Community
GREEN
SCENE
SUMMER 2010 EDITION
Celebrating Victoria’s commitment to green living
SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE TO: 7JDUPSJB /FXT t 0BL #BZ /FXT t 4BBOJDI /FXT t (PMETUSFBN /FXT (B[FUUF t 1FOJOTVMB /FXT 3FWJFX
Community
Capital Regional District - EcoStar Awards
GREEN Local teen takes action
SCENE Published by:
to help the environment If a journey begins with a single step, the path to zero waste similarly begins with a single vision. As a Grade 12 student this past June, Caleigh Inman was recognized not only for having just such a vision, but also for her ability to put it into practice. In honour of her many achievements, the Capital Regional District presented her with the Youth Leader Award at June’s 2010 EcoStar Awards. While a student at Victoria High School, Inman has been an active member of the Sierra Club’s Sustainable High School project since fall 2008. In fact, with her active commitment and contributions, she has served on the Youth Steering Committee, the true heart of the project, which focuses on leadership training, climate change sustainability initiatives and youth mentorships. Beyond this role, Inman also took the next steps of involvement and created a vibrant school community both at Vic High and Central Middle School, inspiring both staff and fellow students alike with her evident passion for environmental and social justice. A trainer, motivator and leader for youth throughout the region with her zero-waste train-the-trainer project – visionary in its youth-led youth engagement model – Inman has helped divert almost 90 per cent of waste at Central Middle School. 5
818 Broughton St Victoria, B.C. Canada, V8W 1E4 250-381-3484 www.blackpress.ca GROUP PUBLISHER Penny Sakamoto SECTION EDITOR Jennifer Blyth LAYOUT & DESIGN Lily Chan DIRECTOR, ADVERTISING SALES Oliver Sommer CIRCULATION DIRECTOR Bruce Hogarth Cover image courtesy of Mary Sanseverino
Youth Leader Award-winner Caleigh Inman.
PLYWOOD
GO WINDSOR PLYWOOD!
TORLYS ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY FLOORING (F.S.C.) Hardwood... Cork... Laminate... Leather...
“UNICLIC�
We Carry As Many “Green� Products As We Can
STOP BY TODAY
SAVE HST
ON ANY TORLEYS FLOORING When you bring in or mention this ad
F FOR YOUR “GREEN� M MOULDINGS BY SPERO (THEY ARE, HOWEVER, PRIMED WHITE!)
W PLYWOOD
Windsor Plywood 888 Van Isle Way 25 250-474-6111
windsorplywoodvanisle@shaw.ca Locally Owned & Operated
! " % % 6 ! 6 " % % 5 % $ ! 6 % 6 ! 6 # % 2 t $0..6/*5: (3&&/ 4$&/& t "6(645
Capital Regional District
It’s a Green World, even for the region’s wastewater
" !" " # " #! "
A
lot has happened in the wastewater world in the last few months, and it promises to bring a greener future to the region. At the end of June, a revised system was passed by the CRD Board and forwarded to the Province for approval. This new system will include a central plant at McLoughlin Point and a biosolids energy facility, currently at Hartland Landfill. The CRD has listened to residents; the centralized plant will be located away from residential neighbourhoods and wastewater sludge (the solids portion of sewage) will be pumped, not trucked to the energy centre for processing. The Core Area’s McLoughlin Point wastewater system, estimated at $782 million, is more than $400 million less than previous treatment plant designs. Annual operating costs have also dropped to $14.5 million, from $19.7 million. But lower costs are just the beginning of the good news with the McLoughlin Point system. Soon, that fleet vehicle you see on the road could be powered by biofuel, and biosolids could be helping to keep your house bright and warm through the winter. With a lower cost than any previous system configuration plus resource recovery opportunities, wastewater isn’t just a resource, it’s a benefit to natural and urban environments alike! So what’s so great about these resources? Well, for one, they take the place of non-renewables, allowing us to keep more oil, gas and phosphate in the ground, which reduces our carbon footprint and saves more for future generations. Resources from wastewater and biosolids also give us great opportunities to use what’s already available in our region. Heat from wastewater can be used at the wastewater plant itself, or it can be transferred to another location for use in a district heating system, perhaps in James Bay, downtown Victoria or at the nearby DND or the University of Victoria. Once wastewater sludge is pumped to the biosolids facility, even more recovery is possible. Heat can be used during biosolids digestion, helping to warm the millions of micro-organisms that do the digestion work, transforming sludge into biosolids—a product we can use!
Once digestion is complete, biosolids can be dried for use as a replacement for coal in cement kilns in Vancouver or in a future waste-to-energy facility on Vancouver island. Biogas given off during the digestion process can also be cleaned and turned into biofuel, which can power cars, buses, or used to heat homes. During the digestion process, the CRD also plans to recover phosphorus, which is a key ingredient in fertilizer. As phosphate supplies decrease in many places around the world, recovery of this mineral becomes more important and of greater benefit to the region and the world. Recovering phosphate also stops greenhouse gas emissions that occur with the mining and manufacture of phosphate based fertilizers. The McLoughlin Point system configuration is an exciting option for the Core Area’s Wastewater Treatment Program. With a significantly lower cost and many resource recovery opportunities, it promises to be a successful solution for Core Area residents and our natural environments both now and in the future.
# % " " " " & " $ # &&& ! !#
&&& !
" %%% % #$ % $ "! " ! ! ! %%% % #$ % $ "! " $0..6/*5: (3&&/ 4$&/& t "6(645 t 3
The Land Conservancy
Give back to Mother Nature at Sooke Potholes Campground
I
f you enjoy waking up to the soothing sounds of rushing water, the smell of Douglas fir and stovetop coffee then you’ve come to the right place – the Sooke Potholes Campground, owned and operated by The Land Conservancy of B.C. explore the many surrounding trails. The Potholes were formed during the last ice age, about 15,000 years ago. As the moving, melting ice packs stripped the surface, violent torrents of meltwater, pressurized beneath hundreds of metres of ice, carved a path deep into the natural bedrock. Huge boulders carried by the glacial action became lodged and were swirled against the canyon walls, consequently carving out the potholes that can be seen today. While most are familiar with the Sooke Potholes, many don’t realize that without the hard work of TLC, this special place might not be here today. In 2004, TLC and the Capital Regional District agreed to purchase lands neighbouring the region’s well-
Continued on p. 15
Photo courtesy JoshMcCulloch.com
Open this year through Sept. 6, the campground features more than 60 tent and RV sites, including a special by-donation bicycle camp, just off the Galloping Goose Regional Trail. Located at the north end of Sooke Potholes Regional Park, recreation, nature, and family fun are just a step away. The Sooke Potholes are one of the most recognized features of the Southern Vancouver Island landscape. Famous as a spectacular swimming spot, many residents of the Capital Region have fond memories of their visits to the Potholes. Each summer tens of thousands of people flock to the park to bask in the sun, take a dip in the refreshing waters and
The Sooke Potholes Campground is an excellent base for summer fun.
Green Burial
Royal Oak Burial Park is the first cemetery in Canada to offer green burial. Natural or green burial is a statement of personal values for those who, just as they lived their lives, seek to minimize their impact on the local and global environment at their death. Human remains are prepared for green burial without embalming and are buried directly in the ground in a fully biodegradable casket or alternative container. Natural burial is available exclusively at Royal Oak Burial Park in an area called the Woodlands.
We welcome your visit to the Burial Park to see the Woodlands or visit us online.
