Happy Holidays! As Christmas approaches we are wrapping up the year and getting ready for 2009.
We've finalized our meetings dates for 2009, all of them are held at the Village Lifestyles (10429-79 avenue) Community Meetings between 7 - 9:30pm, Business Meetings between 10am - 12 pm.
If we have details beside the date that means we have speakers or topics booked, but the blank dates are open for suggestions. If there is something you've been dying to know more about, or if you would like to do a presentation, please let us know by email maureen (at) e-sage.ca!
Community Meetings (7 - 9:30pm)
January 23
February 11
February 26 - Michael Shuman, Author of the Small-Mart Revolution will be giving a public talk on the importance of buying local, and the impact our habits have on local economics.
March 11
March 31 - Peter Brown, an ecological economist, is doing a tour to promote his new book - "Right Relationship: Building a Whole Earth Economy" (Berret-Koehler) His four co-authors, including environmental law consultant Geoffrey Garver, are all members of the Moral Economy Project, a Quaker initiative to promote a new vision of economics, that promotes environmental stewardship.
May 8
June 10
July 7
August 5
September 10
October 2
November 2
December 11 - E-SAGE 2nd Anniversary
Business Meetings (10am - 12pm)
This year we have lots of ideas of what we could do at the business meetings, but we are open to ideas from you. We know there are already lots of excellent resources for small business owners who want more information on day to day operations (BusinessLink) or networking events (Chamber of Commerce). But what do you want to get out of an E-SAGE business meeting? Why do you come? We have some ideas of our own what could happen at these meetings but we would like your feedback. Email us at maureen (at) e-sage.ca
Should we have a few tradeshows where you can showcase your products or services to the E-SAGE members?
How about a job fair to match up people who want sustainable careers, with opportunities waiting for someone to make it happen?
Is anyone interested in working with the City to do a focus group and develop policies for promoting local independant businesses? This would tie in with Michael Shuman's work with the BALLE organizations in the USA.
We would like to build a skills inventory along with the Sustainable Business Directory. Is that something you are interested in helping us develop?
January 26
February 24
March 26
April 24
May 25
June 22
July 21
August 20
September 18
October 16
November 16
Thanks again to the over 300 people who have come to meetings, spread the word about our group, and supported us over the past year. We look forward to seeing you in the new year!
Best Wishes for the holiday season and an joyful & abundant 2009!
Maureen, Terra & Tad
Monday, December 22, 2008
Thursday, December 18, 2008
After the Party...
Well, our party was a great event. We had about 60 or so people come and go through the night. There was great music and entertainment, fabulous potluck food, wonderful local beer and wine, plus other holiday favorites.
Special thanks to Terra for all her help in organizing the event it wouldn't have been possible without her dedication and attention to detail!
Thanks also to Nina who came and helped set up for the evening, and to our "doormen" & bartenders Ron & Laura Berezan, and Laura Kate Jeffreys. Thanks also to our DJ - Pat from Joy One and all the muscians who came and entertained us - Tophie & Jenika, Nineca and Gord Oaks, Jill & her uke, & Khadija.
The silent auction was a success too - we raised about $1500 - which will go towards paying the rent for our meeting space for 2009. We appreciate the beautiful space provided by the Village, and thank them for their support over the past year.
Thanks to everyone who donated items to the auction, and thanks to everyone who bid on the items and helped us raise this money!
Seasons Greetings!
Maureen, Terra & Tad
Special thanks to Terra for all her help in organizing the event it wouldn't have been possible without her dedication and attention to detail!
Thanks also to Nina who came and helped set up for the evening, and to our "doormen" & bartenders Ron & Laura Berezan, and Laura Kate Jeffreys. Thanks also to our DJ - Pat from Joy One and all the muscians who came and entertained us - Tophie & Jenika, Nineca and Gord Oaks, Jill & her uke, & Khadija.
The silent auction was a success too - we raised about $1500 - which will go towards paying the rent for our meeting space for 2009. We appreciate the beautiful space provided by the Village, and thank them for their support over the past year.
Thanks to everyone who donated items to the auction, and thanks to everyone who bid on the items and helped us raise this money!
Seasons Greetings!
Maureen, Terra & Tad
Sunday, December 7, 2008
E-SAGE is 1 Year Old!
Well it's finally happened, we've been around for 1 year, and we couldn't have done it without you! So come and celebrate with us.
Party Details:
Date: Thursday December 11, 2008
Time: 6:00 – 11:30 pm
Place: Village Lifestyles
10429 – 79 Avenue
The potluck dinner starts at 6:00. We will have local wine from En Sante Winery, (including a dinner session about wine pairing and fruit wines) and local beer from Amber’s Brewing. We will also have live music and entertainment for your enjoyment. Bidding for the silent auction closes at 9:00 pm.
And for those of you have been looking for a way to support us to grow and do more in the coming year, now is your chance. We are having a silent auction to help raise funds for basic operations and building the online directory. If you have a business and could donate an item to the silent auction, please let us know by Dec 8 by replying to this email or calling 780.435.5683. If you need more information or reasons to donate, keep reading...
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Good Day!
We’re writing to invite your support for e-sage in helping us create a vital financial nest egg (without giving us a dime)
Seriously. We’re not asking for money.
There’s a way you help us (in a big way) and it will only take you about 5 minutes but could help us make big strides towards becoming more financially stable.
Here’s the deal:
Up until now we’ve done all our work (more on that below) through passing the hat at our meetings. However, to keep it up and take this group to the next level, we need to generate an operating fund.
Why? The main reason is that we want to be able to hire people to work on E-SAGE as a full time basis – not just a volunteer venture. A paid staff person will then have the time to do the more substantial work of grassroots fundraising and grant-writing.
So – here’s how you can help:
On Dec 11th we’re holding a silent auction at our anniversary party.
We’ve chosen to approach local independent businesses like yours because the unique products and services you offer appeal to our members. This is a great way to promote your product or service and a practical way to encourage people to shop locally.
Could you donate an item for the silent auction? If so, we need to pick it up by December 8, 2008, and would appreciate if you could include a slip of paper with the item that lists this information:
- your company name and contact info
- the name and description of the item being donated
- the approximate value of your donation
Two good reasons to donate something . . .
You might get more business for yourself. If you have your own product or service, this is an inexpensive way to promote it to a lot of new people (who may be just your kind of client). Silent auctions can be a great way to get exposure and also reduces anxiety for people who want to try something new.
It’s an easy way you can support Edmonton’s Green Economy without needing to donate any money (of course – financial donations are welcome as well). For the past year, E-SAGE has been one of the only groups in Edmonton providing consistent & energizing opportunities for green business owners and passionate people to gather and network about sustainable alternatives. And we think that’s worth celebrating (and supporting).
Who or what is E-SAGE?
This abbreviation stands for Edmontonians Supporting A Green Economy. E-SAGE is an Edmonton-based network that encourages Edmonton area businesses and community members to become greener, to think local first, and to make informed socially-responsible choices in the ways that they earn and spend their money. We work to support them in contributing to the development of a vibrant local living economy, community and environment through networking events and workshops.
What do we do?
We do what we say we will do.
When we started this group, we asked our members what they wanted most. Their top 3 wishes were:
to network with like-minded people.
to find out what others are doing, or where to find “green” businesses.
to DO something, not just talk about it.
We inspire people. Our meetings are energizing. People meet others they can REALLY talk to and connect with. In less than 1 year our mailing list has grown to over 320 members, and our Facebook group has over 480 members.
We educate and empower people. Our monthly meetings cover topics ranging from urban gardening, greening your home, eco-villages, alternative energy, local economics & business to the 100 mile diet. We are building an online directory of sustainable businesses, products, services, organizations and resources to help people take daily action on their decision to live more sustainably.
We support events & organizations that are making a difference.
We worked with the City, and Keep Edmonton Original to have November 2008 proclaimed as “Shop Local First” Month.
We worked with the Greater Edmonton Alliance to bring 600 people out to the hearings to preserve Edmonton’s agricultural lands at city hall on November 12, 2008.
We promote community events for other groups like the Sierra Club, ESPA, and help to bring in world-class speakers like Kevin Danahar, Michael Shuman and others.
Thanks you so much for your contribution,
Maureen, Terra & Tad
E-SAGE
maureen@e-sage.ca
780.435.5683
P.S. not sure what you could donate? It could be any product or service you think that a progressive minded crowd would appreciate. Here are some examples of other items being donated:
2 hour “Breakfast Conversation” with Mark Anielski –author of “The Economics of Happiness” at the Sugar Bowl. Approx value $300.
1 hour “Urban Landscape Consultation” with Ron Berezan, “The Urban Farmer”. Approx value $150.
½ hour “Marketing Consultations” with Tad Hargrave of “Radical Business”. Six sessions valued at $100 each.
1 hour Sustainability Consultation (for technology, economics, development and investment) With Joey Hundert. Approximate value $200.
Party Details:
Date: Thursday December 11, 2008
Time: 6:00 – 11:30 pm
Place: Village Lifestyles
10429 – 79 Avenue
The potluck dinner starts at 6:00. We will have local wine from En Sante Winery, (including a dinner session about wine pairing and fruit wines) and local beer from Amber’s Brewing. We will also have live music and entertainment for your enjoyment. Bidding for the silent auction closes at 9:00 pm.
And for those of you have been looking for a way to support us to grow and do more in the coming year, now is your chance. We are having a silent auction to help raise funds for basic operations and building the online directory. If you have a business and could donate an item to the silent auction, please let us know by Dec 8 by replying to this email or calling 780.435.5683. If you need more information or reasons to donate, keep reading...
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Good Day!
We’re writing to invite your support for e-sage in helping us create a vital financial nest egg (without giving us a dime)
Seriously. We’re not asking for money.
There’s a way you help us (in a big way) and it will only take you about 5 minutes but could help us make big strides towards becoming more financially stable.
Here’s the deal:
Up until now we’ve done all our work (more on that below) through passing the hat at our meetings. However, to keep it up and take this group to the next level, we need to generate an operating fund.
Why? The main reason is that we want to be able to hire people to work on E-SAGE as a full time basis – not just a volunteer venture. A paid staff person will then have the time to do the more substantial work of grassroots fundraising and grant-writing.
So – here’s how you can help:
On Dec 11th we’re holding a silent auction at our anniversary party.
We’ve chosen to approach local independent businesses like yours because the unique products and services you offer appeal to our members. This is a great way to promote your product or service and a practical way to encourage people to shop locally.
Could you donate an item for the silent auction? If so, we need to pick it up by December 8, 2008, and would appreciate if you could include a slip of paper with the item that lists this information:
- your company name and contact info
- the name and description of the item being donated
- the approximate value of your donation
Two good reasons to donate something . . .
You might get more business for yourself. If you have your own product or service, this is an inexpensive way to promote it to a lot of new people (who may be just your kind of client). Silent auctions can be a great way to get exposure and also reduces anxiety for people who want to try something new.
It’s an easy way you can support Edmonton’s Green Economy without needing to donate any money (of course – financial donations are welcome as well). For the past year, E-SAGE has been one of the only groups in Edmonton providing consistent & energizing opportunities for green business owners and passionate people to gather and network about sustainable alternatives. And we think that’s worth celebrating (and supporting).
Who or what is E-SAGE?
This abbreviation stands for Edmontonians Supporting A Green Economy. E-SAGE is an Edmonton-based network that encourages Edmonton area businesses and community members to become greener, to think local first, and to make informed socially-responsible choices in the ways that they earn and spend their money. We work to support them in contributing to the development of a vibrant local living economy, community and environment through networking events and workshops.
What do we do?
We do what we say we will do.
When we started this group, we asked our members what they wanted most. Their top 3 wishes were:
to network with like-minded people.
to find out what others are doing, or where to find “green” businesses.
to DO something, not just talk about it.
We inspire people. Our meetings are energizing. People meet others they can REALLY talk to and connect with. In less than 1 year our mailing list has grown to over 320 members, and our Facebook group has over 480 members.
We educate and empower people. Our monthly meetings cover topics ranging from urban gardening, greening your home, eco-villages, alternative energy, local economics & business to the 100 mile diet. We are building an online directory of sustainable businesses, products, services, organizations and resources to help people take daily action on their decision to live more sustainably.
We support events & organizations that are making a difference.
We worked with the City, and Keep Edmonton Original to have November 2008 proclaimed as “Shop Local First” Month.
We worked with the Greater Edmonton Alliance to bring 600 people out to the hearings to preserve Edmonton’s agricultural lands at city hall on November 12, 2008.
We promote community events for other groups like the Sierra Club, ESPA, and help to bring in world-class speakers like Kevin Danahar, Michael Shuman and others.
