http://www.urbanthinkers.ca/
Urbanthinkers is a cluster of sustainability advocates based in East Vancouver - led by Arthur Orsini, Director of Programs.
Arthur Orsini, M.A. (Env. Ed.) has been working on school-based sustainable transportation initiatives since 1997 in communities across BC. His focus on youth engagement and student leadership earned the Off Ramp program an OECD award for Sustainable Transport (Education & Youth) in 2000.
In 2007, he recruited, trained and facilitated a team of teen leaders in delivering the YWALK Youth Forum at Toronto's Walk21 conference. Orsini is currently the School Travel Planning Facilitator (BC) in a national pilot project. In 2005/2006 he was a School Travel Co-ordinator in Auckland, NZ. Orsini lives car-free in East Vancouver where he is the Parent Volunteer Co-ordinator of the Templeton Secondary School Bike Crew.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Environmental Film Festival: Hotspots
Environmental Film Festival: Hotspots
March 12, 7:30 p.m.
Free and open to the public, but registration is required.
Register now.
When: March 12, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Visitor Center Auditorium
Come early and enjoy the cash bar from 6:30-7:30 p.m.!
Parking is free for FONZ members or $5 for nonmembers.
The Environmental Film Festival has become the leading showcase for environmental films in the United States. Presented in collaboration with 101 local, national, and global organizations, the festival is one of the largest cooperative cultural events in the nation’s capital.
This year, for the 17th annual Environmental Film Festival, the National Zoo will show Hotspots, a fascinating new film highlighting the work of field biologist Russell Mittermeier.
The richness of our planet and the importance of conserving its extraordinary biodiversity for medical purposes is the central theme of this film. It takes viewers on an adventure with Russell Mittermeier through a handful of the 35 most biologically rich life zones on earth. By making these locations a priority, conservation ecologists believe that the rapid rate of species extinctions might be reversed. The possible obliteration of these species with their unknown potential benefits, illustrates how critical it is that we humans protect our environment for the sake of all species inhabiting the earth.
Don Moore, Associate Director of Animal Care at the Zoo, will introduce the film. A discussion with filmmaker Michael Tobias and field biologist Russell Mittermeier will follow the screening.
Directed and written by Michael Tobias, hosted by Russell A. Mittermeier, produced by Jane Gray Morrison and Michael Tobias.
At 7 p.m., preceding the screening, Russell Mittermeier will sign copies of his book, Hotspots: Earth's Biologically Richest and Most Endangered Terrestrial Ecosystems.
March 12, 7:30 p.m.
Free and open to the public, but registration is required.
Register now.
When: March 12, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Visitor Center Auditorium
Come early and enjoy the cash bar from 6:30-7:30 p.m.!
Parking is free for FONZ members or $5 for nonmembers.
The Environmental Film Festival has become the leading showcase for environmental films in the United States. Presented in collaboration with 101 local, national, and global organizations, the festival is one of the largest cooperative cultural events in the nation’s capital.
This year, for the 17th annual Environmental Film Festival, the National Zoo will show Hotspots, a fascinating new film highlighting the work of field biologist Russell Mittermeier.
The richness of our planet and the importance of conserving its extraordinary biodiversity for medical purposes is the central theme of this film. It takes viewers on an adventure with Russell Mittermeier through a handful of the 35 most biologically rich life zones on earth. By making these locations a priority, conservation ecologists believe that the rapid rate of species extinctions might be reversed. The possible obliteration of these species with their unknown potential benefits, illustrates how critical it is that we humans protect our environment for the sake of all species inhabiting the earth.
Don Moore, Associate Director of Animal Care at the Zoo, will introduce the film. A discussion with filmmaker Michael Tobias and field biologist Russell Mittermeier will follow the screening.
Directed and written by Michael Tobias, hosted by Russell A. Mittermeier, produced by Jane Gray Morrison and Michael Tobias.
At 7 p.m., preceding the screening, Russell Mittermeier will sign copies of his book, Hotspots: Earth's Biologically Richest and Most Endangered Terrestrial Ecosystems.
Pennies for the Planet
An exciting conservation program for kids across America!
Colorful seabirds on a rocky island off the coast of Maine need your help. So do an ancient swamp in South Carolina and a vast sagebrush habitat in Wyoming. What can you do? Join Pennies for the Planet!
