The Green Gazette April/May 2017

6/ Environmental Protection: An Inconvenient Truth There are countless examples throughout our social history where information has been altered or destroyed, usually to fit the political or religious theme of the day. - by Jessica Kirby 7/ Bee Audacious Gathering: Part One More than a whim, on the third of June, 2016, a reminder came through the mail. Applications open for the Bee Audacious conference. Earlier in the day I‘d busied myself capturing a small swarm in our home apiary.

- by Diane Dunaway 14/ Plastic, Plastic Everywhere Love it or hate it, plastic is everywhere. Since its earliest development nearly 200 years ago, the compound has revolutionized the world but with dire environmental consequences.

- by Jessica Kirby 21/ Local Outdoor Education Options Helping Children Thrive What happens when you foster an early diet of wilderness, community connections, and rural living? - by Frances McCoubrey 23/ Agriculture: The long View Part 2 - Agrarianism as a Sustainable Vision My heart was in the return to the land and wanting to build and operate a cattle ranch, but a modern one in the sense that the management would be founded in the awareness of the emerging ecological crisis. - by David Zirnhelt 30/ Canadian Mosaic vs. Canadian Melting Pot If you grew up, like I did, in the 1960s and 70s, you will remember how we proudly compared the mosaic that was Canada to the melting pot that was the United States. - by Sharon Taylor

Publisher / Editor-in-Chief Lisa Bland Senior Editor Jessica Kirby Contributors David Suzuki, LeRae Haynes, Margaret-Anne Enders, Jasmin Schellenberg, Terri Smith, Jessica Kirby, Guy Dauncey, Bill Irwin, Jennifer Clark, Ciel Patenaude, Diane Dunaway, Sharon Taylor, Lisa Bland, Venta Rutkauska, Oliver Berger, Tera Grady, Megan Rempel, Brianna Van De Wijngaard, Theodora Scarato, MSW, Peter Atamanenko, Frances McMcoubrey, David Zirnhelt, Beth Holden Advertising Lisa Bland Creative Directors Lisa Bland / Casey Bennett Ad Design Jill Schick, Rebecca Patenaude, Leah Selk Published by Earthwild Consulting Printing Black Press Ltd. Cover photo: Photo: Dmytro Titov, www.123rf.com/photo_55086329 Index Photo

Photo: www.kentbernadet.com

www.thegreengazette.ca info@thegreengazette.ca TheGreenGazette is published by Earthwild Consulting. To subscribe, email info@thegreengazette.ca or visit our website at www.thegreengazette.ca © 2017 all rights reserved. Opinions and perspectives expressed in the magazine are those of authors, and do not necessarily represent the views of the ownership or management. Reproduction in whole or part without the publisher‘s consent is strictly prohibited.

10/ It’s Just Like Riding a Bike: Women Mountain Biking As the days get longer, I can hear my mountain bike calling. I can‘t think of anything more empowering than hopping on my bike and peddling for hours.

- by Beth Holden

5/ Publishers Letter: Earth Day - by Lisa Bland 8/ Sacred Heart School: Caring for our common home - by LeRae Haynes 8/ Science Matters: Facts and evidence matter in confronting climate crisis - by David Suzuki 12/ Journey of a Lifetime on the Fraser River: July 20– August 14 - by Oliver Berger 13/ Step into Ecstasy this Spring - by Ciel Patenaude 13/ Just Cool It! New Book Launching - by David Suzuki & Ian Hanington 14/ Save-On Foods: Charging for plastic shopping bags— a step forward - by LeRae Haynes 14/ Recycling Support at Central Cariboo Disposal - by LeRae Haynes 15/ Waste Wise: Single Use Cups - by Tera Grady 16/ B.C. Government Urged to Ban Trophy Hunting of Grizzly Bears 16/ Seedlings for Starters - by Jessica Kirby 17/ Cigarette Recycling Campaign - by Megan Rempel 18/ Moving on from Urban Farming in Williams Lake - by Brianna Van De Wijngaard 18/ Car Seat Recycling Program Pilot 2017

22/ Soul to Speak: Beka Solo and Rich Mac - by Venta Rutkauskas 24/ In Love with Stuff: Philosophies of Simplicity - by Jennifer Clark 24/ Celebrate Earth Day at Handmade in the Cariboo Event - by LeRae Haynes 25/ First in the Nation - by Theodora Scarato, MSW 26/ Confessions of a Farmer: Ready, Set... Grow - by Terri Smith 26/ Chilcotin Chronicles - by Sage Birchwater 28/ Two with Nature Foods: Flavour from the inside out - by LeRae Haynes 28/ Cariboo MamaCare - by LaRae Haynes 30/ Raising Amadeus - by Terri Smith 31/ Making Space: Observing Canada‘s 150 years - by Margaret-Anne Enders 31/ Rail Ties Be Wise Update 32/ Skywatch with Bill Irwin 33/ Calendar of Events April/May 2017 33/ Forests Forum: Community Speaks Out on Sawmills, Logging - by Peter Atamanenko 35/ Nourishing our Children - by Jasmin Schellenberg

Lisa Bland Publisher/ Editor-in-Chief

T

he first Earth Day, held on April 22 in 1970, marked an historical era that catalyzed changes at many levels of society. The day of action on behalf of the planet grew out of the counterculture of the 70s on a stage set in 1962 by Rachel Carson's famous book The Silent Spring.

The book foretold a future where industrialism converged with the natural world, resulting in damage to ecosystems and by extension, humans and all life.

The force for action grew out of the anti -war movement in the US. It resulted in behaviour and policy changes that responded to public dissatisfaction about rampant unregulated industrial growth and pollution. The idea that the public could be inspired to act on behalf of the environment and in turn force regulations onto the national political agenda, was the concept driving Earth Day's founder, Gaylord Nelson, a US Senator in Wisconsin.

On that April 22, 1970, 20 million Americans demonstrated in the streets across the US, collectively standing up for environmental protection, uniting Democrats and Republicans, country and city dwellers, rich and poor across all levels of society. From these beginnings arose the modern environmental movement, the Environmental Protection Agency, and regulations for clean air, water, and endangered species.

In the early 90s and 2000s, the Earth Day collective voice rose again and again, mobilizing millions across the world, paving the way for worldwide recycling efforts, the UN Earth Summit, global warming awareness, and the push for clean energy solutions.

This year marks its 47th year, and the Earth Day collective voice will rise again, but with perhaps a more cynical view.

There is no denying the stormy path ahead for the planet, its creatures, and by extension, our collective uncertain future. In a climate of well-funded oil and industry lobbyists, dis-interested and apathetic consumers, double talking politicians, wealthy business interests, climate change deniers,

The Cariboo-Chilcotin Conservation Society (CCCS) thought we would do something extra special for this year‘s Earth Day April 22. We wanted to host an event right downtown, since we want every environment – even the urban ones – around the Cariboo to be sustainable and awesome. We‘ve teamed up with TheGreenGazette to host a day full of fun, earthy events. CCCS is hosting the Earth Day activities, such as a scavenger huntstyle litter pick and a downtown recycling tour, starting at 1p.m. in the Cariboo Growers Co-op parking lot. TheGreenGazette is hosting the Earth Night activities: an eve-

Photo: nikkytok / 123RF Stock Photo and short-term, profit- and fear-based thinking, the entire vibrant and vulnerable living planet is endangered.

It has always struck me as odd to have a day to celebrate the Earth, as though it were a separate entity, or something that required objectification to see it rightly or even remember that it exists. Earth lovers, lefty snowflakes, hippies, and freaks are most often associated with planet worship or being green, but deep down I think, or hope, we all experience a kind of awe about our lives and about our common home.

This incredible spinning blue globe in the vast darkness of space is where we live and it's a beautiful place. There's something about a feeling of connectedness to our Earth as a whole, and on a basic level, that we may try to grapple with, but can only really glimpse.

Nicole Stott, an American engineer and a NASA astronaut who served as a flight engineer on two missions to the International Space Station Expedition, and now a retired artist, recalls how her view of Earth from space changed her at a profound level.

After spending 104 days in space, Stott recounts to CBC Tapestry's Mary Hines, that seeing the earth from the outside was "overwhelmingly impressive."

She speaks of how being apart from Earth made her feel much more connected by recognizing it as home and where we all live. She described renewed appreciation of the Earth as a place that takes care of us and all the other living creatures.

ning of music with local musicians at the Central Cariboo Arts and Culture Centre, with a silent auction, booths, cash bar, and good times with your greenie friends.

Earth Day events are free to attend and all are materials supplied, sponsored by the Conservation Society. The Earth Night event has a $10 cover at the door.

If you‘d like more info, let us know.

Call (250) 398.7929 or email sustain@ccconserv.org / lisa@thegreengazette.ca. Check out our Facebook pages for more updates, too: https://www.facebook.com/CCCSociety and https://www.facebook.com/ greengazette/.

―Every time you look at it, it's changing. It's the most beautiful, stunning, never gets boring view that I've ever experienced,‖ she said. ―We've all seen the pale blue dot, but when you see it with your eyes, nothing taken in a photo does it justice. ―When we look at something with our eyes we experience it spiritually, as well, because you know you're part of it.‖ She describes the view from the space station looking out into the black expanse and depth of space as black and crystal

clear, and noticed the stars don't twinkle. ―It feels like it has a dimension to it and like it goes on forever.‖ She explains that looking into deeper space brought with it a significance of who and where we are, even if we never figure out that significance.

From the planet's standpoint she believes where we're placed in the universe is incredibly meaningful, because it exists in just right conditions. And because of this, she says, we establish meaningful and important relationships with everything.

Although most of us will never go to space, when we see our spinning home depicted beyond our reach, the line that divides us gets fuzzy and it's not quite as easy to find boundaries to anything.

Standing back far enough in ourselves, to recognize the collective, and resist the urge to battle it out for the last finite resources is maybe one of the most profound perspectives we can carry. This Earth Day is a call to step out of division and separation and fight in honour of our collective home.

In whatever way you can, take time to appreciate the gift of being alive on Earth and stepping beyond the I to embrace the we.

TheGreenGazette is hosting an Earth Day celebration on April 22, at the Central Cariboo Arts and Culture Centre at 7 p.m with local musicians, silent auction, and more. Come out and celebrate our collective home and our local/global community, where the foundation for change begins.

By Jessica Kirby, Senior Editor of TheGreenGazette

T

here are countless examples throughout our social history where information has been altered or destroyed, usually to fit the political or religious theme of the day. In contemporary terms, heightened environmental awareness sheds light on various ways sustainability and economic development as we traditionally know them don't always work together, and while this often leads to evolution, it sometimes leads to knowledge suppression.

Former prime minister of Canada Stephen Harper will go down in history for being at the helm of one of the country‘s least progressive environmental records.

Triumphing a platform of balanced budget and fiscal responsibility, the federal Conservatives kept Canadian eyes on the bank account, a convenient distraction, while policies took care of business in the environmental protection and scientific arenas.

During its reign, the Harper government weakened just about every environmental law in the country—the Fisheries Act stopped protecting fish, the country rejected Kyoto, and the federal Environmental Assessment Act was repealed to get natural resource projects into action much quicker and with fewer hoops to navigate.

In 2012, the Canadian Feds made changes to the Navigable Waters Act that weakened regulations on navigating most of Canada's lakes and rivers—changes that opened the door for less sustainable practices and reduced enforcement.

In 2015, Canada‘s new environmental policy focused primarily on improving hunting, fishing, and snowmobiling in the Canadian wilderness, while Canadians who rely on harvesting from the wild were restricted by polluted forests and waterways.

The government‘s ―war on science‖ saw the decimation of scientific work and jobs across the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO), closing seven of eleven DFO libraries in what one commentator called a ―knowledge massacre.‖ Former fisheries minister Tom Siddon called the closures ―Orwellian, because some might suspect that it's driven by a notion to exterminate all unpopular scientific findings that interfere with the government's economic objectives.‖ Climate change research jobs also went under the knife, along with programs like the Environmental Emergency Response Program, the Canadian Foundation for Climate and Atmospheric Sciences, the Smokestacks Emissions Monitoring Team, the Canadian Environmental Network, the Action Plan on Clean Water, the Canadian Centre for Inland Waters, and the National Roundtable on the Environment and the Economy.

The trend carries on south of the border.

Since taking over the US presidency in November 2016, Donald Trump has remained on a firm trajectory to disenfranchise, if not dismantle, the Environmental Protection Agency. His decision to hire

Scott Pruitt to lead the EPA was a dangerous foreboding, given Pruitt has sued the EPA more than 12 times on behalf of industry.

America got a real sense of Pruitt‘s environmental direction when he spoke to Joe Kernen, host of Squawk Box, CNBC‘s morning news program, about the role CO2 plays in climate change. ―Do you believe that it‘s been proven that CO2 is the primary control knob on climate?‖ asked Kernen. ―No,‖ said Pruitt. ―I believe that measuring, with precision, human activity on the climate is something very challenging to do, and there‘s tremendous disagreement about the degree of impact. So, no, I would not agree that it‘s a primary contributor to the global warming that we see. ―We need to continue the review and analysis,‖ he added.

Pruitt‘s analysis speaks either to his ignorance of the facts, or to the direction the importance of opinion and rhetoric now play in the government‘s day-to-day functioning. The scientific community, world governments including that of the US, and even the oil and gas industry speak freely and with confidence about the need to control CO2 emissions to stay on top of climate change.

That doesn‘t mean his comments are not powerful, however. Author for The Atlantic Robinson Meyer points out that although the science supporting humans‘ effect on climate change has not changed, Pruitt‘s comments are enough to stir doubt. ―Many Americans will hear Pruitt‘s comments at the same time they hear the scientific community‘s response,‖ said Meyer in an article from earlier this year. ―They will assume that both groups mean well — that their new public servant isn‘t lying to them — and they will grasp for a false truth somewhere between the two statements. These Americans will come to assume that there is some debate about climate change, some moderate position between those who say the world is warming and those who say otherwise.‖ Trump‘s current proposal to cut 31 per cent of the EPA‘s funding would see thousands laid off, the dismissal of entire programs, and bring deep cuts to the EPA‘s Office of Research and Development (ORD)—all of which would deprive the country and the world of important information and research about climate change and strong environmental policy. ―I think a deep cut would be devastating to the nation‘s capacity to do environmental health and ecosystem research,‖ Jonathan Samet, former chair of the agency‘s Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee, told The Washington Post. ―Evidence-based decision making on the environment should not be abandoned,‖ wrote Samet and two other scientists in the New England Journal of Medicine. ―Scientific evidence does not change when the administration changes.‖ Cuts to the EPA would also weaken or eliminate the scientific infrastructure necessary for dealing with environmental crises such as the Flint, Michigan or Deepwater Horizon disasters, said Samet. In these crises ―that demand research and environmental surveillance and quickly trying to assess the toxicity of agents, the nation needs the capacity that ORD has.‖

Rally to oppose EPA nominee Scott Pruitt.

Photo: Lorie Shaull/www.flickr.com/number7cloud

The proposal cuts funding to the EPA‘s Clean Power Plan aimed at reducing carbon dioxide emissions and eliminates $100 million in research funding for international programs on combating climate change.

According to Reuters, Mick Mulvaney, Trump's budget director, told reporters climate change programs are a waste of tax payers‘ money. ―I think the president is fairly straightforward,‖ he said. ―We‘re not spending money on that.‖ At the end of March, Trump signed an executive order to roll back former president Barak Obama‘s Climate Care Plan and boost the production and use of fossil fuel energy in the US. As part of his plan to put an end to the ―war on coal‖ and ―job-killing regulations,‖ the Energy Independence Executive Order rolls back ―rules for power plants, limits on methane leaks, a memorandum on federal coal leasing, and the use of the social cost of carbon to guide government actions,‖ said Brad Plumer‘s article on Vox.com.

Trump signed the order in a press shoot surrounded by coal miners, which brings a human element to the decision—opposing the order means opposing these hardworking individuals and their drive for work. ―I am taking historic steps to lift restrictions on American energy, to reverse government intrusion, and to cancel job-killing regulations,‖ said Trump as he signed the executive order at the EPA headquarters, while Democratic Senators called the order ―a declaration of war‖ and an ―abdication of American leadership in the battle against climate change.‖ Remaining on the table are the legal foundation of the Clean Power Plan, which Sierra Club member Michael Brune said is strong and would be difficult to disrupt, and the US‘s position in the Paris Climate Deal. Though the executive originally included language to address the agreement, the reference was removed and White House spokesperson Sean Spicer told the press the matter is ―still under discussion.‖ Considered the starting point for years of struggle and debate about how the US will approach climate change policy, the executive order signifies a pitting of environmentalists, government, and the courts against the symbiosis achieved by the prev i o u s a d m i n i s t r a t i o n . ―Trump can‘t reverse our clean energy and climate progress with the stroke of a

pen,‖ Brune told Voice of America, ―and we‘ll fight Trump in the courts, in the streets, and at the state and local level across America to protect the health of every community.‖ In an op-ed for The New York Times, William D. Ruckelshaus, the EPA‘s first administrator and administrator under former president Ronald Reagan said cuts to the EPA could lead to public outcry on both sides of the political spectrum and drive the reinstatement of support. Ruckelshaus was called back to the EPA in the early 80s to reinstate order after public backlash in response to cuts under the Reagan administration, and it was chemical company executives who were seeking a fair, independent agency. ―A strong and credible regulatory regime is essential to the smooth functioning of our economy,‖ said Ruckelshaus. ―Unless people believe their health and environment are being safeguarded, they will withdraw their permission for companies to do business. ―To me the EPA represents one of the clearest examples of our political system listening and responding to the American people,‖ he said. ―The public will tolerate changes that allow the agency to meet its mandated goals more efficiently and effectively. They will not tolerate changes that threaten their health or the precious environment.‖ In Canada, once the dust settled on Harper‘s changes, most of Canada was at least aware of them and ready to fight for the integrity of our waterways and natural spaces. The light was shed that Canada's federal regulations were indeed outdated and whatever phoenix rises from Harper's ashes will indeed have to be stronger because the people will insist on it.

Rick Smith, executive director of the Broadbent Institute, said it best in his Toronto Star editorial from 2014: ―Of course it‘s true that the obvious environmental impact of the Harper years will be measured in increased levels of pollution and real damage to precious land and waters,‖ he said. ―The less obvious and possibly longer lasting impact will be the creation of a country energized to decisively break with the failed environmental policies of the past in favour of a better future for us all.‖

By Diane Dunaway

M

ore than a whim, on the third of June, 2016, a reminder came through the mail. Applications open for the Bee Audacious conference. Earlier in the day I’d busied myself capturing a small swarm in our home apiary. Here was an opportunity to join a larger one consisting of academics, researchers, extension workers, commercial operators, NGO heads, backyard beekeepers, and government representatives—all with a focus on the betterment of bees, pollinators, and those who manage them.

Both daunting and alluring, two worldrenowned bee researchers evolved their understanding of bee communication to create a template for us to follow: “Inspired by Simon Fraser University’s Dr. Mark Winston’s editorial in the April 2015 Bee Culture Magazine, his “Manifesto”. (http://winstonhive.com/? p=50) This will not be a traditional conference, but one guided by the methods utilized at the Simon Fraser University Center for Dialogue (http://www.sfu.ca/ dialogue.html) and Cornell’s Dr. Thomas Seeley’s Five Habits of Highly Effective Hives. (https://hbr.org/2010/11/the-fivehabits-of-highly-effe) We are gathering a group of constructive, collaborative, and thoughtful people who will bring experience from a wide variety of fields that produce impacts on pollinators.

There will be few presentations. Most the time will be spent in small working groups in active dialogues working from an agenda developed by participants in advance, as well as from agenda items that develop during the conference. Because of the nature of the meetings, we are limiting participation to 100 people, which includes 10 leaders, 45 invited individuals, and 45 people selected from submitted registration applications by a committee.”

I optimistically vied for one of the 45 openings. Questions varied from, ―Why do you want to attend?‖ to, ―affiliations, experience, related volunteerism, and an example of at least one audacious idea.‖ As someone who loves both bees and language, I explored the meaning: au·da·cious 1. showing a willingness to take surprisingly bold risks.

2. showing an impudent lack of respect.