4673 Falaise Drive 4 t $0..6/*5: (3&&/ 4$&/& t "6(645
Royal Roads University
Green initiatives fill RRU’s new Learning & Innovation Centre
By Jennifer Blyth
T
here’s a brand new building rising at Royal Roads University whose construction really lives up to its name. From initial planning through construction and onto its use and operation once complete, innovative ideas have been at the forefront of the Learning and Innovation Centre. The first building constructed on the Colwood campus since its transition from a military college to a university in 1995, the centre is designed to complement both the existing buildings, including Hatley Castle, and natural landscape of the property. Set to open next spring, the 5,781-square-metre centre, sitting on the slope of University Drive between the forest and Colwood Creek, will accommodate projected enrolment growth, support the university’s interactive learning model and demonstrate its commitment to leadership in sustainability practices. Environmental initiatives began long before building began. “In preparation for construction we went through a long and careful process, first just in selecting the site,” explains Bob Whitmore, Associate Vice President, Planning & Site Operations. Rather than compromise the surrounding forest, a previously disturbed site – a former parking lot – was chosen for the new building. A variety of invasive plant
species has also been removed, including the prolific Scotch broom, with the added benefit of being returned to the earth in the form of compost. A geological survey revealed the ground beneath the old parking lot actually held top quality gravel which was removed during excavation and stored on-site, then re-used during construction; the rest will be used elsewhere on campus. Throughout construction, a thirdparty consultant is auditing the project to ensure the environmental initiatives are on-track, including protection of Colwood Creek, which runs through the campus to Esquimalt Lagoon below. Beyond construction techniques, the building design, by Jensen Chernoff Thompson Architects, will help the university achieve its energy efficiency goals for years to come. For example, the centre’s numerous windows not only provide excellent thermal insulation and a great view, but they’re also integral to the natural ven-
Continued on p. 6
Photo illustration courtesy RRU
Careful siting and material choices have created considerable environmental benefits in Royal Roads University’s new Learning & Innovation Centre.
$0..6/*5: (3&&/ 4$&/& t "6(645 t 5
Royal Roads University
NEW PROGRAM TARGETS SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Starting this October, individuals looking to take a leadership role in their communities’ green plans will have a new education option. The Centre for Applied Leadership and Management at Royal Roads University is offering a new graduate certificate in Sustainable Community Development, with the aim of building a foundation for leading practices in sustainability and community engagement. Beginning Oct. 3, the program highlights the opportunities that sustainable practices provide for collaboration between governments, scientists, and business and community leaders when exploring complex social and economic issues linked to ecology. “Canadian communities face formidable challenges as they respond to the imperatives of sustainable development, not the least of which is climate change,� says Professor Ann Dale, RRU’s Canada Research Chair in Sustainable Community Development. “People are looking for ways to develop sustainable communities that harmonize all aspects of civic life without undermining the environment or the economy.�
Learning & Innovation Centre Continued from p. 5 tilation system, designed to optimize energy performance and reduce ongoing operating costs. Beyond opening windows, the design also features a four-storey atrium that acts as a thermal chimney, drawing hot air up and out through large vents at the top of the building, in turn encouraging air flow from the connecting spaces, Whitmore explains. During peak cooling hours, exhaust fans in the upper atrium will assist airflow and help cool classrooms by pulling more air through. As for the design implications, “not only is this design feature highly functional and environmentally friendly, but it also provides the building with a stunning entranceway and will flood the learning commons with natural light.� In winter, the ultra-efficient windows will also help keep the warm air in, with a heat exchange unit providing air flow.
Up top, the reflective roof will keep the building cooler and enhance energy efficiencies while the roof ’s ability to direct rainwater into a cistern to be used for non-potable water needs elsewhere will ease demands on the underwater aquifers that supply water to the campus. Taking advantage of the south-facing lot, the building will feature solar-powered hot water – perfect for the showers included for staff and students. “We hope that encourages people to ride their bikes to campus,� Whitmore. Inside, all interior paints are lowVOC, meaning minimal off-gassing of chemicals into the air, and most of the flooring is flax-based linoleum. Exterior cladding is a stone-look brick while plantings include a mix of easy-care plants requiring minimal water and some native plants, including fir trees and a large grassy area to be planted with Garry oaks and camus. Looking ahead, the Learning and
Innovation Centre will also minimize future waste as “it’s made to be easily renovated,� Whitmore says, pointing to interior walls, for example, that can be easily reconfigured should future needs for the space differ. “It’s a building you could use for a long time without a lot of renovations.� Because of all these design and construction innovations, once built, operation of the centre will continue along the eco-friendly path. “The operation of the building will be very energy-efficient and low-cost to run,� he notes. And even its academic use has kept these green goals firmly in mind. Technological innovations will allow teachers and students to pursue programming via “virtual classrooms,� where following their in-person sessions, students can continue their studies, including lectures, group meetings and study sessions, electronically. The result: fewer travel-related greenhouse gas emissions.
1 .1 .0' ) #., *'//',+ #&'!)# !.# 0#/ +# .)5 6#., /*,% $,.*'+% #*'//',+/ & 0 / )#// 0& + /,*# &5 .'"/ #0 '0 .1+/ ,+ .#%1) . 1+)# "#" % / & / +, !,*-)'! 0#" 00#.5 - !( 0, * '+0 '+ ,. .#-) !# +" /0')) ,$$#./ #4&') . 0'+% 1 .1 -#.$,.* +!# &'/ $$,." )# +, !,*-.,*'/# #!, $.'#+")5 ,-0',+ '/ 2 ') )# 3'0&'+ 0&# 10 !( #% !5 +" ,.#/0#. *,"#) )'+#1- # .+ *,.# 0 !
6 t $0..6/*5: (3&&/ 4$&/& t "6(645
/) +" '%&3 5 '!0,.'
Capital Regional District
BLUE SKY for Miles in Recycling Land
I
n recycling land, it’s sky blue as far as the eye can see. But these blues don’t need to be beat — they give us some of the best ways to practice good environmental habits!
Blue Boxes and Blue Bags, used to recycle your paper, hard plastics, glass and aluminium, help us reduce the amount of waste heading to the landfill, give us valuable resources to reuse and help keep our environment clean. When you’re sorting your recyclables, however, keep in mind the following handy tips that will ensure the recycling process is successful from start to finish. First, make sure nothing goes into your blue box or bag that shouldn’t— no ceramic, wood, plastic bags, plate glass, motor oil or antifreeze containers (household hazardous waste). Also avoid Styrofoam, wax lined paper cartons and coat hangers. Got shredded paper? Simply place it in a paper (not plastic) bag, staple it shut and put it inside your blue bag. Plastic bags and plastic lined paper contaminate a paper load and can make the paper unrecyclable; keep them out of the Blue Bag to ensure that your paper gets a chance at a second life. Now, where to recycle these and other items not accepted in curbside collection? Have no fear, MyRecyclopedia is here! The hottest tips for a green summer can be found on the new MyRecyclopedia website, a handy resource that will tell you how to recycle just about anything you can think of. Check out www.myrecyclopedia.ca for a full listing of everything from antifreeze to zinc, plastic bags to wood shakes. MyRecyclopedia will tell you what belongs in your Blue Box and Bag, and where to drop off hundreds of other recyclable items, including electronics, metals and construction materials. MyRecyclopedia also has quick facts on each item’s environmental impact and ways you
can go greener in your daily life. All in one place and all within a few clicks, there’s no easier way to learn how to reduce your footprint. And remember, of the three R’s (Reduce, Reuse and Recycle) recycling is the third option. Always strive to first reduce what you buy and reuse what you have before recycling. Need another tip? Remember that your Blue Box was constructed at its current size in order to help the collectors who sort your materials avoid injuries and strains. Collection contractors empty more than 2,000 boxes and bags a day, which adds up to a lot of lifting and bending. A good blue box is a real blue box—stick to the ones you can purchase at the CRD’s Fisgard office or locations around the region. To find out where, call the CRD Hotline at 250360-3030. Once you know the facts, it’s easy to sort everything into its place, be that the Blue Box or another recycling opportunity. Make sure your Blue Box and Blue Bag are at the curb by 7:30 a.m. on your pickup day and you can take pride in your good environmental habits. Just remember: stay blue, sort it well and pause before you purchase.
