A dynamic resource centre supporting student and community volunteers, educating and taking action on important social and environmental issues
Fall/Winter 2014 - 15
PIRGSPECTIVES OPIRG Newsletter
A NOTE FROM THE BEEKEEPER: By: Brandi Lee MacDonald
Coldwater Creek Honey is
to take away from those qualities. It is 100% local to Hamilton. No imported made by happy and healthy bees who honey. No chemicals or pesticides. No live on the outskirts of McMaster questionable blending. No high fruccampus, adjacent to the naturally protose corn syrup. Just pure honey as tected areas of Cootes Paradise and the bees intended. Royal Botanical Gardens. These areas are among the greatest locations The honey will keep indefinitewithin city limits for strong, biodily-- it will not go bad on the shelf. verse habitats, protection from agriOver time it may begin to crystallize, cultural and horticultural pesticides which is a natural occurrence. Simply and herbicides, and overall, they offer warming the jar will liquefy. Do not ideal foraging habitats for honeybees. refrigerate. Store in a dark, dry, room Honeybees can forage several kilometemperature location. ters in search of food, and the availability and quality of the food they eat 2014 Crop tasting notes: has a significant effect on their wellbe ing. Without a healthy environment The 2014 crop currently for sale for the bees to forage in, it is impossi- ble to keep strong, healthy honeybee is medium amber in colour, and has a rich, robust flavour with notes of colonies. cinnamon spice, clove, bruised apple, Coldwater Creek Honey is a pre- and a subtle black pepper warmth. It pairs excellently with blue cheese, mium product. It is 100% pure, raw, smoked and amber ales, and would unpasteurized, and not messed with enhance the flavour profile of a range like a lot of commercially available of cocktails. It’s especially lovely in honeys. I believe in the health properties of honey (it contains vitamins, baked goods-- it’s robust flavour holds up during the baking process minerals, protein, and has probiotic and adds complexity to muffins, cakes and anti-inflammatory properties), and as a rule I don’t do anything to it and loaves, as well as in housemade
salad dressings, sauces, and glazes.
Contact Info: Brandi Lee MacDonald info@hamiltonurbanbeekeepers.com
Amina and Brandi representing about bees at OPIRG
EAT LOCAL, ENVIRONMENT HAMILTON By: Ben Westerterp
O
PIRG’s Sustainability Happiness Circle is dedicated to provide opportunities and knowledge that encourage the most recent trends in sustainable living, with the intention that these everyday routine modifications will evoke happiness. In an effort to provide adequate resources to do so, the Sustainability Happiness Circle organized for Juby Lee, of En-
vironment Hamilton, to talk about recent movements in Hamilton local food economy and how consumers, volunteers and businesses can get involved. For those that couldn’t make it, here is what the presentation outlined. Juby Lee led an informative discussion surrounding Environment Hamilton’s commitments to support
local food initiatives. There are a number of initiatives currently underway to advocate for support of a popular local diet culture in Hamilton. Juby broke Hamilton’s local food imitative down into three areas: Advocacy, Volunteer Support and For-Profit Initiatives, ending with a discussion on the challenges for a local food economy.
Advocacy
Environment Hamilton offers helpful resources such as the Farm Map – a local food directory that lists local farms in the Greater Hamilton Area, where people can purchase or inquire about farming practices and goods. Growing the Greenbelt is another initiative taken by Environment Hamilton that encourages the expansion of the Greenbelt region by advocating the transition of surrounding “white-belt” urban areas into cultivable green space. “Designating a Greenbelt region is an easy way of protecting green space, but it’s not enough,” says Juby. The Pollinator Paradise Project is an innovative approach to sustaining
and encouraging the health of the solitary bees. Unlike the honeybee, solitary bees aren’t aggressive. These bees are known for their pollinating efforts. One-third of the produce we eat can be attributed to the pollination efforts of the solitary bee. The “Bee Box” is an artificial hive for solitary bees to reproduce, increasing the population and encouraging higher yields for local farmers.
Volunteer Driven Initiatives
Volunteer initiatives such as the Hamilton Food Charter aim at making food accessible to all Hamiltonians, recognizing cost and sustainability, in partnership with the Board of Health. Developments have led to the creation of the first urban farm in Hamilton - the McQuesten Urban Farm. This progressive change has inspired community action to help develop programs such as the Muslim Children’s Club, the Hamilton Community Garden Network and various organized athletics. Other volunteer initiatives include seasonal farmer’s markets and support for the Mustard
Seed Coop on Locke Street.