Thanks you so much for your contribution,
Maureen, Terra & Tad
E-SAGE
maureen@e-sage.ca
780.435.5683
P.S. not sure what you could donate? It could be any product or service you think that a progressive minded crowd would appreciate. Here are some examples of other items being donated:
2 hour “Breakfast Conversation” with Mark Anielski –author of “The Economics of Happiness” at the Sugar Bowl. Approx value $300.
1 hour “Urban Landscape Consultation” with Ron Berezan, “The Urban Farmer”. Approx value $150.
½ hour “Marketing Consultations” with Tad Hargrave of “Radical Business”. Six sessions valued at $100 each.
1 hour Sustainability Consultation (for technology, economics, development and investment) With Joey Hundert. Approximate value $200.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Update on the city council hearings Wednesday night.
Thank you to everyone who was able to come out to city hall! It was humbing and energizing to see so many concerned citizens exercising thier democratic rights. Based on news reports there were between 550 and 600 of us there! Not since the decisions about expanding West Edmonton Mall have there been that many people at city hall.
It seems as though our presence and presentations have had an impact. Three city councilors have asked for further information and a specific plan for preserving high yield farmland.
Thanks to everyone who made passionate and intelligent presentations in favor or preserving the agricultural areas and pointing out the need for gathering more information about how Edmonton can be sustainable in the decades to come.
There has been a good amount of press on this issue and awareness is growing about what is happening in our city - which is great. I have put links to media stories and to updates from the Greater Edmonton Alliance facebook group. If you know of any others you think people would want to see, send to me to add to this page at maureen@e-sage.ca
We will keep you posted on any other developments. This is only a beginning, but it is a great one.
Thank you again for your support!
Maureen, Terra & Tad
----------------------------------
Media
Edmonton's defining moment (pdf)
Edmonton Journal - Nov 13/08 (pdf)
Edmonton Journal - Nov 14/08 (pdf)
Edmonton Journal - Scott McKeen (Nov 14/08) (pdf) or click here (link)
Global TV - Nov 13/08 (link)
This Land is our Land (GEA Facebook Group)
E-sage (facebook group)
It seems as though our presence and presentations have had an impact. Three city councilors have asked for further information and a specific plan for preserving high yield farmland.
Thanks to everyone who made passionate and intelligent presentations in favor or preserving the agricultural areas and pointing out the need for gathering more information about how Edmonton can be sustainable in the decades to come.
There has been a good amount of press on this issue and awareness is growing about what is happening in our city - which is great. I have put links to media stories and to updates from the Greater Edmonton Alliance facebook group. If you know of any others you think people would want to see, send to me to add to this page at maureen@e-sage.ca
We will keep you posted on any other developments. This is only a beginning, but it is a great one.
Thank you again for your support!
Maureen, Terra & Tad
----------------------------------
Media
Edmonton's defining moment (pdf)
Edmonton Journal - Nov 13/08 (pdf)
Edmonton Journal - Nov 14/08 (pdf)
Edmonton Journal - Scott McKeen (Nov 14/08) (pdf) or click here (link)
Global TV - Nov 13/08 (link)
This Land is our Land (GEA Facebook Group)
E-sage (facebook group)
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Important Upcoming Event!!
The city council hearings on the Municipal Development Plan next Wednesday night at 7pm. One of the items to be discussed are the plans for rezoning of the agricultural lands surrounding the city. If you haven't heard about this yet - there is more information below.
If you have heard about it, you may be confused about all the different information you are getting. Some people have said there never were any evening public hearings, some have said they were cancelled, and others have said that they were rescheduled.
The latest information we have from the city clerk's office is that a recommendation has been made for city council to extend the hearings on Wednesday until 9:30pm to allow working people to give their input on the Municipal Development Plan.
Should you be at City Hall next Wednesday, Nov 12 at 7pm? The answer is YES!!
We have handed out 5000 flyers about this event, and sent out hundreds of emails and invitations through facebook and other groups. We need to have hundreds of citizens there to show council that we expect them to do some research before making such an important decision.
Why should you be at City Hall next Wednesday? Here are some reasons...
- The city of Edmonton and surrounding areas is home to over 1 million people
- studies show that it takes approximately 640 acres to grow enough food to feed 1000 people, so based on our population, we would need 640,000 acres to be self-sufficient.
- the farmland in the NE is 12,000 acres, the farmland in the SW is about 6,000 acres
- this land is considered THE BEST soil in the province, it is a microclimate that gives an extra 2 week growing season, and it is right near the river for easy irrigation if required
- farmers and market gardeners like Riverbend gardens and Kuhlmans are located in that farmland. They own some of the land and rent some from from land speculators who have bought up about 40% of the land
- even at current limited production levels, they supply about 5% of Edmonton's fresh produce market
- We import about 80% of our food
- Imported food needs to be processed, packaged and preserved to survive shipping. All of these processes reduce its nutrient value.
- We have about 3 days worth of food on the grocery store shelves
- Most produce/fruit is picked at least 2 weeks before we buy it at the store
- Most of our food is transported a minimum of 1500 kms The average Canadian food item travels 2000 km from field to fork
- most transport trucks run on diesel fuel, which is being rationed in Alberta, (in some places truckers are limited to buying 250 litres at a time)
- multinational corporations that control the global food supply depend on healthy credit markets to finance their operations which includes shipping the food. Credit collapses are becoming more frequent of late
- 40% of the farmland in the NE is owned by land speculators. These people buy land, wait for it to go up in value, then sell it - usually to developers or corporations. The only way they can see to make money on this land is to use it for something other than farming.
- the land speculators we met with had no interest in working with us to find ways to preserve farmland
- City council is considering rezoning the agricultural land to industrial or for residential development
- City Council has never turned down a request to rezone agricultural land
- The municipal Development plan is over 120 pages. Food security is mentioned in 3 sentences.
- Many of the City Councillors we met with did not think protecting farmland was their concern
Do you understand our concern?
If so, we hope to see you at city hall next Wednesday, Nov 12 at 7 pm. It occurs to me that this is the day after Rememberance Day, there has to be some irony in there somewhere.
If you have heard about it, you may be confused about all the different information you are getting. Some people have said there never were any evening public hearings, some have said they were cancelled, and others have said that they were rescheduled.
The latest information we have from the city clerk's office is that a recommendation has been made for city council to extend the hearings on Wednesday until 9:30pm to allow working people to give their input on the Municipal Development Plan.
Should you be at City Hall next Wednesday, Nov 12 at 7pm? The answer is YES!!
We have handed out 5000 flyers about this event, and sent out hundreds of emails and invitations through facebook and other groups. We need to have hundreds of citizens there to show council that we expect them to do some research before making such an important decision.
Why should you be at City Hall next Wednesday? Here are some reasons...
- The city of Edmonton and surrounding areas is home to over 1 million people
- studies show that it takes approximately 640 acres to grow enough food to feed 1000 people, so based on our population, we would need 640,000 acres to be self-sufficient.
- the farmland in the NE is 12,000 acres, the farmland in the SW is about 6,000 acres
- this land is considered THE BEST soil in the province, it is a microclimate that gives an extra 2 week growing season, and it is right near the river for easy irrigation if required
- farmers and market gardeners like Riverbend gardens and Kuhlmans are located in that farmland. They own some of the land and rent some from from land speculators who have bought up about 40% of the land
- even at current limited production levels, they supply about 5% of Edmonton's fresh produce market
- We import about 80% of our food
- Imported food needs to be processed, packaged and preserved to survive shipping. All of these processes reduce its nutrient value.
- We have about 3 days worth of food on the grocery store shelves
- Most produce/fruit is picked at least 2 weeks before we buy it at the store
- Most of our food is transported a minimum of 1500 kms The average Canadian food item travels 2000 km from field to fork
- most transport trucks run on diesel fuel, which is being rationed in Alberta, (in some places truckers are limited to buying 250 litres at a time)
- multinational corporations that control the global food supply depend on healthy credit markets to finance their operations which includes shipping the food. Credit collapses are becoming more frequent of late
- 40% of the farmland in the NE is owned by land speculators. These people buy land, wait for it to go up in value, then sell it - usually to developers or corporations. The only way they can see to make money on this land is to use it for something other than farming.
- the land speculators we met with had no interest in working with us to find ways to preserve farmland
- City council is considering rezoning the agricultural land to industrial or for residential development
- City Council has never turned down a request to rezone agricultural land
- The municipal Development plan is over 120 pages. Food security is mentioned in 3 sentences.
- Many of the City Councillors we met with did not think protecting farmland was their concern
Do you understand our concern?
If so, we hope to see you at city hall next Wednesday, Nov 12 at 7 pm. It occurs to me that this is the day after Rememberance Day, there has to be some irony in there somewhere.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Food Basket Update
Here is an update on the Food Action that happened on September 20. It was a great success! Thanks to everyone who signed up for a basket and came to pick it up. There were about 290 of us there, showing our support for the local farmers, and learning more about our place in the food system.
Well that was just the beginning...
The Background
As many of you know, a local food system is very important for the sustainability of a city, and we need your help to ensure that our city has a sustainable food supply. As it stands, we currently import about 80% of our food. With the rising cost of fuel, climate change, health concerns and economic unstability across the border - it makes sense to start focusing on a local food strategy.
There are 12,000 acres of prime farmland just northeast of Edmonton. Food for almost half of the population of Edmonton could be provided, with that much land. This land has class 1 soil and a micro-climate that provides a longer growing season. Kuhlmans, Vissers and many other families who vend at the farmers markets have had gardens in the area for decades.
The Issue
This land was annexed by the city 20 years ago, and now it is under threat of development.
In Mid-November our city council will make a decision whether to rezone the land from agricultural to industrial, which will allow upgraders and other industrial development to proceed.
By supporting the work of The Greater Edmonton Alliance, E-SAGE hopes to try and convince council to give permanent agricultural status to this land, & prevent it from being developed in to a "Nisku North" or additional housing.
The Action
If you are at all concerned about a sustainable, local food supply for you and your family, we ask you to give some of your time to help with this initiative. This is an opportunity for you to make a difference by just showing up.
Wednesday, November 12 @ 6:45pm - council hearings on this issue. We will need people to attend the city council hearings and fill council chambers when this issue is going to be discussed. We will be meeting on the big stairs at city hall - downtown Edmonton.
If you care about the long term future of food production & food security in Edmonton, this land is a critical piece. This is an issue that will impact our region & local food production for the rest of our lives. It may well be the most important decision this city council faces.
If we can get the right people involved and act in an organized, strategic manner, we feel this land is something we can protect for future agricultural purposes.
I know many of you are the right people to be involved in this. If you are interested in participating in these hearings, please reply to this message, and we will give you further information about the meeting times and places.
Thanks for your support,
Want more information about what others have to say about sustainable food supplies? Here's an article from the NY Times you might find interesting. http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/12/magazine/12policy-t.html?_r=2&ref=magazine&oref=slogin&oref=slogin
Well that was just the beginning...
The Background
As many of you know, a local food system is very important for the sustainability of a city, and we need your help to ensure that our city has a sustainable food supply. As it stands, we currently import about 80% of our food. With the rising cost of fuel, climate change, health concerns and economic unstability across the border - it makes sense to start focusing on a local food strategy.
There are 12,000 acres of prime farmland just northeast of Edmonton. Food for almost half of the population of Edmonton could be provided, with that much land. This land has class 1 soil and a micro-climate that provides a longer growing season. Kuhlmans, Vissers and many other families who vend at the farmers markets have had gardens in the area for decades.
The Issue
This land was annexed by the city 20 years ago, and now it is under threat of development.
In Mid-November our city council will make a decision whether to rezone the land from agricultural to industrial, which will allow upgraders and other industrial development to proceed.
By supporting the work of The Greater Edmonton Alliance, E-SAGE hopes to try and convince council to give permanent agricultural status to this land, & prevent it from being developed in to a "Nisku North" or additional housing.
The Action
If you are at all concerned about a sustainable, local food supply for you and your family, we ask you to give some of your time to help with this initiative. This is an opportunity for you to make a difference by just showing up.
Wednesday, November 12 @ 6:45pm - council hearings on this issue. We will need people to attend the city council hearings and fill council chambers when this issue is going to be discussed. We will be meeting on the big stairs at city hall - downtown Edmonton.
If you care about the long term future of food production & food security in Edmonton, this land is a critical piece. This is an issue that will impact our region & local food production for the rest of our lives. It may well be the most important decision this city council faces.
If we can get the right people involved and act in an organized, strategic manner, we feel this land is something we can protect for future agricultural purposes.
I know many of you are the right people to be involved in this. If you are interested in participating in these hearings, please reply to this message, and we will give you further information about the meeting times and places.
Thanks for your support,
Want more information about what others have to say about sustainable food supplies? Here's an article from the NY Times you might find interesting. http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/12/magazine/12policy-t.html?_r=2&ref=magazine&oref=slogin&oref=slogin
Monday, October 20, 2008
Michael Shuman Events Cancelled!
