urbngreen

Zero Emissions Race

The ZERO emissions race is on!

Teams from Australia, South Korea, Germany and Switzerland have gathered for an eighty day, transcontinental race.  All the vehicles are powered by clean renewable energies, solar and wind being the most popular.

Each participating team will have the equivalent power produced and fed into the grid of their home country.

Louis Palmer, was the first man to circumnavigate the world with solar power in 2008.  This August, five teams will expand beyond this accomplishment with a race towards sustainability.

The Eligibility Criteria of the competing vehicle in the Zero Race are:

• competitors must be propelled by an electric motor
• drive at least 250 km distance at an average speed at or above 80 km/h
• be able to reach a maximum distance of 500 km per day, with a recharge stop of 4 hours during Lunch time
• carry at least two passengers

You can follow the race on their blog or website

Protecting Biodiversity

In addition to the amazing oppertunity to showcase  alternative energy powered propultion, the race is  set to raise awareness for the United nations International Year of Biodiversity. Each car bears the logo of an endangered species, and  contends the alternative power is a tangible solution to protect the environment.

They will be stopping in Vancouver in a few weeks!

We’ve all heard stories about Random Acts of Kindness, be it opening a door for someone, smiling at at stranger you passed on the street, or buying a coffee for the next person in line at the drive through. We can all find ways to show kindness to strangers.

I was thinking about this recently when I joined a facebook page that was set up to honour a woman who died of cancer. Her name was Nicole, it would have been her 36th birthday this July. To celebrate her birthday week her mother set up the page in the hopes that people would preform Random Acts of Kindness, and then think about Nicole.  People then would write about what they did and how it changed their day. I think because I too will turn 36 this year (yikes!) I was really touched by this sentiment. Nicole’s mother knew Nicole saw a lot of suffering in the world and felt that people had become detached from each other, she wanted to set up something to promote RAK, but sadly she passed away before she could do it.

While thinking about kind deeds I came across another web site The Great Kindness Challenge this is one day, August 14 2010, when people will perform as many acts of kindness as they can! What an idea! The website and idea is really focused on things children can do, there is a check list you can download with 100 idea’s that are simple to do.

Another website I found was The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation! This site promotes the benefits of kindness. In addition to being on the receiving end of kindness, just performing them can improve your physical and psychological health.  Immune benefits, reduced stress and increased happiness show that good deeds can be good for you!

The site lists these special days as well;

Pay It Forward Day 2010: April 29 www.payitforwardday.com

World Kindness Day 2010: November 13   ~  World Kindness Week 2010: November 8-14

Random Acts of Kindness Week 2011: February 14-20

Some of my favourite quotes on Kindness;

“Kindness is a language which the deaf can hear and the blink can see” ~ Mark Twain

“Forget injuries, never forget kindness” ~ Confucius

“Spread love everywhere you go; First of all in your own house…let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier.  Be the living expression of God’s kindness; kindness in your face, kindness in our eyes, kindness in your smile, kindness.”

~ Mother Teresa

“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around “~ Leo R. Buscaglia

“This is my simple religion.  There is no need for temples; no need for complicated philosophy. Our own brain, own own heart is our temple; the philosophy is kindness.” ~ Dalai Lama

When I was a kid growing up near the great lakes in Ontario, the topic of water conservation, water pollution, and acid rain where taught in school. A child of the seventies, and eighties by the time I was in school, the environmental era had taken hold in the mainstream. I can clearly remember the posters we made and hung in the school halls about all the issues surrounding water. Even then I was aware water was something of great value. I remember watching television and being horrified by the plight of people a world away in Africa dying because they didn’t have water. Live Aid, Band Aid and the likes were played on the radio and T.V, like an anthem to my generation. We are the world – We are the children -

Fast forward to my twenties; I made the pilgrimage from central Canada to the West Coast. I started spending time up at my father’s vacation property, miles away from any town, deep in the mountains surrounded by Ponderosa pines, wild streams, and rugged beauty. It was here I first learned the true value of water.

Years ago at my father’s property there was no well dug yet. We trucked in all the water we would consume ourselves. Lucky to have a stream at the very edge of his acreage, we would hike down to it for water to boil to wash dishes. This gave me some small insight into what it means to have water at the tap; the convenience I had taken for granted for twenty years was never more clear to me then.

If you have never been lucky enough to experience camping in the wild, it may be hard to comprehend my experience. Here in north America we have an abundance of water, in Canada particularly, with the most fresh water in the world, it can be hard for the average city dweller to relate to a lack of water.

