A Crack in the Asphalt

Welcome

2007-01-01T14:57:00.000-05:00

In response to the critical issues of Peak Oil and Global Warming, we have been holding informal community meetings in our hometown of Oakville, Ontario, Canada. Our emerging intent is to vision a clear path of action toward sustainable community. In our discussions, we recognize that there is a wealth of information and inspiration here on the internet ~ information that helps shape our understanding and empowers our resolve toward action ~ inspiration that nourishes our hope for a graceful future.

A Crack in the Asphalt is simply a compilation of links to information about Sustainability with a special emphasis on Community and Urban Greening. (Please note that descriptive paragraphs following each link originate from the cited website unless otherwise noted.) From time to time, we will also post notices of upcoming events that may be of local, national or global interest.

For help regarding searching this blog, read this post. For help regarding Google Calendar and how to access the Oakville Post Petroleum Action Committee Calendar, read this post. For a permanent link to any particular post, click on the posting time found in the signature line at the bottom of each post.

We welcome your feedback and any suggestions for new links and/or changes to existing links. Please write to: greensprouts@cogeco.ca . You are also happily invited to post comments in usual blogger fashion.

Thank you for your interest :)

Interview: SUZUKI WITH DR. FERNANDO FUNES SR.

2006-08-01T15:15:00.000-04:00

David Suzuki's The Nature of Things presents:
An Interview with Dr. Fernando Funes Sr.
Cuba: The Accidental Revolution

Cuba modeled itself on Green Revolution-style farm economy - enormous production units, using huge quantities of imported chemicals and machinery to produce export crops, while over half of the island's food was imported. In 1989 this model suddenly collapsed and Cubans were left wondering how they would feed themselves.

Dr. Fernando Funes Sr. a researcher at the Pasture and Forage Institute (IIPF) in Havana, and secretary of the Organic Agriculture Group (GAO) of the Cuban Association of Agronomists and Foresters (ACTAF) talks about how Cubans turned towards self-reliance and subsequently developed remarkable acheivements – sustainable farming and alternative medicine.

Upcoming Event: GREEN PARTY SPEAKER

2006-07-25T17:22:00.000-04:00

Environmentalist Elizabeth May to Speak in Oakville

Thursday, August 10, 2006
7:30 - 9:00pm

South Atrium, Oakville Town Hall
1225 Trafalgar Road
Oakville, ON, Canada

Environmentalist, author and Order of Canada recipient Elizabeth May's biography reads:

Elizabeth May is an environmentalist, writer, activist, and lawyer. She has been Executive Director of the Sierra Club of Canada since 1989. She is a member of the Board of the International Institute of Sustainable Development and is former vice-chair of the National Round Table on the Environment and the Economy. In 1999, Dalhousie University created a permanent chair in her honour, the Elizabeth May Chair in Women’s Health & the Environment. She has receivednumerous rewards, including the United Nations Global 500 award and 2 honourary doctorates. She is the author of four books. In 2005, Elizabeth May was honoured to be appointed as an Officer to the Order of Canada. She is currently running for leader of the Green Party.

Sponsored by The Green Party, the event is free and open to the public; however, those planning to attend are asked to RSVP to Nancy Robertson 905-842-8126.

Upcoming Event: ECOVILLAGE EXPERIENCE WEEKEND

2006-07-17T16:58:00.000-04:00

EcoVillage Experience Weekend:
An Immersion in Sustainable Community Living

EcoVillage at Ithaca, NY, USA
September 8-10, 2006

Come experience a more richly connected way of life in our world-renowned ecovillage and cohousing community in Ithaca, NY.

Enjoy a balance of nature connection, personal renewal and hands-on learning while:

harvesting organic veggies at our onsite farm
building a root cellar
exploring ecological lifestyle changes
becoming a learning community with fellow participants

You will hear short presentations and connect with inspiring resources about:

place-based learning and land stewardship
green building and renewable energy systems
consensus decision making and building cooperative community

There will also be time to create delicious meals from local foods, swim in our pond, and explore Ithaca's famous gorges. For more information, click here.

The Oil Depletion Protocol

2006-07-12T12:11:00.000-04:00

The Oil Depletion Protocol is an international agreement that will enable nations of the world to cooperatively reduce their dependence on oil. It was proposed by Dr. Colin Campbell, a prominent petroleum geologist and founder of the Association for the Study of Peak Oil and Gas (ASPO), in 2002.

By agreeing to reduce oil imports and exports by a specified amount each year, about 2.6 percent, signatory nations will help mitigate the negative consequences of an over-reliance on cheap oil and help prepare for a global decline in the world’s oil supply. The premise of the Protocol is inherently straightforward: oil importing nations would agree to reduce their imports by an agreed-upon yearly percentage, referred to as the World Oil Depletion Rate, while oil producing nations would agree to reduce their rate of production by their National Depletion Rate. This simple and sensible formula will produce, in effect, a global rationing system. If the entire world adopted the Protocol, global consumption of oil would decline by almost 3 percent per annum, thus stabilizing prices, preserving the resource base, and reducing competition for remaining supplies.

To read the Oil Depletion Protocol as drafted by Dr. Colin Campbell, click here.

Design Competition: LIGHT OBJECTS

2006-07-02T22:12:00.000-04:00

LIGHT OBJECTS: A Design Competition On Sustainability
Presented by Dassault Systèmes

The impact of our exponentially escalating consumer culture on the environment has blossomed into a widespread and heavily discussed global concern. As the creators and innovators of the objects of consumption, designers have a great potential to influence, shape, and even redirect these trends.

Light Objects asks participants to submit design concepts--for any product, service or system--that are thoughtful, forward-looking, elegant and environmentally beneficial. Designers are encouraged to go farther than making their entries 'sustainable' or merely reducing the negative impact that production or use of an object has on the environment. Entries should push the concept of lightness in every way, from material selection and reduction to objects that actively improve our environment through use. The idea of "light objects" creates new opportunities for sustainable innovation in the future.

(Note: The focus of this competition is not about lighting or light fixtures, though such products may be entered; rather, we are looking for design solutions in all areas of human enterprise.)

Dassault Systèmes, is committed to furthering sustainable design practice, and this exhibition will highlight how their software tools can help designers reduce and track material usage, increase production efficiency, reduce energy consumption and promote design for disassembly. For this show, Dassault Systèmes is looking for 5 exemplary designs that lead the way in sustainability innovation

Winning designs will be realized into 3D models — complete with manufacturing considerations — and shared with the public in a 10-month symposium starting on October 17, 2006 at the Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie of Paris.

Dassault Systèmes will work with winning designers to faithfully realize their entries, sharing modeling, manufacturing, and part geometry knowledge along the way.

Dassault Systèmes will be awarding US$9000 in prize money for the winning entries. In addition, experts from Dassault Systèmes will realize the winning entries using a variety of computer 3D modeling software packages, including CATIA for design and ENOVIA for specific Eco-Design practices (material tracking, extensive sourcing, regulatory compliance.

For complete details of how to enter, click here.

Laundry

2006-07-01T20:26:00.000-04:00

Project Laundry List: Project Laundry List uses words, images, and advocacy to educate people about how simple lifestyle modifications, including air-drying one’s clothes, reduce our dependence on environmentally and culturally costly energy sources. We are changing the world through clotheslines - one household at a time. (USA)
Mrs. Washalot: Mrs Washalot is a weblog dedicated to doing the washing & any other laundry related matters. (Australia)
How to Eco-Laundry: Article published in TreeHugger (TreeHugger is a fast-growing web magazine, dedicated to everything that has a modern aesthetic yet is environmentally responsible. Our influential audience stops by frequently to check out the latest news, reviews and recommendations for modern yet green products and services. Consumers also rely on the directory to help facilitate their buying processes. TreeHugger is the most effective way for them to find well designed products that are also ecologically sensitive.) (USA)

Upcoming Event: EARTH DIALOGUES BRISBANE 2006

2006-06-29T13:07:00.000-04:00

EARTH DIALOGUES

Presented by: Brisbane Festival 2006 and the Queensland Government in association with Brisbane City Council

When: July 21 to July 24, 2006
Where: Brisbane City Hall, Brisbane, Australia

Brisbane Festival 2006 is proud to host a Major International Forum chaired by President Mikhail Gorbachev and Premier Peter Beattie.

