April Highlights

In this issue: What Happened to Little Hoot?

Infill Housing

ECN participated in the infill housing session held at the Science Centre, sponsored by the City of Regina. The Middle Housing Symposium focused on fostering discussions around middle housing. Topics included design, policy, construction, and finance. The event featured various panels with local officials, planners, and developers, providing opportunities to ask questions and network with peers

How to Build a Carbon Budget

The EnviroCollective Network (ECN) shared information with Regina City Council about the Municipal Toolkit, aiming to enhance local governance and climate-focused decision-making. This free suite of SSG-developed tools supports municipalities in planning and implementing climate action by analyzing and comparing energy and emissions data. It aids in guiding decisions on infrastructure, land use, and climate strategies, emphasizing the long-term environmental impact of current choices. ECN underscored the toolkit's crucial role in fostering sustainable, resilient approaches for municipal development. We appreciated the feedback we got from some councillors, Glad to Help!

Making Music from Trash

Last month, ECN highlighted Dr. Sarah Schmalenberger's innovative research combining music and environmental sustainability. The project explored how discarded materials can be creatively repurposed into musical instruments, encouraging new perspectives on sustainability. ECN even joined the initiative, creating music and showcasing the inspiring potential of transforming waste into art. Here is the whole story

Seed Give Away

ECN dropped in at the UofR on Earth Day (April 22, 2025), the Department of Geography & Environmental Studies hosted its 2nd annual free seed event to highlight the value of native wildflowers and grasses in sustainable landscaping and gardening practices. Attendees had the opportunity to receive free seed packages, including Bees n' Butterfly Mix and Prairie Meadow Native Grass Seed Mix.

Crocus Walk

Nature Regina recently hosted its 2nd Annual Spring Crocus Walk on April 21. ECN along with other attendees enjoyed a free guided tour of a rediscovered native prairie within Regina's city limits along Wascana Creek. The event showcased thriving native plants, including prairie flowers and grasses, emphasizing the resilience of this ecosystem and its ability to inspire and connect. Read Regina Biodiversity Reserve/Park for a deeper look. Picture courtesy Rosalie Lizée

Green Drinks

Thanks to District Brewing for being the host location for this months Green Drinks.

SEVA at Majestics

If its a car show no matter where, SEVA is there to represent EV's

Regina Biodiversity Reserve/Park

The Regina plains, among the most altered landscapes globally, have faced drastic changes due to urbanization and agriculture. Yet, within Regina's city limits lies a rare 68-acre parcel preserving the essence of an ancient prairie. Home to over 213 plant, bird, and insect species, including “Species at Risk” like the Loggerhead Shrike, this unique ecosystem offers a glimpse into the region’s natural heritage. Without protection, this irreplaceable landscape risks disappearing forever. Discover why this land deserves to become Regina’s first Biodiversity Reserve and how safeguarding it aligns with vital ecological, cultural, and international goals. Read to learn more!

Who really is Little Hoot?

This is an adult Northern Saw-whet Owl that was admitted to Salthaven West after sustaining head trauma from a window collision. The owl received care for over a week, during which it was treated with anti-inflammatory medication and underwent gentle daily physiotherapy. Thanks to these efforts, the owl made a complete recovery and was successfully released back into its natural habitat. Read later on how you can help Salthaven West

Go Green Program

North Central's Go Green program has been going since 2007. Established as social enterprise the program provides meaningful work for inner city residents while supporting environmental sustainability. Starting with recycling at Rider games, the program now handles garbage and recycling for concerts, Pats games, and major events. Each year, 300-350 workers—families, newcomers, and locals—are employed, earning cash honorariums that often go toward essentials or community activities. The program partners with schools and centers to fundraise for youth programs. Accessible and barrier-free, it offers flexible work to those facing employment challenges, creating opportunities for growth and inclusivity. On average, it recycles 375,000 units annually, strengthening both community and environment. Read the full version

