Green Roof Canada

A good piece on Green Roof technology in Canada,
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20090605/green_roofs_090607/20090607?hub=TopStories



However, I really have to point out that the technology is available for private residences as well. We need to begin to push for this technology into our development regulations. It is perfectly safe, and does not compromise existing structures, stops storm water runoff, provides habitat, and creates a much more energy efficient home, both in the summer and the winter!

I had actually bandied about a business plan for the planning and installation of green roofs for awhile. Unfortunately, when I needed more education in the area, I couldn't believe how inaccessible such information was. More education in environmental technology, and alternatives that are available, is sorely needed. Thus this is a good piece in the news, and I am very happy to hear that Toronto is considering development regulations to make mandatory green roofing components! Time for Waterloo to jump on board!

Zero Energy Housing, and Commercial?!!! WOW

California Public Utilities Commission’s strategic plan calls for new homes to be zero net energy by 2020 and that standard will apply to new commercial buildings y 2030. Now that's exciting!

http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/may/26/zero-net-energy-a-goal-for-every-home-and-in/

So when is the Most Intelligent Community in North America (that would be Waterloo!) going to catch up with the rest of the world? Start pushing the provincial government to develop some new development guidelines. If energy is a big issue in this province, then legislate less energy usage! Pretty straight forward. I don't have the source, but did you know that just by following the advice of a Home Energy Audit, the average home can cut their energy usage in half!

Oh dear, I once again am ranting at the government to take a lead in environmental protection. I firmly believe that there can be legislation that can push us far towards the light at the end of the tunnel. I firmly believe that almost all of us in Canada are spoiled rotten! Time to wake up and learn how to be responsible for one's actions!

PS - Thanks Jim Harris for the lead here. Great story!

Waterloo Is Out Of Cluck

http://news.therecord.com/News/Local/article/517143

The article is very informative. Check it out.

I don't know if I would want to have chickens in my backyard. Maybe, it would be great for my daughter to learn about. However, I don't think I am ready to tackle that responsibility. Oh, wait, I won't be able to because whether I want to or not, Waterloo has officially closed the debate.

I would be fine with neighbours having chickens, I just don't think I would. Why is it that we seem to refuse to look to a more sustainable, locally dependent economy!? I just don't get it!

Grand River Transit Includes Elmira

Great one year trial initiative by the GRT. The service has been extended to Elmira from the Conestoga Mall terminal. All the details are in the press release on the region's website. If you are in Elmira, consider this as an option! Please!

I am sure you wouldn't miss the traffic!

http://www.region.waterloo.on.ca/web/region.nsf/$All/16F748BDC7F5F9CA852575900053CB43?OpenDocument

Where in Waterloo are Green Roofs?

Now, I do understand that this is a much larger city, and with a wee bit larger event coming to town, but Vancouver has it figured out.

http://www.theprovince.com/story_print.html?id=1465814&sponsor

I am impressed a great deal with the newest addition to the Olympic preparations. I do realize that the costs are falling upon the taxpayer, HOWEVER, I do appreciate the efforts made to embrace a sustainable, more harmonious mentality towards development, and progress. The addition of a six acre green roof, housing over 400000 plant species and 60000 bees. Bravo,.. bravo.

So where does Waterloo stand in the green roof philosophy and development?

As for philosophy, the region embraces the technology and alternative. The roof of the Waterloo city hall is a green roof! Need I say more? Yes. The region embraces the fad of green roofs, they do not embrace it. If the region or individual cities were all for green roofs then we should see them. There would be incentives to develop this alternative. The advantages are lengthy! Reduced water runoff, reduced heat absorption, thus less heat island effect, and increase of habitat, an increased area for food production, and the list continues. Check out this link for the details (and for info as to what on Earth a green roof is) : http://www.greenroofs.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=26&Itemid=40

No... I do not have a green roof...

I wonder why?

Is the technology readily available?

Are there incentives to embrace this alternative?

Is it being promoted?

Are there the skills and knowledge in our communities?

Questions with no pleasing answers are all I have here!

The technology is readily available. Just not here (Waterloo, Ontario, or Canada!!!)

There are incentives to make the change. Just not here ( Toronto? Our neighbour? http://www.toronto.ca/greenroofs/index.htm)

The alternative is being promoted. Just not here ( UK has huge promotions to increase the numbers of green roofs - http://www.greenroofstoday.co.uk/ )

The skills and knowledge is here! (http://www.city.waterloo.on.ca/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabID=1177 )

It is good enough for our tax money to be used on the city of Waterloo's city hall roof, but why isn't it being used to help all of us develop this. The city is so concerned with water runoff, and stormwater management. There is a huge push in the region to develop an increased rain barrel infrastructure in order to lessen the runoff, and especially to reduce our use of water. A green roof typically reduces runoff by 70-80% in the summer and 25-40% in the winter ( http://livingroofs.org/livingpages/benwaterunoff.html ). The rest of the runoff goes into rain barrels and is used on lawns and ground gardens.

