FEBRUARY 2010
The Sustainable Environment Network
Society (SENS) Newsletter
Environmentally active for over 40 years!
Support Us! You can become a member (Family - $20.00, Individual - $15.00, Basic - $5.00), attend our monthly meetings (the 4th Thursday usually), donate and/or volunteer. Mailing address: c/o the Boys and Girls Club, 3300-37th Avenue, Vernon, V1T 2Y5. Website: www.sensociety.org
*** SENS provides tax-deductible
receipts for donations ***
SENS STUFF
Our usual February evening may cancelled and, taking its place in the same
week, a climate change discussion with Colin Mayes, our MP, as guest. He is
supposed to be available to talk to all constituents while Parliament is
prorogued. Wefd have local professionals talk about the economic, health, and
environmental effects of global warming on our area. We have yet to hear from
our MP as to which evening he could attend. Please stay tuned!
Transition Towns: Workshop for Facilitators, March 6, 7, Vernon.
SENS AGM: Seed exchange and speaker on genetically
modified foods, March 25.
Natural Step: Sustainability initiated by the City of
Whistler, April 22
Green Communities – Short Films: May 27
LOCAL STUFF
1. Green Croft Gardens,
Enderby: Producing high quality, locally grown
organic vegetables and fruits, this
family farm strives to encourage and educate future generations to eat and/or
grow organic food. Visit www.greencroftgardens.com
for directions.
2. Wild Flight Farms, Mara: Produce is sold, 3 - 5 pm, on Feb 8, 22, Mar 8, 22, April 5, 19 at the side of the Vernon Alliance Church (2601
43rd Ave). Email wildflight@jetstream.net for
order inquiries.
3. Salmon Arm Opposition To Wetland Shopping Mall: Wetland Alliance: The Ecological Response (WA:TER)is
fighting creation of a 400,00 sq ft shopping mall on wetlands adjacent to the
mouth of the Salmon River since it goes against the OCP, encroaches
on critical habitat and watercourses, degrades water quality, changes flood
patterns, and compromises at-risk species and their critically endangered ecosystems. See www.wa-ter.ca for details.
4. January 28 Cosmetic Pesticides Forum: See the following links for details on peer reviewed research and
more http://ehp03.niehs.nih.gov/home.action
www.cdc.gov/exposurereport/
http://nosenfantsnousaccuseront-lefilm.com/bande-annonce.html
Some speaker commentsclow
level chronic exposure to chemicals is what does the damage to us yet tests are only done using high doses and
most tests are done by the chemical companies. As well, there is a 30 year
latency period before chemicals cause problems. Females with chlordanes (from
DDT) in their systems can birth sons with testicular cancer. 2,4-D changes to 2,4-DCT which is more
carcinogenic than 2,4-D. Chlorinated pesticides (endocrine disruptors) are fat
soluble and so donft easily get flushed from our systems. Some people are more
able to flush chemicals from their system than others. gInertf chemicals in a
pesticide are not identified and are not ever tested so how they affect us
and interact with all the other
chemicals we are exposed to is never known. Almost no pesticides were in use
before WW2 and testing, when done later, was not rigorous. There are now 7,000
pesticides registered for use in Canada.
Almost 4.7 million killograms of pesticides were bought in BC in 2002
for home use – thatfs 10 times more than
for agricultural use. Most
users believe them to be safe. In 1950 1 in 20 females got cancer. Now itfs 1 in 8. Deniers use the term
gjunk scienceh for research that justifies regulation to protect health and
environment yet they use gsound scienceh for their own research. Would you prefer to have healthy children/grandchildren or a green
lawn?
SENT BY MEMBERS AND READERS
1.
Cosmetic Pesticides: The ministry is interested in hearing your comments concerning cosmetic
use of pesticides. The deadline is February 15, 2010. For more information and
a response form, go to www.env.gov.bc.ca/epd/ipmp/regs/cosmetic-pesticides/consultation.htm. A proposal by the
Canadian Cancer Society (BC/Yukon) concerning this can be found at www.cancer.ca/bc.
This is
a one time chance to make a difference! Please express your concerns!
As well, a coalition of 18 health and environment organizations is urging the government to pass leading-edge legislation to ban sale and use of cosmetic pesticides. Read their statement at: www.toxicfreecanada.ca New evidence has come forward linking pesticides to cancer, birth defects, learning disabilities, Parkinsonfs Disease, and neurological illness. Children are at greatest
risk since they have a very large surface skin compared to their body mass and are undergoing so many cell divisions as they grow. 76% of BC residents are in favour of a provincial pesticide ban.
One reader
sent this comment: "As long as people are
allowed to make money from selling products that negatively affect the health
of the planet without any penalty, many will. And many people who are not fully
aware of the impact will fall prey to the advertising and buy these products.
Therefore, we elect government to intervene and protect the health of the
people."