SARCAN Unloading

Volunteers work late into the night

Kike Dueck - How Our Youth Are Sounding the Alarm

Kiké Dueck (they/them) is an 11-year-old from Regina whose love for birds, mushrooms and trees led them to become a climate change activist. They started an environmental club at Ecole Connaught Community School, they have become involved in the Cathedral Community Forest Project, and they have organized a rally at the legislature calling on the provincial government to take more action on climate change. As their activism continues to grow and develop, they have learned to make connections and partnerships with other environmentally focused groups such a Break the Divide, Ecostress Saskatchewan, and EnviroCollective. They have also had the opportunity to speak about their climate work in the media through podcasts such as Climate Action Heroes and radio and print media by CBC Saskatchewan. Most recently, they have been working on door-knocking in Regina neighbourhoods to gather signatures for a petition pressuring the provincial government to take action on climate change. They will help present this petition in the legislature on April 30th. Finally, they are excited to invite all newsletter readers to a Fridays for the Future Climate Rally that they are organizing on May 16th at 12:30 pm!  

Get your TEDx Regina tickets here

Butterfly Rangers

On May 24th at the street festival, ECN will be showcasing a new Butterfly Ranger Prize, sparking excitement among attendees! Visitors can spin the prize wheel at the booth to win native wildflower seeds, specially chosen to attract butterflies and essential pollinators. The prize includes detailed planting instructions to help create pollinator-friendly habitats. This initiative promotes local biodiversity, supports sustainability, and links participants to Nature Regina’s conservation efforts, blending fun with impactful environmental action.

Cathedral Village

Arts Festival May 24th

Visit our Booth #307 Rae St & 13th

We will be joined by Wascana Solar Coop, RET Regina Energy Transition and Nature Regina

Pop Up Repair Cafe

May 30th

YWCA 2817 12th Ave 10:00 to 4:00

Book your time slot here

Salthaven West

Needs Our Help

Salthaven West Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Centre cares for over 1,400 sick, injured, orphaned, and displaced wildlife every year! Their mission is to give wildlife a second chance by providing specialized treatment and care and returning healthy animals back their natural habitat.

But they need our help. The current 600 sq/ft clinic that they have been operating out of for the past decade is no longer sufficient to meet the growing demand of their services. Salthaven West is fundraising to build an urgently needed Wildlife Rehabilitation Clinic so they can continue serving Saskatchewan communities and wildlife without interruption.

Every share, every dollar, every action makes a difference. Follow Salthaven West on Facebook & Instagram to learn more about how you can help local wildlife. Thank you for being a wildlife hero!

"your organization, is such a thriving group that inspires me to think outside the box when it comes to generating sustainable communities" Dr Sarah Schmalenberger Fulbright visiting scholar University of St. Thomas, Minnesota

Yay Great Western Brewing

It isn't hard to be a leader in sustainability. A big shout out to Great Western for eliminating plastic beverage rings and going cardboard. Although the carrying case has changed the taste remains the same. Cheers!

Repair Cafe Survey - What The Participants Had to Say.

• Fantastic dedication by the team and all volunteers. A positive group!!!
• Thoroughly enjoyed meeting a lot of people and getting some great advice.
• Excellent repair volunteer . . . and welcome desk personnel!
• So grateful these are being organized. I hate throwing things into the trash! Thank you to all the volunteers!
• You need a “tap” capable donation system! (Thanks we got one for next time)
• First time attendee . . . excellent impression! Thanks!

 “Man, is that newsletter ever something! A model to follow." - Gaye Taylor Staff Writer The Energy Mix

Carrot or Stick

On Earth Day 2025, the University of Regina Sustainability Office partnered with Ultimate Rotisserie Experience to inspire eco-conscious behavior. Free coffee was offered to those bringing reusable mugs, saving 250 single-use cups from landfills. This initiative showcases collective action for sustainability, equivalent to a year's worth of cups for regular coffee drinkers. A small step with a big impact!