The latter definition doesn‘t jive with me. Open dialogue and leading by example seem better suited for real, positive change.

Whatever I said worked. Six weeks later came the invitation and a spontaneous happy dance! What felt like a pie-in-thesky chance transformed into a warm welcome. My thinking cap went into overdrive. The honey bee crisis has been in the headlines since Colony Collapse Disorder became a household phrase in 2007. Bees are the second most studied insect in the world, which means we have a wealth of knowledge about them and related species.

Stressful management practices, poor nutrition, pesticide exposure, and habitat loss are thought to be factors in their decline.

How then to contribute? What‘s not already been considered? Can we turn things around? What of native pollinators?

(Top) Bee honey comb. Bee frame in spring, full of pollen and promise. Photo: Diane Dunaway. (Bottom) Making it possible. Bee Audacious co-founder Gary Morse stands next to a banner of conference sponsors.

Photo: Sierra Salin

Summer, then fall, swept by. At the back of my mind I kept space for audacious solutions to the bee crisis. This filter applied to every magazine article, television interview, book, and bee inspection that crossed my path. I ordered Thomas Friedman‘s, Thank You for Being Late about the age of accelerations. Added Tim Harford‘s, Messy, The Power of Disorder to Transform Our Lives to the shelf. I put Facebook posts out to beekeeping clubs about the conference and called beekeeper friends throughout the province for input.

Despite these efforts, when the December deadline rolled around, I still felt anxious.

California—a place to grow food and inspire songs; a place of commerce and creative minds. It attracts outliers. On December 10, I landed in San Francisco, soon joined by travel and conference buddies Wendi Gilson and David MacDonald, both from Salt Spring Island, and both fellow apiary inspectors. While they knew each other as neighbours, the three of us hadn‘t spent any real time together. It‘s fair to say we bonded over the next week. Our rental car came with Texas plates that we joked gave us a wide berth in this mostly Democratic state. We shared delicious meals, accommodation, good laughs, debriefs, and interesting exchanges about our approaches to keeping bees. This companionship was among the highlights of my trip.

Our first day entailed a stopover at Fisherman‘s Wharf. Here we took in the fresh, warm saltwater air, looked out at Alcatraz Island while imagining its col-

oured history as a desolate prison. To end the morning, the resident sea lions caught our attention as they jousted for positions on their designated rafts in the harbour. It was hard for us to pull ourselves away from their antics. From there we punched in the GPS and headed for Marin County.

The crowded streets of San Francisco gave way to narrow roads, replete with Sunday cyclists and pastoral countryside.

By late afternoon we found ourselves in a cavernous hall at the historic Marconi Conference Center. Surrounded by about 100 participants from seven countries, at least four provinces, and two-dozen states, the place was abuzz. The bee world, while widespread, is small. Familiar faces and names abounded. Soon we were welcomed by organizer Bonnie Morse; read the riot act by Mark Winston (Chatham House rules, participants are free to use the information received, but neither the identity nor the affiliation of the speaker(s), nor that of any other participant, may be revealed); and lastly, spellbound by keynote speaker, Dr. Larry Brilliant, an American physician, epidemiologist, technologist, author, and the former director of Google's philanthropic arm, Google.org. He helped eradicate smallpox. The bar was set high.

For the next three days, we broke out into small discussion groups for intervals followed by brief report backs to the whole. We looked at everything from values that we bring to protecting and keeping bees, pollination services, research funding conflicts, business models, management based on natural resistance versus chemical interventions, how to engage the general public, stationary or migratory practices, extension services, and best regulatory models. It was an extensive list that evolved over time.

We were told where to go for most of these sessions; the last one was by choice.

This created an interesting dilemma. Do I go to a session where I can offer the most hands-on experience? Do I attend a session because I feel an affinity for the facilitator?

After all, there were many rock stars of the bee world in our midst. It wasn‘t so much

that these were entirely mutually exclusive, but there were choices to be made.

I chose a session about extension services and regulations. As an apiary inspector, I felt I could bring some experience to the table. Someone joked that maybe this was more of a therapy session for those working in a gutted infrastructure. Spotlight British Columbia. As much as our government apiculture program has financial and time restraints, I came to realize that we do an amazing job with available resources. Inspectors issue sales, movement, and health permits. We deliver educational services and spend computer time troubleshooting for perplexed beekeepers.

Our provincial health lab in Abbotsford offers free analysis for anyone who submits samples. Others in the room were in awe of the simplicity of our program and how inclusive it is. We moved from a place of gloom to genuine optimism as we brainstormed ways to deliver much needed services. A Go Fund Me crowd source initiative came out of this meeting.

On December 13, we left the Marconi Centre with a stop to tour and taste at nearby Heidrun Meadery. Oysters on the half-shell, local cheeses, fabulous mead, and a cheerful serving staff comprised of local bee club volunteers rounded out the social. Our trio hung out to the end with a lovely musician who bravely plucked her guitar and sang her tunes despite a distracted audience. From there we drove to San Raphael for the night. It was raining, we nearly got lost, but for the GPS voiceover, a friend if not close relation to Siri, we‘re sure.

As is the California way, another gourmet reception was rolled out on our behalf the following evening at Dominican University. It‘s here where conference leaders, moderated by television journalist Doug McConnell, presented a panel discussion and summary of our Bee Audacious efforts. This 1:42 hour discourse is available in its entirety on YouTube at: https:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=gDkR7looBio Or you can visit the Bee Audacious website‘s Bee-log blog to read in detail about so me of our find ings: http:// beeaudacious.com/index.php/beelog/ .

The evening came to a close with hugs, smiles, and book signings by conference participants.

From there we returned to our motel room, packed our bags, and set the alarm for an early start. By seven the next morning we said our goodbyes at SFO and went our separate ways.

Next issue: Bee Audacious Gathering Part Two – Where to go from here?

Diane Dunaway has kept bees for over 20 years. A bee master since 2001, and apiary inspector since 2015, she’s run up to 100 colonies from her Bee Happy Honey farm in the Soda Creek valley of the Cariboo. A strong believer lifelong learning, Diane’s active with bee-keen neighbourhood kids, her local bee club, and educational opportunities from afar. When she’s not chasing swarms around the countryside, Diane can be found at home with Dave her husband of 25 years and their menagerie of dogs, cats, horses, chickens, ducks, and donkey Fanny.

By LeRae Haynes

S

tudents from Sacred Heart School are embarking on an exciting project that includes habitat revitalization, outdoor classroom spaces, and gardens so each class can have its own bed.

Principal Shirley Giroux said the project kicks off soon. ―We‘re bringing in the community to be part of this project,‖ she said, adding that all students from kindergarten to grade 7 will be involved.

The project, called Birds, Bees, Berries, Beets, and Binders, is a result of a $6,500 TD Friends of the Environment grant and enthusiastic support from the community.

One community member integral to the project is well-known local botanist Ray Coupe, author of Plants of Southern Interior British Columbia and the Inland Northwest. ―He worked for the Ministry of the Environment and is a wealth of knowledge,‖ Giroux explained. ―He came to the school and reviewed the project, and did a presentation for a couple of classrooms. He has been a huge support and help, suggesting plant options and even providing some plants for the project.‖ Intermediate classes are responsible for habitat restoration—planting native plants. ―Grades 6/7 are going to do some kind of a native plant garden with edible plants, and will do a garden with that theme,‖ she continued. ―Grades 4/5 will be responsible for general planting, grades 2 and 3 will be in charge of the raised beds, and K-1 will be working on a water wall in the upper field.

We‘ve been collecting recycled materials and containers for the wall.‖

(Left) Jessabelle Trelenberg, Michael Phillips, Marissa Sellars, and Remi Giroux are excited about the habitat restoration project at their school. Photo: LeRae Haynes (Right) Saskatoon berries. Photo: Melissa McMasters., Wikimedia Commons

She said they‘ve looked at the cut by the driveway, the slope below Pigeon, the slope above 2nd Avenue, and are working to get a wheelchair path put in along the fenceline. ―We‘ll do some xeriscaping on one of the slopes where it‘s really hot and dry,‖ she said. ―There‘s an engineering project in the library with cardboard tubes and marbles— the kids are learning the planning process.

They‘re drawing the blueprint, prototyping, and then going back and tweaking their plan.‖ Some of the classrooms at Sacred Heart have worm composters, which are very popular with the students.

Some of the native plants for the project, chosen with Ray‘s help, were purchased from Split Rock Nursery, some will be provided by Scout Island, and some from Ray himself.

―We‘ll also build some shade structures along the upper fence where the kids like to sit,‖ said Giroux, adding that recycled wood will be used for the garden boxes.

Durfeld Log and Timber is giving the kids a bunch of stumps to use for outdoor classroom areas, Acklands Granger is donating tools and gloves, and St. Vincent de Paul Society is helping with the beds so the produce that ripens in the summer will be used for its charitable food program.

There will be a great deal of parental support, as well as help from all Sacred Heart staff members. The students are enthusiastic and excited. ―I‘m looking forward to seeing the habitat rebuilt and getting an idea of what it used to look like,‖ said Jessabelle Trelenberg, a grade 4 student.

Michael Phillips, grade 6, said he really enjoyed it when Ray came to the school. ―We started to learn more about First Nations and the plants that were here, and it‘s

person making it drives a car, just as a claim that automobile emissions are harmless is false, regardless of the claimant‘s car ownership or driving habits.

As well as being a faulty assertion, pointing out the many uses for fossil fuels to reject the need to reduce reliance on them is actually an argument in favour of burning less coal, gas, and oil. Fossil fuels are useful for many purposes – from lifesaving medical equipment to computer keyboards – so why extract, transport, and burn them so rapidly and wastefully? Supplies aren‘t endless.

Perhaps some people haven‘t thought things through. Or maybe they don‘t have strong arguments against the need to protect the air, water, soil, and biodiversity that keeps us healthy and alive. With a subject like climate change, it‘s somewhat understandable. In this ―post-truth‖ era of infinite information, it‘s difficult to get a good grasp on many subjects, let alone one as complex and massive as global warming. Most people don‘t have the time or expertise to read through and comprehend the massive volumes of peer-reviewed science on phenomena such as feedback loops, ocean acidification, extreme weather events, species extinction, and sea level rise.

Fortunately, some excellent resources provide information for people with varying levels of knowledge and expertise.

Skepticalscience.com offers a big-picture approach by examining the peer-reviewed literature. It‘s ―Most Used Climate Myths‖ section describes false claims and lets users click for ―basic,‖ ―intermediate,‖ or ―advanced‖ explanations of real evidence.

You can also find accessible science on the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and National Aeronautics and Space Administration websites.

The American Institute of Physics offers a comprehensive history of climate science, as well as other information.

Media outlets with considerable, credible coverage include The Guardian and National Geographic, and environmentally focused websites such as Grist, EcoWatch, and the National Observer. Desmog Blog‘s timely articles and extensive database shed light on what‘s behind concerted efforts to downplay or dismiss the seriousness of climate change. Websites for environmental groups like the David Suzuki Foundation, Pembina Institute, and others are also good information sources. Just Cool It!, a book coming out April 22 by Foundation senior editor Ian Hanington and I,explains climate change and focuses on solutions.

Many other books, websites, publications, films, and more offer clear explanations of climate change and what it means for us. The point is that evidence-based information arms people with tools to con-

just nice to know what all was here before,‖ he explained. ―There‘s a lot of connection between this and what my Grandmother Minnie taught me.‖ ―I‘m looking forward to the edible plants like wild strawberries, Saskatoons, soap berries, and raspberries,‖ added grade 6 student Marissa Sellars. ―I want to see if rebuilding the natural habitat will encourage wild animals here, like birds building nests in the trees,‖ said Remi Giroux, grade 5. ―I‘m really excited about this.‖ Giroux describes herself as an outdoors person with forestry background. ―Several teachers on staff have similar interests,‖ she continued. ―We‘re sitting on five acres right here in the middle of Williams Lake.

I think it‘s important for kids to get outside as often as possible during the day as part of their school day.‖ She said the timing for this project is perfect. ―The theme for Catholic schools this year is ‗Care for Our Common Home‘ based on the pope‘s encyclical on the environment, Laudato Si,‖ she explained.

Having all the kids involved is all about ownership, she added. ―They can look at something and say, ‗I did that.‘ This also reflects our redesigned curriculum, with more project based approach to learning,‖ she said. ―Kids outside are kids engaged – fresh air and getting their hands dirty – I think that‘s what it‘s all about.‖ LeRae Haynes is a freelance writer, song writer, community co-ordinator for Success by 6, member of Perfect Match dance band, and instigator of lots of music with kids.

Science Matters:

By David Suzuki

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e recently highlighted the faulty logic of a pseudos c i e n t i f i c a rg um e n t against addressing climate change: the proposition that because CO2 is necessary for plants, increasing emissions is good for the planet and the life it supports. Those who read, write, or talk regularly about climate change and ecology are familiar with other antienvironmental arguments not coated with a scientific sheen.

A common one is that if you drive a car, buy any plastic goods, or even type on a computer keyboard your observation that we need to reduce fossil fuel use is not valid—no matter how much evidence you present. Like the ―CO2 is plant food‖ claim, it‘s a poor argument, but for different reasons. It‘s easy to refute the junk science claim with large amounts of available evidence. This one‘s simply a logical fallacy.

The statement that gas-fuelled cars cause pollution is true whether or not the

front humanity‘s greatest crisis. It‘s increasingly clear we can‘t rely on politicians to get us out of the mess we‘ve created. The current US administration is full of people who reject the overwhelming evidence for human-caused climate change. In Canada, our government has some good climate policies but continues to approve fossil fuel infrastructure projects.

Will good information change the views of those who reject environmental protection? It‘s hard to know. But for people who care and want to understand, facts are crucial to bringing about much-needed change.

The silver lining of the irrationality that has descended on the US is that it has sparked a growing movement to promote scientific evidence and science-based solutions. The March for Science, taking place in cities throughout the US and beyond on Earth Day, April 22, is one example.

We have scientific evidence and rational arguments on our side. Let‘s use them to support solutions.

David Suzuki is a scientist, broadcaster, author, and co-founder of the David Suzuki Foundation. Written with contributions from David Suzuki Foundation senior editor Ian Hanington.

By Beth Holden

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s the days get longer, I can hear my mountain bike calling.

I can’t think of anything more empowering than hopping on my bike and peddling for hours. It feels so good to conquer a challenging climb, shred a technical steep descent, or hit a jump for the first time. As exciting as it is, I still get scared and I still remember what it was like to be a beginner. When I first heard of mountain biking I was intrigued and intimidated. I’ve always been drawn to the mountains and the forest for adventures and to find a sense of calming balance but always on two feet not two wheels. Zooming down twisting turning trails, over roots, around rocks, and over logs seemed insane. That was six years ago and admittedly I have had a few scary moments, scrapes, and bruises not to mention an extremely bruised ego, but now I cannot imagine life without my bike.

For a few years, I inspected these full suspension mountain bikes that, compared to my street cruiser, looked more like motorbikes than pedal bikes. My impression was that I needed to be more hardcore, more extreme to engage in the sport, but eventually my curiosity over took my fear and full of nervous anxiety I decided to try it out. Bravely I followed Shreddie and Tom on the Pedal by the Puddle loop on South Lakeside and was amazed that, first of all, I could do it, and that second of all these experienced riders had such patience and understanding for the hesitant pace of a beginner. It is funny to look back on that ride. I thought the Twizzler gully was insane and it kind of made me nauseated to swoop back and forth and up and down.

Now it is my favourite section of the trail.

Over the years I have met many women interested in mountain biking but when it comes down to hopping on a bike and hitting the trail, their lack of confidence and fear stops them dead in their tracks. Little do they know they can do it and Williams Lake is an awesome place to start mountain biking.

Figuring out who to ride with can be one of the biggest challenges and trail riding can be intimidating. Will people take me down something dangerous? Do I have the skills to make it to the bottom in one piece? What if I get lost? Will they leave me in the dust? Will they be annoyed at my hesitance and having to wait? It takes time on your bike to build skills and confidence, but the truth is if you want to ride, you can do it. I meet more and more women riding bikes all the time. Young, old, fast, slow, strong climbers, and fast shredders and in my experience they are always happy to see another person on a bike.

It is not hard to find someone to ride with. So how do you find them? First try visiting one of the two bike shops, Red Shreds Bike and Board Shed or Barking Spider. Both staffed with friendly, helpful people who will help you pick out a sweet ride (bike) and connect you with people excited to share the sport. There are a bunch of group rides that meet regularly throughout the riding season, some mixed and some women-specific. I used to be so intimidated to join these rides, but soon

(Top L.) Beth Holden, Rebekah Smiley, Jacinta D’Andrea, Jane Wellburn, Angie Delainey, Mary Forbes, and Venta Rutkauskas out for a June birthday ride. Photo: Beth Holden (Top R.) Photo: www.kentbernadet.com

learned that it is just a bunch of people excited to ride bikes. People don‘t really mind waiting. Some are faster and some are slower. The fast ones get ahead and take breaks while the slower ones putter along. If people don‘t want to wait and are out there for speed or for training, they will go alone. We have all been the slowest at some point. We have all struggled and had good and bad days on our bikes.

Local trails are easy to access, the terrain is user friendly, and signs and apps make them easy to navigate. With three connected riding areas, all accessed right in town, getting to single track is really easy.

Within each of these areas – South Lakeside, Westsyde, and Fox Mountain – one can find diverse terrain with the majority of trails fun for all skill levels. Stunts and drops enticing advanced riders have smooth ride around for those less experienced. As new trails are constructed, a progressive style of building is favoured, meaning the trail, jumps and all, are built for everyone to ride. Beginners can roll them, intermediates can push their limits with endless transitions with little to no consequence, and advanced riders can soar making riding with varied levels enjoyable.

Most the terrain in Williams Lake is smooth, which is easy for controlling speed, but has technical sections, like looser earth, small steeps, and sharper turns, to help build skills in a progressive manner. There are tons of intersecting trails but luckily the City of Williams Lake, Cariboo Regional District, Cariboo Mountain Bike Consortium, and Williams Lake Cycling Club invested time and money to install comprehensive signage throughout the networks, with large maps at trail heads. You can get a paper copy of these maps at local bike shops and the Tourism Discovery Centre and there are two awesome easy to use apps that make navigation a synch for even the directionally challenged like myself. These not only show the maps and distances, but also elevation gain and difficulty level.

Take the plunge. Try it out. You will become part of the cycling community,

which is huge in Williams Lake. Once you are hooked you will quickly realize there are so many of us that love our bikes and love to ride. Join the Williams Lake Cycling Club, also known as the Puddle Bike Club, for the low, low price of $15 a year and learn about events, races, community rides, and trail maintenance days. Love your bike, love your biking friends and

don‘t forget to love your local bike shops.

Now drop the fear and get out there and bike.

After graduating from Concordia University Beth moved from Montreal to the Cariboo and has never looked back. She is at her happiest when riding bikes with her friends, family, and dog.

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he Rivershed Society of BC is hosting its 14th annual Sustainable Living Leadership Program (SLLP). This educational program begins at the headwaters of the Fraser River near Mount Robson and arrives at the city shores of Vancouver, 26 days later, and 1,400 kilometers downstream.

This journey of a lifetime includes some amazing time in nature. Connecting with the river, learning about the geography and history of the landscape, and the life that lives and breathes from it. The trip is also a great opportunity to grow and learn. Team building, conflict resolution, communication, and critical thinking are all important aspects of the SLLP program.

If you consider yourself a sustainability leader or motivator in your community, this may be for you. We seek applicants from all over British Columbia who dream of starting, or who may already be working on, sustainability initiatives and/or projects in their communities.

With skilled facilitators and guides, you travel downstream—mostly in Voyageur canoes and river rafts, with a few shuttles in between. Throughout the journey, you discuss many different sustainability issues within your group as well as with communities and people along the route. You identify and build upon your own talents and develop a formal plan to help make your project a reality.

