EcoSask News, January 11, 2021

Upcoming Events 

EMTF-SK is hosting an online presentation on developing Saskatchewan’s sustainable energy economy at 7:30 am, Jan. 12. 

The Johnson-Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy is hosting a video conference on building an equitable Canadian science system from 12-1 pm, Jan. 13. 

Nature Regina is hosting an online presentation on Indigenous peoples’ rights and environmental protection at 7 pm, Jan. 17. 

Saskatoon Nature Society is hosting an online presentation on invertebrate diversity, distribution, and ecology at 7:30 pm, Jan. 20. 

Nature Saskatchewan is hosting an online nature trivia night at 7 pm, Feb. 9. 

Full details on all upcoming events are listed on the EcoFriendly Sask Calendar 

Consumer Choices 

“The most important thing consumers can do is to educate themselves about their purchases.” Vegan leather is a petroleum byproduct. Plant-based leather is a better option. [Inhabitat] 

The Alberta EcoTrust Foundation, with support from the Alberta Real Estate Foundation, is undertaking a pilot project to provide digital home energy labels for houses in Calgary and Edmonton. The label will show how much energy the home uses and compare it to other similar homes. [Alberta EcoTrust] This is in line with France’s plan to notify potential home owners of a property’s energy rating. [Cities in the Next Decade] 

“In the past decade alone, $40 trillion has been divested from fossil fuels ... Divestment is showing in real time that everyday people can take part in the fight against climate change, and it’s demonstrating to financial firms that climate change is no longer a worthy investment.” [Yes Magazine] 

French car ads will be required to discourage driving and promote alternate forms of transportation. [Yale Environment 360]

 

Industry & Mining 

A survey of participants in the Alberta Oilsands Monitoring Program finds monitoring to be ineffective with crucial questions being left unanswered. [La Ronge Now] 

Half of global passenger-vehicle sales are expected to be electric by 2035, indicating a shift from a fuel-intensive to a material-intensive system. This will entail two big challenges. “One is how to cut down on the metals in batteries that are scarce, expensive, or problematic because their mining carries harsh environmental and social costs. Another is to improve battery recycling, so that the valuable metals in spent car batteries can be efficiently reused.” [Nature] 

Pembina Institute has published a report on the Status of Boreal Woodland Caribou Conservation in Canada. It finds that “to help the species recover conservation efforts to protect the last remaining tracts of critical habitat must be prioritized. The habitats that caribou inhabit – boreal forests and peatlands – are among the most carbon-rich in the world. When caribou habitat is lost to activities such as oil and gas development and logging, significant amounts of greenhouse gases (GHGs) are released. On the other hand, when caribou habitat is conserved carbon remains in the ground.” [Pembina] 

The Province of Saskatchewan’s “weak response to the climate emergency amounts to an implicit denial … The provincial government is clinging to the wrong side of history by failing to meaningfully collaborate with people in Saskatchewan — both Indigenous and non-Indigenous — and take corrective action.” [The Narwhal] 

Protecting Biodiversity 

Fungal networks support much of life on earth. SPUN aims to accelerate efforts to protect underground ecosystems largely absent from conservation and climate agendas. [SPUN] 

Protecting roadless areas could go a long way in helping to reach conservation goals and slow extinctions – a point worth considering in Canada where we continue to add new roads. [The Revelator] 

Starting in 2023, farmers in England will be paid for nature restoration and creation on their land (creation of hedgerows and wildflower meadows, wetland restoration). [Edie] 

EcoFriendly Sask supports Saskatchewan environmental initiatives through an online publication, an events calendar, small grants, and the Nature Companion website/app. You can follow EcoFriendly Sask by liking us on Facebook, following us on Twitter, or subscribing by email (top right corner).

EcoSask News, September 7, 2021

Upcoming Events 

Saskatoon Nature Society is hosting a fall bird count on Sept. 11. Register by Sept. 10 if you’re interested in participating. 

Nature Regina is hosting a native plant sale from 9 am-1 pm, Sept. 11. 

The City of Prince Albert is hosting a household hazardous waste day from 9 am-4 pm, Sept. 11. 

City of Saskatoon residents can dispose of household hazardous waste from 9 am to 3:30 pm, Sept. 12. 

There will be an online federal election forum on climate, energy, and environment with Saskatoon candidates at 7 pm, Sept. 13. 

Nature Saskatchewan is hosting an online presentation on the migration and winter habitats of burrowing owls and monarch butterflies at 7 pm, Sept. 14. Register to participate. 

Looking Ahead 

Climate Reality Leadership Corps is offering online training from Oct. 18-24. 