& #, + * + ) + + % +& & ) ''0 +& * *& $ %0 ' &'# + " % +& ) 0 # % + * + ) + + % +& & + % ) 0 # # * % &- )* 1 &%+ % )* * &$ % & ,' + &% # #+ % * +0 &% )% &) + ' &'# + + ' " + $ ,' + * . 0 &%#0 '')&- #, &/ * % #, * ) $'+ + + ,) * . 0 . % ## ) &) + %- )&%$ %+ % + ' &'# . & .&)" - )0 0 +& $ " + ++ ) % #, &/ * # * #& + &%* + *** % ( #+ &) &%+ + + &+# % +
$0..6/*5: (3&&/ 4$&/& t "6(645 t 7
The Land Conservancy
A Vacation to Feel Good About CONSERVATION HOLIDAYS WITH TLC
H
aving trouble deciding on what to do with your free time this summer? Do you like working in the great outdoors, eating delicious food, meeting new people and visiting B.C.’s special places? Photo courtesy TLC
Then you might consider a Conservation Holiday offered by the The Land Conservancy of B.C. TLC’s Conservation Holidays are an opportunity to have fun while giving back to the land; whether it’s repairing salmon spawning habitat on Horsefly River, removing invasive species on South Winchelsea Island, building a waddle fence to help prevent erosion near the Cowichan River, or harvesting produce on a local farm, you will be sure to have an enjoyable and rewarding experience. Work performed by Conservation Holiday participants helps contribute to TLC’s conservation work, often restoring a natural area or performing mainte-
nance on one of the many TLC protected sites around the province. A Conservation Holiday is something vacationers can feel good about; their carbon footprint is much less, they contribute both manually and financially to conserving B.C.’s special places, and any extra holiday calories consumed are sure to be burned off! The next holiday is scheduled for Sept. 24 to 26 on South Winchelsea Island near Nanoose Bay. To learn more, or to book your spot on a Conservation Holiday, call TLC today at 250-383-4627 or visit conservancy.bc.ca Since 1997, TLC has been saving special places
throughout the province for today and future generations. As B.C.’s leading charitable land trust, it has protected more than 300 properties or 125,000 acres of fast-disappearing natural areas, historic sites, farms and ranches, and places of community and recreational importance. With more than 7,500 members worldwide, TLC works with many partners, all levels of government, businesses, community groups, and individuals to ensure the broadest support for our activities. For more information, visit conservancy.bc.ca
Enjoy Energy Efficient Products & SAVE Money! Ultra High Efficiency Performance Furnace
Brand names you can trust!
Let our 16 years of experience work for you.
% & & $( % &
Linda & Lyle Gill, with their dogs, Molly & Nattie
"( $! !& &$ & &"$ * # ) " %& ! & ! %% "& & $ & $% * " $% * & ' #% * '$! % * $ # % 8 t $0..6/*5: (3&&/ 4$&/& t "6(645
Royal Roads University
BATEMAN CENTRE Leader brings personal connection to project
Paul Gilbert
“Paul Gilbert brings a huge amount of practical experience to the table,� Royal Roads University president Allan Cahoon said. “His personal connection to the Bateman family and his understanding of the relationship of Robert Bateman’s art to the environment and to education will help support our fundraising objectives for the centre.� Gilbert also brings an extensive background in environmental education and sustainability, including the 12-year Cape Jourimain Nature Centre project in Atlantic Canada, highlighting his commitment to natural heritage, communities and sustainability, a founding vision for the Robert Bateman Centre at Royal Roads University. “My relationship with Bob has come full circle with this appointment,� Gilbert said. “Helping create a legacy for my mentor and friend with the worldAs part of the fundraising for Royal class capability of such a premier instiRoads’ Robert Bateman Centre, tution such as Royal Roads is an opporenvisioned as an internationally tunity of a lifetime. I’m truly honoured renowned centre for environmental to be able to take on a leadership role in sustainability, the university has an important legacy project.� launched a “Buy a Brick� campaign. The Robert Bateman Centre at Royal Roads University will be a catalyst for For either $200 or $400, donors dialogue, research, education, and diswill receive a personalized brick covery of the environment through that not only demonstrates their outreach and involvement in stewardsupport for university and the ship and life-long learning for students Robert Bateman Centre but also and visitors. leaves a legacy for generations to For more about the Robert Bateman Centre please visit the website at: come. www.batemancentre.ca
BUY A BRICK
Photo courtesy RRU
P
aul Gilbert first met Robert Bateman in 1965 as a high school art student. Today, 45 years later, Gilbert will be instrumental in bringing to fruition the Robert Bateman Centre at Royal Roads University. The recently named executive director comes to Royal Roads from the Art Gallery of Ontario and before that the marketing side of Aeroplan Canada’s premier loyalty program.
% + &$ * +& *,$$ ) # .% ) . + " &# 0 + &,) '# . ') + % +,) # # .% ) + $ %* . &% + ,* ' *+ * % &- ) + *,$$ ) . &% + . + ) &) ,+ &,) ) ** %*+ . # + + & &# % % + . )$ ) . + ) # .% * % +,) # *+ + &) + * + $ & 0 ) ,) ) % ) ** . ## ) +,)% % %& + $ . + + ,+,$% ) %* ) &%* )- % . + ) % - % &,) # .%$&. ) $, * )- *,$$ ) - + &%
' $ '# # " #(% % &&%##'& !#) ! "' & % + ) **)&&+* ) -&#,+ &% 0 * % % ,' &%# % +& & ' *+ ) % + ) # .% * % +& * &. 0&,) &$$ +$ %+ * + *** % ' ' $ +& + " + '# % 2% % &)$ + &% &% #+ )% + - # .% % ) % )
$0..6/*5: (3&&/ 4$&/& t "6(645 t 9
Royal Roads University
GOING GREEN with Royal Roads University By Jennifer Blyth
“G
reen” is more than a topic of the day at Royal Roads University. Quite simply, it’s a way of life.
REACH
With sustainability as one of the main tenets of its operation, the university leaders are determined to tackle head-on what is seen as one of today’s most critical challenges: Climate change. Accordingly, environmental sustainability is not only linked to the university’s coursework and research, but also permeates throughout daily campus life, from the compostable cups in the cafeteria to unique programs undertaken between students and the local community or municipal government, says Nancy Wilkin, director of Royal Roads’ Office of Sustainability. Guiding Royal Roads in its environmental efforts is the Royal Roads University Sustainability Plan, which addresses such areas as greenhouse gas management, campus transportation, building and heritage conservation projects, stewardship plans, and going “grid-positive.” Because the school falls under the province’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Targets Act, it, like other public sector institutions, must be carbon neutral by this year. For every tonne of C02 above neutral, institutions pay $25 to the government, Wilkin explains. Additionally, RRU’s board of governors has set its own target: a 50-per-cent reduction of emissions from 2007 levels by 2020. To date, the school has reduced emissions to 1,521.92 tonnes in 2009, down from 1,636.4 tonnes the year before. Because a significant part of greenhouse gas emissions comes from vehicle traffic, campus transportation options include reducing the number of commuters driving to the university – conveniently located along the Galloping Goose Trail – re-routing traffic circulation, consolidating park-
BEYOND YOUR LIMIT
Advance Your Career. The Centre for Applied
Leadership and Management offers leading edge custom programming and Graduate Certificates in leadership and management, sustainable community development, strategic human resources management, project management, executive coaching, professional communication management, and health systems leadership. These innovative programs allow you to focus on areas of professional interest and strength, build on existing skills and experience, and apply new knowledge and strategies in the workplace. Choose an executive program or build a custom program that fits the individual needs of your organization. Find out about our flexible admissions and what students are saying at www.royalroads.ca/execs or call an enrolment advisor at 1-877-778-6227.