(Left) Lower Fraser River. As the crew heads back into the grip of civilization, Oliver Berger takes a moment at the helm to catch a selfie with the Port Mann bridge. Photo: Oliver Berger (Right) The 1,400 km SLLP journey down the Fraser River. Map: www.rivershed.com

Oliver Berger, a 2016 SLLP participant, grew up in the Cariboo area and currently lives in Williams Lake. He is working on a community sustainability project that involves integrating an improved system for waste management at rest areas, aiming to better redirect waste and recyclables coming from travellers and roadtrippers cruising the highways in and out of the region. ―The SLLP trip last year was truly inspiring,‖ said Berger.―Being together with other like-minded individuals in an outdoor -classroom setting directly on the Fraser River just makes your mind flow with so many great ideas. So much so, my project started changing daily. With the help of my new ‗river family‘ and the river, of course,

we redirected that energy into one solid project idea and came through with an amazing plan.‖ Berger is happy to say he has made positive progress on his project and is currently awaiting approval on some highway signage upgrades. More about his project can be read on The Rivershed Society‘s blog at www.rivershed.com/project-news/ lets-get-this-project-going.

Berger was part of a group of nine who took the SLLP trip in 2016. ―I am happy to say most of us still keep in touch, as well as continue to help each other work through our sustainability projects. We created a great network with each other and with the people we met along the river.‖

Since last year‘s program, exclusive articles, personalized presentations, epic videos, and even beautiful murals have all come into reality. Conservation efforts are growing fabulously from the Fraser River Basin all the way to the reaches of the Tatlayoko Valley. Cigarette butt waste is getting attention in the Coquitlam region; read more about this project in Megan Rempel‘s article in this issue. This progression is thanks in part to some dedicated ‗river family‘ members and in part to the Sustainable Living Leadership Program.

This year, the program runs from July 20 to August 14. To qualify, participants must be 19 years of age or older and physically fit. Community volunteer experience is an asset. The application deadline is April 30.

Get more information and apply today at www.rivershed.com.

The Rivershed Society of B.C. is a nonprofit charitable organization with a mission to conserve, protect, and restore the health of BC riversheds in this generation.

RSBC is made up of a voluntary board of directors, a small staff, annual programs and events, and many volunteers, members, and donors. RSBC works with numerous watershed stewardship groups, First Nations, government, and community leaders throughout the Fraser River Basin and British Columbia. www.rivershed.com.

By Ciel Patenaude

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t has been a lengthy, bizarre, and intense winter, rife with viruses that wouldn’t quit, overwhelming political and sociological events both south of the border and within our own boundaries, extreme and levelling blocks of frigid arctic air, and the snow that just kept coming.

Hopefully by the time you‘re reading this – sometime in April, likely – we‘ll be out of this late winter cycle. We‘re ready for spring.

Classically, spring is considered the time of renewal, growth, activation, and healing, the period when life around us springs back into expression, and our bodies follow. We look forward to more activities done outside, more social interaction, and… less clothes. We aim, perhaps, to lighten up both physically and mentally, welcoming the rejuvenating and illuminating effects of the sun into the dark corners of our psyche and the extra holiday weight we may still carry. It‘s a beautiful feeling to step into the light.

In celebration of this time, I have begun teaching a six-week yoga series at Satya Yoga practicing Ecstatic Yoga. Not necessarily a defined ‗type‘ of yoga in comparison to other formal classes, the practice has less to do with specific form and more entirely to do with the desired outcome: bringing more happiness into our lives.

Unlike our typical ways of attempting to increase happiness in Western culture – namely the practice of buying something, but also aiming to lose weight, looking to make more money, or finding that perfect partner – the practice of ecstatic yoga looks to empower the access to happiness we have stored within, not to focus on what things or experiences outside of ourselves might elevate our normal state of being.

Your relationship to happiness is defined by the ideology you subscribe to, and what that ideology says about the true nature of humanity. Should you believe there is something basically wrong or sinned in you, you will be more likely to place faith in finding happiness outside of yourself, or only in doing good in the world (definitely not a bad thing, but limited).

In my faith – specifically what that is I‘m not entirely sure, but I suppose it would be somewhere at the intersection of Zen and Tibetan Buddhist, Shamanic, Positive Psychology, Integral, and Jungian perspectives – it is of great benefit to place faith in the basic goodness of all of us, trusting that ecstasy is our birthright and something we have access to all the time without having to do or be something in the world.

This is the perspective that anchors the practice of ecstatic yoga: happiness is available within us all the time, and it is not about ‗creating‘ more happiness in our lives but instead about removing the blockages we carry within ourselves regarding how much happiness we think we should have.

These ‗blockages‘ are the result of experiences and imprinting that we received in early childhood. None of us grew up in a perfectly unconditional household, a place where every part of our nature was accepted and allowed by our caretakers. Certain things we did – perhaps our artistic expressions, our sexuality, or particular ways we had of expressing our needs – were not liked by those around us, and so we learnt to suppress them, favoring approval over authentic expression. This is how we created our ego or ‗calculating‘ self: the person we believed the world wanted us to be.

The suppression of our creativity, our organic movement, and sexual nature, and the full spectrum of our emotional experience resulted in blockages forming in both our physical and energetic bodies. We learned, perhaps, to not express anger or sadness, or that we were a poor dancer or inept singer. We learned we weren‘t as artistic as someone else and so shouldn‘t ever express ourselves that way, even if we wanted that kind of expression so badly.

In Ecstatic Yoga, the aim is to challenge those places where blockages occur by deliberately engaging with the practice we think we shouldn‘t or couldn‘t do, freeing the stuck energy within.

The prescription is simple: if you don‘t think you can sing, then sing.

If you believe yourself to be a terrible dancer, dance anyway.

If you have always told yourself you are not artistic, make art every day.

And if you don‘t allow yourself to express your needs and emotional experience, learn to and do it frequently. Yell, scream, cry, or talk it out, but just don‘t keep it locked inside.

We tell ourselves that the ways in which we block our true nature prevent us from being hurt or embarrassed. That it is a better thing to not sing at all if it makes sure no one will ever be able to mock us again for sounding so terrible. We live our lives in fear of emotional assault, avoiding any situation that might make us feel unsure.

The core self within each of us, however, does not operate from fear. It chooses to follow the path of ecstasy into experiences that offer it liberation, more expression, and a greater sense of internal confidence that has no dependence upon what the world thinks of who we are and what we do.

The core self is free, joyful, playful, and open to life.

If you are lo o king to bring more happiness into your life this spring, and want to engage

MS Publisher Clipart. Used with permission from Microsoft

in some ‗cleansing‘ that will increase your energy and aliveness, challenge your own blockages. Ask yourself what you are afraid of doing, and then go do it, deliberately transcending the limitations you have long abided by without questioning. We all have the potential for ecstasy in every moment, and need only be courageous enough to let it flow through us.

Ciel Patenaude is an Integrative Health & Shamanic Practitioner based in Williams Lake, BC. A highly trained and naturally gifted intuitive healer, Ciel holds a BSc in Biology, an MA in Integrative Healing, and is a certified yoga teacher & wellness coach.

The Climate Crisis and What We Can Do—A Post-Paris Agreement game plan

By David Suzuki & Ian Hanington

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n signing the 2015 Paris Agreement leaders from nearly every nation acknowledged climate change as a critical problem, one that requires urgent world-wide response.

But although the Agreement offered hope, this was only the first step towards achieving the cleaner, more positive future we so desperately need.

In Just Cool It! internationally acclaimed geneticist and environmentalist, David Suzuki, and senior editor of the David Suzuki Foundation, Ian Hanington, implore us to create real, lasting change for the world. Drawing on new innovations such as smart grid power systems, biochar soil technologies, and algae-based biofuels, Suzuki and Hanington outline practical forward-thinking solutions to resolving the climate crisis. When enough people demand action, change happens—and this time, change could be monumental.

In Paris, we agreed to save our planet.

Just Cool It! shows us how to take action. ―No one writes more persuasively about climate change than David Suzuki.

Just Cool It! is just the right book for our time—clear, eloquent, and ultimately hopeful.‖ –Elizabeth Kolbert, author of Field Notes from a Catastrophe David Suzuki is an internationally renowned geneticist and environmentalist and a recipient of UNESCO’s Kalinga Prize for the Popularization of Science and

the 2009 Right Livelihood Award. Host of the long-running CBC television program The Nature of Things, he is also the author of more than 50 books. He lives in Vancouver, B.C. Ian Hanington is senior editor at the David Suzuki Foundation and is co author with David Suzuki of Everything Under the Sun. He has worked as a researcher, news reporter, opinion-column writer, critic, and editor for a variety of newspapers and magazines and was editor of Canada’s largest alternative newsweekly, The Georgia Straight. He lives in Vancouver, B.C.

By Jessica Kirby Love it or hate it, plastic is everywhere.

Since its earliest development nearly 200 years ago, the compound has revolutionized the world but with dire environmental consequences.

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Each year, plastic consumption increases by nine per cent over the previous year. 

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The world has produced more plastic in the last decade than in all of the last century 50 per cent of that is used once and disposed.

80-90 per cent of plastic is thrown away—enough each year to circle the Earth four times.

Nearly every piece of plastic ever created still exists, less a small bit that has been incinerated.

It takes 500-1,000 years for plastic to degrade.

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Approximately 500 billion plastic bags are used annually worldwide—about one million each minute.

It requires 12 million barrels of oil to make the 100 billion plastic bags used in the US alone each year.

World wide, about 20 billion water bottles end up in the landfill each year.

It takes about 6 litres of fresh water to package 1 litre of bottled water.

Microfibers released from clothing represent 85 per cent of human waste on shorelines.

Along with microbeads, not banned in Canada, microfibers become embedded in the intestinal tracts of marine animals and damage long-term health.

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Plastic shopping bags have been banned in seven Canadian municipalities and six US cities, with fees and taxes employed in additional municipalities in both countries.

Plastic bag bans exist in Australia, England, Mexico, India, Burma, Bangladesh, and Rwanda and taxes or fees are imposed in Ireland, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Belgium, and Holland Plastic bottle bans are in effect in more than 20 Canadian cities and in as many countries around the world.

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Plastic is found in convergences taking up 40 per cent of the ocean‘s surface  Plastic breaks into such small pieces, the same bottle could end up on every mile of beach in the world.

By LeRae Haynes

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andfill diversion and public education are two highlights on the job for Central Cariboo Disposal’s new area manager Dan Harrison. ―I wasn‘t a really big trash guy when I came here; I see it now—keeping stuff out of the landfill is my biggest priority,‖ he said. ―If we can push recycling and diversion of any description, it‘s a good thing.‖ He said it‘s been a great learning curve in the past year. ―Every day is different. If I need to drive a truck, I drive a truck. I help a guy in the shop if needed, and if I‘m needed in the office I answer calls and help with billing,‖ he explained.

Harrison manages a crew of 15 people and does administrative tasks. ―I direct the work flow—what we have to do every day and what guys need to go where. I coordinate products that come in, including what needs to be baled, and look after three transfer stations that include Frost Creek and 150 Mile House.‖ He said share sheds are a wonderful example of landfill diversion. ―And they‘re free,‖ he added. ―There‘s also the wood waste site with things like dimensional lumber, pallets, dressers—repurposed wood free for projects. When it‘s something people can repurpose and it doesn‘t go into the landfill, that‘s a double bonus.‖ Printed, paper, and packages are the three Ps that go into recycling. There are handy bins for everything at the transfer stations, including shredded paper, glass, metal, cardboard, and batteries. ―If you‘re not sure if something‘s recyclable, call me; send me a picture. I‘m glad to help,‖ he said. ―I love doing school tours and showing the kids the baler and what we‘re all about,‖ Dan said, adding that Mary Forbes, Waste Wise Community Educator for the

Image: www.keepcalmandposters.com/ poster/1453615_keep_calm_and_say_no_to_plastic_bags

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Save-On Manager Paul Eckersley with reusable bags. Photo: Casey Bennett

At the same time, Cobb said he isn‘t convinced charging for the bags will be the final solution, as Super Store and Shoppers already charge for bags their plastic bags. ―Unfortunately, I must confess I end up at the store without my re-usable bags and then end up having to use the plastic ones and the few cents is not a deterrent,‖ said Cobb.

At this time City Council has not had any discussions on the banning of plastic bags. ―I do understand, though, there are now bio-degradable bags in production,‖ he added. ―Plastic bags are not banned here yet, but Fort McMurray and other communities, and Europe, have all banned them,‖ said Eckersley. ―We‘re probably going to get there one day but for now this is awesome.‖

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By LeRae Haynes ave On Foods in Williams Lake recently decided to charge for plastic shopping bag—a move that has been very well-received by the community. ―Feedback from shoppers about having to pay for plastic shopping bags has been overwhelmingly positive,‖ said store manager Paul Eckersley. ―We were a little anxious at first but once the community understood how many bags go into the garbage, they got behind it. We tried to paint the picture; everybody started to see it, even myself. It‘s easy to sell if we‘re all doing it.‖ Shoppers can opt for plastic, paper, or cloth bags.―I feel so good about this decision; now we‘re just trying to keep up with the demand for the reusable cloth bags,‖ he added.―We didn‘t realize how well it would go.‖ Mayor Walt Cobb said he applauds Save On for being pro-active on the plastic bag issue. ―I recycle all our plastic bags, but in saying that, some still end up in the landfill,‖ he explained.

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The Great Pacific Garbage Patch off the coast of California is twice the size of Texas with plastic pieces outnumbering sea life six to one.

One million seas birds and 100,000 marine mammals are killed each year from plastic in our oceans.

Plastic accounts for about ten per cent of human waste, and we only recover about five per cent of the plastics we produce.

Besides environmental damage, plastic chemicals absorb into the body—96 per cent of Americans six or older test positive for BPA. Recycling and reducing are our strongest weapons against environmental damage caused by plastic misuse - refuse single serving and disposable plastics, reuse shopping bags and water bottles, use your own ―to-go‖ cups and food containers, seek non-plastic alternatives, and spread the word - the planet and your health depend on it.

Cariboo Regional District, brings groups of kids for tours. ―I like watching their eyes light up. They really get into it and take it home to their parents.‖ He said when in it comes to plastic bags in the landfill, he sees a light at the end of the tunnel. ―I come from Alberta and spent a lot of time working in the oil fields; you cannot get a plastic bag in Fort McMurray. ―I don‘t care if you spend $3,000 at Walmart, there are no plastic bags. I learned that the hard way. The first time I stopped there on my way to a rig, I bought my six months of groceries and I got no bags. You got a shopping cart: figure it out.‖ He said charging for bags doesn‘t change your attitude. ―There are biodegradable bags, but they take way too long to decompose. I‘ll never see those bags break down in my lifetime. What‘s best for kitchen waste is no bag at all. Get a compost bucket from Mary Forbes at the Potato House and take it there,‖ he added. ―Plastic bags? Ban them. It works in other communities.‖ For more information about Central Cariboo Disposal and the services they provide, phone (250) 392-5893, visit www.ccdsl.ca, or follow Central Cariboo Disposal on Facebook.

Copyright : siraphol, 123rf.com

By Tera Grady

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was recently at one of the CRD’s smaller landfills touring a group around the site. We stopped by the trench to discuss the garbage accumulation. It was astounding to many in the group how most of the waste was recyclable even with a recycling depot less than five metres away. Plastic bags and plastic containers stood out as the most obvious and frequent items. However, with further inspection, the single use coffee cups started to appear.

While the exact number of single use coffee cups that end up in local landfills is unknown, a single fast food restaurant in Williams Lake passes out approximately 6,300 disposable coffee cups a week. That adds up to 327,600 cups per year just from one business.

The convenience of the ―to go‖ coffee cup is taken for granted by many with little thought given to the true costs of the cup.

Yet, the economic and environmental costs are many. The retailer, and in turn the consumer, pays for each cup. Most single use coffee cups consist of over 100 per cent virgin bleached paperboard, which requires significant amounts of energy, water, and trees to produce. Transportation of the cups also consumes resources. Once the cup has served its purpose, the disposal costs begin with the transportation to the landfill and then the operational costs of managing the landfill. Once the paper cups reside within the landfill, they start to decompose and produce methane gas—a greenhouse gas with 21 times the heat-trapping power of carbon dioxide.

One seemingly simple solution is to recycle the paper ―to go‖ cups. Consumers in Williams Lake can recycle their empty

Copyright : Сергей Тряпицын, 123rf.com

and clean paper ―to go‖ cups in their curbside recycling. Often the cups do not make it back home, though, and they end up in the garbage somewhere else.

Another suggestion is to make cups out of recycled paper as a way of reducing their impact. Unfortunately, recycled paper is not approved for direct contact with food or beverages and is not strong enough to hold hot liquids.

Naturally, another solution is the reusable cup. Yet some people wonder if reusable cups are any better. While manufacturing a reusable cup does have a bigger impact on the environment than producing a paper cup, using a reusable cup in place of a disposable cup does reduce the environmental impacts. For example, a stainless-steel mug used 24 times is more environmentally friendly than using 24 paper cups. Since most manufacturers design reusable mugs for 3,000 uses, the positive environmental impacts can be great.

Overall, the best approach is to use a reusable mug but only own one or two. If you have a cupboard full, you are missing the point. Keep track of your favourite mug and keep it close to help reduce the amount of paper ―to go‖ cups unnecessarily filling our landfills.

Join the Cariboo Regional District in 2017 by resolving to become waste wise and make a difference.

Learn more by following us on Facebook at facebook.com/caribooregion, visiting us online at cariboord.ca, or looking for our waste wise articles in your local paper.

For more information on the Waste Wise Program, call (250) 398-7929. You can also find more details on Waste Wise activities and events at ccconserv.org.

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SI/Canada, Pacific Wild, and middle school students unite to protect wildlife in the leadup to the provincial election Humane Society International/Canada, Pacific Wild, and middle school students from Glenlyon Norfolk school are calling on the BC government to implement a complete ban on the trophy hunting of grizzly bears in British Columbia, and to implement an immediate moratorium before the hunting season.

Gabriel Wildgen, campaign manager for HSI/Canada, said, ―One can only imagine the pain and terror that a grizzly bear experiences in the course of a trophy hunt.

Worse off still are the wounded bears hunters never track down—they end up suffering for days, weeks, or even years from their injuries. We are calling on the BC government to implement a moratorium on slaughtering grizzlies for trophies before the hunting season starts on April 1, and to then develop regulations to enact a permanent ban.‖ Glenlyon Norfolk School students Marisa Smith, Giulia Giommi, and Lily Wieczorek, accompanied by teacher Margaret McCullough, gave statements at a press conference held earlier today. McCullough said, ―The students, like many other BC students, are afraid that they will grow up without wildlife as they see more and more species being pushed towards extinction.

These three students committed to doing something to stop this, and focused on bears as they are at the top of the food chain.

They understand that learning to co-exist with top carnivores will ensure that entire ecosystems are protected.‖ Ian McAllister, cofounder of Pacific Wild, added, ―The students of Glenlyon Norfolk raise compelling points in their opposition to the grizzly bear trophy hunt and they join over 90 per cent of British Columbians who want to see the archaic

By Jessica Kirby, Senior Editor of TheGreenGazette

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hether to plants seeds or nurse seedlings—that is the question. As a noncommercial home gardener with boxes my husband made and a crapshoot of light and soil quality locations around my property, the gardening season is always an adventure. I try new things each year, along with my tried and tested favourites. My children pick out at least one new thing to plant and nourish and oversee the flower planters. I have conjured miserable fates for corn, patty pan squash, and even a no-brainer batch of strawberries, and I have consistent successes, some of which include around 50 lb of tomatoes each year, boxes of baby potatoes, a kitchen full of herbs, miles of lettuce and spinach, and mysterious garlic crops that are sometimes gorgeous, sometimes stolen by elves in the night. Most of these wonders I start from seed, but a choice few come straight from the nursery.

Here is why: Starting seeds There is a lot to be said for the satisfaction of preparing the medium, caring for the

Columbians who want to see the archaic practice banned. These students represent BC‘s future, and a society that hopefully will respect wildlife—not one that supports the legal killing of our most iconic wildlife for trophy or as a so-called sport.‖ The vast majority of British Columbians – including Coastal First Nations and other residents in rural areas – are opposed to trophy hunting of grizzly bears, and at least nine of the province‘s 57 grizzly bear populations are threatened. Urgent action must be taken to end this cruel and ecologically irresponsible trophy hunt.