Earth Dialogues Brisbane 2006 will focus on the need for the ethical and sustainable management of natural resources and its potential for enhancing world peace.

International decision makers and Nobel Laureates in Peace and other disciplines will be keynote speakers, moderators and panellists. Earth Dialogues Brisbane 2006 is committed to developing strategies and solutions for improved global management.

View program highlights here.

Upcoming Event: SUSTAINABLE LIFESTYLES SYMPOSIUM

2006-06-28T13:12:00.000-04:00

PREPARING FOR A LOW ENERGY WORLD
Sustainable Lifestyles Symposium
August 20 to 25th, 2006
Waubaushene, Ontario, Canada

You’ve heard about peak oil and climate change. Now, you want to get clear on the likely energy future and plan a sustainable scale of lifestyle for you and your family. You may want to learn to build community where you are. Your preferred future relies on a community of resources. You want to experience the possibility of that collaboration.

Come to NeeKauNis, a Quaker outdoor camp, equipped shared rustic cabins, outhouses, hot showers, community buildings with high speed wireless internet and teleconferencing. It is located at Waubaushene, Ontario, about 30 minutes north of Barrie, 130km north of Toronto. Follow Hwy 400 north and exit at Hwy 12.

The symposium is designed to be a model of interactive and experiential learning. It has an integral design to feed body, mind and spirit. Participants can also offer content.

Morning: personal exercise, spiritual practices and workshops
Afternoon: work projects, hands-on demonstrations, field trips and networking
Evening: speaker, films, celebration arts, and theory sessions

Choose from one of three parallel workshop tracks to suit the level of seriousness or urgency you feel about the impacts of energy scarcity and climate change on personal lifestyles.

Sensible Downshifting: an emphasis on public policy and influencing government to reduce energy usage and produce more goods and services, like food, locally.
Technology to the Rescue: the technological ‘levees’ that could protect many Canadians from hardships imposed by the high cost of energy and social disruptions.
Building Lifeboats: the local actions we could take to live low energy lifestyles, independent of government and corporate action.

The event fee is approximately $400 ($300 tenting/trailer) with a sliding scale based on capacity to pay.

Register online at the Sustainable Lifestyles webpage, or call 1-705-538-2390. Come with someone from your locality, go home with a friend and a plan for your personal future.

NeeKauNis is sponsoring this event with The Quaker Ecology Action Network, The Sustainable Scale Project, Hamilton Ontario, and supported by Relocalize, a program of the Postcarbon Institute.

Shelf Life - Selected Books and Journals

2006-06-23T22:52:00.000-04:00

A SHORT HISTORY OF PROGRESS
by Ronald Wright (2004)
ISBN: 0887847064

Reviews:

Ronald Wright, one of this country's [Canada's] intellectual treasures... takes his readers on a sweeping educational tour of history and every continent's previous civilizations... This excellent book should be required reading at the White House. Bronwyn Drainie, Quill & Quire
I don't care if you have never read and will never read any kind of book at all, but you must read this one. [Wright] achieves in a mere 132 pages what another author couldn't manage in 1,300... Wise, timely, and brilliant. Paul William Roberts, Globe and Mail
An elegant and learned discussion of what the rise and fall of past civilizations predict about our own: nothing good. Maclean's
Ronald Wright draws less-than-comforting lessons about our future from our past... his arguments are compelling and necessary. Saturday Night
Concise, urgent, and at times darkly prophetic... A Short History of Progress [is] timely, razor-sharp, grimly accurate. Dennis Choquette, The Varsity
If you read one book about impending doom this year, make it this one. Christine Sismondo, Ottawa Citizen
Rarely have I read a book that is so gripping, so immediate and so important to our times. Jared Diamond will be jealous! Robyn Williams, ABC
Provocative... Already a bestseller in Canada, Wright is now making his biggest mark since his debut novel (A Scientific Romance, 1997) attracted wide attention... Illuminating and disturbing, and expansively documented. Kirkus Reviews

Upcoming TV Documentary: ARCTIC MISSION

2006-06-23T20:03:00.000-04:00

ON CBC NEWSWORLD
ARCTIC MISSION

Monday, June 26 through Thursday, June 29 at 11pm CBC Newsworld airs four consecutive global warming themed documentaries as part of the Arctic Mission series. Join host David Suzuki as he explores the Arctic and its bountiful wildlife for answers to the questions that frame the global warming phenomena. (Canada)

Upcoming Event: PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE

2006-06-17T09:20:00.000-04:00

Preparing For the Future:
What Oakville residents can expect in terms of
Climate Change, Energy Shortages & our Watershed’s Health

Earth Day Canada will launch their EcoAction Teams Program in Oakville by teaming up with Oakvillegreen Conservation Association, a group well known for its advocacy on behalf of a healthy and sustainable community. Oakvillegreen president Liz Benneian will speak about how climate change will affect our area and what we can do to make a difference. Dr. Jack Santa-Barbara, a professor from MacMaster University who recently organized a Peak Oil conference in Washington, DC, will discuss upcoming energy shortages and price increases and what we can do now to prepare for it and Dr. Pedro Pereyra will talk about the health of our local waterways. A question period will follow the speakers’ presentations.

Central Public Library
120 Navy Street
Oakville, Ontario, Canada

Thursday, June 22nd, 2006
7:30 - 9:30 pm

All are welcome! Free event.

For more information, email Liz Benneian.

E-Newsletter: THE CUTTING EDGE

2006-06-15T17:24:00.000-04:00

In 1989, we at Seeds of Change started with a simple mission: to help preserve biodiversity and promote sustainable, organic agriculture. We sought to do this by cultivating and disseminating an extensive range of open-pollinated, organically grown, heirloom and traditional vegetable, flower and herb seeds. This is still our mission. The purpose of our free Seeds of Change eNewsletter, The Cutting Edge, is to share:

Gardening tips and info
Research Farm reports
Favorite varieties
Book reviews
Field Reports for Market Growers
News and events
Interviews with leading voices

Subscribe to The Cutting Edge, or click here to read the current issue.

Community Supported Agriculture Projects

2006-06-14T23:58:00.000-04:00

Glen Valley Organic Farm Co-op: The Glen Valley Organic Farm Co-operative (GVOFC) is a community of individuals who have come together with the shared goal of sharing, owning and operating the Glen Valley Organic Farm. The GVOFC's members come from a variety of backgrounds, including conventional and organic farming, education, law, project management, marketing and group facilitation. The GVOFC uses the consensus model of decision-making, ensuring that all members have a voice. (Canada) (BC)
Share Organics: Share Organics is committed to providing our community with a convenient way of receiving reasonably priced,high quality, organic products; and to support andpromote local growers in sustainable organic agriculture. (Canada) (BC)
Community Shared Agriculture: Community Shared Agriculture is a system of growing and distributing organic produce which restores the link between farmers and consumers. There are now approximately 1000 CSA farms in North America. (North America)
Plan B Organic Farm: Plan B Organic Farm was established in 1997 by Rodrigo Venturelli, Alvaro Venturelli & Melanie Golba. This will be our 8th season growing organically here at our farm and we are Certified Organic by OCPP. We are committed to: (1) Growing delicious, high quality vegetables, herbs and fruits using organic farming methods that are in harmony with our surrounding environments. (2) Providing accessible, affordable, and freshly harvested organic produce to households in our region. (3) Working in partnership with other local organic farmers to dependably provide our shareholders with the variety of crops that our region offers. (4) Creating a place where our community can come to learn about organic farming, the source of their food, and the natural cycles of our bioregion. (Canada) (Ontario)
Equiterre: In 2005, the CSA network in Quebec boasts 97 participating farms, 77 of which sell the vegetables and meats they produce, while the remaining 20 supply these farms with products they can sell separately (honey, apple products, cheeses, etc.). Équiterre estimates that some 7,500 contracts for weekly food baskets will be drawn up this year, providing at least 20,000 people with delicious, fresh organic foods throughout the season. There are more than 300 drop-off points in the province where consumers can pick up their baskets directly from their "family farmer." (Canada) (Quebec)
Women and the Economy - Building Sustainability: Our Stories - Charlene is the co-ordinator of the Organic Farm Mentorship Program in Manitoba. She has studied various forms of alternative agriculture including Permaculture, organic gardening, heritage seed saving, and biodynamics. Charlene lives, works and farms near the town of Clearwater. (Canada) (Manitoba)
Cook Student Organic Farm: Our CSA runs from about the beginning of June to the middle of October. Produce is harvested and divided into shares, which are distributed weekly to both individual families and non-profit groups. (Canada) (New Brunswick)
WWOOF - Willing Workers On Organic Farms: Vacationing in Canada and volunteering on Organic Farms is a great way to broaden your education and practical experience. It also serves as a great way to inexpensively travel. Over 600 farm hosts - a great variety of choices - will introduce you to the many interesting aspects of Canadian farms and gardens. WWOOFing is a cultural exchange and a helping exchange. See also, the International WWOOF website. (Canada) (International)

