ENVIROCOLLECTIVE

Systems Diagram by A.F. This diagram helps visualize the complex interactions and dependencies between the economy and earth systems, highlighting the importance of sustainable practices.

The Government of Saskatchewan is conducting engagement to inform potential changes to The Electronic Equipment Stewardship Regulations and the Recycle My Electronics Program. The ministry is accepting written feedback on the Summary Of Proposed Changes until September 13, 2024.

Over the Hill Orchards has been collecting rainwater off of all of their buildings since inception 24 years ago and provides 3000 gallons per inch of rain. A new rain collection system is being developed by placing a food grade pond liner on the sloped ground around their solar panels. During a rain, and also in the event of morning dew, water is directed via gravity to an underground cistern. This will collect another 3000 gallons per inch of rain. Once this project is completed, a pond liner will be placed in a larger collection area that has a dugout, and will provide an additional 8000 gallons of water.

"The Octonauts" is an exceptional TV series that combines entertainment with education, making it ideal for children. This engaging show introduces young viewers to the wonders of the ocean, fascinating marine creatures, and the importance of environmental protection. Each episode focuses on a specific marine problem, resolved through teamwork and resourcefulness. By teaching about real animals and their environments, and showing actual footage of these creatures, the series makes learning fun and memorable. "The Octonauts" also fosters environmental stewardship, encouraging children to care for their planet and understand their role in its preservation.

Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG5) Gender Equality - The world is not on track to achieve gender equality by 2030, worsened by the pandemic's impact. Progress is lagging in areas like unpaid care work, sexual and reproductive health decision-making, and gender-responsive budgeting. Women's health services face major disruptions, and violence against women remains endemic. Despite leading in COVID-19 responses, women still lag in decision-making roles. Bold action is needed to promote gender equality through laws, policies, budgets, and institutions. Greater investment in gender statistics is vital, as less than half of the necessary data to monitor Goal 5 are currently available.

Right here in Saskatchewan, the reality of domestic and intimate partner violence is alarmingly grim. The province holds one of the highest rates of such violence in Canada, with Indigenous women and girls bearing the brunt of this crisis. They are tragically far more likely to be murdered or go missing compared to their non-Indigenous counterparts. Across the board, women are disproportionately subjected to various forms of violence, including the pervasive threats of intimate partner violence and cyber violence. The situation is dire, demanding urgent attention and action (Canada Womens Foundation) (Women and Gender Equality Canada)

KAIROS Regina is a small ecumenical group affiliated with KAIROS Canada, an ecumenical justice coalition. Their central program focus is education and action on climate justice. They view climate change as an issue of justice: social, economic and ecological.

In 2021 via Zoom we launched a “climate change conversation” program based on the Canada-

wide “For the Love of Creation” program. This led to several information/discussion sessions in Saskatchewan churches.

In 2022 we held an in-person/livestream event promoting church energy retrofits, described in

the blog post “Never a Better Time.”

In 2024 Heat Pumps in Saskatchewan: What You Should Know was a popular in-person / livestream event in Regina. Watch Video

Kairos was instrumental in getting two Regina elementary schools to have schoolyard tree planting projects in June 2023: they planted approximately 40 trees.

Tiro and Thabo Mthembu wanted to give back to their neighbourhood, and what better way to do that than with food? Together with friends, they opened Hampton Hub, a vibrant restaurant in the heart of Regina. Hampton Hub was more than just a place to eat; it was a cultural experience. The restaurant hosted charity events and engaged the community every week with Teach-In Tuesdays.

In honour of their namesake, American civil rights leader Fred Hampton, Teach-In Tuesdays became a weekly gathering for community engagement and vibrant conversation. These events strengthened their goal of being community connectors, fostering a sense of unity and pride among the diverse groups and causes that came through their doors.

Fred Hampton, the charismatic leader of the Illinois Black Panther Party, was known for his skill in building coalitions among disparate groups. His most significant achievement was creating the Rainbow Coalition, which united marginalized groups like the Black Panthers, the Young Lords (a Puerto Rican activist group), and the Young Patriots (a white working-class organization from Appalachia). Hampton recognized that unity among these groups was essential to effectively challenge systemic issues like poverty, discrimination, and police brutality.