Public Tours of the Mapleward Renewable Generating Station
The plant was developed by Thunder Bay Hydro Renewable
Power in cooperation with the City of Thunder Bay. It uses
harmful methane gas that is being removed from the landfill
site and converts it to generate enough electricity to power
over 2,000 city homes.
Tuesday,
September 7
3:15, 4:00 or 4:45 pm
Located just south of the
city landfill on Mapleward
Road
Do not use main entrance,
follow signs to service road
south of main entrance
PLEASE ARRIVE 15 MINUTES PRIOR TO TOUR TIME
Parking will be offsite with a shuttle provided.

Perrons Ecosolutions will be at the Go Green Expo being held at the CLE grounds on September 11 and 12. Green vendors will be there, and you can also register to attend seminars that will provide you with the information you need to live greener, and save money on your day to day living expenses doing it.
I believe there is a small fee and I do mean small, and it will provide you with a great amount of ideas.
From power alternatives, water saving techniques, waste reduction and more, we hope to see you then. Please bring your thoughts and ideas too to share with everyone there. Every idea counts.

I have spent most of this summer devoting my time to my family and spending as much of it as possible with my children. This in turn has led to a complete loss of time and space. I went to set up for the Hymer's Fair which last year was at the end of August, beginning of September. I knew the month was August, but not necessarily that it was the 27th.
Strangely enough, no one was there except for a couple of cars. A lady drives over to find out what we need, and looks at me as though I have lost my mind. IT'S NEXT WEEKEND, and nothing to do with August at all! Would you believe how many people I have spoken to this week that I told what I was doing this weekend, and they may have known when it was, but didn't say anything? I have rarely felt stupider, except for the time I introduced myself to someone that I had met on 3 other occasions. In my defense, there were lots of different people I was meeting at the same time, and each environment was different. I'm certainly not likely to forget them now!
 It wasn't a complete loss though. My husband and children and I ate dinner at the Kakabeka Hotel and enjoyed an afternoon in the country.
Another great thing came out of this. My van broke just after we returned to town. This really was lucky because it isn't a long weekend, and we have all week now to get it repaired the for the fair next week.  Yes...I am an optimist, and I try to see the bright side of things...right after I picked myself up off the ground and got over my immediate fit!
Please make sure to come and see us at the Hymer's Fair and check out what products we have included in our product line, and find some information about greener ways to live. Please come and discuss your ideas too!

Perrons Ecosolutions will be selling party sets and other party supplies at this event. Come join us!

•  Live Entertainment
•  Interactive & Informative Displays
•  Kids Eco-Crafts
•  Local Group Demonstrations
•  Kayaking with WildWaters Canoes & Kayaks
•  Party Pro Inflatables
• Dunk Tank
• Food Concessions
• Green vendors
• Fun Factor Suomi & Jousting
• Presentation & Cake
• and more ...

Come try out 6 hands-on activities with the ...

• Animals of the North
• Bubblesphere
• Eye-Spy-Science
• Bug Fest
• Science Challenge
• Science Rock

http://www.lakesuperiorday.com/  
or find us on facebook at http://www.facebook.com/#%21/event.php?eid=120380054659516&ref=ts


Please feel free to pass this on to friends, family and colleagues.

I have been spending many hours in my gardens, and everyday I run out to check on my plant's progress. There is nothing worse than finding half of my plant has gone to feed some bug! 
My wonderful husband did some research and found that putting a 3 inch (approximately) strip of cardboard around the base of the plant in a complete circle and pushed into the dirt about an inch prevents the bugs from climbing the plant. It really is working, but I have to check to make sure that no leaves are trailing on the ground. So far we have used old toilet paper rolls, and now we are cutting up boxes.
Instead of chemicals, try this option first.

An excellent new initiative from our local farmers and growers. If you can't grow your own, or share a plot with someone else like my neighbour does with her sister, your local farmers have gone online to give you better access to their foods.
Here is a copy of the informative e-mail I received.
Supporting a true, sustainable local food system: real food from real farmers.

Hi Everyone -

We'd like to introduce Thunder Bay's first on-line local food store:  Superior Seasons Food Market: http://www.marketstore.locallygrown.net/

Superior Seasons Food Market utilizes a web system called locallygrown.net.  Locallygrown.net takes the best things about traditional farmers markets, CSAs, and buying clubs and wraps them all together in an online system that 's easy for both the grower and the customer.  The store simplifies the direct connection between producers and customers.   Superior Seasons Food Market is operated by Belluz Farms for all legal and business transactions but, in reality,  functions more like a co-op: farmers set their own prices, availability and provide input and guidance regarding the "workings" of the site.  The site does not intend to make a profit on its own; therefore, fees and commissions are based on costs only.