Synergistic Approach to Sustainable Design

2006-06-07T11:49:00.000-04:00

The Self-Sustaining Research Station Design Project: [A grade 9 Horizon's summer project explores aspects of sustainability including: alternative housing, ecological footprint, energy systems and health. - ed.] Throughout this three-week curriculum unit several general principles will be emphasized and employed to maximize the benefits of an integrated unit. The systems approach, whole systems thinking and the underlying principle of synergy will be the central, core concepts that all of the curricular areas will revolve around. The idea that not only are all the parts of a system connected and interrelated but more importantly that the discovery of these interrelationships leads to further discovery since, as synergy explains, the behaviour of the whole system is unpredictable simply by knowing the behaviour of the parts taken separately.

Strategies for Change

2006-06-05T16:29:00.000-04:00

Go For Green - Gardening For Life: Gardening for Life is a national Go for Green program that supports the idea of natural gardening including careful use of water, tree planting for home energy efficiency, and avoiding the use of chemical pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers. Read the March 2002 Report: Forum for Public Education Strategies to Encourage Gardening for Life (in pdf format). (Canada)
Tools of Change - Proven Methods for Promoting Health, Safety and Environmental Citizenship: Welcome to Tools of Change! This Web site, founded on the principles of community-based social marketing, offers specific tools, case studies, and a planning guide for helping people take actions and adopt habits that promote health and/or are more environmentally-friendly. This Web site will help you include in your programs the best practices of many other programs - practices that have already been successful in changing people's behaviour. (Canada)

Documentary: THE POWER OF COMMUNITY

2006-05-31T11:52:00.000-04:00

The Power of Community: How Cuba Survived Peak Oil

Richard Heinberg, author of The Party's Over, Powerdown, and The Oil Depletion Protocol, writes: "Everyone who is concerned about Peak Oil needs to see this film. Cuba survived an energy famine during the 1990s, and how it did so constitutes one of the most important and hopeful stories of the past few decades. It is a story not just of individual achievement, but of the collective mobilization of an entire society to meet an enormous challenge. Lest the point be missed, I will underscore it: this particular challenge – the problem of energy scarcity is one we will all be facing very soon. "

To read more about this important documentary, including screening locations and reviews, visit The Community Solution.

Upcoming Event: ORGANIC GARDENING TOUR

2006-05-30T14:59:00.000-04:00

Organic Gardening Tour

Oakville, Ontario (Canada)
Saturday,June 10th 2006 (Rain Date Sunday, June 11th)
10:00am to 3:00pm
Tickets are $10

On Saturday, June 10 the public is invited to tour seven beautiful organic gardens in Oakville. Questions are encouraged and the gardeners will be on hand to give organic gardening advice and tips.

Sponsored by the local organic gardening advocates, Gardens Off Drugs, the tour will showcase gardens that were top competitors, over the past few years, in the group’s Organic Gardening Contest.

“These gardeners have years of experience in creating healthy, natural gardens and they are very interested in answering the public’s questions and giving people
alternatives to using dangerous chemicals,” says Joanne Kay, one of the Organic Gardening Tours organizers.

For more information on the Organic Gardening Tour go to the Gardens Off Drugs website. (Click on Events.)

Upcoming Event: THE FUTURE VILLAGE

2006-05-28T14:44:00.000-04:00

THE FUTURE VILLAGE: A New Concept in Community Design
Presented by: OakvilleGreen

Tuesday, May 30, 2006
7:30 to 9:30 P.M.

Knox Presbyterian Church, Downstairs Hall
at 89 Dunn Street,
Oakville, Ontario
(Canada)

People have heard about new urbanism and the importance of walkable, transit-oriented and environmentally-friendly communities. Rotary International has taken this concept a step further and created a vision of a community that is also energy independent and innovative in water and waste management using a closed-loop treatment system and self-contained waste disposal system. A group representing Rotarians from the Greater Metro Toronto region will make the presentation about their ongoing project.

Video: Inspiration

2006-05-26T18:27:00.000-04:00

Enjoy Daryl Hannah's video eco-blog, 'DH Love Life', where every Monday a new five-minute film is featured that "offers snapshots of how people around the globe are helping each other, and the earth." Hannah says, "Basically, I'm trying to show a vision of an exciting and inspirational people." (Read Vanessa McGrady's full interview in Grist Magazine.) (Video)

Shelf Life - Selected Books and Journals

2006-05-17T22:47:00.000-04:00

Superbia! - 31 Ways to Create Sustainable Neighborhoods: Superbia! is a book of practical ideas for creating more socially, economically, and environmentally sustainable neighborhoods. It is about remaking suburban and urban neighborhoods to serve people better and to reduce human impact on the environment. By Dan Chiras and Dave Wann (2004) ISBN: 0865714908 (Book)
Terrain.org: Terrain.org, a Journal of the Built & Natural Environments, is a twice yearly online journal searching for that interface—the integration— among the built and natural environments, that might be called the soul of place. It is not definitely about urban form, nor solely about natural landscapes. It is not precisely about human culture, nor necessarily about ecology. It is, rather, a celebration of the symbiosis between the built and natural environments where it exists, and an examination and discourse where it does not. The literary, journalistic, and artistic works contained with Terrain.org are of the highest quality, submitted by a variety of contributors for a diverse audience, including some of the finest material previously appearing in Terra Nova: Nature & Culture. The works may be idealistic, technical, historical, philosophical, and more. Above all, they focus on the environments around us—the built and natural environments—that both affect and are affected by the human species. (On-Line Journal)
Real Goods Solar Living Sourcebook - The Complete Guide to Renewable Energy Technologies and Sustainable Living - 12th Edition: Do you want to harvest sunlight, wind or falling water to power your home? Or sell that renewable energy back to your utility company? Are you looking to build your dream eco-home? Or to convert to biodiesel and minimize your fossil fuel use? This fully-updated classic of sustainable living technology tells how and gives you access to the world's most extensive selection of hardware to make it all happen. Edited by John Schaeffer (2005) ISBN: 091657105X (Book)
The Not So Big House - A Blueprint For The Way We Really Live: People are naturally drawn to intimate spaces. Large structures inspired by outdated patterns tend to result in houses that just don't work. In The Not So Big House, Sarah Susanka proposes clear guidelines that include designing for specific lifestyles, budgeting, building a home from scratch, and using energy-efficient construction. By Sarah Susanka (2001) ISBN: 1561583766
Behaving As If The God In All Life Mattered: Machaelle Small Wright is a spiritual pioneer with the profound ability to "see" and "hear" the invisible forces of nature. Her personal story is one of triumph, from a childhood of torment and isolation to discovery of her ability to communicate with the world of nature spirits and devas. At "Perelandra," her 45-acre private nature research center in Virginia, Machaelle devotes her life to understanding and demonstrating a new approach to ecological balance: * The foundation and development of co-creative gardening * The ecological effects of humans * The roles of the animal, mineral and plant kingdoms * Humankind's unrealized custodianship of Planet Earth. A book beyond theory, Behaving as if the God in All Life Mattered will excite the minds and capture the hearts of all who dare to dream of a dynamic world of harmony and compassionate living. By Machaelle Small Wright (1997 - 3rd revised edition) ISBN: 0927978245

