SEN Info Bulletin

Canadian Environment Awards Announces Short List of Finalists

The Canadian Environment Awards today announced the short list of finalists who will be honoured during its annual celebration of environmental achievement. Inspired by the community-action objectives of Canadian Environment Week, which takes place this year from June 1 to 7, the Canadian Environment Awards program is a national bilingual celebration that recognizes four levels of environmental excellence: Community Awards, Citation of Lifetime Achievement, the Ideas for Life™ Award and The Green Team Challenge.

The program’s top honour, the Citation of Lifetime Achievement, will be presented to Maude Barlow, who for 25 years has been a fierce advocate for the rights of Canadians and for Canadian sovereignty on economic, trade and social issues that have a deep connection to the environment.

Among the Community Awards Finalists is the Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology Student Volunteers, Share the Warmth™ Home Energy-Efficiency Project, Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan in the climate change category.

For a complete list of the finalists, visit http://www.canadiangeographic.ca/cea.

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Ducks Die at Saskatchewan Oil Patch Facility

More than 50 ducks are dead after coming into contact with oily water at an industrial site in west-central Saskatchewan, the province says. The incident happened earlier in the week at a waste site operated by an oil patch company near Luseland. According to the provincial government, the site usually doesn't have enough water to attract ducks, but things were different this year due to a wet spring. Fifty-three ducks died. The site is operated by Newalta Corporation. Officials from the Energy and Resources Ministry and the Environment Ministry are investigating.Energy and Resources Minister Bill Boyd said the company is taking steps to ensure the problem doesn't happen again.

Full story: http://www.cbc.ca/canada/saskatchewan/story/2008/05/14/ducks-oil.html?ref=rss.

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The Internet's Carbon Footprint: Server Farms vs. Your Desktop PC

"The internet is the fastest growing source of CO2 to the atmosphere...it doubled from 2002 to 2006."

This is an excellent interview (12.5mins) with Bill St. Arnaud from CBC The Spark's Nora Young. Bill is the director of CANARIE, a non-profit organization whose mission is to accelerate Canada's advanced Internet development and use by facilitating the widespread adoption of faster, more efficient networks and by enabling the next generation of advanced products, applications and services to run on them.

"Where is most of energy being sucked up? Personal computers account for 50% of the internet's energy consumption, while "server farms" (i.e. 100's of gigantic buildings that span acres of land, housing 1000's of servers that store the bulk of the net's information) are responsible for other other half. These server farms account for the near doubling of CO2 production by net users: as more energy is required to run them, so too is required to keep them from overheating."

Full story: http://snipurl.com/1yk98

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Chemical Used to Make Non-Stick Coatings Harmful to Health

A chemical used to make non-stick coating for pots and pans, food wrappers and stain-resistant fabrics may harm the immune system, liver and thyroid and cause higher cholesterol in children, according to the initial findings of a study of 69,000 people who live near a DuPont manufacturing plant.

The health effects observed in the study population in West Virginia and Ohio are believed to have been caused by exposure to perfluorooctanoic acid, PFOA, also known as C8, released from the DuPont plant in Washington, West Virginia. PFOA is one of a class of perfluorinated chemicals used to make Teflon coating and other nonstick products, oil-resistant paper packaging and stain-resistant fabrics.

Read the article: http://www.ewg.org/node/26553.

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Call to Action Biofuels - Bill C-33

Bill C-33 provides a $2.2 billion subsidy for biofuels and requires that all gasoline include 5% biofuel content by 2010. Yet there is increasing evidence to show that the rush to biofuels will do more environmental harm than good. And converting food crops to fuel, causing food prices to skyrocket out of reach of millions of hungry people, is a "crime against humanity, says United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food, Jean Ziegler. Bill C-33 is coming up for 3rd and final reading. Stop the Canadian Bill that would commit us to biofuels use - you can go directly to http://www.rightoncanada.ca to send a letter if you like.

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Citizens for a Nuclear-Free Society Petition

Citizens for a Nuclear-Free Society is a Regina grass-roots group which is working towards urgently needed changes in our provincial government's policies and plans as regards the uranium industry.

They have created a non-nuclear petition at http://www.PetitionOnline.com/nonuc1sk/petition.html; it briefly lists some of the strongest arguments against pursuing a nuclear path. It will eventually be forwarded to the Saskatchewan Legislative Assembly.

