February Highlights

In this issue: Tariffs and the Leaky Bucket Theory

Jubilee 2025

ECN was invited to be a part of a brainstorming session on the debt crisis of impoverished nations. KAIROS Regina reached out to other local and regional groups to see how we might work together to support this campaign.

ECN attended the Saskatchewan Council for International Cooperation (SCIC) Global Connections event at Bushwakkers. Global Connections is a series of events focused on international cooperation, sustainability, and social justice. These events offer networking opportunities, presentations, and discussions, allowing participants to explore global issues and connect with like-minded individuals. This month's speaker, Melissa Coomber-Bendtsen, CEO of YWCA Regina, provided an in-depth overview of the organization's critical support for vulnerable women in Regina. Their services include emergency shelters, affordable housing, outreach programs, and community initiatives. The YWCA's mission is to empower women and families, helping them achieve stability, safety, and self-sufficiency while addressing issues such as domestic violence, homelessness, and poverty. SCIC hosts monthly events alternating between Regina and Saskatoon.

ECN crew attended SCIC Global Citizens Gala

The SCIC 2025 Global Citizen Awards Gala is an event organized by the Saskatchewan Council for International Cooperation (SCIC). It was held on February 7, 2025, at the YQR Market in Regina. This gala is part of International Development Week, which aims to engage Canadians on global issues and celebrate contributions to social, ecological, and economic justice.

The event brings together people from SCIC Member Organizations, international development enthusiasts, and Global Citizens from across Saskatchewan to learn, be inspired, and celebrate achievements in creating a more just, equitable, and sustainable world. It's a night of solidarity and celebration, featuring awards, insights, and inspiration.

Regenerative Farming

ECN participated in promoting and attending an engaging solo performance at the Central Library. "She Won’t Come in from the Fields" is a gripping one-woman show where Dale Colleen Hamilton powerfully protested her son's farming methods. Her dedication to regenerative farming and climate solutions resonated deeply, sparking insightful conversations about sustainable agriculture and its benefits for farmers, consumers, and the planet.

Wetlands Fest: March 6

Explore Circularity Day : March 10

Should there be a place for waste-to-energy (WTE) in the circular economy? 

Explore Circularity Day is an annual RCA event delving into circular economy topics. This year’s focus: waste-to-energy (WTE) in Alberta’s circular future. Expect balanced discussions, diverse viewpoints, and insights to inform your decisions on this crucial subject.

Green Drinks are Back!

Malty National 1130 15th Ave

March 27th 5:00 to 7:00

Meet and mingle with fellow eco-enthusiasts at our upcoming Green Drinks Social! Whether you're passionate about climate action, sustainability, or just want to connect with like-minded individuals, this informal gathering is the perfect opportunity to share ideas and network in a relaxed atmosphere.

Bring a friend, grab a drink, and join the conversation! Let's make a positive impact together.

Heritage Antique Market: March 29

Repair Cafe: March 29

Sunday & Monday Evenings March & April at 7:00 pm

Global Debt Crisis

• Visit Kairos Canada Jubilee 2025
• Equity and Justice for Climate-Related Loss and Damage
• A Call for Global Debt Justice

The Jubilee 2025 campaign by KAIROS Canada is crucial as it seeks to address the escalating global debt crisis that disproportionately affects vulnerable populations. Building on the success of the 2000 debt relief initiative, this campaign aims to provide hope by advocating for debt cancellation, financial reforms, and a UN-led resolution framework. In the face of climate change and economic inequality, KAIROS' efforts strive to create a more just and equitable world.

This campaign's significance extends even to Saskatchewan. The economic stability and well-being our province are linked to global financial health. By alleviating global debt pressures, there can be more equitable economic opportunities and support for communities affected by economic disparities and climate-related challenges.

Become a Butterfly Ranger

Wild pollinators such as butterflies and bees are crucial to human survival. Climate change, land development and pesticide use threaten their survival, and therefore ours as well. The Butterflyway Project helps people create viable pollinator habitat in neighbourhoods across Canada. Volunteer Now

Better Bus Youth

Better Bus Youth panelists at SCIC Event

Better Bus Youth (BBY) is a youth-led organization in Regina, advocating for fare-free public transit for individuals under 18. The group highlights the financial burden of the current $300 semi-annual bus pass, which doesn't cover the full school year. BBY emphasizes the importance of accessible transportation for students to attend school, work, and extracurricular activities safely. The organization has successfully pushed for a pilot program providing free bus rides for high school students, aiming to create a more inclusive and safer city. BBY also engages in community activities, such as Earth Day art workshops. Read more at the David Suzuki Foundation

Kimberli Kolody-Watt

Kimberly Kolody-Watt is an 18-year-old student and a passionate advocate for accessible public transit in Regina, Saskatchewan. She is the leader of the Better Bus Youth group, a grassroots organization dedicated to making public transportation more inclusive and affordable for young people. Kimberly has been instrumental in championing a pilot program that provides free bus rides for teens, alleviating financial stress for students and their families

"I want to give the youth in Regina more opportunities, which is why I and the other members of Better Bus Youth have been fighting so hard to pass the pilot project to provide fare-free transit to a high school here. I see young people being denied opportunities and goals because they are unable to function in society without a safe means of transportation."