Pennies for the Planet is a nationwide campaign that taps into the amazing power of kids to help critical conservation projects. For the last several years, kids have been collecting pennies (and nickels, dimes, quarters, and dollars, too!) to help save wild places and wildlife in the United States and around the world. Working in classrooms, clubs, Scout troops, other groups, and on their own, kids just like you have turned pennies into an absolute gold mine for projects dedicated to protecting wild spaces and wild species.
Raising thousands of dollars for conservation, kids have proved that by working together, they can make the planet cleaner, greener, and wilder. That means you can, too!
On this website, you’ll find everything you need to get started, including information about each project; fund-raising ideas; recognition and prizes; and more!
Be sure to check the Pennies for the Planet Honor Roll to see what you and other kids have accomplished!
Colorful seabirds on a rocky island off the coast of Maine need your help. So do an ancient swamp in South Carolina and a vast sagebrush habitat in Wyoming. What can you do? Join Pennies for the Planet!
Pennies for the Planet is a nationwide campaign that taps into the amazing power of kids to help critical conservation projects. For the last several years, kids have been collecting pennies (and nickels, dimes, quarters, and dollars, too!) to help save wild places and wildlife in the United States and around the world. Working in classrooms, clubs, Scout troops, other groups, and on their own, kids just like you have turned pennies into an absolute gold mine for projects dedicated to protecting wild spaces and wild species.
Raising thousands of dollars for conservation, kids have proved that by working together, they can make the planet cleaner, greener, and wilder. That means you can, too!
On this website, you’ll find everything you need to get started, including information about each project; fund-raising ideas; recognition and prizes; and more!
Be sure to check the Pennies for the Planet Honor Roll to see what you and other kids have accomplished!
Monday, February 23, 2009
Recycled Magazine Pockets
We found this great project for chilly and or/rainy days on the National Geographic Kids website! Another great way to reduce, reuse & recycle.
YOU WILL NEED
Empty cereal boxes
Recycled newspapers or leftover wrapping paper
Glue or clear tape
WHAT TO DO
With a box standing upright, make a pencil mark on the edge of the box, five inches (12.7 centimeters) from the bottom. Draw a diagonal line to the opposite top corner of the box. Draw a matching line on the opposite side of the box.
Cut along the lines and remove the top of the box.
Wrap the box in wrapping paper or comics. Glue or tape in place.
YOU WILL NEED
Empty cereal boxes
Recycled newspapers or leftover wrapping paper
Glue or clear tape
WHAT TO DO
With a box standing upright, make a pencil mark on the edge of the box, five inches (12.7 centimeters) from the bottom. Draw a diagonal line to the opposite top corner of the box. Draw a matching line on the opposite side of the box.
Cut along the lines and remove the top of the box.
Wrap the box in wrapping paper or comics. Glue or tape in place.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Earth Day Events for 2009 - Greater Washington DC area
The Washington, DC metropolitan area has a variety of Earth Day activities that make caring for the planet fun for all ages. You can pitch in and help clean up any of the region’s parks or attend a family event that includes learning ways to improve our environment and make a difference.
2009 Earth Day Events
Earth Day on the National Mall
2009 Date to be Announced, noon - 7 p.m. Washington, DC will hold one of the largest Earth Day gatherings in U.S. history – a major day - long event on the National Mall to rally support for national action on global warming. The event, sponsored by Earth Day Network, will feature elected officials and candidates, community speakers, celebrities and major musical acts as well as educational displays and voter registration. Eight, simultaneous events will be held at landmark parks across the country.
National Zoo
2009 Date to be Announced. The Zoo and FONZ will commemorate Earth Day 2008 with a clean up of Rock Creek from 9 to 11 a.m. Volunteers will assist staff of the Zoo, FONZ, and Friends of Rock Creek’s Environment as they collect trash along the banks of Rock Creek near Amazonia and the spectacled bear exhibit at the lower end of the Zoo. Help beautify this important waterway and provide a cleaner habitat for local wildlife. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m.
Potomac Watershed Cleanup
Annual Cleanup Day, April 4, 2009, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. Throughout April, families can help remove trash from one of 276 sites along the Potomac River in Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia.
GreenDC Week Celebration
2009 Date to be Announced, 10 a.m. at Freedom Plaza, 13th Street and Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC. The event showcases environmental and energy exhibits about energy consumption, improving the quality of our air, water, and land and many other environmental topics. The week will includes hands-on fun activities for all ages.