For Profit Initiatives
Coffeecology – a fair-trade, organic coffee delivery service. Madeleine’s Local Bakery Goodness Me! – Organic foods with local produce options. Despite these inspiring initiatives, Juby mentions how there are still challenges with a local food economy that need to be addressed. With a lack of resources distribution is one of the most significant barriers. A local food terminal would be ideal, but this requires substantial infrastructural investment. Competition in the market place is another key barrier, as food is often sold under market value. Lastly, there is the issue of making local food and its preparation more convenient for everyone.
Documenting the Past to Enrich the Future OPIRG’s HISTORY BLOGGING PROJECT By: Ben Westerterp
Understanding history is im-
portant in the process of moving forward for any organization. Fortunately for OPIRG, volunteers are dedicating time to sort and digitize archives
dating as far back as 1975. “There is a lot of stuff to go through” says Zafrin Islam, an OPIRG volunteer and Honours Biochemistry student currently devoting hours scanning paper archives that will be uploaded to OPIRG’s recently created History Blog. Everything from newspaper articles in the McMaster Silhouette or the Hamilton Spectator describing OPIRG activities, to OPIRG newsletters, posters and photos. A team of volunteers are working their way through the dated materials for three to four hours at a time, scanning existing archival material and uploading them to OPIRG’s online History Blog. Rather than sitting in a dark drawer, these documents become accessible online in a shareable format. Anyone interested in OPIRG’s history can search the blog and find examples of student and community contributions though time. In the process of scanning, Zafrin comes across interesting finds, like a poster form the original McMaster PIRG dated from 1977 which promoted the use of the former OPIRG resource centre with hoursfrom 10-6 in Wentworth House, an additional hour and a half over the current office hours in the Student Centre. OPIRG has both instigated as
well as helped to advocate for a wide range of social and environmental justice initiatives. A great deal of history can be gleaned from an organization that dedicates itself toward the betterment of social and environmental practices in society, since 1975. The history archive blogging project invites OPIRG’s history into the digital age, where others can learn from public interest movements in the past just by visiting the blog. Having this level of convenience in accessing archived history will be an invaluable asset to the organization, the working groups operating within, and the entire university community.
Sarah
Zafrin
OPIRG’s History Blog
THE McMARSH PROJECT WITH DR. JAMES WADDINGTON Article by Rebekah Roy
Dr. James Waddington works
on a pretty incredible project you may have heard about: the McMarsh Project. The project aims to restore the natural floodplain that existed before McMaster constructed parking lots in the west campus in the late 1960s. Dr. Waddington’s project targets the 30-meter plain between Lot M and the Ancaster creek. McMarsh was granted a Forward with Integrity grant in May of 2013. The McMarsh – An Environmental Sustainability Research and Teaching Study was recognized as an important project within McMaster. As outlined in the FWI proposal, the study involves “the acquisition of baseline hydro-logical data via the installation of groundwater and stream stage wells in parking Lot M to assess flow paths, pairing this with ecological studies of the area to determine species diversity, and researching the historical land-use assessment, land ethics and social policy to evaluate the past, present and potential (restored
state) of watershed resilience in this area of the campus.” Dr. Waddington’s hydrology undergraduate class is involved in the project, collecting baseline data; the students monitor the level of groundwater within this area to determine if it was actually groundwater, and also if it was enough to sustain the restoration to mini wetlands. The data that this hydrology class has collected will be used in next semester’s class as their data, and they again will be doing some different research for this project. It is great that he has had the ability to create a class around this project and involve McMaster students. This project is important for obvious reasons; there are not enough wetland habitats, and clearly there is a need in the area. The turtle species and other wildlife that can be incorporated into this project will make the west campus a much more inviting area. This area will be used for research and learning on site, without
having to go off campus to complete a dozen people is working hard to projects. ensure that this area is restored to its Tys Thysmeyer, Head of Natural natural state for all to enjoy. Lands at the RBG, came to WaddingBackstory ton’s class to give a talk about coldwa This project grew out of a camter pond habitat. This visit became a paign initiated by Restore Cootes. Re'trigger' for the store Cootes has its roots class and they in 1999 when the number came up with of animals that became a key question: ‘road kill’ on Cootes “How much Drive was tracked by the groundwater is Royal Botanical Gardens, coming off the which led Restore Coohillslope adjacent tes’ director Randy Kay to the proposed to research why the road McMarsh and was even built through how large and Cootes Paradise in the deep a cold wafirst place. Along the way ter marsh can be he discovered the history maintained with of the McMaster parkthis groundwaing lots in the west side ter.” It was deof campus and how they termined that were built on land forthere is enough merly owned by the RBG Hilary and Cam groundwater for and known as Coldspring Valley three mini marshes in Lot Nature Sanctuary. M. Restore Cootes initiated an ad Dr. Waddington’s vision for the vocacy campaign to have McMaster future would be to have these marshes reduce the size of Parking Lot M to returned to their glory and for the install the minimum requirement of a west side of campus to be a place of 30 metre naturalized buffer between teaching and research. He believes parking and the cold water creek. that there is room for philanthropy Waddington got involved after here at McMaster; the team of about Kay sent out an e-mail looking for
professors to get involved in this project. “When Dr. Waddington replied with enthusiasm for the project it was certainly an exciting moment for me” recounts Kay. Waddington is part of a group of professors with an interest in McMarsh, from Engineering, Fine Art, English, Geography, Integrated Sci-ence, Biology and others. “I believe you could hear a little cheer from the turtles of Cootes that day,” suggests Kay.