EXECUTIVE PROGRAMS VICTORIA BC CANADA
10 t $0..6/*5: (3&&/ 4$&/& t "6(645 Publication
Green Teacher
File created by
RRU Media Technologies / AR
ing lots and implementing a shuttle service. Building construction is also carried out with an eye firmly on the environmental “bottom line” as well as the school’s unique heritage. Before achieving “grid-positive” status, Royal Roads must first go “off the grid,” meaning it produces as much energy as it consumes. Moving toward “grid positive,” Royal Roads’ energy sources will not only be sustainable but will also be able to provide surplus electricity and heat to local purchasers, significant given the growth anticipated in neighbouring communities in the coming years. Appropriately, community outreach has long been an essential component to RRU’s management philosophy, notes Wilkin, who also participates with the Esquimalt Lagoon Stewardship Initiative and Climate Action West Shore, a committee of the West Shore Chamber of Commerce. And in addition to Royal Roads’ diverse and well-attended Continuing Education program, a large component of which is dedicated to “green” issues and ideas, staff and students have also completed five projects with the Municipality of Colwood, promoting the idea of Colwood as a “Green Learning University City.” And those ideas are starting to reach into the greater community as others begin approaching RRU to create similar partnerships. Throughout the university, students, staff and faculty alike participate in a variety of stewardship initiatives designed to minimize waste and conserve natural resources. In addition to extensive recycling, com-
posting, and 10 garden plots, the university also has a welldeveloped green cleaning program. In Habitat, the only foodservice facility on-site, forward-thinking measures include an Oceanwise seafood menu, fair trade coffee, compostable coffee cups and local, organic food where possible, Wilkin says. The potential impact here alone is huge: “It’s our only cafeteria on campus so it’s where everyone goes.�
NEW & NOTABLE:
Among the many initiatives to reduce garbage at Royal Roads is a composting program, the results of which are then used on the many gardens around the site.
Financing
l Watch this fall for a Royal Roads University “Sustainability Site,� a kind of online clearing house for what’s going on on campus and in the local community, and accessible to everyone. As part of the website, staff, students and visitors can take part in the Voluntary Travel Mitigation Program, a way to calculate their travel-related emissions and if they choose, offset those with a donation to RRU’s Sustainability Fund. l RRU has applied for funding to reclaim a 10-acre parcel the Dunsmiur family had drained long ago to use as pasture; while respecting the family history, the hope is to return it to its former wetland state. l In 2011, Royal Roads University will participate in a pilot project with one of its furniture suppliers, Heritage Office Furnishings, and “CoolEdge� lighting, a whole new LED lighting system; the aim is to create work stations that will help lessen emissions.
All Soil Blends are not created equal ! Marine Mulch (Wild Fish Compost)
! Top Soils ! Pure Garden Compost
Save energy. Save money.
! Bark Mulch
tufturf.ca
250.475.2665
sand seed sod soil
Call Now: 250-721-5300 Available for Pickup or Delivery only at: 4060 Blenkinsop Road , Victoria BC
$0..6/*5: (3&&/ 4$&/& t "6(645 t 11
Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre
Ocean Discovery Centre walks the talk
S
tep behind the habitats at Sidney’s Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre and discover the many ways in which the educational facility strives to lead by example in green operations.
Every decision made considers the environment. Through leadership and environmental stewardship, the Ocean Discovery Centre endeavours to create an awareness of the community’s close connection with its natural surroundings and how residents can help protect it. The Centre was recognized for its commitment to the environment with the Environmental Responsiveness award at the Peninsula Chamber of Commerce 2010 Crystal Awards. It takes a lot of energy to light the 10,000-square-foot Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre and maintain a temperature of 11 degrees Celsius in the 28 aquarium habitats. This is accomplished in the most energy efficient manner thanks to its location in the Green Key Eco-Rated Sidney
Pier building. The entire building is heated and cooled through state-ofthe-art geo-thermal pumps that utilize excess heat from the ocean. Continuing the theme of energyefficient operations, the Centre and all its habitats are illuminated with either LED, fluorescent or low-energy incandescent light bulbs. Educational messages shared with visitors at the Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre often revolve around the concepts of conservation and sustainability. To demonstrate conservation in action, the Centre is equipped with low-flow toilets and showers, as well as motion sensor taps, urinals and paper towel dispensers. Water fountains encourage visitors to reuse their bottles and the gift shop only
uses recycled or reusable bags. Visitors and Oceaneers are encouraged to use the compost and recycle bins located throughout the Centre. Sustainability is demonstrated in daily operations by feeding the marine animals Ocean Wise seafood. Environmental stewardship initiatives extend outside the building as well. To help reduce harmful emissions, the Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre subsidizes public transit passes for all full-time Oceaneers. Visitors are encouraged to explore information available at the Take Action Station and learn about eco-friendly initiatives that they can participate in at home. They’re also encouraged to make a promise to do something positive for the planet. From the time they arrive at the Centre to see bicycles parked out front, to the time they leave the gift shop with a recycled paper bag, visitors will recognize the Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre’s commitment to exemplary environmental responsibility.
Behind the scenes: an aquarist feeds the fish at Sidney’s Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre.
h!S HUMAN BEINGS
)
Recycling is a way of life around here. Even sea creatures practice the three R’s. Hermit crabs reuse empty shells as their portable homes. The marvels and mysteries of the Salish Sea are here to discover from 10am daily. Visit us soon!
9811 Seaport Place, Sidney, BC, V8L 4X3 | 250.665.7511 | www.oceandiscovery.ca 12 t $0..6/*5: (3&&/ 4$&/& t "6(645
S LAS # A N TIO RM +A DONA BY IDAYS &R PM
OUR GREATNESS LIES NOT SO MUCH IN BEING ABLE TO REMAKE THE WORLD AS IN BEING ABLE TO REMAKE OURSELVES v -AHATMA 'ANDHI
"IKRAM 9OGA 3AANICH IS COMMITTED TO YOUR HEALTH AND THE HEALTH OF THE PLANET #HECK OUT OUR STUDIO S ECO FRIENDLY FEATURES AT WWW IHEARTHOT COM
7ALK RIDE RUN SKATE OR BUS TO CLASS NEW STUDENTS RECEIVE OFF OUR 7EEK )NTRO
7EEKS 5NLIMITED (OT 9OGA
REG
.EW STUDENTS ONLY .O CASH VALUE /FFER EXPIRES 3EPT
'ARNET 2D WWW IHEARTHOT COM
Capital Regional District
Walk the Line to Sustainability:
A CIRCLE OF SAVINGS
O
ne thousand Capital Region residents are celebrating summer with extra gusto this year, thanks to a host of interconnected habits that will help protect our region and our planet. For starters, a partnership between the CRD, Windsor Plywood and BC Hydro Power Smart gave a free clothesline kit to a thousand homes in the Capital Region that signed up for the Sustainable U Laundry 101 Course (www.sustainableu.ca). Each kit included a retractable clothesline, wooden clothes pegs, a laundry scoop and information on how to save money and energy through low-carbon living. The clothesline campaign allowed residents to trade use of their energy hungry clothes dryers for the natural energy of sun and wind, saving on their hydro bill and lowering their consumption of non-renewable resources. Come winter, the multi use line is easily transferred indoors to a ventilated room, making it easy to save money all year round. Did you miss out on the campaign? Not to worry. Visit SustainableU for full instructions on how to make your own clothesline kit as well as other green tips. But it’s not just energy you can save when you do daily tasks like laundry. Water conservation and source control are also part of this circle, and making them into habits can make a big difference not only locally, but globally. Good source control habits start with soap. With our region’s soft water, you can use half the recommended amount of detergent or less soap and get clothes, dishes and bodies just as clean. And by lowering your detergent use, you’ll also keep fish happier and healthier. No one wants to eat soap bubbles, including those minnows down by the bay! Wondering what to do with leftover detergents, personal care products, paints, oils and other household hazardous wastes? Return them to the Hartland Recycling Facility instead of pouring them down the drain to protect our scaly friends. Water conservation also ties into this circle of sustainability. Purchase a water and energy-efficient washing machine and wash in cold water to save heating energy. By making water and energy conservation measures into habits, you’ll
participate in one of the easiest and cheapest ways to help save the planet. Less water means less energy used; less energy means fewer greenhouse gases and less pollution. And all of this translates into more money in your pocket, through savings on both your water and your energy bills. Once you start to think about it, it’s obvious it’s all one big sustainable circle. Every choice we make to lower our energy consumption, conserve water and protect our oceans will help the planet that much more — combating climate change, protecting our water supplies and generally keeping our environment a beautiful place to live. Walk the line to clean living and celebrate summer the sustainable way!