Anacostia Watershed
April 18, 2009, cleanup at 8:30 a.m.; rallies noon to 3 p.m. Several locations in the Washington, DC area. Celebrate Earth Day by cleaning up along our local streams and keeping trash out of the Anacostia River.
Alexandria Earth Day
2009 Date to be Announced, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Ben Brenman Park. This year’s theme "What's YOUR footprint?” will focus on everyday activities residents can do to reduce their environmental footprint, and will educate residents about how they can make a difference, both locally and globally. Activities include recycling and composting demonstrations, live music, an Arbor Day tree planting, a performance by Blue Sky Puppets, and a “Green Home” Expo.
Montgomery County Earth Day Family Fair
2009 Date to be Announced, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 850 Hungerford Drive, Rockville, Maryland. (240) 777-6400. The event will feature family entertainment, energy-efficient vehicles and earth-friendly crafts. Tours of the County's Recycling Center will be offered with bus transportation departing every 15 minutes. Attendees who make the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Energy Star pledge -- to help save energy and reduce the risks of global warming by replacing at least one light bulb in their homes with an Energy Star one -- will receive a compact fluorescent light bulb. Educational presentations will include information on recycling, waste reduction, buying recycled products and environmentally friendly homes and landscaping.
Patuxent Research Refuge
2009 Date to be Announced, 1 to 4 p.m. Laurel, Maryland. Meet at North Tract Visitor Contact Station. Do your part to help wildlife by weeding, seeding, mulching, and helping with general trail maintenance. Naturalist led walks will also be held.
2009 Earth Day Events
Earth Day on the National Mall
2009 Date to be Announced, noon - 7 p.m. Washington, DC will hold one of the largest Earth Day gatherings in U.S. history – a major day - long event on the National Mall to rally support for national action on global warming. The event, sponsored by Earth Day Network, will feature elected officials and candidates, community speakers, celebrities and major musical acts as well as educational displays and voter registration. Eight, simultaneous events will be held at landmark parks across the country.
National Zoo
2009 Date to be Announced. The Zoo and FONZ will commemorate Earth Day 2008 with a clean up of Rock Creek from 9 to 11 a.m. Volunteers will assist staff of the Zoo, FONZ, and Friends of Rock Creek’s Environment as they collect trash along the banks of Rock Creek near Amazonia and the spectacled bear exhibit at the lower end of the Zoo. Help beautify this important waterway and provide a cleaner habitat for local wildlife. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m.
Potomac Watershed Cleanup
Annual Cleanup Day, April 4, 2009, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. Throughout April, families can help remove trash from one of 276 sites along the Potomac River in Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia.
GreenDC Week Celebration
2009 Date to be Announced, 10 a.m. at Freedom Plaza, 13th Street and Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC. The event showcases environmental and energy exhibits about energy consumption, improving the quality of our air, water, and land and many other environmental topics. The week will includes hands-on fun activities for all ages.
Anacostia Watershed
April 18, 2009, cleanup at 8:30 a.m.; rallies noon to 3 p.m. Several locations in the Washington, DC area. Celebrate Earth Day by cleaning up along our local streams and keeping trash out of the Anacostia River.
Alexandria Earth Day
2009 Date to be Announced, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Ben Brenman Park. This year’s theme "What's YOUR footprint?” will focus on everyday activities residents can do to reduce their environmental footprint, and will educate residents about how they can make a difference, both locally and globally. Activities include recycling and composting demonstrations, live music, an Arbor Day tree planting, a performance by Blue Sky Puppets, and a “Green Home” Expo.
Montgomery County Earth Day Family Fair
2009 Date to be Announced, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 850 Hungerford Drive, Rockville, Maryland. (240) 777-6400. The event will feature family entertainment, energy-efficient vehicles and earth-friendly crafts. Tours of the County's Recycling Center will be offered with bus transportation departing every 15 minutes. Attendees who make the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Energy Star pledge -- to help save energy and reduce the risks of global warming by replacing at least one light bulb in their homes with an Energy Star one -- will receive a compact fluorescent light bulb. Educational presentations will include information on recycling, waste reduction, buying recycled products and environmentally friendly homes and landscaping.
Patuxent Research Refuge
2009 Date to be Announced, 1 to 4 p.m. Laurel, Maryland. Meet at North Tract Visitor Contact Station. Do your part to help wildlife by weeding, seeding, mulching, and helping with general trail maintenance. Naturalist led walks will also be held.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Tips for Teaching Kids to Go Green by CareFair.com
Tips for Teaching Kids to Go Green
We found this article at CareFair.com and thought you might like it, too!