All Canadians can call on the BC government to ban trophy hunting of grizzlies through these online actions: www.hsicanada.ca/protectbears and http:// pacificwild.org/take-action/campaigns/stopthe-trophy-hunt.

Facts: After hunters shoot them, grizzly bears often suffer for hours before they die, sometimes with multiple wounds.

Bears are highly vulnerable to population decline, given that half of bear cubs die within the first year. Roads, railroads, and land use developments also make it difficult for adult males to find and mate with female bears.

A 2013 study published in the Public Library of Science found that trophy hunting may be causing declines in bear populations, and that hunters were exceeding government quotas in half of the populations studied.

Further independent studies have found that government estimates of bear populations in BC are inaccurately high, and in reality, populations are too low to sustain current hunting levels.

A 2012 study by Center for Responsible Travel and Stanford University found that bear-viewing businesses in BC‘s Great Bear Rainforest generated 12 times more visitor spending than bear hunting.

seed environment, and watching the ―babies,‖ pop through the surface. All you need is a growing medium like starter soil or pellets, the seeds you love, and a suitable environment that promotes adequate light and heat. We don‘t have a good, sunny window so I use propagation domes and lights to create a warm, ventilated environment.

This is an exciting process that teaches my children valuable lessons about science, patience, and where their food comes from.

The variety of seeds available is mindblowing. West Coast Seeds, my go-to brand, had something like nine types of spinach alone, all best suited for different seasons, resistant to different threats, and qualified by different shapes, textures, and colours.

You can‘t beat the cost of seeds—even organic, non-GMO seeds, which cost a little more, are $3/pack and contain 24-500 seeds, depending on the variety. If you are interested, you can buy heirloom seeds and then save your own from your plants, so long as you harvest and save them properly.

Most organic seed suppliers have heirloom varieties and Seedy Sunday events are another good source. And don‘t forget seed swapping—you may not need 50 tomato seeds, but you could trade your neighbour

Jim Lawrence, Kootenay Reflections Photography. http://kootenayreflections.com/

The above bear‘s name was Apple.

Apple was a well adjusted ‗ambassador' grizzly who for 12 or more years thrilled folks that had the fortune of observing her move about her territory.

One day Apple wandered into view of a grizzly bear trophy hunter. Having a ticket to kill, the hunter took the life of this beautiful animal. At the time of her death Apple was in her prime with two young cubs. For a short while after the killing the cubs were seen wandering aimlessly, and soon they too were gone. Throughout much of BC, this scenario will play out again and again—the springtime grizzly killing season opened April 1. By year‘s end government statistic indicate 100 female and 200 male grizzlies will have been gunned down. Vote in the coming election and let your candidates know this is not the ‗Super Natural BC‘ the people of BC want. ~ Jim Lawrence, Kootenay Reflections Photography for some of her 50 cucumber seeds and everyone wins.

Some would say the downside of growing from seed is time. It takes time to organize a starting schedule and give plant babies the daily care they need for a few weeks.

Eventually they must be hardened off, which is also a daily commitment for a short spell that could end in disaster if you forget. There is an equipment investment up front—trays, soil or pellets, lights, domes, even a greenhouse or cold frame, though after year one much of this is reusable. All of this takes up space while in use and for storage in the off season.

Buying Seedlings The time saved by buying started seedlings is miraculous—one trip to Buckerfield‘s in April and your garden is 65 per cent done. Bring those puppies home to preconditioned soil and you are set with no storage, little equipment, and 100 per cent confidence they‘ve been hardened off and are ready for the ground. There is no thinking about the timing of when to start seeds or plant—if the plants are well-established and available for purchase, they are ready for the garden. The loss factor is reduced considerably—there is always some worry with seeds that they won‘t spout or that they will easily succumb to an early death, but seedlings are more or less bullet proof, comparatively speaking. Don‘t get me

Time and time again, Christy Clark has sacrificed our environment to keep her corporate friends happy. John Horgan will put people first by defending BC‘s environment and taking action on climate change.

Christy Clark has us going in the wrong direction for our province, our kids and grandkids. We‘ve got to turn this around for BC. We can move towards a better, clean-growth economy while significantly reducing carbon pollution.

We support developing BC‘s natural resources in an environmentally sustainable way. Christy Clark is more concerned with her rich donors making a profit than with creating good jobs for British Columbians or protecting BC‘s environment.

One thing is clear: nobody trusts the environmental assessment process undermined by Christy Clark‘s government.

We‘ll work closely with the public, the proponent, and First Nations to chart a path forward that restores faith in the assessment process and gets to a yes or no that people can trust.

wrong: they still need love, care, nutrients, and thoughtful planting, but assuming these things are in place, you are laughing.

Of course, plants are far more expensive than seeds. Most garden centres will have limited varieties of vegetables and flowers, and only a few species of each. Be prepared for three or four choices of each variety and they probably won‘t be the funky or heirloom types, so no black tomatoes or purple carrots, for example.

Most of the seedlings in garden centres are hybrid plants, which means you will not be able to save the seeds, unless they happen to be heirloom varieties. Keep in mind these plants will have been bred for hardiness and appearance, and in exchange flavour and nutrients are sacrificed. That doesn‘t mean they won‘t be delicious and nutritious, just that there is a bit of an exchange in the science of these plants.

The independence of being able to grow food from scratch is what draws me to start 90 per cent of my garden from seed. I will often pick up seedlings for my winter plants, since by August we are in full summer swing and I can‘t commit to the attention and care babies need, but by fall I direct sow anything that can go in at that time.

If speed, convenience, and guarantees inspire you in the garden, seedlings might be your best bet. But if you have the time and dedication, starting plants from seed is a lovely, rewarding adventure.

Cigarette waste accepted by TerraCycle's program. Image: www.terracycle.ca

By Megan Rempel

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espite seeming insignificant, cigarette butts are the largest contributor to litter out of all plastic products found along Canada’s shorelines. Four and a half trillion butts are littered every year. The cigarette filters are non-biodegradable, causing them to clog urban spaces and eventually pollute our earth’s aquatic systems. The Cigarette Recycling Campaign (CRC) project aims to change how the public thinks about littering a byproduct known to be toxic to ourselves and to the environment.

When I began to speak to people in my community about cigarette butt waste, the first thing I encountered was the false belief that filters in cigarettes were made of cotton. People assumed that what they were throwing away could decompose, and were surprised when I explained filters were made from a plastic derivative called cellulose acetate, which takes years to completely break down. Until the butts do decompose, they travel through storm drains and leach chemicals from the cigarette (ie. cadmium, lead, zinc, and arsenic.) into waterways and eventually, the ocean.

I am both an environmentalist and a smoker. The idea came to me when I realized that even though I was passionate about recycling, out of habit I threw my filter on the ground at the end of my smoke, without thinking of where it would go. Why would somebody who would never litter anything else, litter their cigarette butt waste? I wasn‘t aware of the environmental impacts until I educated myself, so I decided I needed to reach out to people and give them the facts.

My idea didn‘t expand into a project until I travelled down the Fraser River on an expedition called the Sustainable Living Leadership Program (SLLP). This monthlong journey on the river guided me in the development of my project and taught me that one person can make a major difference in a community. The CRC has three objectives:  A research report on the environmental impacts of cigarette butts as well as examples of existing solutions  Community education and outreach at public events



Providing community members with containers (pocket ashtrays, butt buckets) for recycling cigarette butt waste During my initial research, I discovered an organization called TerraCycle that recycles cigarette butts and turns them into re -purposed plastic products. A program called the Cigarette Waste Brigade allows you to easily ship your cigarette butts at no cost. Not only that, but every 3lbs of butts you send in, TerraCycle will donate a dollar to a charity of your choice. The Cigarette Waste Brigade gives the public a way to recycle a toxic by-product.

The response to this project in my community has been overwhelmingly positive.

I found a lot of smokers want to dispose of their waste properly, but have limited opportunities to do that in terms of containers or receptacles. The amount of cigarette butt litter where I live will be reduced by providing individuals with education, awareness, and tools to make recycling more convenient.

If you have any questions about the CRC project, please email me at meganrempel@hotmail.com.

Let‘s talk about butts!

Megan grew up in the city of Port Coquitlam but spent many days in the wilderness of BC. She is passionate about creative expression, the outdoors, and sustainable projects. Her goal is to become an Environmental Project Manager of community projects that bring green initiatives to life.

Butt bucket. Photo: Megan Ruth

By Brianna Van De Wijngaard

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uddle Produce Urban Farm remembers its first season well in Williams Lake: I planted many seedlings and microgreens that either barely grew, or not at all. I operated a more than sketchy 30-year-old rototiller in people’s backyards, (which I am certain was not a pleasant sound), washed late into the night by headlamp the veggies that did grow, and lugged much of it around in my bike trailer. It was sometimes stressful, and a lot of work, but a great time and totally worth it. I’ve learned a lot since then, and hope to continue to make lots of mistakes so I can improve growing and marketing sustainable local produce around the Cariboo.

Modern urban farming is a unique phenomenon in local food production, at least in our part of the world. It‘s tough to track numbers of urban farms in Canada and the US, because they often operate without permits or farm status, so are pretty ―off the radar‖ when it comes to census data. But they are being given more attention in recent years, with good reason. Urban and peri-urban farms are actually nothing new: Victory gardens, subsistence urban farming in developing countries, and la culture maraîchère (vegetable gardening) of 19th century France, to name a few, have been around for many years, so it‘s more of a renaissance here in North America. But they now operate – especially in Canada and the US – within a very different context, and provide solutions to problems

Puddle Produce Farm owner/operator, Brianna, is stoked to see the grass turn to veggies in Soda Creek, BC Photo: Brianna van de Wijngaard

never seen before by the world of agriculture.

One of the main advantages to urban agriculture is yield: urban and peri-urban farmers operate on smaller plots, often using hand tools or very small machinery, so they can plant very densely and get a higher yield per square foot. They can also monitor their plots in minutes, rather than hours, keeping weeds and pests under control more effectively. Even then, pests like deer, rodents, and insects are less of a problem in urban zones. The UNFAO estimates urban farms can grow 15 times more product than their rural counterparts.

Another advantage is environmental footprint: everything from an urban farm will have a smaller footprint because of its proximity to markets and customers. Inputs must still be shipped in, but it takes a lot more to haul refrigerated produce that‘s 90 per cent water 2000 kilometres from California than it does to ship some seeds. It

also doesn‘t take nearly as long, and this is the third advantage: nutritional integrity.

We all know that our tomatoes in the grocery store are picked green, and the lettuce mix is typically 5-7 days old by the time it reaches the shelf. As soon as a vegetable is picked, it starts to decay and lose nutritional value. Local and urban vegetables are often in the customer‘s hands within 1-3 days of harvest.

Without even touching on the social and economic advantages of urban agriculture, (food security, beautification, job creation, etc.), all these benefits translate to value for customers and community members. Provided it‘s grown sustainably and efficiently, they get a better product that is competitively priced.

So, in the end, why would someone ditch urban farming if it‘s so great? There are lifestyle reasons, too. I, personally, wanted to live in a more rural location. But I truly believe that urban farming can be

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aste Wise is proposing a one-year pilot program to recycle car seats, with direct reporting to ICBC that could result in partial funding from the corporation.

After one of her recent school presentations, local Waste Wise educator Mary Forbes found herself contemplating the issue of old car seats as waste. She wondered, ―Are they recyclable?‖ ―The plastic is recyclable, so why doesn‘t somebody recycle them?‖ ―What about the fabric covers and the buckles?‖ Mary contacted ICBC and the Recycling Council of BC as well as West Coast Plastics to see if it was even possible.

ICBC in Williams Lake collects car seats from accidents and destroys them— the seats have the fabric cut and the plastic chipped still end up in the landfill. However, Forbes found out expired car seats are the number one public surrendered item to West Coast Plastics and they would like to see more.

Fabric car seat covers are included in the soft items collected by the Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Williams Lake so their weight can contribute to the funds they receive for textile recycling. All that is left is getting the seats to the recycler. Forbes travels to Vancouver every couple months and will deliver them for the first year.

Mary Forbes and Misty Schulz recycling the car seats. Photo submitted by Mary Forbes

The Conservation Society Waste Wise staff will record the metrics and successes of this pilot in the Cariboo Regional District for one year during which time it will work with the staff and board of ICBC in hopes its Road Safety and Environmental Sustainability Divisions will consider adopting the program provincially, and providing transportation for the car seats to the recycling facility. During the pilot project, Forbes will present at the Recycling Council of BC Zero Waste Conference in Whistler June 21 –23 and again at the Recycling Council of Alberta‘s Zero Waste conference in Lake Louise, Alberta October 11–13.

Car seat drop off locations will be available at the Williams Lake Car Club Show and Shine, Children‘s Festival, Seedy Satur-

day, The Bike Rodeo, Baby Fest and Children‘s Fest, and other public events around the Cariboo-Chilcotin. Used car seats can be dropped off at Pregnancy Outreach in Williams Lake at 202 4th Avenue North where expiry dates and recalls will be checked and all unsafe seats will be sent for recycling.

Williams Lake Pregnancy Outreach accepts used car seats, and will sent recalled or expired seats to Waste Wise for recycling. In return, any non-expired car seats collected by Waste Wise at other venues will be donated to Pregnancy Outreach for community distribution.

Waste Wise in partnership with Pregnancy Outreach will be running a booth at select community events, accepting used car

done just about anywhere, and if nothing else, it is a great entry-level position in agriculture: with super low start-up costs and initial investment compared to conventional agriculture, the risk factor is far lower for a new farmer. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to get their feet wet, (or dirty, in most cases) with market gardening.

So Puddle Produce Farm has dropped the Urban, and is now converting a 70-acre property in Soda Creek to bio-intensive vegetable production, as there are still advantages to rural agriculture, of course: organic certification or integrated livestock, for example. Or farming in your pajamas.

But I will truly miss all the kind homeowners that gave up their yards, the neighbours that stopped in to talk gardening, and all the supportive community members and farmers that helped so much as I floundered through those four seasons in downtown Williams Lake. I could never thank you enough!

Puddle Produce Farm has big plans for the future, and will still be at our local farmers‘ markets and Cariboo Growers this year, as soon as the grass is under control here in Soda Creek. In the meantime, thanks to everyone for supporting their local ag producers. You are the future of good food.

Brianna van de Wijngaard is a certified Organic Master Gardener from Victoria, BC. She operates Puddle Produce Farm from Soda Creek, BC, and sells through farmers’ markets, a CSA (weekly box) program, and retail sales. You can contact her at puddleproduce@gmail.com.

seats for redistribution or recycling and teaching people how to properly install them in vehicles.

As a part of the car seat project Waste Wise is investigating options for textile recycling in Williams Lake. Big Brothers and Sisters has set up eight purple soft item collection bins around Williams Lake where any clean soft item sealed in a plastic bag can be donated, including single socks, soft toys, worn out clothing, ripped sheets, stained towels, and even underwear.

Posters advertising program details and drop-off locations will be widely available within the region in partner locations, and at autobody shops, daycares, schools, stores, the Welcome Wagon, and the City of Williams Lake and Cariboo Regional District.

One of the best locations will be the region‘s Share Sheds, a waste reduction initiative where people can freely drop off and collect useful used items.

Promotion will include social media sites, website promotion, and radio ads. The Recycling Council of British Columbia (RCBC) is thrilled at this project proposal and will support and promote the initiative with the Recycling Hotline and free Recycleapedia App. The Cariboo Chilcotin Conservation Society is a not for profit organization working with local municipalities providing inspiring and accurate environmental educational services for the community and classrooms in our region. For a detailed history, visit our website at www.ccconserv.org or our Facebook page.

By Frances McCoubrey

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hat happens when you foster an early diet of wilderness, community connections, and rural living?

After 15 years of living in other urban and rural areas, moving back to the community that raised me has helped me realize the richness of our seemingly small, resource-supported community. I‘ve begun to realize how the experiences of my time away has made minor shifts in how I approach life, and perceive and understand the world. It has also become apparent how much of what I believe and who I am was set in motion by the experiences, landscapes, and community that supported me for the first 17 years of my life. Our identities are a result of the people, organizations, and systems we are exposed to in our early lives.

Our community has the ideal conditions for good child development; over the last three years I have immersed myself in research that shows children rely on opportunities to engage in risky (not hazardous) play when building confidence in themselves, realizing that they can be agents of change in their life. One of the best places to do this kind of play is in nature, which we have in abundance.

Outdoor schools in Germany, Norway, and other parts of Europe encourage certain types of risk-taking in children. This includes things like recognizing most children, if given the opportunity, can tell when something is too dangerous for them as early as age four or five. They know how high in a tree they are comfortable climbing, whether or not they want to wrestle (rough and tumble play), climb up rocky outcrops, explore near water, or work with fire and sharp tools like knives. There are preschools in Norway where children are given the verbal support to figure out how to climb or come down from a tree, use knives safely, and navigate small rocky outcrops. Our community continues to encourage activities like these, including spending hours in the acres of our backyards roaming semi-freely and building forts, trekking through the marsh at Educo, ripping down the 100s of kilometers of mountain bike trails or over the jumps in Boitanio Park. Then there are the 1000s of acres of wild, glacier topped mountains in the Chilcotin and kilometers of rivers and

Photo: Lori/www.flickr.com/photos/mrsmaxspix/

waterways weaving between our homes and communities.

These activities, whether directed during class time or during the after school unstructured play time, are what research has shown are so influential in reducing anxiety, ADHD symptoms, and depression.

In addition to the mountains, rivers, and bike trails, we also have perfectly situated schools for taking advantage of outdoor learning. Most of our schools, public, and private, have fairly natural forests or meadows connected to them, others are a short five-minute walk from the Williams Creek River Valley, Borland Creek, or Centennial Park in 100 Mile. This is so important and something to consider when looking at how we develop and support our community agencies. Many of our fellow BCers don‘t have access to this kind of natural space; in urban communities, the most biodiverse and wild areas are in the neighborhoods of the privileged—those who can afford the property taxes to live near them.

In addition to knowing the impact time in nature has on mental health for adults and children, we also know it improves children‘s cognitive abilities, so their ability to learn. Research has shown this is especially so for the most vulnerable children, those with severe cases of mental illness or those who experience neglect, abuse, and other forms of trauma. The most interesting result I‘ve heard lately is that areas with higher biodiversity have the big-

gest impact—so when you have a wider variety of types of plants and animals in a natural area, the healing benefits are bigger.

This is all in addition to the obvious benefits to children‘s physical health, something that is often forgotten when kids are told to stay inside because it is too cold, wet, slippery, animal ridden, hot, or just simply dangerous.

As I‘ve been reading the articles outlining the research mentioned above, looking for information to use in my thesis, I keep thinking about how lucky I was to grow up in a community that let me experience many of the activities these articles are now showing to be so important. In our community, we have incredible resources to support the schools and students accessing natural space. This includes the various organizations that specialize in connecting children with nature and outdoor recreation like the Gavin Lake Forest Education Society, Scout Island Nature House, Williams Lake Field Naturalists, Educo Adventure Camp, and the high school outdoors clubs.

The non-profit organizations mentioned are made up of community members who each year continue to donate 100s of hours, their expertise, and financial resources to the healthy development of our community‘s children. This donation of time wouldn‘t be as effective, though, if it weren‘t for the foresight of our schools‘ administrators and teachers who have welcomed and fostered partnerships with these organizations.

Thanks to them, especially the Williams Lake Field Naturalists, our school district now boasts one of the province‘s first four season Nature Kindergartens.

A dedicated teacher with the support of the Field Naturalists and a few individuals at Columneetza are also responsible for creating the grade 7 Outdoor Education Academy, which will enter its fourth year next September. This program stands in a field of its own in the province as it was designed to be accessible to all students in the district, not just those with the highest grade point averages or who‘s families can afford to pay for it. Programs like these in other communities require students to pay fees of up to $1000 per student where ours is supported by student fundraising, donations, and a $100 fee covered by the district for those who can‘t afford it. In addition to these two amazing programs, the senior high school now boasts a university style course where students complete an independent studies project on something they choose that incorporates stewardship and a current natural history topic. These students are supported by volunteers in our community who are foresters, linguists, retired biologists, and other professionals. We also have the grade 6 camp at Gavin Lake that is free for all grade 6 classes. Students spend several nights at Gavin Lake learning archery, fresh water ecology, and other skills like canoeing.