If anybody has any comments or questions, or would like to be further involved in this process, please send an email to: nonukesregina@gmail.com.

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World Leaders: Stop the World Food Crisis

We've plunged into a world food crisis: soaring crop prices sowing inflation and squeezing households round the world, 100 million more facing starvation and food riots flaring from Egypt to Bangladesh. In Sierra Leone alone rice prices have doubled, leaving 90% of the country unable to provide food for their family.

Sign the petition at http://www.avaaz.org/en/world_food_crisis/9.php?cl=83805885.

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Participate in the Civil Society Response to Bisphenol-A Draft Assessment

Following the soon to be released draft assessment on Bisphenol-A (BPA) by Health Canada, there will be a 60-day comment period during which civil society groups can provide input and make recommendations on the management of BPA in Canada. BPA is one of the chemicals currently under review under the Chemicals Management Plan (CMP) Challenge.

The RCEN plans to coordinate a civil society response to this assessment as part of its CMP Capacity Building Project. NGOs that are interested in collaborating on this response should contact Leela Ramachandran, National Caucus Coordinator, at (613) 728-9810 ext. 223, email leela@cen-rce.org.

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Knowledge and Innovation for Sustainability: Assessing and Adopting Beneficial Practices

The RCE Conference of the Americas presented by RCE Saskatchewan will take place at the University of Regina on May 25-27, 2008.

What is the role of education in knowledge and innovation for sustainable development? What are we learning as regions as we seek to improve quality of life for all while living within the limits of our supporting ecosystem? Regional Centres of Expertise of the United Nations University from across the Americas and the world invite you to participate as we advance the U.N. Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (DESD 2005-2014) at this critical moment in our planet's history.

Details at http://www.saskrce.ca/conference2008.

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Three Pre-conference EcoTours

You are invited to participate in three EcoTours that are organized as part of the RCE conference in Regina. Registration for the EcoTours can be done separately and you do not have to participate in the conference to come along on the tours. See http://reginaecoliving.ca for more information about the tours. Please note that you have to pre-register as soon as possible for the EcoTours.

Pre-conference field trips: May 24-25: a two-day regional trip that includes the Last Mountain Lake Bird Sanctuary (the first bird sanctuary in North America established in 1887), the Manitou Springs mineral spa, and the Craik EcoCentre (a straw bale community centre with composting toilets and geothermal heating). This field trip is sponsored by Regina EcoLiving and SOEEA. Contact: reginaecoliving@gmail.com for more information about the tours.

Bicycle tour around Wascana Lake, Sunday, May 25: Explore Regina’s remarkable 930-hectare park in the heart of the city by bicycle and on foot. Bicycles will be provided for out of town guests.

Urban ecotour, Sunday, May 25: Visit several sites in Regina that demonstrate principles of sustainability, including stops at the Saskatchewan Science Centre, SIAST, Trans Canada Trail Pavilion, First Nations University of Canada, among others.

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Organic Gardening Workshop

Want to go green? Join us for an evening of tips on gardening organically with host Paula Hjertas, a well known organic gardener in Regina. Please register in advance by calling Donna Ziegler at (306) 790-9876.

More online at http://www.cancer.ca/green. Explore more alternatives to chemical pesticides for your lawn and garden.

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Clean Air Day Forum: Tar Sands & Transportation

Keynote speaker will be Peter Prebble, of Saskatchewan Environmental Society, former provincial Secretary for Renewable Energy Development and Conservation. Eriel Deranger, from Athabasca-Chipewyn First Nation will give a northern Aboriginal perspective. Free admission.

Hosted by Transport 2000 and Regina EcoLiving. For more information,contact Catherine 306-569-7699.

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SCIC Annual General Meeting

All parts of the AGM are open to the (non-voting) public, including the Friday afternoon skills workshop "Evaluation Made Simple" with Denise Hildebrand, Friday evening reception to find out winners of the Kaleidoscope Video Challenge, and Saturday keynote address on the global food crisis by Dr. Annette Desmarais.

Details on the Saskatchewan Council for International Cooperation website at http://www.earthbeat.sk.ca.

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Waves of Change: 2008 National CED Conference

Catch the Waves of Change with 400 other community practitioners, civil society representatives, academics, government partners, and citizens from across Canada. Key themes for 2008 include: Building Fairer & Stronger Local Economies, Tackling Poverty & Homelessness, and Investing in Sustainable Communities.

