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People- & Planet-Friendly Events & Features (2000/02/10)
***********************************************
PEOPLE- & PLANET- FRIENDLY EVENTS *UPDATE *
Revised Thurs. Feb. 10, 2000
***********************************************
Here are upcoming SUSTAINABLE LIVING,
ENVIRONMENTAL & SOCIAL JUSTICE EVENTS,
workshops, courses, meetings, conferences, etc. in
Toronto, Ontario & beyond. PLEASE PASS THIS ON or
post at your office or neighbourhood. Send new events
to icontario@aol.com (cc icontario@hotmail.com)
*** CONTENTS ***
(A) NEW EVENTS in Ontario
(B) Recurring / Ongoing Events
(C) New Events Beyond Ontario
(D) NOTICES & ACTIONS
(E) Features:
Summer Courses in "Social Ecology"
Toronto's Environmental Plan
(F) Hot Spots & Cool Links
(G) About this List
This is the *UPDATE EDITION*, which includes only events
that have not been mentioned in previous messages (plus a few
reminders of events coming up this week). The full edition
"Calendar" will be sent occasionally as time allows -- so HANG ON
TO YOUR BACK-ISSUES! New listings (since Feb. 2nd edition)
are indicated by an asterisk (*). In order by date. Please remember
to (also) post your events at: http://events.web.net
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(A) NEW EVENTS IN ONTARIO
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* Events in Toronto, Hamilton, Oakville, Westover, Aurora,
Kortright, Guelph, Waterloo, Woodstock, Kingston, Ottawa,
Addison, Georgetown, Belleville, Clinton, Avonmore,
Markdale, Storrington, Vermont & Worldwide.
* GMO DEMO PLANNING MEETING, Fri Feb 11, 7:30pm,
Hamilton. The Culinary Crusaders Collective meets to discuss the
upcoming action against Industry Canada and the Canadian
Intellectual Property Office (Fri March 10) regarding Canada's
patenting and promotion of GMOs. McMaster University, Students
Lounge 1st floor. Chris Shannon shanon@interlynx.net 905-525-
9257
* ACTIVIST SKILLS WORKSHOP SERIES, Wed Feb 13 - March
16, Toronto. Activist Poster Making (must register) Wed. Feb 23,
6pm, OPIRG office; Facilitation, Wed. Mar 1, 5pm, International
Student Centre (Africa Room); Activist Web Design, Mon. Mar 6,
6pm, Gerstein Science Info Centre; Media Relations, Mon March
13, 6pm, Rose Wolfe Room; Direct Action / Rights and Solidarity,
Thurs March 16, 7pm, International Students Centre (Pendarves
Room). Call to confirm location and date. Ontario Public Interest
Research Group (OPIRG) 416-978-7770
opirg@campuslife.utoronto.ca
http://www.campuslife.utoronto.ca/groups/opirg
* AQUATIC INVADERS: A WORKSHOP FOR LAKE
STEWARDS & EDUCATORS, Sun Feb 13, Toronto. Cottagers,
anglers, boaters, marina operators and educators - learn more about
Ontario's most unwanted Aquatic Invaders! Join biologists and
scientists to learn more about the ecological impacts, spread &
control of aquatic invaders such as zebra mussels, purple loosestrife,
round goby, spiny water flea, and Eurasian watermilfoil. Widely
considered to be one of the greatest threats to global biodiversity,
exotic species introductions have had devastating effects on the health
of the Great Lakes ecosystem. At the Westin Harbour Castle, 1
Harbour Square. $30-$50. Part of the 10th International Aquatic
Nuisance Species and Zebra Mussel Conference (Feb 13-18).
Ontario Federation of Anglers & Hunters 1-800-563-7711 or 1-800-
868-8776 http://www.zebraconf.org.
* CYCLING & SMOG, Mon Feb 14, 6:30pm, Toronto. Toronto
Cycling Master Plan. Free. Toronto City Hall, 100 Queen W.
Toronto Cycling Committee, 416-394-8104
* ALTERNATIVE ECONOMICS & THE ENVIRONMENT, Mon
Feb 14, 7:30pm, Toronto. Anarchist Free School, 254 Augusta Ave,
Kensington Market. 416-203-0191 416-462-1072.
* BIOTECH / GMO MEETING, Mon Feb 14, 7:30pm, Ottawa.
