PROMdemonium 2010 is the radical, community-oriented, gender-bending, bike-loving, enviro-humping, queer-diggin, slow dancing, big dress wearing prom that you never had.

This year's PROM is on Saturday, May 1, from 8:30pm to 1:30am at St. Brigid's Centre for the Arts and Humanities.

***WE ARE LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS NOW. We need people to: poster, decorate, assist with tasks the night of Prom, and do other various other tasks as they arise. Volunteers get into Prom for FREE!

E.O. Wilson, an 80-year-old Harvard biologist, has just published his first novel, called "Anthill." One section of the work tells, in great detail, of the triumphs, the conflicts, and the downfalls of four separate ant colonies in Alabama. The other parts of the book are more autobiographical, and tell the story of a man who gives up a successful career in law to protect the particular plot of land where he learned, as a boy, to love nature -- the plot of land on which the four ant colonies are based.

Here's an excerpt from "Anthill," recently published in The New Yorker.

And here's the Globe and Mail review.

Now that you know what will break down in a compost pile and what won't (if you still don't know, no worries, check out my previous outdoor and indoor composting blogs), try to pack yourself a nutritious lunch that will leave zero to hardly any garbage behind.  There's nothing sexier and satisfying to Mother Earth than zero garbage!  So starting this week (if you haven't already), consider packing a garbage-less lunch!  To those who have been doing this, bravo and do continue!  

Contemplate reducing or altogether eliminating packaging material such as wrapping, and focus on reusing items instead.  Did you know that the consumption of packaging products is highly concentrated in a few industries, with four (Food, Beverages, Chemicals and Chemical Products, and Paper and Paper Products) industry groups accounting for approximately 75% of the total consumption of packaging products?  In 1997, $2.7 billion in packaging products expenditures was spent by the Food Industries while $1.4 billion on packaging products was spent by the Beverage Industries.  This accounted for a $70 million (5.2%) increase compared to 1996 for the Beverage Industries.  Did you also know that Quebec and Ontario, having highly concentrated industrial activity, account for over three-quarters of the manufacturing industries' consumption of packaging products?  In 1997, Ontario manufacturers spent $3.5 billion on packaging products while Quebec manufacturers spent $2 billion.  Imagine the waste that is produced by all this packaging!!!

No, I'm not talking about some secret boudoir game or getting dressed and parading around in next to nothing on your balcony (unless you really want to!); I'm talking about composting organic waste such as banana peels and other organic matter if you live in an apartment by just adding some worms.  More precisely, just add the sexy (yes, I just called these worms sexy) Red Wiggler worms!  If you have a porch, balcony, basement, or garage, you have plenty of space for what is referred to as a cold composting container. 

Vermi- or worm composting is a method by which worms (red wiggler or brandling worms) are used to recycle food waste, usually kitchen scraps.  Moistened high-carbon bedding such as shredded paper is used as a base to which the food waste is added, and the worms and micro-organisms convert the materials to rich compost called worm castings, a nutrient and microbial rich material.  Worm composting can be done indoors, allowing year-round composting, and providing apartment dwellers that do not have a yard with a way of recycling food waste.

...peel that is!  I repeat, hold the banana peel!  Don't throw it away, compost it instead!!!  A few weeks ago, I presented some facts on how food waste accounts for a sizable portion of material sent to the landfill.  Did you know that up to 30% of the garbage we throw out EACH WEEK can be composted?  Why throw away the raw material which generates something so valuable, especially when composting has multiple benefits!  Composting helps plants grow, builds up the soil, and diverts waste sent to the landfill.  This week, let's take a closer look at composting and how to reduce domestic waste and prolong the life for landfills, while ensuring better environmental management for our communities.

So what is composting and how does it work? 

If a pile of fallen leaves, feathers, grass clippings and various other organic wastes were left in a pile, Nature would use micro-organisms to decompose the pile and turn it into humus.  That's not the chickpea dip (hummus) but a soil conditioner rich in essential nutrients.  Composting is essentially using nature's own recycling system but with us aiding the process to recycle at a faster pace while conserving useful nutrients.  The ideal result of the composting process is crumbly, dark, soil-like humus where none of the original material can be identified.  Some organic matter such as meat and fish, bones, dairy products, fats, pet wastes, diseased plant materials, and weeds with hardy roots or ripe seeds should not be composted.  You can find out more information on the Q&As of composting here, including a list of what can be composted and some backyard compost container ideas to get you started. 

We’ve all done this at one point or another…bought under ripe and/or fresh fruit in anticipation of consuming it, only to find that time passed by rather quickly and the fruit is now well beyond ripe and not close to being palatable without some divine intervention. Take, for example, the common everyday banana that often ends up being black. Don’t toss it out! Take heart, not all is lost yet!