Hello everyone!
I have disappointing news. We just heard from Michael Shuman at the airport in California. He does not have his passport - so he cannot board his plane.
Therefore, we will be rescheduling his visits to the new year.
This means that all 4 events are cancelled:
October 20, public talk at the University of Alberta at 7pm
October 21, entreprenuers talk at Village Lifestyles from 9 - 11 am
October 21, special afternoon business session downtown from 1 - 3 pm
October 21, private dinner at the Blue Pear from 7 - 10pm
Anyone who bought tickets is entitled to a full refund - we were at the door in front of TL-B1 tonight to give refunds, and if you missed that, you can go to Earth's General Store tomorrow after lunch to get your refund - bring your ticket with you.
Sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused!
We will reschedule this event for some time in mid to late January so keep checking back fro updates.
Maureen, Tad & Terra
I have disappointing news. We just heard from Michael Shuman at the airport in California. He does not have his passport - so he cannot board his plane.
Therefore, we will be rescheduling his visits to the new year.
This means that all 4 events are cancelled:
October 20, public talk at the University of Alberta at 7pm
October 21, entreprenuers talk at Village Lifestyles from 9 - 11 am
October 21, special afternoon business session downtown from 1 - 3 pm
October 21, private dinner at the Blue Pear from 7 - 10pm
Anyone who bought tickets is entitled to a full refund - we were at the door in front of TL-B1 tonight to give refunds, and if you missed that, you can go to Earth's General Store tomorrow after lunch to get your refund - bring your ticket with you.
Sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused!
We will reschedule this event for some time in mid to late January so keep checking back fro updates.
Maureen, Tad & Terra
Friday, October 10, 2008
Michael Shuman
Michael Shuman: A Voice Leading the Small-Mart Revolution
For the past 25 years, lawyer, author and economist Michael Shuman has been an articulate voice of clarity in the rapidly growing Small-Mart Revolution. He has been taking on the Wal-Mart style Goliaths of multinational, big box chains and championing the local Small-Marts. Over the past 25 years Shuman has given an average of more than one invited talk a week – to universities, cities, legislators, economic development groups, and grassroots groups in nearly a dozen countries.
His work turns traditional ideas around Local Economic Development on their head and systematically challenges the assumptions of old, worn out models to show how we can live greener, more creatively, wealthier, happier and healthier lives by 'going local first'. Think you need to attract a big box store to your community to generate jobs and money?
Think again.
You've probably never heard of him - but his work is recognized as some of the most important written about the role that small, locally-owned business can play in creating a vibrant, local living economy.
He is the vice president for Enterprise Development for the Training and Development Corporation (TDC) of Bucksport, Maine. He has authored, coauthored, and edited seven books, including “The Small Mart Revolution: How Local Businesses are Beating the Global Competition” (Berrett-Koehler, 2006) and “Going Local: Creating Self-Reliant Communities in the Global Age” (Free Press, 1998). The Small-Mart Revolution was just awarded a bronze medal for best business book by the Independent Publishers' Association.
In recent years Shuman has led community-based economic-development efforts in St. Lawrence County (NY), Hudson Valley (NY), Katahdin Region (ME), Martha's Vineyard (MA), and Carbondale (CO). He is currently preparing studies on state business subsidies for the Kellogg Foundation and on global models of local food businesses for the Gates Foundation. He served as a senior editor for the recently published Encyclopedia of Community. And he is a cofounder and active participant in the Business Alliance for Local Living Economies (BALLE) and a founder of Bay Friendly Chicken, a community-owned company located in Salisbury, Maryland.
Shuman received an A.B. with distinction in economics and international relations from Stanford University and a J.D. from
Stanford Law School.
Why support Local independent business?
Because a San Francisco study compared the impact of $1 million spent at a local bookstore VS a national chain and found that just a 10% shift in spending to independent business would result in $192 million in increased economic activity and 1300 new jobs! You don’t have to change WHAT you buy, just WHERE you buy it!
It has been shown that local businesses redistribute about 65 – 75% of their profits in the community, while global businesses only contribute 15% of their profits to the local economy. Therefore, money spent at a local business has 3 times more economic benefit to the local economy than money spent at a global retailer.
A healthy local independent business community is the key to developing a sustainable economy. The City of Edmonton has indicated a keen interest in being a leader in sustainable practices. Take the opportunity to attend a special presentation with Michael Shuman - an expert in developing policies and strategies that encourage sustainable local economies.
E-SAGE*, (Edmontonians Supporting A Green Economy) are proud to announce that renowned local economies expert and author, Michael Shuman will be in Edmonton for 3 Exclusive, “Small Mart Revolution” Events, October 20 - 21, 2008.
Monday, October 20th
WHEN: 7:00 to 9:30 pm
WHERE: University of Alberta, Tory Lecture Building (room TL-B1)
COST: Tickets on a sliding scale from $10 - $20, available at Earth’s General Store and at the door.
Sure - Walmart's an easy target.
So are the rest of the multi-national chain stores.
And buying local is important.
But why?
What do we tell our friends who say, "But Walmart brings in jobs! And
it's lower prices mean that the poor can afford things. Are you
against the poor?"
Come and hear a compelling perspective to address your niggling doubts
and wonderings in the whole "global vs. local" debate.
Tuesday, October 21st
Small Business Session:
While business tends to be painted as the enemy of the environment and social justice – there is actually a powerful role that local, independent businesses can play that non-profits can’t. The Small Marts can be a much more powerful force for social change than many entrepreneurs realize.
WHEN: 9am – 11pm
WHERE: Village Lifestyles (10429-79 Avenue)
COST: Suggested Donation of $5 - $15
This event includes:
- the often overlooked and underestimated role for small business in developing a sustainable local economy
- examples of what local networks of independent and sustainable businesses have done to create prosperity and social change in their communities
- planning next steps KEO and E-SAGE members can take to develop our own sustainable business network
- networking with other cool, local entrepreneurs
Tuesday, October 21st
Invitation Only “Local Economic Leaders Forum”:
We’ll spend an afternoon delving into high-level, cutting edge perspectives, studies and findings about how to foster a thriving and sustainable local economy.
WHEN: 1pm – 3pm
WHERE: 10303 - Jasper Avenue, Canadian Room (basement)
COST: Please be our guest
DRESS CODE: Business casual, pants and shirt is fine, no tie required
This event includes an exploration into:
- how the rising price of oil, the rapidly growing ‘green economy’, the trend towards ‘shop local first’, an inefficient global distribution systems and decline of the U.S. dollar (plus more than a half dozen other specific trends) are increasing the competitiveness of small business around the world.
- cutting-edge perspectives on what we can do to capitalize on these trends in Edmonton.
- A chance to get relevant economic information and recommendations for proven policies and strategies for Edmonton from Michael Shuman.
Tuesday, October 21st
Invitation Only “Local Economic Leaders Dinner Party”: Enjoy an exclusive and intimate dinner with Michael Shuman at one of Edmonton’s finest independent local restaurants – The Blue Pear.
WHEN: 7pm – 10pm
WHERE: The Blue Pear Restaurant (10643 - 123 street)
COST: To Be Determined
Dress code: Monday evening, jeans would be fine.
This event includes an opportunity to:
- discuss your ideas and questions directly with Michael Shuman and the other VIP guests
- experience local dining at one of Edmonton’s excellent independent restaurants
For the past 25 years, lawyer, author and economist Michael Shuman has been an articulate voice of clarity in the rapidly growing Small-Mart Revolution. He has been taking on the Wal-Mart style Goliaths of multinational, big box chains and championing the local Small-Marts. Over the past 25 years Shuman has given an average of more than one invited talk a week – to universities, cities, legislators, economic development groups, and grassroots groups in nearly a dozen countries.
His work turns traditional ideas around Local Economic Development on their head and systematically challenges the assumptions of old, worn out models to show how we can live greener, more creatively, wealthier, happier and healthier lives by 'going local first'. Think you need to attract a big box store to your community to generate jobs and money?
Think again.
You've probably never heard of him - but his work is recognized as some of the most important written about the role that small, locally-owned business can play in creating a vibrant, local living economy.
He is the vice president for Enterprise Development for the Training and Development Corporation (TDC) of Bucksport, Maine. He has authored, coauthored, and edited seven books, including “The Small Mart Revolution: How Local Businesses are Beating the Global Competition” (Berrett-Koehler, 2006) and “Going Local: Creating Self-Reliant Communities in the Global Age” (Free Press, 1998). The Small-Mart Revolution was just awarded a bronze medal for best business book by the Independent Publishers' Association.
In recent years Shuman has led community-based economic-development efforts in St. Lawrence County (NY), Hudson Valley (NY), Katahdin Region (ME), Martha's Vineyard (MA), and Carbondale (CO). He is currently preparing studies on state business subsidies for the Kellogg Foundation and on global models of local food businesses for the Gates Foundation. He served as a senior editor for the recently published Encyclopedia of Community. And he is a cofounder and active participant in the Business Alliance for Local Living Economies (BALLE) and a founder of Bay Friendly Chicken, a community-owned company located in Salisbury, Maryland.
Shuman received an A.B. with distinction in economics and international relations from Stanford University and a J.D. from
Stanford Law School.
Why support Local independent business?
Because a San Francisco study compared the impact of $1 million spent at a local bookstore VS a national chain and found that just a 10% shift in spending to independent business would result in $192 million in increased economic activity and 1300 new jobs! You don’t have to change WHAT you buy, just WHERE you buy it!
It has been shown that local businesses redistribute about 65 – 75% of their profits in the community, while global businesses only contribute 15% of their profits to the local economy. Therefore, money spent at a local business has 3 times more economic benefit to the local economy than money spent at a global retailer.
A healthy local independent business community is the key to developing a sustainable economy. The City of Edmonton has indicated a keen interest in being a leader in sustainable practices. Take the opportunity to attend a special presentation with Michael Shuman - an expert in developing policies and strategies that encourage sustainable local economies.
E-SAGE*, (Edmontonians Supporting A Green Economy) are proud to announce that renowned local economies expert and author, Michael Shuman will be in Edmonton for 3 Exclusive, “Small Mart Revolution” Events, October 20 - 21, 2008.
Monday, October 20th
WHEN: 7:00 to 9:30 pm
WHERE: University of Alberta, Tory Lecture Building (room TL-B1)
COST: Tickets on a sliding scale from $10 - $20, available at Earth’s General Store and at the door.
Sure - Walmart's an easy target.
So are the rest of the multi-national chain stores.
And buying local is important.
But why?
What do we tell our friends who say, "But Walmart brings in jobs! And
it's lower prices mean that the poor can afford things. Are you
against the poor?"
Come and hear a compelling perspective to address your niggling doubts
and wonderings in the whole "global vs. local" debate.
Tuesday, October 21st
Small Business Session:
While business tends to be painted as the enemy of the environment and social justice – there is actually a powerful role that local, independent businesses can play that non-profits can’t. The Small Marts can be a much more powerful force for social change than many entrepreneurs realize.
WHEN: 9am – 11pm
WHERE: Village Lifestyles (10429-79 Avenue)
COST: Suggested Donation of $5 - $15
This event includes:
- the often overlooked and underestimated role for small business in developing a sustainable local economy
- examples of what local networks of independent and sustainable businesses have done to create prosperity and social change in their communities
- planning next steps KEO and E-SAGE members can take to develop our own sustainable business network
- networking with other cool, local entrepreneurs
Tuesday, October 21st
Invitation Only “Local Economic Leaders Forum”:
We’ll spend an afternoon delving into high-level, cutting edge perspectives, studies and findings about how to foster a thriving and sustainable local economy.
WHEN: 1pm – 3pm
WHERE: 10303 - Jasper Avenue, Canadian Room (basement)
COST: Please be our guest
DRESS CODE: Business casual, pants and shirt is fine, no tie required
This event includes an exploration into:
- how the rising price of oil, the rapidly growing ‘green economy’, the trend towards ‘shop local first’, an inefficient global distribution systems and decline of the U.S. dollar (plus more than a half dozen other specific trends) are increasing the competitiveness of small business around the world.
- cutting-edge perspectives on what we can do to capitalize on these trends in Edmonton.
- A chance to get relevant economic information and recommendations for proven policies and strategies for Edmonton from Michael Shuman.
Tuesday, October 21st
Invitation Only “Local Economic Leaders Dinner Party”: Enjoy an exclusive and intimate dinner with Michael Shuman at one of Edmonton’s finest independent local restaurants – The Blue Pear.
WHEN: 7pm – 10pm
WHERE: The Blue Pear Restaurant (10643 - 123 street)
COST: To Be Determined
Dress code: Monday evening, jeans would be fine.