It’s like bribing a sleep-deprived squirrel with nuts. The "carrot" is free coffee for bringing a reusable mug—an irresistible fuel for finals. The "stick"? Watching your classmates sip free coffee while you clutch a disposable cup and going without! Kudos UofR

Look what came in at Encore Furniture

New inventory all the time check them out at 2005 8th Ave, Regina

ReStore has a large amount of JELD-WEN 72-inch x 80-inch Primed Fiberglass F-2500 2-Panel Folding Patio Door Kit in stock currently. They are full 3 piece kits. 2 doors and one frame (the first few buyers also get a screen).

Plato's Closet

by Autumn McDowell

It finally happened! After years of envying Saskatoon, secondhand seekers in Regina finally have a Plato’s Closet to call their own. Known for trendy clothing at a fraction of the price, this consignment hot spot offers clothing and accessories for both men and women.

Don’t let the marketing fool you — while their ads target teens and young adults, adults can definitely score a stylish closet addition too. Oh, and yes — there’s even a men’s section! Located at 450 Albert Street North, this new consignment shop is certainly worth a visit. Plato's Closet - dedicated to sustainability

Autumn McDowell, better known as @thriftmechic on Instagram and TikTok, calls Regina, home. As the Queen City's thrift-shopping guru, she shares unbeatable deals, creative finds, and second-hand style inspiration, while shining a light on local treasures and must-visit spots.

Yes, EVs are good for the environment!

So, people out there claim that EVs are not actually good for the environment. They usually claim three things: firstly, that there are so many greenhouse gas emissions released in making an EV, they overshadow the reduction in emissions while driving the car. They are right, EVs are NOT “zero-emissions vehicles”, but there have been many studies since the early 2000’s that all show an EV “pays off” its emissions debt in about the first two years of driving. Secondly, detractors claim that in a province like Saskatchewan where most of the electricity (still!) comes from coal, there’s no point in driving an EV, because you’re just driving on coal. Yes, you partially are, but the fact is that gas cars waste 75% of a gallon of gas as heat, so the EV still comes out 30% better in emissions just because it’s more efficient! Thirdly, critics point to mining for lithium and other metals for EVs as harmful to the environment. But the amount of lithium we mine – 98,000 tonnes a year in 2019 – is 30,000 times less than amount of steel we mine – 3 billion tonnes a year! And cobalt, which is associated with human rights violations, is gradually being eliminated from battery chemistries. So yes, EVs really are good. Find out more in our Resource Section

Reimagining Fashion Through Sustainability: Meet Designer María Fernanda Martínez

Written by Credell Simeon

In a world increasingly aware of environmental impact, María Fernanda Martínez is stitching change one patch at a time. A Colombian-born, Regina-based fashion designer, María is breathing new life into old clothing by transforming recycled denim into bold, bohemian statement pieces for women and girls. Her upcycled clothing line is a fusion of love, compassion, and innovative thinking. Outside of design, Maria volunteers with local repair cafes hosted by EnviroCollective, where she also received a gifted Brother sewing machine-a symbol of how community and sustainability go hand-in-hand. If you're planning to attend CVAF 2025, stop by Maria's booth Restyled Wear - #623 and experience her vision for a more beautiful, more conscious world-one stitch at a time. Read the full story here

Credell Simeon is a Regina-based freelance writer and artist passionate about sustainability and creative expression. She specializes in projects like bottle painting that promote zero-waste living and inspire her community to find beauty in repurposed materials.

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

Does the mighty Wascana Lake count?

Although Regina lies far from the oceans, Goal 14 remains deeply relevant to prairie regions. Oceans play a crucial role in regulating the Earth's climate and weather systems, influencing patterns that reach even landlocked areas like the prairies. By safeguarding our oceans, we help reduce the impacts of climate change, such as intensified droughts, heavier rainfall, and rising global temperatures, which directly affect life on the prairies.

Additionally, ocean conservation is tied to global food security and biodiversity, which benefit ecosystems and agricultural industries in Saskatchewan. Efforts to reduce plastic pollution, promote sustainability, and protect water systems can also align with local conservation practices, helping maintain the health of the province's rivers and lakes. Regina's actions toward sustainability, like reducing plastic use and supporting environmental initiatives, contribute to the broader global mission of protecting the planet's interconnected ecosystems.

