ENVIROCOLLECTIVE
NEWSLETTER
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In this issue: Davos for Dummies and Stuff Explained | |
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE LAST MONTH | |
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Visit to Calgary Climate Hub
ECN timed it perfect to attend Calgary Climate Hubs Green Drinks night which they hold every third Thursday at the Civic Tavern on 12th Ave SW. It was a great turnout and we met a lot of active Calgarians. We had an opportunity to exchange stories with Steve Bentley Calgary's Digital Content & Partnerships Coordinator. Shared a lot of great ideas and received some good advice on growing Regina's Hub. All the groups we met that night have offices next door at the Community Wise Resource Centre.
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Green Drinks at Civic Tavern | |  |
Steve Bentley Calgary Climate Hub | |
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At the event we were able to connect with the gang from the Arusha Centre who host 16 Repair Exchanges a year. We asked to meet with them in February to mentor ECN with our goals of four Repair Cafes in 2025. The Arusha Centre connects and supports communities in Calgary to create a socially, economically, and environmentally just future. They provide resources, initiatives, and activities focused on social justice, sustainability, and community resilience, inspired by the principles of the Arusha Declaration, to educate, engage, and inspire collective well-being. They are also a tenant at the Community Wise Resource Centre
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Community Wise Resource Centre A Beacon of Support in Calgary. Nestled in the historic Old YWCA Building at 223 12 Ave SW, the CommunityWise Resource Centre has been a cornerstone of support for diverse grassroots groups and nonprofit organizations for over 40 years. This nonprofit hub provides affordable office and community space, shared internet, mailboxes, office equipment, and collaborative capacity-building programming to its 90 member organizations.
CommunityWise is dedicated to fostering social change and equity, with a strong focus on anti-racism and community development. Their programs, such as the Good Food Box, Knitting Club, and The Garden Club, not only serve the immediate needs of the community but also build a sense of belonging and connection among members.
(Picture courtesy of Alberta Culture and Community Spirit, Historic Resources Management Branch, 2006)
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Heritage Community Association
ECN dropped in to visit with Wendy and the team at the Heritage Community Association at the new Mitakuyé Owâs’ā Centre. We are pleased to partner with them in hosting our first Repair Cafe during their Antique and Vintage Heritage Market on March 29th at 1770 Halifax St. There is still room for more vendors!
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Announcing our 1st Repair Cafe for 2025 | |
Stay connected through our newsletter, website, or social media channels to get the upcoming link for scheduling your repair time. | |
Sask Waste Reduction Council Awards | |
BioClean Regina 2024 Winners | |
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Nominations for the 2024 Saskatchewan Waste Reduction Awards are open!
The awards recognize outstanding waste reduction efforts in Saskatchewan, promoting leadership and inspiring projects. Judging is done by the SWRC Awards Committee, following the hierarchy of Rs: Reduction, Reuse, Repair, and Recycling. Each nominee can only be nominated for one award per year. Past winners can be nominated again, but not for the same program.
Awards Criteria:
- Environmental impacts (quantified waste reduction, circular economy contributions)
- Innovation and progressiveness
- Leadership
- History and track record
- Overall environmental commitment
Celebrate commendable waste reduction efforts by nominating them before February 10, 2025.
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Saskatchewan Council on
International Cooperation
Events
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Looking to learn and meet new people? SCIC's Global Connections has got you covered!
Join this lively event series, where you can discover fascinating topics, connect with passionate individuals, and enjoy engaging discussions. It's a fantastic opportunity to expand your network, share ideas, and make new friends, all while exploring important global issues. Don't miss out on the fun and enlightening experience!
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2025 Education for Sustainable Development Recognition Awards | |
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Are you involved in promoting sustainability or advancing the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals through education? Apply for a 2025 Recognition Award! Education spans formal (schools, colleges), non-formal (community organizations, businesses), and informal (public media, events). Highlight your innovative work and gain recognition to strengthen your efforts. The 2025 ESD Recognition Awards application deadline is March 31, 2025. Start preparing your application today and showcase your impactful initiatives!
Key Points
- Promoting sustainability and SDGs through education.