Full event details are available on the EcoFriendly Sask Calendar

 

How We Build 

The City of Saskatoon is now offering a home energy loan program (HELP) to help residents make their homes more energy efficient. “HELP loans are repaid through property taxes over five-, 10-, or 20-year terms, and remain attached to the property. If someone moves before the loan is repaid, the new homeowner will take on loan repayment.” [CBC Saskatoon] 

Energy-efficient buildings in combination with improved indoor air quality could prevent 2,900 to 5,100 premature deaths annually. [Anthropocene] 

PFAS are used to make products water-, stain-, or heat-resistant and can be found in thousands of everyday consumer products, such as stain guards, carpeting, floor wax, and non-stick cookware. They are linked to various serious health problems and significantly contaminate indoor air. [The Guardian] 

An ice box demonstration highlights the effectiveness of passive house design for providing more comfortable homes with lower costs. [Inhabitat]

 

Wild Lives 

“So many people think about species in terms of how close to endangerment or extinction they are, but actually, what we want to do is recover species.” The goal should be measuring what we want to achieve as well as what we want to avoid. [Yale Environment 360] 

Wanted – conservation champions for rodents, evolutionary marvels that have adapted to almost every region on earth, serving as food for larger animals while their eating habits disperse seeds, pollinate plants, and recycle soil nutrients. [The Revelator] 

Making a Difference 

Don Kowalski of Griffin, SK, has donated 800 acres to the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation’s Habitat Trust Program. The land will be managed as a wildlife sanctuary and vehicles aren’t allowed. [Discover Weyburn] 

Climate cafés come in all shapes and sizes, providing an opportunity to support people as they acknowledge climate change exists and manage their feelings about it. [The Guardian] 

EcoFriendly Sask supports Saskatchewan environmental initiatives through an online publication, an events calendar, small grants, and the Nature Companion website/app. You can follow EcoFriendly Sask by liking us on Facebook, following us on Twitter, or subscribing by email (top right corner).

EcoSask News, August 31, 2021

Upcoming Events 

EMTF-SK is offering an online presentation on hydrogen fuel technologies from 7:30-9:15 am, Sept. 1. 

Library of Things, Saskatoon, will be open for pick-ups by reservation from the back door in the alley from 1-4 pm, Sept. 4. 

Looking Ahead 

SaskOutdoors is offering a virtual Project Wild training from Sept. 13-Oct. 4. 

Nature Saskatchewan is hosting its fall meet in Moose Jaw on Sept. 18. 

The Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Areas Inc. has planned a number of activities during National Forest Week from Sept. 18-26. 

Full event details are provided on the EcoFriendly Sask Calendar 

Agriculture 

“Diversifying landscapes . . . could conserve nature and help to boost food production . . . landscapes with increased diversity typically produced around 17 to 18 bushels more per acre, of corn and wheat” [Anthropocene] 

A study of Alberta’s Bow River Basin shows that many farmers who adopt modern irrigation systems expand their operations, leading to increased agricultural water demand and potential water shortages. [Science Direct] 

Housing 

“What if the most American symbol of unsustainable consumption isn’t the automobile, but the air conditioner?” [Vox] 

As a result of the pandemic, Americans want larger homes, farther apart, with greater distance to schools and stores – despite the fact that urban sprawl fails to address climate change. [Planetizen] 

Low-rise, high-density cities have a lower carbon impact than high-rise, high-density cities as high-rises use more materials and need to be built further apart. [npj Urban Sustainability]

 

Cohabiting with Wildlife 

Letter from an urban deer: “Don’t fret if you see us on your lawns. Rewilding is not just about letting a few species run free far away from human civilization. It’s about allowing our world to cross over into your world.” [High Country News] 

A UK study has found that LED streetlights cause worse light pollution resulting in fewer insect pollinators than traditional sodium bulbs. But that doesn’t have to be the case. “LEDs are dimmable, can be linked to motion sensors and can have cheap filters fitted to screen out blue light.” [The Guardian] 

Did you know? The width of the banded woolly bear caterpillar's red band is said to predict the severity of the coming winter, but this isn't the case. The red band lengthens as the caterpillar matures, while wetter weather lengthens the black bands. [Nature Companion, a free nature app for Canada’s 4 western provinces] 

EcoFriendly Sask supports Saskatchewan environmental initiatives through an online publication, an events calendar, small grants, and the Nature Companion website/app. You can follow EcoFriendly Sask by liking us on Facebook, following us on Twitter, or subscribing by email (top right corner).

EcoSask News, May 18, 2021

This Week’s Highlights 

Citizens Environmental Alliance has initiated a House of Commons petition regarding the need for an environmental assessment of the Lake Diefenbaker Irrigation Expansion project. 

SOS Trees is hosting Arbor Week in Saskatoon from May 28-June 6 with activities ranging from art to talks, tree planting, and tours. 

Upcoming Events 

Kids ages 6-13 are invited to participate in the Get Outside Kids Club on May 19 or 26 in Regina. 

Join some of Regina’s city councillors as they talk with Seth Klein, Jamie Kirkpatrick, and Haley Carlson about Regina’s path towards sustainability from 6-8 pm, May 25, online. 

Nature Saskatchewan is hosting a virtual book launch for Backyard Bird Feeding: A Saskatchewan Guide at 7 pm, May 25. 

Peter Leavitt will discuss what controls lake water quality at 7 pm, May 26, online. 

Looking Ahead 

SaskOutdoors and the Saskatchewan Orienteering Association are offering orienteering for kids and youth in Saskatoon on May 31, June 7, 14, and 21. 

Saskatoon Nature Society – Golden Eagles 

May 20, 8 am – Forestry Farm Spring Bird Walk 

May 27, 8 am – Warblers, Pike Lake Acreage 

Retirees and partners who are interested in birds and the natural world are invited to participate. 