&&& "$"# $
&&& !
# !# " % & # ! ! ' ' & # ( ' # " & " !
&&& ! & # !
&&& ! $0..6/*5: (3&&/ 4$&/& t "6(645 t 13
Built Green™ BC
Locals builders among the finalists ™ in inaugural Built Green BC Awards
T
hree Victoria-area builders are among the finalists in the inaugural BuiltGreen™ BC Awards. In all, 24 finalists were announced in six sustainable building categories representing a blend of houses and condominiums across the province.
Finalists in the Most Affordable Built Green BC Home include James’ Joinery Ltd. for “Nugget� in Shawnigan Lake and Verity Developments Ltd. for “Parkdale� in Victoria. Verity was also named as a finalist in the Highest Rated Built Green BC category for its “Lakeview Ridge� home along with Limona Construction Ltd. for Victoria’s “Stonecliff.� Verity and Limona will also square off, along with three other Mainland builders, for Built Green BC Builder of the Year.
“I was not only impressed by the quality of the finalist projects, but also the degree of innovation demonstrated by the builders of these homes,â€? said David Bengert, Chair of Built Green™ Canada and a judge for the awards. Roger Chayer, a Certified Energy Advisor in Alberta, added that, “the degree of commitment to produce attainable, environmentally sensitive homes was evidenced in all the projects entered. It was a pleasure to see how other peers are leading the industry in green building practices.â€?
Previously, there had only been a single Built Green™ BC award within the Canadian Home Builders’ Association of B.C.’s Georgie AwardsÂŽ. This year, however, to recognize the sheer growth of the program and the leadership of its builders, CHBA B.C. launched the stand-alone Built Green™ BC Awards. “Since its introduction in B.C., the BuiltGreen™ BC program has flourished,â€? said
Bob Deeks, President and Built Green™ Canada board member. “Today, there are 2,800 registered homes in B.C. which combined save about 7,000 tonnes of greenhouse gases annually – this is the equivalent of removing 2,100 cars from B.C. roads each year.â€? Winners will be announced at a gala dinner and awards ceremony Sept. 17 at Vancouver’s Coast Coal Harbour Hotel.
DID YOU KNOW? Built Green™ (www.builtgreencanada.ca) is an industry-driven, voluntary program promoting “greenâ€? building practices to reduce the residential construction industry’s impact on the environment. Currently there are more than 300 registered Built Green™ BC builders across the province and 1,200 students within the program.
Geothermal Heat Pumps MAKE HOME AKE YOUR NEXT HOM
( $ " $ # $ ( % " ## # ( " & # $ ' $ #$ $ ' $ " ( # $ ( "
Greater energy efficiency means more comfort and long-term savings. Healthier indoor air offers better health and and peace of mind for the family. Durable materials requiring less maintenance can result in longer life for your home. Preservation of natural resources ensures a better environment for future generations.
Heating | Plumbing | Radiant Floor Heating | Air Conditioning
$ ( $ "
''' !" #$ " Serving Vancouver Island & the Gulf Islands for 20 years
14 t $0..6/*5: (3&&/ 4$&/& t "6(645
chbavictoria.com careawards.com
Photo courtesy Josh McCulloch.com
Salf Spring Coffee Company
Sooke Potholes
Non-fat, decaf, no foam, carbon neutral coffee, please!
F
Continued from p. 4
loved potholes, effectively creating a regional park in 2005. More recently, TLC and the CRD have again teamed up to purchase more lands surrounding the Sooke Potholes and Sooke Hills. Dubbed by TLC as the Wild Hills and Beaches campaign, TLC and CRD are looking to acquire more than 5,800 acres of lands in the Jordan River, Sandcut Beach and Sooke Hills area. Once this acquisition is complete more than 90 per cent of the region’s Sea to Sea Greenbelt will be protected forever. By staying at the Sooke Potholes Campground, visitors not only treat their families to a well-deserved local getaway, they’ll also contribute to conservation efforts in B.C. All proceeds from the campground are re-invested in TLC’s conservation work and programs. Now that’s a holiday to feel good about! To find out more, or to book a spot at Sooke Potholes Campground, call TLC today at 250-383-4627, email enterprises@conservancy.bc.ca or visit conservancy.bc.ca Since 1997, TLC has been saving special places throughout the province for today and future generations. It has protected more than 300 properties of fast-disappearing natural areas, historic sites, farms and ranches, and places of community and recreational importance. Heritage Office Furnishings_2_5x10.pdf 1 10-07-30
air trade coffee has moved one step farther to carbon neutral coffee thanks to an agreement between Offsetters and Salt Spring Coffee Company.
With Canada’s first carbon-neutral coffee, the 400 gram bag of French Roast Nicaragua, Salt Spring Coffee has offset this coffee’s carbon footprint from the farm to the consumer point of purchase otherwise known as “cradle to gate,” as a result of the findings of a lifecycle analysis completed by Offsetters. The study determined that there are 1,807 grams of carbon produced during the life of each bag of roasted coffee beans, the equivalent to that of running a refrigerator for 17 days in B.C. or driving the average car five kilometres. In determining the carbon footprint, Offsetters considered everything from farm practices in Nicaragua to shipping, roasting, brewing and even disposal to map every single step of the life of this particular bag of coffee. Salt Spring Coffee’s operations have been carbon neutral since 2007 and this product lifecycle analysis and the creation of their first carbon neutral coffee represents the company’s ongoing commitment to reducing the climate impact of their business.
Do you have Green News to share? 1:10 PM
Contact Jennifer Blyth at jblyth@telus.net
DID YOU KNOW? Based on results from the lifecycle of 400 grams of Salt Spring Coffee French Roast Nicaragua: l Of the 1,807 grams of carbon produced during the life of a 400 gram bag of this coffee, only two per cent of the carbon is from growing the coffee beans; l The consumer’s portion of carbon emissions make up more than 60 per cent of the entire footprint, 39 per cent for getting it home, grinding and brewing and 24 per cent for disposal of the coffee and the bag; l Consumers brew 30 per cent more coffee than they drink which wastes water, coffee and energy; coffee drinkers can reduce their portion of the carbon footprint by brewing only what they will drink, composting coffee grounds and getting creative with the coffee bag to reuse it as a planter or by taking it to an environmentally responsible disposal site.
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
$0..6/*5: (3&&/ 4$&/& t "6(645 t 15
Green Reads:
NEW TITLES AT YOUR BOOKSTORE By Jennifer Blyth
The safest paint available. Lowest total emission of other paints on the market.
