Pier Pressure

David Letterman on fracking: "We're screwed."

I just saw this today. It is from 2012.

Winning the War on Bedbugs with Micro Fibre

A breakthrough and innovative solution to the growing plague of bedbugs is about to impact the lives of people suffering from one of the world's most tenacious pests. Fibertrap is a New York based firm that has developed a revolutionary new way to stop bedbugs, termites and other pests without the use of harmful and toxic chemicals and instead by using an artificial, micro-fiber spider web.

As the war against bedbugs rages on these nasty insects have become increasingly resistant to pesticides and other common methods of pest control. Fibertrap's ground-breaking new method addresses the fundamental weakness in all bedbugs and pests: mobility. Utilizing micro-fibers 50 times thinner than human hair, Fibertrap entangles the bugs as they crawl trapping them in the man-made web.  Without the ability to move and seek food the creatures will die, ceasing re-production and preventing the establishment of infestation.

Most often, bedbugs move between walls via electrical outlets to unsuspecting home and business owners. To help prevent bedbug migration, Fibertrap intends to produce easy to use traps and insulation products using this innovative new web-like material that will allow the consumer to protect their homes, apartments, offices and dorm rooms with ease and peace of mind.

"We are very excited to move this advancement from the lab to the consumer. Our goal has always been to make a difference for people living in areas where bedbugs are pervasive and difficult to eradicate," says Fibertrap co-founder, Kevin McAllister. "Our use of cutting edge materials and an out-of-the-box product development approach has allowed us to introduce a brand new weapon in the fight against one of the most difficult pests to kill."

This new, patent-pending technology was evaluated by a team of researchers from the Materials Science & Engineering Lab at SUNY Stony Brook University. Live bedbugs were used to test the Fibertrap successfully and subsequently live termites were also stopped by the technology. Additionally, the fibers can be infused with Nano-particles bound with pesticides or coagulants which would penetrate the outer shell of the pest and kill it from within.

About Fibertrap:
Fibertrap is a development company focused on a unique approach to pest abatement and to reducing the spread of bedbugs and other unwanted insects. Our team is comprised of accomplished researchers, skilled technicians and seasoned business professionals. We have decades of experience in material science and business development in various industries yet we subscribe to a new philosophy and fundamental belief that innovative solutions need not be overly complex. We view the difficulties in pest control as a task requiring a completely new thought process in order to help with the war on pests.

www.fibertrap.com

Open Letter to Premier Wynne: Schreiner says budget is time for action

Toronto – Today Mike Schreiner, leader of the Green Party of Ontario, sent the following letter to Premier Wynne highlighting recommendations for the 2013 budget:

 

Dear Premier Wynne:

 

It is essential for the government to reduce the province's deficit in a fair, balanced and fiscally responsible way.  The financially responsible approach is to spend our tax dollars on public services, not interest payments on debt.

 

Ontario faces major challenges - gridlock, a struggling economy, and rising income inequality. But we also have opportunities to make innovative changes that will allow us to make long-term investments to secure our future. 

 

You have shown a willingness to cooperate across party lines in the search for solutions that will benefit Ontario. In this spirit, we have submitted our recommendations to the 2013 budget. In particular, I would like to highlight a few suggestions that will help us live within our means while improving public services.

 

1. Save $1 billion annually by merging the school boards 

Merging the Catholic and public school boards will provide ongoing savings of an estimated $1.3 billion per year. These savings will allow us to reinvest in the classroom and provide higher quality education for our children.

 

2. Create dedicated funding for transit and active transportation

You have said that you are open to improving our transportation system with funds for public transit. Now it’s time for action. We need new, dedicated sources of revenue to fund public transit, as well as direct funding for safe streets with cycling and walking infrastructure.

 

3. Reduce poverty and pollution

The deceptively named Clean Energy Benefit rewards the wasteful use of energy to the tune of $1 billion per year. We can reduce pollution and poverty by using this money instead to fund programs that support our most vulnerable citizens including a targeted energy rebate program and funding the recommendations from the Commission to Review Social Assistance.

 

4. Invest in our environment and science

We need to be good stewards of water for our children and future generations. By stopping operational funding for the Experimental Lakes Area (ELA), the Prime Minister has refused to protect Canada's water. Without the sound science and data the ELA provides, the safety of Ontario's freshwater resources is at risk. You can step in and bridge funding to keep the ELA running, before it's too late. 

 

5. Support local job creation

Businesses in the emerging clean-tech sector can seize opportunities to transform our economy: improve productivity, facilitate innovation, create jobs, address climate change, and have a positive influence on the well-being of our communities. This is a win-win for the economy and environment. By closing corporate tax loopholes designed in and for yesterday’s economy, we can invest in the right incentives to spur job creation and business development in the new global economy.

