SEN Info Bulletin

Holidays at SEN

The office of the Saskatchewan Eco-network will be closed from December 21st to January 3rd for holidays. We wish the Best of the Season to all of our members and readers - may you have a Peaceful and Green New Year!

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Saskatchewan Activist Isabel Muzichuk Mourned

Isabel Muzichuk passed away on December 8th after a brief illness. Isabel was one of the first, and most active people in Saskatchewan to oppose industrial hog barns. She was active in trying to stop the Rama barn, and continued her activism through Hogwatch Saskatchewan and with Beyond Factory Farming. She was also very active in protecting our water, and was involved in the union movement through her career in nursing and as a retiree. She was an active board member for the Saskatchewan Eco-network for many years, and participated in the RCEN Water, Fisheries and Oceans Caucus Steering Committee.

Isabel wasn't one to use the internet - rather she would phone and talk to people or get in her car and go to meetings. Her insight, dedication, and passion for justice have made a big contribution to our community, and her spritely humour, enthusiasm and laughter will be missed by all who knew her.

To sign or view the guestbook for Isabel, please go to http://www.saskobits.com/viewGuestBook.do?noticeId=4172626.

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Saskatoon Looks to Landfill for Electricity

SASKATOON - A couple of alternative energy sources at the landfill will be considered after city council approved them Monday night.

An assessment study for a large wind turbine near the landfill was approved by city council. The study will gather wind data, as well as do an environmental assessment. Kevin Hudson with Saskatoon Light and Power says they estimate that a 2 megawatt turbine could produce enough electricity for about 600 homes.

The other energy source would involve the landfill itself. A feasibility study was approved for a turbo expander generator, which would use gas captured from the landfill to produce electricity.

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2009 Global Temperature Fifth Warmest on Record

GENEVA, Switzerland, December 8, 2009 (ENS) - The year 2009 is projected to rank as the fifth warmest on record since instrumental climate records began in 1850, according to a new report issued today by the World Meteorological Organization. The global combined sea surface and land surface air temperature for the period January–October 2009 is estimated at 0.44°Celsius (1.01°Fahrenheit) above the long-term average.

In Canada, Ontario experienced a record number of witnessed tornadoes and a record number of related fatalities. Canadian avalanches were almost double the yearly average for the past decade and the worst since 2002–2003. A total of 25 deaths made it one of the deadliest seasons. In late July, many cities across Canada recorded their warmest daily temperatures. Vancouver and Victoria set new records, reaching 34.4°C and 35.0°C, respectively.

Full article: http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/dec2009/2009-12-08-02.asp.

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Seal the Deal 2009!

The United Nations has launched “Seal the Deal” campaign that encourages users to sign an online, global petition which will be presented by civil society to governments of the world at the Copenhagen Climate Summit.

http://www.sealthedeal2009.org/about.

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Comment on the South Saskatchewan Regional Plan

Your chance to shape the future of Southern Alberta is here. The government will accept feedback until January 15th, 2010 on its development of the South Saskatchewan Regional Plan (SSRP). The SSRP will eventually become the legally binding plan for Southern Alberta, determining development patterns, conservation outcomes and the health of watersheds in the region. For that reason, it is vital that you make your voice heard. Learn how you can participate: http://www.water-matters.org/story/341.

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Articles on the Nuclear Industry

Sandra Finley, a Saskatoon-based researcher, writer and community activist has written a series of articles on the nuclear industry and how in her opinion various levels of our government and the University of Saskatchewan are sidestepping democratic debate in order to support and subsidize the building of a nuclear reactor and bring nuclear waste into our province.

The material is posted at: http://forum.stopthehogs.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=872.

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Regina Car Share Co-operative is Now Open for Business!

The Regina Car Share Co-operative provides a convenient and affordable alternative to owning a car. Carsharing gives you access to vehicles when you need them, without the responsibilities that ownership can bring. Regina Car Share Co-operative (RCS) board wants to inform you that RCS now has a vehicle to offer car-share members. Details at http://www.reginacarshare.ca.

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Craven Christmas Bird Count Field Trip

Join members of Nature Regina for this Christmas Bird Count which is centered on Craven, and includes Lumsden, Valeport, and part of the Qu’Appelle Valley. Count leader is Trevor Herriot; contact him at 777-2395 (office)/ 585-1674 (home) for details and to be assigned to a count team.

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Saskatoon

Organic Theatre: Kitchen Tables: The Food Show

Organic Connections is a Saskatchewan non-profit organization that promotes good connections between organic growers, distributors and consumers. They’ve recently partnered with Dancing Sky Theatre, who have created a drama entitled “Kitchen Tables: The Food Show” about our culture’s changing relationship with food. Deatils at http://www.dancingskytheatre.com.

Organic food and beverages will be served!

Dinner and Theatre: Individual $60, Couples $100; Theatre only: $20. For more info: Contact Jennifer at 306.373.4190 cultural@organicconnections.ca.

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SEIMA’s 2010 Business Expo and Trade Show

The Saskatchewan Environmental Industry and Managers Association (SEIMA) is "Bringing the World to Saskatchewan" at the 2010 Business Expo and Trade Show. Take the time to get the big-picture view. What macro events are impacting on your business and career plans? Meet Saskatchewan's most prominent environmental practitioners and stakeholders on January 11, 2010, at the Radisson Hotel, Saskatoon. Enjoy an upscale, yet relaxing networking opportunity. It could mean your next big business deal! The Reception following is designed to entice you to stay for Day 2: Linkages 2010. Early Bird deadline: December 18! For more information and to register please visit: http://www.seima.sk.ca.