Lesson Plans and Activities for All Ages

The Saskatchewan Environmental Society offers a variety of educational resources, lesson plans, and activities to help children and youth learn! These resources cover topics like climate action, waste and recycling, water, energy, and much more. Whether you’re a teacher looking for classroom activities or a non-formal educator working with children, you’ll find excellent materials that suit a range of ages. The lesson plans are organized by grade level and are aligned with Saskatchewan curriculum subject areas. To learn more and start exploring, click SES Resources

To find other relevant educator resources, visit the EnviroCollective Resource page: 

Educators – EnviroCollective

EnviroCollective Resource Directory

EnviroCollective is pleased to announce another website feature with the launch of their Educators Resource directory. Discover a variety of resources to enhance your teaching, including downloadable models, education partners, books, enviro kits, community gardens plans, to permaculture projects. Stay informed with the latest in science, climate action projects, and learning tools. Our hub supports educators dedicated to fostering a sustainable future.

Visit the EnviroCollective website at https://www.envirocollective.ca/educators/

You're Being Lied to About Electric Cars

Science has repeatedly shown EVs are better for humans, despite the meme you just retweeted. Read the MotorTrend Article

Jonny Lieberman Writer -Ryan Lugo Illustrator Dec 08, 2022

All the Metals We Mined in One Visualization

Metals are a big part of our daily lives, found in every building we enter and all devices we use. Today, major industries that directly consume processed mineral materials contribute 14% of the United States economy. The following infographic visualizes all 2.8 billion tonnes of metals mined in 2022 and highlights each metal’s largest end-use using data from the United States Geological Survey (USGS).

Electric Car vs Combustion Engine

Which pollutes more? The video compares the environmental impact of electric vehicles (EVs) and internal combustion engine (ICE) cars. It highlights differences in emissions, efficiency, and sustainability, offering insights into which option is more eco-friendly. You can watch it here.

Waste Wizard

The Waste Wizard is your one stop shop to find out the best way to dispose of your household goods. Updates to the Wizard now include new ways to dispose of items that otherwise would have ended up in the landfill.

Nature

Nature is a weekly international journal publishing the finest peer-reviewed research in all fields of science and technology on the basis of its originality, importance, interdisciplinary interest, timeliness, accessibility, elegance and surprising conclusions. Nature also provides rapid, authoritative, insightful and arresting news and interpretation of topical and coming trends affecting science, scientists and the wider public.

Sustainable Development Group

SSG is an award-winning climate action planning firm. They create state-of-the-art climate mitigation and adaptation plans for municipalities, governments, organizations, and campuses across the Americas. They help communities and organizations respond to and prepare for the climate crisis. We strive to catalyze climate action that reduces inequities, creates economic opportunities, and improves quality of life.

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

The Regional Centre of Expertise sent a letter this week to Sask Premier and cabinet on climate action. RCE Saskatchewan highlights urgent concerns regarding Saskatchewan's approach to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Their critique focuses on decisions such as potentially extending coal-fired electricity operations past 2030, lowering building efficiency standards, and eliminating the industrial carbon tax. They argue these choices undermine efforts to address the climate crisis, hinder sustainable education, and jeopardize global competitiveness, all while failing to meet international climate commitments like the UN's Sustainable Development Goal 13.

Elbows Up for Climate Action unites Canadian mayors and councillors to tackle dual crises: U.S. trade impacts and climate change. Advocating bold national projects, they aim to protect communities, create jobs, and address wildfires, floods, and deadly climate events with urgency and sustainable solutions for a resilient future.

The Trump administration is expected to turn its attention to the tax-exempt status of environmental non-profits next. According to Tenenbaum Law Group, rumors suggest the action would take form as an executive order to “redefine” the Internal Revenue Service’s (IRS) qualifications for the 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status “in a way that excludes conservation and climate non-profits.” Read more at the Energy Mix

The "89 Percent Project" by Covering Climate Now is a global journalism effort that shows most people worldwide want stronger government action on climate change. The name reflects studies showing 80-89% of the world's population supports tougher climate measures.

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