Urban Foraging

2006-05-04T17:35:00.000-04:00

Foraging for a Healthier Planet: Nature was the original supermarket. Even in the cities, urban foragers can find a bounty of shoots, fruits, berries, nuts, and mushrooms. (Article by Wildman Steve Brill in Common Ground Magazine.) (USA)
The Neighborhood Forager - A Guide for the Wild Food Gourmet: A book by Robert K. Henderson ISBN:1552633063 (Canada)
Food for Free - The Joys of Urban Foraging: Listen to this BBC Radio 4 interview. It’s not often people pass up the offer of something for nothing but when it comes to free food it seems that most of us ignore the abundance right under our noses. Jenni discusses the foods you can forage for in the most unlikely urban settings with Gennaro Contaldo, chef and owner of Passione, Charlotte St, London and Sue Style, author of Fruits of the Forest. (Audio) (UK)
Ethical Wildcrafting: Wildcrafting is stewardship of the Earth. Wildcrafting is the gathering of plant material from it's native "wild" environment. Wildcrafters need to be concerned about damaging or depleting our inheritance from nature. Wildcrafters are looking for a way to connect with nature for the day and finish with some plants for food, medicine, fiber or art. Here are some recommendations for wildcrafting with integrity. (Global)
Foraging and Ethnobotany Links Page: This page offers a variety of links to educational institutions, associations and organizations, individual websites, foraging theory sites, and so on. (USA)

News: JANE JACOBS DIES AT 89

2006-04-29T10:48:00.000-04:00

In Memoriam - Jane Jacobs: Published at Space and Culture [includes a lovely picture of Jane] (Blog)
Family Statement on the Death of Jane Jacobs: Published at Ideas That Work (Blog)
The Legacy of Jane Jacobs (1916-2006) Remembering the Work of the Influential Urban Activist: Article in the Utne online magazine written by Leif Utne. (Article)
Dark Age Ahead: Globe and Mail book review of Jane Jacobs' last book, 'Dark Age Ahead', published in 2004. (Book)

Interview: GREENING A LIFESTYLE

2006-04-27T23:46:00.000-04:00

Click here to listen to a Planetary Voices broadcast of an interview with Donnachadh McCarthy...

Ever one to walk his talk, Donnachadh has spent the last few years greening his own house and lifestyle, including installing the first domestic inner city wind turbine. Here he gives us a guided tour of the changes he’s made to his home in south east London.

Planetary Voices: Green Radio audio site featuring environmental issues, human rights, peace work and life affirming interviews. (Global)

Upcoming Event: URBAN FORESTRY CONFERENCE

2006-04-22T13:43:00.000-04:00

Urban Forestry Conference: Managing Urban Green for Sustainable Cities

6-8 June 2006
Crown Princess Hotel
Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia

Organized by: Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM)

For more information: Conference Brochure

Urban Forestry

2006-04-22T12:28:00.000-04:00

TreeLink: Urban Forestry is the informal abbreviation for Urban and Community Forestry. When you think of a city, you probably don't automatically think of trees. Isn't a city a collection of buildings, pavement, and parking lots? Yes, but cities are also built with trees and open spaces. In fact, trees are a vital contributor to the health and wealth of any urban landscape. The emerging science and work of urban forestry is an exciting and growing phenomena that integrates the built environment with the natural environment. Our goal is to place trees and urban forestry on the sustainability agenda, sometimes referred to as smart growth, new urbanism, and green infrastructure or low impact development. (USA)
Human Dimensions of Urban Forestry and Urban Greening: [This site] features research on peoples' perceptions and behaviors regarding nature in cities. (Global)
SA Urban Forest Biodiversity Program: The UFBP provides technical advice and support to assist the implementation of regional biodiversity priorities. It aims to foster increased participation in local projects by the wider community. The program works closely with Councils to promote communication and consultation on local native vegetation and habitat conservation issues. (Australia)
Food and Trees for Africa: In 1990 a group of concerned individuals, representing the major greening organisations in South Africa, came together with the realisation that the real environmental crisis in this country centred on people and uplifting quality of life. They recognized that a simple way of achieving this was through the greening of these unhealthy, denuded and degraded landscapes. This was the birth of Food & Trees for Africa (FTFA), the first (and still only) national non-government, non-profit, greening organisation in South Africa. (South Africa)
Tree Canada: Tree Canada is a charitable organization which partners with local volunteers to improve our quality of life by planting and caring for trees. In your neighbourhhoods, schoolyards, parks and in the countryside, Tree Canada leaves a living, breathing legacy for generations to come. (Canada)
Groundwork Thames Valley: Mission Statement: To build sustainable communities through joint environmental action. Our projects engage local people and motivate them to improve the quality of their life by using and improving the local environment. (UK)

Upcoming Event: POST PETROLEUM ACTION COMMITTEE

2006-04-17T22:03:00.000-04:00

Post Petroleum Action Committee
Local Sustainability Discussion

Oakville Public Library
120 Navy Street, Oakville,
Ontario, Canada

Saturday, March 22nd
2:00 - 4:00 pm

The Post Petroleum Action Committee would like to invite you to a meeting this Saturday (Earth Day) at the Oakville Public Library, 120 Navy Street. The meeting will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. in the auditorium.

The purpose of the meeting is to discuss how to move our community towards sustainability and flesh out what specific actions could be taken, in the short term, medium term and long term, by groups of local citizens, to get us there.

Eventually the PPAC wants to sponsor and support various citizens’ committees working towards specific sustainability projects for our community. If you are new to the Peak Oil issue, we are happy to answer your questions and arrange a screening of The End of Suburbia: Energy Depletion and the Collapse of the American Dream, a Canadian-made documentary that serves as a primer on Peak Oil. If you are well-versed on Peak Oil, PPAC wants to help you meet other local people who share your concerns and who are interested in taking action on the issue in our community.

The meeting we’ve planned will be fun, engaging and a good start to action. We hope you can join us for a few hours on Saturday. A quick email letting us know you will be attending would be appreciated but it is not necessary. We just want to make sure we have enough brain-fueling goodies on hand for everyone.

If we don't see you, we will continue to keep you informed on upcoming PPAC events. Thank you for your interest in this critical issue. We look forward to meeting you soon.

Liz Benneian
On behalf of PPAC

For more information, visit our website.

Documentary: AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH

2006-04-17T20:45:00.000-04:00

"If you love your planet..."
"If you love your children..."
"You have to see this film."

To view trailer, click here.

For more information, click here.

Wikia Communities

2006-04-11T14:29:00.000-04:00

Sustainable Community Action: This site is for anyone interested in local sustainability, particularly community-run action. "A dynamic process which enables all people to realise their potential and improve their quality of life in ways which simultaneously protect and enhance the Earth's life support systems." (Global)
Renewable Energy Design: Participants of the Renewable Energy Design Wikicity can collaborate on the detailed engineering design of new or improved methods of capturing energy from renewable sources. This wiki is not intended to produce a codification of existing knowledge. It is a collaborative worksite for solving the global warming peak oil energy crisis problem. (Global)

[Specifically, Wikia enables groups to share [on the internet] information, news, stories, media and opinions that fall outside the scope of an encyclopedia. Jimmy Wales and Angela Beesley launched Wikia in 2004 to provide community-based wikis inspired by the model of Wikipedia--the free, open source encyclopedia founded by Jimmy Wales and operated by the Wikimedia Foundation, where Wales and Beesley serve as board members.

Wikia is committed to openness, inviting anyone to contribute web content. Authors retain their own copyrights, but allow others to freely reuse their content under the GNU Free Documentation License, allowing widespread distribution of knowledge and ideas. - ed.]