The Big Details:

• Accounts can be set up for individual customers, office buying groups or wholesale businesses, restaurants and/or caterers.  
• There is a membership fee to fully participate in the system, however, you can set up an account, receive weekly updates and try out your first order for free before paying your membership fee.
• Choose from two dates & locations to pick up your order.  Wholesale orders & office buying groups are delivered on one of the two dates.  
• All producers  listed on the site are verified businesses that are committed to producing their products using sustainable methods with a long term vision for food policy - supporting them as opposed to other options should make a real impact to food security in this community for the future.

We invite you to browse the site http://www.marketstore.locallygrown.net/ and set up your free account to receive our weekly updates.  You'll see more producers and more products come available as we move into the main harvest season.  Feel free to forward this email along to any who may be interested!

Thanks for your support!
Kevin and Jodi Belluz
on behalf of our local farmers...

There is a non-profit company in the U.S. that is collecting hair, animal and human, and other materials to use to make booms to absorb oil. If you or anyone you know can help with this, please visit HERE for more information and how to help.
The charity is called a Matter Of Trust. If the link is not working, please submit a search into google for this company.
Barber and hairstyling salons would be the most beneficial to get involved, but every single strand will make a difference.
Please get involved now.

I have just planted 2 pear trees, and an apple tree in my backyard. More local food!  Before I placed the trees into the holes, I cleaned out my fridge, and freezer, and took all available food scraps and threw it into the bottom of the hole and planted the tree on top of it. As it decomposes, it will create air pockets in the soil, helping to aerate and refine it. It will attract worms, and the worms will create tunnels providing more aeration, and also leaving behind more fertilizer down where the tree needs it most. At the roots. I have to say that I didn't put in anything too acidic, not knowing how this may affect the trees. Now I will put some finished compost from the composter around the top, along with sawdust to help hold in the moisture, and a little bit of 20-20-20 to give the tree a boost and bring it out of the shock of being transplanted.

A little side note. 8 years ago, my backyard was filled with buried concrete. The last owners had broken up a very large driveway and buried the concrete all over the yard, and then placed sod on top. I have dug up and crushed most of it by now, but still have had some areas where the grass won't grow or is very stunted.
For the last 8 years, I have been throwing yard waste such as harvested plants, grass, leaves, etc... on those problem sections and then running it over with the lawnmower to break it down.
The grass and soil yesterday was about 2 inches of soil with full grass and strong roots. All because of the decomposing stocks, weeds, carrot tops, and so on. Spread your yard waste around, and mulch what you can. This will also save room in your composter for those winter months.

Do you know how much water your washing machine uses, or how much water goes down the drain of your sink? I didn't before, but I do now and it is a real eye opener for me.
During the last dry spell, (yes, before the endless rain), my brand new water barrels had run dry. I didn't want to turn on the tap, so I drained my washing machine into a large tub, and carried the water outside to dump into my rainbarrels. A couple of forgetful moments left me with a wet basement floor, and I learned that my washing machine was automatically set to an extra rinse FOR EVERY LOAD. I hadn't noticed it before, and it certainly wasn't necessary, but was only discovered when my high efficiency washing machine was able to fill up the water barrel after only 2 loads.
The dishwasher used 3 5 gallon buckets to wash the dishes, and to rinse the vegetables and wash hands used up 6 5 gallon pails each day.
I spent some time last week speaking to a gentleman from Australia. In his home, he has a 2 option toilet where only a half flush is used for #1, and a full flush for ahem... solids. Since they only receive about 15 inches of rain per year, they have a gray water capture system installed in their home that captures the water from the bathroom sink, laundry sink, washing machine, and shower to use to flush their toilets, and water their crops. The waste from the toilet and the kitchen sink is called black water and cannot be reused. I am now looking at installing some kind of storage tank to gather the gray water for gardening, and flushing the toilets. I think that I will also get a pump to move it around instead of carrying it, although for anyone who is looking for a real workout...

Here are upcoming events:

1. SREC AGM - June 15
2. Summer Ceremonies June 15 – 21, 2010 Shoal Lake
3. Green Drinks - June 16
4. Public Meeting before City Council to consider a Comprehensive Zoning By-law, June 23
5. Lake Superior Day - July 18
6. Community Challenge Day - August 11
7. Go Green Expo - September 10-12
8. Elders and Youth Gathering September 21 – 23, 2010 Thunder Bay
9. Annual Fall Harvest Festival - Old Fort William
****************************************************************************** 1. SUPERIOR RENEWABLE ENERGY COOPERATIVE AGM
June 15, 6:30 – 9 p.m.
The Superior Renewable Energy Cooperative is offering an evening of presentations on solar energy options for homeowners as part of its annual general meeting on Tuesday, June 15 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the Scandinavian Home Restaurant.
Guest presenters and topics include:
Hubert Den Draak  (Nolalu EcoCentre) – Living with Solar Energy
Kasia Anderson (Sun Energy Development) - MicroFit and Grid-Tie Opportunities
Frank Ilczyszyn & Jane Oldale (Frank’s Alternate Energy) –Off Grid Options
Graham Saunders – Solar Air heating
Scott Harris -  Solar Hot Water
Homeowners are invited to attend and learn more about solar technologies from people working in the industry as well as area residents who are living with solar heating  systems. SREC is a local cooperative  with a mandate to promote renewable energy and community-owned power development.  The group will be holding its annual general meeting after the presentations and new members are welcome. Memberships are $20 for individuals, $50 for businesses and helps support renewable energy projects in Thunder Bay and area. More information is available at www.srecwind.ca
 