Today there is World Water Day - World Ocean day, and World Rivers Day to remind us of the issues and very real threats that our water supply faces. You don’t have to look far, watering restrictions, water contamination, and bottled water are all hot topics for the blogisphere and beyond. When the statistic I read in the April 2010 National Geographic related that EVERY YEAR, U.S. SWIMMING POOLS LOSE 150 BILLION GALLONS OF WATER TO EVAPORATION, one has to wonder if everyone has forgotten the value of water.

After heavy irrigation some progress has been made the world over to improve the availability of water for drinking and farming. There are still millions of people around the world who do not have access to clean water or proper sanitation. The divergence of this water has caused many problems as well, damming natural streams, piping water, sometimes miles into dense cities is not effective, the longest water tunnel supplying New York City at 85 miles, loses 35 million gallons of water a day, we can not say this is effective.

In California irrigation enables farmers to grow half of all the fruit, vegetables and nuts in the United States, while at the same time creating a dust bowl where fresh water used to flow.

Water Aid is an organisation that’s focus is to improve access to fresh water and sanitation for the poorest nations on earth. Still there are people, usually woman and girls, who spend hours a day fetching water, usually contaminated , just to survive.

An article in the April  2010 National Geographic is appropriately named The Burden of Thirst. When writing about water in Africa one quote states ” Villagers think of water as a gift from God. But someone has to pay for it. Although water springs from the earth, pipes and pumps, alas do not. And water is most expensive to provide for those least able to afford it.”

The reality in poor nations, and the world over is the same; “When clean water becomes plentiful, all the hours previously spent hauling water can be used to grow more food, raise more animals or even start income-producing businesses.”

The United Nations has stated that access to clean water is a human right. Our bodies are made up of 60% water, it is the most valuable element on earth. Water conservation and stewardship is one place to start.

This graph from the Environment Canada website is telling;

There are many things we can do to improve on this statistic. From using more effective shower heads,  tap aerators and modern toilets, even water displacement in toilets can save huge amounts of water. Rain water collections, reusing grey water – watering plants with dish water for example.  Watering by hand instead of using a sprinkler;  take short showers, keep water in the refrigerator instead of letting it run to get cold. All these measures can make a difference.

One thing everyone can do is inform themselves about the issues and make better choices to conserve and become better stewards of the water.

Here more tips on wise water use

Thousands have lived without love, but not one has lived without water. — W.H. Auden

Recently I read an article in the Times Colonist, the local newspaper in Victoria,  the capital city of British Columbia.  The story is about how our environment minister has finally made a proposal to create a “Species-at-risk task force”  to evaluate what more needs to be done to protect the animals that live in this province.

Swans in Lost Lagoon

This “advisory committee”  will make recommendations bearing in mind “how to protect species and ecosystems at risk on private land while respecting taxpayers’ interests.”  It is unspecified how this would be done. The Sierra club, The wilderness committee and many other environmental organisations have been calling for an endangered species act for decades.

With an NDP  environment critic Rob Fleming,  introducing an endangered species private member’s bill last week, it couldn’t be more timely.  The ecological disaster that is currently mounting in the Gulf of Mexico, is proof enough that prevention and protection needs to be top priority.  People are starting to realise this oil spill means economic devastation for many of the southern states for decades to come. Could this to be our fate as well?

The marine animals, birds and fisheries,  the livelihoods of thousands of people will take a lifetime or more to recover. There have been more questions then answers raised since this nightmare began.  The oil continues to flow from the deep-water oil well, and  may be gushing 40 000 barrels of crude oil a day.

Images of oil drenched pelicans dominate TV news, more then 50 days into the continuing oil spill.  Speculation today  was  more then five times the amount of oil has been spilled by the BP (British Petroleum) oil rig then in the previous worst oil spill in American history; the  Exxon Valdez.  The oil tanker  ran aground in 1989  spilling an estimated 10.8 million US gallons (40.9 million litres, or 250,000 barrels) of crude oil.

Rethinking the need to drill off shore, or even on land needs to be addressed. Will people make the connection that this is happening because of our lust for oil? We have far surpassed our own ability to stop when we know we should.  The planet has sustained so much in a relatively short modern history.  We pollute and scavenge to no end, and when things backfire we still don’t stop.

The proposed species protection act in British Columbia is step in the right direction, a long overdue and absolute necessary step on a long road to a sustainable future.

How we use our resources or manage the ones we call “ours” and the lives we disregard in our quest for more will not go unheard.  Walking on the beach of a different ocean thousands of miles from the shores of the Gulf, what makes me think it could not happen here? If, or when it does,  will we have anyone to blame but ourselves?

Mexico May 2010

May 31- June 6th is known as Bike to Work Week, and Bike to School Week as well.

