Green Neighbours 21

HISTORIC! "In a first for Canadians, a river in Côte-Nord, Que., has been granted legal personhood by the local municipality of Minganie and the Innu Council of Ekuanitshit." This is a way for us to take matters into our own hands and stop waiting for the Quebec government to protect this unique river, explained Alain Branchaud, executive director of the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, Quebec chapter. After a decade of our message falling on deaf ears in government,... the Magpie River is now protected as a legal person. https://www.nationalobserver.com//quebecs-magpie-river-fir

"Despite the greenwashing and at the end of the day we cannot let capitalism tell us that we aren’t practicing sustainability if we don’t have a certain new eco-product or a particular brand of reusable water bottle. We do the best we can with what we have. Always. Our ancestors knew that to be true!"

Wow - Toronto Seedy Saturday has gone online! It is happening this SATURDAY 27 FEB 10am to 2pm. Checkout the website to see the exhibitors and sign up for the awesome workshop webinars. Fabulous program.

Good point. Since there is recyclable plastic for packaging, why package in anything else? Or better yet - skip the packaging entirely?

Green job anyone? https://www.efficiencycanada.org/were-hiring-project-manag/

Youth Climate Leadership Program provides young people in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA), aged 19-25, the opportunity to grow leadership skills, network with peers and create climate action initiatives in their communities. A 6-month program. APPLY NOW - applications are reviewed as they come in. Program starts March 1st.

One of the big problems with plastic recycling is there's not a high value market to buy it. Hopefully enterprises like this one could change that. And make collecting plastic an economic opportunity (but without unleashing the making of even more plastic). Concrete is very carbon intensive to make and very heavy to transport. These plastic bricks look lighter. I wonder what their R-value is? I wonder if it would be a good product for mold-resistant, durable housing in remot...e locations? Interesting ... lego for homes! https://fb.watch/3eMJuSNtyL/

TD, BMO, CIBC, RBC and Scotiabank are all funding the climate crisis. Does that include your bank? Are you happy about that? What to learn more? Come to an informative webinar on SUNDAY JANUARY 24TH at 3pm ... * Learn about the Big 5's big investments in fossil fuels. * Learn about existing alternatives.... * Learn about the campaign to pressure the big 5 into cleaning up their act And on FRIDAY JANUARY 29TH take action!

Tired of big banks continuing to invest in fossil fuel infrastructure expansion? You are not alone! On Friday Jan 29th, join others in putting pressure on your bank manager to divest - and to invest in a renewable future instead. Climate Pledge Collective - Bank Switch and For Our Kids Toronto are inviting you visit your bank branch in person, or deliver a letter, or stay home and call or email - on Friday Jan 29th. Don't just lament, take action! ... RSVP today to keep on top of what everyone is planning. More info here: https://climatepledgecollective.org//how-to-participate-i/

A climate powerhouse of a family! Check them out. Lot's of fabulous projects and challenges for the whole family st their website. https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1085946471845229&id=427528971020319

"According to the city, 71 per cent of residents who participated in a poll conducted in preparation for the pilot said they were likely to purchase an EV in the next five years, and more said that they would consider purchasing EVs if charging stations were available." Looks like change is coming!

Celebrate this year's 35 Exhibitors; environmental groups, authors, and sustainable businesses. Learn and be inspired by them, and get lucky - win prizes!

Hi friends, it’s time for some fun! #wesolationstyle Join us as we co-host a fun, engaging, family-friendly game show live on Zoom as part of @ecofairtoronto's ...amazing lineup of events. We’ll be joined by two fantastic teams who will test their sustainable shopping knowledge in classic Family Feud style! Following the gameshow, we’ll share our personal recommendations for sustainable shopping here in the city, and answer any questions you may have. Don’t miss it!!! When: Thursday, November 5th, 2020 Time: 7:00pm EST Where: Zoom (LINK IN BIO) #dontshoptilyoudrop #sustainableshopping #madeeasy #consciousconsumer #sustainablegifts #smallbusiness #supportlocalbusiness #familyfeud #gameshow

Watch "Kiss the Ground" at the EcoFair and then join this panel discussion to get the inside scoop on regenerative agriculture right here in Ontario. Regenerative farming is an inspiring idea. But what’s the reality like, and how do you begin?