Our most recent community health profile indicates we have more Kindergarten students than the provincial average entering school vulnerable to social, emotional, and cognitive challenges. Only 35 per cent of grade 7s are getting the recommended physical activity for someone their age and 45 per cent of children report mental health challenges, especially related to depression.

With these figures in mind, these programs are crucial. Nature – one of the resources effective at assisting with treatment of these issues – is right outside our doorstep and we need to ensure access to it remains available to us.

Frances McCoubrey’s career as an educator in outdoor classrooms started in 1988 when her grade 7 teacher (who was also her dad) took her class to Borland Creek to learn about the role of soil in ecosystems.

She built on this experience in her university classes at Guelph and UBC and then while working for agencies such as Metro Vancouver Parks and Parks Canada..

By Venta Rutkauskas

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uẑilhtŝ’an… Listen. A land and its people tell a story. Fractured by outsiders, a cultural battle pulses like the beat of thunder on a sacred mountain. Voices swell, then blend, speaking truth in time with the drum. Listen.

The legacy of colonization bubbles to the forefront of mainstream consciousness. A new generation of voices emerges, using hip hop to elucidate the state of being young and Indigenous in Canada.

Hip hop arose from African American and Latino roots in the charged inner-city boroughs of 1970s NYC. Informed by Black Power politics and cultural pride, the movement included DJ music, rap, breakdance, and graffiti. Soon, the world took notice. Oppressed individuals from all over the globe latched on to the infectious combination of rap music‘s lyric and beat, rhythm and rhyme, so ubiquitous and far reaching by the late 1990s. Both insiders and outsiders of the culture debate the image artists are promoting, ideals like gangsta or conscious rap, misogyny or empowerment of women. All the while, hip hop is adapted and absorbed into subcultures, a vehicle that has allowed disenfranchised voices to rise up. Indigenous youth also found a connection to the traditional song and drum elements in hip hop, while breakthroughs in expressive freedom gave rise to lyrical assaults on colonialism and life on the Rez. Engaged in music since their youth, Beka Solo and Rich Mac have spent the last two years fine-tuning their craft. They have both dedicated themselves to music in their own ways, Beka pursuing a diploma in

Beka Solo and Rich Mac. Photo: WL Arts Council

professional recording arts in Vancouver, while Rich has been involved in hip hop locally and in Fort Nelson, where he was a part of Dene Storm Studios for nearly a decade. The two knew each other in high school in Williams Lake, and reconnected years later in Vancouver while Beka was studying music production. At the time, Rich had stopped doing music, and their ensuing relationship drew Rich back into the scene. They‘ve now collaborated on 30 new tracks waiting to be mastered, the best chosen for an upcoming release. Beka produces the music, adding a unique dimension to their sound.

Lyrically, the pair have fused their cultural and spiritual beliefs to raise awareness and Indigenous pride. ―Growing up, I figured out what was important,‖ Beka says. ―An awareness that we are more alike than different, the spiritual aspect of life.‖ On the

track, ―We Pray, ‖Beka and Rich urge the listener, their peers, to awaken to their personal responsibility, meditate for clarity, and dig deep to make their dreams come true. Living from the heart, they both intentionally lean away from associations with partying or thug mentality often prevalent in hip hop. Beka adds, ―We‘re making a choice to rap about positive subjects.‖ The effect can often be therapeutic. Rich is naturally more aggressive in his style, using the rap to process heavier subject matter, speak his truth, and express the intensity of living life Indigenous. Beka recalls her own fascination with learning to construct lyrics, studying songs she liked until finally she was ready to share her own poetry with her family. Soon, teachers and workshop leaders pushed her out of her shell onto the stage. ―I forced myself to do it,‖ she recalls. Once engaged in the performance, she realized, with practice, this could go somewhere.

Grounded in their roots and community, both artists strive to be a voice for their people. Rich clearly remembers a moment in his youth when Six Nations‘ Tru Rez Crew appeared on Much Music. It was a moment of recognition, seeing another Indigenous person taking music and expression to the masses. Rich‘s brother told him, ―You could do that.‖ In the early 2000s, identifying another Indigenous person in the media was rare. While Indigenous representation has improved, positive images and strong role models help to encourage youth to express themselves and push the dialogue of reconciliation forward.

As part of Community Arts Council of Williams Lake‘s (CACWL) project Soundscapes, Beka and Rich are collaborating

with the organization to offer a hip hop workshop for youth in May (BC Youth Week). In October of 2016, CACWL invited Beka and Rich to open for Vancouver‘s RupLoops. Their talent and message had CACWL take notice. Soundscapes is a yearlong project that promotes music and all things sonic in the community. Our youth programs also include a six-week music production course with Brandon Hoffman (a.k.a. Blocktreat). Stay tuned to our website for details and more info.

If you listen, you‘ll hear that winds of change are speaking. From the very land upon which you are walking, a story unfolds. Beka Solo and Rich Mac share part of their soul‘s journey with you. These brave young artists strive to break through barriers, elegantly, with ferocity and pride.

Reverend Stan Mackay, residential school survivor, said, ―We all have stories to tell and in order to grow in tolerance and understanding we must listen to the stories of others.‖ Can you hear? …ʔuẑilhtŝ’an.

To find out more about our project S o u n d s c a p e s .

V i s i t www.williamslakecommunityartscouncil.co m. Search Beka Solo and Rich Mac on Youtube. Listen to Dene Storm Studios on www.reverbnation.com.

VentaRutkauskas is the co-ordinator for the Community Arts Council of Williams Lake (CACWL). She is an advocate and lover of the arts, and has taught drama and written plays for young children. She is also passionate about the healing arts. Visit www.williamslakecommunityartscouncil.co m to learn more about CACWL and local artists.

By David Zirnhelt

I

credit my mother with encouraging us to continue learning. I would be (and still am) inspired by heady ideals like ―world peace‖ and using diplomacy rather than bombs to achieve noble ends like a ―better society‖.

That lead me to studying international politics and seeking a career as a diplomat.

Twice I refused opportunities to follow that career in favour of seeking elected political careers where I could work with others directly in a democratic context to create political will to adopt the solutions to what many saw as fundamental problems.

If I had to live my career over, I would not want to stop my formal education after my social science degrees. I hated the quantitative revolution, which measured everything in policy and politics. There was no room for normative values—no qualitative assessment, no value-based political pursuits.

The science part of policy science left me a bit ―dehumanized‖ as the language of the day in the 60s and early 70s would express it. Knowing what I know now I would have pursued the study of agriculture. Instead, if I wanted to get on with practising solutions, we would just need to do it. There were, after all, many solutions in the last book we read. If more solutions were to come, we could practise them as well.

My heart was in the return to the land and wanting to build and operate a cattle ranch, but a modern one in the sense that the management would be founded in the awareness of the emerging ecological crisis.

One of those problems was ―developing‖ resources (like land, which is essentially inherited from ―nature,‖ which had inherent sustainability characteristics), without diminishing the productive capacity through time.

We needed to practise and prove the solutions to the problems confronting us!

One of the first solutions would be to ensure humility as a core value in agriculture.

This might well involve the virtue of humility for both individuals and for our human species: all nature glorifies creation.

If you are a Christian, and I think every Trumpite farmer is, then nature is/was God‘s creation and needs to be respected deeply and blessed. Instead, back in the

Hay bales dot the landscape near Horsefly, BC. Photo: Lisa Bland

13th century after Christ, the truly nature respecting beliefs (epitomized by Saint Francis of Assisi) gave way to a basic view that mankind shares God‘s transcendence of nature. Lynn White wrote of this in 1967 in ―the historical roots of our ecological crisis‖.

The Jeffersonians (President Jefferson) view the ideal society as one where the majority ruled (ie. Democracy). Farmers were after all the majority of the US citizens at the time.

Jefferson is considered a founder if agrarianism. I quote from Wikipedia: M. Thomas Inge defines agrarianism by the following basic tenets: • Farming is the sole occupation that offers total independence and selfsufficiency.

• Urban life, capitalism, and technology destroy independence and dignity and foster vice and weakness.

• The agricultural community, with its fellowship of labour and co-operation, is the model society.

• The farmer has a solid, stable position in the world order. He ―has a sense of identity, a sense of historical and religious tradition, a feeling of belonging to a concrete

family, place, and region, which are psychologically and culturally beneficial.‖ The harmony of his life checks the encroachments of a fragmented, alienated modern society.

• Cultivation of the soil “has within it a positive spiritual good‖ and from it the cultivator acquires the virtues of ―honor, manliness, selfreliance, courage, moral integrity, and hospitality.‖ They result from a direct contact with nature and, through nature, a closer relationship to God. The agrarian is blessed in that he follows the example of God in creating order out of chaos.

We now understand that there is more order in nature than in industrial farming practices, which create more ―chaos‖. We are part of nature and should start behaving as though we are.

Another of the problems of Jefferson‘s philosophy (which is an extension of the lack of humility I noted above) is that he failed to incorporate Native Americans and African Americans into his world view.

Our modern solution to the present industrial view of farming is to respect that civil rights and minority rights are equally important to the rights of farmers to pro-

duce in a democratic way. We can‘t just assert as Jefferson did in his notes on the State of Virginia (1785): ―...those who labour in the earth are the chosen people of God.‖ Farmers are now a minority and civilization has become urban.

This modern view of a new Green Revolution has with in it the tenets of ―sustainable agriculture‖ as embodied in the 1990 US law: Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act. This definition is quoted from, Laura Lengnick, Resilient Agriculture: cultivating food systems for a changing climate, published by New Society Publishers, 2015. ―Sustainable agriculture means an integrated system of plant and animal production system which has a site-specific application that will, over the long term: • Satisfy human food and fiber needs • Enhance the environmental quality and the natural resource base upon which the agricultural economy depends • Make the most efficient use of nonrenewable resources and on-farm resources and integrate, where appropriate, natural biological cycles and controls • Sustain the economic viability of farm operations • Enhance the quality of life for farmers and society as a whole.‖ My revelation came when 10 years into the development of our ranch Allan Savory published a book on holistic resource management entitled just that. That book has inspired changes to the way we do the business of farming.

This article and the previous one in this publication have set the stage for a little more on the solutions to the crisis in industrial agriculture. The agrarian view of the world has to incorporate more of the rights of minorities and nature‘s creation into its philosophy.

David and his family ranch in the Beaver Valley where their boys have a small sawmill that supplies their Zirnhelt Timber Frame construction business at the 150 Mile House. David served in government as an elected representative for 11 years, two of them serving as Minister of Agriculture in BC. He also chairs the Industry Advisory Committee to the Thompson Rivers University Applied Sustainable Ranching Program.

By Jennifer Clark

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ownsizing and living a simple life is part of many different philosophies, and can be traced back decades, if not centuries. In what is probably one of the first (or at least the best-known) rejections of modern working life, Henry David Thoreau built himself a small home next to Walden Pond in 1845. There, he experimented with working as little as possible and living frugally. This was his attempt to avoid the misery he saw in the world at the time. He felt ―the mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation‖.

It‘s impossible to know if this approach made Thoreau happier than he would have been if he had lived conventionally, working six days a week as was standard then.

From my experience, it certainly might have. I have been happier since I left my office job of ―quiet desperation.‖ I‘ve been poorer, sure, but happier. I‘m still trying to define my new life and adopt a different profession that will keep me out of the office, but that‘s another story altogether.

Modern advocates of a simple life can be loosely grouped into a couple different camps. There are those, like Thoreau (a Transcendentalist), who ascribe to ―voluntary simplicity‖. This generally involves an element of spiritual inquiry (as opposed to religious) and rejection of attachment to material possessions. At times, I‘ve felt I veer into that terrain in my search for happiness, even though I do not in any way consider myself religious or even very spiritual. The search for happiness seems always to veer in the direction of self-exploration at some point. I suspect this is a necessary aspect of the process— identifying what really matters in your life.

The second camp I notice in the simple living movement is more pragmatic. This includes minimalists and downsizers.

By LeRae Haynes

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community event celebrating local artisans is coming to Williams Lake on April 22, thanks to the efforts and vision of two young business owners Leslie Mahar and Lacey Tomlinson.

Leslie from Paper Airplanes and Lacey from Something Borrowed Weddings and Events are bringing together vendors, shoppers, and families for Handmade in the Cariboo. ―This is a great chance to showcase local artisans who make things with their own two hands,‖ they said.―These are unique, one-of-a-kind items you can‘t Google or buy online—things people have invested their heart, time, and creativity to make.‖ They have a full line-up of vendors signed up. ―People are very enthusiastic about this: everyone was all for it,‖ said Mahar. ―This is going to be a family event.

There‘s lots of space to move around and there will be a face painter and a musician to entertain and interact with the kids. Exploring the Puddle Learning Centre will

Thoreau’s Cabin. Re-cropped photo: Anne Meadows, flikr.com

These folks see simple living as a means of reducing their costs of living to eliminate debt from their lives (much like the initial adopters of the tiny house movement) or find a way to work less and live more.

They may also adopt a simple life to reject modern-day consumerism. This school of thought frequently has an environmentally conscious aspect to it, often with the goal of reducing your ―ecological footprint‖.

Ecological footprints will be discussed further in a future installment, but a great book to guide you through identifying and reducing your footprint is Radical Simplicity by Jim Merkel.

For the most part, I think minimalism and reducing my ecological footprint are the categories into which I lump myself.

But why categorize it at all? Regardless of which school of thought you follow, or what your reasons are for adopting a simpler life, there are many resources out there

for you. You do not have to figure out everything for yourself. Talk to people, find allies, and learn from their experiences and knowledge.

Although people sometimes associate minimalism and voluntary simplicity with scarcity, neither approach necessarily involves deprivation or living in poverty.

Rather, the idea is to enable you to have a better quality of life by reducing your expenses. Voluntary simplicity adds the extra dimension of an inward journey, exploring your relationship to the world and your values. If you want to explore this type of simplicity, there are countless websites and several books that cover the topic (or you can just find your own way into as I did.) A good place to start is www.choosingvoluntarysimplicity.com.

In the winter installment of this column, I briefly discussed minimalism: a rapidly-growing philosophy that is con-

run the concession and there will be a little café where people can sit and visit: an excellent cure for spring fever.‖ Tomlinson explained there will be a small number of catalogue vendors, but said the heart of the event is the handmade.

You‘ll find everything from unique industrial-themed home décor to baby bibs, from jewellery to rustic signs and cross-stitching to soaps. There will be felting, crocheting, and a wide range of exterior and interior décor and furnishings. ―When it‘s homemade you know where it‘s coming from,‖ said Tomlinson. ―There are so many box stores selling things from around the world. These things are made by your neighbour and you want to support them and their families. ―I‘m a handmade business,‖ said Mahar. ―I fully appreciate what goes into creating and making: it‘s nice to find unique things.‖ A lot of people don‘t know what‘s available in a community, added Tomlinson. ―There are some gems out there and the Handmade in the Cariboo event is a way to make people aware.

―For shoppers, we offer something for everyone—this is a destination and a way to spend some fun time downtown.‖ Mary Forbes will be on hand to do fun composting presentations for kids. ―And besides, it‘s Earth Day,‖ said Mahar. ―Handmade artisans are all about recycling and refurbishing. There is less packaging and things are made here, not shipped here. ―When you support handmade artisans, you‘re reducing our footprint.‖ Handmade in the Cariboo will take place on April 22 at Elks Hall from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. For more information follow Handmade in the Cariboo on Facebook.

LeRae Haynes is a freelance writer, song writer, community co-ordinator for Success by 6, member of Perfect Match dance band, and instigator of lots of music with kids.

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nected to simplicity. The rationalizations for undertaking a minimalist lifestyle are many. Individual debt in Canada has never been greater. Buying a home of one‘s own has never seemed farther out of the reach of ordinary citizens. Reducing one‘s cost of living is increasingly a means to get out of debt sooner, or to afford home ownership. Each person will experience downsizing, voluntary simplicity, or minimalism differently; however, all of these philosophies are better for the planet as well as for our bank accounts.

Voluntary simplicity, downsizing, and minimalism are not for everyone. My partner may best be described as an ―acquisitionist‖ (ahem, hoarder!). This difference is one of our challenges. I think I rub off on him in positive ways though, by always asking ―Do we really need this?‖ ―Is there something we already have at home that can be used for this purpose?‖ Even if you don‘t want to get rid of all your stuff, these questions are useful. On their website, the Minimalists describe a process to sift through possessions. They call it ―Need, Want, Like.‖ Ask, do you need the thing, want it, or just like it? Next time you‘re tempted to buy something, give these questions a thought. You might find you don‘t need that item after all.

Jennifer Clark grew up on her family's horse and cattle ranch in the East Kootenays. She has studied sustainability issues and urban planning at Selkirk College in Castlegar, BC and at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver. She is a wildland firefighter, a fanatical gardener, and has worked and taught urban gardening at garden nurseries in Metro Vancouver. Jennifer is also a talented potter, who occasionally teaches classes. On a nice day, she can be found outside, gardening, hiking, skiing, or if she’s lucky, kayaking in a borrowed kayak.

―If a new classroom is to be built, or electrical work is to be carried out in an existing classroom, network cables can be added at the same time, providing wired (not wireless) network access with minimal extra cost and time.‖  Local school systems should use strategies to minimize exposures: ―Have children place devices on desks to serve as barrier between the device and children‘s bodies; locate laptops in the classroom in a way that keeps pupils‘ heads as far away from the laptop screens (where the antennas are) as practicable; consider using screens designed to reduce eyestrain; and, consider using a switch to shut down the router when it is not in use.‖ The Council also directed the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to provide suggestions to the public on ways to reduce exposure such as, ―switch tablets to airplane mode to play games or watch videos stored on the device.‖ The Council advised that the General Assembly consider funding education and research on electromagnetic radiation and health, and called on the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to ask the United States Department of Health and Human Services to formally petition the FCC to revisit the exposure limit to ensure it is protective of children‘s health.

The report is shared with the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Federal Communications Commission, Maryland State Department of Education, and Maryland General Assembly.

While this report focused on wi-fi radiation in schools, there are additional concerns about mobile phones and cellphone towers CEHPAC plans to take a look at these broader issues over the next year.

The Council also cited the recent US National Toxicology Program findings of increased rates of rare cancers in rats, as well as children‘s unique vulnerability and relatively increased absorption of this radiation as part of the rationale for their recommendations.

Referring to the fact that US wireless public exposure limits were set in 1996 without testing for long-term safety, the CEHPAC Council Report also stated, ―decades-old standards need updating in light of new science.‖ Such statements are in line with the American Academy of Pe

By Theodora Scarato, MSW

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n December 2016, the Maryland State Children's Environmental Health and Protection Advisory Council (CEHPAC) voted to issue recommendations advising the Maryland Department of Education to recommend that local school districts reduce classroom wireless radiation exposures to as low as possible by providing wired – rather than wireless – internet connections. The Council’s action represents the first State Body to make recommendations to reduce school wireless exposure in the United States.

The Council began its review of the health risks posed by electromagnetic radiation exposures from laptops and wi-fi after I first raised the issue three years ago.

Several countries, such as France, Israel, and Cyprus, already have policy in place to minimize wireless exposures to children in schools. Yet in my daughter‘s school they were installing wi-fi and buying more and more digital devices for classrooms.

The Council‘s responsibility is to identify environmental health issues that impact children, advise the General Assembly, and recommend uniform guidelines for State agencies to identify, reduce, and eliminate children‘s exposure to environmental hazards. The 19 members include governorappointed pediatricians, toxicologists, Maryland State house/senate appointees and representatives of the Department of Education, the Department of Health, and other state agencies.

The Children's Environmental Health and Protection Advisory Council recommended that the Maryland State Department of Education take the following actions:  ―Recommend that local school systems consider using wired devices‖ … ―WiFi can be turned off‖ and instead ―a wired local area network (LAN) can provide a reliable and secure form of networking...without any microwave electromagnetic field exposure.‖

(Top) Boy at computer.

