Power Tools » environment

For the air we breathe and the earth we stand on

caitied — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 21:21:01 +0000

By Jinny Wong

The rapid rise in terminal illnesses, and a 5.5 magnitude earthquake felt throughout Ontario are just some of the examples of why health and environmental issues have been the forefront of scientific research.

Organizations like The Canadian Foundation for Climate and Atmospheric Sciences (CFCAS) provide funding for university-based research projects that focus on climate, atmospheric and related oceanic work in Canada. This enables us to better predict the weather and provide scientific information for the government to enhance policymaking and service delivery.

Professor Greg Evans of the University of Toronto tells us that they are “using CFCAS funding to study the air we breathe, trying to figure out what causes poor air quality–what sources are contributing to it whether they be local, or regional, or trans-border, and how meteorology affects it as well.”

The research produced by these research projects is utilized by Dr. Frances Silverman at the Gage Occupational Environmental Heath Institute. “We…challenge people with specific substances in the air pollution mix.” The conclusion is that breathing pollution leads to many health risks, like high blood pressure.

The value of these discoveries is paramount to the future of our society. Professor George Agnes, Simon Fraser University tells us “for every dollar spent on pollution control strategy now, we can save five to seven dollars on healthcare costs in the future.”

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Taking care of business: 8 tactics to change the world while you work

caitied — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 19:22:49 +0000

Written and Edited by Lisa Borden, idea girl + owner of Borden Communications + Design Inc.

What did you want to be when you grew up? Do you remember when you were a kid and you thought you could do anything? You still can. Despite your age, or where you fall on the eco-spectrum, your actions have an impact, so make it positive for all of us that share your world. Whether you’re the boss or the employee, whether you sit at a desk, stand in a store or stay at home, you can change the world while you work (which, consequently, is truly, impressive multitasking).

Your office might have already gone “green” or you may still be waiting to be given the “green” light – regardless, you have the power to be a catalyst for more change. Even though your days are cluttered and perhaps even overwhelming, if you focus on the below 8 tactics, you will change the world while you take care of business. As a bonus (which we all deserve), you will save time, save money and save your health.

1. Lighten your commute. We spend five to seven percent of our lives in transit. If you have to travel to work, make your commute easier – on you, your wallet and our environment. Don’t drive if you don’t have to. The cheapest litre of gas is the one you don’t buy and you’ll save on parking too.

2. Make your own + take your own. Whoa. Where to start? Perhaps it’s as simple as making your own coffee at home in a reusable travel mug. If you do choose to stop at your local café and get a snack, refuse the napkin (ok, now you really have to eat carefully and avoiding driving seems to make even more sense), don’t take the bag that becomes garbage immediately, or take your own reusable “baggie”. Stash reusable cutlery in your desk drawer, tote a high quality stainless steel water bottle around (refill with tap often), take your own lunch, and if you do takeout, skip the ketchup packet, straw and paper napkin. And, take your own containers. Really. People might stare, but I guarantee, you’ll start a trend pretty quickly. If you are saving money, saving time, eating healthier and helping the planet, how can you lose? Exactly.

Resources: TakeOut WithOut Campaign and Healthy Lunches Guide

3. Boycott something. Your consumer decisions matter. Every single one of them. Decide to ban something – perhaps disposable coffee cups or paper clips. Take a stand, stay strong, and leverage the power of people to spark a workplace revolution.

4. Smile at Someone. Do you believe that smiling makes you feel good, provides stress relief, and leads to good health? It sounds hokey, but it’s actually backed by some serious research. We spend so much time staring at our computer screens and handheld gizmos that we need to look at other people more and make them smile too.

5. Demand less supply. Why do you need an entire box of toxic pens? Try keeping 3 pens in your possession at a time. I have found that I keep track of them more and the mystery of the vanishing pen no longer is a daily occurrence. Encourage your office to order only what is required, and, purchase from responsible companies making responsible products. Paper made from post-consumer waste (although the more you do online the better), ink cartridges that are recycled, pvc-free pens and stapleless staplers among other supplies all make a big difference when we all choose to use (or not use) them.

6. Trash The Can. When you throw things away, where do you think “away” is? There is no such place. Reuse what you can and CUT BACK. If you looked at the overflowing city garbage cans you may have noted that it was mostly individual or fast food packaging, coffee cups, straws, paper bags and drink bottles – all of which we can use less of for ourselves and our world. Choose to use small trash cans in your office and encourage smart recycling and composting policies and procedures.