Other Saskatoon Nature Society Field Trips 

May 22, 9 am-12 pm – Birding Trip to Porter Lake 

May 23, 7:30-9 am – Warbler Walk at Forestry Farm 

May 25, 7-9 pm – Birding at Maple Grove 

May 26, 6:30-9 pm – Wildflowers at NE Swale 

May 29 – May Bird Count 

Field trips are currently for members only, so sign up now. Advance registration is required.

 

 

Well Done! 

The City of Victoria will soon require buildings to be deconstructed rather than demolished in order to salvage reusable materials. “Currently, more than a third of materials going to Victoria landfills each year are generated from the construction sector, and much of that is a result of poor demolition waste management. . . . City staff estimate that salvaging materials from single-families alone would divert 3,000 tonnes of waste from landfills each year.” (via Capital Daily) 

Opera houses are going green. La Scala in Milan has installed solar panels and LED lights, while Sydney Opera House built an artificial reef. Opera North in Leeds is creating sets out of recycled materials. 

New York State is addressing plastic pollution by banning the use of small toiletry bottles in hotels. 

We Can Do Better 

“Population growth, more houses with air conditioning, larger homes, and fewer people per household . . . are all driving residential energy use and emissions upwards. . . . Hitting climate targets depends on building smaller single-family homes and more multi-family housing (including converting large single-family homes to multi-unit dwellings), consistent with the shrinking number of people per household.” 

AirBnB’s carbon footprint is bigger than you think – a look at ways of making tourist accommodation more environmentally sustainable. 

EcoFriendly Sask supports Saskatchewan environmental initiatives through an online publication, an events calendar, small grants, and the Nature Companion website/app. You can follow EcoFriendly Sask by liking us on Facebook, following us on Twitter, or by email (top right corner). 

We’re in it for the birds! (Nature Companion, a free nature app for Canada’s four western provinces)

EcoSask News, October 6, 2020

Upcoming Events 

Bird Collisions, Oct. 5-11 (Regina) 

Nature Regina is looking for early risers to meet at 6:30 am from Oct. 5-11 to log bird-building collisions. 

Dark Skies at the Creek, Oct. 10, 17, 24 & 31 (Saskatoon) 

Saskatoon Nature Society is hosting a variety of presentations to celebrate Dark Skies at Beaver Creek Conservation Area on Oct. 10, 17, 24 & 31.

Canada Jay, Oct. 15 (online) 

Dan Strickland will talk about the triumph and downfall of the Canada Jay at the 7:30 pm, Oct. 15, online meeting of the Saskatoon Nature Society. Meetings are currently members-only so sign up now. 

Looking Ahead 

Outstanding Owls Camp-In, Oct. 23 (online) 

The Saskatchewan Science Centre is hosting a virtual camp-in at 7 pm, Oct. 23. An activity kit will be provided for creating a hand puppet, dissecting an owl pellet, and much more. 

Virtual Repair Café, Oct. 24 (online) 

The Saskatchewan Waste Reduction Council is hosting a virtual repair café from 10 am-2 pm, Oct. 24. Register a broken item and you’ll receive a link to a Zoom meeting where knowledgeable volunteers will coach you through fixing your item. 

Project WET, Nov. 2-Feb. 12 (online) 

SaskOutdoors is hosting a distance Project WET workshop involving phone calls and opportunities to engage in activities with your class from Nov. 2 to Feb. 12. 

A full list of upcoming events (online and in person) can be found on the EcoFriendly Sask Calendar 

Local News 

A company is proposing to harvest peat south of La Ronge. For more information on the potential impact of this project, check out the Global Peatlands Initiative website and a petition opposing the project. A Facebook group has been set up - For Peat’s Sake - Protecting Northern Saskatchewan’s Muskegs.

Orion Morgan, Salt Box Studios, Saskatoon, builds passive houses. He’s also saving trees. SOS Trees Coalition reports that he is going out of his way to protect not only City trees but also other mature trees and shrubs on a construction site.

Do you have a bat box in your yard? If so, you’re invited to participate in a survey looking at which types of bats are using the boxes and what type of boxes work best in Canada. 

Housing 

“Instead of demolishing houses, Corneil's company deconstructs them and salvages the materials so they can be returned to the supply chain.” 

York plans to build Britain’s largest zero-carbon housing project. It will also be car-free with allotments, fruit trees, and shared cargo bikes. 

From Information to Action 

“Carsharing is an avoidance tactic that allows a privileged group to bypass the gaps in our transportation network.”

“Canada produces nine times more plastic waste per person than India, up to 3.6 times more than some countries in Southeast Asia, and up to twice that of some Scandinavian countries.” 

DataStream, an online open-access platform, allows users to share information about the health of waterways across Canada. 

Dual-flush toilets were expected to use less than half the amount of water per flush, but they are prone to leaks, wasting more water than they save. 

Read and Watch 

“Embracing of wildness calls on us to stop feeling annoyed, threatened and endangered by everything that escapes control and to resist the urge constantly to direct and dominate the world around us.” [book review] 

Check out these new environmental action books, including All We Can Save by women climate leaders, Tales from the Ant World by E O Wilson, and Earth AD: The Poisoning of the American Landscape and the Communities that Fought Back. 