 

Premier Wynne, I thank you for your consideration of these recommendations.

 

I have one final request. Last year, changes to 69 acts, including eight environmentally significant laws affecting the Ministry of Natural Resources, were buried in the 327 page omnibus budget bill. This was not honest, transparent or good governance. 

 

Deceptive omnibus budget bills weaken democracy and public participation, and undermine transparency and accountability. This year, I ask that you please do the right thing and not hide changes to significant legislation - including to our environmental protections - in the 2013 budget bill. 

 

Regards,

 

Mike Schreiner

Leader, Green Party of Ontario

 

Find the Green Party of Ontario’s submission to the Ministry of Finances at www.gpo.ca/2013-budget

 

The Looming Threat of Water Scarcity

As World Water Day approaches, new Worldwatch Institute study examines global water use and steps to address water scarcity 

Washington, D.C.---Some 1.2 billion people-almost a fifth of the world-live in areas of physical water scarcity, while another 1.6 billion face what can be called economic water shortage. The situation is only expected to worsen as population growth, climate change, investment and management shortfalls, and inefficient use of existing resources restrict the amount of water available to people, according to Worldwatch Institute's Vital Signs Online service (www.worldwatch.org). It is estimated that by 2025, 1.8 billion people will live in countries or regions with absolute water scarcity, with almost half of the world living in conditions of water stress. 

Water scarcity has several definitions. Physical scarcity occurs when there is not enough water to meet demand; its symptoms include severe environmental degradation, declining groundwater, and unequal water distribution. Economic water scarcity occurs when there is a lack of investment and proper management to meet the demand of people who do not have the financial means to use existing water sources; the symptoms in this case normally include poor infrastructure.Large parts of Africa suffer from economic water scarcity.

A region is said to face water scarcity when supplies fall below 1,000 cubic meters per person, and absolute water scarcity is when supplies drop below 500 cubic meters a year. 

54th Tibetan Uprising Day - Yonge Dundas Square Toronto

To mark the 54th Tibetan National Uprising Day on March 10, 2013, several thousand Canadian Tibetans in the GTA took part in a massive protest rally in Toronto in front of China's Consulate-General on St. George St. The protest rally was followed by a Tibetan Cultural rally at Yonge-Dundas Square. Leaders from various political parties and the Tibetan community addressed the public gathering at Yonge-Dundas Square. Here is the speech by Mark Daye of the Green Party of Ontario.

Protecting groundwater protects public health, the environment

Protecting groundwater protects public health, the environment

The National Ground Water Association encourages the public to protect public health and the health of the environment by protecting groundwater beginning on Protect Your Groundwater Day, September 11.
In the United States, 88 million Americans rely on groundwater-supplied community water systems while another 42 million Americans rely on individual household water wells.
For household water well owners, how they manage their well systems and property can make a difference in their water quality. People who do not use household wells also can make a difference in groundwater quality, for instance, by how they store, use, and dispose of hazardous household substances, or how well they maintain their septic systems.
Additionally, with drought gripping our nation, protecting groundwater through conservation is more important than ever. From the southwest to the southeast and the Great Plains to the Midwest, drought has put a strain on many household water wells—sometimes resulting in a reduction or loss of water flow as the water table drops. Abnormally dry or drought conditions are even affecting Alaska, Hawaii and parts of New England.

Protect Your Groundwater Day is an occasion for every citizen to ACT: Acknowledge the issue, Consider how it applies to you, then take Action. Here are some action steps individuals can take courtesy of the (state agency) and the National Ground Water Association:
1. Acknowledge the causes of preventable groundwater contamination

• Everyone
  • There are hazardous substances common to households
  • Most household water use occurs in a few areas around the home.
• If you own  a water well
  • Wellheads should be a safe distancefrom potential contamination
  • Septic systemmalfunctions can pollute groundwater
  • Poorly constructed or maintained wells can facilitate contamination
  • Improperly abandoned wells can lead to groundwater contamination (read related article).                             

2. Consider which apply to you

• Everyone
  • What specific hazardous substances are in and around your home?
  • Where do you and your family use the most water?
• If you own  a water well
  • Is your wellhead a safe distancefrom possible contamination?
  • Is your well/septicsystem due for an inspection?
  • Are there any abandoned wells on your property?

3. Take action to prevent groundwater contamination

• Everyone

When it comes to water conservation:

• Modify your water use(more water saving tips)
• Install a water-saving device.

