted with solar panels (or chosen renewable energy source) with the agreement that the energy company receives the extra energy to sell for a small (again regulated) price. Again the government program to reimburse homeowners to refit their homes with energy saving devices should remain. Renters could also be involved if home or building owners add utilities in the rent for the same price as the renter pays on their own so that the home or building may be fitted with solar panels or the choice of renewable energy from the owner.
3.) Also relating to homes and businesses is the sticky subject of recycling and waste management. While we should not have to be babysat, but given the option, many individuals and even more businesses do not recycle. We would like to see our big babysitter government make mandatory that every home and building must recycle.
Should it be discovered that certain individuals or businesses are not complying there should be very heavy fines. Recycling receptacles should be required in every home, office and building with no fees or deposits. However, there should be fees and deposits on many more things than just bottles. For example, plastic bags, electronics, furniture, disposable coffee cups, pretty much anything that can be recycled. Think – more jobs! Also, we would like to see a big push for biodegradable plastics and containers with perhaps a polluter’s fee on such products as Styrofoam and non-biodegradable or recyclable products.
Moving on to the waste management at our dumps. Although some sites do collect the methane emitted from the decomposing rot, we would again like to see this captured energy mandatory.
4.) Speaking of methane, factory farmed meat should not come cheap. The animals pay a high price for their meat in pain and humans pay a high price for their meat in pollution, water consumption, medical costs and disease control costs. There is no need for meat to be obtained this way. It is healthier and should be cheaper to farm the animals humanely.
Higher taxes should be billed to factory farms with funds going to help sustainable and humane farms create healthier living facilities for the animals.
The same should also apply to pesticide using produce farms. Organic produce is more expensive due to the high costs of licenses, which we all need in order to regulate. However, these farms are not only doing the earth but also society as well. Therefore, we propose higher polluter’s tax on chemical using farms, which will go to fund the licenses for organic farms, bringing the price down.
5.) Lastly, for any product or company who still insists on polluting (incandescent lights and non-low flow toilets, etc.), we expect higher taxes, with more government funding for sustainable programs and green energy.
We, The People and all the inhabitants of Earth, thank you for taking the time to consider our requests. Your children and theirs will also thank-you for doing what is right.
Sincerely,
Nicole
Summary:
1.) Vehicles:
Discontinue production of gasoline internal combustion engines within 5-10 years. Any new car after must be either, electric, hydro fuel, biodiesel, or solar.
“No Idle Zone”at all schools
Higher parking meter and gas prices. Funds go into renewable refilling stations, improved transit systems, monthly bus passes for low income individuals, and continued tax reimbursements of monthly passes.
All flights should have “Carbon Neutral” tax attached to price.
2.) Homes and Buildings:
All new homes and buildings built with renewable materials and fitted with either ground source, geo thermal, or solar energy.
The energy saved can be sold at a regulated price to older homes and buildings.
Private companies can help fund older places to be fitted with renewable energy sources with agreement that they keep and sell stored energy.
Government funding programs to assist home and building owners to fit homes with energy saving products.
3.) Recycling and Waste:
Recycling must be mandatory for all homes and businesses.
Those who do not must pay heavy fines.
Fees and Deposits on reusable disposable items such as plastic bags, beverage cups, furniture, electronics, etc.
Push for more use of biodegradable products and higher taxes on ones that are not such as Styrofoam and many plastics.
Dump sites should be required to capture methane energy.
4.) Meat and Produce Farming:
Higher taxes for factory farmed meat and chemical using produce farms with funds going to help organic and free range farms pay for their licenses to bring the cost of sustainable, humane, healthy food down to an affordable rate.
5.) Polluter Tax:
Companies and products creating wasteful products or services should pay a polluter’s tax based on the amount they waste.
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/globalwarmingactions
P.S. you can skip to the summary at the end to get the gist.
Letter for Action
While it is wonderful to see our government finally taking an interest in our environment, and we fully support any and all efforts, we decided to offer some suggestions for real concrete actions we would like to see take place.
1.) First, the worst - vehicles. We all know vehicle pollute and emit greenhouse gases. Yet car manufactures are still pumping out bigger and thirstier and they are allowed. We would like to see car manufacturers take responsibility for the future – theirs and ours. While some have made small attempts, it is not enough. We would like to see the production of gasoline run vehicles terminated within five to ten years. All new vehicles produced from then on should be electric, hydrogen fuel cell or bio diesel and range within the same prices as vehicles do today so they may still be affordable. Current gas stations should be converted to renewable energy stations.
In the meantime a “No Idle Zone” should be implemented in every school while parents gather their children.