Striking Balance Season 2 explores 9 of Canada’s biosphere reserves. It will be available to stream on TVO’s YouTube channel. 

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

You can follow EcoFriendly Sask by liking us on Facebook, following us on Twitter, or by email (top right corner). 

Check out EcoFriendly Sask’s Nature Companion, a free nature app for Canada’s four western provinces

EcoSask News, May 26, 2020

Upcoming Events (online)
Let’s Talk About Water Virtual Film Festival, May 21-June 26
The Let's Talk About Water Film Festival combines water science with film to promote active discussion about water issues and solutions and aims to connect researchers with students and the general public. Films by both professionals and amateurs will be available online from May 21-June 26.

Regina Climate Hub, May 27
People interested in volunteering to be part of the brand-new Regina Climate Hub are invited to participate in an online meeting from 7:30-9 pm, May 27.

SK Low Carbon Stories, June 3
Margret Asmuss will present low carbon stories at the 7:30 am, June 3, online meeting of the Saskatchewan Energy Management Task Force.

Tools to Protect Nature, June 4
Nature Canada is offering a webinar from 12-1 pm (SK time), June 4, on Canada’s new Impact Assessment Act and the tools available to local and provincial groups to participate in federal reviews of proposed industrial developments.

A full list of upcoming events (online and in person) can be found on the EcoFriendly Sask Calendar 

Local News
You’re invited to sign a petition calling for a moratorium on logging which is slated to begin as early as September in the Nesslin Lake recreational area.

Baltimore orioles have been spotted out of their normal range in La Ronge.

Meewasin Valley Authority is making changes to the trails around the Children’s Discovery Museum and the Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan site. You can review the proposals on the Meewasin website and provide feedback through an online survey (deadline June 30, 2020).

From Information to Action
“It frustrates me when I see farmers ditching their fields to drain wet areas. Yes, we get to farm a few more acres, but at what cost? How much flooding occurs downstream? . . . How much taxpayer money is spent on flood prevention and repair? How much topsoil is washed away from that land? How many riparian areas are destroyed?”

A third of people admit to throwing away furniture that they could have sold or donated. Does the cheap furniture boom have a heavy environmental price?

The biggest hurdle to energy-efficient retrofits is the upfront capital costs. Municipal Property Assessment Clean Energy policies can address this issue but require adequate consumer protection, targeted financing, and administration support for smaller municipalities.

Clear guidance for keeping both wolves and livestock owners happy.

Will Scotland have the first domestic hydrogen gas network?

Shooting the Rapids: Long Crisis Scenarios shows 4 potential futures and the strategies that will be needed to thrive in each.

We need to reframe the debate between global and local to incorporate transformation, connection, and agency.

Good News & Natural Wonders
When pollen is scarce, bumblebees bite plants to force them to flower earlier than expected.

Solar-powered passenger canoes reduce reliance on diesel in the Amazon and are supported by a grant from the Honnold Foundation.

Internet of Elephants designs digital games and online experiences to tell real conservation stories based on real data.

Dave Manning roots for the underdog and has spent years studying turkey vultures. “By showing people the intricacies of their daily lives, he’s given people an appreciation for the species”.

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

You can follow EcoFriendly Sask by liking us on Facebook, following us on Twitter, or by email (top right corner).

EcoSask News, May 12, 2020

Upcoming Events
Reducing GHG Emissions in the Power Sector, May 19 (online) 
The Johnson-Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy is presenting a panel discussion on reducing GHG emissions in the power sector from 1:30-3 pm, May 12.

Grassland Songbirds, May 19 (webinar) 
Jody Daniel will discuss the cumulative effects of oil and gas development in Alberta on grassland songbirds in a noon-hour webinar on May 19 sponsored by PCAP-SK.

Climate Law after Covid, May 26 (webinar)
Join West Coast’s Climate Lawyer Andrew Gage for a virtual dialogue about the future of climate change law and litigation and how we need to adapt in the context of COVID-19 from 1-2 pm (in Saskatchewan), May 26.

More and more events are going online. Be sure to check the EcoFriendly Sask Calendar for details. 

YouTube
Beginner Bird Id Workshop, Birds Canada

The Citizen’s Guide to Climate Success, Marc Jaccard

Local News
Federated Co-operatives Limited (FCL) in partnership with Retail Co-ops across Western Canada are working on the roll-out of an EV charging corridor along Highway 1. EV owners who are interested in testing the chargers should contact Sean Gault at 306-649-5333 or sean.gault@fcl.crs 

Saskatchewan should lay the foundation for a stronger future by setting aside a portion of its revenues from natural resources.

The Saskatchewan Environmental Society Solar Co-op will be building a nearly 1000-panel solar array at the CNH Industrial-New Holland site on 71st Street.

From Information to Action 
A national investment in climate-oriented upgrades to homes and buildings would improve efficiency and move us towards a low-carbon future.

“Don’t kill bats. They might actually be the key to learning how to fight these viruses in the future.”

Capitalism has been suspended during the coronavirus crisis, but have we changed the rules?