2. SUMMER CEREMONIES
Tuesday, June 15, 2010 at 12:00 pm - Monday, June 21, 2010 at 3:00 pm
Location:  Iskatewizaagegan First Nation - SHOAL LAKE, ONTARIO, Shoal Lake Rd. Highway 673
 
The White Shell Midewiwin Faith-Keepers invite our relations to the Lodge, and we the Iskatewizaagegan Mide-Anishinaabeg welcome our relations to the Summer Ceremonies and Celebrations. We welcome you to join us in celebrating Life through prayer, song and dance; and we invite you to come learn the sacred teachings of living the good life! Ombe! Come hear the stories and the teachings of the Earth and all that we depend on for survival.

EVERYONE IS WELCOME

Join us as we give thanks for Spring and as we welcome Summer.
June 15 & 16 - Sweat Lodge Ceremonies during the day ONLY on both days. All Midewi'O Anishinaabeg (Midewin Initiates) are required to attend 4 bathes before entering the Midewigaaning before their dance.
June 17 - Teachings begin at Sun-set for 1st degree initiates (Midewi'o Anishinaabeg). 1st Degree Initiates have your food ready before the start of the ceremony.
June 18, 19 and 20 - Medicine Dance all day.
June 21 - SUMMER FEAST & BBQ Community Feast and Midewin Gathering. Hugs and Kisses until next prayer meeting.

**If you are unsure with what to bring, or if you have a concern, don't hesitate to call Ron Indian-Mandamin at 807.733.3053 or leave him a message via Facebook or email him at mandamin@hotmail.com and he'll get back to you ASAP**

"The Midewin is ancient; it was given to Humans to relearn their purpose in life. It deals with every aspect of life and many people come from the Lodge bearing different gifts and abilities. It is a place that was created to restore, share and care for life, ALL of Life."
 
3. GREEN DRINKS
Wednesday June 16, 5-7pm
Green Drinks will be held at Kelsey's on the Patio! See you there!!

4. PUBLIC MEETING BEFORE CITY COUNCIL ON NEW COMPREHENSIVE ZONING BYLAW
June 22 & 23
Visit the following link for more information:
http://www.thunderbay.ca/City_Government/News_and_Strategic_Initiatives/Notices_to_the_Public/Notice_of_Open_House___Public_Meeting_-_June_22___23_-_New_Comprehensive_Zoning_By-Law.htm

5. LAKE SUPERIOR DAY
July 18, 1-4pm at Marina Park

6. COMMUNITY CHALLENGE DAY
August 11
Across Ontario, communities will be competing for the largest percentage drop in energy use on this day! Help Thunder Bay win!! Take the power pledge, and learn ways to reduce your energy use everyday! www.powerpledge.ca

7. GO GREEN EXPO
September 10-12, Canadian Lakehead Exhibition grounds
Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario residents are invited to the first-ever Go Green Expo to learn new ways to make their homes and workplaces more eco-friendly, while saving money and helping the environment. Join us for tours, workshops, an exhibition of information and local green products and services, and keynote speaker Gill Deacon. Registration will be available in June. For more information visit www.earthwisethunderbay.com

8. ELDERS AND YOUTH GATHERING
“Voices from the Past, for Tomorrow”
 Tuesday, September 21, 2010 at 9 am - Thursday, September 23, 2010 at 3:00 pm
Location: Chippewa Park, Thunder Bay, Ontario
Hosted by: Grey Wolf and the Elders of Northern Ontario
 
This Elders and Youth Gathering will invite approximately 15 Elders from each of the three Nations of Northern Ontario, namely: Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN); Grand Council Treaty #3; and, the Anishinabek Nation.  As well, approximately 15 local non-Aboriginal Elders and 15 local Aboriginal Elders (including the Métis Nation of Ontario) will also be invited together with local youth in the city.  
 
This is a very unique opportunity for the three Treaty Nations as well as these Elders to gather together for the purposes of sharing their wisdom and preparing for the future.  We are expecting that we will have approximately 200 people participating in this historic event.  This gathering will be archived and broadcast live through Wawatay Radio and K-Net webstreaming.
 
