Take Action Daily - No Fuss, No Muss

Yesterday, May 30 /2007, was the second Zero Waste Challenge Workshop provided by the GVRD. It was a follow-up session from the first one held in November 2006, during which ideas, possibilities and information was gathered. The emergent outcome of this initial meeting were five points of action to achieve zero waste:
1. Compost food and organic waste
2. Educate the public and promote services
3. Manufacturer's responsibility for the life end of their products
4. Government Action
5. Study and learn about waste management programs throughout the world

Naturally, yesterday's discussion was a culmination of the resulting efforts from the first. The GVRD's director Marvin Hunt, together with San Francisco's Zero Waste Environmental Coordinator, Jack Macy, presented the audience with an aggressive plan to combat waste and greenhouse gas. Included are goals to start by minimizing waste generation and maximize reuse, recycling, and energy recovery, with the only byproduct being job creation through spinoff businesses and services. The San Francisco state's waste goals are to achieve 75% reduction by 2010 and ultimately 0% by 2020. So far, they are well on their way. Residences and businesses are supplied with three bins, blue (all recyclables), green (organic waste) and black (everything else). Businesses are also given small combo bins for offices with the garbage bin being the smallest. The only bin that costs any money is the ominous black bin which is available in different sizes for varying prices. Near expired food is collected for food banks and anything unusable is then processed into farm animal feed. Food waste is dumped at a station where it is composted in odour sealed bags and then sold to farmers as rich fertilizer. There is much more going on and it is so amazing an inspiring to be living in this time of transition. I feel extremely lucky and happy to be a part history where man learned to change and live in harmony with mother nature and her cohabitants. Once all these systems and programs are in place however, it is up to us ("if you build it they will come"). Our current recycling program is, for the most part, pretty convenient for most of us, yet many individuals and corporations still don't. Why? Laziness? Lack of eduction? Lack of incentive? Thankfully, tackling this issue is on the list for the GVRD. Thank-you GVRD for all your efforts.
Let's show our appreciation for all their hard work at keeping our world clean. Think about that item in your hand before you casually toss it in your garbage and out of your mind. Do you really need to throw it away? Can you save it in a recycling box to take back to manufacturer or depot? Maybe a school could use it for art projects? Or maybe it can be donated to a shelter or food bank? You would be surprised at what can be used. Look at the GVRD's 101 things to do with your old stuff listed on their website :
www.gvrd.bc.ca

Take Action Daily - Teddy Bear's Picnic

"If you go out in the woods today, you're sure of a big surprise..." a big brown bear wiping his furry behind with non-recycled toilet paper. Okay, probably not. But what you may start to realize is how valuable our forests are. Sadly though, we are losing one of our most precious resources, and greatest defense against not only global warming, but also disease - rapidly. Every time we choose a fresh roll of toilet paper, napkins, or paper towels, we are adding to the desecration. Why we continue to manufacture and purchase freshly chopped and milled paper waste products is beyond me. There are plenty of reasonable alternatives. Sure, many recycled paper products are not as soft as their virgin nemesis', however, given time and popularity, there is no reason they can't be.
Soak in these fast facts:
* If each household in Canada replaced 1 roll of virgin toilet paper with just 1 roll of recycled toilet paper, we could save:
- 47,962 trees
- 3,204 cu. metres of landfill space, equal to 181 full garbage trucks
- 65.5 million litres of water - a year's supply for 135 families of four
- avoid 4,567 kilograms of air and water pollution
http://www.greenpeace.org

Try some of these pre-loved alternatives instead:

- Cascades
- Seventh Generation
- Planet
- Green Forest
- Marcal
- Natural Value
- Earth Friendly
- Whole Foods 365 Brand
- Fiesta / Atlantic
- CVS
- Capri
- Decor
- Doucelle
- New Horizon
- North River
- Perkins
- Pert
- SofPac

for more info:
http://www.grinningplanet.com/2005/05-03/clear-cut-old-growth-forests-article.htm


Products to avoid buying due to clear-cutting of old growth forests:
Kimberly-Clark Company:
- Kleenex Facial Tissues
- Scott Toilet Paper and Paper Towels
- Cottonelle Toilet Paper
- Viva Paper Towels

Excellent Book for Children:
Just A Dream
by Chris Van Allsburg
Stunning illustrations, beautiful message, and interesting easy-medium read.

