News
New Rebate Available for Low-flush Toilets
The Government of Saskatchewan is helping residents “Go Green” by offering a $50 rebate for low-flush toilets through the new Provincial Toilet Replacement Rebate Program.
The program is expected to help residents replace 200,000 toilets over four years. A total of 15 million litres of water per day will be conserved, and 20,000 tonnes of CO2 will be reduced over four years.
Administered by the Saskatchewan Watershed Authority, the program will provide a rebate to Saskatchewan home and multi-unit complex owners who replace an existing high volume toilet (13-litre per flush or higher) with a dual-flush or 6-litre or less per flush toilet.
Those interested in participating can download copies of both the single family and multi-unit application forms from the Saskatchewan Watershed Authority website http://www.swa.ca. Information and forms will also be available at Saskatchewan Watershed Authority regional offices and low-flush toilet retail and wholesale outlets.
Food May Not Be Sole BPA Source
New research on bisphenol A suggests that people are being exposed to the estrogen-mimicking chemical from a number of sources and not just food, as is commonly thought. Scientists now think there may be other sources from such seemingly innocuous items as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) water pipes and carbonless cash-register receipts.
More from the article in the Globe & Mail at http://tinyurl.com/aezmr9.
Canada Declares Chemicals Used in Cosmetics to Be Toxic
OTTAWA, Ontario, Canada, January 30, 2009 (ENS) - The Canadian government today declared two chemicals used in lipstick and other personal care products to be toxic to the environment, although officials said they are not used in large enough quantities to be of concern for human health. Two other chemicals used in cosmetics were found to be harmful to human health.
Canada's declaration is the first environmental or health-based determination concerning these chemicals issued by any country.
Full article: http://ehsmanager.blogspot.com/2009/02/canada-declares-chemicals-used-in.htmlShut It Off and Go Green
Rivier Academy School's Go Green Club initiate an idle free zoneby Kristina Jarvis, The Prince Albert Daily Herald
Rivier Academy students Lauren Johnston and Pam Randall are incredibly passionate about the environment. Both girls co-founded the school's Go Green Club in October and participate in other environmental activities in and out of the school. Their passion runs so deep, they even try to convince others to help the environment when they are not volunteering with anything.
"I've left notes on (car) windshields saying 'please turn off your car,'" said Randall. "For the 15 minutes that you're going to stay out, it's not going to cool down that much."
The school's Go Green Club recently created an anti-idling zone around the school, asking parents and students in the area to turn off their cars while waiting for students from the school. The sign and policy information came from the province's Ministry of Environment at the start of the school year.
Full article: http://www.paherald.sk.ca/index.cfm?sid=216523&sc=4.
Action Alerts
ENGO Views on the Convention on Biological Diversity
To ensure that ENGO contributions are included in Canada’s 4th National Report for the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the RCEN is conducting a short survey on behalf of Environment Canada.
Organizations currently working on biodiversity related issues and those with past experience or a marked interest in biodiversity are encouraged to share their views with respect to progress, challenges, lessons learned and biodiversity priorities in the post 2010 period.Complete the survey: http://www.cen-rce.org/IBD/2009/survey.html.
Endangered Rivers List
The nomination process for the new 2009 Endangered Rivers List is now commencing and will run through March 7, 2009. Nominations can be sent directly to Mark Angelo at mark_angelo@bcit.ca.
The new list will be released in late March or early April, 2009. The list always receives a great amount of media coverage and helps to increase public awareness while also profiling important river issues. Last year's endangered rivers backgrounder is available at http://www.orcbc.ca/.
Resources
The Sasquatch
The website for The Sasquatch, Saskatchewan's new independent newspaper, is now up and running at http://www.sasquatchnews.com. The Sasquatch is published by Briarpatch Inc., the volunteer-driven non-profit behind Briarpatch Magazine. There are still a few kinks to be worked out, and we'll be adding content and functionality in the coming days and weeks, but I would encourage you to check out the site, post a comment, and share any feedback or suggestions you may have for improvements you'd like to see.
If you haven't yet subscribed, I would strongly encourage you to do so, either via the secure webstore or by calling 525-2949 (toll-free, 1-866-431-5777). It's only $22.50 for a year's subscription. Our first fierce issue will be mailed out in only a few short weeks, so subscribe now to avoid disappointment.