When it comes to hazardous household substances:

• Store them properly in a secure place
• Use them according to the manufacturer’s recommendations
• Dispose of them safely.
• If you own  a water well
  • Move possible contamination sources a safe distance from the wellhead
  • Get current on your septicsystem inspection and cleaning
  • Get an annual water well system inspection
  • Properly decommission any abandoned wells using a professional.

It Ain’t “Litterless” if There’s Waste!

Guest post by Liz Rice

It’s been estimated that a school-aged child using a disposable lunch generates 67 lbs of [packaging] waste per school year (http://www.wastefreelunches.org).  All those “single serving” packaged foods really add up!  What’s convenient for parents rushing to pack lunches is causing a big inconvenience to the environment.  And so the idea of “Litterless Lunches” aka “Waste-Free Lunches” was born. 

Eco Olympics
To increase their Waste Minimization scores, many EcoSchools have instituted “Litterless Lunches”.  EcoSchools are the most environmentally conscious schools in Ontario. EcoSchools certification (http://ontarioecoschools.org) is renewed annually and several areas of ‘being green’ are measured. The better the school’s score, the further along they are on the Bronze to Gold hierarchy. Think of it as the Olympics of environmentally concerned schools/students.

Waste Minimization is one of the areas measured. The great thing about this is that it’s something very tangible, ie., it’s easy to see and measure ‘Waste Minimization’ via how much garbage is produced in the school. The intent is to have the students make less waste by using reusable containers. But, there’s “intent” and then there’s “reality.”
On the days that I’m in a school presenting to multiple classes, I invariably see students eating their lunches.  When I’m at schools that have the Litterless Lunch policy I am surprised by what I see; so many items that are not reusable or recyclable.  Let’s take a moment to recap basic recycling rules.

Recycling 101
These items are NOT recyclable in municipal recycling programs:
Plastic wrap (also known as food wrap, Saran wrap, Cling wrap, etc.)
Clear plastic bags, such as sandwich bags, Ziploc bags, or produce bags.
Plastic food packaging, such as the wrappers from candies, chip bags, cheese & crackers snack packs, granola bars, Fruit-Roll-Ups, etc.
Other small pieces of plastic like straws, plastic cutlery, etc.
Aluminum foil (only the thicker aluminum is recyclable, typically used as takeout containers or disposable bake ware).  Please don’t buy aluminum foil.  It’s so bad for the environment. It involves mining and so much energy to make it, and then it’s not even recyclable).
Anything that is labeled “bio-degradable” should never ever be mixed with any recyclables.

A good general ‘rule of thumb’ when considering whether a plastic item is recyclable is that if it’s small or flimsy, it’s NOT recyclable.  If it helps you to remember, think about it like this: small items easily get stuck in machinery at the recycling plant, and small items are harder to collect and sort by machinery that uses sorting mechanisms. Can you imagine all the straws and bags that would be flying around?

The 3 R’s
Now that you’ve gotten refreshed on the recycling rules, I’d like to remind you that Recycling is the third “R” when we’re talking about the “3 R’s”:
# 1 is Reduce
#2 is Reuse
#3 is Recycle

Reduce and Reuse are by far the two most important “R’s”.  By Reducing and Reusing, we not only make less garbage, but we also participate in using less energy. Think about all the energy used to make something and then it can’t even be recycled. Nope, that’s not good for the planet.

Be a Littlerless Lunch Hero
Take the ‘waste-free’ intent of Litterless Lunches as far as you possibly can.  Think about all the R’s, not just the last one.  Here are some great tips on how to be a 'Litterless Lunch Hero'.

As an enviro-health Speaker, I present on topics related to the environment and health.  I present primarily in schools, because habits and attitudes form at a young age, and I’d like everyone to have really great attitudes and habits concerning their own health and the planet’s.

About the Author
Liz Rice, Speaker and Founder of Enviro-Health Presentations (@EHspeakers) is an Eco Resource, long-time environmentalist and organic food advocate. Liz started the Toronto calendar of eco events in 2009, to encourage others to get passionate about the planet.

A message from Dr. David Suzuki

Dear friends,

Some of you may have seen media coverage about my decision to step off the board of directors of the David Suzuki Foundation. I am writing to tell you more about this and what it means.

After my children and grandchildren, my greatest pride is the David Suzuki Foundation.

I am fiercely proud of how the Foundation brings science and solutions to environment problems. I’m determined to ensure that the Foundation continues to have the ability to solve critical environmental issues and bring hope for the future.

But I have reached a point in my life where I would like to consider myself an elder. I want to speak freely without fear that my words will be deemed too political, and harm the organization of which I am so proud. I am keenly aware that some governments, industries and special interest groups are working hard to silence us. They use threats to the Foundation’s charitable status in attempts to mute its powerful voice on issues that matter deeply to you and many other Canadians.