Sustainable Technologies: Education and Demonstration Centres

2006-04-08T23:53:00.000-04:00

Falls Brook Centre: At Falls Brook Centre [a community education and demonstration centre in rural New Brunswick, Canada] we strive to put our values into practice. Through the development and promotion of meaningful demonstrations, we hope to show it is possible to live more lightly in our environment while contributing positively to the local economy. We work on a range of successful regional and international programs that support local communities and organizations to adapt to a sustainable future. (Canada)
The Arcosanti Project - An Urban Laboratory: In 1970, the Cosanti Foundation began building Arcosanti, an experimental town in the high desert of Arizona, 70 miles north of metropolitan Phoenix. When complete, Arcosanti will house 5000 people, demonstrating ways to improve urban conditions and lessen our destructive impact on the earth. Its large, compact structures and large-scale solar greenhouses will occupy only 25 acres of a 4060 acre land preserve, keeping the natural countryside in close proximity to urban dwellers... Arcosanti is an educational process. The five week workshop program teaches building techniques and arcological philosophy, while continuing the city's construction. Volunteers and students come from around the world. Many are design students, and some receive university credit for the workshop. But a design or architecture background is not necessary. People of many varied interests and backgrounds are all contributing their valuable time and skills to the project. Week-long silt sculpture workshops and Elderhostel programs offer other ways to be involved. At the present stage of construction, Arcosanti consists of various mixed-use buildings and public spaces constructed by 5000 past Workshop participants. (USA)
Utne Institute (newly forming): Utne Institute is an educational foundation devoted to promoting opportunities for community building, informing people of fresh ideas and solutions to contemporary challenges and amplifying independent voices in the media. (USA)
Everdale Organic Farm and Environmental Learning Centre: The Everdale classroom is a fifty-acre property. It encompasses a working organic farm, a model home, classroom, forests and meadows. It boasts demonstration models of operating, sustainable technologies. The teachers are specialists in the areas of straw bale construction, solar and wind systems, farming, and eco-landscaping. (Canada)

Video: Drawing the Line

2006-04-07T23:40:00.000-04:00

Drawing the Line, a video presentation of Treasure America, explores the feasibility of drilling for oil in Alaska as a temporary solution to peak oil. Interesting and educational. (USA)

Community Building: Singing

2006-04-06T22:49:00.000-04:00

Denis Donnelly - Community Choir Leadership Training: Imagine … a world where every city, town, and neighborhood had a community choir, one where the music of many cultures and faiths was celebrated. Imagine … a non-auditioned choir in your community where all were welcome. Imagine … that this choir could support and engage in powerful community-based activities. Traditional cultures have always known that group singing has a power unlike any other to bind people together. There is an ancient African concept, ubuntu, which speaks of our interconnectedness and interdependence. It means “I am because we are.” What defines us as individuals is achieved through our relationship with others. Nowhere is this more evident than in a choir — a great place to learn and practice ubuntu spirit.... In today’s North American society, music has become largely commercially oriented toward performance by the few for the many. The deeper promise of music for all has been forgotten. Many people who loved singing as children haven’t sung since. Others were designated “non-singers” by thoughtless adults, and have carried this musical wounding all their lives. We believe singing is everybody’s birthright, and holds a key for the healing of the world. For leaders who want to bring together communities of singers both confident and new, those who were wounded and those who haven’t yet found a home for their singing, the Community Choir Leadership Training Program will provide the tools for creating and maintaining a thriving vocal community.... While community choirs like this have become quite common in the UK, they are still relatively new to North America. People here are yearning to sing together.... (Canada)
The Village Square: The Village Square is a unique celebration of Community Singing Traditions from around the world, including Sharpenote (Sacred Harp), Shaker tunes, South African choruses, Balkan and Georgian styles. Favourites Old and New. "We gather to sing together, for pleasure... without the anxieties of public performance," explains Alan Gasser, one of the project's leaders. Public performances are not the objective of this new Toronto-based gathering, which is open to anyone who likes to sing. The group meets to sing "with" and "for" each other, and warmly welcomes new singers. (Canada)
The Mid-Winter Singing Festival: Did your family sing while doing the dishes? Do you sing on long car trips? This festival is for you. Even if your voice isn't as good as you want it to be, that doesn't matter. This weekend is for people who love to sing. This weekend will spread a little warmth on two chilly, winter days. For monthly community sings, click here. (USA)
Natural Voice - Practitioners Network: We believe that singing is everyone's birthright and we are committed to teaching styles that are accepting and inclusive of all, regardless of musical experience and ability. (UK)
Shivon Robinsong - Building Community Through Vocal Harmony: Anyone can sing! And singing together in harmony is a vital source of energy and connection, accessible to everyone. (Canada)

This Weekend: HALTON ECOFEST

2006-04-01T11:19:00.000-05:00

Halton Eco Festival
April 1-2, 2006
Glen Abbey Community Centre
Oakville, Ontario, Canada

The two-day event on Saturday-Sunday, April 1-2, 2006 is supported by 11 sponsors. There will be 85 exhibitors including 28 new ones.

In addition, this year’s Halton Eco Festival will feature a children’s eco-fun area, 16 eco-educational workshops, healthy food at our eco café located in the gym, a chance to play a new game we have created called “Eco-Jeopardy”, a silent auction, “The Funky Mamas” from Guelph singing environmental songs for kids on Saturday morning, eco-alternative health care practitioners, the “Buddha Buddha hemp fashion show” on Saturday afternoon, and lots of inspiring eco-action campaigns.

The Saskatchewan farmer Percy Schmeiser, Saturday’s keynote speaker in the gym, talks about food safety. Sunday’s keynote features five great speakers discussing energy efficiency in the home and workplace and is hosted by Energy Action Halton.

For more information visit here.

Upcoming Event: LOCAL SOLUTIONS CONFERENCE

2006-03-31T16:12:00.000-05:00

Local Solutions to the Energy Dilemma:
A Peak Oil Conference for New York City
April 27-29, 2006

The Conference has two goals:

To inform the public that energy prices are rising because of "Peak Oil", the point at which production stops increasing and goes into permanent decline.

To discuss realistic, sustainable local responses to the situation.

Speakers & Panelists:
Over 30 authors, energy experts, ecologists and sustainability specialists.

Conference Location:
Day 1 - Community Church of NYC
Day 2 & 3 - Manhattan Center's Grand Ballroom

For more information and to register, click here.

Political Humour

2006-03-30T14:20:00.000-05:00

'Tis the Season for High Gas Prices: Daryl Cagle's Professional Cartoonists Index

Upcoming Event: AMAZING POSSIBILITIES

2006-03-27T12:50:00.000-05:00

Amazing Possibilities:
Leading Practices in City Building for Future

Rozanski Hall, University of Guelph
Guelph, Ontario, Canada
May 5, 2006

A RARE OPPORTUNITY
The Guelph Civic League is proud to announce "Amazing Possibilities: Leading ractices in City Building for Future," a blockbuster half-day conference for anyone interested in why our cities aren't working and how they can be fixed. Don't miss this rare opportunity to hear from two world-renowned experts on better ways for the future, then engage in a lively question-and-answer session.

JAMES HOWARD KUNSTLER
We are fortunate to have Mr. Kunstler as our keynote speaker. Perhaps the single most articulate and provocative critic of suburban sprawl, he is the author of best-selling The Long Emergency, The Geography of Nowhere, Home From Nowhere(Simon & Schuster), and The City in Mind (Free Press). A thinker and writer of great passion, his highly entertaining and challenging presentation is not to be missed.

PATRICK CONDON
Mr. Condon is Director of Landscape Architecture at the University of British Columbia and the UBC James Taylor Chair in Landscape and Livable Environments. He is also the driving force behind the Headwaters Sustainable Development Demonstration Project, a sustainable community for 15,000 residents slated for construction on a 500-acre site in Surrey, BC. Hear how cities of the future must be built, starting now.

Spend a single afternoon. Understand so much more.

Location: Rozanski Hall, University of Guelph

Professionals - Until April 15: $50. After April 15: $60.

