I am quite excited to report that I have now reached the next round of the I-Coke torch relay selection. 

I now have the opportunity to write an essay about the environment and the way that we are going to make a difference.

I feel very blessed that I have reached the second round and I believe that the environmental and active living categories that have been selected show that both of these topics are so important to our future.

I am very pleased to be a Climate Messanger and I am hoping that Will get a chance to carry the torch. 

 I'll know in the Months to come

Sharing the message one person at a time is so very important to me. 

A great Man once told me getting involved as a Climate Messenger would change my life and it has.

To all of you out there doing great things for the environment - keep up the great work. 

 

 

 

This note is a call to action to have each and every person close to Northern NB to come to Bathurst on Thursday  from 2 - 9 At the Atlantic host.  Apparently information will be posted, however no official presentations will be made.    The information session will be concerning a propsed Nuclear Waste Disposal site to be located somewhere in Canada.  

Obviously it is important to see what they have to include in their discussion, however it will be very important to prepare our own list of questions. 

It appears that due to the economy people just seem to see that 1000 jobs will be created but in an era where corporations are going green and we are wanting to try and improve our quality of life it will be important to look and try and preserve our environment in the process.  I am am axious to see if they will respond to questions in writing or if they will only meet with hand selected groups to discussin information and get their approval. 

It is extremely important to think of the future of our kids, water shed and our ability to increase population and other industry. 

I am encouraging everyone that knows someone in Bathurst NB or the entire Northern Region to attend this session and get informed and ask any question that you need to.

I also would like to call on the Provincial Government to act now and ensure that the populations are represented and the not only one municipality will decided where this disposal centre will go.  All surrounding municipalities should have to understand the hightened security risk, the nature of products being trucked in, positive and negative results of  type of arrangement.

 I'm going to find out what the Nuclear people have to say.  I am hoping they will be open to answering questions so that I can be as informed as possible.

 

 

 

 

 

 The news featured a story about a camp for kids being built in a Provincial park that was going to be used as the site of a new Camp for kids.  In the news it said that the camp would be built in an environmental fashion and would offer the kids an environmental component.  It sounded on the news like an attempt to justify the park although no Tim's official was on camera for comment.  I felt it was very important, even though I live in Eastern Canada to inquire about the impact this camp would really have on the environment.  Listed below are the question I sent and the answer I received.

I would like to say clearly that the camp does wonderful things for underpriviledged kids and the camp day fundraiser is important.  I would however ask that all those in Manitoba should attend the public sessions and speak up.  I am not sure from what I have been told that this pristine park and the ecosystem; including animals should be disturbed but not be a resident of Manitoba I think we need people to follow this closely so that a corporation does not destroy habitat when it's not necessary. 

Any information people could share would be great.

 Now is the time to get informed not later after the damage is done.

I would like information on the new Camp for kids that is being built.  I would like to know the companies side of the story.  I am not in favor of destroying a provincial park to build your new camp.

 

I believe in your camps and the benefit that they provide Children accross Canada, however saying it will be an environmentally friendly run camp does not negate the impact that it will have on the green space that it is alledgedly destroying.

 

I would like your side so that I can better decide what is really happening.  The news item I saw had basically no comment from Tim's.

 

Please respond with informaiton.  I support kids camp day because of what it does for those that deserve a good time at camp but I can't condone the impact this could have on the environment if it is true.

Tim's response to my request for informaion

Thank you for taking the time to send us your e-mail about the leadership
camp for underprivileged children proposed by the Tim Horton Children's
Foundation.

The camp will have as little impact at as possible on Whiteshell Provincial
Park and will respect the park's unique environment. The foundation is
working with the Manitoba government, local community and First Nations to
ensure that and is eager to participate in the public consultation process.

We have worked with local communities in similar situations in each of the
other six communities in Canada and the U.S. prior to establishing camps in
Alberta, Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia and Kentucky. We invite you to attend
the public consultation sessions to learn more about our vision for the
camp. The Manitoba government will also describe details about utilities
for the camp, including the road. Ultimately, the Tim Horton Children's
Foundation is committed to establishing a first-class facility that
economically disadvantaged children from across Canada, including Manitoba,
can use and be proud of.

I'm not sure how much you know about the Tim Horton Children's Foundation.
It's a non-profit, charitable organization established in 1974. Since then,
more than 120,000 children have had the opportunity to enjoy a camp
experience they may otherwise may not have had.

For many, it's their first chance to ride on a plane and fly to one of the
five camps in Canada. Camping experiences spark confidence in these
children. They learn valuable outdoor and social skills, take pride in
their accomplishments, and leave with a more positive view of the world and
their place in it.