Take Action Daily - Infiltrate

Who's working for who? The company you work for probably says they care about you and perhaps that is really true. But do they care about your one and only home or the future of your children? Chances lean towards no. Big business is in it for the money and they have to care about you, their worker bee, or they wouldn't make any (at least not for very long). When you work for someone, you see all the goings on, whether good or bad. You also have the right to voice you opinions and ideas to upper levels about these goings ons. Recently I wrote a suggestion to my employer about their poor recycling system. One week later they have implemented a large scale e-waste program - Yay! While I'm sure they were working on it before, at least they know there is a demand and desire for it. I have now added to my list suggestions regarding the use of biodegradable plastic bags and new water-based stickers on the plenitude of paper we use so we can recycle them. We have yet to see the response. I have worked many jobs and all of them had differing levels of recycling, ranging from poor to non-existent (and that was a recent job too - yikes!). There is hope to this situation though, because every place I worked at, at least half the staff agreed that the lack of available recycling left something to be desired and they would do their part were the means available. I had every intention of doing something while I was at each place, however, I never lasted long enough, trying to find somewhere I was happy.
So, the moral of this story is, talk to your co-workers, ask them how they feel and whether or not they would use recycling systems should the program be in place. Ask them if the current system could be improved and write a letter to management or head office to have your voice heard. If everyone voiced their suppressed feelings about what goes on behind the scenes, the world would be a much better place for it.

Twarted

One would think that it would be easy as pie to go for a joyride in some dealership's shiny new machine. Oh no no, my friends, such is not the case. Indeed, I have attempted twice now, only to be foiled each time.
First, I had an appointment in Delta to test drive a fully electric car from Dynasty www.itiselectric.com but unfortunately had to reschedule. In the meantime I figured I would simply go to any local dealership, talk to a salesperson and drive a hybrid car. Well, that just isn't how it went.
Being no stranger to car dealerships, as I used to sell the four wheeled hunks of metal myself, I had no problems waltzing into any showroom confidently. Yes, me, the dreaded car sales person. In a desperate attempt to make money for school, I left a potential dream job at the Aquarium (it didn't pay much at the time but there were possibilities to move up to a really cool position). Lured by an ad to make over $65,000 a year, I jumped on board for a life of sales, sin, and cigarettes. For one year I sold my soul to the devil, but the devil plum didn't take it, just threw it back. I thought maybe I could appease my guilt by infiltrating the system from within, becoming so good that I could rise to power and usher in a new cleaner era of vehicles. What a fantasy. Not a chance. I totally sucked. Not being able to get over my conscience, I finally left after a group of protesters surrounded the lot and I realized I was on the wrong side of the fence. Now you know my story, lets get back to what happened as I attempted a test drive.
The first dealership I went to, I was completely honest. As it turns out they had no hybrids in stock anyway as they are in hot demand, which of course is a very good thing. The salesman was polite enough, but seemed as though he could rather care less about the environment, or helping me any further. It seemed to me as though all this bothersome global warming nonsense was nothing more than a nuisance to him. At least he was nice about it.
The next place I went to, I was more deceptive in my approach, going in as an unwitting little girl with an interest in purchasing an environmentally friendly vehicle. While the salesman was much more helpful, they too, did not have any hybrids in stock. Although, he did say there is one due to arrive in a couple of weeks, so I left my number and now I must wait.
As for other options, I am still doing research and contacting companies. I will keep posting my experiences, and once the information is gathered, I will give you the low down.

Take Action Daily - Time For A Little R & R - & R

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle ( you can stay in your pj's too )

By now most of us do this naturally. At least when it comes to paper, tins, plastic, etc. But what about those other things? I'm referring to such items as batteries, electronics, ink and toner cartridges, cfl light bulbs, all those chemically worrisome products that we so unassumingly toss in our trash. Computers for example contain hazardous carcinogens like lead, and arsenic. These are extremely dangerous and unfortunately have been handled wrong. If indeed they are recycled many are shipped to poor countries via the guise of charitable donations where desperate men, women, and children melt down the useless pieces to access the valuable gold and silver bits. Many of the children have up to 20% brain damage as a result. There's nothing sustainable or humane about the retardation of those in need. We're not even that bad here.
So what is to be done? We, can't dump it in the trash, we can't trust just anyone to recycle it, and e-waste usually makes for pretty ugly paper weights, what can we do with it?
The answer of course is to recycle it. First you must find out where in your neighbourhood you can take specific items, then you must find out who their recycler is and look in to the company. Once you are comfortable with their process, it is easiest to set aside a box somewhere at home to put this junk, so the next time you are going that way you just grab the box and go.
London Drugs recycles many electronics and their batteries, and the stores are close to most neighbourhoods. The company they use is called Genesis Recycling based in Abbotsford, and they are committed to being leaders in ethical and environmentally friendly electronic recycling. www.genesisrecycling.ca London Drugs accepts most electronics, however, for a complete list you will probably have to call the store nearest you. They have just recently upgraded their program and now take in a lot more than before. I checked out their website but did not find any information regarding their recycling program (which is a shame really, it is something they should seriously promote). www.londondrugs.com
If their is no London Drugs near you, then check out local hardware stores, grocery, or drug stores, repair shops, etc. If you still come up with nothing, try the GVRD website as they have complete listings on where to recycle anything and if you can't find a place they have a number to call and they will tell you where you can go. www.gvrd.bc.ca They even have zero waste workshops. So hang to your crap until the next time you go into town or near a recycling depot store because sooner or later you know you will have to.