Non-profit staff /individuals - Until April 15: $25. After April 15: $30.
High school students/seniors (65+) - free

For more information and to REGISTER: Guelph Civic League
OR email: conference@guelphcivicleague.ca

"Amazing Possibilities" is hosted by the Guelph Civic League in partnership with Alternatives Journal and the University of Guelph's School of Environmental Design and Rural Development.

Heritage Seeds

2006-03-26T22:26:00.000-05:00

Plants for a Future: Plants For A Future is a resource centre for rare and unusual plants, particularly those which have edible, medicinal or other uses. We practise vegan-organic permaculture with emphasis on creating an ecologically sustainable environment based largely on perennial plants. (International)
Seeds of Diversity: Seeds of Diversity is a Canadian charitable organization dedicated to the conservation, documentation and use of public-domain non-hybrid plants of Canadian significance. Our 1700 members from coast to coast are gardeners, farmers, teachers, scientists, agricultural historians, researchers and seed vendors. Together we grow, propagate and distribute over 1500 varieties of vegetables, fruit, grains, flowers and herbs. We are a living gene bank. (Canada)
Garden Organic - Heritage Seed Library: The Heritage Seed Library (HSL) aims to conserve and make available vegetable varieties that are not widely available. The HSL Department maintains a collection, mainly of European varieties. Over the decades many varieties have been dropped from popular seed catalogues. Our collection contains many of these but also some landraces and a large number of family heirloom varieties that have never been in a catalogue. We are not a gene bank and all our collection, once we have enough seed will become available to our members. (EU)
Open Directory Project - Seed Savers: A comprehensive directory of heritage seed websites worldwide. (Global)

LETS - New Money

2006-03-24T19:16:00.000-05:00

LETSystems - New Money: An overview of LETSystems, local currencies and the future of money by Michael Linton, designer of the LETSystem. (Article)
LETSystems - the Homepage: Includes the LETSystem Design Manual by Michael Linton and Angus Soutar. (Global)
Short Circuit: This website includes the entire original text of the book, 'Short Circuit' [written by Richard Douthwaite], together with updates on individual sections. (E-Book)
LETS in Australia: Local Energy Trading Systems - People trading goods and services using alternative currency. Non profit, community focussed. (Australia)
LETS Link UK: LETS are revitalising communities throughout Britain. As grassroots initiatives they are open to everyone - people of all ages, skills and abilities; local clubs and associations; voluntary groups, charities, community initiatives; housing co-operatives, small businesses and local services - helping everyone to give and take, connect to new resources, and find a genuine community identity. (UK)
LETS-linkup: International LETS Group Directory. (Global)

Social Ventures

2006-03-24T00:51:00.000-05:00

Renewal Partners: Renewal Partners is building a portfolio of businesses for which the natural world and societal well-being are of equal importance to financial return. We believe that profitable enterprises with maximized social good are a necessary formula for a viable economic future. We focus on supporting ventures based in British Columbia. In an increasingly globalized world, we believe the creation of a more robust and restorative local economy will become the province's greatest long-term competitive advantage. (Canada)
Social Venture Network: Founded in 1987 by some of the nation's most visionary leaders in socially responsible entrepreneurship and investment, Social Venture Network (SVN) is a nonprofit network committed to building a just and sustainable world through business. SVN's mission is to inspire a community of business and social leaders to build a just economy and sustainable planet. SVN promotes new models and leadership for socially and environmentally sustainable business in the 21st century. We champion this effort through initiatives, information services and forums that strengthen our community and empower our members to work together on behalf of their shared vision. (USA)

Community Building and Food

2006-03-22T21:40:00.000-05:00

The Edible Schoolyard: The Edible Schoolyard, in collaboration with Martin Luther King Junior Middle School, provides urban public school students with a one-acre organic garden and a kitchen classroom. Using food systems as a unifying concept, students learn how to grow, harvest, and prepare nutritious seasonal produce. Experiences in the kitchen and garden foster a better understanding of how the natural world sustains us, and promote the environmental and social well being of our school community.
Vancouver Community Kitchen: The Vancouver Community Kitchen Project is an educational resource centre that has been focusing on community kitchens for the past seven years. The mission of the project is to build community around food and create opportunities for people to cook together. The project creates educational and fund raising tools, training programs and cooking resources that empower and support individuals and community agencies in their efforts to start and maintain community kitchens. We recognize and nurture the power of people developing their own capacities to work together to find solutions. (Canada)
Slow Food: Through its understanding of gastronomy with relation to politics, agriculture and the environment Slow Food has become an active player in agriculture and ecology. Slow Food links pleasure and food with awareness and responsibility. The association’s activities seek to defend biodiversity in our food supply, spread the education of taste, and link producers of excellent foods to consumers through events and initiatives. (International)
FoodShare - Community Kitchens: When people get together regularly in a public space to cook, that’s a community kitchen. Community kitchens offer the opportunity to share skills, socialize and reduce costs by purchasing collectively. Kitchens are as diverse in their purpose and organization as the people who participate in them –– some groups only prepare enough food to sit down and eat one meal together. Others prepare several meals in large portions to take home to their families. One group of immigrants may want to get together to cook "foods from home", another may prefer to practice their English or learn how to make new foods. (Canada)
Feed Me Better Campaign: Jamie's School Dinners is all about making radical changes to the school meals system and challenging the junk food culture by showing schools can serve fresh nutritious meals that kids enjoy eating. (UK)

Upcoming Event: COHOUSING 2006

2006-03-20T13:57:00.000-05:00

The Cohousing Association of the United States

2006 National Conference

University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC

July 21-23, 2006

Sponsored by the Cohousing Association of the United States, the 2006 national conference promises to be an enjoyable, educational and inspiring experience, whether you’re new to cohousing, a long-time resident or professional. Come for networking, learning and inspiration. Celebrate community and a better way of life. Connect with new and old friends, and gain insights from experienced cohousers and top cohousing professionals. Find your future neighbors, share your wisdom or solve a persistent issue in your group or community.

Follow this link for more information.

Cohousing

2006-03-20T13:24:00.000-05:00

Springhill Cohousing: Springhill Cohousing is near the centre of Stroud in Gloucestershire. It is the first new-build cohousing scheme to be completed in the UK. There are 34 units, ranging from one bedroomed flats to five bedrooomed houses. There is a three-storey common house with a kitchen where meals are cooked and served three times a week - other shared meals and community-based social activities happen there too. Springhill Cohousing has been recognised by The Deputy Prime Minister's Award for making an "outstanding contribution" to Sustainable Communities. "The pedestrianised 'main street' meanders around the site parallel with the contours, creating a characterful village feel". (UK)
UK Cohousing Network: Co-housing balances the traditional advantages of home ownership with the benefits of shared common facilities and connections with your neighbors. These co-operative neighborhoods are among the most promising solutions to many of today's most challenging social and environmental concerns. Most households today are atomised units, where there is little if any sense of community. But done well, housing can stop older people becoming cut off, help deal with crime, poverty, joblessness and lack of educational opportunity in a holistic way, as well as being a perfect environment for kids to play and learn. That is the promise of co-housing. (UK)
The Cohousing Association of the United States: Cohousing communities combine the advantages of private homes with the benefits of more sustainable living, including shared common facilities and ongoing connections with neighbors. These intentional neighborhoods, created and managed by residents, offer an innovative solution to today's environmental and social challenges. (USA)
Canadian Cohousing Network: The Canadian Cohousing Network (CCN) was formed in 1992 in British Columbia, Canada. It is a registered non-profit organization that promotes the creation of cohousing communities as a model for sustainable development by raising public awareness about cohousing and by bringing people together to form communities. The most valuable function of the CCN is making connections with people who are interested in living in a cohousing community. CCN links individuals and cohousing groups together to share resources and make the process of creating a community easier and more economical. (Canada)

Upcoming Event: SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES - VISION INTO REALITY

2006-03-19T19:39:00.000-05:00

Sustainable Communities - Vision into Reality
One Day National Conference

QE II Conference Centre, Westminster (London, UK)
Friday 31st March 2006

If you are involved in sustainable communities, in a professional or voluntary capacity, this conference will be invaluable to you.