For more information about this event, please feel free to contact Cindy Crowe

Waabi-ma'iingan (Grey Wolf) Traditional Teaching Lodge
incorporated as Ozhaawashko-giizhig (Blue Sky) Traditional Teaching Lodge
1306 Victoria Ave East
Thunder Bay, ON  P7C 1C2
Tele:  (807) 473-9851
Toll Free:  1-888-852-5856
Cell:  (807) 627-5768
Fax: (807) 939-2750
Email:  crowe@tbaytel.net
www.greywolfteachinglodge.ca

9. ANNUAL FALL HARVEST AT FORT WILLIAM HISTORICAL PARK
Sept 21-23
Observers/participants can learn about traditional fall harvesting activities.  The event time is 10 am - 3:30 pm.

 
Sarah Kerton, HBES, BEd, MNRM
Community Environmental Action Plan Coordinator
p(807) 625-2411
f(807) 625-3588

Environment Division, Victoriaville Civic Centre
111 Syndicate Ave. S. PO Box 800
Thunder Bay, Ontario P7C 5K4
Closest Bus Stop: City Hall

www.earthwisethunderbay.com

COMMUNITY CHALLENGE DAY
August 11
Across Ontario, communities will be competing for the largest percentage drop in energy use on this day! Help Thunder Bay win!! Take the power pledge, and learn ways to reduce your energy use everyday! www.powerpledge.ca

Reduce power usage wherever possible. This falls on a Wednesday right in the middle of the workweek adding some challenge for those who work those days. When leaving the house, or just not using appliances, unplug them.  It's the middle of summer and you won't want to cook anyway. Barbecue outdoors, go out to dinner, or eat sandwiches and salad and leave the stove off. At the end of the work day, if possible, turn off your monitors even if you are leaving your computer on standby. As someone who has cleaned offices before, when I went to dust the desks, the monitor comes on. Turn off the lights to the building when you leave too.
Believe it or not, there is a building that I have cleaned that has left me a note taped to the light switch to leave the lights on after I had taken it upon myself to start turning them off. It was the weekend, and no one would be there from Friday at 4:30pm until Monday morning. This is a publicly funded building whom we rely on for some of our environmental information. Yes, I am being vague!
This is the type of business that should be the first to be mandated to follow all known environmental rules.
For more power saving tips, contact Thunder Bay Hydro, or Ecosuperior, and on August 11th, use less power.

Ecosuperior is having a truckload sale of water barrels at its Miles St address. Bring your water bill and save $20 dollars on one barrel. More than one or without a water account, it is $60.00 per barrel. Even $60.00 is way less expensive than purchasing from any other store that I have come across yet, and believe me, I was looking.
Purchase from Ecosuperior and help support local environmental initiatives.
Call Ecosuperior for more information.

I was reading some information sponsored by the City of Thunder Bay Environment Division. There is a great deal in it about water conservation in the home. I have a few copies if you would like to read it, just call 252-1856 to pick it up, or call the Environment Division. Please either pass the copy on and ask that person to do the same, or return it rather than recycling it. Until a new version is distributed, this one can be reused.
One tip to check for leaky toilets is to place food colouring in the tank of your toilet. Then check it every 5-10 minutes to see if there is any colour in the bowl. If there is, you are losing water through a leaky toilet. You are paying for that water too.
The guide is called Household Guide to Water Efficiency.

My great new water barrels are almost dry, and with all of these wonderful sunny days, I am left with few options as to where I get my water for the garden. Since I bought the barrels so that I wouldn't have to turn on the tap, I was reluctant to fall back on that option. Instead, I started looking into reusing water. There is quite a bit of information out there about the reuse of "gray" water. Using the water from your shower, sinks, and washer to water gardens or flush toilets. The systems that you can have installed make perfect sense but are more than I want to spend right now.
My solution for my dry rain barrels was to unscrew the cap to my trap under the sink, and to place a pail there to catch any water going down the kitchen sink drain.
This has created an immediate awareness in my house of how much water is going down the drain. We know how much water is used by the dishwasher, to wash vegetables, to wash hands, and even to wait for the water to get cold enough for a drink.
I compost always, but would you believe I still drained canned fruits and veggies into the sink instead of the compost bucket, which by the way helps the compost break down faster with the liquid. It never occurred to me, but now that has stopped too.
I think I need a couple more rain barrels, and a lot more information about installing some kind of gray water system.
Do this yourself and see how much water goes down your drain that can be reused.

Looking through a flyer that came in the mail this week, I found an ad stating that you can receive a $5.00 coupon if you bring back 25 plant pots or more to your local Superstore, Loblaws, etc.  They recycle the plastic and make it into new pots.
I think that is wonderful and rewarding, but if the pots are in good condition, why not just clean out, and replant instead of melting the plastic to form new plastic pellets, reforming the pots, and then planting in them. Reusing should always come before recycling. That should only be at the end of the lifecycle. The more an item can be reused the less waste is produced, and therefore, the more value that item has. If the pot is broken,then it is an excellent solution.
For myself, I will keep the pots, replant in them repeatedly until I stop gardening, or they break, and then I will collect that coupon.
There is no value in disposables.

