Carbon footprint calculations are based on emissions from daily activities, such as travel and energy consumption, over the past 12 months. Find out what your carbon footprint is at this calculator.
Sharon Roling
Infrastructure Stimulus Fund In Ontario
The Ontario Infrastrucure Fund aims to accelerate infrastructure investments to foster a competitive environment which attracts businesses and creates employment opportunities. Projects are jointly funded by the federal and Ontario provincial governments, and ensure that Ontarians will benefits from increased employment opportunities, enhanced protection and mangement of drinking water, improved transportation safety and efficiency, and renewed cultural centres and sport facilities. Read more details at the Canada-Ontario Infrastructure Funding Website.
Focus on Citizens: Public Engagement for Better Policy and Services
This book, published by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), highlights the important role that the public plays in ensuring that high-quality public services are provided and shared public policy goals are achieved. It provides guidance of how to ensure public participation and putting open and includsive policy making into practice, and includes international government surveys and case studies. Read more about the book here. Check out the video for the book on YouTube.
European Cities Commit to More Cycling
The motorization of urban environments has exacerbated road congestion, pollution, and health and safety risks. Members of the European Cyclists’ Federation are adament that this trend can be reversed, and are helping organize Velo-city 2009, a conference that will provide advice on how to make cities more cycle-friendly. The conference will also include the signing of a "Charter of Brussels", which is aimed at making cycling on par with driving as a means of urban transport. Read the full article at The New York Times.
Building a new economy
Author David Korten believes that the economic recession provides North Americans with the opportunity to rebuild the economy to value people and the planet. The current economy puts money and business above all else, fostering an environment where corruption and competition are rampant. Switching to a values-based operating system will support social and environmental justice while minimizing foreign debt and disproportionate wealth. Read the full article at YES! Magazine.
WATERLIFE film release in theatres across Canada
WATERLIFE is an epic documentary showcasing the journey of water from the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean. The journey highlights the biological problems rampant in this water system, and shows how close it is to an ecological disaster. The film boasts stunning imagery, interesting characters, and an extensive musical soundtrack. Get more information at the WATERLIFE website.
Toronto Makes Green Roofs the Law, Approves Controversial Bike Lanes
Toronto city councillors have approved a new bylaw that will require green roof coverage on all multi-unit buildings and residential dwellings. On a similar note, councillors also approved the development of bike lanes on Jarvis Street. Read the full details of these decisions at Treehugger.
‘Greenest city’ plan touts economic growth
Key environmentalists are criticizing Mayor Gregor Robertson’s goal to unite economic growth with green technologies, and make Vancouver the “greenest city in the world”. U.B.C. professor Bill Rees, developer of the “ecological footprint” concept, argues that economic growth and environmentalism cannot happen in tandem, an idea that opposes the basic tenets of western capitalism. Read the full article in The Vancouver Courier.
East Beats West: Nonprofit Childcare Superior to Commercial Sector
The Frontier Centre has recently raved about the values of Alberta’s primarily commercial-based childcare system, while contrasting it against Manitoba’s and Saskatchewan’s not-for-profit systems. Some have criticized this judgement, arguing that commercial systems are discriminatory and government funding should be preferentially provided to not-for-profit systems. Read the full article at the CCPA.
Transition Town Guelph
The Guelph Transition City Initiative is a group of concerned and active Guelph residents who have come together with the shared vision of turning our city into one of Canada’s first official “Transition Towns”. They envision buidling community resilience and sustainability in response to the challenges of peak oil, accelerating climate change and economic instability. Find out more information at the Transition Guelph website.
Is Your Community COOL?
COOL 2012 is a nation-wide initiative aimed at educating North Americans on the importance of getting compostable products out of landfills. It is an education campaign comprised of tools, materials and public policy suggestions designed to achieve this goal in communities across North America. Find out more information at the COOL 2012 website.
In German Suburb, Life Goes on Without Cars
Residents of the upscale German suburb Vauban are living car-free, as part of the “smart planning” movement that is gaining popularity in Europe and the U.S. Breaking the association between suburbanites and cars will drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help combat global warming. Planners in California are currently looking to develop a car-reduced community on the outskirts of Oakland. Read the full article in The New York Times.