The creation of sustainable communities is high on the [British] Government’s agenda. The ‘Delivering Sustainable Communities Summit’ in February 2005 included the presentation of the Deputy Prime Minister’s Award for Sustainable Communities 2004. This conference uniquely offers a chance to share best practice with last year’s finalists and the winner from 2003 at one event.

This conference will share the experience of those involved with the creation and maintenance of sustainable communities. It uniquely offers a chance to learn from the experiences and lessons learnt by the winner, Grange Park Community Project, Blackpool, and finalists of the Deputy Prime Minister’s Awards for Sustainable Communities 2004 together with the winner of the 2003 Award.

One of the judges from the Award Panel will share his insight into the creation of sustainable communities. Jess Steele, Deputy Chief Executive and Operations Director of the British Urban Regeneration Association, will be looking at all of last year’s finalists to examine common themes and key innovations. The opening address will be made by a senior Cabinet minister.

All the speakers are passionate about making a real difference to people’s lives across a wide range of services.

Click here for more information.

Green Issues

2006-03-19T17:04:00.000-05:00

The Gloucestershire Green Party: The Green Party aims to create a just, equitable and sustainable society. We focus our efforts primarily, though not exclusively, through the electoral system. The Green Party here in Gloucestershire is working hard with local people to provide a better quality of life for all. [This site includes a page of worthwhile links, both of local and international interest.] (UK)

Community Gardening Projects

2006-03-15T21:43:00.000-05:00

Plant a Row Grow a Row: Plant a Row·Grow a Row has number of objectives: To encourage our communities to plant, grow and harvest an extra row of specific vegetables for local food banks and soup kitchens; to support the continued development of a positive relationship between the community and its food banks and soup kitchens; and, very importantly, to have fun! (Canada)
The Composting Council of Canada: The CCC is a national non-profit, member-driven organization with a charter to advocate and advance composting and compost usage. It serves as the central resource and network for the composting industry in Canada and, through its members, contributes to the environmental sustainability of the communities in which they operate. (Canada)
FoodShare: At FoodShare we work on food issues "from field to table" - meaning that we focus on the entire system that puts food on our tables: from the growing, processing and distribution of food to its purchasing, cooking and consumption. We operate several innovative grassroots projects that promote healthy eating, teach food preparation and cultivation, develop community capacity and create non-market-based forms of food distribution.Public education on food security issues is a big part of our mandate: we create and distribute resources, organize training workshops and facilitate of networks and coalitions. We believe that food is vital to the health of individuals and communities, and that access to good, healthy food is a basic human right. FoodShare promotes policies - such as adequate social assistance rates, sustainable agriculture, universal funding of community-based programs and nutrition education - that will make food a priority at all levels of society. (Canada)

Upcoming Event: THE WORLD URBAN FORUM

2006-03-11T23:55:00.000-05:00

The World Urban Forum - 3rd Session
Our Future: Sustainable Cities - Turning Ideas into Action
Vancouver, Canada, June 19-23, 2006

Canada will host the next UN-HABITAT World Urban Forum in 2006 — a key international event that will bring the global community together to find real solutions to the challenges facing cities and communities across the world. (Note: There is no fee to register for the Forum but participants must pay for their own travel and accommodation. It's FREE!)

For a wealth of background information, go to Habitat JAM. People from all walks of life and 194 countries participated in the Habitat JAM from December 1 – 4, 2005, a unique 72-hour Internet event focused on solving some of the world’s most critical urbanization issues. Over 39,000 people participated as equals and expressed their views, shared ideas and learned from one another, including the elites of government, business and academia, alongside youth, women’s groups and citizens of impoverished communities around the world.

Upcoming Media Event: CODE GREEN CANADA

2006-03-06T11:06:00.000-05:00

Code Green Canada is a unique and entertaining 6-part television series, to be broadcast by CBC TV in the spring of 2006, which will offer homeowners across Canada invaluable information on how to reduce energy consumption in their home.

In the series, 12 sets of homeowners will each be given the same, limited budget ($15,000), and each will then be asked to employ those funds in a 6-week challenge to gain the greatest reduction in energy and water consumption, as well as greenhouse gas emissions. All homeowners will benefit from the renovations they'll complete and the winner of the challenge will further receive the grand prize of a 2006 Toyota Prius, Toyota's highly successful gas/electric 'hybrid' car.

(Click here for more information.)

Green Economics

2006-03-06T10:46:00.000-05:00

Hope Dance - Economy and Jobs in a Post-Peak Oil World: An article by Sri Subramanian.
BALLE - Business Alliance for Local Living Economies: BALLE is a growing alliance of independently operated local business networks dedicated to building Local Living Economies. It is our mission to catalyze, strengthen and connect these local business networks. (International)
Green Economics: Green economics is the economics of the real world—the world of work, human needs, the Earth’s materials, and how they mesh together most harmoniously. It is primarily about “use-value”, not “exchange-value” or money. It is about quality, not quantity for the sake of it. It is about regeneration---of individuals, communities and ecosystems---not about accumulation, of either money or material. (Canada)
Renewal Partners: Renewal Partners is building a portfolio of businesses for which the natural world and societal well-being are of equal importance to financial return. We believe that profitable enterprises with maximized social good are a necessary formula for a viable economic future. (Canada)
Renewal Partners - Seeding a Conservation Economy in British Columbia: 50 Year Planning, 500 Year Thinking: A Seed Capital Model (Article)

The Ecovillage

2006-03-06T09:50:00.000-05:00

The Global Ecovillage Network (GEN): The Global Ecovillage Network is a global confederation of people and communities that meet and share their ideas, exchange technologies, develop cultural and educational exchanges, directories and newsletters, and are dedicated to restoring the land and living "sustainable plus" lives by putting more back into the environment than we take out. (Global)
Ecovillage at Ithaca: EcoVillage at Ithaca, a member of the Ecovillage Network of the Americas, is comprised of an intentional community and a non-profit organization. Our goal is to explore and model innovative approaches to ecological and social sustainability. (USA)

Food and Localization

2006-03-05T14:45:00.000-05:00

Foodlink: Foodlink Waterloo Region is a non-profit organization (incorporated 2002) seeking to create partnerships with food producers, processors, retailers and consumers to promote the sale and consumption of locally grown and produced food. In building a “food localism” movement, Foodlink intends to identify, expand and create new markets for local farms and farm-based businesses while also building a demand for local food products. Foodlink is emerging as both a marketing tool for regional farmers and an information source for regional consumers. We are helping producers increase and diversify farm-gate sales—especially those directly to the consumer. We are also helping consumers identify with their food—what is available, how it’s produced and how buying locally benefits our local economy, environment and community. (Canada)
IDRC - Public Policy and the Transition to Locally Based Food Networks: An article by Ellie Perkins. (Canada)

Urban Agriculture

2006-03-05T14:29:00.000-05:00

Growing Power: A nationally recognized leader in urban agriculture, which provides hands-on training and technical support for community projects. (USA)
Foodshare: Growing food in our cities, right where we live, is something that we need to do. Not sometime in the future but right now, before we forget how or the land is put to "better" use by being paved over or built upon. Community gardening and urban agriculture are two ways in which FoodShare is attempting to re-establish this essential and intimate connection with the food we eat. (Canada)
City Farmer: Urban Agricultural Notes. (Canada)
Toronto Food Policy Council: Over the past ten years, the TFPC has produced a ground-breaking series of 15 discussion papers on various elements of a food systems approach to public health policy. (Canada)

Local Groups: Canada - Southern Ontario

2006-03-05T12:24:00.000-05:00

Halton Environmental Network: The HEN will achieve a positive and lasting impact for Halton Region's natural environment by building relationships and providing networking opportunities. The idea is that many people and organizations working together towards common goals will bring much needed strength and focus to environmental efforts in Halton Region. It is hoped that this network will gain momentum over the years and be the hub of a selfsustaining process for community capacity-building, education and action.(Canada)
The Urban League of London: a non-profit umbrella association of community groups in London, Ontario. (Canada)