This year, close to 14,000 children from communities across Canada,
including many from Manitoba, will attend one of the camps at no cost to
their families.

We look forward to describing our camp proposal and ensuring it meets the
conservation authority's high standards of environmental responsibility.

Thank you again for contacting us.

Alec
Best Regards,
The TDL Group Corp

Alec
Operations Services Representative

April and May are times to think about producing our seedlings for a great summer harvest.

Last year I had a porch garden, however I started far to late in the season.  I have my seed and I have my porch garden ready for late May/Early June.  I am also thinking about putting in a nice garden in the back yard.  I tried to find a co-op where I could buy veggies for the summer and get a basket of goodies every week but in New Brunswick it is not possible to try this option.  I will talk to the local farmers at our Farmer's market and see if I can set something so I get good quality veggies that are locally grown, and eat healthy for a overall better well being.

We need to think of what we can do this summer to continue to make our enviroment better.

 If you don't plant your own garden, buy local!  I can't wait to bottle and preserve things this summer so that I have great veggies all winter long.

 Let's get planning.  It's worth it. 

Don't forget to check out possible community garden's in your area.

Share your stories with us.

 

 

The answer to this question is absolutely True.  The more reduction in energy will save the planet and save us money.

I have a wonderful Page-A-Day calendar with a new tip everyday.  Here is the quote of the day.

"It's just not true that shutting off your work computer at night is too hard on the machine, yet the myths persist.  Make sure you power down - and unplug power strips, where applicable- every time you leave the office at night or for the weekend.  And whenever you're leaving your desk for a while, turn off your monitor, whjich uses much more energy than your hard drive."  The info lets us know that we can get more myths explained to use at www.consumerenergycenter.org/myths

We talk about reducing energy but there are still so many people that dont' shut down their monitors or power bars when not in use.  It's so important to do these things and once you have done then 21 times it because a new routine or habit.  Why not start a cost effective, CO2 reducing habit today.  I challenge you to turn off your computer and all possible electric sources when you go home from work today. 

When I speak to the students in the school during my "Inconvenient Truth" presentations I talk about turning out the lights and the importance of saving energy at every opportunity both school and home.  The students are very open to talking about ways they can help make the world a better place.  We are very lucky to have a wonderful future by the steps are youth are taking.

 Power Down - It's the truth and it's important.

 

Yesterday my "Daily Thought Calendar" shared a quote with me and so I thought it would be important to share this information with you.

Cameron Diaz said "I know I am capable of anything because I have never been told otherwise."

With all the buzz about President Elect Obama being sworn-in, and the memory of Martin Luther King having a dream, I believe that the people believe in positivity and the possibility of change. Although the large corporate executives and Wall Street are hosting or helping to host parties for Inaugaration the big event is bringing over 2 Million people to Washington and many people will be watching around the world.  People are joining togetther to celebrate a new beginning. 

 This quote reminded me of the times in my life people told me something couldn't be done, and it just didnt' stop me, however it did slow me down at times.  We have to combat the many people that say Global Warming is to out of control to do anything.  The nay sayers have told people they can't do anything, however through the presentations by the Climate Messengers and the Work of local and nations NGO's peopel are hearing that we all make a difference.  Laubach Literacy is based on "Each One Teach One" teaching and helping one person at a time.  This group and the TCP Climate Messengers mobilize voluteers to help make the World a better place.

Together we can make a difference!  We can't stop talking about the importance of having a healthy environment in the future.  We will work together to continue to affect change in our neighbourhoods, in our communities and in our Countries.

We make a difference in the steps we take for a better environment!

Never let anyone tell you  you are not capable of changing the world.  It takes each or us pulling together and It starts with you.  It Starts Now.

 

 

 

 

Congratulations to Loblaws and Sobeys for taking a recent step to really encouraging people to think even more aobut changing to re-usable shopping bags.

Thursday November 27, 2008 the companies basically are letting people know that the plastic bags will cost $0.05.  Why would anyone want to give companies a nickle when they can buy a sobeys lifetime guaranteed eco-bag for 1.00.  Imagine when people accross Canada get it that they can save themselves money by buying and using their own.  I think that when something like this hits the wallet, where everyone will pay for using plastic, we will see a huge upswing in people complying with ways to save the environment whether they want to or not. Galen Westton JR said "It represents the next natural step forward as we continue to acknnowledge and respond to Canadians' desire to support environmental initiatives."  This just show that we as Citizens really make a difference and continue to make a difference when we demand change.