From left to right: Susan Dudley, Jim Quinn, Tys Theysmeyer, Wayne Terryberry, Mike Waddington, Cam McCann
www.restorecootes.blogspot.ca
By: Jane Zhang
The goals of this project were to
simply reduce waste and to have fun! Creativity is what really powers the volunteers as they problem solve and put their ideas onto the wrapping. The project aimed at the holiday season which is when most gift wrapping occurs during the year. All the materials for gift wrapping were donated by Incite Magazine, The Silhouette, and the Student Wellness Centre. Incite Magazine had the best quality paper and I
suggest using theirs to wrap your gifts after you have finished reading their amazing work. The artwork is stunning and the thickness of the paper is just perfect. Volunteers were recruited via social media which included FaceBook and MacInsiders. Surprisingly, MacInsiders was very successful at recruiting volunteers. The group was run without any executives and I tried to adopt a style of group consensus which I learned from a workshop held
earlier in the school year by OPIRG. With group consensus, everyone is equal and everyone’s ideas/opinions are equally valid. However, this was difficult to maintain as it was hard to have in person meetings with enough members. However, every effort was made to keep everyone included in the conversation as this project really depended on the volunteers. In addition, this project was possible because of the support from OPIRG. This project was meant to be short term and was not intended to act as a working group. OPIRG provided supplies such as scissors and tape. But more importantly, OPIRG was a board to connect with others whom we could work with and gift wrap for. So far, we attended the Fair Trade Festival and All That Glitters held by OPIRG. In addition, we attended a fair lined with vendors selling goodies for the holidays held by McMaster University. We have wrapped a total of 8 gifts which is amazing considering the scale of this project and the resources available. Being eco-friendly is not that hard with some imagination. I met many awesome people through this project and I hope that it has made an impact on some part of the McMaster community.
ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT: How can we transform the OPIRG Office to become a focal point for student activity? By Randy Kay Editing by Ouajih Hamouda
T
Supposing OPIRG were to have an in he OPIRG office is advantaterim mission statement like: “OPIRG geously located in the Student Centre. McMaster is a dynamic resource cenIt currently serves as: tre supporting the education of our students and community volunteers A workplace for part-time and towards taking action on important student staff issues in the public interest.” A resource library A fair trade coffee, tea, chocolate, How can the office space be baskets, & jewlery point of sale used to support this mission A place to store and display working in the best way? group materials, posters, & leaflets What needs to be done to A battery recycling location align the office representation The office purpose is unclear to the general student community, and the following questions have been asked: Am I welcome at any time or do I need a specific purpose? Is it a place to visit or am I interrupting? Is it a store? Is it a library? Can I just walk in?
with OPIRG’s goals?
(Office scene); not the OPIRG office
In addition to its present services, the OPIRG office can also be used as:
A meeting or event space for the board & working groups after 4:30pm and on weekends A social space for collaboration between students and working groups, sharing ideas, and developing student community networks (e.g. coffee & tea drop-ins, presentations, brain-storming sessions) A media work space (workstation/ podcasting/video editing)
ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT:
The office furniture was
bought from MAPS 12 years ago when the student centre opened and is almost entirely unchanged. The library is only getting about 5 patrons per month. The utility of the space is limited by the amount of furniture dedicated to staff desks. (The 3 staff are all part- time & not all in the office at the same time). The office hours cover 6.5 hours a day, and sometimes closed for lunch. (We are open 5 days a week). Digital storage could eliminate the need to keep
paper files in drawers that no body accesses.
“in the future libraries will be less about what we have for people and more about what we do for people.” Sari Feldman, president-elect of the American Library Association
“modern libraries are much more places for social gathering.” Morten Schmidt, Danish architect whose firm designed the Halifax library
What are the possibilities for improving space allocation?