Green Transportation

2006-03-04T15:00:00.000-05:00

Surviving Peak Oil - A 12-Step Journey to Oil-Free Travel: An article by Guy Dauncey first published in Yes Magazine September 2004, special issue on "Living Without Oil". (Canada)
Car Sharing: Car sharing is a revolution in personal transportation - mobility for the 21st century. Car Sharing provides flexible wheels for an urban lifestyle. It's instant-access to a network of cars throughout the city, 24 hours-a-day, paying-per-trip, without commitment or inconvenience. (North America)
CAMWEST - Street Reclaiming: Camwest is an advocacy group of dedicated cyclists who work with local Councils, the RTA and other bodies that provide for cyclists in Western Sydney. (Australia)
GreenTrans: GreenTrans looks for long term solutions to environmental, social and economic problems generated by current modes of transportation. GreenTrans is a non-profit organization which advocates environmentally, socially and economically sustainable transportation policies and programs. (Canada)
BEST (Better Environmentally Sound Transportation): BEST’s mission is to make our communities healthier places to live by promoting sustainable transportation and land-use planning, and pedestrian, cycling and transit oriented neighbourhoods. Our mission statement has a broad vision, not only to address environmental, health, and safety concerns relating to transportation issues, but also to increase empowerment and solidarity in the community with respect to these issues. BEST is a membership-based, non-profit charity that works with individual citizens, governments, educators, youth, volunteers and special interest and community groups to create healthy and sustainable communities for everyone. Since its origin as a bicycle group in 1991, BEST has evolved into an integrated voice for all aspects of sustainable transportation, and has become the largest community-based, non-governmental organization devoted to sustainable transportation and land-use issues in western Canada. (Canada)
Transportation Alternatives: Encourage bicycling, walking and public transit as alternatives to automobile use, and reduce automobile use and its attendant environmental and social harms. (USA)
Victoria Transport Policy Institute - Lessons From Katrina and Rita: An article by Todd Litman discusses what major disasters can teach transportation planners. (Canada)
Moving the Economy: We work to develop sustainable transportation/New Mobility by: Connecting and promoting transportation choices for moving people, moving goods and moving less; Catalysing innovation in sustainable transportation/New Mobility; and, Spurring the growth of the New Mobility industry. (Canada)
UCUE - 2002 Assembly Report: The public transport and priority to pedestrians and bicycles as a basis for the quality of life in capital cities. (Europe)

Vision

2006-03-04T12:47:00.000-05:00

Rain Magazine: Rain for the 21st century will be something a little different yet again. Its primary goal will be: to get closer to reality; the texture of life in specific places where good is happening. In this way, through observation and hard work, by building upon what already has life in it, by building what is yet needed, and by fixing what doesn't work, wonderful things will emerge. (USA)
Sweden Plans to be World's First Oil-free Economy: An article by John Vidal, Environment Editor, The Guardian (UK)
Japanese Putting All Their Energy into Saving Fuel: An article by Anthony Faiola, Washington Post, republished in the Energy Bulletin.

Urban Design

2006-03-04T11:51:00.000-05:00

Town Planning Services: The purpose of the discussions available on these pages is to help people in the movement to create an entirely different and more profound process by which we make our homes, our cities, and our lives. (USA)
Intersection Repair: What defines your neighborhood? Do you know the people who live in it with you? Intersection Repair helps neighbors convert street intersections into public gathering places -- the most essential part of your neighborhood for community building. (USA)
The City Repair Project: The City Repair Project is group of citizen activists creating public gathering places and helping others to creatively transform the places where they live. (USA)
Project for Public Spaces: Project for Public Spaces (PPS) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating and sustaining public places that build communities. (USA)
EcoSchool Design (TM): Ecological schoolyards are outdoor learning environments that teach ecological principles through the design of the schoolyard landscape. They can substantially improve the appearance of schoolgrounds while creating hands-on resources that allow teachers to lead exciting "fieldtrips" without ever leaving school property. (USA)
EcoCity Builders: We are a non-profit organization dedicated to reshaping cities, towns and villages for long term health of human and natural systems. Our goals include returning healthy biodiversity to the heart of our cities, agriculture to gardens and the streets, and convenience and pleasure to walking, bicycling and transit. We visualize a future in which waterways in neighborhood environments and prosperous downtown centers are opened for curious children, fish, frogs and dragonflies. We work to build thriving neighborhood centers while reversing sprawl development, to build whole cities based on human needs and “access by proximity” rather than cities built in the current pattern of automobile driven excess, wasteful consumption and the destruction of the biosphere. (USA)
Urban Ecology Australia: Urban Ecology Australia is a non-profit organisation promoting people and nature friendly urban settlements. (Australia)

Green Technology: Water

2006-03-03T13:03:00.000-05:00

Ocean Arks International: Ocean Arks International and its licensees have completed over 80 ecological waste treatment projects worldwide. We are experienced in treating diverse waste streams from municipalities, community developments, agricultural industries, food processors, breweries and cosmetic manufacturers. For over a decade, we have worked to develop an array of innovative natural treatment strategies, cumulating in the highly economical Restorer technology. (USA)
Demonstrating Ecological Design: Imagine a waste-water treatment plant in a greenhouse filled with plants and fish. Imagine a lake being cleaned of pollutants by a windmill-driven, floating island of plants. Imagine a cathedral celebrating the diversity of nature. John Todd has imagined all those things, and more. He's also designed and built them. (Article published in Natural Life Magazine.) (Canada)

Permaculture

2006-03-03T12:40:00.000-05:00

The Permaculture Activist: In 2006, we celebrate our 21st year promoting the design of sustainable human communities. In North America's leading (and the world's oldest) permaculture periodical we offer information on permaculture design, edible landscaping, bioregionalism, cooperative action, aquaculture, natural building, earthworks, renewable energy, practical solutions to the challenges of Real Life, and much more. We provide a current listing of upcoming permaculture design courses and a valuable global networking directory linking students to teachers and information, homeowners to designers and consultants, homeseekers to community, and hope and help for all who desire a healthy happy planet that cares for it's peoples.

Community and Localization

2006-02-28T01:33:00.000-05:00

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)
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)
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)
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.)
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)
The Grinning Planet: The Three Laws of our Energy Peak Future: Local, Local, Local (article)
Post Carbon Institute: Raise Awareness in your community. (article)

What You Can Do

2006-02-28T01:03:00.000-05:00

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)
Smart Living: Smart Steps. Simple Solutions. Smart Living is part of the Eneract's smartliving Community programme. (Canada)
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)

Community Life

2006-02-27T15:02:00.000-05:00

Meet Up: Meet other local people who are interested in making their homes environmentally friendly. Discuss techniques for making your home green! (International)
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)

Gateways to Green Information

2006-02-27T14:58:00.000-05:00

The Environment Directory: Earth's largest environment search engine.
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.
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.
Useful Information for the Active Citizen:

Community Planning

2006-02-27T14:23:00.000-05:00

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)

Green Power

2006-02-27T14:05:00.000-05:00

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)
Toronto Renewable Energy Cooperative:
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)
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)
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)

Sustainability and the Environment

2006-02-27T13:38:00.000-05:00

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)
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)
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)
Eneract: a registered charity that delivers innovative solutions to environmental problems and builds capacity in communities to work towards a sustainable future. (Canada)

How to Search

2006-02-12T00:08:00.000-05:00

Above the blog title (A Crack in the Asphalt), you will see the Blogger TM Search Box in the upper left-hand corner of the black banner. Type in key words of interest and click on "Search this Blog".

Please note: Where relevant, country of origin is included at the end of the link citation. For example: (USA) Country names can therefore be used as key words. Most country names will be spelled out in full (such as Canada) unless the abbreviation is commonly known (such as UK or USA).

Other common sets of key words to search are:

Upcoming Event
E-Newsletter
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Video
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Global
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Shelf Life [Selected Books and Journals]

How to Use Google Calendar for Oakville PPAC Events

2006-02-12T00:06:00.000-05:00

If you are currently a registered user of Google Calendar:

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

If you don't have a Google Account:

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