Growing up we were all taught about the importance of not littering, how to recycle, and why it is important to not waste water or electricity. However, the Green Movement has become more involved and now just the basics aren’t enough to keep our planet in good shape. Help your family step up its game by teaching your little ones about what they can do to “go green.”
If you’re the parent of younger children (preschool age), you can start teaching them about going green through the use of food. What better way to teach a lesson than through their stomach? Start out by showing your kids how fruits and vegetables are good for their bodies. Next, have them pick out their favorite ones to eat and show them which parts can be used for compost. This is a great way to show your children that food can be used for other purposes and don’t always have to be tossed in the trash. To help them get exercise while young, it also helps to walk to your destinations when possible. Instead of driving to the park to play, take a short walk, or start a family tradition of walking around the neighborhood a few days out of the week. This keeps your car off the road and not only spares the air but your wallet as well.
Parents of children in grade school can incorporate green ideas into their kids’ daily lives. During this stage in life, children are learning how to brush their own teeth, wash their hands, and maintain good hygiene. Take this time to teach them to get into the habit of turning the water off while they are doing such activities and only turning it back on when it is time to rinse. Your kids can also learn good habits when it comes to turning off the TV or unplugging their computer at night. Leaving a computer or laptop on overnight takes up more energy than you would think and can make a big difference in your utility bill. On that same note, teach your kids to put on a sweater or grab a blanket if they are cold to avoid turning on the heater unnecessarily, or to lose the layers during hot weather so you don’t have to use air conditioning.
As your kids get older (high school), begin showing them how to use organic or all natural versions of their favorite household items and personal care products. This gives the environment a break and will be better for their health in the long run. With these good habits in place, your kids will carry these practices with them to college and into their adult lives when they have their own homes.
We found this article at CareFair.com and thought you might like it, too!
Growing up we were all taught about the importance of not littering, how to recycle, and why it is important to not waste water or electricity. However, the Green Movement has become more involved and now just the basics aren’t enough to keep our planet in good shape. Help your family step up its game by teaching your little ones about what they can do to “go green.”
If you’re the parent of younger children (preschool age), you can start teaching them about going green through the use of food. What better way to teach a lesson than through their stomach? Start out by showing your kids how fruits and vegetables are good for their bodies. Next, have them pick out their favorite ones to eat and show them which parts can be used for compost. This is a great way to show your children that food can be used for other purposes and don’t always have to be tossed in the trash. To help them get exercise while young, it also helps to walk to your destinations when possible. Instead of driving to the park to play, take a short walk, or start a family tradition of walking around the neighborhood a few days out of the week. This keeps your car off the road and not only spares the air but your wallet as well.
Parents of children in grade school can incorporate green ideas into their kids’ daily lives. During this stage in life, children are learning how to brush their own teeth, wash their hands, and maintain good hygiene. Take this time to teach them to get into the habit of turning the water off while they are doing such activities and only turning it back on when it is time to rinse. Your kids can also learn good habits when it comes to turning off the TV or unplugging their computer at night. Leaving a computer or laptop on overnight takes up more energy than you would think and can make a big difference in your utility bill. On that same note, teach your kids to put on a sweater or grab a blanket if they are cold to avoid turning on the heater unnecessarily, or to lose the layers during hot weather so you don’t have to use air conditioning.
As your kids get older (high school), begin showing them how to use organic or all natural versions of their favorite household items and personal care products. This gives the environment a break and will be better for their health in the long run. With these good habits in place, your kids will carry these practices with them to college and into their adult lives when they have their own homes.
eHow article on How to teach your kids to recycle.
We found this article that offers simple tools and tips on how to teach your kids to recycle.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Green Toys™ Inc. Announces 2009 Line of Toys Made in the U.S.A. from Recycled Plastic Milk Containers
Green Toys™ Inc., an innovator in safe, environmentally responsible, US-made children’s products, today announced its spring 2009 product offering. The line will debut at the American International Toy Fair, taking place February 15-18, 2009 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City, booth #1663-E. Green Toys Inc. uses recycled plastic milk containers to make classic toys that save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, all Green Toys™ packaging is made from recyclable corrugated materials.