Coming Events
Regina
SCIC Global Citizens Awards
February 6th, 5 pm on, All Saints Church Hall, 142 Massey Rd.In honour of this year’s Global Citizens Awards Winners: Dale Dewar, Bill Curry and The Prairie Messenger. More information is available on the SCIC web site at http://www.earthbeat.sk.ca.
5 pm: cocktails (cash bar); 6 pm: middle eastern supper by Afghan Cuisine; 7 pm: awards program, Tickets $15 ($10 students/low income) To reserve tickets contact SCIC at 757-4669 scic@earthbeat.sk.ca
Nuclear Issues: Local and Global
February 9th, 7 pm, Lazy Owl Pub, University of ReginaNuclear Issues: Local and Global features Dr. Jim Harding, and is sponsored by Regina Citizens for a Nuclear Free Society. For more information contact nonukesregina@gmail.com.
Nuclear Issues: Local and Global
February 12th, 7:30 to 10 pm, Schumiatcher Theatre, Mackenzie Art GalleryNuclear Issues: Local and Global features Dr. Jim Harding, and is sponsored by Regina Citizens for a Nuclear Free Society. For more information contact nonukesregina@gmail.com.
Women’s Rights are Human Rights Conference
March 6th, 9 am to 4 pm, University of ReginaInternational Women’s Day conference with partners SCIC, Daughters of Africa, MATCH International, SFL, Prairie Lilies Feminist Society, the Women’s Studies Program University of Regina. For more information visit http://www.earthbeat.sk.ca.
Sisters for Sisters Benefit Concert
March 7th, 7:30 pm, Regina Performing Arts CentreOn the eve of International Women's Day, a benefit concert will be held, with proceeds going to the Stephen Lewis Foundation's Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign for the fight against HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa.
Tickets available from the Performing Arts Centre or Sheila Fahlman by call 306-781-2946 or emailing: g4gregina@sasktel.net. Doors open at 6:30 pm. Performance 7:30 pm - Cash Bar.
Sponsored by Grandmothers 4 Grandmothers Regina. Visit: http://www.grandmothers4grandmothersregina.com.
Saskatoon
How to be a Sustainable Citizen
February 5th, 6 – 8 pm,. Arts 241, U. of S.Shannon Dyck from the University of Saskatchewan Students’ Union will be presenting information on “How to be a Sustainable Citizen”. This seminar will discuss various activities and actions that individuals can do to be socially, economically and environmentally responsible. The decisions we make can have a global impact, so the sustainability of our actions is important in order to ensure the safety and health of all things on our planet, now and in the future. All information provided will be available upon request. Free of charge. All are welcome.
Food Not Lawns
February 11th, 7 pm, J.S. Wood LibraryFood Not Lawns is a growing urban movement that embraces turning yards into food gardens and neighbourhoods into communities one plot at a time. Susan Bradbury-Pederson did this to her yard over a year ago and will be here to talk about her experience. Event co-sponsored by the J.S. Wood Library and the Saskatchewan Environmental Society. For more information, contact 665-1915.
Forum: Is Renewabe Do-able?
February 24th, 2 pm, 241 Arts, U of S. and 7 pm, Frances Morrison LibraryTwo forums on the feasibility of meeting Saskatchewan’s energy needs from safe, renewable sources will take place on February 24th. Co-sponsors for these events are the Saskatchewan Environmental Society (SES), the Social Action Committee of the Unitarian Congregation of Saskatoon (UCS-SAC) and the University of Saskatchewan Students’ Union.
Presenters at the forum will be: Roger Peters, an engineer with 30 years experience in renewable energy and efficiency, board member of the Canadian Renewable Energy Alliance, Dr. Stan Shewchuk, researcher emeritus at Saskatchewan Research Council, an expert on wind energy, and Peter Prebble, Director, Energy and Water Policy, Saskatchewan Environmental Society, author of a report on sustainable energy for Saskatchewan.
These events are open to the public and are free. For information or to arrange to interview the speakers, please contact: Ann Coxworth, SES, ph 665-1915 or Nayda Veeman, UCS-SAC, ph 244-0034.
Dr. Barbara Johnston
February 25th, Timlin Theatre, Arts 241, U. of S.Dr. Johnston is an environmental anthropologist and a Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Political Ecology. Her current work is a study of the relationships between the environmental crisis and human rights, and focuses on the community dynamics of water resource management. Organizers: Anthropology Students’ Union – AnAmUs.
The Native Plant Society of Saskatchewan AGM and Conference
March 6 - 7, University of Saskatchewan, Faculty ClubDetails are on the Native Plant Society of Saskatchewan website at http://www.npss.sk.ca/ - see events. Registration deadline is Feb. 20, 2009.