2. Bees and Pesticides: The mystery of colony collapse disorder continues, but researchers are finding widespread evidence that neonicotinoids, the most widely used group of insecticides in the United States, may play a lead role. Without bees for pollination wefre finished! Read and learn more at www.motherearthnews.com/Nature-Community/Colony-Collapse-Pesticides-Bees.aspx.
3.
GMOs Take Over Britain?: Citing the need for food security in
an uncertain global environment, the British government unveiled a national
20-year food-security manifesto that encourages importing (GMO?) foods from
poorer countries and encourages increased in-country food production and a
smaller environmental footprint. The argument is that by keeping food
importation high, importing countries will free up natural resources and it will
be sustainable (according to the report, transport is said to account for only
9 % of the food chain's GHG emissions), and it will reduce international
tension and conflict.
Source: www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/britain-unveils-future-of-food/article1420301/
4. Global WARming: During the first 5 years of the US war in Iraq, at least 141 million
metric tons of carbon dioxide were produced – the equivalent of putting 25
million more cars on the road in the U.S. in one year. The U.S. war in Iraq
emits more CO2 annually than 139 of the worldfs nations together. Even more
troubling is that these emissions are unreported for military reasons! For more,
go to www.policyalternatives.ca/publications/reports/Canadian-military-spending-2009.
5. The Oilsands – Even More Toxic: According
to an independent study,
pollution from Albertafs oilsands is nearly five times greater than industry
figures say and twice as widespread. It says toxic emissions from the oilsands
industry are equal to a major oil spill occurring every year. The study
estimates that about 34,000 tonnes of particulates are falling every year and
it also criticizes the (still) gserious defectsh in the Alberta Governmentfs monitoring
program. To access this and other reports on the Oilsands, visit www.tarsandswatch.org/.
6. Voting For Urban Sprawl: Pending
approval of a proposed amendment, Florida is set to become the only state in the
U.S. requiring democratically elected urban sprawl. If provincial legislation similar to what is
proposed in Florida can be enacted here, then the urban growth machine might be
reined in and required to take large developments to a mandatory referendum.
Source: http://salmonarm.wordpress.com/2010/01/11/making-orlando-bloom-again-by-rick-shea/
7. No GST on Bikes: Please support this petition to ensure cyclists do not pay a 7% tax on bikes, bike parts and repairs. Emissions in BC come from non-cyclist transportation so the tax is a form of disincentive. www.squeakywheels.ca. Rally and petition presentation will be March 3 in Victoria.
8. Climatologistfs
Video: THE world's best informed climatologist makes the urgency of
climate action clear, emphasizes the fact that science and policies should not
be divorced, and that all who understand something clearly have a debt to pay,
and that is to speak frankly so the public understands the urgency. Speak
out! Video found at: www.stormsofmygrandchildren.com/
FROM GUY DAUNCEYfS ECONEWS
1.More
on Pesticide Research: Dogs: bladder cancer incidence 4 – 7
times greater for owners who used phenoxy acid herbicides on their lawns vs
those who did not. Children:
4 times more likely to get soft–tissue carcinoma if their yards were treated
with pesticides, and a 3 – 9 times
increase in childhood leukemia if parents used pesticides during
pregnancy. Golf Course use of the
herbicide 2,4-D meant childhood cancer of those living nearby was 37 times
higher than normal.
Please send an e-mail to ask for a bylaw provincially that is strong enough to stop use and sales of cosmetic pesticides. The Canadian Cancer Societyfs website: www.advocate.ccsbcy.ca
FROM ECOJUSTICE
1. Victory for Sacred Headwaters: In a clear and unanimous ruling, the Supreme Court has found that the
federal government, which had granted permits to a gold and copper mining
project in northern B.C., violated the law by excluding the mine itself (Red
Chris) from environmental assessment. The result is a monumental victory for
the environment that upholds our right to participate in large industrial project
assessments. And while the ruling did not stop the Red Chris mine from going
forward, any permits that threaten our lakes and rivers, or that risk the health
of the Sacred Headwaters area will continue to be opposed. In the meantime, we
have successfully secured stronger environmental accountability for future
projects throughout the country.
FROM WATER SUSTAINABILITY PROJECT
1. Modernizing B.C.fs Water Act: In 2009, the Premier of B.C. asked for citizens to become part of the solution in securing our water future. The NGO (non-governmental organization) community of B.C. has answered that call and expect a modern BC Water Act will: (1) protect stream health and aquatic environments, (2) improve water governance arrangements, (3) improve the water allocation system, and (4) regulate groundwater use. A full statement of the expectations may be found at www.watershed-watch.org/news/item.html?nid=479.
FROM LIVING OCEANS SOCIETY
1. Closed Containment: Living Oceans and its partners have achieved a major
breakthrough in their efforts to
transition open net-cage salmon farms into closed containment systems. Marine
Harvest Canada, B.C.fs biggest farmed salmon producer and a Norwegian-owned
Corporation, formally requesting federal government help to launch a closed
containment pilot project in 2010.