7. Turn it off. Sure, we all work hard, but why are all of those office building lights still on at 3 am? Your cell phone charger that is plugged in (that is warm even when not charging), the wireless printer that is always on (we see the glowing light) and that computer you never shut down are all offenders in the perpetual energy (and bank account) drain. Unplug, people! Get power strips with an on/off switch, and turn it off when you turn off.

8. Find a champion…or be one. Inspire your workplace to institute policies. Take action to reform the food served, and the way food is brought into the office or meetings. A passionate, informed, persuasive and committed champion can be an effective cheerleader and major force in creating healthier and happier workplaces.

Your “greener” workday will mean a healthier, more focused and more confident you. Your workplace will be a more pleasant and productive environment to spend your days, which will only be good for everyone around you and will likely, positively, affect the bottom line also. So, don’t hide under your desk. The world needs a raise, and likely you do too.

Lisa Borden is an eco-advocate and mother of three, whose full-service marketing firm, Borden Communications + Design Inc., is a direct reflection of her commitment to better, more responsible living. She is a dedicated workaholic, admitting that it takes a lot of time and effort to change the world, especially in her non-preachy, fun, engaging and inspiring ways.

Want to learn more about Lisa Borden and Borden Communications? Check out our Get Involved episode!

LetsStopAIDS Volunteer Yvonne

poth — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 19:17:22 +0000

Lisa Campbell Salazar

University of Guelph student Yvonne Su volunteers with LetsStopAIDS, a national youth-driven organization that works to share information, inspire action and create projects surrounding the issue of HIV/AIDS. Yvonne concern for both the environment with the fight against the spread of HIV brought her all the way to South Africa. “Our program was called Spread Trees, Not AIDS, and we did workshops about both HIV prevention and environmental health. The young people who participated were very receptive. They don’t have the resources we have for sexual health education, so they were never formally educated about these issues.” Not only did Yvonne spent her time doing workshops with South African youth, but also volunteered planting trees in the schoolyard nearby to provide both fruit and shade for the community. This December Yvonne will be traveling all the way to the UN Conference on Climate Change in Copenhagen to be a climate change delegate. Be sure to catch her writing in the May 2008 issue of Youth Action Forum Magazine!

1.) Why did you decide to Get Involved?

I got involved because it felt natural to lend a hand to those in need- holding a door, joining in on school yard clean ups, donating to those down on their luck- they were all simple tasks that didn’t warrant a request. When I realized the magnitude of the global HIV and AIDS pandemic 4 years ago I knew I needed to do what I could to help so I volunteered with LetsStopAIDS… Working with LetsStopAIDS, I was empowered to help those in need by volunteering my time and energy. I became an HIV and AIDS peer educator and spent my time educating others so they could become peer educators as well. Together, we hope to equip youth with the knowledge and resources to live a safe and healthy life.

2.) How many hours do you devote to your cause a week?

10 hours a week

3.) Pick one word or a sentence that describes what volunteering means to you.

Volunteering is the foundation of community.

4.) Why is your cause so important to you?

Educating young people about HIV and AIDS is important to me because I believe every child has a right to a comprehensive sexual education. Youth need to be equipped with the knowledge and resources that can allow them to make safe sexual choices. In Canada we are lucky to have every possible resource available to learn about our sexual health. People in other countries are not as fortunate.

In Mtubatuba, South Africa, the township I spent my summer volunteering in, youth have limited to no access to information about sexual health and HIV. There is no internet, let alone computers or electricity. There is no library with books to borrow about the topic, little is said at school and young people are not allowed to date until they are 21 years old. In a place with such limited information and resources, misinformation and myths arise which gives way to the creation of stigma against people living with HIV.

Our time in Mtubatuba, gave us the opportunity to educate about sexual health and HIV and AIDS in a comprehensive and unconventional matter. It also allowed us to act as a resource for these youth by answering their many questions about sex and HIV. A women once told me, “No one told me about HIV and AIDS. No one told me what a condom was or how to use it. If only someone told me.” With LetsStopAIDS, I want to create a network of peer educators so they can be that someone for somebody and prevent the spread of HIV.

Season 2 of Get Involved Launches!

caitied — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 20:01:03 +0000

Click here to view the embedded video.

Meet 25 more individuals who have changed the world one cause at a time! This year’s season branches out in all directions as we meet Tom Olson: the Bison Man who has created the largest open bison range landscape, EchoAge: two moms who turn childrens’ birthday parties into fantastic nonprofit fundraisers, Brady Thrasher: a young designer whose T-shirt designs promote conversation about what “affects” us, and 21 others!