To compliment this, gas prices should be higher for older gas cars still on the road and parking downtown should be raised as well to encourage more transit travel. The extra money can be put into programs such renewable fuel stations, better transit systems, and/or monthly transit passes (zone dependant on their place of work, school, and home) issued to low income individuals, and the government tax reimbursement for those who buy their own monthly transit passes which is currently in place should continue.
As far as air travel is concerned, it should be required that a carbon neutral tax be added to each flight ticket.
2.) Another major polluter is the energy used and wasted in our homes and businesses. To tackle this all new homes and buildings should be built using renewable materials and fitted either with ground source / geo thermal energy or solar energy. The energy that is stored and saved from these new buildings can be sold for a small (regulated) price to older homes and buildings wishing to satisfy their conscience and public responsibility. Private energy companies wanting to cash in can help fund older buildings to be fitted with solar panels (or chosen renewable energy source) with the agreement that the energy company receives the extra energy to sell for a small (again regulated) price. Again the government program to reimburse homeowners to refit their homes with energy saving devices should remain. Renters could also be involved if home or building owners add utilities in the rent for the same price as the renter pays on their own so that the home or building may be fitted with solar panels or the choice of renewable energy from the owner.
3.) Also relating to homes and businesses is the sticky subject of recycling and waste management. While we should not have to be babysat, but given the option, many individuals and even more businesses do not recycle. We would like to see our big babysitter government make mandatory that every home and building must recycle.
Should it be discovered that certain individuals or businesses are not complying there should be very heavy fines. Recycling receptacles should be required in every home, office and building with no fees or deposits. However, there should be fees and deposits on many more things than just bottles. For example, plastic bags, electronics, furniture, disposable coffee cups, pretty much anything that can be recycled. Think – more jobs! Also, we would like to see a big push for biodegradable plastics and containers with perhaps a polluter’s fee on such products as Styrofoam and non-biodegradable or recyclable products.
Moving on to the waste management at our dumps. Although some sites do collect the methane emitted from the decomposing rot, we would again like to see this captured energy mandatory.
4.) Speaking of methane, factory farmed meat should not come cheap. The animals pay a high price for their meat in pain and humans pay a high price for their meat in pollution, water consumption, medical costs and disease control costs. There is no need for meat to be obtained this way. It is healthier and should be cheaper to farm the animals humanely.
Higher taxes should be billed to factory farms with funds going to help sustainable and humane farms create healthier living facilities for the animals.
The same should also apply to pesticide using produce farms. Organic produce is more expensive due to the high costs of licenses, which we all need in order to regulate. However, these farms are not only doing the earth but also society as well. Therefore, we propose higher polluter’s tax on chemical using farms, which will go to fund the licenses for organic farms, bringing the price down.
5.) Lastly, for any product or company who still insists on polluting (incandescent lights and non-low flow toilets, etc.), we expect higher taxes, with more government funding for sustainable programs and green energy.
We, The People and all the inhabitants of Earth, thank you for taking the time to consider our requests. Your children and theirs will also thank-you for doing what is right.
Sincerely,
Nicole
Summary:
1.) Vehicles:
Discontinue production of gasoline internal combustion engines within 5-10 years. Any new car after must be either, electric, hydro fuel, biodiesel, or solar.
“No Idle Zone”at all schools
Higher parking meter and gas prices. Funds go into renewable refilling stations, improved transit systems, monthly bus passes for low income individuals, and continued tax reimbursements of monthly passes.
All flights should have “Carbon Neutral” tax attached to price.
2.) Homes and Buildings:
All new homes and buildings built with renewable materials and fitted with either ground source, geo thermal, or solar energy.
The energy saved can be sold at a regulated price to older homes and buildings.
Private companies can help fund older places to be fitted with renewable energy sources with agreement that they keep and sell stored energy.
Government funding programs to assist home and building owners to fit homes with energy saving products.
3.) Recycling and Waste:
Recycling must be mandatory for all homes and businesses.
Those who do not must pay heavy fines.
Fees and Deposits on reusable disposable items such as plastic bags, beverage cups, furniture, electronics, etc.
Push for more use of biodegradable products and higher taxes on ones that are not such as Styrofoam and many plastics.
Dump sites should be required to capture methane energy.
4.) Meat and Produce Farming:
Higher taxes for factory farmed meat and chemical using produce farms with funds going to help organic and free range farms pay for their licenses to bring the cost of sustainable, humane, healthy food down to an affordable rate.
5.) Polluter Tax:
Companies and products creating wasteful products or services should pay a polluter’s tax based on the amount they waste.
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/globalwarmingactions
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