Eco-Journal

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Eco-Journal

Volume 11, Number 4

September/October 2001

 

Index

Simplot: Reduced Flow for Assiniboine
    by Lindy Clubb

New Staff at Eco-Network

Unique Educational Program Combines Traditional and Western Knowledge
    by Don Sullivan, Boreal Forest Network

What's Happening

Mentoring New Farmers
    by Charlene Rowland, Organic Food Council of Manitoba

Climate Change Task Force Report: Province Urged to Do More on Climate Change
    by Anne Lindsey

Anishinaabe Turtle Island Protectors: Elders Declaration

Waste Reduction Week in Manitoba

New Book Prize for U of Winnipeg Students to Honor Dr. Eva Pip
    by Dennis Bayomi

Canadians for a Healthy Future
    by Dennis Bayomi

>

 

Simplot: Reduced Flow for Assiniboine
     By Lindy Clubb

Aquifer - an underground layer of porous rock containing water. Irrigate - to supply land with water by artificial means. Water Rights Policy for Manitoba - guaranteed supply for any use. Sustainable Development - a principle not yet practiced by the province ( v. - tends to run away from principles when faced with profits.)

The Province of Manitoba is subsidizing J R Simplot's proposal to build and operate a potato plant near Portage La Prairie. Water Resources Branch has answered the demand for increased water for the plant and its potato producers by canvassing the Assiniboine Delta, preparing to siphon off supplies to and in the Assiniboine River, and trying to keep up with the many requests for increased irrigation for the area by looking to aquifers, water diversion and storage schemes for supply. Officials are hoping for the best when new legislation interferes with this creativity in agricultural and commercial demands for water. The Province has accepted recommendations to make sure that planning drives development (not the reverse) from the Consultation on Sustainable Development Implementation, so such legislation is presumably in the works. (and it's been in the works for years (see Links Magazine, Fall 1994, article "How Thirsty Are We?, Conservation should be prime consideration on water policy").

Supply on demand is an ongoing issue. The first Clean Environment Commission Hearings in many years will soon be held (likely November and December) to follow the course of environmental impacts from the Portage la Prairie Potato Processing Plant.

What is at stake?
Simplot wants the plant and so do the city of Portage La Prairie and surrounding municipal residents. The city is offering upgraded water and wastewater treatment, the province will provide roads, the municipality will help on a cost shared basis with infrastructure, and the land for the plant was offered for free. The offer was accepted, and the push for a Water Rights License to accommodate the irrigation plans for necessarily-increased potato production began. 

Unfortunately we don't know if the this river and it's aquifers can supply the amount of water needed for a guaranteed steady supply of spuds for fast food chain restaurants, and still keep the fish and other life forms in the river alive.
There are concerns of nutrient loading, siltation, sandy soil sponge-like effects, salinity, and the absence of best management practices by farmers to be considered, along with the allure of up to 350 jobs in Simplot's future plant. Our willingness as a province to supply the water may not dovetail nicely with the environmental effects in the future, and certainly doesn't fit with the study results trickling in now.

Three separate projects

There are three separate projects requiring water. Central Manitoba Resource Management Limited (potato farmers) wants 1000 acre feet per year for their crops. The City of Portage wants 1,200 acre feet per year to accommodate the processing plant. And JR Simplot requires 10,000 acre feet per year for the purposes of irrigation for Phase 1 of their operation, and an additional 10,000 acre-feet per year of water for Phase 2. 

 

Can the Assiniboine supply this much water? Good question. 

 

We are still studying that one while we go ahead and try and supply it, similar to someone driving before they've had lessons. Possible cumulative impacts, like accidents waiting to happen, are often ignored in the path of progress. As Larry Strachan from the Environmental Approvals branch states "We recognize that the instream flow requirements and basin planning activities should ideally precede water allocations from the river; however, the magnitude of the planning activities precludes their completion prior to further allocations. In the meantime, safeguards are used in the licensing process to ensure that allocation adjustments can be made in the future if necessary."

One of the necessities for future adjustments in allocation might be drought, one might be climate change effects, one might be full allocation of water in the aquifer by Saskatchewan using the portion they are entitled to but haven't taken yet. There are also the federal requirements of adequate in-stream flows to address the No Net Loss Policy on fish, and the effects of irrigation and increased pesticide runoff on water quality to be considered.