Pacific Paint Centres 2065b Keating X Rd 250-652-4274
Pacific Paint & Wallpaper 1031 Hillside Ave 250-381-5254
benjaminmoore.ca
Pacific Paints West
109 - 2455 Millstream Ave. 250-391-4770
www.pacificpaintcentres.com
Carolyn Herriot took the local gardening world by storm with her first book, A Year on the Garden Path: a 52-Week Organic Gardening Guide. This summer, the organic gardener, seed-saver, magazine columnist and passionate advocate for growing more of our own food returns with The Zero-Mile Diet. Published by Harbour Publishing, the appropriately subtitled A Year-Round Guide to Growing Organic Food is a month-bymonth guide, featuring everything from “must-have” tools to selections of selfseeding vegetables. “I decided to put everything that I know into this book, so that others can work together toward achieving greater food self-sufficiency without learning the hard way,” Herriot writes in her introduction. “The book follows a year of sustainable homegrown food production, growing healthy organic food, eating seasonal recipes from the garden, saving seeds for
future harvests and putting food by for the winter. Growing a ‘Zero-Mile Diet’ is a fun way to increase regional food security while cooling down the planet.” Through the colourful pages, chock full of photos from her own West Saanich property, explore the delicious world of edible landscaping, including step-bystep instructions and nuggets of wisdom gleaned from 30 years of food growing and seed saving. Beginning at the beginning – discovering your soil type and the secrets of feeding it – Herriot offers accessible and engaging information that will appeal to both new and more seasoned gardeners wanting to try their hand at food gardening. Learn how to avoid problems when growing from seed, how to choose perennial veggies, how to preserve your harvest for winter and how to save seeds from your favourite varieties for next year. Sprinkled throughout are yummy, seasonal recipes to help you make the most of all those fruits and veggies you’ll be producing in no time!
Continued on p. 18 16 t $0..6/*5: (3&&/ 4$&/& t "6(645
Capital Regional District
Hiding Under the Bed Won’t Help:
MAKING FRIENDS WITH YOUR SEPTIC SYSTEM
H
idden under earth or gravel, and silent as the grave until it becomes a problem, lies a septic system for every house not connected to our regional sewer system. There are more than 27,000 of them in our area, and the number grows each year. So if you’re one of the many, do you know where your system is and whether it’s healthy? Mucky as it sounds, a septic system can be your best friend. After exiting your house, wastewater from your sink, shower and toilet drains to your septic tank. Scum floats to the top of the tank; solids settle to the bottom, both awaiting pump out. The liquids then percolate into the drainfield where pathogens are digested by millions of micro organisms in the soil. If both tank and drain field are functioning properly, your septic system can provide you with decades of safe, environmentally friendly treatment and help return clean water to the water table. Key to its health are a few simple tricks that will save you money over the years and protect both your system and the surrounding environment (including your basement) from damage and overflows. First, find your tank! If you live in an older home, you may not know where your tank was buried. But knowing its location is crucial to being able to take good care of it. On average, septic tanks serving a four person household need to be pumped out every two to five years, as solids will build up in the tank. Investing in an inspection and pumping out on a regular basis may cost a few hundred dollars today, but it can save you a lot more in the future, as repair or replacement costs for a broken system can range from $20,000 to $40,000. Once you’ve found it, avoid parking cars, storing lumber, firewood or anything heavy on top of it or your drain field. The field needs oxygen and soil that is not compacted to function properly. Also make sure that no trees live in
the soil above your drain field. Roots can penetrate drain field pipes and clog your system, resulting in backups of sewage onto the surface of the field or even into your house. A bylaw now exists to ensure that septic systems are properly maintained in the municipalities of Colwood, Langford, Saanich and View Royal. To help you learn more about your system, the CRD offers free Septic Savvy workshops. Visit www.crd.bc.ca/septic or call the CRD at 250-360-3030 to receive an information kit about your system or register for a workshop. When booking your inspection or pump out, go with a professional and stick with a Registered Onsite Wastewater Practitioner (ROWP) to ensure you get a fair and honest inspection. Typical costs for inspections on Vancouver Island range from $350 to $650 or $60 per hour plus travel. Take care of your septic system to save a host of problems down the road. It may seem like a strange creature in your back yard, but you can take the guess work out and make friends!
#+ 0 %- )&%$ %+ *+ )+* % &,) &.% "0 ) + * . 0 . - $ + &$$ +$ %+ +& $ %+ % &,) * '+ *0*+ $ &% ) ,# ) * * ,) ')&' )#0 $ %+ % *0*+ $ . ## # *+ * #&% ) % &- ) + $ . ## # " #0 * - ,* + &,* % * % ) ' )* & 2% &,+ $&) &,+ * '+ *0*+ $ $ %+ % % % 0# .* &) +& * % ,' &) ) .&)"* &' '# * - * + *** % & $' &) &%+ + + &+# % +
&. + + 0# . * % + %
*+ 0 % &)$ &,+ + ) (, ) $ %+* &) 0&,) * '+ *0*+ $ + ... ) * '+
$0..6/*5: (3&&/ 4$&/& t "6(645 t 17
GREEN READS
Continued from p. 16
Green Restorations In a city like Victoria where most homes have been providing shelter for many decades, renovations — both professional and the do-it-yourself variety – are big business. But renovations can also create a lot of waste. If you’d like to learn how to renovate in a more environmentally responsible manner, check out Aaron Lubeck’s Green Restorations: Sustainable Building and Historic Homes. “Some 40 per cent of North Americans live in homes built prior to 1940, and when it comes time to remodel or restore our older homes, homeowners and contractors can find themselves lost in a morass of wildly divergent information and opinion,� the publishers note. “With Green Restorations, author Aaron Lubeck brings his expertise as a restoration contractor and preservation consultant to this first-of-its-kind guide, leading the reader through the steps for restoring historic buildings using sustainable practices and green building techniques.� Approaching the home in a room-by-room and system-by-system format, Lubeck, a member of the United States Green Building Council, covers rehabilitation and remodelling questions applicable to old homes, focusing on the core techniques and debates often seen in practice. Find the answers to such restoration questions as: s )S SEALING MY OLD CRAWL SPACE A GOOD IDEA s 3HOULD ) REPLACE OR REHABILITATE MY WINDOWS s !RE THERE HISTORIC ASPECTS OF MY HOME ) NEED TO PRESERVE 7HAT CAN ) CHANGE s 7HAT ARE THE CULTURAL ENVIRONMENTAL AND FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS OF MY proposed changes? Written in such a way as to be accessible for homeowners but technical enough for contractors, this book will appeal to anyone trying to green an older home while preserving its historic and cultural significance.
ZERO-MILE
RECIPE For many Victoria gardeners, August is all about the tomatoes ripening in the garden. In her newly released book, The Zero-Mile Diet, Carolyn Herriot offers a delicious, home-grown take on fresh salsa.
Salsa Fresca Ingredients
1 cup tomatoes (cherry or salad tomatoes are best) 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped 1 garlic clove, minced 1 tsp. jalapeno, seeds removed and minced 3 Tbsp fresh cilantro, finely chopped 1 lime, juiced Salt and pepper to taste Method:
Whirl the tomatoes in a food processor until coarsely chopped. Add the rest of the ingredients and leave to marinate. Strain off liquid and freeze as ice-cube-tray cubes or in plastic tubs. Perfect for the winter munchies! 18 t $0..6/*5: (3&&/ 4$&/& t "6(645
456"789"':%&"7
/
*+%&',-#.'