 If left in a brown paper bag, a banana ripens quickly. So quickly in fact, that the banana is also used to speed up the ripening process of other fruit by simply adding the unripe fruit in the same paper bag as the banana. That’s fine and dandy, but what about over ripe or black bananas and pray tell why save them, you ask? Food waste accounts for a sizable portion of material sent to the landfill. The following are a few statistics from the New York Times.

In 1997, in a rare study on food waste in the United States (U.S.), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) estimated that in 1995, 96.4 billion pounds of the 356 billion pounds of edible food in the U.S. was never eaten. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimated that Americans generate roughly 30 million tonnes of food waste each year, which is about 12% of the total waste stream, with all (minus about 2%) of that food waste ending up in landfills. In the United Kingdom (UK), a study revealed that Brits toss away a third (about 6 million tonnes) of the food they purchase (about CDN$15.5 billion), and 30% of the food included uneaten and unopened food. In Canada, it is estimated that Canadians throw out at least 7 to 14 million tonnes of food (at least CDN$3 to 5 billion per year). The problem, however, is not unique to just these countries.

The last of our eco-symbols for this month is the Leaping Bunny logo, a symbol that was given by the Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics (CCIC) to indicate that cosmetic, personal care, and household products were not tested on animals or are "cruelty-free."

Every year, the testing of cosmetics and other personal care and household products, "brings intense pain, suffering, and death to millions of animals globally." The CCIC, an international federation of animal protection organizations, banded together in 1996 to clear up the ambiguities, and loopholes associated with the many "cruelty-free" designations and to help solve the problem of misleading animal testing claims that were confusing consumers by forming the internationally recognized Corporate Standard of Compassion of Animals.

Considered to be the only international symbol that represents the toughest non-animal testing standard, the regulated Leaping Bunny logo guarantees that the finished product, as well as all of the product's ingredients or formulations  are "cruelty-free." Also that the product's suppliers and manufacturers did not conduct or commission animal testing at any stage of the product's development. Each company that signs on must agree to be independently audited in order to attest to the validity of its claim of "no animal testing," as per the standard. The CCIC warns consumers of impostors who have designed their own "bunny" labels which abide by unverifiable definitions and standards.

Founded in 1988 by Environment Canada, the Environmental Choice or EcoLogo ^M Program is a voluntary eco-labeling program designed to support a continuing effort to improve and/or maintain environmental quality by reducing energy and materials consumption and by minimizing the impacts of pollution generated by the production, use and disposal of goods and services available to Canadians.  The Program introduces new certification criteria for over 300 categories of products to help consumers identify services/products which are less harmful to the environment.  The "Environmental Choice" Eco-Logo symbol of certification is a green colored maple leaf intertwined within three doves.  

Now recognized world-wide, the EcoLogo ^M Program is a Type I eco-label, as defined by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).  This means that the Program compares products/services with others in the same category, develops rigorous and scientifically relevant criteria that reflect the entire lifecycle of the product, and awards the EcoLogo to those products that are verified by an independent third party as complying with the criteria.  The EcoLogo ^M Program is one of two such programs in North America that has been successfully audited by the Global EcoLabelling Network (GEN) as meeting ISO 14024 standards for eco-labelling.  By certifying environmental leaders in over 120 product categories, EcoLogo helps consumers find and trust the world's most sustainable products.

 

The Closed-Bottle-Test (CBT) or the Organisation for the Economic Cooperation and Development's (OECD) 301 D  symbol guarantees that at least 60% of the product is biodegradable within 28 days according to the OECD standards.

Due to the large number of chemicals used in society, an approach that keeps the cost of testing to a minimum, while providing regulators with adequate knowledge for decision making and environmental protection, resulted in the issuance of the Test Guidelines for Degradation and Accumulation Testing in December 1979 by the OECD.  You can read more on the OECD here:  http://www.oecd.org/home/

For the analytical reader: the system for testing for biodegradability allows for the preliminary screening of chemicals using simple tests, and allows for the identification of those chemicals for which more detailed and costly studies are needed.  The system consists of three screening tiers:  ready biodegradability, inherent biodegradability, and simulation tests.  Tests may be subdivided according to the environment they are designed to simulate: a) aerobic, b) anaerobic, c) river, d) lake, e) estuary, f) sea, and g) soil.  For the 301 D test, a predetermined amount of the compound is dissolved in a mineral nutrient solution, and kept in closed bottles, without any stirring, in the dark, at a constant temperature.  The degradation is followed by oxygen analyses over a 28-day period.  In general, degradation of organic chemicals in seawater is found to be slower than that in freshwater, activated sludge, and sewage effluent.

