SEN Info Bulletin

Redberry Lake Biosphere Reserve Celebrates 10th Anniversary

Today Redberry Lake Biosphere Reserve is celebrating its 10th Anniversary. It was designated by the United Nations Education, Science and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as a biosphere reserve under their Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Program on January 21, 2000 in Paris. The designation formally recognizes the region’s commitment to the conservation of biological diversity, the pursuit of sustainable economic development and the creation of opportunities for education, research and experimental approaches to improved land management.

In September 2009, it was announced that the Government of Canada is providing funding over five years to 14 of the 15 biosphere reserves in Canada and the Canadian Biosphere Reserves Association. This funding will provide the Redberry Lake Biosphere Reserve with $57,000 per year through 2013.

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Triffid Seed Threatens Flax Industry

Canadian flax seed has been shut out of its largest market after traces of Triffid - a genetically modified form of the crop ordered destroyed 10 years ago - was found in shipments.

The European Union, which buys 70 per cent of Canada's flax, has a zero-tolerance policy regarding genetically modified organisms and has been turning away shipments. Officials say Canada's entire $320-million industry is threatened.

But efforts to correct the situation are being thwarted because it's not clear where the genetically modified flax is coming from. An industry-wide scramble has been on to weed out the offending seed since the problem was discovered in September.

Full article on the CBC News website: http://bit.ly/5KZuTI.

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Chemical BPA Linked to Heart Disease, Study Confirms

Bisphenol-A, or BPA — a common, human-made chemical that enters most of our bodies everyday — has been linked to heart disease, a new study says. BPA is commonly used in consumer plastics, particularly polycarbonate plastic items such as many sunglasses, reusable bottles, food packaging, and baby bottles. It also lines the inside of food cans.

In a sampling of U.S. adults, those with the highest levels of BPA in their urine were more than twice as likely to suffer from coronary heart disease than those with the lowest concentrations of BPA.

The findings almost perfectly dovetail with a 2008 study on the same topic, said study co-author Tamara Galloway, an ecotoxicologist at the U.K.'s University of Exeter.

Read the full article at http://bit.ly/4TuNvb.

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Alternative Energy: Jim Harding's Column

Jim Harding is a retired professor of justice studies at the University of Regina. He is a founding member of the Regina Group for a Non-Nuclear Society and was director of research for Prairie Justice Research at the University of Regina, where he headed up the Uranium Inquiries Project. He is the author of Canada’s Deadly Secret: Saskatchewan Uranium and the Global Nuclear System.

Jim Harding's columns and other non-nuclear resources are posted at the Coalition for a Clean Grean Saskatchewan web site at: http://www.cleangreensask.ca. Read his latest article at: http://bit.ly/70gNIJ.

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Saskatchewan Energy Hearings

The Standing Committee on Crown and Central Agencies is conducting an inquiry on how to best meet Saskatchewan’s growing demand for energy. Public meetings are being held in Yorkton, Estevan and Regina until January 29, 2010. Details and schedules are on the Government of Saskatchewan website at http://www.legassembly.sk.ca/committees/CrownCentralAgencies/crown_central_agenciesnew.htm.

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Water as a Right, Conservation as a Responsibility

For the entire month of June 2009, Winnipeg's Kevin Freedman challenged himself to live on 25 litres of water per day or less while maintaining cleanliness and staying healthy. With cloth baths instead of showers, washing laundry by hand and reusing the water in the toilet and a toiling through a few other minor inconveniences, he was able to go the entire month using only 575 litres of water for all personal use.

The project was a complete success, having garnered several hundred dollars for UNICEF Manitoba while attracting substantial media attention. This lead the project to be covered by three television stations including two for national broadcast, five radio stations and several newspapers.

The experiment is on again in March, 2010 to coincide with World Water Day on March 22nd. This time he will be taking pledges from people to conserve water as opposed to donating money. As he will live on 25 litres each day for that month, then each pledge will be to limit water use by 25 litres per day for that month. In Winnipeg if 1/4 of the population commits to this we can save 4 million litres per day! That is more than 100 million litres over the month!

Join with Kevin as he takes the project across Canada and around the world to promote water conservation. He is looking for people to challenge themselves and take pledges. contact Kevin at Water_Challenge@yahoo.com or join his facebook group http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=85421544276&ref=ts.

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Science and Physics Students Societies' Screening of “No Impact Man”

Students of the University of Regina will be gathering together for a screening of the No Impact Man documentary. The national screenings are facilitated by the No Impact Project, an organization founded by Colin Beavan following his no impact year, and the Center For a New American Dream, an organization that helps North Americans consume more responsibly. For additional information about the event, please contact Janice Cotcher cotcherj@uregina.ca. For more information on the No Impact Man Project visit http://noimpactproject.org/.