Ottawa Public Working Group on Food Concerns. The recent
Biosafety Protocol Meetings in Montreal, our trip there, and the final
Protocol agreement; plans for concerted, continued action on GMOs
(genetically modified organisms). Please join us. YW/MCA, 180
Argyle St., Rm.245. Lucy Sharratt 613-235-1672 Katherine Gunn
613-729-0504. kgunn@cyberus.ca
* CANADIAN SOCIETY OF ENVIRONMENTAL BIOLOGISTS,
Tues Feb 15, 8:30pm, Oakville. Informal meeting over a few beers.
Bearded Collie Pub, downtown Oakville at 8.30pm. All welcome.
cseb_on@hotmail.com for directions or to get a ride from Oakville
GO station. http://www.soar.to/cseb_on
* OTTAWA GREEN PARTY SOLAR CAR SLIDE SHOW, Tues
Feb 15, 7:30-9:30pm. The first of new monthly gatherings, 3rd
Tuesday of each month.. Slide Show & Talk on Solar Cars, by
Richard Guy Briggs; followed by a social hour. Refreshments
provided. All welcome. Andrew 613-565-2557.
http://www.conscoop.ottawa.on.ca/rgb/ Common Room,
Conservation Co-op, 140 Mann Ave. between Marlborough &
Goulburn, (OC Transpo route #16). Info on future events: 613-860-
1330. Ottawa Green Party http://www.flora.org/green/
* ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LECTURE, Wed Feb 16,
2:30pm, Toronto. George Hidy, american urban pollution expert, on
30 years of science & global environmental policy. Free. Room 101,
Moot Court, 4700 Keele, York University. 416-736-5410
TORONTO ENVIRONMENTAL FILM & VIDEO FESTIVAL
Preview Screening, Wed Feb 16, 5:30pm. A preview of the
inaugural "Planet in Focus: Toronto Environmental Film & Video
Festival" (Sept 28 - Oct 1). Screening of "bear" (22 mins).
Reception 5:30 pm; screening 6:30 pm. Free. John Spotton Cinema,
150 John Street. RSVP: Mark Haslam 416-537-7742. Info:
http://www.planetinfocus.org piffest@web.net
EMERGING ISSUES IN THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR -
IMPLICATIONS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL NON-PROFITS,
Thurs Feb 17, 7:30 A.M., Toronto. Sustainability Network Free
Breakfast Forum with Patrick Johnston of the Canadian Centre for
Philanthropy (http://www.ccp.ca) 7:30-9am - breakfast,
presentation & discussion; 9-10am - issue tables & networking.
Issues tables hosted by Zak Bailey & Audrey Ferrer will focus on the
products and services of the Canadian Centre for Philanthropy.
Central YMCA Auditorium, 20 Grosvenor St. (just NW of College
& Yonge) Free but you must pre-register by Feb 14: Paul Bubelis
416-760-8602 bubelis@switchtech.net http://sustain.web.net
* FOOD ISSUES & ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION GROUPS,
Thurs Feb 17, 5pm, Toronto. International Students Centre (Africa
Room), St. George St., U of T. Ontario Public Interest Research
Group (OPIRG) 416-978-7770 opirg@campuslife.utoronto.ca
http://www.campuslife.utoronto.ca/groups/opirg
* WHOLE VILLAGE DESIGN MEETING & BIODYNAMIC
SEMINAR, Thurs Feb 17, 7-10:30pm, Aurora. Design Meeting &
Biodynamic Farming seminar for all members & friends of Whole
Village. Well known Biodynmic farmers Micheal Schmidt and
Corey Eichmann will share their knowledge and experience with us.
905-833-5402
SOLAR & WIND ENERGY WORKSHOPS, Thurs Feb 17, 6-
9:30pm, Kortright. Discover how to generate electricity using cost-
effective, practical & reliable solar & wind energy. Workshops are
held in a cottage completely powered by solar and wind energy. See
http://www.kortright.org for additional spring dates for levels 1, 2 &
3. Register/info: 905-832-2289
TORONTO RENEWABLE ENERGY CO-OP, Thurs Feb 17, 7-
10pm. Final public meeting on the Federal environmental
assessment Responses to issues including noise, safety, visual
impact, and birds. We strongly encourage people who support the
project to come so that the opponents do not continue to dominate the
formal public consultation process. Metro Hall, City Room, 55 John
St. at King. info@trec.on.ca http://www.trec.on.ca (new phone #
t.b.a.)