So far, the Coalition To Save the Assiniboine River has done a wonderful job of acquiring and commenting on the paper trail of this complicated, fractured, task. It hasn't been easy for anyone without an engineering degree. Thanks go to Glen Koroluk for his patience, skill in letter writing, and perseverance to date.
The Coalition's position is to stop new irrigation projects of all kinds until 3 things are accomplished:

1) Manitoba Government determines what the instream flow requirements are for the aquatic health of the Assiniboine River (already affected by Maple Leaf's pork plant in Brandon)

2) An irrigation plan is developed and completed (with public input) for agri-Manitoba

3) A management plan is completed (with public input) for the Lower Assiniboine River Basin, including management plans for the underlying aquifer.

The Coalition has sound reasons for these ideals to be accomplished. Perhaps we could all work to make them a reality. 

 

At present, environmental caution is an ideal, while harmful development is the reality, at least where irrigation is concerned. Since we have altered 20,000 miles of Manitoba's formerly intact wetlands to accommodate our needs, perhaps we could now begin to accommodate the basic needs of water to sustain its own life, and ours as a consequence.

 

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New Staff Members at the Eco-Network

We are pleased to introduce three new staff at the Manitoba Eco-Network office. The person you'll most often encounter when phoning the office is Liz Dykman, who has stepped into Jan Westlund's shoes as Co-ordinator. Liz has a Masters in Environmental Studies from Waterloo - her thesis was Planning for Ecologically Sustainable Cities: a Case Study of Plan Winnipeg. She did her undergraduate degree in Applied Ecology at the University of Manitoba. Liz currently sits on the Board of Resource Conservation Manitoba and has volunteered for the Organic Agriculture Conference, and in the Eco-Network office. She and her partner spent the past year "farmsitting" at the organic farm of David Neufeld and Maggie Andres. In addition to her considerable environmental knowledge, Liz brings excellent technology skills to our office and is now the person responsible for the MEN website.

Larry Laliberte is now in the position of Librarian at the Alice Chambers Memorial Library, here at the Eco-Centre. He will be working 20 hours a week for us, and 20 hours for Library at the Centre for Indigenous Environmental Resources, just across the street. Larry is excited about combining these two positions and has plans for building greater co-operation and formal connections between our two collections, and those of IISD and the federal and provincial governments at the VIA rail station. Before starting at CIER, Larry was the Acting Head of the Map and Aerial Photography Library at the University of Oregon. He holds a Masters in Library and Information Science from the University of Western Ontario and an undergraduate degree in Geography, and has considerable experience in the GIS mapping field.

Larry loves to track down information and welcomes your enquiries. You may contact him at library.mbeconet@mts.net or by phone. His hours are: Monday and Wednesday mornings, Tuesday afternoons, and Thursday evenings from 4-9.

Audrey Friesen also joins us as bookkeeper one day per week.

Welcome all!

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UNIQUE NEW EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM COMBINES TRADITIONAL AND WESTERN KNOWLEDGE
    by Don Sullivan, Boreal Forest Network

In May of this year, the Boreal Forest Network, in conjunction with elders in Hollow Water, Manitoba and academics from the University of Manitoba and Trent University, launched a three-year Indigenous Peoples' environmental educational pilot project entitled the "Soaring Eagle Project." 

This unique educational program combines Traditional Ecological Knowledge and Western Environmental Science and is funded by a three year grant from the National Science and Engineering Research Council of Canada with additional annual financial contributions from the Sustainable Development Innovations Fund, the Manitoba Model Forest Program and Boreal Footprint Project.

The primary intent of the program is to introduce environmental concepts that directly relate to the Traditional territory of the participating students, using Aboriginal and Western Science perspectives as the foundation for learning about environmental issues. Originally there were 24 applicants to the program, eight were eventually chosen after a rigorous screening process. The students, mostly from Hollow Water, were given a living allowance for the duration of the four week course. 

Culturally appropriate
The course and instructional material were designed to be delivered in a culturally appropriate fashion and included student participation in sharing circles, sweat lodges, traditional oral teachings from elders, understanding of medicinal plants, field trips to sacred sites and teachings about the Clan system. In addition, a combination of videos, lectures, field trips and workshops were conducted, in a non-academic manner, by academic and government experts in the fields of plant biology, wildlife, fresh water habitat, ecology and forestry.