Tables instead of desks: would create more usable workspace and would be at least move able in theory. New storage units to store files and binders (volunteers are already eliminating paper files by scanning) Stackable chairs Wall space to project images and presentations.
Until recently the OPIRG Blog “Part of the cost structure everyone title was “OPIRG McMaster: REhas is they make this assumption of a SEARCH AND ACTION”. The focus desk per person, but with mobile work, on “research” remains a weak spot when you walk into most places, how for OPIRG. While action is integral many of those desks are actually used to our volunteer efforts, identifying at any given moment? Not many, … OPIRG McMaster with our working often up to 60% of desks can go .” mission is perhaps better reflected in a new title: “OPIRG McMaster The above ideas would all help to cre- Resource Centre” which puts more ate more flexible space in MUSC 229 focus on the physical space, and on and leave open space for meetings of our mission to support student action. 10-15 people.
SUMMARY
In order to reach out to a greater number of students and community volunteers and improve faculty en gagement, the OPIRG office must embrace and reflect the spirit of today’s drive towards high levels of accessibility, openness, and transparency. We live in a society that rewards creative experimentation, innovation, positive use of new technologies, and being open to new ways of doing things. Being able to attract student engagement is essential to a thriving student centred office.
WHAT’S IN A NAME?
OPIRG’s presence on McMaster’s campus is synonymous with the University’s research-intensive focus on the ‘creation, dissemination, & transfer of knowledge’. Establishing an attractive, exciting, new look, re-energised Resource Centre to serve as a space for creative research & action, we can expand our community outreach on campus and beyond, and strengthen our commitment to our goals by attracting an increased number of students to engage with OPIRG.
CHECK OUT http://opirgmcmaster.blogspot. ca/2014/12/out-with-old.html http://opirgmcmaster.blogspot. ca/2014/12/in-with-new.html
Office as people place, making connections
BECOME AN OPIRG MCMASTER COMMUNITY MEMBER! ONTARIO PUBLIC INTEREST RESEARCH GROUP McMASTER Your Membership contributes to the ongoing work of OPIRG McMaster, our Resource Library, and our front-line volunteer working groups. Membership allows you to take part in OPIRG board meetings and vote at our Annual General Meeting, and serve on the Board of Directors. You also have access to our free training workshops on Anti Oppression and Consensus Decision Making, a bi-annual subscription to PIRGspectives, OPIRG McMaster’s topical newsletter, mailed to your home. Plus you are able to sign out material from our alternative lending library full of books, videos, and periodicals you won’t find elsewhere. (NOTE: Full-Time Undergraduates at McMaster are automatically members of OPIRG) NAME________________________________________________________________________ PHONE_______________________________________________________________________ ADDRESS_____________________________________________________________________ E-MAIL_______________________________________________________________________ TWO PAYMENT OPTIONS: NEW: Sliding Scale membership $10-$20 OPTION 1: Membership only: Payable to “OPIRG McMaster” : Membership amount $_______ OPTION 2: Community Membership payable to “ONTARIO PIRG” $______+ tax free donation $_____, = full amount $________ If choosing Option 2: please indicate how much is membership and how much is donation.
OPIRG McMaster, MUSC 229, 1280 Main Street West Hamilton ON L8S 4S4 In Person: Room 229 McMaster University Student Centre. ph (905) 525-9140 ext. 27289 opirg@mcmaster.ca Web Site opirg.ca
PIRGSPECTIVES FALL WINTER 2014-15 Thanks to writers: Ben Westerterp, Jane Zhang, Rebekah Roy, Randy Kay Thanks to Editors: Jane Zhang, Ouajih Hamouda, Randy Kay Thanks to Layout/Design: Amandha Narangoda OPIRG McMaster’s PIRGSPECTIVES Fall/Winter 2014-15 samples from the many streams our volunteers wade into (literally and metaphorically). Here you will find student volunteers dipping into our paper archives to digitize our history in our History Archive Project; a new working group, Sustainable Happiness, invites Juby Lee of Environment Hamilton to talk about the importance of supporting local food producers; Rebekah Roy interviews Dr. Waddington about how he is engaging his students in hydrology research in the McMarsh project in west campus; Brandi Lee MacDonald updates on the OPIRG beehive project, OPIRG’s Coordinator of Volunteers Randy Kay lays out a vision for a re-energized Resource Centre space, and Jane Zhang wraps it up with sustainable wrapping paper.
@ OPIRG McMaster
@ opirgmcmaster
@ OPIRG McMaster
@ OPIRGMCMASTER