* GET MORE GREEN FROM YOUR RRSP, Thurs Feb 17,
7:30pm, Toronto. Coalition For A Green Economic Recovery
presents Dr. Blair Feltmate, expert on sustainable development
performance indices. He will explain why leading edge companies
are going green, and why sophisticated investors and managers of the
Dow Jones index place a premium on green companies, and why
they're earning more profits as a result. Following the break after Dr.
Feltmate's presentation, those who are interested can participate in an
open discussion on proposals to incorporate the Coalition and have a
general manager. Toronto City Hall, 100 Queen St W, Committee
Room 1 Daniel Oster 416-487-9326 daniel_oster@hotmail.com
* STEWARDSHIP FORUM, Sat Feb 19, 9am-3pm, Toronto.
Please join Toronto-area community watershed stewardship &
management groups for a day of information sharing, learning and
networking on stewardship issues. Keynote address from Stephanie
Mills, journalist, ecologist and bioregionalist (sponsored by Ontario
Native Plant Company and Urban Forest Associates). Free,
including a light lunch. Metro Hall, 55 John St. City of Toronto and
Toronto Region Conservation. Register (24-hour registration line):
416-392-9365 More info: 416-392-1339
* TORONTO ENVIRONMENTAL TASK FORCE MEETING,
Mon Feb 21, Toronto. To offer feedback on Toronto's draft
Environmental Plan, call Frank Baldassini at 416-395-7352 to sign
up as a deputant (Same tel. # to get a copy of the plan.) (see
Features, (E), below)
http://www.city.toronto.on.ca/council/environtf_cando.htm.
* RIVERDALE COHOUSING Information Session, Tues Feb 22,
Toronto. Donna Spreitzer 416-463-5324 dspreitzer@aol.com Also
Wed. Mar. 8.
* CHANGING THE WORLD ONE BITE AT A TIME, Wed Feb
23, 7:30pm, Toronto. Join author Joseph Pace as he discusses the
power of food choices to create personal, local and global change.
From his research at the University of Waterloo, Joseph will explain
why the food we eat is the single most pivotal lifestyle decision that
we make and our most powerful tool for positive change. Snacks will
be provided by Vegan Delights and Counter Culture. $4. This event
is in support of Counter Culture (a student-run, not-for-profit,
vegetarian food service) Senate Chamber, North 940 Ross Building,
York University mel@yorku.ca
* GENEACTION, Wed Feb 23 (every 2nd Wednesday), 7:30pm,
Toronto. Working to end the production & distribution of genetically
engineered foods, through direct action and community
outreach/education. 348 Danforth, Carrot Commons room 212.
geneaction@graffiti.net
ACTIVIST SKILLS WORKSHOP SERIES, Toronto.
Facilitation, Wed Feb 23; Media Relations / Public Speaking, Wed
Mar 8; Poster Making, Wed Mar 15; Direct Action, Wed Mar 22.
Call to confirm location & date. OPIRG Toronto, 416-978-7770
opirg@campuslife.utoronto.ca 563 Spadina Ave
http://www.campuslife.utoronto.ca/groups/opirg
* INTRODUCTION TO ECOLOGICAL AGRICULTURE,
various dates in late February & March in Georgetown,
Belleville, Clinton, Avonmore, Markdale & Storrington, Ontario. A
2-day course for farmers. Also "RENEWABLE ENERGY FOR
THE FARM" in Huron and Leeds-Grenville counties. The Ontario
Agricultural Training Institute http://www.oati.com 416-485-5661
1-800-668-6284 infooati@oati.com
* HEALTHY ENVIRONMENTS, HEALTHY HOMES, Tues Feb
29, 10am, Toronto. Indoor Air Group. Renovation & repairs.
Indoor Air Group, South Riverdale Community Health Centre, 955
Queen St. E. 416-461-1925 416-462-1072.
* PUBLIC INTEREST SCHOOL, Fri Mar 3 - Sun Mar 5, Kingston.
Workshops: theatre; video; grant writing; producing radio
documentary; strategy and tactics of civil disobedience; managing
stress and burnout; activist circus; anti-oppression. OPIRG Kingston.