0112133 Z&/3'S#/,(#EH[\
!"#$%&''#())*&+$,-&./#)0,#$)*123456)5"7)8,99:;&$<=
!"#$%&"'(%&") !"#$%&''#)&#)*&+$,-&./#)9,#$)@&L-.;$)) ;"7)+,99:;&$<=))5%1#)*+,"#)-6,#-3)&,6,4# -/#7/,18%&4,#1-(&/9#*:#;<#:1*+#=%&'(81,,/# >-/-4-?#+-@&/9#(),+#)&9)'.#,::&3&,/(A#
B,"()&''"#)*+,"#-'"*#:,-(%1,C D##E,-(#0%+0"#0*F,1,4#$.#G&"(1&3(# ###7/,19.#H)-1&/9#H."(,+#01*6&4&/9##### ###),-(&/9#-/4#3**'&/9 D##I5#H(1-(-# D##JKL#31-F'#"0-3,"#:*1#"(*1-9, D##H(,0"#:1*+#M-/9:*14#M-@,N#M-/9:*14O"# 1,31,-(&*/-'#3*11&4*1#-/4#:-/(-"(&3#")*00&/9 P&"&(#%"#*/#M-/9:*14#Q-1@F-.N#(1-6,'# 0-"(#!")',.#R%1/&(%1,N#>&(.#>,/(1,#Q-1@# -/4#:*''*F#(),#B,"()&''"#"&9/"S##H)*F#
!"#$%&'$%()*+,$-%
E*+,#*0,/#TUVJ0+#G-&'.S#>*/(-3(#W&@,# E-1(")*1/,N#QX7>N#GRE#X,-'#7"(-(,#M(4SN#:*1#
.*/%0123%456$%
+*1,#4,(-&'"S##G*/O(#+&""#*%(AA#
7+%8/%9':7;&<";-
>.?"@&"73&AB"28C+,9
Q)C#UYKV;;<VJJJY
D%()EFGHIIJHKKKF
!"#$%&'(#)*+,#+-.#/*(#-00,-1#,2-3('.#-"#&''%"(1-(,4 $0..6/*5: (3&&/ 4$&/& t "6(645 t 19
Community
GREEN
SCENE
CALENDAR
THURSDAYS AND FRIDAYS TO SEPT. 24 – Island Chefs
Collaborative Bastion Square Farm Market, with fresh local produce in support of local farms.
AUG. 21 & 22 – North Saanich Flavour Trail; enjoy local food, farms and more. FMI: www.northsaanich.ca
AUG. 24 TO 27 – Small Scale Grain Production, Salt Spring. Foxglove Farm’s Centre for Arts, Ecology and Agriculture – for anyone wanting to grow grains for their own consumption or for supplying small-scale regional users such as bakers, maltsters or livestock producers. FMI: www.foxglovefarmbc.ca.
Send your Green Events to jblyth@telus.net
SEPT. 18 TO 26 – Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup Week. Join the Shaw Ocean Discovery Team to help clean up a local beach. FMI: www.oceandiscovery.ca
SEPT. 18 – Sustainable Home and Garden Series: Chickens in the City, 2 to 4 p.m. at Victoria Compost Education Centre. Pre-registration required. FMI: 250-386-WORM or www.compost.bc.ca
SEPT. 18 – Free Native Plant Gardening Workshop on gardening with drought-resistant native plants, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Swan Lake Nature House. FMI: 250-479-0211.
AUG. 29 – Preserving the Harvest with David Mincey
at the Victoria Compost Education Centre. Pre-registration required. FMI: 250-386-WORM or www.compost.bc.ca
OCT. 16 – Sustainable Home and Garden Series: Grow the Best Garlic, 2 to 4 p.m. at Victoria Compost Education Centre. Pre-registration required. FMI: 250-386-WORM or www.compost.bc.ca
SEPT. 11 – Sustainable Home and Garden Series: Basics of Honey Beekeeping, 2 to 4 p.m. at Victoria Compost Education Centre. Pre-registration required. FMI: 250-386WORM or www.compost.bc.ca
OCT. 17 – Free Native Plant Gardening Workshop on gardening with drought-resistant native plants, 1 to 4 p.m. at Swan Lake Nature House. FMI: 250-479-0211.
SEPT. 12 & 19 – Two-session Habitat Restoration Work-
OCT. 22 – Ocean Discovery Day in Sidney. The Canadian
shops, 9 a.m. to noon at Glendale Gardens & Woodland. Fees: $70/members; $90/non-members. FMI: 250-4796162 or www.glendalegardens.ca
Design Course, 7:30 to 8:30 p.m., Royal Roads University, 2005 Sooke Rd. FMI: www.organiclandcare.org
SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS, SEPT. 18 TO OCT.17 – Gyotaku (Fish Printing), 1 to 3 p.m. at Shaw Ocean Discover Centre in Sidney. This traditional Japanese art form was once used to record the catch. Bring a shirt, pillowcase or a tote bag and use our rubber fish to decorate your item, or make a print on paper. Suggested $2 donation for fabric painting. FMI: www.oceandiscovery.ca 20 t $0..6/*5: (3&&/ 4$&/& t "6(645
Farm, 4317 Blenkinsop Rd. Proceeds to TLC’s Agricultural program and Island Chefs’ Collaborative.
OCT. 16 – Free Composting Basics workshop, 10 a.m. to noon
to noon at the Victoria Compost Education Centre. Pre-registration required. FMI: 250-386-WORM or www.compost.bc.ca
SEPT. 14 – Info session for the Ecological Landscape
OCT. 3 – Chef Survival Challenge, 12 to 5 p.m. at Madrona
Centre for special ocean-related artsy activities in light of the Peninsula ArtSea Festival, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. FMI: www.oceandiscovery.ca
SEPT. 11 – Free Composting Basics workshop, 10 a.m.
course, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., Royal Roads University, 2005 Sooke Rd. FMI: www.organiclandcare.org
to 4 p.m. at Victoria Compost Education Centre. Pre-registration required. FMI: 250-386-WORM or www.compost.bc.ca
OCT. 16 – ArtSea Festival Join the Shaw Ocean Discovery
& Market, Salt Spring’s Foxglove Farm Centre for Arts, Ecology and Agriculture. Learn about site selection, fruit varieties, orchard establishment, soil fertility, grafting, pruning, pest and disease control, harvest, post harvest and marketing of fruit. FMI: www.foxglovefarmbc.ca
SEPT. 14 – Info session for the Organic Master Gardener
SEPT. 25 – Sustainable Home and Garden Series: Seed Saving, 2
Oswego St. FMI: www.conversationworks.ca/green-drinksvictoria
AUG. 31 TO SEPT. 3 – Growing Tree Crops for Home
500 Oswego St. FMI: www.conversationworks.ca/greendrinks-victoria
lenge, 12 to 5 p.m. Tickets $75 online or at Madrona Farm gate Wednesday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Proceeds to TLC’s Agricultural Program with 10 per cent to the Island Chefs’ Collaborative. FMI: http://blog.conservancy.bc.ca
OCT. 12 – Green Drinks meets at the Oswego Hotel, 500
(Camille’s Restaurant), 10 to 4 p.m. at Salt Spring Foxglove Farm’s Centre for Arts, Ecology and Agriculture FMI: www.foxglovefarmbc.ca or 250-388-6800.
SEPT. 14 – Green Drinks meets at the Oswego Hotel,
OCT. 3 – Madrona Farm’s third annual Chef Survival Chal-
Coast Guard vessel Vector will be visiting Sidney. FMI: www. oceandiscovery.ca
SEPT. 19 – CRD’s fifth annual Hartland Open House, 10:30
OCT. 23 – Free Native Plant Gardening Workshop on gardening
a.m. to 3 p.m. Hartland Landfill, 1 Hartland Ave. FMI: 250-360-3030.
with drought-resistant native plants, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Swan Lake Nature House. FMI: 250-479-0211.
SEPT. 19 – Feast of Fields Vancouver Island, Parry Bay Sheep
OCT. 23 – Sustainable Home and Garden Series: Grow the Best
Farm, Metchosin. FMI: www.feastoffields.com
SEPT. 25 & 26 – Glendale Gardens Fall Plant Sale, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Find unique shrubs and perennials propagated from the gardens’ collections. Master Gardeners will be on-site to answer questions; refreshments. FMI: 250-479-6162 or www.glendalegardens.ca
SEPT. 25 – Free Native Plant Gardening Workshop on gardening
Mushrooms, 2 to 4 p.m. at Victoria Compost Education Centre. Pre-registration required. FMI: 250-386-WORM or www. compost.bc.ca
OCT. 27 – Free Native Plant Gardening Workshop on gardening with drought-resistant native plants, 1 to 4 p.m. at Swan Lake Nature House. FMI: 250-479-0211.