Need more public space to accommodate an indefinite period of social distancing – how about golf courses, cemeteries, parking lots, and university campuses?

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

 You can follow EcoFriendly Sask by liking us on Facebook, following us on Twitter, or by email (top right corner).

EcoSask News, January 14, 2020

Upcoming Events
Human-Induced Climate Change, Jan. 16 (Regina) 
Academics for Climate – Regina Chapter is hosting a discussion of the evidence for human-induced climate change at 7 pm, Jan. 16.

Full Tilt, Jan. 17/18 (Regina) 
Enjoy contemporary dance fuelled by a love of birds at 7:30 pm, Jan. 17, and at 2 and 7:30 pm, Jan. 18.

Renewable Energy, Jan. 20 (Prince Albert) 
Join RPIC from 6:30-8 pm, Jan. 20, to discuss plans for the early-April Smarter Science Better Building initiative.

Big Quill Lake, Jan. 20 (Regina) 
Jenya Kinstinov will present his undergraduate research on the Big Quill Lake Drainage Basin at the 7:30 pm, Jan. 20, meeting of Nature Regina.

Learn to Camp, Jan. 20 (Saskatoon) 
Parks Canada will provide an introduction to basic camping skills from 6:30-8:30 pm, Jan. 20.

Saving Our Swales, Jan. 21 (Saskatoon)
Meghan Mickelson and Warrick Baijius will share insights and recommendations for sustaining the Small and Northeast Swale ecosystems at 7 pm, Jan. 21.

Seeds of Change, Jan. 22 (Regina) 
Seeds of Change, documenting the impacts genetically engineered canola is having on farmers and rural communities in the Canadian Prairies, will be shown at 6:30 pm, Jan. 22, in Regina.

What Is Climate Change, Jan. 23 (Regina) 
David Sauchyn will discuss What is climate change? What impact is it having in Saskatchewan? from 7-9 pm, Jan. 23, as part of the Academics for Climate Community Series.

Net Metering, Jan. 23 (Regina) 
SaskPower will present their net metering program at noon, Jan. 23, at Innovation Place Regina.

Secret Lives of Woodpeckers, Jan. 23 (Saskatoon) 
Lyndon Penner will discuss woodpeckers at 7 pm, Jan. 23, at Wild Birds Unlimited.

Watersheds Conference, Jan. 23-24 (Saskatoon) 
The Saskatchewan Association of Watersheds is holding their annual conference in Saskatoon Jan. 23 and 24.

Building Operator Training, Jan. 24/Feb. 28 (Regina/Saskatoon) 
The Saskatchewan Environmental Society is hosting a workshop to introduce custodians and building operators to energy conservation principles, new technologies, and facility retrofits that will save energy and money from 9 am-4 pm, Jan. 24, in Regina and on Feb. 28 in Saskatoon.

Growing Up Wild & Wet, Jan. 25 (Regina) 
SaskOutdoors is offering a Growing Up Wild and Getting Little Feet Wet workshop from 1-5 pm, Jan. 25, in Regina.

Native Plant Conference, Jan. 25/26(Regina)
The Native Plant Society of Saskatchewan is holding its annual meeting and conference in Regina Jan. 25 and 26. The Aquatic Ecosystems module of the Saskatchewan Master Naturalist Program will be presented on Jan. 26.

Cross-Country Ski Weekend, Jan. 25/26 (Regina)
Wascana Centre is hosting a cross-country ski weekend from 11 am-4 pm, Jan. 25 & 26.

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

In the News
The newly created Academics for Climate - Regina chapter is on Facebook.

The Honnold Foundation is now accepting grant applications from organizations or projects that use solar energy to increase social and economic equity and reduce environmental impact.

Students across Canada will be collecting data on trembling aspens for University of Saskatchewan researchers.

Presentations from a recent workshop on Putting Beavers to Work for Watershed Resiliency and Restoration make it clear there are no simple answers when it comes to coexisting with beavers, but the potential benefits are many, including wildfire resiliency and enhanced fish growth rates.

Moving beyond net zero through home renovation rather than new build.

9 articles about sustainable fashion – from buying less vs. buying green to false claims of carbon neutrality and fighting climate change.

In a changing climate, will small forest creatures help by distributing nuts or seeds they’ve never seen before?

Just for Laughs 
Innovative responses to Thailand’s plastic bag ban. What will it be? A wheelbarrow or a laundry basket?

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

You can follow EcoFriendly Sask by liking us on Facebook, following us on Twitter, or by email (top right corner).

EcoSask News, October 15, 2019

Upcoming Events
Repair Café, Oct. 19 (Prince Albert)
Celebrate and share maintenance and repair skills from 1-4 pm, Oct. 19, at Repair Café Prince Albert.

Bat Workshop, Oct. 19 (Saskatoon)
Think bats are spooky? Let Melanie Elliot change your mind from 2-5 pm, Oct. 19. Seating is limited; register by emailing info@wrsos.org.

Hidden Bird Song, Oct. 21 (Regina)
John Patterson will share his interest in recording and analyzing bird song at the 7:30 pm, Oct. 21, meeting of Nature Regina.