Info / arrange transportation: 416-978-7770
* STUDENTS AGAINST SWEATSHOPS, Fri Mar 3 - Sun Mar 5,
Waterloo. National Conference. Multi-purpose Room, Student Life
Centre, U of Waterloo. Transportation: 416-978-7770. More info:
519-888-4567 x4882
* THE UNIVERSITY AND THE ECOLOGICAL CRISIS, A
Forum on Environmental Studies in a Changing Ontario, Sat Mar 4,
York University, Toronto. To provide an opportunity for networking
and information sharing among environmental studies academics and
students across Ontario; to discuss the past, present, and future of
environmental studies in Ontario, especially in relation to changing
public perceptions of the importance of environmental concerns; to
discuss the ethical responsibility of environmental studies scholars to
put the ecological crisis back on the public agenda; to discuss the
potential role of ESAC or other organizations in addressing issues of
public concern outside of academe. $15/$10 incl. lunch & snacks
Registration deadline: Thurs Feb 24. Fees will be accepted on site.
To register: please e-mail jodyhanson@yahoo.com with "ESAC
Registration" in the subject line; or fax to Dianne Zecchino 416-736-
5679. Include your name, status (regular/student/unwaged), contact
info. This is the first in a series of regional meetings. Environmental
Studies Association of Canada 519-888-4567 x. 6783
esac@fes.uwaterloo.ca esac@yorku.ca http://www.yorku.ca/esac
Conference info: jodyhanson@yahoo.com, ai@yorku.ca
* THE WHOLE VILLAGE, Sun Mar 5, afternoon, Aurora.
Orientation meeting. 905-833-0064 or 519-941-1099
http://www.wholevillage.org
* ORGANIC LANDSCAPE ALLIANCE, Fri Mar 10, Toronto.
Day-long conference of organic lawncare and landscaping techniques
presented by the Organic Landscape Alliance. Guest speakers from
the Organic Landscaping and Lawncare trades, lunch, presentations.
Info/register: 416-596-7989
* GMO DEMO, Fri Mar 10. Demo against Industry Canada and the
Canadian Intellectual Property Office regarding Canada's patenting
and promotion of GMOs. Chris Shannon shanon@interlynx.net
905-525-9257
* KINGSTON COHOUSING, Mon Mar 13, 7-9pm. Public
meeting. Kingston Frontenac Public Library, 90 Johnson Street,
Kingston. 613-548-4146
* COMMUNITY FORUM ON FOOD SECURITY ISSUES, date
t.b.a. in late March, Guelph. Where does you food come from? Is
food a right or a commodity? How is the food system organized? Is
your food safe? Community gardens; community shared agriculture
(CSA); organic meat; alternative food banks; community food policy
councils; building institutional capacity; strengthening links between
producers & consumers; supporting local organic farmers; consumer
information & protection; partherships; organic research. "From the
Ground Up": Canadian Red Cross, Everdale Organic Farm &
Learning Centre, Guelph Community Health Centre, Guelph
International Resource Centre, Ontario Public Interest Research
Group, Wellington-Guelph Health Unit, United Way of Guelph-
Wellington. Kelly, OPIRG Guelph 519-824-2091
* MAY DAY 2000 - A CARNIVAL AGAINST CAPITALISM, Fri
Apr 28 - Mon May 1, around the world. Festival of Ideas and
Actions Against Globalization. Committees are already planning
events for Winnipeg, Toronto, Vancouver, Ottawa and other events
will be announced in the months to come. In London, May Day 2000
will be a 4-day gathering of grass roots empowerment against
capitalism. Teach-ins, workshops, high profile speakers, a bookfair,
film festival, art exhibition, a Critical Mass bike ride, parties,
maypoles, mayhem and mass actions on Monday May 1st to
celebrate our diverse struggles against capitalism, exploitation and
the destruction of the planet. Brian Edgecombe briane@tao.ca
http://wtocaravan.org/mayday2k/
* STEWARDSHIP AND CONSERVATION - CARING FOR OUR
LAND, Sat June 3 - Tues June 6, University of Guelph. Diverse
audience of both government and non-government organization
representatives from all sectors, and from all parts of the country.
