692: 23 August 2010 - Published by Green Communities Canada. ‘REEPING’ REWARDS. See cover story about Waterloo Region Green Solution’s home energy evaluation customers and Peaksaver program in Cambridge newspaper … See clip of a faith building audit video featuring Certified Energy Advisor Dave Klassen.  CHANGING COURSE. Green Calgary Board of Directors decided to reduce Green Calgary’s operations and to focus on its Commercial Environmental Services and Healthy Homes programs, and EcoStore. SHORELINE NATURALIZATION. Shoreline property owners in the Kawartha Conservation watershed can receive up to $300 in match-funding for naturalization projects on their waterfronts, through a partnership with Peterborough Green-Up Lakeland Alliance, and Victoria Stewardship Council. TIME PLEDGE. People are encouraged to expand their knowledge and appreciation for their ... continue reading.

Innovations in Education - available nowFind out about the leaders who know how to mesh environment, business and social justice for a healthier planet and a vibrant, equitable world economy. Our exclusive interview with environmental songwriter and role model Bruce Cockburn rounds out the issue. Don't miss our fourth annual environmental education issue - find it at a newsstand near you or subscribe now to start with this issue.Each issue of Alternatives has a companion podcast - watch for the Education podcast online soon.The Canadian Environmental Education DirectoryNowhere else will you find a comprehensive directory of Canadian environmental programs to choose from. Read it for inspiration. Use it to successfully plan your green education and career.Sustainable MindsFind out what Kate Davies thinks the next step ... continue reading.

The Yves Rocher Foundation's Women of the Earth Awards annually rewards three Canadian women who contribute to a greener world. Generous, original, inspiring - their actions are at once simple yet exemplary.If you are Canadian and involved in an environmental project with a non-profit organization, or if you know a woman who is, do not hesitate to let us know.1st prize: 5,000 eurosPlus, a chance to win the International Grand Prize of 10,000 euros or the Special Mention for Plant Biodiversity of 5,000 euros2nd prize: 3,000 euros3rd prize: 2,000 eurosApplication forms must be sent to Yves Rocher before September 30th. Visit their website for more information and to download the application form. ... continue reading.

689: 12 July 2010 - Published by Green Communities Canada. HEALTHY RETROFITS. People working in the home energy retrofit field are asked to complete a short survey (anonymous) on indoor environmental health issues. The survey is part of a Healthy Retrofits project being conducted by The Canadian Partnership for Children's Health and the Environment. GRANT RECEIVED. Biosphere Institute of the Bow Valley's Sustainable Action Program received $49,208 from EcoAction Community Funding Program. "This funding will allow us to host a series of action-based sustainability workshops and information sessions to individuals and groups throughout the Bow Valley" said Dr. Melanie Watt, Executive Director of the Institute. SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES. Beth Jone, Associate Director of Green Communities Canada, discusses green communities on live ... continue reading.

688: 5 July 2010 - Published by Green Communities Canada. PULL THE PLUG. Clean Nova Scotia’s Pull the Plug program gives Haligonians cash for old inefficient fridges, freezers and dehumidifiers. Runs until 21 August. HEMP BAGS. Rideau Environmental Action League (REAL) reusable bags are made of hemp, produced locally and printed with water-based inks. $18 each or $15 each for two or more … Local store donates 10% of its bulk sales of the last Friday of July and August to REAL… Friday is Make a Deal Friday at the REAL Store. GREEN YOUTH.Conservation Corps Newfoundland and Labrador kicked off its 18th Green Team Season with a training camp gathering over 100 youth, 28 June- 2 July. Participants met with ... continue reading.

686: 21 June 2010 - Published by Green Communities Canada. NEW DIRECTOR. Axel Tscherniak is Peterborough Green-Up new Executive Director. A native of Germany,  Axel Tscherniak worked for Frontenac Arch Biosphere in Kingston. Prior to immigrating to Canada, he managed Europarc Germany, an environmental NGO representing a network of national and provincial parks, and biosphere reserves seeking to improve the management and the value of protected areas to society. FUNDRAISING RACE. Environment Network’s Race for the Planet is an adventure race to encourage use of the trails in Collingwood. Teams of four adults work together to travel through the course on foot, by bike, paddle power and public transport, conquering several fun mental and physical challenges along the way. First ... continue reading.

683: 31 May 2010 - Published by Green Communities Canada. CANADA WALKS ON THE ROAD. Mandy Johnson, consultant with Green Communities Canada, talked about Canada Walks: A Multi-Sectoral Engagement Approach to Creating Walkable Communities at the Healthy Communities Conference, 11-12 May. Canada Walks facilitates a multi-sectoral approach to address key priorities of physical activity, injury prevention, and mental health through the development of local walkability strategies. Actions include active school travel initiatives, master classes, webbased tools, conferences, events and workshops. OLD HOUSE RETROFIT. Waterloo Green Solutions’ REEP House, aiming at net zero energy, is featured on Treehugger.com.  Watch the cool videos, too! WORKERS, COMMUTE! Winnipeg mayor and Manitoba premier helped launch Resource Conservation Manitoba’s 2010 Commuter Challenge, 18 May. The ... continue reading.

PembinaInstitute -- May 29, 2010 -- Part 1: Inspiration and Pembina - Pembina's David Dodge talks to former Prime Minister of Canada Paul Martin about his early inspiration on the environment, sustainability and the Pembina Institute. ... continue reading.

682: 24 May 2010 - Published by Green Communities Canada. ICANWALK. Green Communities Canada received a grant from Ontario Ministry of the Environment’s Community Go Green Fund for the iCANwalk initiative, a multi-partner public engagement campaign to promote walking across Ontario. The iCANwalk pledge encourages people to make the shift from driving to active transportation for trips of two km or less. WALKING CONFERENCE. Jacky Kennedy, Director of Canada Walks, will talk about Children’s Mobility, Health and Happiness, and Mandy Johnson, Program Coordinator of Green Communities Canada, will talk about Canada Walks Community Engagement Projects at On the Move in the Community conference.  Montreal 3-4 June. WELL AWARE. Well Aware Water Guides training was held at Peterborough Green Up, 3-7 ... continue reading.

Ever dreamed of writing book reviews? Now is your chance. GreenBookReviews.ca, an interactive new book review site, has emerged from the rising interest in environmental books. With such luminary authors and thought-leaders as Margaret Atwood, Jeffrey Rubin and Douglas Coupland now using their pen to save our planet, ideas about the environment are exploding. Alternatives Journal and thegreenpages.ca have partnered up to help quench this thirst in green ideas. The new website provides the following:Constantly updated reviews featuring the newest environmentally and socially focused literature (both non-fiction and fiction)An easy-to-navigate archive of Alternatives Journal's published reviewsReviews written by recognized environmental leaders and experts, providing meaningful insight while meeting stringent editorial standardsAn interactive forum for user discussion, offering visitors the ability ... continue reading.