Photo: Astroid/ www.123r f.com (Bottom) Photo: www.pixa bay.com

diatrics, which has repeatedly called on the United States government to strengthen wireless exposure regulations to protect children and pregnant women.‖ The American Academy of Pediatrics, consumer reports, obstetricians, and several medical associations have issued recommendations to reduce cellphone and wireless exposures to children. The New Jersey Education Review published an article last Fall entitled ―Minimize health risks from electronic devices,‖ and issued similar recommendations to schools:  Hard wire all devices that connect to the internet.  Hard wire all fixed devices such as printers, projectors, and boards.  Use hard-wired phones instead of cell or cordless phones.  Put devices in airplane mode.

The American Academy of Pediatrics also states, ―Avoid making calls in cars, elevators, trains, and buses. The cellphone works harder to get a signal through metal, so the power level increases.‖ We told the Council that several school districts have installed wireless networks on the buses and expect that the Council will address the use of cellphones in classrooms and on school buses in the future.

The Council heard testimony from many organizations and parents who traveled to meetings from across the state. The Council website has made publicly available the hundreds of pages of expert scientific material and public comments which notably includes several letters from medi-

cal doctors advising against wi-fi in school. ―Parents have a right to know if there is an environmental hazard in the classroom and actions that can be taken to reduce exposure,‖ stated parent Laura Simon.

This effort started in 2014. I was shocked to learn no government health agency had reviewed the issue from a health and safety standpoint considering how fast wi-fi was being installed in schools across the state. First, I wrote the Department of Education and of Health letters of concern about the radiation exposures in schools.

Dr. Joshua Sharfstein, then Secretary of the Maryland Department of Health, initially responded to my letter stating, ―It is fair to say there are legitimate questions about the long-term health implications of microwave radiation,‖ and that the Department of Health, ―would be interested in the advice and counsel of groups such as the Children's Environmental Health and Protection Advisory Council.‖ The Department of Education also directed me to the Council.

The State Department of Education representative voted in favour of these recommendations.

Twenty-first century learning should include the best available 21st century science. Thousands of studies connect wireless radiation to a wide range of biological effects that range from neurological changes to sperm damage and behavioural problems, in addition to increasing cancer.

Corded non-wireless classroom connections are an important part of a safe and healthy school environment, respecting not only our children but also the teachers and staff.

Theodora Scarato MSW LCSW-C is Director of Public Affairs at Environmental Health Trust, a scientific think tank focused on environmental health risks, prevention, research, and policy. Environmental Health Trust maintains the database on international policy in regards to wireless and children’s health with a special focus on schools. She develops community educational programs and co-ordinates with research institutions internationally on electromagnetic radiation and health. She has also co-founded several organizations that address environmental health and safety concerns and also is a practising clinical social worker.

By Terri Smith

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pring has officially arrived and it’s time to think about how to wake up the garden and get it growing again. As winter comes to an end I am always so excited to get back out there and start growing (and eating!) again, but my excitement is also always tempered with some feelings of trepidation as I try to prioritize what the garden needs and try not to feel too overwhelmed.

So, where does one begin? Lists can be a great help here, and while there are as many ways to grow a garden as there are gardeners, I will give you a general breakdown of what the next few months will look like for me in case you are feeling stuck and are unsure of how to get started.

Again, let me just say, this is a general sort of list and it is just my own. You do whatever you want to do for your own garden.

Before we begin, though, a note about what I call the ―holy-grail method‖ of gardening: this is the no-dig, no-weed, no-till, no-water, no-work… and really, no harvest method. Over time people have noticed that tilling not only depletes the soil, but also causes compaction. The ideas that ‗no one has to water the forest‘ and that soil does best when not disturbed have led to some great movements based on alternative and less labour-intensive methods of gardening.

However, it isn‘t easy to seed an untilled bed. You need soft soil to seed. Permaculture is great, but it works mostly with perennials—plants that establish themselves and come back year after year.

If you are growing in the north and you want to grow food for yourself and your family, I‘m afraid you‘re going to have to get your hands dirty. The first year is the hardest, but as you build your soil, it gets easier. Sometimes, with great soil that is rich in humus, you will only need to aerate a little with a digging fork and then rake the surface, and if you transplant you don‘t need as fine a seedbed.

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age Birchwater’s latest book, Chilcotin Chronicles: Stories of Adventure and Intrigue from British Columbia’s Central Interior, is hot off the press. He will be holding a number of book launches and book signings across the region starting on April 19 in 100 Mile House at Nuthatch Books from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The following evening, Thursday April 20, Birchwater will give a slide show and talk in Williams Lake at the Central Cariboo Arts Centre (the old Fire Hall), starting at 7 p.m.

A week later on Thursday, April 27 in Quesnel, he will give a slideshow and talk at the city council chambers, hosted by Quesnel Museum. Earlier in the day he will sign books at Books and Company in Quesnel from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Birchwater says Chilcotin Chronicles offers a unique historical perspective of the region.

Until spring really arrives and I can starting sowing the garden I've had to make do with sewing a garden. Photo: Mark Rupp

But the methods that claim you don‘t have to do anything are not exactly true.

Most of our food plants are not native to this area. You can find things to eat that will grow well here with little input from you, but you will still need to be involved in raising them at times. Our weather has also become so changeable that one year you may not ever need to water your garden and another year you may find you must water every few days. One year might be a great year to mulch the heck out of everything and the next year mulching may end up causing slug problems galore and all sorts of mildew-y diseases. My point is that the gardener does need to be involved with the garden.

April: This is the precursor month to serious gardening time. It is the time to prepare the garden for planting, but for the most part it is not time to plant yet. April can be fickle, and we wasted a lot of time

over the years when we had amazing weather early on. We would drop whatever garden improvement or expansion projects we were working on and start planting. But time after time we found that we didn‘t gain anything. While the greenhouse can be planted in April and do well with the spring crops, most of what we planted outside and then babied along for the extra month would be at about the same stage in its life a few months later as the next succession planted a month after when everything is warmer and things in the wild are growing. You can push what Nature wants to do a little bit, but in the end, things grow when they‘re good and ready, and not when you want them to.

What I do in April: • make a list of everything I’m planting and when. Main references: Stella Natura planting calendar, seed catalogues to find out how many days from sowing to transplant and then to harvest.

• clean the greenhouse. Ideally this is done in the fall, but often, it isn‘t. Take out last year‘s plant carcasses and compost them, add compost to soil, make beds • prep beds. This means all sorts of different things, depending on how you garden. This year, because I am trying to build and improve soil, I will be beginning with the double-dig. I always dread the doubledig, but it‘s not really so bad. It is a fair amount of work at the start, but it helps to create excellent soil that just gets easier to work with and healthier over time. Realistically I won‘t do this to the whole garden, just the places that really need it. This method is outlined in very great detail and with lots of illustrations in one of my favourite resource books: How to Grow More Vegetables by John Jeavons.

Pro tip: If you do till, don‘t be too hard on yourself. Just because it‘s not trendy at the moment doesn‘t mean it‘s wrong. On a small scale and with a hand-held tiller, tilling will probably be just fine for your garden. Just be sure to add organic matter (compost is best) any time you till so you don‘t lose nutrients. (PS: I till).

―

―It puts a human face on what happened in the past,‖ he says. ―It is a history told with Indigenous people sitting at the table.‖ The timeline stretches from the first contact between Indigenous inhabitants of the region and Euro-Canadian explorers, Alexander Mackenzie and Simon Fraser, to the present day.

Birchwater draws on his two dozen years in the Chilcotin living on a trapline and working as a rural correspondent and

• now that the beds are prepped I like to cover the beds with row cover for a few weeks until planting time, this will allow weeds to germinate, so you can then easily kill them with a hoe before planting—most planting won‘t happen until May. • start any seedlings you want to transplant out in May and June. I start seedlings in the house and then move them into the greenhouse once the night temperature is warmer.

• late April-early May I plant the greenhouse with spring crops: salad mix, spinach, salad turnips, radishes, a few kale, a row for baby June carrots. This first planting will be harvested out by mid-June, when I will add more compost and replant with the transplants I am starting now.

What I do in May: • transplant the more cold-tolerant crops outside: cauliflower, broccoli, kale, Swiss chard, onions, leeks, Brussels sprouts, lettuce.

• hoe prepped beds, or make beds now.

Direct seed all/most other crops this month (if succession planting then continue to seed some things every few weeks) • end of May/early June: transplant squash outdoors or into a hoop house or both. As space becomes available in the greenhouse, tomatoes and peppers can move in. Cucumbers can also be transplanted or seeded now.

As I said, these are my general guidelines only. Good luck and happy growing!

Terri Smith is a non-certified organic vegetable farmer in the Cariboo. She is passionate about writing, art, goats, and feeding good food to good people. She believes in following your heart, living your dreams, and taking care of the planet.

cultural researcher for several indigenous communities. ―Many people still lived the old time way without modern conveniences like running water, electricity, or telephones,‖ he says. ―Many people were still cutting their hay with horses.‖ In 1988, Birchwater began researching the life of Tsilhqot‘in recluse Chiwid and conducting interviews across the region.

The book Chiwid was published in 1995 by New Star Books, but a significant volume of material he gathered remained untold.

Three years ago, Birchwater started submitting articles to The Stew Magazine and eventually had enough material for a book. He started melding and expanding the stories into a regional perspective and Caitlin Press publisher Vici Johnstone was eager to publish it.

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ita Giesbrecht, CaribooChilcotin Green Party candidate for the May 9 provincial election, says she is opposed to burning rail ties in Williams Lake’s biomass-fuelled energy plant. ―As a resident of the Cariboo and a candidate for election to the Legislature I am unequivocally opposed to the proposition that rail ties be burned as fuel for power generation,‖ she said, adding the toxicity of the ash that would result from burning railway ties would compound an already problematic ash storage site located on the edge of the Williams Lake River Valley. ―The power plant has already significantly exceeded the parameters for disposing of that ash, and its location is absolutely unacceptable in proximity to the Fraser River,‖ said Giesbrecht.

She said the power plant was originally intended as an alternative to burning wood waste in beehive burners, yet wood waste is now being burned in the bush instead of being hauled to the energy plant to generate electricity. ―This seems an indication that the economic and ecological justifications for wood-burning power generation have disappeared,‖ she said. ―Coupled with the

toxicity of the ash waste, and the severe effects on air quality, the logical approach is to phase out wood-burning power generation and to support more innovative, forward-thinking clean energy technologies to take its place. ―All it takes is political will to figure out a better way.‖ Asked how the community would benefit by having a Green Party member in the legislature, Giesbrecht said the region would gain an unencumbered voice. ―You would get somebody who‘d speak the truth to you and for you.‖ Taking a page from BC Green Party leader Andrew Weaver, Giesbrecht said the economy shouldn‘t exist for its own sake.―The economy is a tool that should work for us to exchange value, and not be something we are subject to.

It was a phone call from a rancher outfitter who complained her guiding territory was getting logged out that motivated Giesbrecht to run for the Green Party in the May 9 provincial election. ―We need a social bottom line, an economic bottom line, and an environmental bottom line and they all have to be in place,‖ she said.

To learn more, check out Rita Giesbrecht for MLA on Facebook, or go to the bcgreens.ca website and click on Rita Giesbrecht‘s candidate page.

Cariboo-Chilcotin Green Party candidate Rita Giesbrecht meets with constituents Caterina Geuer, Herb Nakada, and Frances McCoubrey at the Bean Counter in Williams Lake. Her daughter Teresa Donck, second from left, is Rita’s campaign manager. All are welcome for drop in coffee chats with Rita Tuesdays at the Bean Counter 10 a.m.12 p.m. and Friday Forums at 5 p.m., 1-150 Birch Ave in 100 Mile House.

Call (250) 706-5577 for more info.

The Williams Lake Chapter of the Council of Canadians is sponsoring a candidates forum for the provincial election on April 20 at 7 p.m. in the Gibraltar Room., at the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex. The Chapter is cooperating with BC 2030, a non-partisan political campaign that looks to the UN Sustainable Development Goals as an opportunity for BC to demonstrate provincial leadership on global issues..

Because there are 17 goals and each goal is seeking new solutions to old problems, an all candidates forum cannot address all 17. Also, all the UN Goals are interconnected, with significant overlap. Therefore, the organizers have identified four issues, within the context of the UN Goals, having a persistent impact in our constituency.

The topics that will be brought before the candidates are the following: the loss of forestry jobs, sustainable local small business, persistent low environmental standards, and health and senior care.

The format of April 20‘s meeting is as follows: a speaker will briefly (2-3 minutes) introduce each topic as it applies to local concerns; a question will be asked to each candidate; and, a brief response (again 2-3 minutes) will be requested. The remainder of the time will be for the public to seek answers to its questions.

By LeRae Haynes

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ringing unique, beautiful healthy flavour to the table is at the heart of Two with Nature Foods, a 100 Mile House business owned by Diana Richter and Christiane Nauen. They use their certified organic WildCraft herbs to create a taste experience that brings customers back time after time.

They mix organic WildCraft herbs with pure Himalayan crystal salt, and create unique, flavourful mustards and salts.

They also do catering for a wide range of events, including weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, funerals, holiday parties, and office events. ―We have WildCraft herb salads and make our own pasta called spaetzli, chicken breast roll with prosciutto, and serve dandelion, sage, or plantain leaves, depending on what‘s available,‖ Nauen explained.

Two with Nature Foods has been in business for three years, and both women have had extensive experience in the field of food production. ―Diana was a cheesemaker in Germany, had her own goats, and was involved in the organic food industry,‖ said Nauen.―My family, starting with my grandfather, was involved in fish. My brother still has a fish business in Germany.

I also had a coffee shop in Langley.‖ As nature lovers, they both find the Cariboo to be a perfect home. ―The people are nice, the area is so beautiful, and there are lots of open spaces and wilderness,‖ she said. ―I love the cleanliness of the air and

(Top L. ) Diana and Christiane Diana and Christiane showcasing their WildCraft Products. Photo: Christine Effenberger (Right) A Two with Nature Foods natural wedding cake - pretty, healthy, and delicious.

Photo: Stacey Krolow

the land. People here are open to people from other countries, accept them for who they are, and are very friendly.‖ The decision to create organic mustards and salt with herbs came about because of what they missed from home. ―We were missing very good mustard and salt,‖ Nauen said simply. ―We are both very spoiled, coming from Germany and having the foods from all of Europe readily available. The spaces between countries are short: we could draw on Italian, French, and English with no problem.

―The fact that most people don‘t know is that Canada is the biggest mustard supporter in the world, and yet here we are, restricted to what is commonly available.‖ The business got its start when Diana and Christiane went to farmers‘ markets with a range of products to see what appealed to people the most. ―We took things like jams, jellies, syrups, and sandwich spreads,‖ she said. ―It pretty much came down to the salt and the mustard. ―Mustard is so incredibly healthy; most people don‘t know about that, either. It‘s a

natural antiseptic, fights cancer, and speeds up your metabolism. The same thing with our salts. We enrich them 15 per cent with organic herbs. The salt has more flavour so you use less salt, and it‘s easier to make your food taste great.‖ She said their goal is to enhance their customers‘ experiences. ―There is more to mustard than yellow mustard and more to salt than table salt. Just the salt alone is the best salt available, and with the herbs it tastes good on top of that,‖ she said. ―Mustard is far more than an additive to a hot dog. One of our mustards, called Red Fox, has three different veggies in it and is sweet and tangy—such a great addition to cheese. We know people who eat it by the spoonful.‖ She added that healthy food is not bad tasting food. ―Food is what make us go through our lives, so we should put the best food in us,‖ she said. ―We are total healthy food supporters, and want people to taste things they‘ve never had before and widen their food horizons. Food is the most important thing in a human‘s life and it‘s so important to realize that we are what we eat.‖ For more information about Two with Nature Foods and WildCraft products, call (778) 765-4972 or visit www.wildcraftbc.ca.

LeRae Haynes is a freelance writer, song writer, community co-ordinator for Success by 6, member of Perfect Match dance band, and instigator of lots of music with kids.

By LeRae Haynes

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rish Nairn from Cariboo Mamacare provides a unique, personal, and supportive service to moms with newborn babies. Reflecting a practice that dates back centuries, she processes the placenta into capsules to provide postpartum support that includes numerous health benefits for both mom and baby. ―In traditional Chinese medicine they use anybody‘s placenta; however, the way we look at it, your placenta is genetically identical to your baby,‖ Nairn explained. ―The mom‘s body has produced it and it hangs on to its own nutrients; when you take the capsules everything you take in has been produced by your own body.‖ There‘s a lot of natural history to this: most mammals consume the placenta almost immediately after birth, she explained Benefits can include increased release of the hormone oxytocin, which helps the uterus return to normal size and encourages bonding with the infant, an increase in CRH, a stress-reducing hormone, a decrease in post-partum depression levels, restoration of iron levels in the blood, and an increase in milk production. ―It helps with post-birth hemorrhaging, the release of any retained placenta cells, replenishes nutrients, helps reduce pain after childbirth, and increases energy,‖ said Nairn. ―Oxytocin is known as the love hormone, and these capsules increase bonding with mom and baby.‖ She said most moms call within a couple of hours after the birth, and it takes her about 24 hours to make the capsules. The new mom starts taking them immediately. ―I had this done when my son Griffin was born,‖ said Nairn. ―I was searching for help with potential postpartum depression—it runs in my family. If you take an antidepressant you can‘t breastfeed,‖ she added.―Finding another option for support was really important to me.‖ She said she had a midwife for the birth, and a midwife can often make suggestions about where to find placenta encapsulation services. ―For me, it increased my energy and milk production— everything went well. It helps you build up your iron quickly,‖ she explained.

Trish Nairn from Cariboo Mamacare provides a specialized service to new mothers.

Photo: Cary Olson Photography

Nairnhas provided this service to both first- and second-time moms, and said the neat thing about the second-time moms is they know what a difference it makes.

The capsules are good on your shelf for three months, and you receive approximately 170 of them. She said she also makes a tincture as part of her Cariboo Mamacare services, adding that after the pills run out, new moms can use the tincture for their first cycle.

The first three months are the key. ―I took them steady my first three months, and had a few left over so I took them when I needed a boost,‖ she said. ―I wanted to be able to do this myself for my own second baby and offer this extra support to others. It‘s empowering to be able to help others; so far, all my moms have been very satisfied with it. They call it their happy pill. ―Other cultures plant the placenta with a tree or release it into the ocean with a ceremony,‖ she said. ―Some see it as a guardian angel for their babies.‖ Fo r mo re i n fo r ma tio n vi s it www.cariboomamacare.ca and follow Cariboo Mamacare on Facebook.

LeRae Haynes is a freelance writer, song writer, community co-ordinator for Success by 6, member of Perfect Match dance band, and instigator of lots of music with kids.

By Sharon Taylor

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f you grew up, like I did, in the 1960s and 70s, you will remember how we proudly compared the mosaic that was Canada to the melting pot that was the United States.

While it was important for people who immigrated to the US to become American in every sense of the word, in Canada, it was considered admirable to still feel tied to your home country: to sing the songs, dance the dances, and eat the food.

In a speech to the Ukrainian – Canadian Congress, Winnipeg, Manitoba in 1971, Prime Minister Pierre Eliot Trudeau claimed, ―There is no such thing as a model or ideal Canadian. What could be more absurd than the concept of an ‗all Canadian‘ boy or girl? A society which emphasizes uniformity is one which creates intolerance and hate.‖ I grew up with cultural festivals where you could go from booth to booth to taste Indian samosas here, Filipino lumpia there, while watching Ukrainian dancers whirl in wide white skirts and bright red trousers, and then all sing ―They call it Canada, but I call it home‖ with great conviction. I grew up in a city with a museum filled with First Nations art and living culture, with a bustling, crowded Chinatown, with friends whose families spoke many languages.

I grew up believing that celebrating our family heritage and honouring our Canadian culture were not mutually exclusive: that it was possible to be proud of both.

And, despite all I have learned since about our colonialist, racist history, I continue to believe there is no simple definition of ‗Canadian,‘ that we create what ‗Canadian‘ means every day in our legislature, in our courts, in our companies, in our cultural

By Terri Smith

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n another month Amadeus will be five years old. When I realized this a few days ago I no longer wondered why it was that I have been having such a difficult time coming up with things to say about him this month.

Five years is a long time to have been writing (or reading) about a goat.