Please contact Adam asap if you are able to fill any of these positions at

Adam Krupper, Active Transportation Coordinator
City of Thunder Bay - EcoSuperior
Engineering Division
111 South Syndicate Avenue

Tel:  (807) 625-2163
Fax: (807) 625-3588
Email: Akrupper@Thunderbay.ca

Volunteer Needed for Bike Lane Kickoff Event!

 

Position:                      Duties:                                        Hours:            Person:

 

Photographer	Take great shots of event as it unfolds	9:00 – 5:00 Or shifts	(Toss your name here if interested!)
Videographer	Take some great film of event as it happens	9:00 – 5:00 Or shifts
Event Marshall (Bay and Secord)	Be a go-to person to answer questions and put out fires (not literally)	9:30-4:30
Event Marshall (Bay and Machar)	Be a go-to person to answer questions and put out fires (not literally)	9:30-4:30
Stage MC/Manager	Help keep order on the stage, introduce bands, help them take down, announcements	10:00 – 4:00 Or shifts	Tanya Ross
AT Booth Resource (3 needed)	Answer questions about the AT, what you do, some plans in the works, explain Bike Lanes, give out schwag	10:00 – 4:00 Or shifts
Thank You Poster Guardian and Encourager	Guard the ‘Thank You City Council’ poster and encourage folks to sign it.	10:00 – 4:00 Or shifts
Guided Bike Lane Rides Supervisors (3 needed)	We will have guided bike lane rides, and having adults will supervise would be great. Also, Supervisors for the Mass ride would be great too.	10:00 – 4:00 Or shifts
Ride Marshals (3 needed)	Ensue the lawful use of bike lanes and prevent rowdy behaviour	12:00- 1:00
Bike Decorating (3 needed)	Supervise and assist with the decoration of bicycles (temporary materials like trail tape)	10:00 – 4:00 Or shifts
Bike Lane Ambassadors (10 – ideal)	Looking for young folk to provide some instruction on how to use bike lanes	10:00 – 4:00 Or shifts

 

I never seem to have enough space when I am planting my gardens especially since I keep getting more and more seeds.
This year, I started some of my plants early by taking the seeds out of the store bought cantaloupe, tomatoes and peppers.  I wasn't sure were they going to sprout so I took a handful to start, thinking I would be lucky if I ended up with ten plants. Every windowsill in my house is full of plants now. It seems at though every single seed sprouted and I have been running around buying pop and forcing my husband and children to drink it so that I can use the bottles. I cut the bottles in half and use the bottom for the seedlings. I just found out today when I was transplanting into the outside gardens that the roots stick in the bottom of the bottle and gave me a little bit of trouble getting them out. I soaked the soil, and it came out in a clump. I would recommend putting something in the bottom of the bottle, perhaps a couple of rocks, to cause less trauma to the plant.
So once again, I don't have enough garden space.
My solution was to take our old shoe bench which used to be a large toy box for my children, strip it to the bare wood frame, and cut it in half. I them went to the lumber store, picked up some pressure treated wood, boxed the frame in, and filled it with soil. The box holds about 6 inches of soil which is enough for my lettuce which has a shallow root system. I  now have an extra 20 square feet of gardening space thanks to our old storage bench. I am having some issues uploading pictures on to this blog, so please check the Composting and More tab at www.perronsecosolutions.com to view them.

I have spent the last 4 days putting up fences, making and planting gardens, shoveling and more shoveling, painting, and staining,and then of course there is the regular job of running a business, marketing, paperwork, and the home with the husband and children, cleaning, laundry and meals... I missed Arbour Day at the Current River Rec Centre. I hope that some of you were able to make it.
The newest addition to my home is a pair of rain barrels. A quarter of one full barrel will water my gardens. With 2 I should be able to almost completely eliminate turning on the tap. I have made some tighter restrictions on how I water including taking into account how big the plant is, using the top half of a pop bottle cut in half and turned upside down, to direct the water into the roots, and of course only watering early morning or later in the evening.
We shopped around before picking up our rain barrels from Ecosuperior. If you have a Thunder Bay water account, you can purchase a rain barrel for $40.00, cash or cheque only. The prices in the stores were over $100.00 each. You can catch water in old garbage cans too or really anything that will hold water, except for metals that rust. Just place them under the drain pipe, and make sure you have a screen covering the top so that mosquitoes cannot use the standing water to breed in.
The amount of water that fell last Thursday filled both barrels plus.
After having planted my seeds, and transplanting my plants started early indoors, I hooked up a hose to the rain barrel's spout which has a shut off valve attached and lightly sprinkled the soil. Seeds won't require much since they are near the surface, and then when they sprout, their roots are still only a few inches deep, so light watering is all that is needed.
I expect to see a reduction in my water bill this summer, and I am now looking at ways to capture the dishwater, shower and bath water to use for the gardens too and to flush the toilets.