This event includes an opportunity to:
- discuss your ideas and questions directly with Michael Shuman and the other VIP guests
- experience local dining at one of Edmonton’s excellent independent restaurants
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
August Update
Good evening! This will be a short message because there will be more on the blog very shortly, but I just wanted to say how awesome this month has been for meetings!!!
We had 3 meetings; one on local food and eating local - Jessie did a fantastic job explaining the food system and why it costs more now to eat local - but it doesn't have to be that way forever. And for those who want to participate in the food action, here are some details and a link to the pledge form.
Have you ever wondered why it costs more to buy eggs at the farmers market, or whether you could do a 100 mile diet? Are you concerned about the distance food travels to get to our tables? Have you noticed that the good farmland surrounding Edmonton is being sold to developers? Did you know that we only have 3 days worth of food on the grocery store shelves? What does all this mean to you and your family?
These are questions some of us are thinking about as we become more aware of the role food plays in the health of our bodies, and our communities at large.
Remember at the very start of SAGE you told us that you wanted 3 things out of this group: networking, information, and ACTION. This is your chance to take action and make a difference!
SAGE has become a supporter of GEA's (Greater Edmonton Alliance) Shake the Hand that Feeds You local food action. We invite you to find out more about this simple plan to participate in improving the fabric of our community. If you weren't able to attend the meeting, you can still find out what is happening and take part by reading this document.
The basket pickup will happen on September 20 from 11-11:30 am at a local grocery store to be announced. We need to have money in by September 8, so if you have already filled in a sheet, we will be contacting you soon for payment. If you want to print out a sheet from the link above and send it in with payment to GEA, all the instructions are on the form itself. Thanks in advance for your thoughtfulness and support.
----------------------------------
The next meeting was for local independent business to start gathering people together so that we can all support and grow together. Did you know that a local independent business generates 3x as much economic benefit in a community than a global business? You can find out more details like this right here on the website, when we get the slide show from Jessie - it is very eye opening. Thanks to Jessie again for presenting this information to us. You can also visit her websites to find out more information.
www.keepedmontonoriginal.com
www.originalfare.com
--------------------------------------
And last night, was Mark and Joey talking about co-creating a civilization of love and the fun of economics - who would ever believe there were so many people interested in these topics, but there were over 60 people last night, ranging from 8 to 80 years of age. It was truly magical and inspiring - thanks to everyone who came, and we hope to see you at our next meeting!
------------------------------------
The next community meeting will be Sept 29 at 7pm at the Village (10429-79 ave), and Ivor Mackay will be speaking about his experience doing the 100 mile diet and about local food.
Ivor would also like to know if anyone knows people who are interested in teaching learning, and developing traditional and "Primitive" skills. These skills would be everything from spinning and natural dying of wools, to making cordage, baskets, bow, arrows, tanning, pottery, preserving food and much more. There is a very wide variety of skills. We are not experts. We are keen to work with like minded people to create a wealth of knowledge.
If you can help in this project please contact Ivor or Lona at ivormack@telusplanet.net
You may also want to visit this website too http://paleoplanet69529.yuku.com/
And if anyone is interested in building an Apple press. Ivor has the plans and is looking for assistance. You can contact him at ivormack@telusplanet.net
Hmm, I guess that wasn't really short was it? Oh well, there will still be more on the blog next week, so check back then.
take care,
Maureen
We had 3 meetings; one on local food and eating local - Jessie did a fantastic job explaining the food system and why it costs more now to eat local - but it doesn't have to be that way forever. And for those who want to participate in the food action, here are some details and a link to the pledge form.
Have you ever wondered why it costs more to buy eggs at the farmers market, or whether you could do a 100 mile diet? Are you concerned about the distance food travels to get to our tables? Have you noticed that the good farmland surrounding Edmonton is being sold to developers? Did you know that we only have 3 days worth of food on the grocery store shelves? What does all this mean to you and your family?
These are questions some of us are thinking about as we become more aware of the role food plays in the health of our bodies, and our communities at large.
Remember at the very start of SAGE you told us that you wanted 3 things out of this group: networking, information, and ACTION. This is your chance to take action and make a difference!
SAGE has become a supporter of GEA's (Greater Edmonton Alliance) Shake the Hand that Feeds You local food action. We invite you to find out more about this simple plan to participate in improving the fabric of our community. If you weren't able to attend the meeting, you can still find out what is happening and take part by reading this document.
The basket pickup will happen on September 20 from 11-11:30 am at a local grocery store to be announced. We need to have money in by September 8, so if you have already filled in a sheet, we will be contacting you soon for payment. If you want to print out a sheet from the link above and send it in with payment to GEA, all the instructions are on the form itself. Thanks in advance for your thoughtfulness and support.
----------------------------------
The next meeting was for local independent business to start gathering people together so that we can all support and grow together. Did you know that a local independent business generates 3x as much economic benefit in a community than a global business? You can find out more details like this right here on the website, when we get the slide show from Jessie - it is very eye opening. Thanks to Jessie again for presenting this information to us. You can also visit her websites to find out more information.
www.keepedmontonoriginal.com
www.originalfare.com
--------------------------------------
And last night, was Mark and Joey talking about co-creating a civilization of love and the fun of economics - who would ever believe there were so many people interested in these topics, but there were over 60 people last night, ranging from 8 to 80 years of age. It was truly magical and inspiring - thanks to everyone who came, and we hope to see you at our next meeting!
------------------------------------
The next community meeting will be Sept 29 at 7pm at the Village (10429-79 ave), and Ivor Mackay will be speaking about his experience doing the 100 mile diet and about local food.
Ivor would also like to know if anyone knows people who are interested in teaching learning, and developing traditional and "Primitive" skills. These skills would be everything from spinning and natural dying of wools, to making cordage, baskets, bow, arrows, tanning, pottery, preserving food and much more. There is a very wide variety of skills. We are not experts. We are keen to work with like minded people to create a wealth of knowledge.
If you can help in this project please contact Ivor or Lona at ivormack@telusplanet.net
You may also want to visit this website too http://paleoplanet69529.yuku.com/
And if anyone is interested in building an Apple press. Ivor has the plans and is looking for assistance. You can contact him at ivormack@telusplanet.net
Hmm, I guess that wasn't really short was it? Oh well, there will still be more on the blog next week, so check back then.
take care,
Maureen
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Sticky PLU Labels on Fruit Provide Useful Health Information
Hello all,
our meeting on local food is tonight, and I just got an email today that explains the stickers on fruit. If you don't already know this information it may be helpful to you.
Maureen
Sticky PLU Labels on Fruit Provide Useful Health Information
by Heidi Stevenson (see all articles by this author)
Originally published July 28 2008
(NaturalNews) Who would have imagined that those irritating little labels stuck on fruit would provide helpful information? Their purpose isn't, of course, to help the public. Nonetheless, the codes identify whether fruit is full of pesticides and grown with petroleum-based fertilizers or organic, and even when it's genetically modified.
When those stickies first started appearing on fruit, it seemed a tad strange. As if the supermarkets were determined to add another level of frustration to already-stressed lives. The aggravation of pulling a label off a perfect fruit, the embodiment of nature's bounty, only to have part of the peel come off too was... well, infuriating. And the fact that there was yet another code designed not to enlighten, but to obfuscate, to keep information from us simply added insult to injury.
Still, those disgustingly wasteful labels that end up in the landfills and take up your precious time to peel off do more than speed up the checkout process in the supermarket. They can help you avoid eating chemicals and genetically modified organisms.
The Labeling System
The codes are applied not only to fruit, but also to vegetables, herbs, and nuts, though labels are normally stuck only on fruit. They consist of four or five numbers. The system is quite simple. Fruit is divided into three classes: conventional, organic, and genetically modified.
All four-digit coded fruit is conventionally raised. So, if you don't see five digits, then it's safe to assume that the fruit is contaminated with pesticides and petroleum-based fertilizers, and is grown in depleted soils.
Five digit codes are simply the four digits with a single number added to the front: 8 or 9.
If the first of five numbers is 9, then it has been grown to the standards defined by the National Organic Standards Board. This is obviously preferable to conventionally-grown fruit.
If the first of five numbers is 8, the fruit is genetically modified. It means that it has been grown conventionally with poisons in depleted soil, from frankenseeds.
For example, let's take a simple Valencia orange. Its code is 4014. 84014 is the code of a small genetically modified Valencia orange. 94014 is the code of a small organic Valencia orange.
* 4 digits: The fruit likely comes with a burden of poisons and was grown in depleted soil.
* 5 digits, first is 8: This fruit is genetically modified, a GMO. It contains genes that were not put there by nature.
* 5 digits, first is 9: This fruit has been grown to an organic standard. Although the standard is not as strict as some produced by the most serious organic farmers, it is certainly superior to conventionally-grown or GMO fruit.
Who's Behind PLU Codes
It all started back in 1949. The Produce Marketing Association (PMA) was founded for the purpose of taking advantage of new packaging technologies and the developing style of self-service grocery shopping to promote the produce business. Since then, agribusiness has taken over most farming and PMA has grown accordingly. It has become the focal point of coordination in large-scale national and international produce marketing.
The International Federation for Produce Standards (IFPS) is associated with PMA. It assigns and administers Price Look Up (PLU) codes -- those numbers on sticky labels -- and keeps a database of them.
Originally intended to speed checkout in supermarkets, PLU codes are now being pushed as a means to provide quality accountability and to limit the costs involved in tracing bad products that have already been distributed.
More Info From PLU Numbers
If you're interested in finding out more about PLU numbers, simply go to the IFPS website, which provides the PLU database online (http://plucodes.com/search_wizard.aspx?s=1)
You must fill in four fields, but the information requested is not personal and cannot identify you. From there, you can find out what codes are used for particular types of produce and information associated with any code. Do not look for the first digit (8 or 9) of a five-digit code. Only four digits are included. (Keep in mind that the 8 or 9 is merely tacked onto the front of a four-digit code.)
For example, if you pick up an avocado with the code 4221 on it, you could look it up and find that it's classed as a small avocado that was grown in the eastern part of north America.
Every Little Bit Helps
Information available from PLU codes isn't as complete as shoppers should have. Nonetheless, it's nice to know that a tool intended only to provide information beneficial to agribusiness and supermarkets provides a real benefit to everyday consumers.
Remember: If the code is five digits in length, check out that first digit carefully. If it's an 8, put it back -- and consider making a complaint to the supermarket for stocking it.
About the author
* Heidi Stevenson, BSc, DIHom, FBIH
* Fellow, British Institute of Homeopathy
* Gaia Therapy (http://www.gaia-therapy.com/)
*
* The author is a homeopath who became concerned with medically-induced harm as a result of her own experiences and those of family members. She says that allopathic medicine is the arena that best describes the motto, "Buyer beware."
*
* Iatrogenic disease is illness, disability, and death caused by medical practice. It is common, resulting in huge costs to society and individuals. It's possible - even common - to suffer an iatrogenic illness without realizing its source.
*
* Heidi Stevenson provides information about medically-induced disease and disability, along with incisive well-researched articles on major issues in the modern world, so members of the public can protect themselves.
our meeting on local food is tonight, and I just got an email today that explains the stickers on fruit. If you don't already know this information it may be helpful to you.
Maureen
Sticky PLU Labels on Fruit Provide Useful Health Information
by Heidi Stevenson (see all articles by this author)
Originally published July 28 2008
(NaturalNews) Who would have imagined that those irritating little labels stuck on fruit would provide helpful information? Their purpose isn't, of course, to help the public. Nonetheless, the codes identify whether fruit is full of pesticides and grown with petroleum-based fertilizers or organic, and even when it's genetically modified.
When those stickies first started appearing on fruit, it seemed a tad strange. As if the supermarkets were determined to add another level of frustration to already-stressed lives. The aggravation of pulling a label off a perfect fruit, the embodiment of nature's bounty, only to have part of the peel come off too was... well, infuriating. And the fact that there was yet another code designed not to enlighten, but to obfuscate, to keep information from us simply added insult to injury.
Still, those disgustingly wasteful labels that end up in the landfills and take up your precious time to peel off do more than speed up the checkout process in the supermarket. They can help you avoid eating chemicals and genetically modified organisms.
The Labeling System
The codes are applied not only to fruit, but also to vegetables, herbs, and nuts, though labels are normally stuck only on fruit. They consist of four or five numbers. The system is quite simple. Fruit is divided into three classes: conventional, organic, and genetically modified.
All four-digit coded fruit is conventionally raised. So, if you don't see five digits, then it's safe to assume that the fruit is contaminated with pesticides and petroleum-based fertilizers, and is grown in depleted soils.
Five digit codes are simply the four digits with a single number added to the front: 8 or 9.
If the first of five numbers is 9, then it has been grown to the standards defined by the National Organic Standards Board. This is obviously preferable to conventionally-grown fruit.