This looks like fun! A Family Feud style game show that will test participants' knowledge about sustainable shopping here in Toronto! With Adrianna Couto & Erika Reyes of Inwit, Sophi Robertson of Your Eco Friend, and Lin & Toni of Plasticfree Toronto. A 2020 EcoFair Toronto event! Register here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/webinar-sustainable-shopping-fa

Celebrate the start of a green new decade! Take Action. Take a Pledge: http://bit.ly/EcoFairTOClimatePledges

Who thinks trucks can't be electric? This Canadian EV company makes them and they are BIG! "Lion Electric launched the Lion8 Class-8 electric truck in 2019. The battery-powered Lion8 was designed for urban deliveries, with a range of up to 250 miles on a single charge. It has gross-vehicle weight rating of 54,600 pounds. Its cool. Its a smart truck. Its quiet. Its smooth, Lion Electric President Marc Bédard told FreightWaves in 2019.... The Lion8 also is designed to endure the harsh Canadian winters. Sub-zero temperatures typically result in a decrease in range of 10%"

And now for a quick look ahead at next week at the EcoFair - the 4th and final week. Enjoy sustainable shopping family feud, style explore if regenerative farming can reverse climate change, and ... Don't miss the ECOFAIR EXHIBITOR FINALE on Sunday Nov 8th with special guest Dr Dianne Saxe. In the meantime check out this year's exhibitors and their awesome 1-minute EcoFair videos here: https://www.ecofairtoronto.org/exhibitors/

Who thinks trucks cant be electric? This Canadian EV company makes them and they are BIG! "Lion Electric launched the Lion8 Class-8 electric truck in 2019. The battery-powered Lion8 was designed for urban deliveries, with a range of up to 250 miles on a single charge. It has gross-vehicle weight rating of 54,600 pounds. Its cool. Its a smart truck. Its quiet. Its smooth, Lion Electric President Marc Bdard told FreightWaves in 2019.... The Lion8 also is designed to endure the harsh Canadian winters. Sub-zero temperatures typically result in a decrease in range of 10%"

What kind of recovery do you want? A federal decision is hanging in the balance.

Looks like an ingenious way to repurpose textile waste. Beats landfill!

"Active & Healthy" week starts TOMORROW with a 7pm webinar on active transportation at the EcoFair. Don't miss the free film BICYLE and film discussion this weekend. And on Sunday afternoon, relax and enjoy yummy plant-based cooking with a professional chef!

Would this work in Toronto? The article says: "The turbines can only be installed in places where municipal water pipes flow downhill, as using electricity to pump water through them would defeat the purpose." In Toronto, there are water reservoirs above the hill near Davenport. So when the water is used it flows downhill. True? So yes?

Join a discussion about the film "BICYCLE". The film is free online this weekend at EcoFair Toronto! ecofairtoronto.org for details

Everyone is invited to ... Whats the big deal with plastic? This is the question they will help you answer! Mind Over Matter (August 19, 2020 | 6:30-8pm EST)... This session is focused entirely on YOU. Transforming your world starts with transforming your relationship to yourself. Bring your journal and your favourite pen and get ready to explore your attitudes and relationships to the world around you. Maybe its your first time hearing about #plasticfreejuly, and you have no clue where to begin, or why you would even bother trying. Maybe youve been doing the whole sustainable thing for a while, but you feel like theres still more to it. Or maybe youve already changed your WHOLE life only to realize that the world around you is still full of $h*%. Discover the interconnecting worlds of plastic production, capitalism, social justice, environmental racism and utopia! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/plasticfreedom-tickets-1121512

Live demo with a professional chef! Learn delicious recipes and lots of ideas for plant-based snacks and mains. Join a lively conversation on the benefits and techniques of incorporating more plant-based meals into your repertoire. Event attendees will receive the featured recipe to follow along, or cook-along if they wish!