- Formal, non-formal, and informal education included.
- Apply before March 31, 2025, to gain recognition.
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Regina Energy Transition
Is asking everyone to support Regina’s Energy and Sustainability Framework to create a more sustainable and resilient city! Encourage city council to implement fare-free transit for youth and achieve a 25% transit mode share by 2025. Let’s show our commitment to a vibrant and equitable Regina. Email your councilor today to back the fare-free transit pilot project for high school youth. Act now for a greener future!
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Organization Highlight
Munch Catering Regina
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Munch Catering from Regina:
Are you looking for catering provided by adults with cognitive differences? The Munch is growing up since 2015 from the inspiration to the funders for better integration of adults with cognitive differences. As a registered charity, Munch Catering has purpose to provide food services training and employment opportunities to people with cognitive differences, it is empowering them to become professional food service workers. The catering is focus on non-
processed, fresh and healthy ingredients. Their regular clients include Crown corporations, various levels of government and many reputable businesses and individuals in the city. Dealing with Munch catering is way to get social balance and to promote inclusion, more details
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Community Activist Profile:
Vanessa Matthews
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University of Regina’s Dr. Vanessa Mathews is championing urban sustainability and climate action through her groundbreaking research. As an Associate Professor in the Department of Geography & Environmental Studies. Dr. Mathews examines how the adaptive reuse of existing buildings plays a critical role in urban sustainability. Her work on public spaces and embodied practices explores how urban environments can be transformed for better community engagement and sustainability. Dr. Mathews is making significant strides in promoting sustainable urban development and climate resilience, advocating for innovative approaches to building reuse and community collaboration.
In a Leader Post article Jan 24, 2024 Dr. Mathews discussed Regina's proposed zoning bylaw amendments aimed at accelerating housing development. She emphasized that these changes are crucial for the city's growth, noting that increased density will encourage investment in public transit and provide more housing options throughout Regina. Dr. Mathews also stressed the importance of reimagining urban spaces, highlighting that nearly half of downtown Regina consists of parking lots, and called for a vision to revitalize the city.
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Cobs Bread:
A Triple Bottom Line Company
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Cobs Bread's mission for leftover bread is centered around their End of Day Giving program. At the end of each day, unsold bread and baked goods are donated to local charitable food programs. This initiative helps reduce food waste and supports communities in need. Since 2003, Cobs Bread has donated over $560 million worth of products to various charities, including food banks, school breakfast programs, and youth charities. Their goal is to ensure that no leftover product goes to waste and to make a positive impact on food insecurity. | |
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Grasslands owner Sydney said "I was drawn to owning a Cobs Bread Bakery because I wanted to learn baking skills and appreciated our use of simple, healthy ingredients. Born and raised on a farm outside Regina, I believe in supporting and giving back to the community."
Their end-of-day giving benefits several community organizations, including Log House Thrift Store, APSS, FASD, King's Corner, Marian Centre, Rainbow Youth Centre, Raising Hope, Salvation Army Haven of Hope, and Sofia House, among others
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What is a Triple Bottom Line Company: | |
A triple bottom line company measures success by three criteria: people, planet, and profit. This business model goes beyond traditional financial metrics to include social and environmental impacts. Such companies prioritize the well-being of their employees, communities, and society at large (people). They adopt sustainable practices to minimize environmental harm (planet). While still achieving financial profitability (profit). The triple bottom line approach encourages businesses to act responsibly and ethically, fostering long-term sustainability and positive societal outcomes. Companies like these aim to balance economic success with social equity and environmental stewardship
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Some Examples of Saskatchewan Social Enterprises are:
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Saskatoon Community Youth Arts Programming (SCYAP): SCYAP provides arts education to youth, promoting social well-being and community engagement while operating sustainably.
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Regina Solar Co-op: A cooperative that installs solar panels for homes and businesses, promoting renewable energy and community ownership.
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Saskatchewan Economic Development Alliance (SEDA): SEDA supports social enterprises and non-profits that aim to generate profit while solving social and environmental problems, aligning with the triple bottom line principles.