Regina CarShare Co-operative, Oct. 22 (Regina)
Find out about the Regina Car Share Co-operative at noon, Oct. 22, at Innovation Place Regina.

Unmasking Recycling, Oct. 22 (Saskatoon)
Explore recycling’s myths, realities, and alternatives at Café Scientifique at 7:30 pm, Oct. 22.

Single-Use Plastics, Oct. 25 (Regina)
Do you live or work in Regina? Be sure to fill out this survey on single-use plastics by Oct. 25.

Growing Up Wild, Oct. 25 (Saskatoon)
SaskOutdoors is offering the Growing Up Wild early childhood education program from 1-4 pm, Oct. 25.

Urban wildlife

Looking Ahead
Project Wet, Nov. 16 & 30 (Saskatoon, Regina)
SaskOutdoors is hosting Project Wet workshops in Saskatoon on Nov. 16 and in Regina on Nov. 30.

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

In the News
“Just 20 fossil fuel companies . . . have produced 35% of the carbon dioxide and methane released by human activities since 1965. This was the year in which the president of the American Petroleum Institute told his members that the carbon dioxide they produced could cause 'marked changes in climate' by the year 2000.”

What if we axed air miles schemes and introduced an escalating levy on frequent flyers?

Low-carbon options for heavy industry like steel and cement are scarce and expensive.

When we plan our cities around great bus service, buses become a first choice.

Broadening the climate conversation: what if the choices we make to fight climate change were framed as things people actually want to do?

Tiny house, smaller footprint: We can be space conservationists and leave more room for other species.

Patagonia’s entrepreneurial vision addresses sustainability genuinely and dynamically.

Meet the world’s 10 coolest bats – there’s one with a wrinkled-face, another is a master angler.

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

You can follow EcoFriendly Sask by liking us on Facebook, following us on Twitter, or by email (top right corner).

EcoSask News, August 13, 2019

Upcoming Events
Enviro Collective, Aug. 13 (Regina) 
Enviro Collective Regina is meeting at 7 pm, Aug. 13.

Learn to Hike, Aug. 14 (Saskatoon)
Outter Limits is hosting a learn to hike info night from 7-8:30 pm, Aug. 14. It’s free but you need to register in advance.

From Seed to Seed, Aug. 16 (Regina) 
The film From Seed to Seed about a farming family blending ancient traditions with cutting-edge science will be shown at 7 pm, Aug. 16, as part of the Regina International Film Festival.

Go Science, Aug. 16 (Lipton)
Join the Saskatchewan Science Centre in Lipton for a nature/science program for kids from 1-4 pm, Aug. 16.

Help our Bees, Aug. 18 (Moose Jaw) 
Join the Moose Jaw Nature Society to learn about bees and make your own bee bath from 4-6 pm, Aug. 18.

Nature Activity, Aug. 20 (Springside) 
Springside Public Library is hosting a special guest from the Yellowhead Flyway Birding Trail Association for a nature activity from 1:30-2:30 pm, Aug. 20.

Singing for a Better World, Aug. 20 (Saskatoon) 
Learn some songs about protecting the earth and building peace and justice from 7-9 pm, Aug. 20.

AB Mammal Monitoring, Aug. 20 (webinar) 
Find out about wildlife monitoring in Alberta in a noon-hour webinar on Aug. 20 presented by PCAP-SK.

Intro to Permaculture, Aug. 21 (Regina) 
Learn about the design principles of permaculture from 7-8:30 pm, Aug. 21, at the Connaught Branch Library.

Hot Composting, Aug. 21 (Saskatoon)
Saskatoon Compost Coaches are offering a hot composting workshop on Aug. 21 from 5:30-7 pm.

Nature Activity, Aug. 22 (Springside)
Springside Public Library is hosting a guest from the Yellowhead Flyway Birding Trail Association from 1:30-2:30 pm, Aug. 22.

Hug a Tree & Survive, Aug. 22 (Prince Albert)
Join Prince Albert North Search and Rescue for a program teaching lost kids how to survive in the woods at 7 pm, Aug. 22.

Family Paddle, Aug. 23 (Regina) 
SaskOutdoors is hosting a learn to paddle with kids event from 1-3 pm, Aug. 23. Canoe rental will be provided.

Looking Ahead
Tiny House Workshop, Sept. 20-22 (Regina) 
Learn how to build your own tiny house from Sept. 20-22 in Regina.

Permaculture Design Course, Oct.-Apr. (Regina) 
Edible Landscapes is offering a permaculture design certificate course over 6 weekends from October to April in Regina. Register in advance and save money.

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

In the News
Fill out a short survey to let Saskatoon's Meewasin Valley Authority know where you would like to see an extension of the trail between the Circle Drive North Bridge and the Chief Mistawasis Bridge. 

Banding ruby-throated hummingbirds takes “a delicate touch, infinite patience and steadfast devotion.” Ron Jensen’s “data-gathering is important work, here in the far reaches of the Ruby-throated hummingbirds’ breeding range, where sightings are less common than in places such as Illinois.”

Saskatchewan has a high risk of water shortages. The study reports the main causes as being agricultural (especially raising livestock), wetland drainage, mining, and oil and gas extraction. Residential and industrial water usage is often inefficient, and climate change could bring prolonged hot or dry spells.