And especially this goat! It‘s not as if he is actually all that interesting. His main occupations are eating and pooping and sleeping, and sometimes he head-butts things or people or animals, and he often falls over. Alright, I guess that is a bit funny. But is it really five years‘ worth of funny? What have I even found to say about him for so long? When he was younger and spent most of the time that he wasn‘t eating or sleeping or pooping trying to die (which I only knew he was doing because he wasn‘t eating or sleeping or pooping) I had more to say about him. But now that he has settled into a simpler existence, while I am thankful for it, I have nothing to write about.

I‘ve already related all the life lessons he has taught me. He has made me cry

Tim Van Horn, photographer and creator of the Canadian Mosaic Project.

centres, and in our streets. The way we think of each other, the way we treat each other: these define essential Canadian traits.

We still struggle with this on a daily basis. Humans are quick to judge; it is a basic survival skill left over from the days when a split-second judgement could keep you alive—is this person who doesn‘t look like me or speak like me safe or dangerous? Is she smiling or showing her teeth?

Is he putting out his hand in friendship or threat? When she says sharia law, does the word law mean the same thing it does to me? His language sounds quick and harsh to my ears; does that mean he is angry?

It would be easier in some ways to say, ―No, you are in Canada. You must dress like us, speak like us, eat Kraft Dinner, and watch hockey like us. We are all the same and you must be the same too.‖ But that is clearly ridiculous—even as a Canadian (and a white, settler Canadian at that), I wear sandals in the winter snow, while my daughter wears hoodies in the summer. I wouldn‘t eat KD and watch hockey if you tied me to the couch. And who would I root for anyway? Toronto in honour of my

with fear for his safety, with relief every time he comes back from the brink, and just because I love him beyond comprehension. The relationship between humans and animals is an interesting thing. They are like us and yet not like us, and the effect a different species can have on humans is both strange and wonderful.

While the start of his life was filled with public appearances, I may not bring him out so much anymore. He is mostly retired from public life these days. He has been content to wear fancy hats and come to town to have his picture taken with children for years. But he has made me nervous while doing so because he is not all that good with adults and I have had to be ever vigilant that he doesn‘t inadvertently hurt someone. I have learned to read him better than I can read most humans, and this is really quite a skill because goats have almost no facial expressions whatsoever. As anyone who has goat knows, you have to understand them to be able to see what they are feeling. But once you know them you usually have a half-second warning before they head-butt someone.

Perhaps I actually understand this goat too well. I have anthropomorphized him to

father-in-law? Montreal because of Carey Price? Vancouver… well, really. You can see the problem. And once we admit that Newfoundlanders and Prairie-dwellers have very different experiences of what being Canadian is like, not to mention Vancouver Islanders, the problem grows and expands.

What is Canadian? As soon as you start the definition, you run into trouble.

A few years ago, Tim Van Horn of Red Deer, Alberta began the Canadian Mosaic Project, an art-based exploration of Canada. He has taken over 54,000 portraits of people on the streets of Canadian cities, which he then turns into photo-mosaics. He will be here in Williams Lake on Tuesday, June 20, at the Tourism Discovery Centre, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with his mobile pavilion, adding pictures of Cariboo residents to his grand 2017 – 150 years of Canada project. It‘s a chance to be a part of something bigger than ourselves, a chance to see Canada as the sprawling, complex mosaic that people of my generation grew up believing in.

Perhaps we are finally learning not to narrowly define what being a Canadian is, but accepting that we are many, many pieces of a whole picture that shifts as we grow. It isn‘t simple. But who wants simple?

Sharon Taylor has lived in Williams Lake with her husband Rob for most of the past 35 years. Together they have raised four loving and compassionate children, taught hundreds of students in elementary school and at the university, and have been leaders in the Anglican church here and in Vancouver. Sharon now works with the Immigrant and Multicultural Services Society to help newcomers to Canada settle in the Cariboo

Help unite Canada in the largest portrait ever created in the history of Canada. By sponsoring a kilometre of our journey across Canada for $20, you ensure an authentic portrait of Canada in our 150th year converges into a spectacular visual defining the essence of cultural identity. Your contribution helps further our mission to inspire the nation with the ‗To Canada with Love‘ mobile travelling bus.

Please consider joining our Canadian Mosaic Facebook page to help spread the word about our project.

Thank you in advance for your sponsorship; whatever amount it might be, it all helps. Please note, all sponsors‘ names will be recorded and included in the opening pages of the To Canada with Love book in 2017.

We will be in Williams Lake on June 20, come down, represent your community, and be a part of the largest portrait every created in Canadian history. To see more visit http:// canadianmosaic.ca/. To become a sponsor visit: canadianmosaic.ca/ become-a-sponsor/

Amadeus' fourth birthday party Photo: Mark Rupp a rather alarming degree. I‘m sure there are some readers out there who are thinking, ―She should really have a baby so she can stop treating that goat like it‘s her child,‖ and probably others who are thinking, ―Good thing she doesn‘t have any children; she‘d probably treat them like goats.‖ And yet, every moment that I spend with Amadeus I am grateful to know this little orphaned creature. He is a weirdo, but

he is my weirdo and he and I just make sense to each other.

Terri Smith is a non-certified organic vegetable farmer in the Cariboo. She is passionate about writing, art, goats, and feeding good food to good people. She believes in following your heart, living your dreams, and taking care of the planet.

By Margaret-Anne Enders

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his year, Canada will mark its 150th anniversary. Celebrations are being planned in towns and cities across the country. It’s easy to get drawn into the hype and excitement, especially with so much global political stress. Who wouldn’t want to celebrate? Let’s slow down and think about this for a moment. Who wouldn’t want to celebrate? Canada is country that offers great opportunities. It is a vast land with stunning natural beauty. It has been built up through the generations by immigrants from every continent, each region bringing culture and traditions that have been woven into a rich tapestry. Canada has offered refuge to many and has a long-standing, albeit currently fragile, reputation of standing up for peace and justice throughout the world. What’s not to celebrate?

At the risk of ruining the party, I feel compelled to join other voices in suggesting that if we scratch the surface of our shiny reputation, we will find those who might not find cause for rejoicing. In this 150-year history, many minority groups have experienced suffering and hardship at the hands of Canadian policies, including the Japanese internment camps and the Chinese head tax.

For the original people of this land, 150 years of Canada means 150 years of colonialism. More than that, actually, as colonization started long before the signatures on the British North America (BNA) Act were set to paper. For the First Peoples, this

land, the vast spaces, the beauty and fierceness on which they depended for survival and which they viewed sacred, was taken from them and allotted back in small parcels, disrupting sacred connection, food security, and independence. The country that offered refuge to those fleeing situations of oppression was, at the same time, actively oppressing the original inhabitants of this land. While immigrants were generally encouraged to come, and keep their cultures alive (mosaic, not melting pot – remember?), First Nations, Metis, and Inuit were banned from practising and passing on their own cultures and spirituality. Broken treaties, the reserve system, residential schools, and the 60s scoop are just some examples of Government Canada‘s oppressive policies throughout the years.

And today, despite an official apology for the harm caused by residential schools,

Submitted by citizens’ group, Rail Ties Be Wise

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ppealing an action by a provincial ministry is not for the faint of heart or the short of patience. Rail Ties Be Wise –the local citizen group challenging rail tie burning in Williams Lake – is finding that out through experience.

Atlantic Power Corporation has received approval to receive millions of railroad ties each year, burn them in its Williams Lake Power Plant, and dispose of the ash in an open pile. Thirteen Williams Lake residents have filed appeals to the relevant permits, raising health and safety concerns shared by much of the community. Rail Ties Be Wise formed to assist and support those appeals, and to express the community‘s opposition.

To have standing before the Environmental Appeal Board (EAB), the appellants must be able to demonstrate that they are impacted by the decision in certain, narrowly-defined ways.

The Ministry of Environment has questioned the validity of some of these appeals. They moved to disqualify certain appellants and to disallow the topic of ash disposal to be considered. The lawyer for the appellants responded to MoE‘s motion to strike.

As this paper goes to press, the EAB has a released a decision to strike some

elements of the appeals, but many of the substantive air quality issues will definitely be heard. The board has denied AP‘s request to disqualify several of the appellants.

We will have an update in early April on this decision and the implications for the larger campaign on RTBW Facebook and website: railtiesbewise.ca So, if you have been wondering why you haven‘t heard much about rail ties lately, we hope this explains it. We haven‘t given up or gone away.

Meanwhile, our petition is still circulating, so please sign it if you haven‘t already. Watch for us at events to come, stay tuned for news of another gathering, and keep talking to your contacts. You can keep up with developments and read about our research through our website www.railtiesbewise.ca. Thank you everyone for your support.

despite the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, racism – both individual and systemic – abounds in our country. With so much reconciliation work left to do, it doesn‘t feel right to mark the occasion with celebrations.

Before you accuse me of wanting destroy the party altogether, just wait. We live in a land of such diversity and with a multiplicity of experiences. What I‘m actually suggesting is that we make space for the stories that challenge our collective narrative of a picture perfect multicultural country. Let us make space. Let everyone hear the stories of pain, betrayal, and loss, and know that they, too, are part of our history. The tricky thing is that it is uncomfortable. As a society, we do not face discomfort well. We deny, deflect, medicate, and distract—anything to avoid discomfort. And if we truly listened to the stories of the marginalized people of this land, we would have to sit not just with our own discomfort, but in theirs as well. Misery times two. We would have to make space for our own feelings of sorrow, guilt, and uncertainty. But, as Justice Murray Sinclair said during the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, reconciliation is uncomfortable.

I am reminded of the often-expressed frustration by non-native people regarding residential schools: ―Why don‘t they just get over it? Why can‘t they just move on?‖ What if, instead, we made space for the stories? What if we moved from thinking that the era of oppression is over and done with to realizing how much justice work still needs to be done? What if we moved

from frustration to compassion? What if we moved from talking to listening? What if we moved from blame to curiosity?

What if we made space for authentic relationships to develop? What if we moved from simply not wanting racism in our country to actively working to eliminate it?

That would be reconciliation, and therein lies the hope for the next 150 years.

My hope is that the Canada 150 events will include a blend of stories of those who love this land, those who have found refuge and new life here, and those who have experienced its dark side and challenge us into a better future together. I hope that the events will include demonstrations of and plans for genuine reconciliation. Perhaps this 150 milestone will mark a new era in making space for new relationships, ones that can withstand the discomfort of learning and growing together. Now that would be something to celebrate.

In her work with the Multicultural Program at Cariboo Mental Health Association, as well as in her life as a parent, partner, faithful seeker, left-leaning Christian, paddler, and gardener, Margaret-Anne Enders is thrilled to catch glimpses of the Divine in both the ordinary and the extraordinary. To find out more about the Women’s Spirituality Circle, call her at (250) 305-4426 or visit www.womenspiritualitycircle.wordpress.co m or on Facebook at Women’s Spirituality Circle in Williams Lake.

By Guy Dauncey

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t’s a very small village called Hudswell, perched on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales in the north of England, with a population of just 353 people. It was listed in The Domesday Book, so it’s at least a thousand years old—and for many years it had a village pub, The George and Dragon.

In 2008, however, the big banks in New York and elsewhere took their entitlement to such an extreme they almost blew up the world economy, and as a result, Hudswell‘s little pub went bankrupt, leaving the villagers with nowhere to gather and socialize.

And that could have been the end of it—except it wasn‘t. Instead, the pub regulars started meeting, and after two years they had pooled enough support to buy the pub for £220,000, renovate it, and run it as a co-operative. They now have 205 shareholders, most of whom have invested between £500 and £1,000 in the pub, 47 per cent of whom live locally in the village.

When the villagers considered their pub, they realized they could do more than serve beer and good pub fare. In its revitalized form, The George and Dragon also now operates a library, and small shop that sells milk, eggs, newspapers, and other conveniences. They have converted some of the land attached to the pub to allotments for local growers, and leased the management of the pub to a mother and daughter who are experienced in the hospitality trade and keen on the quality of their ale and cider.

As a feather in their cap, in March it was announced The George and Dragon had beaten 52,000 other entries to become Britain‘s Pub of the Year for 2016, judged on its atmosphere, service, value for

T

he question of whether I have ever seen a UFO arises frequently at the observatory. The answer is no, at this time.

Without extrapolating to a spacecraft with aliens in it, I would be looking for something that shows unusual motion or erratic brightness patterns.

A massive object cannot instantly change direction like a laser pointer beam can. Its inertial mass prevents this. To do a tight right angle turn very rapidly takes a huge amount of energy. I think we instinctively sense this, so something behaving like that would be noticed. It could, of course, be close and light like a firefly or something. It could be a lot of things, ultimately explainable, so there would be large room for debate.

When I go to the star parties, such as Mt.Kobau in later summer, people hardly talk at all about UFOs. There are many seasoned observers there – some profes-

Author, Guy Dauncey.

Photo: Carolyn Herriot money, community focus, and the quality of its beverages.

As well as contributing their money, the villagers and their friends rolled up their sleeves to help with the renovation, and local trades offered their skills at a discount. By establishing themselves as a co-operative for community benefit, their purpose is not to generate private profit, but to deliver a community service. The members each draw a 5 per cent dividend for their investment, and due to their community benefit constitution, they can‘t decide to sell up all at once and take their money to the Caribbean.

For the past five hundred years, and certainly for British Columbia‘s modern existence, almost all businesses have been based on private ownership, rendering private profit. The drive to increase capital for private gain has been the cornerstone of capitalism. Today, however, more and more people are asking big questions of this assumption. Is this really the best way to run a local or a global economy? It was under that model that The George and

sional astronomers, etc. – who would know the difference between common phenomena and something truly unusual. I suspect some people would not want to seem too far out in such esteemed company.

A lot of people, some of them quite close to me, have shared their UFO stories with me so I don‘t dismiss the matter out of hand. Like Fox Mulder, I want to believe. Ordinary human perception covers such a small portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that we indeed do not see it all and sensitivity between different observers varies widely.

I‘ve seen a couple of convincing documentaries on crop circles. To me, that is one of the most visible of the modern mysteries. The geometric patterns are incredible and certainly suggest intelligence beyond what we usually see. They always seem to get them nicely framed in the field, as well.

Dragon went bankrupt. It was under a different model, with co-operative ownership and the primacy of community benefit, it was restored from the dead and went on to become the best pub in Britain.

Far from the damp cool of Yorkshire‘s dales, in the sweltering hot streets of Austin, Texas, a similar story has just played out. Two years ago, the city had three cab companies, whose 800 drivers were mostly older immigrant men from Ghana, Sudan, Jamaica, and Pakistan. The companies charged $280 a week just to get behind the wheel, plus the cost of leasing a cab and putting it on the road. Now Uber and Lyft were in town, operating loosely and cheaply without bothering about things like buying insurance for their passengers.

The taxi drivers‘ union was run by a small group of academically-inclined older drivers who were nervous about the talk coming from the younger generation, who wanted to pile the pressure on staff at City Hall to clamp down on Uber and Lyft. The younger drivers seized the initiative, however, and pressured their fellow-drivers to show up at union meetings and become union members. By the time they had 400 members, they decided to circle City Hall in their cabs, honking and surrounding the building, demanding that the city hear their concerns.

In early 2016, the drivers managed to persuade City Hall to require fingerprinting and background checks for Uber and Lyft drivers, and the companies paid for a ballot initiative to overthrow the new law. They lost the vote, and subsequently decided to pull out of Austin entirely. The union members then pushed their strongest card, successfully applying to form the city‘s fourth taxi company. ATX Coop Taxi launched in October 2016, with 360 members who raised $425,000 in membership shares. Overnight, they became the third largest co-operative in America, and their weekly fee is just $131, half of what the other taxi companies charge.

Their mission includes equal ownership, decision making, and profit sharing, and a commitment to serve the community

with the highest standard of customer service, using the most advanced and effective dispatch technology.

So, whether you are a rural villager in Yorkshire planning to relaunch your local pub, or a struggling taxi-driver in Austin planning to have done with private exploitation, the moral is the same: there is strength to be found in working cooperatively, and in pioneering a new cooperative economy to replace the failing capitalist model.

If you‘re looking to form a cooperative, call the staff at the BC Cooperative Association in Vancouver, (604) 6623906. www.bcca.coop. They‘re there to help you.

At the same time, if you went Mt.Kobau, I think you would find people very open to the idea of intelligent life elsewhere. Modern science is placing a huge effort on finding Earth-like planets orbiting in the habitable zone around suitable stars. Organizations like Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) have been searching for signals from space for some time. The whole history of astronomy has seen us deposed from the centre of a small universe to a relatively ordinary planet circling an ordinary star in a vast cosmos.

I think few would deny there has got to be something else out there. The problem is finding it. The Drake Equation was an early attempt to quantify our chances. It has seven terms describing things like rate of star formation and the number of possible planets in the habitable zone. Then there is the number of planets that actually have some life; whether that life is evolved and has technology; and, over what time interval they‘ve had the ability to send signals into space. Others have added a

term that suggests the probability that a technological civilization may self destruct if it doesn‘t develop the wisdom to manage the power.

Guy Dauncey is author of Journey to the Future: A Better World is Possible, a novel set in Vancouver in the year 2032. It’s packed full of positive, encouraging story like this. www.journeytothefuture.ca.

Guy Dauncey’s most recent book, Journey to the Future: A Better World is Possible. See more at www.journeytothefuture.ca

Most of these terms are less than one, so when multiplied together, the resulting probability becomes very small.

I‘m still looking. The aliens have promised me a new telescope better than mine if I co-operate. For now, I must be content with the stranger in the mirror. As usual, the Bells Lake Observatory is open to showing the night sky here and I can be reached at (250) 620-0596 or irwin8sound@gmail.com.

April 6: Williams Lake Garden Club Meeting. Central Cariboo Arts and Culture Centre, Williams Lake. (250) 392-2769. 7-9 p.m.

April 7-13: Geshe Sherab Returns! 11:30 a.m., Gendun Drupa Buddhist Centre, Williams Lake. (778) 412 -7780. www.gendundrupa.org.

April 7: Safety Meeting: The Pack AD w/ the Sam Tudor Dream Band. Arts Centre, Williams Lake. 8–10 p.m. $15.

April 7: Joey Only Southern Spring Swing 2017 Live. CJ‘s Southwestern Grill, Williams Lake. 3 p.m.--5:30 p.m. $10 admission.

April 7: Rare Birds of Eagle Lake slide show at Scout Island Nature Center, Williams Lake. Call Fred McMechan (250) 392 -7680. 6 p.m.

April 7-29: Impact Craters, Sister, and Other Circular Objects (Main Gallery) Reflections (Upper Gallery), Station House Gallery, Williams Lake. (250) 392-6113 www.stationhousegallery.com.

April 8: Memory Garden Work Party. Williams Lake, (250) 302-5010. foodpolicycouncil@gmail.com.

April 10: Boiling Point with Maude Barlow. Gibraltar Room. 1-800-387-7177 www.boilng-point-williamslake.eventbrite.ca. 7 p.m. Free Admission.

By Peter Atamanenko

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n Thursday, March 16, a meeting held at the Central Cariboo Arts Centre in Williams Lake brought in a progressiveminded think tank to share a few different ideas about the future of our public forests. A full house packed the old firehall, with about 70 people.

Ben Parfitt, resource analyst with the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, and Peter Ewart, of the Stand Up for the North Committee, both delivered presentations.

An important message from the keynote speakers was that we are not alone—other communities, other millworkers, and independent loggers are facing the same kind of problems found in the Cariboo-Chilcotin.

Forestry towns like 100 Mile House and Williams Lake join the ranks of many other communities hit hard by the boom-and-bust management of the logging industry.

What‘s more, jobs keep disappearing even when there are plenty of logs being harvested.

Researcher Ben Parfitt counts almost 100 mills that have closed their doors in the last 20 years in BC, but the pace of logging continues, with or without local loggers and millworkers in smaller communities. Most of this simply can‘t be blamed on pine beetles, either. Today, only 10 companies control more than two thirds of BC‘s forests— 68 per cent of all allocated timber.