Sharing experiences, techniques & approaches, identifying needs and
support required for future success, and developing new visions of
organization and partnership. Land trusts and community groups in
conservation; Working with private landowners; Stewardship policies
and programs; Legislative and securement tools; Applying science,
local and traditional knowledge; Building networks and partnerships;
Sustaining your organization. Peter Mitchell 519-824-4120
ext.8329, http://www.uoguelph.ca/~claws/conference
claws@uoguelph.ca
* HERB FAIR 2000, Sun June 4, noon-6pm, Toronto. Admission
free. York Quay Centre, Harbourfront Centre. 416-536-1509
http://www.herbalists.on.ca
* ONTARIO DRAFT HORSE DAYS, Fri Aug 25-27, Addison,
Ontario. Three unforgettable days of discussion and hands-on
training with teamsters and their horses. Beginner to experienced. In
eastern Ontario, 20 km north of Brockville. $30-$40; $5 Saturday
observer pass. Ruth Freeman 613-924-9354
ruthfreeman@cybertap.com (Preceded by Eastern Ont. Workhorse
Workshop, Aug 21-25 $395)
* AG EXPO 2000 - CANADA'S OUTDOOR FARM SHOW, Tues
Sept 12 - Thurs Sept 14, Woodstock. Positioning Canada as a leader
in global agriculture; hosting delegations from around the world;
establishing new links for international trade. International
agricultural innovations & technologies; Global Agri-Trade Centre;
ag tours & seminars; tile drainage demonstration; alternative power
demonstration; organic farming presentation; skid steer demo;
equipment rodeo. 1-800-563-5441
http://www.outdoorfarmshow.com
* RECYCLING COUNCIL OF ONTARIO, 21st Annual
Conference & Trade Show, Tues Oct 24 - Thurs Oct 26, Ottawa.
"Mission Possible: Strategies for Sustainable Resources and
Products". Ottawa Congress Centre. http://www.rco.on.ca Cara
Henry 416-960-1025 ext.16 cara@rco.on.ca
*NOTE* Please confirm details (date, time, place, seats, cost) for any
event before you attend. Accuracy of this list is not guaranteed.
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(B) RECURRING / ONGOING
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* FREE UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO, most courses start late Feb.
Students, staff, faculty and community members interested in
reclaiming university education for the people; an open, accessible,
inclusive, non-corporate, no-fees University of Toronto. Sampling of
courses: Participatory Communication; Alternative Theories of
Capitalism; Public Speaking and Communication Skills for An
Activist Community; Climate Change: The Science, The Economics,
The Politics; The Art of Resistance; Local Democracy & Local
Gov't; Video Activism. General Meetings Thursdays at 5pm, Grad
Student's Union, 16 Bancroft Ave. Chris Ramsaroop 416-832-4932
http://www.utoronto.ca/acc/freeu ohayon@chass.utoronto.ca
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(C) NEW EVENTS BEYOND ONTARIO
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*Please see Feature (E), below.
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(D) NOTICES & ACTIONS
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* PLAN B ORGANIC FARM. Come visit our developing
sustainable ecosystem - an adolescent forest garden of trees, flowers,
herbs & vegetables. Reaquaint yourself with the source of your food.
Nurturing, fun & educational environment. Inexpensive organic
meals at the farm; work for food exchange. Pioneers in pedal-
powered farm equipment & weekly home or depot delivery. Farm
Tours, 5th Concession West, Westover, Ontario. Van leaves
Wednesdays & Sundays. Chris MacLuckie 416-737-4514
* ONTARIO NUTRITION & FOOD SECURITY NETWORK.
Sharing information about food secruity programs, policy & research
initiatives and community action and advocacy. E-mail list-serve;
monthly fax & e-mail bulletin; interactive web-site under
development. Fiona Knight 416-367-3313 1-800-267-6817 ext 31.
foodont@web.net Temp. web-site at: http://www.opha.on.ca
* CMHC HOUSING AWARDS PROGRAM. Recognizing
successful innovations of individuals and organizations that have
improved the quality, choice and affordability of housing in this
country. Applic. deadline Mar 31. Canada Mortgage and Housing
Corporation (CMHC) http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca hap@cmhc-
schl.gc.ca
SEEKING INFORMATION ON HOW TO ORGANIZE
& PROMOTE AN EVENT. Descriptive info, bibliographies,
links, media, consultants, resources, etc. For the new People-
& Planet-Friendly Web Site (should be up & running by mid-Feb).
Please e-mail to icontario@aol.com All input will be appreciated,
short or long! If possible, please include the information in the
body of your message (rather than as an attachment). Thank you!