Visit http://www.ccednet-rcdec.ca.

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Getting a Roof Over Saskatoon's Housing Crisis: Public Forum

A Community Conversation to Discuss the Solutions: Special Guest Speakers: Jack Layton, Leader of Canada's NDP, author of "Homelessness: The Making and Unmaking of a Crisis"; Ryan Walker, Assistant Professor, Urban Planning and Geography, U of S.; Marla Hartman, Community Activist and Frontline Worker; Clark Clark, Saskatoon City Councilor, Ward 6.

There will be an open mic following the speakers - everyone is welcome to participate. We urge you to come and participate in this important discussion of issues ranging from absolute homelessness to affordable housing here in Saskatoon. If you would like to share information on your initiatives in housing, please book a display table by calling Stacey Dyck-Jiricka at 931-7162.

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Rally Against Bill C-51

A new law being pushed in Canada by Big Pharma seeks to outlaw up to 60 percent of natural health products currently sold in Canada, even while criminalizing parents who give herbs or supplements to their children. The law, known as C-51, was introduced by the Canadian Minister of Health on April 8th, 2008, and it proposes sweeping changes to Canada’s Food and Drugs Act that could have devastating consequences on the health products industry.

There will be speakers from the natural health community, natural health product information, and a drumming circle.

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SOS Elms Coalition Annual General Meeting

SOS Elms Coalition will be holding their Annual General Meeting on Thursday May 29th at the Refinery, on Dufferin Avenue at 12th Street.

Everyone is welcome! SOS Elms Coalition's website is at http://www.soselms.org.

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Solar Oven Building Workshop

Come and assemble your own family sized solar oven and gain education on solar applications through slides and discussion. With clear skies your solar oven can reach temps around 400 degrees f. You can cook roasts, casseroles, cookies and more all year round without using energy and heating up your kitchen. This oven is portable and ideal for camping. Its low impact, high performance design makes it the perfect choice for anyone looking to lower their environmental footprint while enjoying quite possibly the best tasting meals ever.

Pre-registration required to ensure a spot. Limited space available, pre-registration deadline May 22nd. Cost of workshop $325.00 (cheque or visa) includes user's manual and years of great cooking and conversation. Contact Craig at 652-1442 or Grant at 280-0689. To learn more check link below: http://www.solarfreedominternational.com/1.html. We will be cooking a solar lunch for sampling (clear skies pending). Bring bagged lunch and basic small hand tools ie: utility knife, multi-screw driver and pliers. Directions to Sunset Estates Community Hall: 10 min east of Saskatoon on Highway 5. Front of town, East of store.

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Saskatchewan's Lakes At Risk - The Looming Threat Of Alberta Oil Sands Pollution

SES is collaborating with Environmental Defence to present a discussion of the environmental risks faced by Saskatchewan because of Alberta oil sands pollution. A major focus will be acid rain emissions from Alberta and the threat they pose to Saskatchewan's lakes and forests. The presentations will also examine the environmental damage being done by the oil sands to the Athabasca Delta and Lake Athabasca. The current opportunity that exists for Saskatchewan to impact the Government of Canada's air quality standards will be discussed. This topic is very timely as Saskatchewan looks toward development of oil sand resources in our own north-west.

The Speakers:

Peter Dillon, is an internationally respected environmental scientist who has worked extensively on acid rain and water quality issues. He is currently the Director of the Water Quality Centre at Trent University. He is also a Professor in Trent University's Environmental, Resource Studies and Chemistry Departments.

Matt Price is Project Manager at Environmental Defence Canada and a strong national advocate for cleaning up the Alberta oil sands.

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After Peak Oil

Join Rob Dumont, Ph.D. and Ewen Coxworth, Ph.D as they talk about the implications of peak oil. Many studies are concluding that sometime in the next 10 to 25 years, world oil production will reach a peak and then decline. Ewen and Rob will survey the search for alternatives for fuelling the world’s transportation systems. In addition to greatly improved vehicle energy efficiency and increased use of public and active transportation modes, alternative energy sources are needed. These may include biofuels based on urban wastes and forest products, and renewably-generated electricity to power plug-in hybrids. A vision of a possible Canadian energy system in 2058 will be described.

Presented by the Saskatchewan Environmental Society http://www.environmentalsociety.ca.

