Chief Gerald Amos Chief of the Haisla Nation has written a response to claims by Minister of Natural Resources, Joe Oliver, that radical environmental groups funded by foreign interests are hijacking the debate surrounding the proposed Enbridge pipeline. Read his response in the Huffington Post.
The Fredericton Region Solid Waste Commission will be selling the methane gas emitted from its landfill's waste to NB Power. The methane will be converted to electricity, enough to run 2,000 homes. The 6 million dollar project is expected to generate 20 million dollars over 20 years . Read more at the CBC
A report released by Canada's Commissioner on the Environment, Scott Vaughan criticizes Environment Canada for failing to regulate and punish polluting industries. The report describes a lack of knowledge and consistency within the organization. Read more at the CBC.
A new beverage, electronic s and paint recycling plant opened in Saskatoon last Friday. The plant is owned and operated by the Saskatchewan Association of Rehabilitation Centres, (SARC). SARC consists of 83 member organizations that provide support to people with disabilities. The new plant is modeled on ecological principles and contains a low-flow water system, a thermal roof and wall system, and usage of recycled materials.
September 27th 2011 served as "Earth Overshoot Day," meaning humanity's demands on nature have surpassed what nature can provide. The extreme depletion of fish stocks, forests and clean water is has lead to a situation where the earth cannot replenish itself at the pace at which we are taking from it."Earth Overshoot Day shows the day on which our total Ecological Footprint (measured in global hectares) is equal to the biocapacity (also measured in global hectares) that nature can regenerate in that year.
Metro Vancouver's three mattress recycling plants have been busy. Last year the plants accepted 47,000 used mattresses and disassembled them down to their core materials - wool, plastic, cocoanut fibre, wood, and steel. In addition to significantly reducing waste the plants have created 45 local jobs. Read more in the Vancouver Sun.
Richmond is the first municipality in BC to adopt a public space recycling program. Bins with separate containers for garbage, bottles and cans, and paper waste will be distributed to parks and community centres. The city hopes to divert 75 per cent or more of the recyclables previously tossed out with other garbage. Read
Port Moody BC as accomplished a 75% reduction in waste going to the landfill. A three-part waste collection system is largely responsible for the reduction. In Port Moody residents have one container for garbage, one for kitchen waste and yard trimmings, and one for recyclables. The system also requires a charge for larger garbage bins, and the inconvenience of a bi-weekly pick up.
The UK's Department of Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) is preparing to legislate plastic bags. Although UK retailers voluntarily agreed in 2008 to do their part to reduce their use, plastic bag consumption has risen during that time. In contrast, both Ireland and Wales legislate plastic bags, forcing a fee on consumers, and their use has dropped significantly. Read more inusiness Green .
A comprehensive sustainable growth plan for Edmonton was approved by city council on July 20th. "The Way We Green describes a future Edmonton that is carbon-neutral, generates zero waste, is significantly less dependent on fossil fuels, has clean air and water, is able to withstand and bounce back intact from a range of possible environmental disturbances, and where in the course of everyday life, residents experience a strong connection with nature." City staff is now working on an implementation plan to be presented in the fall.
Filed in:
Climate Change,
Building & Urban Design,
News Stories,
Energy,
Reports and Studies,
Biodiversity,
Tools and Best Practices,
Food Security,
Pesticides,
Transportation,
Waste,
Water | July 25, 2011