OTHER EVENT LISTS (complete list in full calendar edition):
Web Networks Events: http://events.web.net/ Now Magazine -
Events & Grassroots column. listings@nowtoronto.com
http://www.nowtoronto.com/forms/dailies.html
416-461-0871 fax 416-461-2886. *Political Action News
Ontario http://www.interlog.com/~cjazz
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(E1) FEATURE 1
SUMMER COURSES IN SOCIAL ECOLOGY
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* SUMMER COURSES IN SOCIAL ECOLOGY, Vermont.
"Social Ecology": a coherent, radical critique of current anti-
ecological trends; a reconstructive, ecological, communitarian and
ethical approach to society. The Institute for Social Ecology (ISE),
located amid central Vermont's rolling mountains, has been a center
for education and action based on the ideas of social ecology since
the 1970's. The ISE and its programs also serve as a forum for
serious dialogue among ecological, social justice, and anti-corporate
activists, as a laboratory for new ecological technologies, and as a
resource for community groups around the world.
(1) Planning, Design and Construction for Sustainable Communities,
May 26 - June 16. Using the ISE's 50-acre site as a laboratory, we
will explore design principles and practical skills that can be applied
to any task: a building, a garden, an orchard, or a campus.
Demonstrations, hands-on projects & discussions: Layout & Design
Principles; Drawing, Drafting and Mapping; Permaculture and
Ecological Restoration; Construction Techniques; Principles of
Sustainability; Organic Agriculture; Appropriate Technologies.
(2) Ecology and Community, June 23 - July 21. This month-long
residential learning experience offers intensive workshops and
practica in the field of social ecology. Participants will live, learn and
work together in a community setting that reflects the ISE's belief in
self-reliance, democracy and participation. There are a variety of
activities, from work in the gardens, to studies in activist history and
strategies, to philosophical explorations of society and nature.
Courses include: Culture and Resistance in the Global Economy;
Ecological Movements and Social Activism; Key Concepts in
Ecofeminism; Radical Agriculture and Ecological Technology;
Toward Directly-democratic Communities; Public Education and
Community Action
The ISE offers a college-level curriculum. Upon successful
completion, students may receive credit for their work as an outside
educational program of Burlington College for an additional fee. The
acceptance of transfer credit is at the discretion of the student's home
institution.
The Institute for Social Ecology was established in 1974 and was
incorporated in 1981 as an independent institution for the purposes of
education, research, and outreach in the field of social ecology. For a
quarter of a century, ISE has inspired individuals involved in
numerous social change movements to work toward a directly
democratic, liberatory, and ecological society. The educational
programs of Institute for Social Ecology have served more than
2,000 students worldwide.
We invite you to speak with us about your goals and we'd be happy
to send you our catalog. Feel free to contact us at ISE, 1118 Maple
Hill Road, Plainfield, Vermont 05667 USA, (802) 454-8493,
ise@sover.net, or visit our web site at http://ise.rootmedia.org/ for
more information.
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(E2) FEATURE 2 - TORONTO'S ENVIRONMENTAL PLAN
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GREEN TORONTO - THE ENVIRONMENTAL TASK FORCE BULLETIN
Issue 2 - January 20, 2000 Please copy & distribute
(1) *** A letter from the Environmental Task Force Chair ***
Dear Friends:
This is the first time some of you will have heard about the
Environmental Task Force. We wanted to let you know that the Task Force has
just released the Consultation Draft of the City's Environmental Plan. Called
Clean, Green and Healthy: A Plan for an Environmentally Sustainable
Toronto, the Plan is a major step towards improving the environmental
health of the city.
The plan is necessary for many reasons, most especially to protect our
children's future. After all, they are the ones who are most vulnerable
to environmental pollution. It is their health that has to be
protected.
As you know, children are uniquely vulnerable to environmental pollution
because they are in a dynamic state of growth. Take air pollution as an
example. Young people consume more oxygen than adults to maintain body
warmth. An infant consumes three times as much air per pound of body
weight as an adult - that means three times more pollutant per pound of
body weight!
The Environmental Task Force has heard from over 1000 people, most of
whom are parents. The Environmental Plan reflects the concern parents
expressed for their children. We are confident that the 60 plus
recommendations are practical and necessary steps towards achieving
environmental health and protecting our children.
Now we want your feedback. Before finalizing the plan, we want to hear
from you. Below we outline how you can be part of the consultation
process. Your input is vital to ensure the future health of our City and
its residents.