Spent AA, AAA, C, D, 9 volt, and button batteries can be taken to Home Depot for disposal. Where you walk in the doors for returns, there is a disposal box to your immediate left inside the second set of doors.
You can also bring your cfl's, and drop them off right beside the batteries.

1. EarthWise Spring Open House - May 13
2. Thunder Bay Multiplex Open House - May 13
3. Bike Rodeo - May 15
4. Arbour Day - May 15
5. Spring Ceremonies and Traditional Teaching Lodge May 20 – 23, 2010 Thunder Bay
6. Bike Lanes Launch - May 29
7. Summer Ceremonies June 15 – 21, 2010 Shoal Lake
8. Lake Superior Day - July 18
9. Go Green Expo - September 10-12
10. Elders and Youth Gathering September 21 – 23, 2010 Thunder Bay 1. EARTHWISE SPRING OPEN HOUSE - TOMORROW!!!
Thursday May 13th, 5:00pm-7:30pm at the Oliver Rd. Community Centre.

Come and hear updates on what the Working Groups are doing, learn more about EarthWise, get involved, and meet other citizens working for a more sustainable Thunder Bay! There will also be a special presentation on Active Transportation. Refreshments will be served.

******************************************************************************

2. THUNDER BAY MULTIPLEX OPEN HOUSE
Thursday May 13, 6:30-9:00pm at the Italian Cultural Centre, Main Hall, 132 Algoma St. S.
Presentation at 7 pm followed by question and answer forum and feedback opportunities.

The City of Thunder Bay is requesting early input on the proposed Thunder Bay Multipurpose Event Centre (Multiplex). We want to know your views, comments and suggestions on key questions and to discuss success criteria for a proposed Multiplex in Thunder Bay.

The Multiplex is proposed in the City’s Renew Thunder Bay Plan as a high priority, major legacy project for the City over the next five years. City Council has approved completing a Phase 2 Feasibility Study to be conducted later this year. No other decisions have been made. The public comments will be summarized in a report to City Council which will be posted to the website.

Other Ways
Survey Available Following Open House/Workshop:
• www.thunderbay.ca/yoursay
• www.facebook.com/TBayMultiplex
• Printed copy at City Hall, Community Services in Victoriaville Civic Centre and Thunder Bay Public Library branches

Get on the List
If you wish to be added to the mailing list for future consultation opportunities, contact:
Valerie Marasco, Corporate Communications & Strategic Initiatives
tel: 625-2438
email: vmarasco@thunderbay.ca
******************************************************************************************

3. BIKE RODEO
Saturday May 15, 10am-2pm, at Grandview Arena
Bike Rodeo for students in Grades 4-8 and their parents! Fun, interactive, hands-on biking skills courses will introduce and reinforce cycling fundamentals to kids and their parents. Kids need to bring their bike and helmet, and complete a registration form on site before they participate. For more information contact akrupper@thunderbay.ca  
*****************************************************************************************
4. ARBOUR DAY
Saturday May 15, 1-4pm  
Please come out and help plant 500 trees at the Current River Community Center on Dewe St from 1-4pm.  Bring gloves and a shovel, pail or wheelbarrow and enjoy a wonderful day of celebrating trees!
*****************************************************************************************
5. SPRING CEREMONIES AND TRADITIONAL TEACHING LODGE
Thursday, May 20, 2010 at 9:00 am - Sunday, May 23, 2010 at 2 pm
Location:  Centennial Park - Toboggan Hill, Thunder Bay (north of Boulevard Lake)
 
The Grey Wolf Teaching Lodge and the White Shell Midewin Faith-Keepers invite all of our relations to join us in celebrating Ziigwun ( Spring/Zeeg-won ) through prayer, song and dance as we welcome the coming of Summer and give thanks to the Winter and Spring beings for all that they provide in our survival. Come join us as we come together in our search for living the good life; and come hear the sacred teachings left to us by our ancestors that were meant for all People that walk the Earth.

EVERYONE IS WELCOME

Thursday, May 20 - Teaching Lodge Preparation (all day) and Sweat Lodge Ceremony in the early evening. Open to anyone who wants to sweat.
Friday, May 21 - Lodge Opening and Welcoming Feast hosted by Grey Wolf Teaching Lodge. Everyone is welcome. Sweat lodge to follow.
Saturday, May 22 - Teachings and Spring Feast (Pot-luck at 1:00 PM). Erection of the Sacred Tree of Life.
Sunday, May 23 - Final teachings and healing dance before lodge closing. Hugs and kisses until next meeting.