“Coexistence implies simply ‘tolerating the other’ whomever or whatever that is. May I suggest that it is time to co-flourish? Time to find solutions and table policy that genuinely embraces and considers the life and happiness of all parties. Every person, creature, habitat and resource holds a necessary vital part in this world. Some may well be way beyond our present understanding.”

San Francisco international airport says “each airport guest creates a half pound of trash. In an effort to reduce the waste, the airport is limiting single-use food accessories such as napkins, coffee cups and chopsticks. In addition to plastic, SFO is banning items with ‘unsubstantiated claims’ about their sustainability.”

Sand “is an essential component of modern life as we know it, yet, strangely enough, we are starting to run out.”

Using electricity at different times of day (load flexibility) “is a win-win-win. It saves money on utilities, it reduces consumer energy bills, and it helps clean up the grid.”

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

You can follow EcoFriendly Sask by liking us on Facebook, following us on Twitter, or by email (top right corner).

EcoSask News, July 23, 2019

Upcoming Events
Summertime Social at Radiance Cohousing, July 27 (Saskatoon)
Find out about cohousing, passive houses, solar panels, electric cars, and more at Radiance Cohousing’s Summertime Social from 12-5 pm, July 27.

Nocturnal Animals, July 29 (Prince Albert)
Find out what animals are out at night during drop-in story time at Prince Albert’s John M. Cuelenaere Library at 2 pm, July 29.

For the Birds, July 31 (Gravelbourg)
Kids are invited to learn about birds and build a birdhouse from 3-4 pm, July 31, at Gravelbourg Public Library.

Looking Ahead
Nature Playcare Duo, Sept. 11-Dec. 13 (Saskatoon)
3-5 year olds in Saskatoon can enjoy 2 adventurous afternoons a week with Nature Playcare Duo from 1-3 pm on Wednesdays and Fridays, Sept. 11-Dec. 13.

SERWC AGM, Sept. 20-22 (Saskatoon)
The Western Canada chapter of the Society for Ecological Restoration will be holding their annual general meeting in Saskatoon from Sept. 20-22.

Lake Winnipeg: Where Waters Meet, Sep. 30-Oct. 2 (Gimli)
Partners FOR the Saskatchewan River Basin will hold their annual conference from Sept. 30 to Oct. 2 in Gimli.

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

In the News
The City of Prince Albert is developing a master plan to guide future management of Little Red River Park and is asking for public feedback in an online survey before Sept. 6.

Wildlife biologists are studying what bats live in Prince Albert National Park and how to better protect them.

Gabriel Housing Corporation, a Métis low-income housing provider in Regina, is going solar to reduce costs to tenants.

Social housing can be attractive, affordable, and built to passive house standards – here’s a great example in Norwich, UK.

Stand up for the environment in the upcoming federal election.

 Zoos: “We still keep animals for our pleasure. In my opinion, it’s a strange thing, and it reflects our position as people that we still don’t care that much about nature and animals.”

Fireworks are beautiful, but are they worth the cost to the environment? 

“Bioplastics are still plastics. Just because some of them are made from plants or have the potential to biodegrade under limited conditions, they can’t be touted as “planet-safe.”

“Making the fossil fuel world strange and negative in our thoughts, speech and labels is part of pursuing the transformation that we need to stave off the worst implications of climate change.”

Clownfish can only hatch in the dark – yet another victim of light pollution.

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

You can follow EcoFriendly Sask by liking us on Facebook, following us on Twitter, or by email (top right corner).

Transition Town Totnes

“Strengthening the local economy, reducing environmental impact & building resilience"

Totnes is a small town in the southwest of England that has become known world-wide as the birthplace of the Transition movement. The Transition Network is a grassroots “movement of communities coming together to reimagine and rebuild our world.” Community groups crowdsource solutions to local problems and support each other’s efforts. The movement is now active in over 50 countries around the world.

Transition Town Totnes (TTT) continues to play an active role in its community and its small staff serve as an administrative hub for a wide variety of independent local projects. TTT’s goal is “to strengthen the local economy, reduce our environmental impact, and build our resilience for a future with less cheap energy and a changing climate.”

Projects 
A great number of TTT's activities revolve around food. Totnes was one of the first to establish an Incredible Edible project planting vegetables, fruits, herbs, and edible flowers in public and unused spaces around the town. They also planted fruit and nut trees, inviting community members to become tree guardians and care for the trees. Totnes 10 strives to connect local shoppers with local food through a local food map, farmers’ stories, and a food festival. Grown in Totnes produced locally grown grains and pulses. The project is now being run by a group of organizations with a mill selling flour from locally grown grain to a bakery and the general public.

The Open Eco Homes Weekend is an opportunity to visit homes that are reducing their environmental impact and utilizing renewable energy. Owners, and often builders and suppliers, are on hand to discuss how they undertook their project, the challenges they encountered, and their solutions. Running in parallel to the Open Eco Homes Weekend is the Eco and Community Homes Fair where the public can meet “suppliers of eco-friendly goods and services, home energy installers, eco-builders, architects and others, learn about how to make your home more energy efficient and eco-friendly, and find out about community led housing solutions.”

