A Crack in the Asphalt

Community and Localization

1. SmartLiving St. Lawrence: Within these pages you will find information, tools and resources to help you get going. We will be adding information as it becomes available as we will be documenting the project's development, implementation and evaluation. (Canada)
2. ElementVillage: ElementVillage is a not-for-profit focused on incubating and supporting energy demand-reduction community initiatives.. Working with communities, neighbourhoods. social housing, and voluntary co-operatives, Element Village promotes renewable energy and demand-reduction alternatives to fossil fuels through community programs such as renewable energy co-operatives, food security programs, car-sharing co-ops, and local sewage solutions. (Canada)
3. Everdale: Everdale is an organic farm and environmental learning centre. It is registered under the O­ntario Corporations Act as a non-profit, educational organization. Its purpose is to teach sustainable living practices and operate an exemplary organic farm. Everdale offers a variety of hands-on educational experiences. (Canada)
4. Energy Bulletin - Designing Energy Descent Pathways: One community's attempt at designing a prosperous way down from the peak. (An article published on 28 Sep 2005 by Permaculture Magazine.)
5. The Community Solution: What are we going to do as the oil runs out? The solution is in the community. The Community Solution is a program of Community Service, Inc. Community Service is dedicated to the development, growth and enhancement of small local communities. We envision a country where the population is distributed in small communities that are sustainable, diverse and culturally sophisticated. (Global)
6. The Grinning Planet: The Three Laws of our Energy Peak Future: Local, Local, Local (article)
7. Post Carbon Institute: Raise Awareness in your community. (article)

posted by Gemma Grace @ 1:33 a.m. 0 comments

What You Can Do

1. David Suziki Foundation - What You Can Do: Simple changes in our everyday lives can help slow climate change. Together, we can make a difference. (Canada)
2. Smart Living: Smart Steps. Simple Solutions. Smart Living is part of the Eneract's smartliving Community programme. (Canada)
3. WorldWatch Institute - Rethinking the Good Life: “A city is successful not when it’s rich but when its people are happy.” — Enrique Peñalosa, Mayor, Bogotá, Colombia (Global)

posted by Gemma Grace @ 1:03 a.m. 0 comments

Community Life

1. Meet Up: Meet other local people who are interested in making their homes environmentally friendly. Discuss techniques for making your home green! (International)
2. Green Communities Canada: GCC is a national association of non-profit organizations that deliver innovative, practical environmental solutions to Canadian households and communities. (Read How to Grow a Green Community here.) (Canada)

posted by Gemma Grace @ 3:02 p.m. 0 comments

Gateways to Green Information

1. The Environment Directory: Earth's largest environment search engine.
2. Green Portal: Here you will find links to everything green. If it has something to do with the environment, natural science, or even plain simple gardening, you will hopefully find what you are looking for here.
3. Canadian Environmental Directories, Portals and Networks: A guide to environmental directories, portals and networks in Ontario, Canada and beyond. A great starting point to find environmental groups, organizations, people, places, activities, news, information and opportunity.
4. Useful Information for the Active Citizen:

posted by Gemma Grace @ 2:58 p.m. 0 comments

Community Planning

1. The Community Planning Website: Growing numbers of residents are getting involved with professionals in shaping their local environment. This website is an essential starting point for everyone concerned. It provides easily accessible how-to-do-it best practice information of international scope and relevance. (UK)

posted by Gemma Grace @ 2:23 p.m. 0 comments

Green Power

1. WindShare: Since 1999, the WindShare Co-operative in Toronto, Ontario has a been working to provide an opportunity for the local community to own and direct its energy future. Understanding the simplicity of working in harmony with nature...recognizing the value in using a 'free fuel'...WindShare members do not wait, they lead. (Canada)
2. Toronto Renewable Energy Cooperative:
3. Bullfrog Power: Our mission is to provide practical energy choices that enable people to create a sustainable world for future generations. At Bullfrog Power, we believe businesses can serve a vital function as community leaders in promoting and fostering responsible environmental action. We are a "double bottom line" company that maintains a dual focus on environmental responsibility and profitability. The company has pledged that 10% of profits will be donated to non-profit organizations that support long-term sustainability. (Canada)
4. Electricity Choices - Solar, Wind and Other Renewables: Ever thought of installing solar panels or a wind energy system at your home or cottage? What about adding a solar hot water system for your home? The cost of renewable power systems is dropping and the advantages are steadily increasing -- from protection against power outages to improved air quality. You might be surprised at what you can achieve by adding a couple of solar panels, a solar hot water system or small wind turbine to your roof. (Canada)
5. Nova Scotia Power - What is Green Power?: Respect for the environment is the hallmark of Nova Scota Power's approach to generating, transmitting and distributing power in Nova Scotia. Everything we do is guided by a central philosophy and supported by a variety of environmental initiatives. Take a moment to learn about about our approach in more detail. (Includes a Greenhouse Gas Calculator) (Canada)

posted by Gemma Grace @ 2:05 p.m. 0 comments

Sustainability and the Environment

1. WorldWatch Institute: Founded by Lester Brown in 1974, the Worldwatch Institute offers a unique blend of interdisciplinary research, global focus, and accessible writing that has made it a leading source of information on the interactions among key environmental, social, and economic trends. Our work revolves around the transition to an environmentally sustainable and socially just society—and how to achieve it. (Global)
2. The Elora Centre for Environmental Excellence: Bringing innovative environmental solutions to communities. The Elora Centre for Environmental Excellence (ECEE) began in 1993 as a small group of forward-thinking citizens with a vision of making the Village of Elora a greener and healthier place to live. Their vision has spread to communities throughout south-central and south-west Ontario. (Canada)
3. Environ - For People, the Environment and the Future: We will act as a catalyst for change by inspiring and supporting individuals and organisations to take local action to care for the environment and improve our communities. (UK)
4. Eneract: a registered charity that delivers innovative solutions to environmental problems and builds capacity in communities to work towards a sustainable future. (Canada)

posted by Gemma Grace @ 1:38 p.m. 0 comments

How to Search

• Upcoming Event
• E-Newsletter
• Documentary
• Video
• News
• Interview
• Global
• International
• North America
• Shelf Life [Selected Books and Journals]

posted by Gemma Grace @ 12:08 a.m. 0 comments

How to Use Google Calendar for Oakville PPAC Events

1. Click on the Google Calendar Icon in the right hand column of 'A Crack in the Asphalt' blog.
2. Sign in to your personal Google Calendar.
3. Click on 'Yes, add this calendar' to integrate the Oakville Post Petroleum Action Committee calendar.

1. Create a new account here.
2. Return to 'A Crack in the Asphalt' blog and follow the instructions above.

posted by Gemma Grace @ 12:06 a.m. 0 comments