"With the Fare Free Transit Pilot Project passed, we will be able to see more youth involved, decrease in greenhouse gas emissions, guarantee long-life riders after they age out and open opportunities for youth to be a part of."

Read Article in the Leader Post

What does this mean for me in Regina?

Here at home Regina's inner city is considered a food desert due to the closure of numerous small, independent stores. The arrival of large box stores with lower prices led to the decline of many mom-and-pop shops that couldn't compete. As a result, the community now has limited access to fresh and healthy food options. The unfortunate side effect is from a community perspective the small store, bakery, butcher promoted the community and hired local. They sponsored the local ball team, donated to the school and so on. The leaky bucket means money is coming into the inner city but it doesn't stay in the inner city.

 "Think globally, act locally"

It's a reminder that even small, local efforts can contribute to solving larger global problems.

Hydroponics and Food Security

So, how do you grow food without dirt?  You don’t want to pay a 25% tariff to eat?

Hydroponics is a type of horticulture and a subset of hydroculture which involves growing plants, usually crops or medicinal plants, without soil, by using water-based mineral nutrient solutions in an artificial environment. Terrestrial or aquatic plants may grow freely with their roots exposed to the nutritious liquid or the roots may be mechanically supported by an inert medium such as perlite, gravel, or other substrates. Wikipedia

The Evolution and Future of Hydroponics: From Ancient Gardens to Modern Greenhouses

Hydroponics means simply growing plants in water. The plants are placed in growing media such as rockwool, clay pellets, foam, recycled foam, gravel, peat, sawdust, or coconut fibres, then fed a nutrient solution to make them grow. Since many hydroponic methods employ some type of growing medium these methods are often termed "soilless culture", while water culture alone is true hydroponics.

The process of hydroponic growing in our oceans goes back to about the time the earth was created. Hydroponic growing preceded soil growing. But as a farming tool, many believe it started in the ancient city of Babylon with its famous hanging gardens. They were listed as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and were probably one of the first successful attempts to grow plants hydroponically.

Most greenhouse vegetable production in developed countries is done using a hydroponic system. Research at the Harrow Research and Development Centre in Harrow, Ontario has resulted in a patented computerized program called the "Harrow Fertigation Manager" which controls the flow of nutrients to the plants in the greenhouses. The centre is recognized as the largest greenhouse vegetable research facility in North America.

Is this an opportunity for Regina and / or Saskatchewan?

Word of the Day: Gig Economy

The gig economy is a job market where most work is done through short-term contracts or freelance jobs instead of permanent positions. Workers in this economy are usually independent contractors or freelancers who take on temporary or project-based work instead of having long-term employment with one company. The gig economy includes various industries like tech, transportation, delivery services, and creative fields.

We’ll share one sustainable development goal in each upcoming newsletter

What does this have to do with Regina?

SDG 12 focuses on sustainable consumption and production, which aligns with the Regina Food Bank's mission to reduce food waste and promote resource efficiency. By rescuing surplus food and redistributing it to those in need, the food bank helps address hunger and food insecurity while minimizing waste. The Regina Food Bank's initiatives, such as the Community Food Hub, provide a dignified grocery store experience for clients, offering diverse food choices and nutritional education. These efforts contribute to a more sustainable and inclusive community, supporting both SDG 12 and the well-being of Regina's residents.

SDG 12 even impacts the EnviroCollective

As we start hosting Repair Cafes we begin to learn more about the right to repair movement. By enabling consumers to repair their products, we can extend the lifespan of items, reduce waste, and conserve resources. This approach supports a circular economy, where products are designed for longevity, repairability, and recyclability. The right to repair empowers individuals to make sustainable choices, contributing to the overall goals of SDG 12. By reducing the need for new products, we can minimize environmental impact and promote responsible consumption

Just in from our sister organization in Calgary. You may be aware that Northback, an Australian mining company, has applied to Alberta's regulator to strip mine the Rocky Mountains in the Crowsnest pass area. The Calgary Climate Hub is one of many organizations and members of the public rising up to oppose this effort. 90% of Albertans oppose coal mining in the pristine Eastern Slopes of the Alberta Rockies.