Metro Vancouver is quickly gaining an international reputation as being bike friendly. With bike coalitions and events that run year round.  The Vancouver Area Cycling Coalition leads the way in getting the word out. The website is a plethora of information, activism and inspiration. Hosting dozens of outreach events, safe biking courses and workshops cyclist have a presence on our streets today more then ever.

Municipalities around Vancouver have been developing the Central Valley Greenway, a 25- Kilometre pathway that links to multiple destinations, communities and workplaces.  It is accessible by foot, bike, Rollerblades or wheelchair.

Map of the Central Valley Greenway

Commuters are finding innovative  ways to get to work, and relying more on self propulsion, non- polluting healthy alternatives are a step in the right direction.  With a rapidly growing population the streets are still packed with cars,  but bike lanes have become more common.  For millions of people around the world their bicycle is their main form of transportation, leading many nations to have healthier lives in general.

Why not leave the car at home and get on your bike, for this week, for the summer or for good. For your own health and that of the planet, this one change you can make that truly makes a difference.

Your garbage for one year

I am volunteering again this year at EPIC the sustainable living expo that runs every year at the Vancouver Convention Centre. I have written about it each year I have been there (this is year four of the event and my involvement).

What is EPIC ? – the acronym stands for Ethical Progressive Intelligent Consumer. This is a trade fare after all, we are all still buying things, we need to eat and sleep,  and buy coffee , chocolate, clothing and transport ourselves around.

EPIC is a showcase for all consumables that are fairly traded, ethically produced, local and sustainable; for companies that plan events and sell solar panels, for fashion designers and chefs. There are speakers and representatives from all over Canada and the U.S. who believe, like I do; that our choices matter and we can talk with our dollars.

The fact is that we are all consumers of this earth, and we don’t just take, in return we create mountains of garbage like the one above.

Can we sustain this way of life? No, we need to enter a new paradigm where each purchase is considered in it’s entirety. Where was the product made / grown? What will happen to that packaging it comes in? Do I really need another (fill in the blank) ?

The fact is that we will not stop consuming, we have needs, but what they are and how much is enough is another question.

If you are looking for a way to spend a rainy afternoon, check out EPIC; you may just find out that you too are EPIC and you can make choices that help the earth.

As the tallest point on the planet, Mount Everest belongs to everybody. We all have a responsibiiity to it.- Apa Sherpa

Inspirational! That is really the only way to describe the news I read today.

World record holder Apa Sherpa has just summited Mount Everest for the 20th time. His website details the story of his life, working as a Sherpa; a guide to travelers.  Beginning at the age of  12 , after the untimely death of his father he worked as an expadition porter, to help makes ends meet. He had to carry packs more then his own body weight, and sometimes work in treacherous and dangerous situations. Apa Sherpa describes how this was not his intended vocation, but  opportunities were very limited  growing up in Thame, Nepal.  His team that reached the summit this Saturday included American teenager, 13 year old  Jordan Romero.

This climb to the peak of the tallest mountain in the world set many new world records. Not only was Romero the youngest climber to reach the peak on Mount Everest, his guide Apa Sherpa holds the world record for most assents in history. Apa Sherpa has climbed a number of times to raise awareness about Climate Change and environmental issues related to the mountain, and to strengthen commitments to improve the lives of the people of Nepal.

Apa Sherpa and Carin Raiha reveal the banners that they carried to the top of Mount Everest in May 2009, as part of the World Wildlife Fund's Climate 4 Life campaign.

“The Campaign has brought the issue of Climate Change to the forefront of people’s consciousness in Nepal and communicated on the global stage the seriousness, rapidity and scale of climate change impacts on the Himalayas, its people, communities and biodiversity. It is a vivid example of WWF working in partnership with the entire spectrum of Nepalese society including students, business people, concerned citizens, whole communities and political leaders.”
Jim Leape-Director General, WWF International

Romero, a teenager from Big Bear California has reached his goal of climbing the tallest mountain in the world today. He  previously climbed six other of the worlds tallest mountains, including Mt. Kilimanjaro in Africa, as well as mountains in Australia, Europe, North and South America, and Oceana.  In addition to Apa Sherpa there is no doubt the support of  Romero’s family, community and even corporate sponsors played a role in making this day a reality.

Jordan Romero’s story evokes feelings that  he is no ordinary teenager. He is a young man who is an awesome example of what can happen when you believe in your dreams and work hard. This feat commands every person to stop and take note.  We are all capable of amazing triumphs.