Read more examples at Earth911
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What is Greenwashing
Greenwashing is a misleading tactic used by companies to falsely portray their products, services, or policies as environmentally friendly. By using deceptive marketing and green imagery, businesses create an illusion of sustainability without making substantial eco-friendly changes. This practice exploits consumer demand for environmentally conscious options, leading people to believe they are making positive choices when they are not. Examples include vague claims like “eco-friendly” or “natural” without evidence, and emphasizing minor green initiatives while ignoring harmful practices. Greenwashing undermines genuine efforts for sustainability and can hinder progress towards environmental protection and ethical business practices.
If you suspect a a company of Greenwashing let us know!
We seem to know a lot of advocates
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California: What is Hydro climate whiplash or weather whiplash?
Hydroclimate whiplash (or weather whiplash) refers to the phenomenon of rapid swings between extreme wet and dry weather conditions. This can include intense periods of heavy rainfall followed by severe droughts. Climate change is a significant driver of this phenomenon, as the warming atmosphere can hold and release more moisture, leading to these abrupt weather changes (picture courtesy LA Times)
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We’ll share one sustainable development goal in each upcoming newsletter | | |
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Sustainable Development Goal 11 Make cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable:
As the world’s urban population continues to grow, with 70% expected to live in cities by 2050, many cities struggle to keep up with rapid urbanization. In 2020, 1.1 billion people lived in slums, and this number is expected to rise by 2 billion in the next 30 years. Urban sprawl, pollution, and lack of public spaces are persistent issues. While progress has been made since the SDGs were implemented in 2015, challenges remain. Only half of the urban population had access to public transport in 2022. Sustainable urban development is essential for achieving these goals
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What does this have to do with Regina?
In Regina, Goal 11 aims to create inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable urban spaces, with a focus on Regina's inner city, particularly North Central. Efforts may include revitalizing neighborhoods with affordable housing projects. The Better Bus Youth initiative and Regina Energy Transition successfully lobbied City Council to provide free bus service for youth up to age 13. The long-term goal is to extend free transit programs to all youth and families needing transportation support. These measures will significantly improve the quality of life, reduce environmental impact, and ensure a brighter future for Regina’s residents
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Wascana Solar Co-op's Group Buy Program Gets a New Name:
Introducing The Solar Way!
Dear Friends of Solar Energy,
We are excited to share that the Wascana Solar Co-op's "Group Buy" program is now called The Solar Way. This new name reflects our shift to a more personalized, hands-on approach, providing individualized support throughout your entire solar journey. Our core service remains unchanged; we are dedicated to helping you navigate the complexities of going solar and ensuring you get the most effective system tailored to your needs.
The Solar Way: Your Path to Solar Made Simple
The Solar Way program helps members install solar arrays on homes, farms, and businesses. As your trusted guide, we provide expert support at every stage:
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Customized Design: Tailor the optimal solar system design for your property.
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Funding Guidance: Advise on available grants and loans.
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Installer Selection: Solicit bids from qualified installers and present options.
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Proposal Evaluation: Analyze proposals and highlight benefits.
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Support: Answer questions throughout the installation.
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Quality Assurance: Conduct final site visits to ensure high standards.
Our comprehensive services empower you to achieve your solar energy goals with confidence.
Membership and Pricing
Our comprehensive services are available exclusively to members. Become a lifetime member for $100. To start your custom project design and secure installation bids, a $300 deposit is required. Upon project completion, the installer will bill you directly, including an 8% charge for the Co-op's services.
Ready to explore your solar potential? Learn more on our WEBSITE or contact us at info@wascanasolarco-op.com.
Sincerely, The Team at Wascana Solar Co-op
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Policy and Legislation Updates | |
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Davos for Dummies: A Quick Guide
Davos, Switzerland—where the annual World Economic Forum (WEF) meeting transforms this snowy haven into a buzzing hub of global bigwigs and more snow than a snow globe convention. Since 1971, this event has attracted a who's who of the world's leaders, CEOs, economists, and those who just can't resist a good panel discussion.