"For 2009, we're committed to the strategy that served us well in 2008," says Robert von Goeben, co-founder and president of Green Toys Inc. "Our customers say they love Green Toys’ products and want more. We've responded by adding classic new products, while staying true to our core mission of providing the safest US-made, eco-friendly toys."
Green Toys™ products for spring 2009 include a Recycling Truck, Dump Truck, Tool Kit, EcoSaucer™ Flying Disc and Jump Rope. Winners of numerous awards, Green Toys’ products have proven themselves as best-sellers at a wide variety of retail outlets. The company’s offering continues to include the multi-award winning Green Toys™ Tea Set, Cookware and Dining Set, Sand Play Set and Indoor Gardening Kit.
Last year Green Toys brand toys received many top accolades, including being named one of Parenting Magazine’s 2008 Toys of the Year and Dr. Toy’s Green Toy Company of the Year Award.
Green Toys products continue to achieve the highest standards in toy safety by assuring its toys contain no BPA, phthalates or lead paint, and comply with the new strict standards of the Consumer Products Safety Improvement Act of 2008.
Being “green” also means doing business locally. All Green Toys Inc. operations are located within close proximity of one another in Northern California, which helps reduce its carbon footprint by avoiding long transportation distances.
About Green Toys
Green Toys Inc. was created to provide an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional plastic toys while making an effort to improve and preserve the world around us. Green Toys’ classic toys promote recycling, save energy and greenhouse gas emissions, and help increase the overall health and happiness of the planet. More information is available about Green Toys by clicking HERE.
"For 2009, we're committed to the strategy that served us well in 2008," says Robert von Goeben, co-founder and president of Green Toys Inc. "Our customers say they love Green Toys’ products and want more. We've responded by adding classic new products, while staying true to our core mission of providing the safest US-made, eco-friendly toys."
Green Toys™ products for spring 2009 include a Recycling Truck, Dump Truck, Tool Kit, EcoSaucer™ Flying Disc and Jump Rope. Winners of numerous awards, Green Toys’ products have proven themselves as best-sellers at a wide variety of retail outlets. The company’s offering continues to include the multi-award winning Green Toys™ Tea Set, Cookware and Dining Set, Sand Play Set and Indoor Gardening Kit.
Last year Green Toys brand toys received many top accolades, including being named one of Parenting Magazine’s 2008 Toys of the Year and Dr. Toy’s Green Toy Company of the Year Award.
Green Toys products continue to achieve the highest standards in toy safety by assuring its toys contain no BPA, phthalates or lead paint, and comply with the new strict standards of the Consumer Products Safety Improvement Act of 2008.
Being “green” also means doing business locally. All Green Toys Inc. operations are located within close proximity of one another in Northern California, which helps reduce its carbon footprint by avoiding long transportation distances.
About Green Toys
Green Toys Inc. was created to provide an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional plastic toys while making an effort to improve and preserve the world around us. Green Toys’ classic toys promote recycling, save energy and greenhouse gas emissions, and help increase the overall health and happiness of the planet. More information is available about Green Toys by clicking HERE.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Virginia Naturally - Carbon Footprint Calculator
CLICK HERE to be taken to the Virginia Naturally carbon footprint calculators. What is your footprint?
Monday, January 12, 2009
A PLEDGE FOR OUR PLANET
Evidence shows that man-made greenhouse gas emissions cause Global Warming. But did you also know that the average American causes 40,000 pounds of harmful CO2 emissions to be released into the Earth's atmosphere each year? That's a whole lot of gas!
There are simple actions we can all take to help curb Global Warming. The Lick Global Warming Campaign is all about people taking ACTION. Here are two actions you can take to be part of the solution:
Take Action! Make a personal commitment to reduce your annual CO2 emissions by 5% or 2000 lbs.
Talk Action! Give voice to your concerns. Tell Congress that you’re doing your part and they need to do theirs.
Click HERE to be taken to the Lick Global Warming page that includes a table with which you can determine how you can make a difference!
There are simple actions we can all take to help curb Global Warming. The Lick Global Warming Campaign is all about people taking ACTION. Here are two actions you can take to be part of the solution:
Take Action! Make a personal commitment to reduce your annual CO2 emissions by 5% or 2000 lbs.
Talk Action! Give voice to your concerns. Tell Congress that you’re doing your part and they need to do theirs.
Click HERE to be taken to the Lick Global Warming page that includes a table with which you can determine how you can make a difference!
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