 In honour of this month's 'symbols' theme, each weekly green tip in May will concentrate on an environmental symbol.  This week, we will take a closer look at the universal recycling symbol, the enclosed Möbius loop.

The internationally-recognized symbol is used to designate recyclable materials.  It is composed of three chasing arrows that form a Möbius strip or unending loop.  In Canada, the Möbius loop within a dark circle, or "with recycled content" as it is also referred to, guarantees that the product is made from recycled materials.  The percentage of recycled fibers used is at times indicated in the centre of the logo.  If seen on packaging, this symbol means that the packaging contains recycled content.

So what is recycling?  At its simplest, recycling is a term that describes the process of converting "waste" into resources that can be made into new products (http://www.ec.gc.ca/envirozine/english/issues/62/any_questions_e.cfm).  For a recycling program to be successful there must be both a supply of recyclable materials and a demand for recycled products.  By buying recycled, you are not only reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills but it is also a way to save energy and non-renewable resources...and saving energy is essential in tackling climate change!!!  

Take the aluminum can, for example.  Aluminum is the most valuable recyclable material.  When re-melted, aluminum cans could be used in any product made from aluminum.  Making aluminum cans from recycled materials uses 95% less energy than producing them from scratch (http://cans.planetark.org/) and more than 50% (http://www.oberlin.edu/recycle/facts.html) of a new aluminum can is made from recycled aluminum.

Weeds!  The sheer mention of this word conjures up images of terror for any gardener or lawn owner.  Considered a nuisance plant and even noxious, not all weeds have the same ability to damage crops and horticultural plants or cause harm to animals.  Actually, not all weeds look like weeds.  If left unchecked, however, they often dominate the environment where crop plants are to be grown or cause harm to livestock; growing in areas where there are few natural controls to limit their population or their spreading. 

One of the best ways to stop those dreaded plants it is to maintain a thick, healthy lawn with a dense growth of grass.  The grass acts to shade the soil and hold water better, making it tougher for weeds to sprout and enabling your lawn to better withstand heat and dryness.  According to Canadian Mortgage Housing Corporation, you should mow your grass to a height of 6 to 8 cm (2.5 to 3 inches) so that the roots are shaded and better able to hold water.  Grass that is too short reduces the vigor of your lawn and provides weeds with a chance to sprout.  Other than digging out weeds, mulches, specifically organic mulches, both conserve moisture and suppress the growth of weeds.   The finely chopped grass clippings on the lawn should be left to mulch to return nitrogen to the lawn, and to reduce moisture loss.  Other mulches include shredded wood products, bark, pine needles and various other organic materials.  Remember to thickly apply the mulch to keep sunlight from reaching the soil and prevent weeds from sprouting.

In the war on weeds, your best arsenal is to stay ahead of the invaders by taking preventive steps, like mulching, and regularly checking for weeds.

(Cult)ure is at the Ottawa International Writers Festival, at the St. Brigid's Centre for the Arts and Humanities, in the Byward Market, from April 22nd to May 2nd.

On Thursday, April 23, Thomas Homer-Dixon, the academic and bestselling author, and journalist William Marsden discussed climate change. The discussion was framed around the book Homer-Dixon recently edited, called "Carbon Shift," about the twin problems of climate change and peak oil. Marsden contributed an essay to the book, about the environmental catastrophe that is the Alberta tar sands industry, which was also the topic of his own book, "Stupid to the Last Drop."

The basic premise of the talk was a little depressing: that it's already to late to prevent climate change. There are already parts of the planet that are dealing with dangerously heightened water levels, melting ice, and increased or fluctuating temperatures. The discussions we have now can only be about mitigation and adaptation to these changes.

Every Wednesday (Cult)ure shares with you one of the internet's best webcomics.

ParaAbnormal is a one panel webcomic by Dave Lowe that promises "Macabre Mirth Every Weekday".

In Honour of Earth Day, a recent strip featured everyone's favourite devourer of worlds:

 

Earth Day is an international day of celebration aimed at stimulating positive actions to protect the environment.  Held annually on April 22, Earth Day is the largest environmental event celebrated worldwide.  It is projected that more than six million Canadians will participate in the many events aimed at improving the environment in their community this year.  This Earth Day, try reducing your greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by choosing an alternate transportation option:

- bike to work

Personare-BearAmI Productions announces the upcoming production of And Now Birds Sing, a play about Rachel Carson, author of Silent Spring. Written by local writer and environmentalist, Sheila Forsyth. Celebrate, on the forty-fifth anniversary of Rachel's death (April 14, 1964) and in honour of Earth Day, the Earth's sense of wonder.