Okay, I'm sorry! I could go on and on. The entire point of this post is to try to convince you that the region, or the individual cities should be creating financial incentives to reduce our impact upon our environment, and our planet. Our governments should be leading our fight against global warming, and our negative impact on this life giving planet. Will they ever? Or will they wait for fringe movements to become mainstream before daring to promote such ideas. Politicians take far to few risks on creating a better future.

Think Globally, Act Locally

We have all heard this before. The global problems need to be tackled at a local level. Well, local municipalities and provinces, and the nation had better start to act. Now!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-kRP5x2MsAw

The video says it all. It actually sent a chill up my spine, and my eyes got a little misty! Powerful, and necessary!

K-W Record Against Environmental Protection

Wow, what an idiot! I am not one for disrespect, but what does this writer expect!

http://news.therecord.com/News/Local/article/511200

So basically, building bike lanes is a waste of time. Rather, just keep everyone in the cars as long as possible. Apparently bike lanes aren't going to increase bike commuting numbers enough to make bike lanes a worthwhile investment.

Three main thoughts on this:
First, leaving bike lanes out is not going to increase cycling!!! And telling people that bike lanes don't work, doesn't help either! So I guess that keeping cars on the road is the best idea?
Secondly, the Region of Waterloo is expected to grow to 750,000 people by 2030! So just where are all these drivers going to drive? Can we be proactive in planning for this increase in population by developing the infrastructure that will be needed for the ever increasing population!?
Thirdly, and most important probably, is that our current model of suburban development is antiquated and doesn't work when considering any environmental concerns. We need to change our system of residential development to include commercial and industrial buildings in the same space, to thus reduce our dependency on the automobile.

So bike lanes will work, and will be forced to work, especially when the inevitable rise in gasoline prices resumes. I can't believe that the Record would print an article decrying an environmental protection measure, and for that matter, something that will prolong existing infrastructure by taking automobiles off the road, as a waste of investment.

Can we actually open our minds to thinking longer term than the next tax bill!?? If we don't, then we are in real trouble, if we aren't already!

So in conclusion, Well Done K-W Record, you have finally taken a stance on the environment! Yikes!

Paths For Reconstruction in the 21st Century

Wow! A very powerful look at where we are headed in the future, and an attempt to understand and develop some kind of guide to lead us through a global society based upon plural cultures. This article isn't limited to just environmental issues, but looks at all those challenges that will face us. Of course they are all interconnected to varying degrees, and thus we need to understand as many of the challenges we will face, that we will need to face together.

http://www.ips-dc.org/articles/188

PS - Thanks Green Sudbury!

Roll Up The Rim Season - Environmental Disaster?

A Canadian tradition, an institution in it's own right! Everyone always wins, at least the 'Please Play Again". Hoping for a donut, a coffee, maybe even something bigger! It is a lottery that is easy and fun, but it does have it's downside!

Take a look around city streets, country sideroads, our local parks, and there will be reminders of the great spring past-time in Canada. Red Timmy cups all over the road, sidewalks and littering the grass of our cities, towns, and countryside.

Last Rrrroll Up The Rrrrim season, my daughter and I took to the streets to collect garbage that had been strewn over the winter, and we were shocked at the amount of Tim Horton's cups we picked up.

So two questions come to mind. How can we be so careless to litter so much? And secondly, what is Tim Horton's doing to help to prevent their products from being littered all over our cities?

Well, visiting their stores will show you their messages to reduce litter, their abundant recycling bins, and their reusable plates, cups and cutlery. Visiting their website also shows you their environmental practices, and initiatives.
http://www.timhortons.com/ca/en/goodwill/environment.html

So, all is not bleak in the world of Timmy's, and their ever present cups. They have many community projects to promote the environment, and seem to be taking their environmental impact seriously. BUT, I will let you decide for yourself.

It seems that the problem is us. We need to be able to break our despicable habit of tossing out of cars our unwanted litter. Just take it home and throw it out.

I will leave you with the previous posted video of my daughter from last springs clean up!

Important Video - No It's Not Paris Hilton, or Britney Spears

I hope you like the title! An idea from a friend of mine! I know, you are diappointed in my shameless attempt to gain visitors to the site! Hey, if it means ONE more person sees the video below, then it was well worth selling out!

GO HERE,

http://www.storyofstuff.com/

AND PRESS PLAY!

You won't be disappointed, but your eyes will be opened a little wider after!