IMPACT! Sustainability Champions Training, Feb 5 – 7, 2016

Young people care deeply about the fate of the planet, its people, and their future. Given the opportunity, youth have great power to influence positive change in their communities. The IMPACT! Sustainability Champions Training program is a call to passionate, motivated youth who are looking for an opportunity to make a difference. www.naturalstep.ca/impact/ottawa

Ottawa Environmental Events

Environmental jobs: GoodWork.ca

Are you hiring environmental staff, managers, board members or volunteers?
Or are you seeking meaningful, environmentally friendly employment?

Either way, GoodWork can help. GoodWork helps environmental groups, projects and green businesses find the people they need. Now they’re launching a new, totally revamped site, GoodWork.ca.

GoodWork has been a hub for environmental and conservation jobs since 2001, with over 12,000 postings to date. Please help spread the word about this valuable resource for the environmental community!

The Fracking Revolution – Friday Nov 15 in Chelsea

The Fracking Revolution: Shale Myths, Realities and Long Term Energy Sustainability for a Finite Planet — with David Hughes, Geoscientist
When: Friday, November 15, 2013, at 7:30 pm
Where: Chelsea United Church, 8 Mill Road, Chelsea QC (map/directions)

David Hughes is a geoscientist who has studied the energy resources of Canada for nearly four decades, including 32 years with the Geological Survey of Canada as a scientist and research manager.

The presentation will provide a big picture of the future of global and North American energy with a focus on the “Shale Revolution”. Hughes’ will also present findings from his recent landmark report, Drill, Baby, Drill. The report is a far-ranging and painstakingly researched look at the prospects for various unconventional fuels to provide energy abundance in the 21st century.

More info: http://acrechelsea.qc.ca/eng/aboutAcre.html

Canoeing the Gatineau River

09Ottawa is a mecca for enjoying nature and outdoor activities. Three rivers, the Ottawa River,  Gatineau River, Rideau River and Rideau Canal are great for canoeing, kayaking, sailing and swimming.

Canoes can be rented or purchased at stores such as MEC, Paddle Shack or other local outfitters (2).  Or join a local outdoors club (2) and go hiking, skiing or canoeing with them. If you’re a beginner, the Ottawa River Canoe Club offers a one-day course, Recreational Canoeing Basics; Paddlesport will also be offering lessons in 2013, as well as the Ottawa Canoe Camping Club.

You can also walk, hike or bike along any of these rivers: see the Rideau Trail Association, Ottawa Capital Pathway and the village of Wakefield, Quebec, which is on the banks of the Gatineau River about 30 minutes north of Ottawa.

Please leave no trace while walking, canoeing or camping. And if you’d like to help protect  these great rivers, check out these local organizations: Ottawa Riverkeeper, Save the Gatineau, Rideau Valley Conservation Authority, Algonquin to Adirondacks and other local groups.

Continue reading “Canoeing the Gatineau River”

Green/environmentally-friendly Christmas gift ideas

christmas-gift-01Christmas is supposed to be a time of peace and togetherness. But all too often, greed, haste and superficiality are the hallmarks of the season.

Would you buy a gift if you knew it was made in a sweatshop or by slave labour? Or something made by a company that is clearcutting forests, poisoning  our water or causing climate change? What about a gift that could hurt your loved one’s health and happiness?  There are plenty of gifts that do all of the above, but disguised by deceptive marketing, shiny packaging and greenwash. Continue reading “Green/environmentally-friendly Christmas gift ideas”