www.genesisrecycling.ca
www.londondrugs.com
www.gvrd.bc.ca

Take Action Daily - Just Do It

Nike at least got something right with that slogan - Just Do It - Seriously. You know you should drive less, you know you should exercise, cycle and walk more, you know you should take the bus. But you just don't. Why? Only a very small persentage of people actually can't take any of these actions for whatever their reasons may be, but the rest of us? Who are you kidding? You either can't be bothered, you've never tried so you don't know how easy and refreshing it is, you did try once and had a bad experience so you don't try again, or, you just plain don't want to. Whatever your excuse, drop it. No more excuses, just make the commitment to one day a week for a month. Next month, two days a week. Maybe even go so far as to cut back your nasty driving habit by tree days the next month. Or not. Even if you stick with only two days a week, it shouldn't inconvenience you and at the end of the month that equals eight fresh air days for you and the air you breathe. At the very least, just try it for one month. If after that it is truly too difficult to bike, walk or take the transit more often for your errands or going to work, then by all means, jump into your polllution mobile and happily chug away. At least you gave it an honest go.

Take Action Daily - Take A Hike

Where so you drive to daily that's the furthest? Work probably? What about shopping, groceries or otherwise? Having a car is definitely useful. Ok, those are freebies. What about the rest? You know, like when you go rent a movie, or have a sudden uncontrollable urge for a jalapeno taquito, or go meet a friend for coffee. For most of us urbanites, the trip is no more than a few blocks, and yet we still drive. Even on nice days, or evenings. How lazy have we become? Whatever happened to a nice evening walk? Or why not get out for a couple hours in the afternoon, walk around, strut your stuff, go meet a friend.
Chew on this: one litre of gasoline equals about 2.5 kg of C02 emitted. A typical late-model sport-utility vehicle driven 20,000 km a year produces about six tonnes of carbon dioxide, compared to four tonnes for a recent mid-sized sedan, and just two tonnes for a gasoline-electric hybrid vehicle. In fact, driving 10 per cent less can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 0.2 to 0.8 tonnes per year, depending on the vehicle.
So here's your goal: Stop driving those short distances and only drive when you really need to.
This should be easy, now that the summer is fast approaching. In fact, I think I will take my own advice and get out there now, it is just too nice to stay inside. I am on my way to attempt to test drive Vancouver's alternative fuel vehicles. This should prove to be interesting.

Check these links on more gas facts:

http://climatechange.gc.ca/plan_for_canada/challenge/index.html
http://www.ec.gc.ca/EnviroZine/english/issues/26/feature1_e.cfm

Take Action Daily - The Wheels on the Bus Go Round and Round

Have you ever actually calculated just how much you shell out for gas each month? Or do you simply close you eyes and fork over the cash every couple days or so? Either way, if you drive every day, you know you spend a lot of dough just to keep going.
Before prices catapulted, I calculated that I was spending roughly $160/month on gas (and that doesn't include insurance, maintenance, rising prices, or repairs). Sure that doesn't seem like a lot, but I didn't drive very much either. Being an ex-avid cyclist and a newbie at driving (yes I have the "N"), my long forgotten conscience soon started creeping back (that pesky thing!). So I have now retired my vehicle to the garage and have re-familiarized myself with the wonders of public transportation. True, it's certainly far from peachy, but it's not so bad. I actually enjoy the time it gives me to relax, read, and hang out with my daughter, rather than stress and yell at everything because I left at the last minute in my vehicle and then there's construction (and there is always construction). The Vancouver Transit system is pretty good, although it could always be better. It is the elusive catch 22 that the system doesn't improve because not enough people use, and more people don't use it because it is not convenient enough. So there lays the conundrum.
Driving is expensive on our wallets and the environment and transit can be inconvenient.
What's a person-who-wants-to-do-their-part-but-just-doesn't-have-the-darn-time, to do?
Never fear, solutions, are always near.
It's not rocket science, and I'm sure you've probably figured it out yourself, but here it is for those who haven't...(drum roll please)
Try Taking The Bus!!!!!
Ok, ok, keep your excuses, I'm only talking about a commitment to a couple trips of week here, no big deal. An adult can purchase a pack of 10 tickets for a mere $18 for 1 zone, $27 for 2 zone, or $36 for 3 zone. These tickets do not expire at the end of the month and what's even better is that whenever you purchase a bus ticket (or monthly pass), the government gives you a tax credit at the end of the year. I'm sure you don't get anything back for driving your car except bills. Take the money that you would spend on one week on gas, get yourself a faresaver book, and decide on one or two days a week that you will take the bus instead (and remember to bring a book). Your first few trips may be stressful as you step timidly into the unknown, but be brave young grasshopper, once you find a routine, you may come to enjoy or even cherish the time you have to relax, read, whatever. By substituting some of your car trips, you help the transit system to become more efficient, possibly save a couple bucks, and definitely, give Mother Nature a break. All that in one day. Give yourself a pat on the back!
I've provided a link to help you plan your route, including bus numbers and names, where they stop and when, and where to link to your next bus should you need one.