OCT. 30 – Mason Bee Workshop, 1 to 4 p.m. at Glendale Gar-
with drought-resistant native plants, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Swan Lake Nature House. FMI: 250-479-0211.
dens & Woodland. Fees: $25members; $35/non-members. FMI: 250-479-6162 or www.glendalegardens.ca
SEPT. 30 – Free Native Plant Gardening Workshop on gardening
NOV. 6 – Free Native Plant Gardening Workshop on gardening
with drought-resistant native plants, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Swan Lake Nature House. FMI: 250-479-0211.
with drought-resistant native plants, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Swan Lake Nature House. FMI: 250-479-0211.
Capital Regional District
ONE STOP DROP:
Product Stewardship Makes Recycling Easy
Y
ou know that big, bulky boom box from the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;90s in your garage? Or those old paint cans collecting dust in your basement and the broken cell phones in your kitchen drawer? Stuff. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all around us, and when itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to get rid of it, the options can make us throw our hands up in frustration. But donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t despair: now that Product Stewardship has expanded in B.C., itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s easier than ever to recycle these items and more. Product stewardship is a provincial strategy to place responsibility for end-oflife management of the trinkets of modern life on the producer, rather than on the taxpayer or local government. The reasoning is, if producers have to pay to dispose of their products, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll go to greater lengths to make products that are more recyclable and include greener components that have less impact on the environment. Thanks to this requirement, there are many more choices for disposal and recycling of our televisions, computers, paints and motor oils. Now you can return items to a host of local depots in the area or take them straight to the CRDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hartland landfill recycling area for a one-stop drop-off extravaganza. Hartland accepts product stewardship items such as batteries, electronics, compact fluorescent bulbs and tubes, thermostats and household hazardous waste materials including pesticides, solvents, and flammable liquids. All of these items can be dropped off for free! And if you want to recycle other waste, such as mattresses, yard and garden waste, wood waste and general recycling you can take those materials to Hartland too. So why bother separating these items from your household trash in the first place? Many product stewardship items contain hazardous wastes, such as heavy metals, petroleum products and chemicals, which can impact the environment. Product stewardship disposes of these goods and chemicals in a safe manner, recycling whenever possible and keeping them out of our natural environment. Hartland landfill also has a limited
lifespan, and the more we can divert from the general waste stream, the longer the landfill will last. Studies at Hartland have shown that when an item is put on product stewardship, it can typically result in a significant drop in its appearance in the landfill. Every year, more merchandise is added to the product stewardship list. By next year, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll also expect to be able to return small appliances and smoke detectors under the program. Look for the expanded program in Fall 2010 and Summer 2011. In the meantime, visit Hartland landfill with these items and all that other junk from your garage and feel the love â&#x20AC;&#x201D; your shelves, your wallet and local ecosystems will thank you! For a complete listing of drop off depots in the Capital Region, visit the Recycling Council of BCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website: rcbc.bc.ca/recyclepedia. The CRD also has a comprehensive listing of recycling options at MyRecyclopedia: www.myrecyclopedia.ca. For more information contact the CRD hotline at 250-360-3030.
)&$ + &) . + ). 0 +& &." ) ) " % + ,% * +
*(, $ #+ &&% . ) & % &,) ' )+ +& ')&+ + % ) *+&) &,) . + )* * ), #& # &- )%$ %+ * +* )&# +& '# 0 ,+ &,) &$$,% +0 &)+* ) $ " % ## + ) % + ) ## . "%&. + + + &%#0 . 0 +& ,+ ,# ) &,) * + )&, #+ 0 . + )* & !& % ,* * + *** % * ' %& & +& 2% &,+ &.
$0..6/*5: (3&&/ 4$&/& t "6(645 t 21
SOLVE THE PUZZLES &
ENTER TO WIN
4 TICKETS GOLDEN LEAGUE BASEBALL
VICTORIA SEALS VS.
EDMONTON CAPITALS Friday Sept. 3, 2010 7:05 pm |Royal Athletic Park NAME: _________________ PHONE: ________________ Drop completed entries off at:
Black Press 818 Broughton Street 8:30-5:00 pm, Monday to Friday
22 t $0..6/*5: (3&&/ 4$&/& t "6(645
SHOW YOUR TRANSIT PASS FOR
Jennifer Blyth photo
NATIVE PLANT WORKSHOP Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary and the Capital Regional District Water Department. are teaming up once again to offer local green thumbs a series of Native Plant Gardening Workshops. Dates for fall include: from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sept.18, 25 and 30, Oct. 23 and Nov. 6; and from 1 to 4 p.m. Oct. 17 and 27 and Nov. 14. Led by Native Plant gardening consultant Pat Johnston, the free threehour workshop on gardening with drought-resistant native plants will help participants: l identify native plants l review the benefits of native plants l teach how and where to grow native plants l offer tips for reducing or eliminating lawns l inform how to create special natural habitats, meadows, thickets and woodlands l include an informative tour of the native plant garden Pre-register with Swan Lake Nature House at 250-479-0211.
FALL NATIVE PLANT SALE Put what you’ve learned at the Native Plant Gardening Workshop into practice with a few new items. The Swan Lake Fall native Plant Sale is planned for Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 2 and 3. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days, the Sanctuary will offer a diverse selection of native plant species, with more of a focus on shrubs, ground covers and evergreen ferns. The plants are arranged in the sales area in three zones, based on sun requirements: Full sun; sun to partial
shade; and partial shade to shade. Within each zone, plants are arranged according to form: ferns, ground cover, perennials, shrubs and trees. Workshops, presentations, demonstrations and displays on gardening with drought-tolerant native plants and developing wildlife habitat in urban settings are included in the admission price. Proceeds support the Nature Sanctuary’s education programs. For more informaiton, visit www. swanlake.bc.ca
OFF
1
$
VICTORIA SEALS
ADMISSION
Busing and baseball are going together beautifully this summer. Simply show your BC Transit pass and receive $1 off the price of admission to see the Victoria Seals play baseball. From now until the end of the Victoria Seals’ season in September, spectators receive the discount when they show their BC Transit monthly pass, DayPASS, ProPASS, U-PASS or BC Bus Pass at the gate. “This is one way we are thanking our customers for supporting sustainable transportation,” said Manuel Achadinha, president and CEO of BC Transit. “It’s also a great opportunity to be a part of the community and to support our local baseball team.” This is the first season that BC Transit and the Victoria Seals have made this offer. Families can also take advantage of BC Transit’s Family Travel Program to get to the games. Up to four youths aged 12 and younger ride BC Transit free anytime when travelling with a parent or guardian, 19 years or older. The adult simply pays the fare using their monthly pass, DayPASS, ProPASS, U-PASS or BC Bus Pass.
GREGG’S WINDOW CLEANING “Since 1920”
Window Cleaning Gutter Cleaning Gutter Repairs Bring in this coupon for a 10 % discount! Expires October 31, 2010
“Cleaning windows the old fashioned way since 1920”
B18–555 Ardersier Road, Victoria
250.475.6675
$0..6/*5: (3&&/ 4$&/& t "6(645 t 23
EVOLVE TOWARD A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
We get it. To survive in todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fast-paced, complex world of business, savvy working professionals with a passion for the environment and sustainability, need current intelligence and relevant, real-world experience. Royal Roads University connects you to people, ideas and opportunities to advance your career. We deliver applied and professional programs designed specifically for working professionals that combine online learning at a distance with short, on-campus residencies so you can further your education, work and maintain your life. Choose a certificate, undergraduate or graduate program in environment and management, environmental practice, sustainable community development, environmental education or environmental science. Find out more about our flexible admission and what students are saying at www.royalroads.ca/green or call an enrolment advisor at 1-877-778-6227.
E N V I R O N M E N T A N D S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y
V IC TO R IA BC C ANADA
24 t $0..6/*5: (3&&/ 4$&/& t "6(645 Publication
Green Teacher
File created by
RRU Media Technologies / AR