If the first of five numbers is 8, the fruit is genetically modified. It means that it has been grown conventionally with poisons in depleted soil, from frankenseeds.
For example, let's take a simple Valencia orange. Its code is 4014. 84014 is the code of a small genetically modified Valencia orange. 94014 is the code of a small organic Valencia orange.
* 4 digits: The fruit likely comes with a burden of poisons and was grown in depleted soil.
* 5 digits, first is 8: This fruit is genetically modified, a GMO. It contains genes that were not put there by nature.
* 5 digits, first is 9: This fruit has been grown to an organic standard. Although the standard is not as strict as some produced by the most serious organic farmers, it is certainly superior to conventionally-grown or GMO fruit.
Who's Behind PLU Codes
It all started back in 1949. The Produce Marketing Association (PMA) was founded for the purpose of taking advantage of new packaging technologies and the developing style of self-service grocery shopping to promote the produce business. Since then, agribusiness has taken over most farming and PMA has grown accordingly. It has become the focal point of coordination in large-scale national and international produce marketing.
The International Federation for Produce Standards (IFPS) is associated with PMA. It assigns and administers Price Look Up (PLU) codes -- those numbers on sticky labels -- and keeps a database of them.
Originally intended to speed checkout in supermarkets, PLU codes are now being pushed as a means to provide quality accountability and to limit the costs involved in tracing bad products that have already been distributed.
More Info From PLU Numbers
If you're interested in finding out more about PLU numbers, simply go to the IFPS website, which provides the PLU database online (http://plucodes.com/search_wizard.aspx?s=1)
You must fill in four fields, but the information requested is not personal and cannot identify you. From there, you can find out what codes are used for particular types of produce and information associated with any code. Do not look for the first digit (8 or 9) of a five-digit code. Only four digits are included. (Keep in mind that the 8 or 9 is merely tacked onto the front of a four-digit code.)
For example, if you pick up an avocado with the code 4221 on it, you could look it up and find that it's classed as a small avocado that was grown in the eastern part of north America.
Every Little Bit Helps
Information available from PLU codes isn't as complete as shoppers should have. Nonetheless, it's nice to know that a tool intended only to provide information beneficial to agribusiness and supermarkets provides a real benefit to everyday consumers.
Remember: If the code is five digits in length, check out that first digit carefully. If it's an 8, put it back -- and consider making a complaint to the supermarket for stocking it.
About the author
* Heidi Stevenson, BSc, DIHom, FBIH
* Fellow, British Institute of Homeopathy
* Gaia Therapy (http://www.gaia-therapy.com/)
*
* The author is a homeopath who became concerned with medically-induced harm as a result of her own experiences and those of family members. She says that allopathic medicine is the arena that best describes the motto, "Buyer beware."
*
* Iatrogenic disease is illness, disability, and death caused by medical practice. It is common, resulting in huge costs to society and individuals. It's possible - even common - to suffer an iatrogenic illness without realizing its source.
*
* Heidi Stevenson provides information about medically-induced disease and disability, along with incisive well-researched articles on major issues in the modern world, so members of the public can protect themselves.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
New Website Format
Hello all,
you will notice that the website is a bit shorter now. I've finally converted all our past updates into a blog, which you can see by clicking here. I've moved the interesting links section to the blog as well to make this site more manageable.
Looking back we've done a lot in the past 7 months! It was fun to see that a lot of the areas people said they wanted to know more about have been covered in our past meetings.
So far we've had speakers on these topics:
Urban Gardening - Ron Berezan
Alternative Energy - Harold Verburg
Greening Your Home - Shanthu Mano, Stephani Carter, & Andrea Jones
Sustainable Economics - Mike Nickerson
Eco-Villages and Co-housing - Lorie Saito & Shanthu Mano
and coming up this fall...
Alternative Economics
Buy Local
Food Security
And there are so many things happening in the city...
A food security conference is being organized as we speak,
so is a conference on local governments for sustainability,
There will be a Shop Local month to spotlight our local businesses,
Eco-villages are being built and Co-housing Associations are being formed,
Alternative energy choices for our utilities are around the corner,
a closed loop paper recycling facility is being built - the 1st one on the continent!
and so much more, I could go on for pages.
It's an exciting time to be here, and we invite you to join us on the journey!
Tad & Maureen
you will notice that the website is a bit shorter now. I've finally converted all our past updates into a blog, which you can see by clicking here. I've moved the interesting links section to the blog as well to make this site more manageable.
Looking back we've done a lot in the past 7 months! It was fun to see that a lot of the areas people said they wanted to know more about have been covered in our past meetings.
So far we've had speakers on these topics:
Urban Gardening - Ron Berezan
Alternative Energy - Harold Verburg
Greening Your Home - Shanthu Mano, Stephani Carter, & Andrea Jones
Sustainable Economics - Mike Nickerson
Eco-Villages and Co-housing - Lorie Saito & Shanthu Mano
and coming up this fall...
Alternative Economics
Buy Local
Food Security
And there are so many things happening in the city...
A food security conference is being organized as we speak,
so is a conference on local governments for sustainability,
There will be a Shop Local month to spotlight our local businesses,
Eco-villages are being built and Co-housing Associations are being formed,
Alternative energy choices for our utilities are around the corner,
a closed loop paper recycling facility is being built - the 1st one on the continent!
and so much more, I could go on for pages.
It's an exciting time to be here, and we invite you to join us on the journey!
Tad & Maureen
Get Ready for August!
What great weather we've been having. You may not like the rain, but my garden loves it, and the bees love my garden, and I love the bees. With so many dying every year (colony collapse disorder), I'm happy to welcome them into my yard and give them food.On Sunday (the 20th), Tad and I we're out at the Devonian Botanical Gardens for the >1st annual green festival. It was a great day to be outside and there was a good crowd there that grew with each presentation. There were talks on Green investing, the sage group and local economies, alternative power sources, composting, carbon busting and more. We are looking forward to seeing it grow next year.
We've wrapped up all the July meetings, but August is coming fast and is sure to be interesting. We've got 3 meetings next month because there are so many exciting things happening we need more time to tell you about them.
Special Interest Community Meeting
Who cares about Local Food?
August 6, 2008 - 7pm @ the Village Lifestyles (10429-79 Ave)
Guest presenter - Jessie Radies of Original Fare
Have you ever wondered why it costs more to buy eggs at the farmers market, or whether you could do a 100 mile diet? Are you concerned about the distance food travels to get to our tables? Have you noticed that the good farmland surrounding Edmonton is being sold to develpers? Did you know that we only have 3 days worth of food on the grocery store shelves? What does all this mean to you and your family?
These are questions some of us are thinking about as we become more aware of the role food plays in the health of our bodies, and our communities at large. And we'll answer them at this meeting.
Remember at the very start of SAGE you told us that you wanted 3 things out of this group: networking, information, and ACTION. This is your chance to take action and make a difference!
SAGE has become a supporter of GEA's (Greater Edmonton Alliance) Shake the Hand that Feeds You local food action. We invite you to find out more about this simple plan to participate in improving the fabric of our community. If you aren't able to attend the meeting, you can still find out what is happening and take part by reading this document.
Business Meeting
Creating a local living economy in Edmonton
August 18, 2008 - 7 pm @ the Village Lifestyles (10429-79 Ave)
PLEASE NOTE THE TIME FOR THIS MEETING IS THE EVENING!!!
Usually we have the business meetings in the morning, but we needed to accommodate the schedule for our special guest presenter, Jessie Radies.
This is a special meeting. When we first started SAGE, we wanted to create a movement in Edmonton like the BALLE networks in the US. We weren't really sure how to do that, so our past few meetings have focused on entreprenuer experiences and networking. Now we have a plan for action, and we aim to put local business on the map in Edmonton.
We have invited Jessie Radies from Keep Edmonton Original, and also the owner of the Blue Pear will be speaking about the importance of local business to the economy and community where they operate. Our goal from this meeting is to gather together local Edmonton business to find out what kind of support they need from the community and the government to sustain their business and make it thrive. From there we can formulate the steps to make it happen.
Community Meeting
The fun of economics!
August 19, 2008 - 7pm @ the Village Lifestyles (10429-79 Ave)
I know, 2 meetings in a row, what was I thinking? But I am really excited about this month's meetings because they are all inter-related and they are being led mostly by members of the SAGE steering committee.
You are in for a treat tonight because Mark Anielski (author of the Economics of Happiness) and Joey Hundert (entrepreneur extrodinaire and super smart too) will be presenting together on the in and outs of economics, our economy and how we fit into the whole world banking system. What are the alternatives to the status quo? Are there other ways to do banking? What about alternative currencies like Calgary Dollars, or LETS? You will learn about all this and more, plus an exciting announcement about new ethical investment opportunites in our city.
Monday, July 7, 2008
The SAGE Summer Soiree
July 7, 2008
The day after the party! I'm writing this from the future, but I can tell you the party was great! Even though it was rainy most of the day, it cleared up right around 4 when the party started and we had about 60 people enjoying the food, music and company. The rain stayed away until the last band played so everyone came in and danced.
So many people helped make this event a success, and we'd like to thank you all.
First of all - thanks to everyone who came!
Thanks to everyone who helped to set up the hall and clean it up afterwards.
We had a huge selection of homemade vegetarian potluck dishes - thanks to everyone who brought something!
Thanks to all the kitchen helpers who made lemonade and ice tea the old fashioned way. (Jenika, Azley, Mair, Diane & Lona)
Andrea Jones of Raising Spaces for the door prize
Terra Fleenor helped plan the party - everything from finding a venue, to finding musicians, to taking tickets at the door to getting the kegs to work, and being the mc for the night! Thanks so much Terra!
Nanda Gruss of Living in Unison is a talented feng shui consultant and she helped set the mood in the hall and transform the gloomy day into a celebration!
Mike Tulley of MKT Systems was our tireless sound tech, and he transformed the Riverdale hall into a super concert venue. Thanks for looking after all the musicians needs and keeping things on track.
Thanks to all our musicians! Without you it wouldn't have been a party! As you can see from the list below, we were spoiled.
Tophee Davies
Ken Stead
Mike Ehlers and Zizi
The Urban Coyotes - with our own Ron Berezan! I didn't know you were in a band, where do you find the time?!
Isoul
Tracy Reed
Ambers Brewing provided some of their locally made, special brand of beer. Thanks for all your help and they even deliver!
So if you missed this one, don't fret - we're having a 1 year anniversary party on DEC 11, so watch for more details and mark your calendars.
The day after the party! I'm writing this from the future, but I can tell you the party was great! Even though it was rainy most of the day, it cleared up right around 4 when the party started and we had about 60 people enjoying the food, music and company. The rain stayed away until the last band played so everyone came in and danced.
So many people helped make this event a success, and we'd like to thank you all.
First of all - thanks to everyone who came!
Thanks to everyone who helped to set up the hall and clean it up afterwards.
We had a huge selection of homemade vegetarian potluck dishes - thanks to everyone who brought something!
Thanks to all the kitchen helpers who made lemonade and ice tea the old fashioned way. (Jenika, Azley, Mair, Diane & Lona)
Andrea Jones of Raising Spaces for the door prize
Terra Fleenor helped plan the party - everything from finding a venue, to finding musicians, to taking tickets at the door to getting the kegs to work, and being the mc for the night! Thanks so much Terra!
Nanda Gruss of Living in Unison is a talented feng shui consultant and she helped set the mood in the hall and transform the gloomy day into a celebration!
Mike Tulley of MKT Systems was our tireless sound tech, and he transformed the Riverdale hall into a super concert venue. Thanks for looking after all the musicians needs and keeping things on track.
Thanks to all our musicians! Without you it wouldn't have been a party! As you can see from the list below, we were spoiled.
Tophee Davies
Ken Stead
Mike Ehlers and Zizi
The Urban Coyotes - with our own Ron Berezan! I didn't know you were in a band, where do you find the time?!
Isoul
Tracy Reed
Ambers Brewing provided some of their locally made, special brand of beer. Thanks for all your help and they even deliver!
So if you missed this one, don't fret - we're having a 1 year anniversary party on DEC 11, so watch for more details and mark your calendars.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Eighth SAGE Meeting
July 2, 2008
Our community meeting this month was on Eco-Villages and Co-housing and we had a great turnout and really interesting information.
Our guest speakers were:
Lorie Saito of SaitoKai is a straw bale expert from way back. She has been interested in "green" building for almost a decade and was a part of the Riverdale Net Zero Project. She is now involved in setting up a co-housing association in Edmonton with one of the designers, Alan Carpenter from Windsong, BC. To find out more visit www.cohousing.ca.
