Tuesday 6 October 2015

EcoSask News, October 6, 2015

fall color

Upcoming Events
Energy Talks, Oct. 8 
Patrick Byrns will be talking about researching, designing, and building an electric truck that is now used in the mining industry from 6:30-7:30 pm, Oct. 8, in Engineering 2C01, U of S.

Campus Sustainability Week, Oct. 13-16
The University of Saskatchewan’s Campus Sustainability Week runs from Oct. 13-16 and includes a sustainability expo, campus tours, a fresh food market, and films.

The Declining Health of our Oceans, Oct. 15
Attila Chandy will discuss the decisive influence the oceans have on all life on our planet at the Saskatoon Nature Society meeting on Oct. 15.

Ice-Cycling on Campus Workshop, Oct. 15
The U of S Office of Sustainability is hosting a winter cycling workshop at 5 pm, Oct. 15.

Multi-Generational Green Home Open House, Oct. 17
Visit a multi-generational smart green home built by Vereco at an open house from 1-4 pm, Oct. 17.

Household Hazardous Waste Day, Oct. 17
The City of Saskatoon accepts household hazardous waste once a month at the SaskTel Centre from 9 am - 3:30 pm. The next Household Hazardous Waste Day is October 17.

Field Trips
Young Naturalists
Nov. 7, 1-2:30 pm – Bird Feeder Workshop
Dec. 5, 1- 3 pm – Paper Making Workshop
Space is limited; register early to avoid disappointment.

Golden Eagles
Oct. 22, 9 am – Gabriel Dumont Park
Retirees and partners who are interested in birds and the natural world are invited to participate in Golden Eagle field trips.

Other Saskatoon Nature Society Field Trips
Oct. 17, 9 am-4 pm – Broderick Reservoir Birding
Oct. 18, 1:30-6 pm – Radisson and Redberry Lakes Birding
Check the Saskatoon Nature Society’s website for full details (e.g. some trips require rubber boots, others will be cancelled if the weather is bad).

A full list of upcoming events can be found on the EcoFriendly Sask Calendar

backlit fall leaves

News
“Every year, over 90 million litres of diesel are shipped by truck, barge and air to remote communities in Canada to power their local energy systems. But the growing economic cost and environmental impact of importing such vast amounts of diesel to these communities are unsustainable.” Participants at the Renewables in Microgrids conference addressed the systemic barriers to introducing renewable community energy projects.

“Running two expensive major roadways across the swale close to each other seems not only unnecessary but wasteful. I urge decision makers to choose a path that minimizes the impact on our valuable natural areas such as the swale.”

A proposed diamond mine near Prince Albert would drain aquifers and destroy 9200 acres of forest.

"We also can't rest on our laurels if we just recycle our goods. Because most of the environmental pollution is caused by manufacturing, we need to ask ourselves if we really need that convenient, disposable product in the first place….Reducing is always for the best

EcoSask News is a weekly round-up of local news and events. Email us if you have items you would like us to include. 

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