Rachel Carson, writer and biologist, has been called the mother of the environmental movement. Her book, Silent Spring (1962), raised public awareness about pollution, the dangers of pesticides, and forever changed the landscape of public perception about industry and government. As Rachel did battle with the chemical industry, she was losing her own private war with cancer. Writer, Sheila Forsyth says, "This play goes behind the scenes of Rachel's very public fight with the chemical manufacturers, to the private trials, tribulations, jubilation and joy through the lens of a remarkable friendship with her best friend, Dorothy. I invite you to spend a magical, mystical night with Rachel and Dorothy at the edge of the sea." This gentle drama explores our connections (and disconnections) with the world around us.

And Now Birds Sing
Personare-BearAmI Productions
April 29 - May 3, 2009
Irving Greenberg Theatre Centre STUDIO
1233 Wellington Street West
(Corner of Wellington and Holland)

Wed-Friday 7:30 p.m.,
Saturday 3:00 and 8:00 p.m., Sunday 1:00 p.m.
Student matinee, Thursday April 30 at noon

Starring talented local actors Ellen Manchee as Dorothy, Jen Vallance as Rachel, and Sterling Lynch as Lecturer/Stan.

Personare/BearAmI is an Ottawa-based theatre, film and arts and science education group that provides entertainment and a voice for local actors, writers and other creative personnel on environmental and social justice themes. Their vision is to develop and present contemporary plays and films (dramatic and documentary) that entertain and engage the audience, and move them to action on environmental and social issues. They also have a heart for youth and run training programs for youth, including a Green Theatre Camp in the summer (August 10-19 this summer!).

Ticket prices: $20.00 (adult), $15.00 (student and senior) + $3.00 surcharge per ticket. Two for one on April 29. Student (though anyone can attend) matinee $10.00 ($7.00 plus surcharge).

Tickets on sale at Box Office and 613-236-5196.

For more information visit www.personare-bearami.com

Offers to interested groups: tickets for a draw and opportunity to put up a booth in the upper lobby of the Irving Greenberg Theatre Centre (first come, first served)

April showers may be known to bring May flowers, but with a rain barrel it may usher in more than just flowers!

Municipal water often has chemicals such as fluoride and chlorine added to it.  When applied to lawns and gardens, these chemicals could harm plants or decrease their yield, and could also reduce the activity of beneficial bacteria in the soil. 

Initially used in times of drought and as an alternate free water source, rain barrels use soft, chlorine-free, luke-warm water to soak lawns and gardens.  Rain water reduces the shock and damping-off of any transplants, doesn't leave water spots when used for rinsing outdoor objects, and leaves your lawn or garden greener.  Better yet, it reduces the energy used by municipalities to treat and pump potable water and sewage, reduces storm run-off into local water ways, and helps direct water away from the house's foundation.  You can either purchase a rain barrel or make one yourself, as shown on this site. If you'd rather purchase one, here is a link for a site in Ottawa.  If you live outside of Ottawa, shop around for one in your area.

In addition to helping conserve one of Mother Nature's most precious resources, a rain barrel will usher in savings on your water bill.  Now that's enough savings to go buy more flowers with...happy collecting!

Posted by Myschka

Easter weekend (April 10-13, 2009) is fast approaching. The religious event’s modern tranditions include the Easter bunny and the Easter egg hunts. These commercialized aspects of the once ancient Egyptian and Persian New Year customs turned Christian tradition are celebrated by both Christians and non-Christians alike. The universal Easter egg hunt often includes hours spent prepping the eggs followed by carefully hiding them.

Instead of decorating the eggs using the less-environmentally friendly dyes found in decorating kits,  such as acrylic paints (which contain mould preventing preservatives such as formaldehyde and/or ammonia), this Easter try a more eco-friendly alternative. Apply natural dyes from spices, fruits and vegetables to your eggs to get a variety of colours!

Good natural dying recipes can be found at here.

 While shopping for gorceries at the Westboro Superstore on the way home from work yesterday, there was an in-store announcement over the speaker system: "Attention customers! Here at the Superstore, we care about the environment, so in an effort to make the store more green, we will soon begin charging five cents each for all plastic bags. Together, we can save mother earth."

Give me a freaking break!

Charging for something that used to be free is not a "green" initiative. It's a corporate initiative meant to increase store profits by reducing the number of plastic bags the company needs to order and by creating two new revenue streams (the charge for plastic bags, along with the new line of Superstore-brand reusable bags).

Somehow I doubt there was a huge public outcry regarding the store's free plastic bags; especially when most people re-use grocery store plastic bags for things like their kitchen garbage can, picking up dog crap in the yard, etc.