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Global Citizen Awards Gala

5:30 - Cocktails; 6 pm - Supper featuring Ethiopian cuisine; 7 pm - Global Citizen Awards Ceremony for Rodney Sidloski, HELP International and Daughters of Africa International Inc., followed by a screening of the Voices of Youth video.

Tickets are $20/$10 student, limited income. Children under 10 free and childcare will be provided. RSVP to SCIC by February 8th to scic@earthbeat.sk.ca or 757-4669.

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Regulatory Review Consultation

The Ministry of Environment has been engaged in a review of the environmental regulatory framework in Saskatchewan over the past 15 months with a view to moving to a results-based framework. To date, they have engaged stakeholder representatives in three rounds of consultations and gathered a great deal of valuable information and advice during the process. They are now ready to begin development of the Saskatchewan Environmental Code and would like to invite stakeholders to participate in this initiative.

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Introduction to Permaculture

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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Burrito and a Flick Night

The Saskatchewan Eco-Network is holding a fundraising evening for our upcoming Environmental Film Festival See the Change, Be the Change.

Burrito and a Flick Night will be held at EE Burritos (Ave P & 22nd St.) in Saskatoon on Saturday, January 23rd at 7 pm. Tickets are $25, which includes Burrito Buffet and film Hijacked Future. Vegetarian and meat dishes are available. People can book their dinner tickets in advance by calling the office at 652-1275 or emailing us.

SOS Elms Coalition AGM

Everyone Welcome! More information on SOS Elms at: http://www.soselms.org. Their latest newletter can be read at http://www.soselms.org/newsletter09.htm.

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Rivergreen Ecovillage Open House

Open house to learn about ecovillages and to find out about the Rivergreen ecovillage project from Paul Hanley and Rick Olmstead, the project’s development managers. Stop by on Saturday, January 23rd at the Rivergreen Ecovillage office by the Farmers' Market at #114-120 Sonnenschein Way. The door is on the southwest corner of the building on the 400 block of Avenue B South.

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Global Citizen Awards Gala and Carnival of Solidarity

SCIC Global Citizen Awards for Project Hope, Isabel Muzichuk and Making the Links Radio will be presented. There will be a screening of the Voices of Youth video and entertainment by Giustina Garcia & Friends (Hip Hop), The Rebellion (Rock Punk) and Peacoats (Indy).

Presented by the Saskatchewan Council for International Cooperation, International Studies Students' Association, and the U of S International Students' Association. Tickets are $5, ages 19+. For more information contact SCIC at 956-0622 or 757-4669. Details at http://www.earthbeat.sk.ca/.

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Redberry Lake Biosphere Reserve 10th Anniversary Reception

You are cordially invited to a wine and cheese reception on January 21st to help us celebrate the 10th anniversary of our designation as a world Biosphere Reserve by the United Nations Education, Science and Culture Organization.

Doors Open at 6:30 pm; Program at 7:15pm. Please RSVP Christine Watson by calling (306)549-4060 or emailing admin@redberrylake.ca.

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9th Prairie Conservation and Endangered Species Conference

In February of 2010, Winnipeg will host one of the most important gatherings devoted to landscape and wildlife conservation in western Canada. The 9th Prairie Conservation and Endangered Species Conference will bring together decision-makers, researchers and community and grass-roots groups along with farmers, ranchers, Aboriginal groups and other private citizens who have an abiding interest in sustaining prairie land, water, plants and animals.

The conference theme, Patterns of Change, reflects the goal of this event to give divergent prairie interest groups the chance to explore ideas and approaches to sustain land owners and users as well as the rich natural heritage that is the endowment of all prairie landscape dwellers.

For the most complete and up-to-date conference information, please visit http://www.pcesc.ca.

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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 has been extended to January 22, 2010. The Awards will be given out at our Environmental Film Festival in early March. A little appreciation goes a long way, particularly when the work is so hard.

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Walmart–Evergreen Green Grants Program

Walmart Canada and Evergreen have combined to this national program funding community-based restoration and stewardship initiatives in urban and urbanizing areas. Green Grants are available for to local groups working on: urban naturalization projects; using native plants; restoring and stewarding woodlands, meadows, wetlands and ravines; and community food garden projects.

The program provides funds of up to $10,000. The 2010 deadline for Green Grants applications is January 29, 2010.

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Call for Articles: Innovation in Education

Alternatives Journal is looking for articles for the next annual Education issue, and we invite you to submit story ideas that explore every angle of environmental education.

How has environmental education changed in today's increasingly accessible world? What should be a part of every person's educational background, but currently isn't? How do applied skills such as farming, gardening, and building complement more theoretical environmental learning methods? Story ideas for Alternatives' Education issue could answer these questions, or they could involve a critique of the current education system in Canada, and propose ways to improve it. Submissions due February 15, 2010.

http://www.alternativesjournal.ca/call-for-queries-innovation-in-education.