10th Annual Seedy Saturday
March 14th, 11:30 - 5, Princess Alexandra School (210 Ave. H South)This year's community seed exchange and eco-fair will be held March 14th from 11:30 until 5:00 pm at Princess Alexandra School ( 210 Ave. H South).
They are now taking bookings for display tables at this event. Tables rent for $20, or $10 for half a table. If you would like more information or are interested in booking a table, please contact Community Garden Coordinator Dana Barrand at dana@chep.org or 655-5322.
Other
We Are All Upstream Conference
February 10 -12, The Executive Royal Inn, Leduc ABThe Saskatchewan River Basin covers over 400,000 km2 and area larger than the country of Germany. The North Saskatchewan, Red Deer, Oldman, Bow, and Battle Rivers all feed the Saskatchewan River, which ultimately ends in Lake Winnipeg. When addressing watershed issues and concerns, there are many groups to engage such as federal, provincial, municipal, industrial, and local stakeholders.
Details at http://www.saskriverbasin.ca/Upstream2/Home.html.
Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation 80th Annual Convention
Feb 12 – 14, Moose Jaw, SKFor more information please call the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation at (306) 692-8812.
Great Backyard Bird Count
February 13 - 16, North AmericaBird and nature fans throughout North America are invited to join tens of thousands of bird watchers for the 12th annual Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC). A joint project of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the National Audubon Society, this free event is an opportunity for families, students, and people of all ages to discover the wonders of nature in backyards, schoolyards, and local parks, and, at the same time, make an important contribution to conservation.
Volunteers take part by counting birds for at least 15 minutes on one or more days of the event and reporting their sightings online at http://www.birdcount.org. The data help researchers understand bird population trends across the continent, information that is critical for effective conservation. In 2008, participants submitted more than 85,000 checklists, a new record.Anyone interested in the GBBC can contact the Cornell Lab of Ornithology at (607) 254-2473 or Audubon at citizenscience@audubon.org. The Great Backyard Bird Count is made possible, in part, by support from Wild Birds Unlimited.
Organic Gardening Class
March 7th, 1 - 4 pm,, Ft. Qu'AppellePlease register through the Parkland College by phoning 306-332-5416.
Opportunities/Call for Delegates/Proposals
Call for Delegates: International Biodiversity Day Activities
The RCEN is presently looking for 11 ENGOs to commit to organizing activities in their respective regions in celebration of International Biodiversity Day. The theme of IBD 2009 will be Invasive Alien Species (IAS). We encourage applicants to mention their experience relating to IAS; however, if you do not have experience on this specific subject this will not disqualify you from applying as we will be accepting proposals to do activities relating to biodiversity in general.
The work would consist of writing a short Outreach and Education Plan (1-2 pages), which will consist of describing activities to be organized, and organizing the activities for IBDay. After the activities are done, each ENGO will provide a short report describing their outcome of their activities (1-2 pages). Each ENGO will be granted a total of $1600 ($400 for Outreach plans) for this work. This amount will cover all expenses incurred in the organization of the activities (for example: printing, paying a speaker, transportation, honorariums for volunteers, and salaries for organization time, etc.). We are glad to offer double the amount compensated for the ENGOs work to organize such activities and to provide more preparation time for activities. Ideally, this work can be included in your on-going work on biodiversity issues.
We are hoping to get a representative in each province and in the Yukon. The deadline to apply is February 6th. If you know of an organization that might be interested in this work, please feel free to circulate it.
The full description is on the RCEN website at http://www.cen-rce.org/eng/consultations/delegate_calls/09_01_ibd.html.
Call for Delegates: ENGO Writer & Editor for Biodiversity Survey Summary
The RCEN is currently seeking two ENGO delegates, one to write and one to edit, a survey summary on biological diversity. Environment Canada’s Biodiversity Convention Office has invited the RCEN to conduct a survey to solicit ENGO views with respect to progress, challenges, lessons learned and biodiversity priorities in the post-2010 period. The summary of survey results will be included in the 4th National CBD Report and will be presented and discussed at a multi-stakeholder meeting in Ottawa in March 2009. The ENGO writer of the summary will be compensated $1500, while $500 is available to compensate one ENGO editor. The deadline to apply is February 6, 2009. The full description is on the RCEN website at http://www.cen-rce.org/eng/consultations/delegate_calls/09_01_ibdsurvey.html.