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Greening Your New or Existing Home Seminar

For complete information see the events section of the Green Building Council, Saskatchewan Chapter website at http://www.cagbc.org/chapters/saskatchewan/events/index.php or call: Max Stadnyk 306-260-9191.

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Workshop: Options for Recycling Agricultural Plastics

According to the Western Producer, western Canadian farmers use 12,000-16,000 grain bags every year, mostly in Saskatchewan. Each of these weighs between 135 and 315 kg. Add to that the twine, silage bags, bale wrap and there's a lot of agricultural plastic out there. Farmers have few choices (most of them bad) for handling this material. Various groups have been calling for action, looking for more environmentally responsible solutions.

This workshop is an opportunity for people concerned about agricultural plastics to have input and work on a solution together. Hosted by the Saskatchewan Waste Reduction Council.

More info at (306) 931-3242.

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Permaculture Workshop

Do you have an interest in a positive solution to society's sustainability issues? Know the word "permaculture" and want some more info? Like bottom up and grassroots approaches to solving social and ecological problems? Have a concern about peak oil? Then you would also enjoy an evening of permaculture design. Jesse Lemieux of Pacific Permaculture will deliver a 1 1/2 hour mixed media presentation on permaculture (see http://www.pacificpermaculture.com).

Sponsored by Rooted, Road Map 2020, The Office of Sustainability U of S and Ken MacLeod of Student Counselling Services U of S.

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Provincial Forest Threatened: Meeting

Local citizens in the Whitefox-Love-Nipawin area are concerned about the future of the forest in the Torch River Provincial Forest. Plans for clearcutting are rumoured, and concerned citizens as well as mushroom pickers in the area feel that if the forest is cut, the sensitive ecosystem and future wildcrafting will go along with it. The area is one of the best sources in the world for chanterelle mushrooms, according to spokesperson Robert Jardine.

A community meeting held last month brought many people together looking to stop the potential clearcutting. There is a meeting scheduled on the evening December 16th at the Love Community Hall where the government will present its operating plan for the area.

For more information about the issue and upcoming meeting, please contact Robert Jardine at budjardine@hotmail.com.

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Do You Know An Environmental Champion?

Nominations are now open for the 8th Annual Saskatchewan Eco Network Environmental Activism Awards.

You can appreciate a beautiful vista, a waterfall, a field of wild crocuses, a moose standing in a break. Often our appreciation for nature is the reason that we do environmental work. We can also appreciate the strength and the courage of volunteers and staff in environmental organizations, in other fields, or from the general public who work to protect the environment. Appreciation is an important ecological tool for sustaining our planet.

The Saskatchewan EcoNetwork would like to recognize people and organizations, including businesses, journalists, writers, filmmakers, teachers and mentors, anyone who is working to protect the environment. We are looking for Environmental Champions.

The process is easy. To nominate a group or an individual for an Environmental Activism Award, SEN asks that you tell us a story - why does this person or group stand out; why do they deserve recognition? Please provide us with the nominee's address and phone number and send it to sen@link.ca. The deadline for nominations is January 15, 2010. The Awards will be given out at Environmental Film Festival in early March. A little appreciation goes a long way, particularly when the work is so hard.

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Communities are Encouraged to Apply to New Planting Program

Tree Canada and the Majesta brand of household paper products are proud to announce the online application for Trees By the Shore, a community planting program that begins in the Spring of 2010. In 2009, 25 communities were selected across the country to plant trees by waterways with the help of local community groups, school children, parents and volunteers. An educational component was included to teach school children about the important role trees play in maintaining healthy ecosystem. Interested communities have until December 31, 2009 to apply. Trees and planting expertise are available to qualifying communities at: http://www.majestapromotions.ca/dedicate/Default.aspx.

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Call for Papers: Journal of Agriculture and Food Systems Development

The Journal welcomes papers related to the development aspects of agriculture and food systems. Faculty and students, Extension and other educators, planners, consultants, staff with farm agencies and farm and community organizations, and farmers are invited to submit material.

There is a specific call on the topic: Growing Farmers. Submissions will be accepted until February 15, 2010.

For more information, see the Journal's website http://www.agdevjournal.com/.

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Earth Day Canada Environmental Scholarship Opportunity

Earth Day Canada has launched the 2010 Toyota Earth Day Scholarship Program. Twenty $5,000 scholarships will be awarded to students across Canada who have distinguished themselves through environmental community service, extracurricular and volunteer activities, and academic excellence. One exceptional student will also be presented with the Toyota Earth Day Scholarship National Award and a Panasonic notebook computer.

The deadline to apply is February 28, 2010. Application material and information is available online at http://www.earthday.ca/scholarship. For program information, please contact Jo Anne Tacorda at 416 599-1991 ext. 109.

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Earth Day Canada: Every Day Heroes Film Competition

All filmmakers, young and old, established and aspiring, are invited to submit 90-second silent videos to the Every Day Heroes Film Competition. Finalists will have their videos screened in Ivanhoe Cambridge Shopping Malls across Canada, on the Onestop Network of 270 monitors on the subway platforms of the Toronto Transit Commission, as well as hosted on Earth Day Canada’s website and YouTube channel.

Prizes will be awarded in three categories: Best of ‘Under 18’ years of age — MacBook Pro; Best of ‘Over 18’ years of age — MacBook Pro; Best of Competition — Two economy airline tickets to any destination in North America with two nights hotel accommodation AND two tickets to the Earth Day Canada Gala, including travel to Toronto and hotel accommodation for the nights of June 8th and 9th, 2010.

Inspire Canada this Earth Day. Tell the story of your every day environmental hero and their dedication to support of a healthier environment.

The deadline for submissions is March 1, 2010. Visit http://www.earthday.ca/film for more details and submission form.

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