The Steelworkers Union spoke out about the sharp effect of the industry's mechanization, and big job losses in the large local sawmills, where their members

April 11: Drop in coffee chat at the Bean Counter every Tues with BC Green Party Candidate Rita Giesbrecht 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

April 14: WL Film Club – The Passion of the Christ. Arts Centre, Williams Lake. www.facebook.com/williamslakefilmclub/.

7–10 p.m.

April 20: Provincial Candidates Election forum. Gibraltar Room, Williams Lake. 7 p.m. Contact Bette McLennan, bettemcl@gmail.com.

April 20: Sage Birchwater, local author, book launch & slideshow, Arts Centre 7 p.m.

April 21: WL Field Naturalists‘ Annual Fundraising & Banquet, St. Andrews United Church, Williams Lake. 6 p.m. $40 adults, $15 for 16 and under.

April 22: Earth Day! All Day Events. Scavenger Hunt/Litter Pick with Cariboo Chilcotin Conservation Society, Cariboo Growers Co-op. 1 p.m. (250) 398-7929.

April 22: Handmade in the Cariboo Market, Elks Hall, Williams Lake. 10 a.m–4 p.m. $2, kids under 12 free.

Gazette. Arts Centre, Williams Lake. 7– 10p .m. (250) 392-0018. $10 admission.

April 25-May 30 Shut up and Make a Record, six-week course. Arts Centre, Williams Lake. Tuesdays 4-6 p.m. Williamslakearts@gmail.com. $40.

April 28: WL Film Club – How to Change the World. Arts Centre, Williams Lake. www.facebook.com/williamslakefilmclub/.

7–10 p.m.

Month of May: Nature‘s Transformations (Main Gallery) Metamorphosis (Upper Gallery), Station House Gallery, Williams Lake.

(250) 392-6113 www.stationhousegallery.com.

May 3: Break it Down Hip Hop, Songwriting and lyrics. BC Youth Week Event.

Arts Centre, Williams Lake. 4–9 p.m. williamslakearts@gmail.com or call Venta (250) 790-2331. Free.

May 4: WL Garden Club Meeting. Arts Centre, Williams Lake. (250) 392-2769. 7– 9 p.m.

April 22: Quesnel Seedy Saturday, College of New Caledonia, Quesnel. 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

May 6: Seedy Saturday in Herb Gardner Park, Williams Lake. For more info or sign up for a table, contact: foodpolicycouncil@gmail.com. (250) 302-5010. 10 a.m.–2 p.m.

April 22: Earth Night. Live music, silent auction fundraiser hosted by TheGreen-

May 6: Plant & Yard Sale at Scout Island Nature Centre, Williams Lake. 9:30 a.m.

have worked. The Steelworkers union cohosted this public event in Williams Lake, along with the Cariboo-Chilcotin Conservation Society.

Parfitt reports that in the BC Interior, ―three companies control 61 per cent of the output from all large sawmills …

Canadian Forest Products, West Fraser Mills, and Tolko Industries.‖ Now, do any of those names sound familiar in the Cariboo?

There have big job losses in recent years, and fewer local benefits from these huge Cariboo-Chilcotin logging and sawmilling operations. Logging and mill companies still lead the Cariboo economy, but overall, the economic benefits haven‘t been shared locally.

The guest speakers shared a concern that, in BC, the forest companies‘ commitment to value-added has never been lower—and it‘s needed more than ever.

Parfitt suggests that it‘s vital to get ―more from less‖ since logging rates are going to go way down in many parts of the Interior, as well. Options include using some of today‘s technologies to produce more woodmanufactured products from less timber.

Parfitt reports that by the BC Government‘s own measure, in the Prince George timber area for example, logging rates are running far out of control. ―According to a recent provincial government timber supply analysis by senior Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resources staff, those rates may need to be halved in just three years,‖ he said, adding another, more sensible direction for forestry would be to ―reset logging rates to sustainable levels‖ throughout BC. This industry has been missing

some long-term oversight by the selfregulating logging corporations.

Other major alternatives include longterm, area-based forest tenures directly for First Nations, to lay the ground work for more secure forestry jobs and economic opportunities.

For starters, Parfitt proposes that, at a minimum, BC should immediately phaseout all raw, unprocessed log exports, and up -to-date stumpage rates could be brought in too, for the big logging companies. Modern stumpage would be a simple way for the companies to start to pay their way. And it‘s also a way to fund new regional public forests boards, another a way to bring back wise stewardship to our forests.

Other suggestions were to create new regional markets, for sorting logs and sales (sort of like the ranchers‘ co-op and stockyard in Williams Lake.) This has been done before in Vernon.

More value-added wood jobs could be created by ―partnership timber sales,‖ like those done before by BC‘s Small Business Forest Enterprise Program. This means Primary lumber producers could bid, only after demonstrating that they have a sales relationship with a value-added producer.

May 9: Dry and Preserve Herbs with Instructor Karen Alphonse. Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex, Williams Lake.

(250) 398-7665. 7–9 p.m. $24.

May 12: Williams Lake Farmers Market every Friday in Boitanio Park, Williams Lake. Contactwlfm.manager@gmail.com or (778) 961-0600. 9 a.m.–2 p.m.

May 13: Buddhist Centre fundraiser dinner.

May 13 or 15: Make your own Mosaic with Instructor Pat Radolla. Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex, Williams Lake.

(250) 398-7665. 10 a.m.–1 p.m. $45.

May 13 & 14: Mothers Day Weekend, plant sale and Open House at Blocks R Us, Williams Lake. (250) 392 -3646 www.blocksrus.ca.

May 17: Wild Green Smoothies w/ Edible Herbs with Instructor Karen Alphonse.

Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex, Williams Lake. (250) 398-7665. 7–9 p.m. $24.

May 25: Making your own Salve with Instructor Karen Alphonse. Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex, Williams Lake.

(250) 398-7665. 7–9 p.m. $24.

May 27: Mayfest. Sacred Heart Catholic School, Williams Lake. (250) 398-6806 www.sacredheartwl.com 12–10 p.m. adults $5, kids 10-18 years $2.50, 9 and under free.

At the meeting, a wide range of people wanted to see some kind of return to the former, local-value-added requirements, that used to be a bottom-line requirement in BC forest licences. Called 'appur-tenancy', it disappeared in 2003.

People also expressed their concerns about today‘s mismanagement of public forests, raw-log trade, and disappearing sawmill jobs. Many members of the public called for urgent, positive changes in our local forests. In the independent wood processors sector, over half the companies have shut down or gone out of business entirely, in the last 15 years.

The Williams Lake Forestry Forum was one of five public events held this March, in Northern and Central BC. In Fort St. James, a representative from the Tl‘azt‘en First Nation appealed to neighbouring communities and community groups to work together in common cause, for improvements in forestry and natural-resource oversight.

These forestry meetings were organized by the independent, volunteer group, Stand Up for the North Committee, which receives no funding from corporations or government. The group is trying to promote real public discussion about BC‘s northern economy, and a healthier future for our communities. For more information visit www.facebook.com/StandUpForTheNorth and to see Centre for Policy Alternatives researcher Ben Parfitt‘s easy-to-read 10 recommendations, www.policynote.ca/ forestryjobsbc/.

Pete Atamanenko is a writer and part-time ranch hand at 150 Mile House.

Your Green Shopping Directory

Distribution Details

Green Locations TheGreenGazette can be found in print at the fine locations below, as well as online at www.thegreengazette.ca or by subscription .

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Bean Counter Bistro & Coffee Bar, (250) 305-2326 180B 3rd Ave. North, Williams Lake Organic Coffee, Fair Trade, Local Foods

The Gecko Tree, (250) 398-8983 54 N. MacKenzie Ave. Williams Lake Serving healthy, local foods

Big Bear Ranch, (250) 620-3353 Steffi, Florian, and Rainer Krumsiek Grass fed & grass finished beef and lamb, pasture raised heritage pork. Animal Welfare Approved. www.bigbearranch.com

New Paradigm Teas (250) 267-3468 newparadigmteas@gmail.com Four Nourishing blends of locally, organically grown and wildcrafted herbal teas.

Canadian Tire, (250) 392-3303 1050 South Lakeside Dr., Williams Lake Recycling Initiatives, Renewable Energy Solutions, Organic Cleaning Products: Blue Planet, Green Works, Method, Nature Clean, Seventh Generation

The Hobbit House, (250) 392-7599 71 First Ave. South, Williams Lake Juice Bar, Natural Products, Essential Oils, Teas, Crystals, Gemstones, and more.

Cariboo Growers Coop, (778) 412-2667 3rd & Oliver St., Williams Lake. 100% Natural & Organic Foods, Non-Profit Farmer’s Coop Cleanway Supply, 1 (800) 663-5181 275 South MacKenzie Ave., Williams Lake Organic Cleaning Products Day Spa Champagne, (250) 305-1249 124A North Second Ave., Williams Lake Quiet, relaxing, personalized atmosphere. A Zen experience. Four Types Massage, Reflexology, Manicures/Pedicures & More.

Debbie Irvine B.Sc. (Agr.) RHN Registered Holistic Nutritionist (250) 392-9418 or springhousedebbie@thelakebc.ca SPRINGHOUSE GARDENS - Organically grown market garden veggies; Grass fed/finished beef - no hormones, no GMOs. Enquiries welcome. earthRight Solar, 1 (877) 925-2929 3rd & Borland, Williams Lake Renewable Energy Solutions, Eco-Friendly Products, Composting Toilets Flying Coyote Ranch, (250) 296-4755 Ingrid Kallman and Troy Forcier Grass-fed Angus beef No shots, no hormones, organic fertilizer By the quarter or side, hamburger .

Potato House Sustainable Community Society (250) 855-8443 or spuds@potatohouseproject.com In an age of apathy and a sense that change is all talk and no action, The Potato House Project is a friendly bastion of doing, sharing, learning and playing. Call and find out ways to get involved.

Scout Island Nature Centre & Williams Lake Field Naturalists, (250) 398-8532 www.scoutislandnaturecentre.ca www.williamslakefieldnaturalists.ca 1305A Borland Rd, Williams Lake Nature on the city’s doorstep. Bird sanctuary, arboretum, trails, Nature House, natural history programs for children and adults.

Smashin’ Smoothies, (778) 412-2112 102-41, 7th Ave North, Williams Lake Juice, Smoothies & Expresso Bar Fresh, Organic, Whole Food.

Sta-Well Health Foods, (250) 392-7022 79D 3rd Ave. North, Williams Lake Organic Foods, Water Distillers, Natural Medicines, Emergency Freeze Dried Foods.

Williams Lake Food Policy Council, (250) 302-5010 GROWING THE SEEDS OF CHANGE! www.facebook.com/WLFPC foodpolicycouncil@hotmail.com. Building a strong local food economy and promoting a healthy and sustainable community Windy Creek Farm, (250) 296-3256 Miocene, BC Grass Fed Beef. No hormones, antibiotics or vaccines. www.grassfedbeefbc.ca

100 Mile House Donex Visitors Centre Chartreuse Moose Higher Ground Nat. Foods KFC Nuthatch Books Rise & Grind Coffee House Safeway Save-On-Foods A&W 108 Mile House 108 Mile Mall 108 Mile Supermarket 150 Mile House 150 Mile Mall Husky Station Marshall‘s 150 Mile Store Alexis Creek Alexis Creek General Store Anahim Lake Anahim Lake Trading Mclean Trading Bella Coola Coast Mountain Lodge Kopas Store Valley Inn & Restaurant Big Lake Big Lake General Store Clinton Clinton Coffee House Dog Creek Mount View Handy Mart Red Dog Pub/Liquor Store Hanceville Lee‘s Corner Store Horsefly Clarke‘s General Store Post Office Horsefly Hardware Horsefly Service Station LacLaHache Race Trac Gas Lac La Hache Bakery Red Crow Cafe McLeese Lake Deep Creek Service Station The Oasis Motel Cafe Nimpo Lake Nimpo Lake General Store Prince George Books and Co. University of Northern BC College of New Caledonia Quesnel The Green Tree Barkerville Brewing Bliss Cafe Booster Juice Carryall Books Holistic Health Care Clinic Karin‘s European Deli Granville‘s Coffee Shop Quesnel Bakery Quiznos Safeway Save On Foods Tourism Info Center Redstone Kinikinik Williams Lake Adorn Naturally

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A&W All-ways Travel Amanda Enterprises Barking Spider Mtn. Bikes Bean Counter Bistro Beaver Valley Feeds Blocks R Us Body Connection by Joe CanWest Propane Cariboo Growers Co-op Cariboo Ski Community Futures Concrete Fitness Conservation Society CJ‘s Restaurant CRD Library Creative Scissor Dairy Queen earthRight 4 Sure Bistro Greyhound Bus Stop Handi-Mart Joey‘s Grill KFC Halls Organics Integrated Elements Clinic The Hobbit House Husky Restaurant Karamia‘s Donairs Kornak & Hamm Pharmacy The Laughing Loon The Legion Margetts Meats McDonalds Mt. Timothy Ski Area New World Coffee Oliver‘s Bar & Grill South 2nd Deli Quality Tax Solutions Red Shred‘s Bike & Board Shed Rona Home Centre Safeway Save-on-Foods SBL Liquor Store Scout Island Nature Center Senior Citizens ActivityCenter Shopper‘s Drug Mart Spa Bella Station House Gallery Sta-Well Health Foods Subway Taylor Made Cakes The Gecko Tree The Open Book Tim Hortons Tourism Info Center Trattoria Pasta Shoppe Thompson Rivers Univ.

Tsilhqot'in National Gov`t Walmart WL Acupuncture Clinic Williams Lake Physio WL Veterinary Hospital Williams Lake Water Factory *please note that we are in the process of revamping our distribution process to better serve our clients. If TheGreenGazette is not being displayed at any of the above locations please contact us so that we may rectify the situation.

By Jasmin Schellenberg HEALTHY SNACKS AND WHY Roll-ups The great thing about roll-ups is that the roll can be so many different things. The most obvious is tortilla (preferably whole wheat and sprouted), but other choices include toasted nori seaweed sheets, crepes, pancakes, or a large leaf of lettuce.

Here are a few ways to fill them: 

Raw cream cheese sprinkled with grated carrots, grated zucchini, and grated apple, topped with a lettuce leaf  A slice of deli meat or left over roast, a little mustard, a pickle or sauerkraut, and fresh sprouts  Cream cheese, wild salmon (previously cooked), arugula, or lettuce  Mix cream cheese, chopped apple, nuts, vanilla, cinnamon, and raw honey  Refried beans (season with cumin, garlic, and salt), lettuce, cheese, and salsa  Hummus with shredded carrots, cucumber strips, and avocado Easy to prepare in advance and light snack but full of good protein and enzymes.

NUTRIENT DENSE MEAL Ab-Goosht (Iranian lamb stew) Try using a crockpot.

2 lamb shanks 4 lamb necks 2 medium onions 1/2 cup chickpeas, soaked overnight 1/2 cup white beans, soaked overnight 1 teaspoon turmeric 2 Persian limes 2 tablespoons tomato paste 4 tomatoes 3 potatoes 2 teaspoons cinnamon salt and pepper 1. Wash and dry the meat. Season with salt and pepper.

2. Chop the onions and place in a heavy pot. Place meat on top of the onions.

3. Make a hole in the limes and add to the pot along with the drained beans.

4. Add turmeric, cinnamon, and 9 cups of water. Cover and cook on medium heat

for 2 hours. During this time, make sure to check the pot and skim any foam that might come to the surface.

5. Add tomato paste and mix well. Add fresh tomatoes.

6. Add potatoes and adjust seasoning. You will need a good amount of salt due to the beans and potatoes. Cover and cook everything for another hour.

7. Once done, place a colander over a bowl. Remove meat bones and place in colander. Separate meat from the bones.

Remove the marrow from the bones and add it to the soup or meat.

8. Return the broth to the pot and adjust seasoning as needed.

9. Mash or purée the meat with the beans, potatoes, and tomatoes. Correct seasoning.

10. The mashed meat and soup are served separately. The soup is eaten first and can be sprinkled with cinnamon. You may put a few pieces of Persian bread in it. The mashed meat is eaten with Persian fresh herbs, fresh lime, and bread, and can also be served with fried or grated onion, cinnamon, and chopped vegetables.

MYTHS UNVEILED Be mindful using weed control this year.

The government calls it safe to use, but studies show it should not to be used at all.

Dr Don Huber, Dr Stephanie Seneff, Anthony Samsel, and Nancy Swanson found alarming correlations between the rise of over 30 debilitating diseases in humans, the increased use of glyphosate (the active ingredient in Monsanto‘s herbicide Roundup), and the increased prevalence of genetically engineered proteins in our food.

USDA administrators are unable to show any evidence of the safety o f GMO (Genetically Modified Organism) crops. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently doubled the amount of glyphosate allowed in food. Soybean oil is now allowed to

contain 400 times the limit at which it can impact your health.

Glyphosate is not ―just‖ an herbicide. It was originally patented as a mineral chelator. It immobilizes nutrients, making them unavailable for your body. It‘s also patented as a potent antibiotic that can devastate human gut bacteria. Governments in Canada have clear cut areas sprayed with glyphosate. In British Columbia, the very ministry established to protect our environment gets 10,000 hectares of publically owned land sprayed with glyphosate year after year, every year. Unbelievable.

Dr. Seneff strongly suspects that glyphosate is getting into proteins by mistake in place of glycine. This has huge consequences to our health, because the human proteins contaminated with glyphosate don‘t work properly in their function in the body, and the glyphosate-contaminated food proteins tend to resist proteolysis, sticking around and causing autoimmune disease through molecular mimicry. This feature easily explains the epidemic we‘re seeing in allergies to foods that are likely to contain high amounts of glyphosate contamination, such as gluten, casein, and soy.

One molecule we can predict to be severely affected by glyphosate substitution for glycine is collagen, the most abundant protein in the body. Collagen is essential for cushioning the joints, and, when it is defective due to glyphosate contamination, it performs poorly in its job, leading to joint pain and tendonitis, among other things. This can explain why so many people today suffer from chronic pain conditions such as shoulder pain and back pain, and why we have an epidemic in opioid drug abuse. Foods that contain high amounts of gelatin can be expected to be highly contaminated with glyphosate, and this includes bone broth, which would ordinarily be very nutritious. One also must consider the implications of glyphosate contamination in gel capsules.

Probably the most ominous consequence of glyphosate contamination in collagen is the implications it has for vaccines. Vaccines are injected directly into the body past all the normal barriers, and this makes any toxic ingredient in the vaccine problematic. MMR vaccine was found to have much higher levels of glyphosate than other vaccines, and this may well explain the association between MMR and autism that shows up in the VAERS data-

base. This can also explain why adverse reactions to MMR are much more severe today than they were in the 1990s when much less glyphosate was used on core crops. Dr. Seneff said if nothing changes we will have a one to one ratio of healthy to autistic children by 2032.  You can help reduce glyphosate use by: Not using any chemicals on your own lawn and garden  Lobbying your local school to protect your children and not use glyphosate on school grounds  Lobbying the Environment Ministry to refrain from forcing logging compa nies to spray glyphosate on our Super Natural British Columbia. Tree plant ers: Do ask about why you have to sign a waver to not get pregnant for three years after planting. Is it be cause you work with GMO seedling trees treated with glyphosate?  Switching to a 100 percent certified organic diet Avoid the use of neonicotinoid, an insecticide widely used in North America suspected to be the reason for Colony Collapse Disorder in bees where they get disoriented and do not find their way back home. Neonicotinoid is used on seeds and plants sold in garden centers. Read more in Acers USA January 2016 issue or check on Google.

A WALK THROUGH YOUR PANTRY: GET RID OF: Do not use herbicides in your garden. Avoid any GMO food such as soy, corn, canola, alfalfa products, and sugar beets as well as sugar cane, wheat, barley, and oats—these crops get sprayed with Roundup just before harvest to ripen faster.

REPLACE WITH: Organically grown products, vegetables, and meats. Read up on why weeds outgrow preferred plants in mineral deficient soils.

Brought to you by Jasmin Schellenberg.

Inspired by and resourced from “Nourishing Traditions” by Sally Fallon: www.westonaprice.org and Dr. Stephanie Seneff. Read more in Winter journal of Wise Traditions 2017 Dr. Don Huber.For “Nourishing our Children” newsletters of the past visit www.thegreengazette.ca.