This bullying demonstrates how important it is to speak out.

The Foundation’s science-based, solutions-oriented research and educational work has enriched our democracy and reflected Canadian values for two decades. While not always happily received by governments or industrial interests, this work is strictly non-partisan, as required by the laws governing charities, and has made the Foundation one of the most trusted environmental voices in Canada.

Our opponents, however, are redoubling their efforts to marginalize the Foundation by getting at me, personally.

So last year, I made the decision to step off the board of directors of the David Suzuki Foundation. I remain one of its most active volunteers and committed major donors. This way I can fulfill my personal mission and the Foundation can continue to build on its inspiring work—for us and our grandchildren—in finding solutions to our shared, and very real, environmental challenges.

I hope you understand this decision and will continue to show your, steadfast support for my work in this concrete way:

Please share this letter with your family and friends and, at this critical moment, invite them to become supporters of the David Suzuki Foundation, by joining our online community or donating today.

Sincerely,


David Suzuki

Ontario government fails to deliver solutions for protecting clean water, land and natural heritage

Green Party of Ontario Leader Mike Schreiner accused the government of cheap talk and no action on pressing environmental issues that affect our communities and our quality of life.

The Environment Commissioner Ontario’s (ECO) annual report raises serious concerns about the government’s failure to divert waste, protect species at risk and clean up the Great Lakes.

 

The ECO report shows that waste diversion in the industrial, commercial and institutional sector has remained constant for a decade.  With a diversion rate of 23 percent, the province has failed miserably to meet its 60 percent diversion target.

 

“The Liberal government is dragging their feet on incentives that will reduce waste and save money,” says Schreiner.  “We need to take pressure off landfills and municipal budgets. Industry should pay for the waste it produces, not property taxpayers.”

 

Clover Leaf Kills More Than Just Tuna

Arguments Against Energy Choices

Send Environment Minister Peter Kent a Love Note!

Click here to send Peter Kent a love note.

Kent A Conservative Flip-Flopper

Creepy Kent picture

Is this guy for real? He's wasted no time in taking on the Conservative Party's standard tack of saying one thing and doing another.

From the Globe & Mail. Published Friday, Jan. 28, 2011 7:29PM EST

In his first major speech as Environment Minister, Peter Kent says Ottawa and the provinces will have to adopt far tougher regulations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across all sectors of the economy if Canada is going to meet its 2020 target.

  

From the Globe & Mail. Posted on Friday, January 28, 2011 1:04PM EST  

In a noon-hour speech Friday in Toronto to the Economic Club of Canada, Mr. Kent bragged about the Conservatives’ record on the environment and explained that future steps would be taken when they were in the best interests of Canada. But he suggested that new environmental laws to deal with issues like climate change are not imminent. 

Naomi Klein: Addicted to risk

 

Days before this talk, journalist Naomi Klein was on a boat in the Gulf of Mexico, looking at the catastrophic results of BP's risky pursuit of oil. Our societies have become addicted to extreme risk in finding new energy, new financial instruments and more ... and too often, we're left to clean up a mess afterward. Klein's question: What's the backup plan?

Mass Animal Deaths Map

If you haven't heard about the end of the world (at least as far as birds, fish, etc are concenred click here; to view the Mass Animal Deaths Map live version.

The Majestic Plastic Bag - A Mockumentary

 

This video was made to WAKE UP California politicians. 

Well, here in Toronto we have a Mayor that needs a wake up call too!

Please call Mayor Ford's office at 416-397-3673 to oppose eliminating the 5¢ charge for plastic bags in Toronto. 

His staff are keeping a tally of calls, so please, if you're in or near Toronto, call to make your voice heard. 

Alternatively email Rob Ford at: mayor_ford@toronto.ca

Losing Their Grid

Green pioneers are showing it’s possible to connect with creation by disconnecting from the grid. All it takes is a little sacrifice and savvy.
 
By Vidya Kauri

In the same way that “Make love not war” was a slogan for the turbulent 1960s and “Think outside the box” was on everyone’s lips in the 2000s, “Living off the grid” is becoming a catchphrase for the climate-conscious 2010s. Despite the currency the phrase may have in the environmental movement, however, for most of us the idea of radically changing the way we live so we’re not a drain on creation remains just that — an idea. But increasingly, off-the-grid pioneers are showing that with a little savvy and sacrifice, it can be done.

Read the entire article at the UCObserver

Green Tax Shift

Click the image to veiw.

Hudak & McGuinty: Stop Darlington!