Thanks,
Councillor Jack Layton. Chair Environmental Task Force
(2) *** Draft Environmental Plan Helps Protect Our Children's Future ***
Toronto will take big steps towards being a clean, green and healthy
city if the recommendations in the Environmental Task Force's
Environmental Plan are adopted. After 18 months of consultation, the
Environmental Task Force released a draft environmental plan for Toronto
in mid January. Using the sustainability framework first popularized by
the Brundtland Commission, the Plan contains many initiatives that will
reduce pollution and make the city a healthier place for its residents,
especially young children.
Plan Highlights include:
- eliminating pesticide use in the city
- cleaning up Toronto's rivers and lakefront
- developing a household hazardous waste program
- reducing smog through energy efficiency and green power initiatives
- increasing parks and natural areas and implementing annual tree
planting programs
- improving the quality of Toronto's drinking water
- promoting better city planning to reduce urban sprawl
With over 60 recommendations, the proposed Plan also sets out strategies
that promote sustainable energy and sustainable transportation by
reducing fossil fuel use that causes deadly smog.
After the public consultation period in January and February, the
Environmental Plan will be finalized by the Environmental Task Force on
February 21st and then submitted to City Council for approval in early
April.
(3) *** What You Can Do ***
Get a copy of the Environmental Plan and feedback form. Call Frank
Baldassini at 395-7352 or visit the Environmental Task Force Website
(see below). Next, give us your feedback. Here's how you can get it to us:
* Come to our Public Consultation meeting on January 31st at 6:30 pm.
Call 392-9365 to register.
* Give a deputation at the February 21st Environmental Task Force
meeting. Call Frank Baldassini at 395-7352 to sign up as a deputant.
* Email your comments to etf@city.toronto.on.ca.
* Fax your comments to Joy McCallum at 392-0816.
* Send your comments to: Environmental Task Force, c/o Joy McCallum,
23rd Floor East Tower, City Hall, Toronto, M5G 2N2.
Web Site: http://www.city.toronto.on.ca/council/environtf_cando.htm
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(F) HOT SPOTS & COOL LINKS
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*** PEOPLE- & PLANET-FRIENDLY WEB-SITE - will be up
& running by mid-February or sooner. Stay tuned!
- ONTARIO ENVIRONMENT NETWORK, P.O. Box 1412,
Station Main, North Bay ON, P1B 8K6. 705-840-2888;
fax 705-840-5862 http://www.web.net/oen oen@web.net
- SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES NETWORK
http://www.sustainable.org info@sustainable.org
- NATURAL LIFE, CANADA'S ALTERNATIVE
NEWSMAGAZINE. RR 1, St. George, ON N0E 1N0 519-448-
4001 fax: 519-448-4411 natural@life.ca http://www.life.ca
Print and on-line editions.
- ONTARIO PUBLIC INTEREST RESEARCH GROUP (OPIRG).
Activist resource centre; literature; bulletin board. New address:
563 Spadina, S of Harbord. Mon-Wed 2-6pm; other hours vary.
416-978-7770 opirg@campuslife.utoronto.ca
http://www.campuslife.utoronto.ca/groups/opirg
- ALTERNATIVE RESOURCE GUIDE, 416-487-9401
info@ecotique.com http://www.ecotique.com $8.95 Available
in Toronto at Noah's & Grassroots; see web-site for more locations
- GRASSROOTS ENVIRONMENTAL PRODUCTS, 408 Bloor
W. at Brunswick 416-944-1993 and 372 Danforth at Chester 416-
466-2841 grassrts@web.net
- GREEN COMMUNITIES ASSOCIATION, P.O. Box 928,
Peterborough, ON, K9J 7A5. 705-745-7479, fax: 745-7294
sharyn@gca.ca http://www.gca.ca
- ECOVILLAGES, Cohousing, Intentional Community in Ontario:
introductory e-mail available. icontario@hotmail.com
http://www.gaia.org http://www.ic.org http://www.cohousing.org
- KARMA FOOD CO-OP. Toronto's only storefront food co-op.
Great selection of organic & conventional veggies, bulk, meat,
dairy, groceries. Come by for a trial shop. Mon 12-7; Tues-Thurs
12-9; Fri 10-9; Sat 10-6; Sun 11-5. 739 Palmerston (in back lane),
near Bathurst subway. 416-534-1470.
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(G) ABOUT THIS LIST
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The purpose of this list is to help publicize events of (mostly) non-
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