Personal insights
At the end of each week students and the primary instructors conducted joint evaluation of the week's lessons and, if necessary, the following week's instruction would be modified collectively to reflect the students' primary field of interest. This made the program very fluid and organic in nature. At the end of the four weeks students were required to submit a final report detailing their learnings and and personal insights about the environmental issues facing them as Indigenous Peoples, and how best to use their traditional worldviews and knowledge along with western environmental science to address environmental concerns facing their community.

Like any new undertaking the program was not without its logistical problems, but on the whole students came away enthusiastic and full of ideas on how to address environmental problems that are facing their traditional territory. Because the program initially lacked the necessary funding to run a 10 week course as we had initially hoped, the program will be running another 4 week
course this winter, with the same eight students. This sections will address some of the more theoretical aspects of western environmental science, in combination with field trips that will see the participants interact with trappers from the community to learn from those who know the land the best.

 

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What's Happening

October 6 Western Canada Wilderness Committee will be at the Forks to raise awareness about the plight of Canada's endangered species. They are traveling across the nation with their giant inflatable Grizzly Bear and Vancouver Island Marmot, two species at risk in Canada. They will distribute postcards to send to the Federal Government to support greater species protection.  At 6:30 pm there will be a slide show / information session at the University of Winnipeg, Centennial Hall Room 1C18.

October 15 to 19 is National Waste Reduction Week in Canada! Local participation is being coordinated by Resource Conservation Manitoba. Contact Jonah at 925-3772 or jonah@resourceconservation.mb.ca for more information on how you, your school or your workplace can get involved.
Monday - Waste Reduction; Tuesday - Reuse; Wednesday - Recycling; Thursday - Energy Conservation (including transportation); Friday - Water Conservation; Saturday and Sunday  Composting

Thursday October 18, 7:00 pm Monthly Meeting of the Speleological Society of Manitoba University of Winnipeg Geography Dept. 5L24 

Wed. Sun. evenings to October 21. Migration Magic! View migrating geese on Fort Whyte Centre's lakes at sunset each evening through the fall. Reduced evening admission.

Sunday, November 4, 1-4 pm Building Peace Through Play Festival Free event at Robert A. Steen Community Centre Non-violent play alternatives, children's entertainment, vendors selling non-violent toys, games, books. Call Project Peacemakers at 775-8178

November 7 & 8 Conservation that Works! For nature, for communities, for the economy.  A conference hosted the National Round Table on the Environment and the Economy and the Manitoba Round Table for Sustainable Development. At the Delta Winnipeg Hotel. Registration is necessary. For agenda and registration see the NRTEE website www.nrtee-trnee.ca or call 947-6511 for information.

November (dates TBA) Clean Environment Commission Hearings into the proposed JR Simplot
Potato Processing Plant at Portage la Prairie.

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MENTORING NEW FARMERS
    by Charlene Rowland, Organic Food Council of Manitoba

click for photo

The Organic Food Council of Manitoba is happy to introduce its first pilot project called an Organic Farm Mentorship Program. This program began in April 2001 in Manitoba and it is hoped that it can be expanded throughout other Canadian Organic Growers (COG) chapters in the years to come.

The main goals and objectives of this project are to establish a mentorship program between successful, experienced and new organic farmers. 
- To promote the desirability of farming in Manitoba and to facilitate the development of new organic farmers in Manitoba; especially youth.
- To develop an educational program, both in-class and on-farm, that reflects the needs and concerns of the organic farming community. 
- To promote the organic farming community as a whole by establishing networks of communication and by facilitating the growth and expansion of its members. 
- To target identified needs of the organic farming community and to build on already existing strengths. 
- To increase the visibility of the organic farming community, and increase the availability of locally produced organic foods to Manitoba consumers.

Learn while you work  

Through funding from the Sustainable Development Initiatives Fund, a branch of Manitoba Conservation, the Organic Farm Mentorship Program was able to place three participants on three different organic farms in Manitoba and offer them a 'living allowance' while they work with and learn a variety of skills from their mentor throughout the season. This year, the participants are being trained in a variety of skills including livestock management, small-scale vegetable
gardening, and field crop production. As well, each participant is encouraged to develop a final product from their individual projects which they will be assisted in marketing at the end of the season. This gives the participant encouragement toward become self-sustaining on their farm and adds yet another valuable organic product to the Manitoba organic sector. 

