ENVIROCOLLECTIVE
NEWSLETTER
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HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE LAST MONTH
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Catherdral Village Arts Festival
EnviroCollective Network participated in the Cathedral Village Arts Festival on May 25th. We extended an open invitation to other groups, and were pleased to be joined by Regina Energy Transitions (RET) and Public Pastures—Public Interest (PPPI). Both groups used the event to network and educate fair-goers about their various initiatives. Thanks to those who signed up to get the newsletter, over $400 in prizes and "I Vote for Climate Action" signs were given away
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Service learning at the University of Regina is a hands-on educational approach that combines learning objectives with community service. It’s facilitated by the Centre for Experiential and Service Learning (CESL) at the university | |
UofR and Luther College Service Learning
EnviroCollective was invited by Brett Dolter, an Assistant Professor at the University of Regina, to join a practicum project through NVSSN (Nonprofit Volunteer Sector Studies Network). The project focuses on analyzing Regina’s Energy and Sustainability Framework, incorporating service-learning. Students will collaborate with Regina Energy Transition and EnviroCollective, each selecting a system related to the framework to support sustainability goals.
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DID YOU KNOW:
City of Regina’s Early Adopter Incentive Proposal
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Businesses, companies, and organizations adopting a multi-stream waste management plan by July 1, 2025, can receive up to 10% reimbursement, capped at $15,000, for waste bin or tech investments through the Early Adopter Incentive Program (EAIP). Reimbursement operates on a first-come, first-served basis until $1 million is disbursed. To qualify, submit a proposal to the City outlining the plan, then implement it and apply for funding within 90 days of proposal approval. Late submissions forfeit funding unless granted an extension for uncontrollable events. Proposals and funding applications accepted until March 29, 2025, with implementation required by July 1, 2025, for eligibility.
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A social enterprise is a type of business that aims to generate profit while also solving social or environmental problems. It uses its revenue to further its social mission, rather than distributing profits to shareholders. In essence, it’s a business where doing good is just as important as making money. | | |
YWCA just opened Regina’s newest social enterprise, Encore Market, a second hand furniture and appliance store at 2005 8th Ave in the Warehouse District. Encore Market offers quality secondhand furniture, housewares, lighting, and appliances. Shopping or donating to Encore Market supports YWCA Regina's vital programs, helping women and children access essential services and workshops. Encore Market will also provide a furniture bank for families in need, with gift cards available for equitable access. Donations of appliances, furniture, lighting, and more are welcome. For more information, email encoreon8th@ywcaregina.com or call 306-510-5969. Volunteers are also needed; register at ywcaregina.com/contribute/volunteer or come to their Grand Opening Saturday June 1, 2024 11:00 to 2:00 pm.
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PlastiPoints, a new startup in Saskatchewan, is launching a pilot program to make recycling easier and more rewarding. Their doorstep collection service will pick up recyclables, take them to recycling depots like SARCAN and share the proceeds with participants. During the pilot in Regina, participants will get 70% of the earnings from their recyclables. Join PlastiPoints to help reduce waste and support sustainability. Stay tuned for more details and get ready to recycle easily while earning cash rewards! Learn more at plastipoints.com.
Learn More
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EcoFriendly West is a key hub in Western Canada, spotlighting leading organizations and projects dedicated to environmental protection. It fosters connections among individuals and groups involved in alternative energy, environmental education, and related fields. The hub features a directory of Western Canadian environmental organizations specializing in areas such as environmental law and research. Additionally, Nature Companion, a free app/website, offers an extensive guide to over 300 common plants, trees, birds, animals, insects, reptiles, and amphibians found in Canada’s four western provinces, providing basic information at your fingertips.
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United Nations SDGs
We’ll share one sustainable development goal in each upcoming newsletter
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United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #3, Good Health and Well Being, aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all ages. It focuses on reducing maternal and child mortality, combating infectious diseases, and addressing mental health issues. Key targets include universal health coverage, access to essential medicines, and reducing deaths from non-communicable diseases like heart disease and cancer. SDG #3 also emphasizes the importance of preventive measures, such as vaccinations and health education, to improve overall global health. By achieving these goals, we can create a healthier world where everyone has the chance to thrive
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ORGANIZATION HIGHLIGHT
Saskatchewan Waste Reduction Council (SWRC)
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The Saskatchewan Waste Reduction Council (SWRC) champions environmental sustainability through innovative waste reduction initiatives. Established to promote recycling and resource conservation, SWRC partners with communities, businesses, and governments across the province. In 2023, SWRC partnered with EnviroCollective in delivering a repair cafe at the Sustainability Expo. Recent programs include composting workshops, e-waste recycling events, and educational campaigns on reducing single-use plastics. By fostering a culture of sustainability, SWRC aims to significantly reduce landfill waste and promote a circular economy. Their efforts have earned them recognition as leaders in environmental stewardship, inspiring Saskatchewan residents to embrace more sustainable practices in their daily lives. For more information | |
Community Activist Profile:
Matt Pointer
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Nearly ten years ago, Matt Pointer built a house and took steps to improve energy efficiency by installing solar panels. As electric vehicles (EVs) started gaining media attention, he considered using his solar panels to charge an EV. He soon realized how far behind Saskatchewan was in transport electrification. Motivated to address this gap, Matt co-founded the Saskatchewan Electric Vehicle Association (SEVA) in 2018 with a group of dedicated individuals.
Under Matt's leadership, SEVA has grown significantly, focusing on education to combat misinformation about EVs. The association has hosted over a dozen "ride and drive" events to educate the public on the benefits of EVs. SEVA's scope now includes renewable energy, heat pumps, net-zero home construction, and electric bikes. Additionally, the group collaborates with local governments and associations across Canada to promote progressive EV policies, achieving numerous victories for local EV owners.