Meet #EcoFairTO exhibitor-author & illustrator Mariko Uda! She's a longtime GN21 participant. Congratulations on your book Mariko! #EcoMariko's book "Where does it all come from? Where does it all go?" helps city dwellers see how we're connected to the environment, so we can become a part of the solution! #EcoFairTO #GreenNewDecade #Toronto #Books

Inspiring story - would you like to help it spread, keep it going?

Everyone is invited to ... What's the big deal with plastic? This is the question they will help you answer! Mind Over Matter (August 19, 2020 | 6:30-8pm EST)... This session is focused entirely on YOU. Transforming your world starts with transforming your relationship to yourself. Bring your journal and your favourite pen and get ready to explore your attitudes and relationships to the world around you. Maybe it's your first time hearing about #plasticfreejuly, and you have no clue where to begin, or why you would even bother trying. Maybe you've been doing the whole sustainable thing for a while, but you feel like there's still more to it. Or maybe you've already changed your WHOLE life only to realize that the world around you is still full of $h*%. Discover the interconnecting worlds of plastic production, capitalism, social justice, environmental racism and utopia! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/plasticfreedom-tickets-1121512

Lowell, a longtime GN21 participant, is an exhibitor online at the EcoFair this year. Check out his video! Lots more exhibitor videos at ecofairtoronto.org. https://www.facebook.com/593283412/posts/10159087254923413/?sfnsn=mo

Green Neighbours 21 is excited to let everyone know that although the EcoFair at the Barns will not be held this year due to the pandemic, there will be an online EcoFair to keep up the tradition! The 12th annual EcoFair is called 2020 EcoFair Toronto. It will be a series of online webinars, films, workshops, and an exhibitor showcase all happening between Oct 15 and Nov 8. PLUS - new this year - EcoFair on Two Wheels will be bringing the celebration to neighbourhoods aroun...d town - including St Clair W! This bigger bolder event is co-organized by Green Neighbours Network of Toronto, to which Green Neighbours 21 is a member. This way other green groups across the City can join Green Neighbours 21 in sharing in the fun!

Watch the highlight reel of Corporate Knights Building Back Better roundtable series! As Canada debates ways to rebuild the post-COVID economy, Corporate Knights commissioned research and gathered leaders from finance, business, labour, policy, Indigenous and other communities to develop new solutions for Building Back Better.... That conversation began with a table-setting white paper each week for seven weeks, with a package of bold policy proposals presented at the weekly roundtables. The goal: to inspire Canadian decision-makers to seize this opportunity to Build Back Better. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KwgOHFutvwc&feature=youtu.be Read their synthesis report collating all seven white papers: Building Back Better with a Bold Green Recovery. https://www.corporateknights.com//building-back-better-bo/

This Thursday at 7pm - register here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/webinar-waste-not-home-energy-t

TOMORROW! Shaping a Just Recovery in Davenport: A Community Conversation, on Housing and Homelessness Organized by: St. Annes Church, Davenport Mutual Aid Network, and Green Wave West Date: Wednesday, July 22nd, 2020 Time: 7:00pm - 8:15pm ... RSVP: Eventbrite https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/shaping-a-just-recovery-in-dave Admission: Free. All welcome. On July 22nd, 7pm, you are invited to a community conversation with St. Annes Church, and Davenport Mutual Aid Network, to talk about housing and homelessness. Hear from experts and those working on the ground across Davenport, including about the proposed modular housing development at 150 Harrison St. Come with your questions ready as this will be a highly interactive conversation.

Natures air conditioners :) More trees please!

Interested in making your home cosier, more energy efficient, and save money at the same time? Or maybe youre considering a deep energy retrofit? Then this series of webinars is for you! https://www.eventbrite.ca/o/betterhomesto-29239375861

APPLICATION DEADLINE EXTENDED UNTIL JULY 31ST Heres a super opportunity for the next generation of aspiring women climate leaders! Please apply - we need you! This mentorship program is dedicated to women working on climate issues to create a healthier, more sustainable and resilient urban future in Toronto. Benefit by sharing knowledge and experience through this C40 program in partnership with the City of Toronto - and more!

Nature's air conditioners :) More trees please!