 

The Organic Farm Mentorship Program also hopes to help forge a link between organic farmers within Manitoba who are nearing retirement and want to pass on their farms to another generation of organic producers and stewards of the land. Through the Mentorship Program, the retiring farmer can arrange a lease-to-own agreement with the new farmer which would include standards and guidelines of sustainable stewardship to be followed on the land. Also, this would give the
new farmer an opportunity to work with the experienced farmer and learn specific details about farming that particular property.

 

Making the transition easier
The Program can also assist conventional farmers who wish to make the transition from their present farming practices into an organic production. By aligning them with an organic mentor and working on a 10 year farm plan, as well as with working alongside the organic producer for a season, the transitional stage from conventional to organic can be made a lot easier.

Inspired by similar organizations such as the Willing Workers On Organic Farms (W.W.O.O.F) this new mentorship program hopes to bridge the gap between new farmers looking to get into organic production and the experienced farmers wanting to pass on the tradition of stewardship. Currently the offices for both the Organic Food Council and the Organic Farm Mentorship Program are housed in the Clearwater Elementary School located in Clearwater, Manitoba. The donation of this office space was graciously made by the community of Clearwater, and the Prairie Spirit School Division #50 when the student population in the area decreased to a size that called for a closure of the school facilities. 

Through ongoing projects such as these, the Organic Food Council of Manitoba aims to follow its mandate of being a leading information and networking resource in Manitoba that promotes the growing and accessibility of organic food and its associated environmental, health, and social benefits.
If you would like to apply to become a participant or a mentor with the Organic Farm Mentorship Program, or wish to contact the Organic Food Council of Manitoba please find us at: 

Organic Farm Mentorship Program
Box 7, #8-10th Street North
Clearwater, Mb
R0K 0M0
Ph# (204) 873-2676
Fax# (204) 873-2576
Email: landlink@mts.net

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Climate Change Task Force Report: 

Province Urged to Do More on Climate Change 
    By Anne Lindsey

Noting that events of the past weeks have only served to reinforce the knowledge that "we're all in the same lifeboat", Lloyd Axworthy presented the report of the Manitoba Climate Change Task Force, to Premier Gary Doer on September 17. 

In his remarks, Mr. Axworthy emphasized that reduction of greenhouse gas emissions must become a higher priority for Manitoba in addressing climate change. The negative impacts of climate change are already being felt by Manitobans, he said, a fact which was brought home to the nine members of the Task Force as they held public meetings and sought input from people around the province over the summer months.  It was no great surprise that he, and the Task Force, asserted that Manitoba is strategically positioned to be a "leader" in shaping Canadian climate change policy, and in supporting innovative technologies and practices which can lead to a reduction in emissions as well as economic benefit for the province.  

To the credit of the Task Force, this report does not shy away from describing some of the problems which Manitoba will encounter as the globe continues to warm. In all sectors, the outlook is not encouraging:  

Forests: "On the whole, the southern portion of the boreal forest is expected to decline and disappear, while the northern edge may not be able to extend into the existing tundra ecosystem due to the poor soils in this region" (p.11);  

Agriculture: "the province will likely experience more frequent drought and will need to adjust water management and irrigation practices accordingly...Many pests and diseases could survive over milder winters or spread into Manitoba from warmer regions" (p. 10);  

Northern communities: "Melting permafrost could not only severely affect northern transportation networks; it may also result in damage to buildings and infrastructure, drainage problems and increased safety issues on roads and in buildings. The natural landscape and its flora and fauna could be affected, changes that could especially impact communities that continue to engage in traditional hunting and gathering activities. In Hudson Bay, an extension of the ice-free season could threaten seals and their main predators, polar bears. Coastal areas could experience more erosion and flooding due to a rising sea level"(p.16);  

Health and Welfare: "Health-related impacts include higher incidence of heat stress and allergies, as well as vulnerability to new diseases and pests...More vulnerable populations, such as young children, the elderly and those with respiratory diseases will need greater access to information and services" (p.19), and there's more. 

Not far enough

Sadly, the corresponding "opportunities" in these sectors seem very thin by comparison. (For example: "the shipping season from the port of Churchill could expand because of a longer ice-free season. Northern residents and industries might also benefit from lower heating costs"). 