Learn more about SEVA
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As a new addition to our newsletter “Tips, Tricks, and Hacks” will include a variety of practical advice and clever strategies from our readers to help other readers to live more eco-friendly lives.
Tips:
- Simple steps for reducing waste, like using reusable bags, bottles, and containers.
- Water conservation methods, such as fixing leaks and collecting rainwater for gardening.
- Energy-saving ideas, like switching to LED bulbs and unplugging devices when not in use.
Tricks:
- Creative ways to repurpose everyday items to avoid buying new products.
- Gardening tricks for growing your own food, even in small spaces.
- How to make natural cleaning products at home to reduce chemical use.
Hacks:
- DIY projects for building your own compost bin or rain barrel.
- Hacks for maximizing the efficiency of home heating and cooling systems.
- Carpooling and ride-sharing hacks to reduce carbon emissions.
Tips Tricks and Hacks are meant to empower readers with knowledge and tools to make a positive impact on the planet while also potentially saving money and improving their quality of life.
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We follow Thrifter Autumn • Thrift & Style
thriftmechic · Instagram
| What is a Thrifter: A clothing thrifter is someone who shops for clothes at thrift stores, second-hand shops, or garage sales, looking for unique, affordable, or vintage items. They often seek to find high-quality clothing at a lower cost, reduce waste, and promote sustainable fashion by reusing and recycling garments. Thrifting can be a fun and eco-friendly way to update one’s wardrobe | | | |
The Highland Curling Club, 348 Broad Street, has a large parking area to the north and street parking as well.
Wed, Jun 26 - 29
Wed-Fri 11am-8pm,
Sat. 11am-5pm
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The proceeds of the sale support the cost of courses and activities for older adults offered by the Seniors’ University Group at the University of Regina’s College Avenue Campus.
We donate unsold items to over 20 charities and groups in the community, as well as the Book Project for Saskatchewan jails.
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Register now for this year's virtual Indigenous Perspectives roundtable, Honouring Indigenous Climate Leadership, on Thursday, June 20, 2024 from 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. PDT (1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. EDT). | | | |
Photo courtesy PCAP website | |
Native Prairie Appreciation Week
Celebrate Native Prairie Appreciation Week (NPAW) every third week in June! NPAW raises awareness of our vital native prairie ecosystems and their importance to provincial, environmental, and agricultural sectors.
This unique week offers events and workshops for ranchers, naturalists, hunters, educators, and resource agency specialists. Highlights include the Society for Range Management's workshop and field tour, now held biennially, showcasing different locations within Saskatchewan's Prairie Ecozone. Don’t miss this chance to recognize and celebrate the diverse value of native prairies.
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2024 Spring Meet 75th Anniversary Celebration
Join Nature Saskatchewan in Saskatoon to celebrate their 75th anniversary! This celebration includes a day tour and hike across Asquith Nature Destination, Pike Lake, Northeast Swale and Donna Birkmaier and Hyde Parks. Ending on Sunday with their AGM and self-driving tour around Blackstrap Lake. June 21 to 23, 2024
Members: $175.00. Non Members: $200.00. Prices do not include hotel accommodations.
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Canadian Environment Week 2024
Since 1971, Canada has encouraged Canadians to contribute to conserving and protecting the environment and celebrated our successes with an initiative called Canadian Environmental Week. Join the movement by documenting your green journey with the hashtags #EnviroWeek and #GreeningOurFuture. The week also includes June 5th, Clean Air Day and United Nations World Environment Day, and June 8th, United Nations World Oceans Day.
Canadian Environment Week 2024
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Building Sustainable Futures Panel
EnviroCollective is honored to be invited as a panelist for the Industrial Systems Engineering (ISE) program's 1st International Conference on Industrial, Manufacturing, and Process Engineering. The event will be held in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada, from June 27 to 29, 2024.
During the ICIMP 2024 conference, there are plans to host four industrial panel discussions
Session 1: Role of CCUS in Achieving Net Zero in the Mining Industry
Session 2: Energizing the Future: Clean Energy for a Sustainable Transition
Session 3: Building Sustainable Futures: A Net-Zero Community Vision
Session 4: Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) in Engineering
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GET INVOLVED WITH ENVIROCOLLECTIVE | |
Exciting News!
We're on the rise, becoming your go-to hub for information on environmental actions and local sustainability—and we need YOUR help to keep the momentum going!
Join Our Dynamic Team!
Event Coordinators - ECN hosts 2 to 3 major events each year, and we need enthusiastic planners to make them unforgettable!
Speaker Series Coordinator - Plan and host community information nights on the hottest topics, sparking conversations and inspiring action!
Fund Developer - Drive our fundraising efforts by managing volunteer donations, grant applications, and innovative social enterprises.
Social Media Coordinator - Lead our social media strategies, ensuring vibrant cross-promotions and engaging content across platforms.
Community Engagement Coordinator - Host one or two community gatherings such as Green Drinks which is a global movement where people gather to have informal discussions about environmental issues over drinks in a casual setting.
Youth Coordinator - Work with schools to build eco clubs, empowering the next generation of environmental leaders.
E-Newsletter Reporters - Dive into storytelling, submitting compelling articles and information across our diverse categories.
E-Newsletter Editor - Collaborate with our talented volunteer writers and contributors to deliver engaging articles and reports.
If you're passionate about sustainability and eager to make a difference, we want YOU on our team! Let's create a greener, brighter future together!
Ready to join us? Reach out now and let's get started! info@envirocollective.ca
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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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