**If you are unsure with what to bring, or if you have a concern, don't hesitate to call Ron Indian-Mandamin at 807.733.3053 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting end_of_the_skype_highlightingor leave him a message via Facebook or email him at mandamin@hotmail.com and he'll get back to you ASAP**
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6. BIKE LANES LAUNCH
May 29, 10:00am-4:00pm Bay St.
Help us celebrate the official launch of Thunder Bay’s first bike lanes! The event, entitled ‘I “heart” Bike Lanes,’ will be held at the Bay and Algoma Business area with a street party and group ride. Bay St. will be closed to vehicle traffic and there will be lots going on throughout the day such as live music and performance, bike demos, and vendors!! Make sure to check it out and join in the group ride on the Court St. Lane, leaving at 12:01pm from the corner of Bay and Court St.
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7. SUMMER CEREMONIES
Tuesday, June 15, 2010 at 12:00 pm - Monday, June 21, 2010 at 3:00 pm
Location:  Iskatewizaagegan First Nation - SHOAL LAKE, ONTARIO, Shoal Lake Rd. Highway 673
 
The White Shell Midewiwin Faith-Keepers invite our relations to the Lodge, and we the Iskatewizaagegan Mide-Anishinaabeg welcome our relations to the Summer Ceremonies and Celebrations. We welcome you to join us in celebrating Life through prayer, song and dance; and we invite you to come learn the sacred teachings of living the good life! Ombe! Come hear the stories and the teachings of the Earth and all that we depend on for survival.

EVERYONE IS WELCOME

Join us as we give thanks for Spring and as we welcome Summer.
June 15 & 16 - Sweat Lodge Ceremonies during the day ONLY on both days. All Midewi'O Anishinaabeg (Midewin Initiates) are required to attend 4 bathes before entering the Midewigaaning before their dance.
June 17 - Teachings begin at Sun-set for 1st degree initiates (Midewi'o Anishinaabeg). 1st Degree Initiates have your food ready before the start of the ceremony.
June 18, 19 and 20 - Medicine Dance all day.
June 21 - SUMMER FEAST & BBQ Community Feast and Midewin Gathering. Hugs and Kisses until next prayer meeting.

**If you are unsure with what to bring, or if you have a concern, don't hesitate to call Ron Indian-Mandamin at 807.733.3053 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting end_of_the_skype_highlightingor leave him a message via Facebook or email him at mandamin@hotmail.com and he'll get back to you ASAP**

"The Midewin is ancient; it was given to Humans to relearn their purpose in life. It deals with every aspect of life and many people come from the Lodge bearing different gifts and abilities. It is a place that was created to restore, share and care for life, ALL of Life."
 
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8. LAKE SUPERIOR DAY
July 18 - More details coming soon!
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9. GO GREEN EXPO
September 10-12, Canadian Lakehead Exhibition grounds
Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario residents are invited to the first-ever Go Green Expo to learn new ways to make their homes and workplaces more eco-friendly, while saving money and helping the environment. Join us for tours, workshops, an exhibition of information and local green products and services, and keynote speaker Gill Deacon. Registration will be available in June. For more information visit www.earthwisethunderbay.com
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10. ELDERS AND YOUTH GATHERING
“Voices from the Past, for Tomorrow”
 Tuesday, September 21, 2010 at 9 am - Thursday, September 23, 2010 at 3:00 pm
Location: Chippewa Park, Thunder Bay, Ontario
Hosted by: Grey Wolf and the Elders of Northern Ontario
 
This Elders and Youth Gathering will invite approximately 15 Elders from each of the three Nations of Northern Ontario, namely: Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN); Grand Council Treaty #3; and, the Anishinabek Nation.  As well, approximately 15 local non-Aboriginal Elders and 15 local Aboriginal Elders (including the Métis Nation of Ontario) will also be invited together with local youth in the city.  
 
This is a very unique opportunity for the three Treaty Nations as well as these Elders to gather together for the purposes of sharing their wisdom and preparing for the future.  We are expecting that we will have approximately 200 people participating in this historic event.  This gathering will be archived and broadcast live through Wawatay Radio and K-Net webstreaming.
 
For more information about this event, please feel free to contact Cindy Crowe

Waabi-ma'iingan (Grey Wolf) Traditional Teaching Lodge
incorporated as Ozhaawashko-giizhig (Blue Sky) Traditional Teaching Lodge
1306 Victoria Ave East
Thunder Bay, ON  P7C 1C2
Tele:  (807) 473-9851
Toll Free:  1-888-852-5856
Cell:  (807) 627-5768
Fax: (807) 939-2750
Email:  crowe@tbaytel.net
www.greywolfteachinglodge.ca

I read an article today that highlighted an ad put out by a large paper company trying to target young people "telling them to put it on paper" and to start printing everything. What a foolish idea, but they may be able to increase their sales by buying their own paper to print the ads on. Stupid! Check it out HERE.