Sobering though this section of the report is, Don Sullivan, the North American Co-ordinator of the Boreal Forest Network, feels that the report does not go far enough in documenting the drastic impacts that climate change is predicted to have in the boreal forest. He points out that it is the world's largest forest ecosystem upon which a whole culture depends for its spiritual, material and cultural well-being, and feels that it should have received much more thorough treatment. 

Many recommendations 

The Task Force makes a host of policy recommendations, both close to home in the steps that can be taken here to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and, (since Manitoba is actually only responsible for a small percentage of Canada's total emissions)in terms of actions on the national and international stage. 

The report is firm in its recommendation that Manitoba push for the ratification of the Kyoto Protocol, and significantly, that this province "encourage the federal government to address the conflict between Canada's commitments under the Kyoto Protocol and its support of fossil fuel energy developments". Manitoba's leadership in these areas, Mr. Axworthy said, can begin right away at the next Joint Meeting of Ministers of Environment and Energy, to be held in Manitoba in late September. 

Hydro development key 

The report suggests that the trade-offs for fossil fuel development should be equivalent real greenhouse gas reductions or funding alternative energy projects. And while alternatives such as biofuels, hydrogen and wind energy are mentioned and promoted several times in the report, the real centrepiece of "opportunity" that is suggested for Manitoba is the further development of our hydro-electrical resource. 

Manitoba should be levering its "clean energy export potential", the Task Force says, in the development of a continental energy program, which has as a pre-requisite a continental climate change policy which ensures "effective emission-restraint measures." While the notion of such a program is an excellent one, some are troubled by the large role Hydro development, together with necessary transmission capabilities, is assumed to play. 

Encouraging 

Other significant policies recommended for the provincial government by the Task Force involve such areas as setting emission reduction targets for government operations, requiring analysis of climate change impacts of major infrastructure projects involving public funds, and significantly, using financial instruments such as tax shifting and incentives to reward emission reduction initiatives. It also recommends an urban transportation fuel tax to fund transit improvements in urban centres. 

These are all encouraging policy recommendations, according to Harvey Stevens, President of Resource Conservation Manitoba. Stevens is convinced that measures such as these will begin to actually change people's behaviour in relation to greenhouse gas emissions. 

Many recommendations are made in other key areas including: 

•  the development of an emissions trading system, which includes the use of so-called "carbon sinks" (areas such as forested and agricultural lands which, when functioning optimally, can actually sequester or remove carbon from the atmosphere). Sinks have been one of the most contentious issues in international climate negotiations, and are still poorly understood. This report calls for research to fill the knowledge gaps in this area; 

•  addressing northern and aboriginal concerns such as the early impacts on this region and shifts in employment in fishing, hunting, trapping and tourism; 

•  addressing urban issues including land use planning; 

•  partnering with other levels of government, the private sector and pertinent organizations to achieve emissions reductions 

•  the report calls for a tri-level initiative similar to the Winnipeg Development Agreement with adequate funding to provide resources for research and pilot projects; 

•  building public support for action through outreach and education, which includes supporting successful climate change initiatives. Here, Harvey Stevens would like to see commitments to more secure funding for NGO initiatives. 

RCM's Green Commuter Challenge is given high praise in the report and held up as an example of a showcase project that helps to build public awareness. The report specifically recommends that it be funded. Yet the entire climate initiative of the organization is currently shut down because of the vagaries of federal and provincial project-oriented short term grant programs. 

If government is really serious about the involvement of small, grassroots NGOs, Stevens says, this kind of longer-term commitment will need  to be made.  

What's missing? 

Don Sullivan is disappointed at the lack of specific policy recommendations for the Boreal Forest. Key amongst these, he says, would be a commitment to protection and preservation of the remaining unallocated forest lands in Manitoba, and the promotion of alternative fibre sources. 

Gaile Whelan-Enns, of the Canadian Nature Federation's Wildlands Project echoes this concern and wonders why there is no mention of biodiversity or species in this report. She would like to have seen a clear recommendation for a carbon inventory for the province as an aid in decision- making. 

Hogwatch's Glen Koroluk is surprised that more was not said about agriculture beyond the obvious call for more research and the acknowledgement that agro-forestry and zero-tillage are practices that can enhance carbon sequestration. 

Nevertheless, there are many quite clear and positive suggestions in this report which, if implemented, can go a long way to getting Manitoba caught up with other jurisdictions. 