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Watercan's National Youth Photojournalism Contest

This contest aims to engage Canadian youth between the ages of 13 and 18 in a meaningful way on an issue of great domestic and international significance: Water.

Changing the way Canadian youth think about our abundant water resources is the first and most challenging step in prompting them to make water-wise choices in their daily lives and to recognize the great need for water in many developing countries. Students are asked to submit their unique contest entries—including an original photo showing their vision of water and an accompanying inspiration statement of no more than 200 words — in one of two categories, a) Junior (age 13-15) or b) Senior (16-18). The contest closes on February 15th. Visit http://www.watercan.com/photocontest for more information.

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Celebrate Birds 2010 Mini-Grants

Celebrate Urban Birds at the Cornell Lab of Ornithologyinvites organizations and educators to apply for mini-grants to help fund neighborhood events in communities everywhere. Mini-grants average $250 - $500. No experience with birding required. Application deadline is February 15, 2010. Details at http://www.birds.cornell.edu/celebration/.

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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 15, 2010. Submissions received prior to February 15, 2010 will be entered into a raffle to win a Panasonic 60GB HDD/SD Camcorder. Visit http://www.earthday.ca/film for more details and submission form.

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Pesticide Reduction Coordinator

The Saskatchewan Environmental Society is seeking an individual to carry out its initiatives on our Saskatoon pesticide reduction project. Duration: one year (with possibility of extension). Start Date: February, 2010. 18 hrs/week. $18/hour. Full job description is at http://www.environmentalsociety.ca/job_posting.html.

To apply: e-mail resumes to:allysonb@environmentalsociety.ca or mail to: Saskatchewan Environmental Society, Box 1372, Saskatoon, SK, S7K 2B1 Deadline: January 25, 2010. Late resumes will not be accepted.

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Prairie Chapter Director: Sierra Club

The ideal candidate will have knowledge and experience in environment, water and energy issues in Canada and/or the Prairie Provinces. Experience with various levels of government and policy development is an asset. The candidate will have proven leadership and communications skills and the abilities and a passion for inspiring grassroots engagement. Proven experience in fundraising and non-profit management is beneficial. A strong personal commitment for justice and sustainability is essential. Equivalent life experience or post-secondary degree in a sustainability related discipline. (ie. biological and/or ecological sciences, political science, law economics or social sciences) is desired.

This is a full-time maternity leave position for 10 months with attractive benefits package, with the possibility of transitioning into alternate positions in the organization at the end of the replacement. This is a salaried position, pro-rated at $46,000 per year. Please send resume and cover letter. The job posting will remain open until a suitable candidate is found.

Details at: http://beta.sierraclub.ca/employment.

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Nature Conservancy: Saskatchewan Lead Stewardship Intern

The Nature Conservancy of Canada http://www.natureconservancy.ca/sk protects critical natural areas of ecological importance in southern Saskatchewan's grasslands and aspen parklands. NCC Saskatchewan is responsible for the stewardship of over 110,000 acres of habitat, consisting of 132 conservation easements and 33 owned properties, including Old Man on His Back Prairie & Heritage Conservation Area (OMB).

This 6 month internship position will assist the Saskatchewan staff team with stewardship activities including: summer field staff training and preparation, ecological monitoring, baseline documentation report preparation, mapping of biological communities and threats, data entry, and the implementation of property management plan recommendations. The job will involve extensive travel and independent fieldwork and requires liaising with landowners, staff, volunteers and partner organizations.

Details at Good Work Canada: http://www.goodworkcanada.ca/gwd.php?id=9970.

There are other intern positions open for the summer: http://www.goodworkcanada.ca/gwd.php?id=9971.

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Executive Director: Canada Green Building Council, SK Chapter

Saskatchewan Chapter of the Canada Green Building Council (SkCaGBC) is a non-profit Corporation established as a grassroots volunteer organization with representation from across the provincial building industry spectrum, which has come together to Educate, Promote and Advocate a sustainable built environment.

SkCaGBC is seeking a dynamic individual that is passionate about our environment, has knowledge of the built industry or willing to learn and has a bend towards entrepreneurial spirit with a touch of creativity to find solutions that are out of the norm.

Interviewing will begin during the week of January 22, 2010 until a suitable candidate can be found.

Complete job description at: http://www.cagbc.org/chapters/saskatchewan/news/index/news_articles1177.php.

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Coady International Institute - Youth In Partnership International Internship Program

The Coady International Institute is currently recruiting dynamic community-minded Canadians between 19 and 30 years of age to participate in its Youth In Partnership international internship program. The program aims to provide recent Canadian university/college graduates experience working with the Coady Institute’s partners in development practice. The program will begin in March 2010 with a two week orientation at the Coady Institute (Nova Scotia); a six-month in-country work placement; and a two week re-entry program in Canada. The deadline for applications is February 1, 2010. For more information, visit http://www.coady.stfx.ca/youth/apply/.

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