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.
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