This is an Alberta problem, why should I care?

The proposed Northback mine in Alberta's Crowsnest Pass area poses significant risks beyond provincial borders. This project, previously rejected by Alberta's regulator for environmental reasons in 2021, could lead to harmful consequences for Saskatchewan and Manitoba if approved.

1. Coal Dependence: Continuing coal extraction undermines efforts to transition away from fossil fuels, which is crucial for mitigating climate change.
2. Past Rejection: The project was rejected in 2021 for environmental concerns. Northback's reapplication under a new name raises red flags
3. Water Contamination: The mine would release selenium into water sources. This pollutant, despite Northback's claims, cannot be remediated and would flow into the South Saskatchewan River Basin, affecting water quality in Saskatchewan and Manitoba.

Community actions, such as protests by the Calgary Climate Hub, highlight the urgency of opposing this project. Protecting our water is a shared responsibility that extends beyond Alberta. Join us in advocating for sustainable practices and safeguarding our environment for future generations.

For more information on the watershed and the impact, visit Oldman Watershed Council.

The Right to Repair Legislation

Canada has been making strides in right to repair legislation to empower consumers and promote sustainability. In June 2024, the Government of Canada launched a consultation to gather feedback on a right to repair policy for home appliances and consumer electronics. This initiative aims to give consumers more options and information on repairing their products, ultimately supporting a circular economy.

How this affects EnviroCollective Programs

The right to repair legislation in Canada significantly benefits Repair Cafés by making it easier for individuals and independent repair technicians to fix products. Here are a few ways it helps:

Access to Repair Information: The legislation requires manufacturers to provide the necessary tools, parts, and information for repairs, which means Repair Cafés can access the resources they need to fix a wide range of products.

Bypassing Digital Locks: Changes to the Copyright Act allow Repair Cafés to bypass digital locks on devices, enabling them to perform repairs without violating copyright laws.

Promoting Sustainability: By making repairs more accessible, the legislation supports the mission of Repair Cafés to reduce waste and promote a circular economy.

Community Empowerment: The legislation empowers communities to take control of their repairs, fostering a culture of self-sufficiency and collaboration.

These changes make it easier for Repair Cafés to operate effectively and help more people fix their broken items, contributing to environmental sustainability and community resilience.

Q&A: What new right to repair laws mean for Canadians with products in need of a fix

New laws allow digital locks to be bypassed to make repairs, improve interoperability. Read CBC Story

City of Toronto Adds $2B to Climate Programs Through First-Ever Carbon Budget Process

Read full story at The Energy Mix

If you want to know more about clean energy then you need to know that France ran a fusion reactor for 22 minutes!

Read the full story at New Atlas

World’s First All-Timber Wind Turbine Blades are Cheaper, Recyclable, Fire-Resistant and Stronger than Carbon Fiber.

Read the full story at Good News Network

Founded in 2018, Made in CA compiles a list of Canadian products to counter unfair trade practices and support the Canadian economy by ensuring consumer dollars have the greatest possible impact.

Empty Office Buildings Are Being Turned Into Vertical Farms: In downtown Calgary, where one in three offices is empty, Aspen Properties has rented three floors to Agriplay Ventures Inc. for indoor farming.

EnviroCollective Launches Comprehensive Resource Directory

EnviroCollective has launched a new resource directory, made possible by dedicated volunteers. The Sustainable Marketplace directory features a variety of eco-friendly and sustainable options, including consignment and thrift stores for clothing and household items, organic and health food stores, as well as services and gift shops focused on environmental sustainability. The city also boasts cafes and restaurants prioritizing local and organic ingredients, contributing to a community-focused, sustainable atmosphere.

Visit the EnviroCollective website at https://www.envirocollective.ca/sustainable-marketplace/

National Climate League Report

The National Climate League (NCL) report, developed by The Climate Reality Project Canada, is an annual volunteer-driven project that analyzes climate plans, targets, and policies for over 50 Canadian municipalities. It highlights local solutions, encourages transparency, and supports efforts to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. Over the year ECN will break down key findings and where does Regina fit in the mix

You have a story? Let us know, we need to pass on the good news!

GET INVOLVED WITH ENVIROCOLLECTIVE

Email us at info@envirocollective.ca to learn how you can contribute today!

EnviroCollective is a non-partisan, judgement free group that is open to everyone.

Email us at info@envirocollective.ca or DM us through our socials Facebook/Instagram @envirocollectiveyqr or Twitter @envirocollect1.

Keep up to date on Repair Cafe's