After many years and much hard work, Transition Homes will be constructing 27 eco homes. Seventy percent of the homes will be affordable rental and shared ownership for local people.

The TTT Film Festival is a biannual event showcasing “films from around the world providing hope, inspiration and imaginative solutions to the challenges of our time.” Films shown in 2018 included The Worm is Turning: Ecological Farming: The Real Revolution, Human Flow (about human migration), and Albatross (about ocean plastic pollution). There is also a monthly film club.

The Local Entrepreneur Forum began in 2012/13 and has been very successful. Would-be entrepreneurs present their projects and local people are invited to invest in them. Support comes in many, many forms: providing land, marketing expertise, a promise to buy the product. A local volunteer says, “It’s a fantastic feeling of people coming together and helping and supporting each other.”

The Skillshare project encourages individuals to share their knowledge and skills with others. Past projects have included a rammed earth project, willow weaving, and making lanterns.

Celebrations and Challenges 
Part of Transition Town Totnes’ strength lies in inviting people to work on issues they are passionate about, rather than trying to channel volunteers into established projects. A local volunteer explains, “As I understand it, the aim of TTT was not to do things for people but to bring them together, to encourage, enable and support people to get involved in things about which they were passionate, and that has been its success.” Some of the projects go on to become autonomous, while others remain under the TTT umbrella. A small part-time staff provides some support, but it is limited due to the large number of projects.

Volunteers receive emotional support from Inner Transition, which looks at the inner changes that are needed to support the external. They offer mentoring as well as a weekly meditation group and share ways to maintain hope and work on healing the divisions within community.

For More Info: 
Essential Guide to Transition
Transition Town Bro Gwaun: Reducing Carbon Emissions and Building Community

EcoSask News, January 8, 2019

Happy New Year! There's lots to look forward to.

Upcoming Events 
Rob Dumont Principles in Action, Jan. 9 (Saskatoon) 
Dave Palibroda will discuss putting Rob Dumont’s principles into action at the Jan. 9 breakfast meeting of EMTF Saskatchewan.

Carbonless Concert, Jan. 10 (Saskatoon) 
Enjoy a free carbonless concert at Louis’ Loft on campus from 6:30-9:30 pm, Jan. 10.

Regina Beach Enviro Collective, Jan. 12 (Regina Beach) 
The Regina Beach Enviro Collective is meeting at 3 pm, Jan. 12.

Soil & Permaculture, Jan. 12 (Regina) 
Join Permaculture Regina at 1:30 pm, Jan. 12, at the Cathedral Neighbourhood Centre for a brief AGM and to share knowledge about soil and upcoming permaculture projects.

Year-round Composting, Jan. 12 (Regina)
Learn how to compost year-round from 2-3 pm, Jan. 12, at the Central Library.

Zero Waste 101, Jan. 15 (Saskatoon) 
Meg Dorwart will share how she’s lived waste-free for the past 2 years from 7-8:30 pm, Jan. 15, as part of the Sustainable Speaker Series organized by the Saskatoon Public Library and the Saskatchewan Environmental Society.

Smarter Science, Better Buildings, Jan. 15 - Feb. 15 (Saskatoon) 
Grade 7 students and the general public are invited to view the Smarter Science, Better Buildings exhibit at Saskatoon’s Western Development Museum, Jan. 15-Feb. 15.

Saskatoon Nature Society Field Trips 
Jan. 13, 9-11 am – Chorney acreage bird feeders
Jan. 20, 2:15-3:15 pm – Visit to Living Sky Wildlife Rehabilitation facility
Jan. 27, 9 am-4 pm – Snowy Owl census
Everyone is welcome. Check the Saskatoon Nature Society’s website for full details and updated information.

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

In the News 
Changes are afoot at the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park and Zoo. But is the City paying attention to the important issues of animal welfare, environmental conservation, and education?

Michelle Brass is offering climate change workshops to Saskatchewan First Nations to discuss and develop solutions rooted in Indigenous values.

City Councillor Andrew Stevens discusses the evolution of Renewable Regina: “Even in the heartland of oil and gas there is excitement about the potential of increasing our reliance on renewable energy and in moving away from fossil fuels as a source of electricity.”

Oil Fall - how clean energy, electric cars, and grid technology will profoundly impact the oil market [book review]

Spain is making sure displaced workers are taken care of when they shut 26 coal mines.

Walkable cities are good for the economy - and for people!

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

You can follow EcoFriendly Sask by liking us on Facebook, following us on Twitter, or by email (top right corner).

New Year's Day Special

“Keep some room in your heart for the unimaginable.” Mary Oliver 

We’re welcoming in 2019 with some new ideas.

What if . . . 

Your home was also an urban farm?

Your bike commute powered your neighbourhood?

You planted 5-10-100 trees a year for the rest of your life?

Your city was lit by glowing trees or squid-powered light bulbs?

There were more bees than humans in your city?

We heated buildings with heat pumps in our parks?

“People say nothing is impossible, but I do nothing every day.” Winnie the Pooh, A. A. Milne

You can follow EcoFriendly Sask by liking us on Facebook, following us on Twitter, or by email (top right corner).

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