Premier Gary Doer received the report enthusiastically, declaring it an "action" item, which "will not gather dust". He praised the work as a "long term vision, with short term action steps" and promised that his "government will be accountable to the public for the actions in the report".   

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Anishinaabe Turtle Island Protectors:  ELDERS DECLARATION 

On September 7, 8, 9, 2001, some seventy Elders and Traditional People  gathered at Raven's Creek in Hollow Water, Manitoba, at the invitation of the  Anishinaabe Turtle Island Protectors. The participants at this gathering reached  consensus on the following Declaration.

ELDERS DECLARATION
We, Elders and Traditional People, from Turtle Island, are truly concerned for the health ofMother Earth.

"We must realize that this Mother Earth does not belongs to us, but that we have to care for and maintain the delicate balance of Nature for the sake of the well-being of our children and of all future generations. It is our duty as Humans to preserve Mother Earth and to honour the intentions of our Creator."

We see many signs of damage within the forests, lakes, rivers and sky. Our way of life is threatened, as are the winged ones, the four legged, the crawlers and those that swim. Therefore, we declare:

That the gifts and Natural Laws of our Creator are our greatest concern. However, all First Nations Constitutional, Treaty and Inherent Rights must be fulfilled in any decisions regarding our Traditional Lands. 

That grassroots community (voters and young people) consultation and consent precede Government-to-Government consultations, which themselves pass the test of meaningfulness, in any development decisions, regulations, legislation and agreements regarding our Traditional Lands and Natural Resources.

This declaration applies, but is not limited to, any of the following development or resource planning activities that affect our Traditional Lands and Resources:

Land Use Planning,
Mining & Exploration,
Highways & Roads,
Hydro, Energy, or Oil and Gas Development activities,
Large Scale Forestry Development,
Tourism and Sharing of Knowledge.

We are committed to follow through on this Declaration and we invite you to work with us.

In conclusion, the Old Ones say we are to respect these gifts given to us by the Creator and that if we respect these gifts they will last forever. And if we disrespect these gifts and if we destroy them they will end and we will end.

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Waste Reduction Week in Manitoba
    by Jonah Clark, Waste Reduction Week Co-ordinator

A new opportunity to raise awareness of waste reduction issues and examine our own impact on the environment has come to Manitoba. Waste Reduction Week has been happening in other provinces in Canada for up to 17 years - this year, from the 15th to the 21st of October, Manitoba joins the action for the first time....and its about time.

There is a serious need for waste reduction in the industrialized world in general, but in Canada the issue is especially pressing. The average Canadian throws out more per person than the citizens of any other country in the world. Each of us produces, on average, 1.7kg of waste per day - roughly our body weight in garbage every single month.

Our theme this year is 'Too Good to Waste'. It is intended to raise awareness of the environmental and economic problems associated with waste and to demonstrate what communities, businesses, institutions and individuals across the country can do by working together. By reducing waste we conserve precious resources, minimize pollution and save money. There are many things that we can do, from the personal to the institutional level to reduce the amount of waste we produce!

Rethink consumption patterns

First of all, each and every one of us should revisit the 3Rs (Reduce, Recycle, Reuse). The best way to reduce your waste is to reduce how much you consume, so rethink your consumption patterns. Recycling is an easy way to help reduce the amount of waste that you produce from going to the landfill. Most municipalities in Manitoba have recycling programs, so use them (apartment dwellers in Winnipeg will be getting recycling service as of November). Organize recycling at your workplace or school. Reusing is another really simple step to reducing your waste. Don't buy things that you can reuse and take your own reusable shopping bags for groceries. Organize a neighbourhood clothes/toy/sports swap. Organize a litter-less lunch day at your school.

Composting is another really great way to reduce your waste, and you even get something for your efforts! Build a composter in your back yard or if you don't have a back yard get a vermi-composter. (Call the Compost Infoline at 925-3777 in Wpg, or 1-866-394-8880 toll free)

Live more by using less

Energy conservation and water conservation are also important forms of waste reduction. Make sure you are not wasting electricity at home - do a home energy audit, turn off computers, TVs, stereos, and lights when they are not in use. Ride your bike, walk, rollerblade, or use public transit instead of using a car. Look into making your house more energy efficient and when buying new appliances, buy energy efficient ones. In terms of water conservation, remember the old saying: "If its yellow, let it mellow, if it's brown, flush it down!" and install water conservation aerators on your taps and low-flow showerheads. Don't let the tap run while brushing your teeth and put a pop bottle full of water in the reservoir of your toilet so that you use less water per flush.