Held every January (because why not mix serious debate with frostbite?), Davos covers the hottest topics like climate change, tech innovation, and economic policies. Attendees network, brainstorm, and occasionally manage to understand each other’s jargon amidst the mingling and snowball fights.
Despite its critics, Davos remains the ultimate networking event for movers, shakers, and the just plain curious. Understanding Davos could make you the star of your next dinner party and give you a glimpse into shaping the future.
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The World Economic Forum is the International Organization for Public-Private Cooperation. It provides a global, impartial and not-for-profit platform for meaningful connection between stakeholders to establish trust, and build initiatives for cooperation and progress.
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Davos is so far away... who cares
Events in Davos can significantly impact Regina, due to the interconnected nature of global economies. Decisions made at the World Economic Forum can influence trade policies, economic trends, and technological advancements that directly affect local industries like agriculture, energy, and manufacturing. For instance, discussions on tariffs or trade agreements can impact Saskatchewan's exports to the U.S., which are crucial for the province's economy.
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Read full story at The Energy Mix | |
Ontario has asked the Supreme Court to review a historic youth-led challenge of its climate plan, moving the case closer to a possible hearing. Lawyers argue this case addresses a national concern. The youth claim the weakened emissions target violates their rights. Ontario seeks the Supreme Court's opinion on the constitutional obligations to combat climate change. | | |
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British Columbia - Returnable containers aim to reduce waste amid B.C. plastic bans After single-use plastics bans across Canada, some businesses turn to returnable containers
Read the Full Story
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Starting January 1, 2025, Quebec's new producer-led recycling program expands what can be recycled. Items like chip bags and yogurt cups are now eligible. All containers, packaging, and printed items can be recycled, except aerosol cans, polystyrene packaging, and compostable bags. Read the Full Story | | |
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New research presents the case for modernizing industrial carbon pricing -Large-emitter trading systems are powerful tools for reducing emissions and attracting investment—but they need updates to reach their full potential.
Canada faces challenges in achieving climate goals due to economic pressures and policy shifts. Industrial carbon pricing is key, but an oversupply of credits threatens its effectiveness. Addressing this requires stricter performance standards, better market design, and increased transparency to sustain emissions reductions. Read Full Story
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Tips, Tricks, Hacks and Accolades
Do you have a favorite tip, trick, or hack that makes life a bit easier? We would love to hear your story! Share your experiences and help others benefit from your wisdom.
Or, do you know someone who’s doing something amazing? Give them a shout-out! Let's celebrate the people in our community who are making a positive impact.
Your insights and stories could inspire others and create a ripple effect of goodness. We can't wait to hear from you!
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Educators Resource Feature: | |
EcoSchools Canada empowers teachers and students by providing tools and resources to integrate environmental education into their curriculum. By participating in the program, schools can achieve certification through a variety of eco-friendly activities and projects. Teachers receive guidance on implementing sustainability initiatives like waste reduction, energy conservation, and biodiversity enhancement. Students gain hands-on experience and develop a deeper understanding of environmental issues, fostering leadership and critical thinking skills. The program also promotes community engagement, encouraging schools to collaborate on sustainability efforts. Overall, EcoSchools Canada supports educational institutions in creating environmentally conscious and active citizens ready to tackle global challenges. Learn More | |
The 6th 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
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What is an adaptation plan
Adaptation plans guide municipal actions on climate resilience, complementing climate plans focused on mitigation. They start with a vulnerability and risk assessment, followed by public consultation and the development of actions. The final plan includes goals and categories such as resilient homes, infrastructure, health, food security, and emergency management. Although most municipalities have climate plans, only 25 out of 51 studied by the National Climate League had adaptation plans. Equity is often considered, addressing the needs of vulnerable communities and incorporating it as a guiding principle or evaluation framework.
The City of Regina has an adaptation plan as part of its broader Energy & Sustainability Framework. This plan focuses on reducing energy consumption, improving efficiency, and transitioning to renewable energy sources to create a more resilient and sustainable community1.
However, it seems that the adaptation plan could benefit from a more explicit focus on equity, ensuring that vulnerable communities are specifically addressed and supported in the face of climate change impacts.
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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! | | |
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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.
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