We were all 13 year old kids once, and whether our goal was to  climb a mountain, gain a new level on a video game, pass a math test, or just catch a pop fly in left field, we can take pride in knowing that people are capable of acheiveing great things and dreams really do come true.

earth dance 2009 photo credit: Katia Somerville

Community Supported Agriculture is not a new concept. what began in North America in the 1960’s is now  flourishing 50 years later. It is one of the fastest growing forms of agriculture in North America!  Community members buy shares from a local farm, in some cases tending crops,  and collecting a weekly box of produce.  It is a popular way for people to get back to the earth and be a part of the food chain at a basic level.

CSAs help farmers by guaranteeing a market for their produce and supplying funds upfront which can be used to plant and establish a harvest. Community supported farms encourage local agriculture; in an ever growing population, where food security is questioned,  this alternative is very appealing and gaining momentum.

Across North America hundreds of local farming initiatives are taking root. The benefits of local, organic, seasonal fresh food can not be praised enough. Our landscape of food has changed dramatically in our lifetime. Positive steps are being made by farmers and consumers alike to create a food culture that is sustainable and accessible.

In New York City, an old warehouse roof top now contains  200 000 ponds of soil and 30 varieties of crops. It  has been transported into an urban oasis!  A working 6000 square foot roof top farm! Eagle Street Rooftop Farm is relatively new at only two years old. There is a farmer’s market each week, free workshops and potluck meals shared together.

Back here in British Columbia UBC Farm has been operating as a CSA for six growing seasons. UBC is unique in that it is the only university in Canada to have an organic farm running on a large school campus. Honey bee hives and fruit orchards also abound. Farm festivals, and social events gather the community together to celebrate the abundance and create a sustainable and innovative food system.

veggies from royal city farmers market fall 09

However people choose to grow their own food, one thing is certain; we all must be a part of the food revolution. These are just two examples of real, tangible change that is taking place.

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To be of the Earth is to know
the restlessness of being a seed
the darkness of being planted
the struggle toward the light
the joy of bursting and bearing fruit
the loe of being food for someone
the scattering of your seeds
the decay of the seasons
the mystery of death
and the miracle of birth.

- John Soos, from Earth Prayers

This came through my homeschooling email list last week.

Blessings

Babies do, animals do, everything grows…. That’s how it goes, under the sun

That’s how it goes, under the rain…  Everything grows, everyone knows

that’s how it goes…

So goes the famous song by children’s entertainer Raffi.  If you are a parent of young children there is no doubt you know Raffi, his songs are the theme of childhood for many generations. Baby Beluga, the More We Get Together, One Light One Sun.

Raffi actually played a significant role in my life, one I never expected and I will always be grateful for.

It was the year 2000.  I was a new mother to my first born son. I was offered a job, part time weekends, not bad money, easy work being a product demonstrator in a grocery store.
The product was a Tide roller ball, not knowing very much about Tide I decided I would do a quick search on the Internet and see what I could find out about Tide and what they were doing for the environment.

At first everything looked good, I found the Tide website, the detergent was phosphate free, all looked good. Then I thought maybe I should search anti-Tide to get the other side of the story. That was when I first started to learn about Proctor and Gamble, the parent company of Tide and thousands of other everyday products.

P&G remains one of the biggest companies in the world. They also are one of the biggest exploiters of animals. They regularly practise vivisection (testing products on animals). At the time, I had never even heard the word ‘vivisection’. I was  vegetarian but didn’t really think much about what huge corporations were doing everyday under the nose of the public.

The more I read, the more convinced I was that I would not promote the Tide ball or any product made by P&G.

I found this logo which is the industry standard that tells a product is made without animal testing.

I learned that many products, things I would never have thought of,  were still being tested on animals. I decided right then to never buy any product that was tested on animals, had animal by-products in them or where made of animals. I became vegan. I still hold dear the vegan ideals and strive to be conscious of any animal products in my  life.  I joined earthsave and the fur bearers (now fur bearer defenders)

What does this have to do with Raffi? Well at the time I had decided to not take the job, a friend of mine who had offered it to me was perplexed as to why I would turn down such easy money.  It was at the exact same time the children’s entertainer Raffi had publicly withdrawn from a performance he was to be a part of in the Vancouver Children’s Festival. He decided it had become to commercial ( if I recall the festival had decided to have a number of cars on the lot as well as corporate sponsorships galore). Raffi stood up to the big corporations and said he would not be a part of it.

I decided I too would follow my heart and not be blind sided by money or any other tokens, I would listen to my own heart and no one could buy that. I felt like Raffi showed me the way. That if we only have our values then we are richer then many.

I have learned a lot about myself as a mother, a consumer an activist and person since then. I will always remember how Raffi made a difference in my life. His songs are a wonderful ode to childhood, the earth and the love and light that is a part of all of us.

(originally published February 17th 2009)