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The Community Development Society 40th Annual International Conference

In order to build healthy, sustainable communities, pursuing a meaningful dialogue with all citizens, including those in our private and public sectors, is vital. We invite you to contribute to our conversation in June of 2008 as we convene those passionate about community—from practitioners to academics, researchers and interested citizens.

Plenary Speakers will be Sandy Heierbacher (Director of the National Coalition for Dialogue & Deliberation) and Paul Born, Co-Founder, President of Tamarack an Institute for Community Engagement.

For more information about the conference and registration please go to http://www.comm-dev.org.

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We Are Many Festival

From August 22nd to 24th, Saskatoon will be the site of the transformative pilot project We Are Many: A Festival, which presents a model of sustainability for mid-sized cities throughout North America. We Are Many (WAM) will use the energy and community spirit of the arts—music, theatre, dance, literature, and visual art—in taking a dramatic step toward becoming an environmentally friendly community. The festival will feature arts exhibits and performances as well as hands-on workshops and symposia on the whats, hows, and whys of sustainability.

More information at http://www.wearemanyfestival.com.

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The Big Wild: Launch

Please join with the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, Mountain Equipment Co-op and Tourism Saskatchewan as we launch "The Big Wild" in Saskatchewan. Come and hear about "The Big Wild" initiatives (http://thebigwild.org) and how you can help to protect Canada's wilderness.

Featuring presentations by Ric Driediger: Adventure Tourism in Northern Saskatchewan; and Dan Frandsen: "Prince albert Greater Ecosystem Woodland Caribou Research". Music by singer-songwriter Mark Ceaser.

For more information or to RSVP, contact Gord at 306 469-2356, or email vaadeland@sasktel.net.

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Baillie Birdathon

Enjoy a morning of birding around Last Mountain Bird Observatory, located in Last Mountain Regional Park just west of Govan! Following this there will be a BBQ (small fee) hosted by the park, and an opportunity to visit a Great-horned Owl nest and band owlets.

Check out the Baillie Birdathon notice in the News Room of the Nature Saskatchewan website for more information, or contact us in Regina at 780-9273 or 1-800-667-4668.

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Nature Saskatchewan Spring Meet

For complete details, see the Events section at http://www.naturesask.ca.

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Masonry Workshop

Students will have the opportunity to learn to work with stone, instructed by Greg Chatterson. Cost is $75 per student.

Sponsored by Craik Sustainable Living Project. For information or registration, phone 306-734-2605 or email: eade@sasktel.net.

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Saskatchewan Eco-Network AGM

Plan to attend SEN's Annual General Meeting, to be held at Redberry Biosphere Reserve Interpretive Centre, Redberry Lake Regional Park on Saturday June 14th.

Guest Speaker: Larry Hawrysh, Chair of the Board of Directors of the Redberry Lake Biosphere Reserve, will give a short talk about Biosphere Reserves. (Please note that the Petitions Process seminar has been postponed.)

Our Annual General Meeting will follow the presentation.

Details at http://econet.sk.ca/about/2008AGM.html

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2nd Annual Solar Fair: Seminars, Workshops & Trade Show

Join engineers, teachers, scientists, home builders, environmentalists and citizens from across the province in a two day Solar Fair. Hosted by the Craik Sustainable Living Project (CSLP) and taking place within the CSLP'S Eco-Centre, renowned for its green design.

Early registration is recommended as space is limited. $200 per person (2 days: includes three meals); $120 per person (1 day: includes meal for that day) or $15 per seminar.

Apply now for a booth at the Trade Show.

Email: eade@sasktel.net Registration forms available at: http://www.craikecovillage.ca

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2008 Ness Creek Music Festival - Call for Eco-Village Participants

The Ness Creek Music Festival is celebrating its 18th year. It has grown into a major Canadian Festival drawing about 3,000 people per day, over four days. The Festival site is nestled in the boreal forest a few miles from Big River, Saskatchewan and adjacent to the Prince Albert National Park.

Ecological awareness and promotion of alternative ideas and services has always been an important part of the Ness Creek Festival. The Eco-Village provides opportunities for individuals and groups to display, promote, workshop, discuss and sell their ideas and services with Festival goers.

If you're interested in applying to be an Eco-Village participant, please contact Brenda Goldsworthy at 652-2485 bgoldsworthy@sasktel.net or Gary Smith at 664-2330 smithgroenen@sasktel.net.