Of course there are many more things that we can do to reduce the amount of waste we produce. With a little creativity we can do a lot and live more by using less.

For more info and ideas contact: Jonah Clark, Coordinator Waste Reduction Week, Resource Conservation Manitoba, Phone: 925-3772, email: jonah@resourceconservation.mb.ca, and check out our website www.resourceconservation.mb.ca and www.wrwcanada.com for more resources, ideas and activities.

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New Book Prize for U of Winnipeg Students to Honor Dr. Eva Pip
    by Dennis Bayomi

A book prize is being established at the University of Winnipeg for senior-level Biology and Environmental Studies students, honoring Dr. Eva Pip of the University's Biology department.

In April, a very special evening took place at the Mondragon Coffeehouse celebrating Dr. Pip's immense contributions to the Manitoba environmental community. Several dozen friends and supporters gathered to pay tribute to Dr. Pip, a world-renowned water toxicologist and recipient of numerous awards, including the Manitoba Eco-Network's Environmental Award in 1996.

Over the years, Dr. Pip has provided her expertise and countless hours of research, consultation and testimony on numerous environmental issues.

In addition to an evening filled with heart-warming anecdotes and reminiscences, friends presented Dr. Pip with an honorarium and announced that an endowment fund was being established to offer the annual book prize at the University in Dr. Pip's name.

Beginning at the end of the 2001-2002 academic year, the Dr. Eva Pip Book Prize in Biology will be awarded annually to the top 3rd or 4th year student majoring in Biology or Environmental Studies at the University of Winnipeg. Funds are being collected on an ongoing basis, so that the endowment fund can eventually grow to allow upgrading of the book prize to an annual half-scholarship and ultimately a full scholarship in Dr. Pip's name. In this way, the Manitoba environmental community will have established a significant and everlasting tribute to one of our environmental "superstars".

Please consider making a contribution to the endowment fund - all contributions will be matched by the University and you'll receive a charitable tax receipt. Make your cheque or money order payable to the "University of Winnipeg" clearly marked for "Dr. Eva Pip Book Prize". Send your contribution to the Eco-Network and we'll forward it to the University.

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Announcing ... "Canadians for a Healthy Future"
    by Dennis Bayomi

Canadians for a Healthy Future is a new national not-for-profit advocacy organization promoting preventative health, with a special focus on the connection between our health, our food and the environment.

Through outreach projects directed at the general public, schools, health professionals and policy makers, Canadians for a Healthy Future will play a unique role in advocating preventative health at the national and provincial levels.

Focus issues will initially include:

• impact of lifestyle choices on health (food, smoking, physical activity)

• impact of intensive livestock production on the health of workers, nearby
      residents and the general public

• health effects of antibiotics, hormones and pesticides used in large-scale
      agriculture

• impact of transportation choices on public health and the environment

• safety of genetically modified food

• long-term effects of corporate control of the food supply

Canadians for a Healthy Future will fund its activities from memberships and
private donations. Annual household memberships are $5 per year. For more information, please visit www.HealthyFuture.ca or e-mail info@HealthyFuture.ca

Dennis Bayomi
National Coordinator
Canadians for a Healthy Future
Box 702, Station Main
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
R3C 2K3

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IN MEMORIAM
The Springfield Habitat, an outdoor classroom created by students and teachers in the town of Oakbank. Bulldozed at 5am, July 25, 2001 to make way for a parking lot.

 

This project, begun in 1994, recreated five "mini-habitats" representative of Southern Manitoba, and offered a hands-on workshop for habitat studies mandated by the curriculum for both secondary and elementary students. (See Eco-Journal, Nov/Dec 2000).

 

The habitat was a source of controversy in the community.  While many viewed it as a magical and beautiful place, some characterized it as an "eyesore".  In spite of agreement by the Habitat committee to better maintain the site, to erect fencing and so on, and in spite of a flurry of last minute media attention, the Transcona/Springfield School Division persisted in its desire to destroy the site

 

The great irony is that naturalized habitats are being created in many communities, often with funding from private and public sources,  A recent example is the Don Gerrie Parkway along the Red River in Riverview - a former City snow dump.

 

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