www.translink.bc.ca/

Below is a link that may be of interest:

www.vancouver-ecodensity.ca/

Take Action Daily - Spin Your Wheels

Cycling around Vancouver is so easy, it's no surprise we have such a vast bike culture. With gas prices the way they are, combined with the gorgeous pre-summer weather we've been enjoying, what better time to dust off those wheels of yours hiding in your storage locker. If you don't have a bike yet, there are lots to be found, whether by perusing craigslist, local papers, sports junkies, or scoring from your local bike shop, now is the perfect time to look. I've added a map of cycling routes in Vancouver for a quick glance, and have also added links at the top of the blog for a more detailed look as well as links for sub Vancouver maps. These links are in PDF. format so you may need to download free Adobe Acrobat Reader software (www.adobe.com) if you don't already have it.
Now that you know where to go, rather than hopping in your gas guzzling, air polluter for a jaunt to the store, grab your newly greased up two wheeler and get a splash of fresh air. Trust me, it may seem like a pain at first to get going, but once you do, you will love it.
Before long you'll be ready to peddle with the rest of the cycling cult at Critical Mass, a large scale cycling group that meets up around 5-5:30pm at the Georgia side of the Vancouver Art Gallery on the last Friday of every month. The name "Critical Mass" is taken from Ted White's 1992 documentary film about bicycling, "Return of the Scorcher". In the film, George Bliss describes a typical scene in China, where cyclists often cannot cross intersections because there is automobile cross-traffic and no traffic lights. Slowly, more and more cyclists amass waiting to cross the road, and when there is a sufficient number of them -- a critical mass, as Bliss called it -- they are able to all move together with the force of their numbers to make cross traffic yield while they cross the road. The idea started in San Francisco in 1992 and has since spread throughout the world. Every place has a different feel to their rides which I imagine says a lot about each individual city. Here in Vancouver, the rides are as diverse as is the city. From people riding with barbecues and delicious food, to BMXers, to stylish cruisers, to hard core cyclists, most people come out to have fun and enjoy the company and the view from a new perspective. If you live in Vancouver or have friends visiting, it is a great way to spend an evening!

Take Action Daily - Hosers

Who's hosing who?
Gas prices are skyrocketing! OH NO! We must put a stop to this madness! We want our deserved right to pollute!
Seriously people, get a grip. The only way we will ever kick our own asses into choosing alternative fuels is by paying a fortune for the luxury of pollution. I read a rather frightening article a while back when gas prices first started to climb. The article told of a one very worried G.W. Bush who thought he outta bring the gas prices back down so people would forget about such vehicles as hybrids, fuel cells, electrics, or bio diesels. Once people had forgotten about these alternative options, he would be able to slowly bring the prices up again. How sick is that? What is even sicker, however, is the behaviour of our fellow Canadians who are actually demanding prices be lowered!
What!?
Recently I read a reader's feedback letter in the little free paper 24 Hours. The man wrote about how, while the gas prices affect him too, rather than cry and whine about the gouge, he would be more interested in signing a petition demanding the Government end the creation of new gasoline cars, requiring instead, car makers start making sustainable vehicles. Hmmm, I wonder if he has read my petition?

For the next couple weeks, I will be reviewing alternative vehicles and posting the information on this site. I will be test driving these cars and trucks, giving price quotes, where to buy... all the necessary low-down for the enlightenment of inquiring minds.

Good Green Fun

Last night (May 18) was the eco-themed club night held at the Waldorf Tiki Lounge. The place is perfect for a night like this with two rooms complete with palm trees, eerie masks and bamboo wall coverings. The event cost a mere $12 at the door ($10 if you pre purchased) and started out with a screening of Thin Ice. The documentary features the life of the Inuit and how climate change is drastically affecting their way of living. Where conditions are the most cold and extreme, these people are seeing first hand how rapidly our warming planet is changing and realise just how important it is to protect it.
Following the film, DJ Timothy Wisdom kicked in the jams, stirring lethargic environmentalists from their cushy seats. DJ Wisdom mixed a variety of music for all sorts of tastes from hip hop, to house, some old school and even some new school like Lily Allen. After every one's dancing feet were warmed up Third Eye Tribe brought the funk to the house with a positive message to lift spirits. Sadly not many people were dancing, although perhaps if there were more nights like this, word would spread bringing more of the eco-friendly and eco-curious out to play in the name of positive change.