If you are planning to visit Capital X, you can see Robert and Lorie in the Northlands Green Zone. (Which is in the kidszone area of the midway - I hear they are behind the rides and games) they’ve built a straw bale structure complete with solar power and solar thermal heat.
Shanthu Mano of Carbon Busters. Well, Shanthu wasn't really there, but I did an great impression of her. They are building an eco-village just south of Beaumont that will be amazing, and of course carbon zero. If you are interested in knowing more about the village and how you can be a part of it, contact Shanthu at contact (at) carbonbusters.org (to reduce spam I have spread out the email address, to send a message just replace the (at) with @ and remove the spaces).
Our community meeting this month was on Eco-Villages and Co-housing and we had a great turnout and really interesting information.
Our guest speakers were:
Lorie Saito of SaitoKai is a straw bale expert from way back. She has been interested in "green" building for almost a decade and was a part of the Riverdale Net Zero Project. She is now involved in setting up a co-housing association in Edmonton with one of the designers, Alan Carpenter from Windsong, BC. To find out more visit www.cohousing.ca.
If you are planning to visit Capital X, you can see Robert and Lorie in the Northlands Green Zone. (Which is in the kidszone area of the midway - I hear they are behind the rides and games) they’ve built a straw bale structure complete with solar power and solar thermal heat.
Shanthu Mano of Carbon Busters. Well, Shanthu wasn't really there, but I did an great impression of her. They are building an eco-village just south of Beaumont that will be amazing, and of course carbon zero. If you are interested in knowing more about the village and how you can be a part of it, contact Shanthu at contact (at) carbonbusters.org (to reduce spam I have spread out the email address, to send a message just replace the (at) with @ and remove the spaces).
Sunday, June 22, 2008
The start of summer!
It's officially summer, and it was a great start to our new season yesterday! The festivals have started and gardens are growing, and farmers markets are in full swing.
The community meeting last Wednesday was awesome! Shanthu and Godo presented some surprising information about our footprint here in Edmonton, Stephani brought out attention to the ways our homes are unhealthy - and what to do about it, and Andrea gave us some practical adivce where to go for eco-friendly renovation materials, and rebate programs. And we have a special treat for those of you who couldn't make it to the meeting, the session will be available online to watch here - Todd of 3D Productions was there filming the whole thing - so you can watch it through our facebook page for now, and youtube is coming soon.
Coming up this week...
Wednesday June 25 - Mike Nickerson is coming to town to promote his new book, "Life, Money and Illusion". Here is the write-up for his book;
In recent years, unchecked economic growth in the Western world has led to resource depletion and widespread environmental degradation. Life, Money & Illusion was inspired by the dilemma of having an economic structure that has to grow to remain healthy while facing the necessity of reducing our footprint and establishing a stable state economy to secure ecological viability on a finite planet.
The book launches a review of economic expansion. It examines how growth came to be a goal and how that goal, though once hugely beneficial, is now the propellant for catastrophe. Then, by showing how the economy can be restructured to remain within planetary limits, it points the way to a sustainable future.
Life, Money & Illusion advocates change by shifting the dominant economic paradigm from growth to sustainability. Techniques include:
- Measuring well-being through genuine progress
- Encouraging sustainable investment
- Practical changes such as tax shifting, carbon taxes and monetary reform
- Honoring the Golden Rule instead of the Rule of Gold.
An engaging and empowering vision of the future that celebrates humanity’s extraordinary ability to adapt and evolve, Life, Money & Illusion will appeal to social activists, environmentalists and all those who are committed to a sustainable future.
About the Contributor(s)
Mike Nickerson is a longtime environmental activist, popular educator and the author of three books on sustainability including Bakavi: Change the World I Want to Stay On andPlanning For Seven Generations: Guideposts for a Sustainable Future. He is a founding member of the Green Party of Canada and helped draft the Canada Well-Being Measurement Act.
We are having a party!
Yes it's official, we will be holding a SAGE Summer Soiree on Sunday July 6th. It will be at Riverdale Community Hall (9231-100 avenue) starting at 4pm and ending around 10pm.
What will be happening at the party? I say, "What isn't happening at the party?". There will be live music from some awesome local bands (that's right plural), locally produced beverages from Ambers Brewing, locally produced organic snacks and salads from local gardens, and we invite you to bring a potluck item for the picnic supper (please bring your own plates, cups and cutlery too so we can reduce our waste footprint at this event). We'll have fun and games for the whole family - so feel free to bring your kids.
COST: This Soiree is part community gathering and part fundraiser for the SAGE online business directory so we're asking people to contribute on a sliding scale. Ticket prices are as follows:
Sliding Scale
Adults - $10-15
Students: $5-10
Children under 13 - Free
Tickets will be available at our next meetings (June 25 and July 2), or contact us directly by e-mail, or call 435-5683. If there are any left, they will be available at the door too.
The community meeting last Wednesday was awesome! Shanthu and Godo presented some surprising information about our footprint here in Edmonton, Stephani brought out attention to the ways our homes are unhealthy - and what to do about it, and Andrea gave us some practical adivce where to go for eco-friendly renovation materials, and rebate programs. And we have a special treat for those of you who couldn't make it to the meeting, the session will be available online to watch here - Todd of 3D Productions was there filming the whole thing - so you can watch it through our facebook page for now, and youtube is coming soon.
Coming up this week...
Wednesday June 25 - Mike Nickerson is coming to town to promote his new book, "Life, Money and Illusion". Here is the write-up for his book;
In recent years, unchecked economic growth in the Western world has led to resource depletion and widespread environmental degradation. Life, Money & Illusion was inspired by the dilemma of having an economic structure that has to grow to remain healthy while facing the necessity of reducing our footprint and establishing a stable state economy to secure ecological viability on a finite planet.
The book launches a review of economic expansion. It examines how growth came to be a goal and how that goal, though once hugely beneficial, is now the propellant for catastrophe. Then, by showing how the economy can be restructured to remain within planetary limits, it points the way to a sustainable future.
Life, Money & Illusion advocates change by shifting the dominant economic paradigm from growth to sustainability. Techniques include:
- Measuring well-being through genuine progress
- Encouraging sustainable investment
- Practical changes such as tax shifting, carbon taxes and monetary reform
- Honoring the Golden Rule instead of the Rule of Gold.
An engaging and empowering vision of the future that celebrates humanity’s extraordinary ability to adapt and evolve, Life, Money & Illusion will appeal to social activists, environmentalists and all those who are committed to a sustainable future.
About the Contributor(s)
Mike Nickerson is a longtime environmental activist, popular educator and the author of three books on sustainability including Bakavi: Change the World I Want to Stay On andPlanning For Seven Generations: Guideposts for a Sustainable Future. He is a founding member of the Green Party of Canada and helped draft the Canada Well-Being Measurement Act.
We are having a party!
Yes it's official, we will be holding a SAGE Summer Soiree on Sunday July 6th. It will be at Riverdale Community Hall (9231-100 avenue) starting at 4pm and ending around 10pm.
What will be happening at the party? I say, "What isn't happening at the party?". There will be live music from some awesome local bands (that's right plural), locally produced beverages from Ambers Brewing, locally produced organic snacks and salads from local gardens, and we invite you to bring a potluck item for the picnic supper (please bring your own plates, cups and cutlery too so we can reduce our waste footprint at this event). We'll have fun and games for the whole family - so feel free to bring your kids.
COST: This Soiree is part community gathering and part fundraiser for the SAGE online business directory so we're asking people to contribute on a sliding scale. Ticket prices are as follows:
Sliding Scale
Adults - $10-15
Students: $5-10
Children under 13 - Free
Tickets will be available at our next meetings (June 25 and July 2), or contact us directly by e-mail, or call 435-5683. If there are any left, they will be available at the door too.
Monday, June 16, 2008
SAGE at CBC and Mike Nickerson
Tad and I will be on the CBC Center Stage today - Monday, June 16 during the lunch hour, to talk about SAGE, so if you have only heard about us so far and want to meet us in person ;), come on down to the studio at Edmonton City Center and give us some moral support. Other special guests will be Michael Kalmanovitch of Earth's General Store, and Conrad Norbert of Green Edmonton.
Don't forget about our upcoming Community Meeting next Wednesday (June 18 at 7pm at the Village). The topic is Greening your Home, and our special guests are Stephani Carter of Green Alberta and EcoAmmo, Shanthu and Godo of Carbon Busters and Andrea Jones of Raising Spaces.
We are hosting a touring author at 7pm on June 25 (at the Village-10429-79 avenue). Mike Nickerson is travelling across the country promoting his new book, Life, Money and Illusion. The book launches a review of economic expansion. It examines how growth came to be a goal and how that goal, though once hugely beneficial, is now the propellant for catastrophe. Then, by showing how the economy can be restructured to remain within planetary limits, it points the way to a sustainable future. Suggested donation of $10 - $20 to support Mike on his tour.
Don't forget about our upcoming Community Meeting next Wednesday (June 18 at 7pm at the Village). The topic is Greening your Home, and our special guests are Stephani Carter of Green Alberta and EcoAmmo, Shanthu and Godo of Carbon Busters and Andrea Jones of Raising Spaces.
We are hosting a touring author at 7pm on June 25 (at the Village-10429-79 avenue). Mike Nickerson is travelling across the country promoting his new book, Life, Money and Illusion. The book launches a review of economic expansion. It examines how growth came to be a goal and how that goal, though once hugely beneficial, is now the propellant for catastrophe. Then, by showing how the economy can be restructured to remain within planetary limits, it points the way to a sustainable future. Suggested donation of $10 - $20 to support Mike on his tour.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Joey on CBC!
Listen to CBC Radio One tomorrow at 4pm for a special guest appearance by Joey Hundert
Hello all,
exciting news! One of our own - Joey Hundert, will be on CBC Radio One at 4pm to talk about local food production / security, etc. Joey is an excellent speaker and an authority on the subject, and you are sure to learn more about what is happening in and around Edmonton.
Hope you are able to tune in and give him some support!'
Way to go Joey!!
Maureen & Tad
Hello all,
exciting news! One of our own - Joey Hundert, will be on CBC Radio One at 4pm to talk about local food production / security, etc. Joey is an excellent speaker and an authority on the subject, and you are sure to learn more about what is happening in and around Edmonton.
Hope you are able to tune in and give him some support!'
Way to go Joey!!
Maureen & Tad
Monday, June 2, 2008
Stephani Carter - SAGE Green Business Series
Thanks to everyone who came out to our SAGE Green Business Networking Meeting, and shared about their business adventures.
We were treated to a fantastic presentation by Stephani Carter. I feel honored to have such an intelligent and enthusiatic individual as part of the SAGE community. Her energy and vision is contagious and inspiring. If you haven't met Stephani or found out about all the great and ambitious work she is doing through Green Alberta and EcoAmmo, you are missing out! Come to our meeting next Wednesday night and meet her yourself.
We were treated to a fantastic presentation by Stephani Carter. I feel honored to have such an intelligent and enthusiatic individual as part of the SAGE community. Her energy and vision is contagious and inspiring. If you haven't met Stephani or found out about all the great and ambitious work she is doing through Green Alberta and EcoAmmo, you are missing out! Come to our meeting next Wednesday night and meet her yourself.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Farmers Market Opens and other June Events
Hello all, I just sent out the invitation to the June Meetings and I promised a link to the farmer's markets around town. So here is a list created by one of the vendors, and it has a lovely personal commentary on each of the markets based on her perspective as a visitor. Thanks to Patty from Lola Canola Honey for this great summary!
We also wanted to let you know that we are going to have a party in July!!! It will be at Riverdale Hall, and there will be locally produced food, and *drinks*, games for young and old, live music, and a green business trade fair. Tickets will go on sale soon. Stay tuned for full details.
***********
Our Green Business meeting is on June 2 - and features Stephani Carter of Green Alberta and EcoAmmo. Details are in the calendar at right.
**********
Our community meeting is on June 18 - and the topic is Greening Your Home. Come and hear three of our resident experts on reducing your footprint, renovating green, and choosing green, ethival and healthy materials for inside and outside your home. Our guest presenters are Stephani Carter, Andrea Jones and Godo and Shanthu.
***********
On June 25, We are happy to present Mike Nickerson who is touring with his latest book, "Life, Money & Illusion: Living on Earth as if we want to stay." The book details the differing views on how to be successful in our changing times. One, the "Life" perspective, says we need to preserve and enhance ecosystems and communities, the other, the "Money" perspective, says we need to continuously expand production and consumption.
The event will be a talk and discussion about how these two approaches differ significantly on how to deal with today's most serious problems. "Life, Money & Illusion" outlines new ways of organizing mutual provision (the economy) and a change in priorities that can lead to a long and joyous future.
The presentation will be at the Village and starts at 7pm.
**********
We look forward to seeing you at the meetings!