Got an old pair of jeans? What about turning them into an apron at this upcycling workshop by the @textilemuseumofcanada? Sustainable Textile Teach-in: Upcycling Denim Jul 18, 2pm - 3:30pm (Registration limited)... Join Leah Sanchez, Education and Interpretation Coordinator at the Textile Museum and co-founder of Works-In-Progress collective in this upcycling workshop. Register & more information here: https://textilemuseum.ca//sustainable-textile-teach-in-up/

APPLICATION DEADLINE EXTENDED UNTIL JULY 31ST Here's a super opportunity for the next generation of aspiring women climate leaders! Please apply - we need you! This mentorship program is dedicated to women working on climate issues to create a healthier, more sustainable and resilient urban future in Toronto. Benefit by sharing knowledge and experience through this C40 program in partnership with the City of Toronto - and more!

Green Jobs! Deadline July 17th.

A resident in Davenport in Toronto started a petition to call upon the Government of Canada to enshrine an ENVIRONMENTAL BILL OF RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES into Canadian law. If the petition reaches 500 signatures, Davenport MP Julie Dzerowicz will table it in the House of Commons on behalf of the signatories. As per House of Commons rules, once it is tabled, the Government will have 45 days to officially respond. To read more about this petition and lend your support, click... here or visit: https://petitions.ourcommons.ca/en/Petition/Details Advocating for specific ideas like this through House of Commons petitions is one of the best tools we have to make our voice heard!

Are you a birder - or aspiring birder? Then youll be interested in this news from Ontario Nature ... Preparations are underway for the start of the third Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas (Atlas-3) in 2021. The goal of Atlas-3 is to map the distribution and relative abundance of Ontarios approximately 300 species of breeding birds. This enormous citizen science project is achievable only through the mass participation of the provinces birders. There is no atlassing to be done... this year, but we are hoping that everyone will be working on their birding skills in preparation for the start of the project. Visit www.birdsontario.org to find information about the Atlas and tips on how you can improve your birding skills at home in preparation for Atlas-3.

Are you a birder - or aspiring to be one? Heres a great way to get involved ...

Thank you Canada - a step in the right direction!

Are you a birder - or aspiring birder? Then you'll be interested in this news from Ontario Nature ... Preparations are underway for the start of the third Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas (Atlas-3) in 2021. The goal of Atlas-3 is to map the distribution and relative abundance of Ontarios approximately 300 species of breeding birds. This enormous citizen science project is achievable only through the mass participation of the provinces birders. There is no atlassing to be done... this year, but we are hoping that everyone will be working on their birding skills in preparation for the start of the project. Visit www.birdsontario.org to find information about the Atlas and tips on how you can improve your birding skills at home in preparation for Atlas-3.

Are you a birder - or aspiring to be one? Here's a great way to get involved ...

Where in our Ward could we put one - or more?!

TONIGHT! Register now!

Monday evening, encourage all levels of government to build back better - to a create a more equitable & sustainable green new decade!

Interested in making your home more comfortable, more energy efficient AND save on operating costs? This webinar series is for you - and it starts tomorrow! BetterHomesTO Renovation Webinar Series: Learn from leading industry experts everything from planning a renovation, rebates and financing, to the home upgrades that will make homes more comfortable and climate-friendly. ... Series starts TOMORROW Thursday July 9th at 7:00 PM with "Planning Your Home Renovation: A Step-by-Step Guide." Details and registration found here: https://bit.ly/BHTOEvents https://www.eventbrite.ca/o/betterhomesto-29239375861 The weekly renovation webinar series will run throughout the summer. It is aimed at Toronto homeowners. Presented by the Citys Environment & Energy Division in partnership with The Clean Air Partnership.

You are invited to the Friends of Cedarvales "Ecosystem Webinar" at 7 pm on Sunday, June 21st "Creating and Living with Native Ecosystems across Toronto Watersheds " Webinar speakers: ... * Jode Roberts, Suzuki Foundation Butterflyway and Project Swallowtail - pollinator habitat * Steve Smith, Urban Forest Associates Inc- ecological restoration on public and private land * Sadia Butt, UofT graduate candidate - beneficial uses of native plants and trees To attend, go to: [email protected] and request link to registration form (native is flora and fauna here before European Settlement) Funded by a TD Park People Grant

Creating jobs, healing the ocean, and fighting climate change - win-win-win! "Smith is the pioneer behind "regenerative ocean farming." It involves growing seaweed and several kinds of shellfish not just to feed people but to heal the oceans and fight climate change. He said the aim is "going beyond sustainability and using our crops to breathe life back into ecosystems.""