The Ness Creek Cultural & Recreational Society is a not-for-profit organization that exists primarily to create an annual Festival to celebrate Music, Arts, Community and Ecology in the boreal forest.

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Boreal Forest Ecotour

Come along with the Saskatchewan Outdoor and Environmental Education Association as they explore and experience this unique and beautiful ecosystem. They are working with the Boreal Forest Learning Centre to offer an exciting program including local culture, music, storytelling, history, wildlife viewing and ecology.

There will be camping at picturesque Ness Creek; tenting at the Ness Creek site and the use of a communal kitchen is included in the registration. (you may upgrade to cabin accommodations at your own expense). All ages welcome. Don't miss out on this opportunity to experience a Northern Saskatchewan adventure!

Early Bird Prices (until June 30th): $50 SOEEA members ($65 non-members, which includes a one year membership). Family and student rates available. Details on the SOEEA website at http://www.soeea.sk.ca.

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Straw Bale Building Workshop

During this workshop you will have hands-on experience building a straw bale structure from the ground up. Instructor is Dave Dale, and cost is $250 per person. Registration is on a first come basis. Space is limited so if interested register early.

Sponsored by Craik Sustainable Living Project. For information or registration, phone 306-734-2605 or email: eade@sasktel.net.

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SCIC Youth Program Assistant

Saskatchewan Council for International Cooperation is seeking a youth program assistant to: Help to plan and oversee two residential summer training sessions for youth on writing, drawing, and designing educational materials (eg. Comic books and zines) on global issues.

For more information about Saskatchewan Council for International Cooperation, visit our web site at http://www.earthbeat.sk.ca.

This position is based in SCIC’s Regina office, 2138 McIntyre St. Duration: 12 weeks, May 26 to August 15 2008. Hours can be flexible. Some travel will be required. To apply for this position please email your resume to: scic@web.ca. Application Deadline: Thursday May 22nd.

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Nature Saskatchewan: General Manager

Nature Saskatchewan is seeking a motivated, goal-oriented individual to lead operations of the Society. The position is full-time (37.5 hr/wk, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.), Monday-Friday, and is located in Regina. An attractive benefits package is available. Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience; starting salary range is $40,000 - $45,000/year. Full job description at http://www.naturesask.ca.

Please submit your cover letter, resume and references via email by May 26, 2008, to: GM Recruitment Committee at mskeel@naturesask.ca. Indicate in the subject heading "Recruitment Committee".

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Environmental Action Project Grants and Outdoor Experience Grants

The Saskatchewan Outdoor and Environmental Education Association (SOEEA) has funds available to assist community and school groups to carry out environmental action projects for recreational and educational purposes. They also have funding opportunities for school groups taking outdoor education trips.

For more information about Grant Opportunities visit their website at: http://www.soeea.sk.ca.

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Greenpeace Canada – Forest Campaigner

Greenpeace Canada is seeking an experienced forest campaigner to work on their Great Bear Rainforest campaign in British Columbia. Responsibilities will include: working with and lobbying senior government, industry and First Nations leaders to implement lasting solutions for the Great Bear Rainforest; engaging with First Nations’ communities to support the implementation of land use agreements at a local level; and implementing public engagement strategies to raise awareness of the Great Bear Rainforest. Candidates should have a minimum of 3 years of campaign experience, and a proven record on developing and implementing successful campaign strategies. The closing date for applications is May 30th. For more information, please visit http://www.greenpeace.org.

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Two Evergreen Grant Programs Now Accepting Applications

Evergreen Common Grounds is now accepting applications for two grant programs supporting community environmental restoration projects.

The Home Depot-Evergreen Rebuilding Nature Grant 2008 provides grants of $1,000, $3,000 or $8,000 - plus $2,000 in Home Depot gift cards - to cover the costs of tools and building, native plants and trees, and other expenses associated with urban environmental stewardship projects in Canada. Guidelines and Application Form at: http://www.evergreen.ca/en/cg/cg-funding.html. The application deadline is Friday, June 6th 2008.

The Unilever-Evergreen Aquatic Stewardship and Conservation Grant Program 2008 provides grants of between $3,500 and $10,000 to support small-scale, community-driven, education and restoration projects that increase public awareness of sustainable water use and the importance of aquatic features, while providing meaningful opportunities for community action. Download the grant Guidelines and Application Form at: http://www.evergreen.ca/en/cg/cg-funding.html. The application deadline is Friday, June 13th 2008.

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