Maureen & Tad
We also wanted to let you know that we are going to have a party in July!!! It will be at Riverdale Hall, and there will be locally produced food, and *drinks*, games for young and old, live music, and a green business trade fair. Tickets will go on sale soon. Stay tuned for full details.
***********
Our Green Business meeting is on June 2 - and features Stephani Carter of Green Alberta and EcoAmmo. Details are in the calendar at right.
**********
Our community meeting is on June 18 - and the topic is Greening Your Home. Come and hear three of our resident experts on reducing your footprint, renovating green, and choosing green, ethival and healthy materials for inside and outside your home. Our guest presenters are Stephani Carter, Andrea Jones and Godo and Shanthu.
***********
On June 25, We are happy to present Mike Nickerson who is touring with his latest book, "Life, Money & Illusion: Living on Earth as if we want to stay." The book details the differing views on how to be successful in our changing times. One, the "Life" perspective, says we need to preserve and enhance ecosystems and communities, the other, the "Money" perspective, says we need to continuously expand production and consumption.
The event will be a talk and discussion about how these two approaches differ significantly on how to deal with today's most serious problems. "Life, Money & Illusion" outlines new ways of organizing mutual provision (the economy) and a change in priorities that can lead to a long and joyous future.
The presentation will be at the Village and starts at 7pm.
**********
We look forward to seeing you at the meetings!
Maureen & Tad
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Community Announcement Alert
May 8 - Community Announcement Alert
Anyone wanting to know more about Bill C-51 please have a look at our community announcement page. I don't claim to be an expert, but I am concerned about how this Bill could affect our health in the future. I have posted what information I have been able to collect so far, but if you happen to have more information or insights to share with our members, please send it on and I'll add it to the announcement page.
Maureen
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
May 8, 2008
Tonight I went to an Eco-Fashion show at Savoy on Whyte Ave. It was organized by Andrew Gonzales of Lucid Lifestyles. The bar was packed with people eager to see what kind of fashions were in store. We were treated to a 20 minute parade of casual and formal fashions produced of natural fibres like organic cotton, hemp, soy, bamboo, tencel, merino wool, silk and more. Whenever possible the clothing is from fair trade and ethically produced sources. The show featured chic and casual apparel, and active/yoga-wear for men and women.
The clothing was available to touch but not for sale at the show. You can see and purchase these items for yourself during the month of May in the funky tent on Whyte Ave, between 104 and 105 street, across from Julio's Barrio.
For more information contact Andrew at 953-4376.
Anyone wanting to know more about Bill C-51 please have a look at our community announcement page. I don't claim to be an expert, but I am concerned about how this Bill could affect our health in the future. I have posted what information I have been able to collect so far, but if you happen to have more information or insights to share with our members, please send it on and I'll add it to the announcement page.
Maureen
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
May 8, 2008
Tonight I went to an Eco-Fashion show at Savoy on Whyte Ave. It was organized by Andrew Gonzales of Lucid Lifestyles. The bar was packed with people eager to see what kind of fashions were in store. We were treated to a 20 minute parade of casual and formal fashions produced of natural fibres like organic cotton, hemp, soy, bamboo, tencel, merino wool, silk and more. Whenever possible the clothing is from fair trade and ethically produced sources. The show featured chic and casual apparel, and active/yoga-wear for men and women.
The clothing was available to touch but not for sale at the show. You can see and purchase these items for yourself during the month of May in the funky tent on Whyte Ave, between 104 and 105 street, across from Julio's Barrio.
For more information contact Andrew at 953-4376.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Sixth SAGE Meeting
Good evening. Just a quick note to thank everyone who came out to our May meetings this month. Yes I know it's only the first week, but we've already had them both!
Harold Verburg spoke at our community meeting on May 1st and gave a very interesting talk on alternative energy sources like solar power (PV) and solar hot water, wind power and grey water recycling. There was a lively discussion and question and answer session, and I personally learned a lot that I didn't know. Harold is the owner of Trimline Design Centre and training centre, so if you are interested in alternative energy or bio-fuels, or straw bale construction or many other topics, you might want to sign up for a course at their website www.trimlinetrainingcenter.com.
We also had our business meeting this Tuesday May 6. Ross Goodine spoke about his experience as a green entrepreneur with his business, Prairie Dawn Naturals, which I can tell you from personal experience is the best lip balm I ever tasted!!
He also gave us an interactive demonstration of the kind of work he does in his other company - Hidden Dynamics. For those who missed it, Ross will be having an introductory workshop, details below. Click here to find out more about the workshop.
Creating Abundance by Healing the Family Soul
Free Introductory Morning
Saturday May 17th - 10 am -1 pm
Full Workshop
Saturday May 17th - 10 am-6 pm
Sunday May 18th - 10 am-6 pm
Registration begins at 9:30 am
Location: Ritchie Community Hall 7727-98 St.
To register or for more information contact Ross Goodine 432 3732
Harold Verburg spoke at our community meeting on May 1st and gave a very interesting talk on alternative energy sources like solar power (PV) and solar hot water, wind power and grey water recycling. There was a lively discussion and question and answer session, and I personally learned a lot that I didn't know. Harold is the owner of Trimline Design Centre and training centre, so if you are interested in alternative energy or bio-fuels, or straw bale construction or many other topics, you might want to sign up for a course at their website www.trimlinetrainingcenter.com.
We also had our business meeting this Tuesday May 6. Ross Goodine spoke about his experience as a green entrepreneur with his business, Prairie Dawn Naturals, which I can tell you from personal experience is the best lip balm I ever tasted!!
He also gave us an interactive demonstration of the kind of work he does in his other company - Hidden Dynamics. For those who missed it, Ross will be having an introductory workshop, details below. Click here to find out more about the workshop.
Creating Abundance by Healing the Family Soul
Free Introductory Morning
Saturday May 17th - 10 am -1 pm
Full Workshop
Saturday May 17th - 10 am-6 pm
Sunday May 18th - 10 am-6 pm
Registration begins at 9:30 am
Location: Ritchie Community Hall 7727-98 St.
To register or for more information contact Ross Goodine 432 3732
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Fifth SAGE Meeting
I write this as I look out at a sunny day, and it makes me anxious to get out into the yard to start raking and planning my garden. Ron's Berezan's talk last night on the Edible City was very inspiring. Everyone I talked to got great value from Ron's presentation and I'm sure they were inspired and educated as I was. Thanks to all who attended! We had about 50 people out and we were happy to see so many new faces!If you missed Ron's talk last night - you can find out more about him and the variety of workshops he offers at his website http://www.theurbanfarmer.ca/
On another note, we've redone the website a bit - what do you think about the new logo? We'd love to hear from you. Click here to send us an email.
We are also moving along with the task of formalizing the SAGE group. We've chosen a steering committee and will be having a meeting soon to discuss all the things a "real" group like this should be doing. Once things are confirmed, we will let you know who our steering committee is and our plans for the future. There are lots of exciting things in the works!!!
Our meetings for April are finished, but May is coming soon and so are the next meetings.
Community Meeting
May 1, 2008 @ 7 - 9:30pm Village Lifestyles (10429 - 79 Ave)
Harold Verburg of Trimline Design Centre presents:
“Alternative Energy Options” - Eco-solar tour
Trimline Design Centre began over 5 years ago to offer you the newest in Renewable Energy Solutions and products. These include solar hot water systems for domestic hot water and space heating, wind turbines systems for producing electricity, solar PV systems for producing electricity, personal biodiesel processors for making your own biodiesel from cooking oil, and grey water recycling systems to recycle at least 30% of your household water.
We manufacturer our Integral Drainback Flat Plate Collectors and Data Logging Solar Controllers here in Edmonton and have developed other products such as the Integral Drainback/Storage Tank which we have manufactured in Canada also. A truely made in Canada solution.
Increasingly, the biggest job has been to educate our clients about the technology, and demand for this technology is escalating. In response to this need, we have opened the Trimline Training Centre, a state of the art facility showcasing renewable technologies with hands-on training. We offer courses every month, year around, to accommodate the high level of interest in the emerging awareness of the various technologies. So if you are not afraid of getting your hands dirty, stop by and take a course or two.
Business Meeting
May 6, 2008 @ 10am - 12pm Village Lifestyles (10429 - 79 Ave)
Occasionally at our 'Growing your Green Business' meetings we'll do profiles of successful local green businesses. The meeting is not for them to come in and plug their product or service. It's to discuss their journey as an entrepreneur - what mistakes they've made, what lessons they've learned, what works and what doesn't work for them in growing their business. We think it's incredibly important that we come together to share our stories and learn from each other.
The format will be: 5-10 minutes of presentations about what their company does. Then 10-15 minutes for the moderator to ask them a series of focused questions. The final 35-40 minutes there will be the opportunity for the group to ask them questions.
Guest Entrepreneurs:
Stephani Carter of EcoAmmo and Green Alberta Stephani Carter is a LEED® Accredited professional. She graduated from NAIT Interior Design Technology with honours in 2001 and has been very pleased to be able to return for the past four years to lecture to the graduating class on sustainable design and products and materials. Stephani worked for a couple design firms in Edmonton including Manasc Isaac Architects where she lead their “Green Interior Design Department”. Stephani was actively involved with creating the Alberta Chapter of the Canada Green Building Council in 2003 and has remained on the board ever since. She currently holds the roles of Vice President and Edmonton Program Committee Chair. Stephani is a self proclaimed "volunteer-aholic" and also volunteers for the Riverdale Net Zero Healthy Home, Clean Air Strategic Alliance - Indoor Air Quality Team , and she recently joined the steering committee for "S.A.G.E" (Socially-conscious, Alternative, Green Edmontonians) Network . (HURRAY!!)
Ross Goodine of Prairie DawnRoss Goodine is an entrepreneur and Systems Constellation facilitator who assists individuals and businesses in releasing barriers to their potential.
Ross founded Hidden Dynamics Consulting in 2006 and specializes in working with clients wanting to grow to a higher level in their life, career or business.
Prior to starting Hidden Dynamics, Ross founded Prairie Dawn Natural Body Products Ltd. in 1998 and currently serves as President. Ross developed and launched Prairie Dawn Natural Lip Balm, which was a Finalist in the Canadian Grand Pr ix New Product Awards in 2004, competing with industry giants like Proctor and Gamble.
Ross has been featured in Alberta Venture magazine and has been interviewed on CBC radio.
We hope to see you at the next meetings!
Maureen and Tad
Monday, March 31, 2008
Fourth SAGE Meeting
Another month gone by and spring is officially here! It is so good to have longer days. A lot has happened in the past month, and I'd like to share some of the highlights
We've changed our name, so now the group is called SAGE, which stands for socially conscious, alternative, green Edmontonians. We did this to better reflect the mission and vision we have for this group to serve business and community members. Please read our mission and vision statement for more details.
We had a great meeting about creating the resource directory. About 20 people came out to brainstorm about what kind of directory they'd like and what they want it to do. In my opinion this directory is going to be better than Google!
It's going to list all the green, local or sustainable businesses, have a section for green job postings, a wiki-type glossary of terms, a 5 "foot" rating system so you can search for businesses with the smallest footprint, "5 foot" business profiles, a place to nominate businesses and organizations for inclusion in the listing, and a place to give feedback on businesses similar to e-bay, a community calendar, a search feature that lets you search by business type, product type, or issue - like businesses to help you reduce your impact on the earth, a locator to help you find business within a certain distance of your house or work, a collection of articles and resources submitted by members, a green dating service, and links to the many, many awesome websites that are already out there.
We also had a celebration meeting to share how far we've come and from now on we will be having 2 meetings each month, one for business people, and one for community members. The dates and topics for the next 6 months of meetings is posted on our calendar at right. Our next meetings are coming up soon.
Business Meeting
April 7, 2008 @ 10am - 12pm Village Lifestyles (10429 - 79 Ave)
Tad Hargrave presents :
"Marketing for Green and Local Entrepreneurs"
I've spent the last five years traveling around North America, working hands on with
locally owned, green and community minded businesses like you.
Most conscious businesses I know struggle with attracting enough of the right kinds of clients and keeping cashflow strong. So, we thought it would be a good conversation to start off our business series with (and we left it too late to find any other guest presenters).
Basically, I'll share the 5 minute version of what I do and then we'll open it up into a group Q&A and discussion that I'll facilitate to explore our issues around marketing for an hour or so. My goal is to keep this session very practical, nuts and bolts and focused (vs. wandering, meandering and a chance to soap box).
Community Meeting
April 16, 2008 @ 7 - 9:30pm Village Lifestyles (10429 - 79 Ave)
Ron Berezan presents:
“The Edible City – cultivating connections to our food”
Cities around the world are currently experiencing a tremendous growth in the urban agriculture movement. Whether we hunger for environmental sustainability, for health and wellness, for community, or for a reconnection to our food source and our local bio-region, growing some of our own food can be an immensely satisfying and meaningful experience. This workshop will explore a variety of models for growing food in the city from backyard gardens, to edible landscapes, to rooftop gardens, to permaculture edible forest gardens. Ample opportunities for discussion and visioning will be included.