Want sustainability and fairness in Torontos recovery plan? Heres a chance to have your say! The Toronto Office of Recovery and Rebuild is seeking feedback from individuals, businesses and community groups on how Toronto can recover, rebuild and emerge from this pandemic even stronger. An online survey, as well as tips and tools for hosting your own discussion, is now available at toronto.ca/RecoveryRebuild. The survey is open until June 30, 2020. Link to online survey:... http://track.upaknee.com//6111771225cdcd91044aa0be258d6125 Since the outset of the pandemic, input from residents, community partners and businesses has helped shape the Citys response to the crisis, and will help shape future actions to recover and rebuild. The City and its divisions and agencies will continue to engage with community partners and groups, Indigenous communities, residents and businesses to seek input throughout the different phases of recovery and rebuild.

THIS PROGRAMME IS FOR YOUNG WOMEN WHOD LIKE TO BECOME CLIMATE LEADERS - please apply by July 15, we need you! "The C40 Women4Climate Mentorship Programme matches mayors, city officials, and committed leaders from the business sector, international organizations and civil society with emerging women leaders. Mentors share their knowledge and experiences, supporting the mentees to become powerful leaders in their chosen field, including politics, NGOs, business, media, and co...mmunity groups. Applications for Women4ClimateTO will be open from June 5 July 15, 2020. For the application or more information, visit: www.w4c.org/mentorship Please let others know about this fabulous opportunity! https://w4c.org/mentorship

Missed it? No problem! It was excellent - well worth a watch - and the great news is that you can still enjoy it. Watch the YOUTUBE WEBCAST HERE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e0iAhDzZ7N8

You are invited to the Friends of Cedarvale's "Ecosystem Webinar" at 7 pm on Sunday, June 21st "Creating and Living with Native Ecosystems across Toronto Watersheds " Webinar speakers: ... * Jode Roberts, Suzuki Foundation Butterflyway and Project Swallowtail - pollinator habitat * Steve Smith, Urban Forest Associates Inc- ecological restoration on public and private land * Sadia Butt, UofT graduate candidate - beneficial uses of native plants and trees To attend, go to: [email protected] and request link to registration form (native is flora and fauna here before European Settlement) Funded by a TD Park People Grant

TONIGHT at 7pm! Still time to register for this fabulous family-friendly free webcast about nature & biodiversity in the city. Sign up and help celebrate UN World Environment Day!

Want sustainability and fairness in Toronto's recovery plan? Here's a chance to have your say! The Toronto Office of Recovery and Rebuild is seeking feedback from individuals, businesses and community groups on how Toronto can recover, rebuild and emerge from this pandemic even stronger. An online survey, as well as tips and tools for hosting your own discussion, is now available at toronto.ca/RecoveryRebuild. The survey is open until June 30, 2020. Link to online survey:... http://track.upaknee.com//6111771225cdcd91044aa0be258d6125 Since the outset of the pandemic, input from residents, community partners and businesses has helped shape the Citys response to the crisis, and will help shape future actions to recover and rebuild. The City and its divisions and agencies will continue to engage with community partners and groups, Indigenous communities, residents and businesses to seek input throughout the different phases of recovery and rebuild.

THIS PROGRAMME IS FOR YOUNG WOMEN WHO'D LIKE TO BECOME CLIMATE LEADERS - please apply by July 15, we need you! "The C40 Women4Climate Mentorship Programme matches mayors, city officials, and committed leaders from the business sector, international organizations and civil society with emerging women leaders. Mentors share their knowledge and experiences, supporting the mentees to become powerful leaders in their chosen field, including politics, NGOs, business, media, and co...mmunity groups. Applications for Women4ClimateTO will be open from June 5 July 15, 2020. For the application or more information, visit: www.w4c.org/mentorship Please let others know about this fabulous opportunity! https://w4c.org/mentorship