I would like to take the opportunity to remind the readers that these companies are not alone with their committment to packaging and re-useable bags.  Some companies have always encouraged clients to use boxes or whatever they could find in the store to transport their wares or bring their own bag.  In Montreal in April I was impressed by the Bay.  Quebec is on the leading edge with alot of environmental initiatives and that was the first place I could ask for a paper bag and I was given one without question, in fact the sales lady seemed even happier with my request.  The bags are stylish and I use their bag during my public presentations fo the "Inconvenient Truth".

To my title - we forget sometimes that we try the gentle push and people do make changes in their lives however when the suggestions don't work we need to take action.  I believe plastic bags and packaging should be more strongly regulated in Canada and beyond.

While I was in Germany I went shopping a little grocery store and they had wicker baskets for sale, however no bags anywhere to be seen.  We had to carry our purchases and we thought nothing of it.  Now I realize how far advanced they were.  Take step! Take a stand!!!  It's worth it.

My challenge to everyone this week is take your reuseable shopping bags with you!!  I also want to challenge you to fill out comment cards and surveys asking  department stores to offer a more environmentally sensitvive option!!

 We can make a differece!  One act at a time. 

I just saw the preview of the discussion Barbara Walters had with President Elect Obama.  WOW!!

In the discussion he indicated that he is going to sit down with the staff at the White House and review energy consumption and also check the ways that they make the White House a greener enviroment.  He indicated that he wanted to show that it is easy to take the right steps and he also said that promotes a green environment at his current home and will make his new home more sustainable.

Again, WOW.  It is amazing to see that change is happening all around the world and that the future should hold brighter things.

I presented the Inconvenient Truth today and I was to use the cartoon where the wonderful politicians are going to drop an ice cube in the ocean after 2063.  I talked about  the fact I hoped politicians would never decide that dropping an ice cube would solve all the environmental issues.  The fact that the President elect is being so articulate and so open about working on the environment and the economy that I am sure the future already looks brighter.

I wonder if anyone in the Canadian Government saw the preview of the interview, maybe they will catch the interview... It's time to green Parliament, the Governor General, Speaker's House, and all government building.  I hope the Canadian Government will at least try and match what the US is starting.

Hats off to President Elect.

Here is hoping our own Government will take the hint and start being a leader in all things that are Green. Canada is amazing country but it is sad that we are running away from our environmental commitments.

Well what's coming up for family holidays?

 Some people in Canada and definitely in the United States of America have a wonderful ThanksGiving holiday coming up in the next few weeks.  My Aunt lived in the states for many years and still thought of the US Thanksgiving as a holiday.  I think in the USA it appears that airlines are inondated by busy travellers.  These travellers are going to leave their Carbon Foot print.  I would like to think that many travellers would do a carbon offset to help the environment.  Equally, of course as we book our travels for the Christmas season it will be important to use the most efficient method of transportation.  Start thinking about transportation and offsets that can assist in reducing carbon foot prints for the holidays and of course carry these methods through to other seasons and times.

What can we do to make Thanksgiving and other holidays better?

I'll start with a few and hopefully there will be more people submitting thoughts and ideas as we move towards our seasonal holidays.

1)  Serve locally grown Turkey and Ham? 

2)  Have a veggitarian meal at one of the holidays

3)  Plan early next year and prepare your own pickles and preserves.  While there are fresh carrots, beets and all those wonderful veggies will be so good later for holidays and so good healthy eating. 

4)Decorations should be as energy efficient as possible.  Make sure that lights are on a timer or that they are not left on longer than necessary.  LED or solar light sets are more energy efficient.

5) Gift Wrapping can be using eco-bags instead of non-recyclable gift bags or packaging.

These are just a few options and I'll blog about holiday planning again. 

I am going to start a group for discussion so that we can all share ideas and then have a greener holiday.

Start thinking, start planning.  A better world is ahead of us when we share ideas and take action.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Does my small step make a difference?  Absolutely!!

It's time to consider that it's all the small steps or large steps that got us into the trouble in the first place.  We, as an individual, can make a difference.  Imagine if we all changed a CFL light bulb in one day.  The energy saving would be astronomical!!!  Why is it that so many people do not talk about what they are doing in their daily lives when they think they are doing something different?  We should be so proud of what we do and it is by sharing stories with others that will help change the habits of families, co-workers, communities and the world.  One step leads to a change... we can't keep it a secret though.

Remember that every act of green helps to build momentum and ultimately leads to a new way of doing things.  Take a chance, share your ideas, develop or improve on ways of doing things.  We are part of the solution and it's time to take action.  This weekend I am going to check the windows and put weather stripping and weather sealer on my windows to save money and help take a step to helping the enviroment.  What are you going to do this weekend?

when you select your act of green don't forget to log in on the CBC's One Million Acts of Green http://www.onemillionactsofgreen.com/  Share your ideas and keep active.

Have a great green weekend.