We hope to see you at the next meetings!
Maureen and Tad
We've changed our name, so now the group is called SAGE, which stands for socially conscious, alternative, green Edmontonians. We did this to better reflect the mission and vision we have for this group to serve business and community members. Please read our mission and vision statement for more details.
We had a great meeting about creating the resource directory. About 20 people came out to brainstorm about what kind of directory they'd like and what they want it to do. In my opinion this directory is going to be better than Google!
It's going to list all the green, local or sustainable businesses, have a section for green job postings, a wiki-type glossary of terms, a 5 "foot" rating system so you can search for businesses with the smallest footprint, "5 foot" business profiles, a place to nominate businesses and organizations for inclusion in the listing, and a place to give feedback on businesses similar to e-bay, a community calendar, a search feature that lets you search by business type, product type, or issue - like businesses to help you reduce your impact on the earth, a locator to help you find business within a certain distance of your house or work, a collection of articles and resources submitted by members, a green dating service, and links to the many, many awesome websites that are already out there.
We also had a celebration meeting to share how far we've come and from now on we will be having 2 meetings each month, one for business people, and one for community members. The dates and topics for the next 6 months of meetings is posted on our calendar at right. Our next meetings are coming up soon.
Business Meeting
April 7, 2008 @ 10am - 12pm Village Lifestyles (10429 - 79 Ave)
Tad Hargrave presents :
"Marketing for Green and Local Entrepreneurs"
I've spent the last five years traveling around North America, working hands on with
locally owned, green and community minded businesses like you.
Most conscious businesses I know struggle with attracting enough of the right kinds of clients and keeping cashflow strong. So, we thought it would be a good conversation to start off our business series with (and we left it too late to find any other guest presenters).
Basically, I'll share the 5 minute version of what I do and then we'll open it up into a group Q&A and discussion that I'll facilitate to explore our issues around marketing for an hour or so. My goal is to keep this session very practical, nuts and bolts and focused (vs. wandering, meandering and a chance to soap box).
Community Meeting
April 16, 2008 @ 7 - 9:30pm Village Lifestyles (10429 - 79 Ave)
Ron Berezan presents:
“The Edible City – cultivating connections to our food”
Cities around the world are currently experiencing a tremendous growth in the urban agriculture movement. Whether we hunger for environmental sustainability, for health and wellness, for community, or for a reconnection to our food source and our local bio-region, growing some of our own food can be an immensely satisfying and meaningful experience. This workshop will explore a variety of models for growing food in the city from backyard gardens, to edible landscapes, to rooftop gardens, to permaculture edible forest gardens. Ample opportunities for discussion and visioning will be included.
We hope to see you at the next meetings!
Maureen and Tad
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
The Online Directory
Good evening, Since I just sent out the invitation for our next meeting, I thought it would be a good time to update the site a bit.
The next meeting:
Thursday Feb 28 - 7pm
Where: Village Lifestyles
10429 - 79 Ave
Edmonton, Alberta
Behind the post office
What are we talking about this time? There are 2 parts to this gathering:
1. Well, now that we've come up with our vision and mission, based on previous discussions at the meetings, we feel it's time to start working on the things you have told us you want most. There were three areas: networking and connecting, taking action, and a list of resources. This meeting we will focus on the best way to create this list of resources, how it should be organized, and gathering the resources we already know about.
2. relax and connect with each other while watching some mind expanding and inspiring videos.
And this time, Tad is out of town so Joey has graciously agreed to co-chair the meeting! Thanks Joey!
So of course we welcome you to come and mingle and connect, but if you aren't able to make it and would still like to help create this resource directory, please email or call with your suggestions. After the meeting we will be sharing the framework for the resource list and will still be accepting your contributions and ideas.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Community Announcements!
Several of you have sent announcements that need more explanation/exposure than the calendar provides, so I have set up a section for that in the right hand column called "Announcements". Please feel free to check it out and send in your announcements.
The next meeting:
Thursday Feb 28 - 7pm
Where: Village Lifestyles
10429 - 79 Ave
Edmonton, Alberta
Behind the post office
What are we talking about this time? There are 2 parts to this gathering:
1. Well, now that we've come up with our vision and mission, based on previous discussions at the meetings, we feel it's time to start working on the things you have told us you want most. There were three areas: networking and connecting, taking action, and a list of resources. This meeting we will focus on the best way to create this list of resources, how it should be organized, and gathering the resources we already know about.
2. relax and connect with each other while watching some mind expanding and inspiring videos.
And this time, Tad is out of town so Joey has graciously agreed to co-chair the meeting! Thanks Joey!
So of course we welcome you to come and mingle and connect, but if you aren't able to make it and would still like to help create this resource directory, please email or call with your suggestions. After the meeting we will be sharing the framework for the resource list and will still be accepting your contributions and ideas.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Community Announcements!
Several of you have sent announcements that need more explanation/exposure than the calendar provides, so I have set up a section for that in the right hand column called "Announcements". Please feel free to check it out and send in your announcements.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
The CORE Meeting
Wow, Tad and I just attended a great ECAT/ABC Tech networking dinner! There were over 100 people there from all walks of life, who came together to find out this "eco-thing" everyone is talking about. There were 4 predinner sessions and in ours sesion, we got to meet a bunch of the other groups in the city who are doing amazing things to make their working environments more sustainable, while finding a way to balance the planet, people and profits!
E-SAGE had another meeting on February 13th, and we had packed the room at Trimline Design Training Center - thanks to Harold for letting us use the room! If you are interested in courses on sustainable energy, housing or fuel you can find information there.
At the meeting we broke into groups and talked about specific projects that our group could do or help other groups do. The total list is being complied and we will have the full information soon. We also had the feeling that people wanted a bit more structure and wanted to know more about the purpose and goals of E-SAGE. Tad and I got together on Sunday and spent the whole day working it out, and we're proud to share our new mission and vision statements with you. We appreciate your feedback.
Some things to note:
Our next meeting is February 28th at the Village, more details on the calendar. At this meeting we will be starting the skeleton of our resource directory. Bring a list of all the websites, stores, restaurants, books, people, organizations, etc. that already do something sustainable, or provide goods or services that others need to know about. If you can't come to the meeting, email your ideas to us.
Nominations for the Emerald Awards close on Feb 29th. Check out their website for more information and the nomination forms.
E-SAGE had another meeting on February 13th, and we had packed the room at Trimline Design Training Center - thanks to Harold for letting us use the room! If you are interested in courses on sustainable energy, housing or fuel you can find information there.
At the meeting we broke into groups and talked about specific projects that our group could do or help other groups do. The total list is being complied and we will have the full information soon. We also had the feeling that people wanted a bit more structure and wanted to know more about the purpose and goals of E-SAGE. Tad and I got together on Sunday and spent the whole day working it out, and we're proud to share our new mission and vision statements with you. We appreciate your feedback.
Some things to note:
Our next meeting is February 28th at the Village, more details on the calendar. At this meeting we will be starting the skeleton of our resource directory. Bring a list of all the websites, stores, restaurants, books, people, organizations, etc. that already do something sustainable, or provide goods or services that others need to know about. If you can't come to the meeting, email your ideas to us.
Nominations for the Emerald Awards close on Feb 29th. Check out their website for more information and the nomination forms.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Third SAGE Meeting
Another month has gone by and the excitment and support is still growing. So many awesome things are happening around the city in so many areas it's hard to keep track of it all! (See the calendar at right >)
It's almost time for our first core group meeting! If you are interested in contributing to the group in an organizing capacity - please join us on Feb 13 at Trimline Design Center - see full details in the calendar (at right >).
If you just want to come out and see what all the buzz is about - come to our next group meeting on Feb 28 at the Village. (Details also at right >).
We are also attempting to share some of the other cool things happening around town that you may not have heard about yet. Please check out the calendar - at right for full details.
Hot Dog, we were in the paper today! Check out the pdf version of the article in the box (at right >) to read about the group from some other people's perspective.
And if you would like to know a bit more about Tad and I, you can click on the photos of us in the box (at right).
For all of you who were at the last meeting, you may have noticed that I am still employing my repetitive marketing techinique. So where can you find most of the new information on this page? ______ ______
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Resources
At the last meeting there was a request that we share the information that has come from our discussions, so here it is.
The first meeting we broke into groups and answered the same question.
"What do we think we know about creating and living in a sustainable community?"
Since there were 8 groups we had 8 versions of the answers. I put all these answers into a spreadsheet and looked for common themes. You can see the spreadsheet here common themes.
At the second meeting we used the common themes from this question to guide our group discussions. Using the following 4 focus question below, we joined the group that we were most passionate about and shared with the others. Click on each of the topic headings below to see what we talked about.
Focus Questions
What projects can we do together that we can’t do alone?
What partners can we identify to work with?
What partners are out there we should find out about?
What ongoing projects do we know about?
Topics
1. Food and Agriculture Issues
2. Building Design
3. Alternative Forms of Energy
4. Food Security
5. Eco village
6. Education
7. Community Building
8. Media
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other News...
We are starting to work on an online directory of resources. If you would like to be part of this creation process let us know by sending an e-mail.
It's almost time for our first core group meeting! If you are interested in contributing to the group in an organizing capacity - please join us on Feb 13 at Trimline Design Center - see full details in the calendar (at right >).
If you just want to come out and see what all the buzz is about - come to our next group meeting on Feb 28 at the Village. (Details also at right >).
We are also attempting to share some of the other cool things happening around town that you may not have heard about yet. Please check out the calendar - at right for full details.
Hot Dog, we were in the paper today! Check out the pdf version of the article in the box (at right >) to read about the group from some other people's perspective.
And if you would like to know a bit more about Tad and I, you can click on the photos of us in the box (at right).
For all of you who were at the last meeting, you may have noticed that I am still employing my repetitive marketing techinique. So where can you find most of the new information on this page? ______ ______
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Resources
At the last meeting there was a request that we share the information that has come from our discussions, so here it is.
The first meeting we broke into groups and answered the same question.
"What do we think we know about creating and living in a sustainable community?"
Since there were 8 groups we had 8 versions of the answers. I put all these answers into a spreadsheet and looked for common themes. You can see the spreadsheet here common themes.
At the second meeting we used the common themes from this question to guide our group discussions. Using the following 4 focus question below, we joined the group that we were most passionate about and shared with the others. Click on each of the topic headings below to see what we talked about.
Focus Questions
What projects can we do together that we can’t do alone?
What partners can we identify to work with?
What partners are out there we should find out about?
What ongoing projects do we know about?
Topics
1. Food and Agriculture Issues
2. Building Design
3. Alternative Forms of Energy
4. Food Security
5. Eco village
6. Education
7. Community Building
8. Media
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other News...
We are starting to work on an online directory of resources. If you would like to be part of this creation process let us know by sending an e-mail.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Happy New Year
Wow!! There seem to be lots of reasons to celebrate. I like to spend New Year's Eve reflecting on my accomplishments over the past year, and although it was very good, I am really excited about the coming year. It feels like there are positive events happening simultaneously all over the world in all aspects of life. Not the least of which is the activity and momentum initiated by the first E-SAGE meeting.
To keep this momentum going, we have continued to talk about building sustainable communities. Several people who attended the first meeting indicated that they would like to be involved in a core capacity, so here's your chance! There will be a meeting to talk about core issues and possibilities for the network on February 13th. More details can be found on the calendar to the right. Just roll your mouse over the colored square and a popup window will open.
To move to the next month, click the >> arrows at the bottom of the calendar.
The next large group meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Time: 7 - 9 pm
Place: Climate Change Central
Western Canadian Bank Bldg (see map)
10303 - Jasper avenue
Western Room located in the basement of the building -
take the escalator down and then go to your left
Feel free to invite others who would be interested in a network of people
who are building a sustainable community.
See you there!
Maureen & Tad
To keep this momentum going, we have continued to talk about building sustainable communities. Several people who attended the first meeting indicated that they would like to be involved in a core capacity, so here's your chance! There will be a meeting to talk about core issues and possibilities for the network on February 13th. More details can be found on the calendar to the right. Just roll your mouse over the colored square and a popup window will open.
To move to the next month, click the >> arrows at the bottom of the calendar.
The next large group meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Time: 7 - 9 pm
Place: Climate Change Central
Western Canadian Bank Bldg (see map)
10303 - Jasper avenue
Western Room located in the basement of the building -
take the escalator down and then go to your left
Feel free to invite others who would be interested in a network of people
who are building a sustainable community.
See you there!
Maureen & Tad
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