FROM CANADIAN ENVIRONMENTAL NETWORK
1. Boreal Forests Wonft Survive: According to a new study, the world's boreal forests will likely not be able to respond to global warming. Massive forest dieback is a more likely scenario with extensive declines even at moderate levels of warming. When global warming exceeds 2 degrees Celsius vast areas of boreal forest may be transformed into open woodland or grassland. Read the study at www.airclim.org/reports/documents/APC23_borealforest.pdf.
2. Carbon Audit/Reduction Program: Canadafs Sustainability Solutions Group (SSG) is now offering a carbon audit and reduction program to make non-profit organizations more sustainable. The program will help develop carbon knowledge; perform a carbon baseline audit; plan for carbon sustainability; and offer carbon reduction tools and tracking. For more information about the program and the 6 reasons to take on a SSG Carbon Account, visit www.sustainabilitysolutions.ca.
FROM SMART GROWTH BC
1. Walkable Homes: According to a recent study that looked at the sales of 90,000 U.S. homes in 15 markets, houses with above-average Walk Scores (based on number of destinations, including libraries, parks and coffee shops, within walking distance) commanded a premium. This backs up a previous study that found walkable neighbourhoods generally hold their market value when the market slumps. The trend seems to be that, with some exceptions, property values closer to city centres are more stable. Study and scores for the U.S.fs 40 largest cities, visit Walkscore.com.
2. Mattress Recycling: The first and only
mattress recycling company in B.C. was started by university students who
wanted to make a difference. They dismantle and recycle old mattresses,
repurpose the materials and keep them out of the landfill and waste stream.
3. Liveable Transit: Under new funding guidelines introduced by the Obama Administration, major transit projects will now be based on liveability issues. Funding decisions will now be evaluated on the projectfs environmental, community and economic development benefits, as well as
congestion relief benefits. In addition,
past projects that were cut by the Bush Administration might be resurrected. Source: www.fta.dot.gov/news/news_events_11036.html
4.
Affordable Solar Homes: A new program in California is offering
residents that buy new solar homes fixed electricity bills for 20 years and
lower operating costs. This will save hundreds if not thousands over the lease
of the house! Hopefully Canada or the province will offer a similar program in
the future. For more solar energy news, check out www.solarindustrymag.com.
5.
Redundant Gateway: Even though preliminary work on the $1.1-billion,
40-kilometre, four-lane truck freeway is well under way -- already carving up
farmland, destroying homes and disrupting neighbourhoods and wilderness areas
in Delta and Surrey – opposition remains strong. The argument is that the
project, still in its infancy, can still be reversed. The recent worldwide
recession has created huge amounts of excess shipping capacity for Ports like
Vancouver, such that Gateway is no longer needed. Also the thinning arctic ice
above Russia, which opens up another shipping passage and a wider Panama Canal
set for 2014, makes a resurgence in shipping seem unlikely. The money could
still be better spent improving transit. For the entire article, visit www.theprovince.com/business/business/2451837/story.html
6. Sustainable Community gHow Toh: This study developed an inventory of existing resources across 10 theme areas, which provide "how-to" guidance on achieving more sustainable residential communities. Each of the 81 resources includes a short description supported by a qualitative assessment and other key information. The study reveals the gaps in the "how-to" information that already exists for those in the residential sector wishing to achieve a higher level of neighbourhood and community sustainability. http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/odpub/pdf/66640.pdf
FROM
RECYCLING COUNCIL OF BC (RCBC)
1.Household Organics are 30% of the waste stream.
The Victoria area will ban them from landfills by 2012 since a pilot
project was so successful.
2. Port Alberni is
switching to 2 times a
month garbage pick-up to save money and encourage more rethink, refuse,
reduce reuse, recycle. Why not here?!?
3. A Kamloops
Rail-tie gasification plant may go ahead despite opposition by council and
a hSave Kamloopsh group. Burning of the creosoted rail ties would generate
hundreds of toxins that can cause cancer and birth defects.
4. 25 cent bag
levies are now in Northwest Territory grocery stores, and in 2 years, will be
in all retail stores. We need this in BC so we donft produce such waste in the
first place. London will be plastic-bag free by 2012.
5.See: A New Climate For Conservation at www.forestethics.ca that
asks for 50% of BC to be protected for biodiversity, connectivity of
landscapes, and carbon capture. The province's climate over the next 100 years
will become even warmer, with mean annual temperatures warming by 3 - 5 C if
current trends continue unabated. There will be more extreme weather events
with increasing intensity of storms, floods, wildfires and drought.
6. India is using plastic
mixed with bitumen to successfully surface roads so none goes into landfills.
Co-edited
with Egan Mandreck