Instead of buying a card, give a HERO cookie to your mom. Bake it yourself, especially if your mom has any issues with food, so you know what it contains.
In my family, we started this a few years ago just with us for Mother's Day, Father's Day, Birthdays, and Christmas. Any occasion where you hand out cards, we replace it with an edible treat. We have now started it with friend's and family. They will enjoy eating it, and a tree doesn't have to die every time we have a holiday.

Another easy way to eliminate more waste is to purchase those silicone baking cups, silicone mats, and silicone baking pans.  You won't need to buy paper muffin cups again. You can use the silicone mat to cover items in the oven instead of tinfoil.  You will save on greasing and flouring the pans too which means less work, healthier with less fat, and nothing sticks inside the silicone bakeware. Waste reduction in disposable tinfoil, paper muffin cups, wax paper, etc...

I firmly believe we should leave the current land space as is. Leave the land as is, and forego adding more housing to a city that is not expanding its population. How many vacant houses are in Thunder Bay? Do we really need to damage that important area of land for a few more unnecessary houses?
View this article detailing the flawed reasoning of this proposal    HERE
Write to your councillor, the editor of the paper, and ask your friends and family to do the same.

This article was forwarded to me and I am re-posting it below.

Hello
Attached are some arguments against allowing a traditional residential development on the University property.  I have also attached the letter from the City in case you need more details.  Back in 1980's the land was zoned for future housing development, but since that time the area has been recognized as a Environmental Protection Area and is designated as a Natural Corridor in the City's Official Plan. This Natural Corridor protects the water quality and quantity of a major tributary flowing into the McIntyre River. 

PEOPLE CAN HELP IN ANY OF THE FOLLOWING WAYS:

 writing a letter or call your City Councilor  (contact information is available at http://www.thunderbay.ca/City_Government/Your_Council.htm)
--
Lesley Curthoys, Ph.D.
Certified Interpretive Trainer & Planner
School of Outdoor Recreation, Parks and Tourism
Lakehead University
955 Oliver Road, Thunder Bay
ONTARIO, CANADA P7B 5E1
807-343-8744

Have you heard about the proposed wind farm to be set up on the Nor'wester Mountains? According to a family who live in the area, they don't want them. The value of their property will go down, the city gains less in property taxes, and more of our Northern Ontario land and forestry is being tampered with. There are health issues? that are yet to be determined, and ultimately you could end up losing residents especially when you don't listen to them.
I really enjoy travelling through Northern Ontario and viewing the wild, wonderful views of nature. I don't think I will feel the same to see a farm of massive wind turbines, rather than fields of grass. Or forests of trees budding in spring, gleaming green in summer, red, orange and gold in the fall, or sleeping in blankets of white in winter!
Personally, I would like to develop a green co-op, purchase large amounts of roof top windmills for each home, and solar water heating. Every person would benefit with a reduction in the cost of hydro and gas, and we would save massive amounts in cost if we all did it together.
I think the windfarm is a mistake, and apparently so do others, enough to bring a 3rd candidate into the race for mayor.
Something to check into below.
 Discovery Channel's  What's That About "The Power Quest", 70% of Canada's electricity comes from Water. They also show what looks to be a much more efficient wind powered spinner. My technical term! Very interesting. Watch it if you can.

If you are doing renovations to your home, the materials you take out can be delivered to Habitat For Humanity's Restore. They do have to be in good condition so that they can be reused by another home. They don't have to stylish and pretty. This allows that waste to be reused, and it supports a charitable organization that builds homes for needy families. The waste outlets that make me happiest.

You can dispose of these used batteries at the Household  Hazardous Waste Depot section located at the Thunder Bay landfill. You can also drop them off at MGM Electric for a fee. You may want to call ahead to both to see which is the better option for you.

According to the Thunder Bay Green Guide you can drop off your used button batteries at the jewelry departments of Zellers, Walmart, and Sears.

If you have an old cell phone that you are hoping to get rid of, why not donate it to Pro Kids (program pays for fees for children to enter sports when the parents can't afford them). Contact Laura  626-3212.
If this program ends, please place a comment under this post.

If you have clothes hangers that you can't use, call the Salvation Army, the Mod Shop or any second hand clothing store to see if they are in need of any.

We had a great time yesterday in Terrace Bay. I have to say thank you again to all of the great volunteers. We pulled up in our van, and we had a group of people waiting to help us unload. As fast as I pulled things out, they were taken and brought to my table. The volunteers were also willing to grab our food for us if we were too busy to leave our tables, and offered to help us set up. It was a huge help and thanks again.
I would like to thank the organizers as well for using our products at the event. It allows people to try our products first, and that overcomes a huge hurdle in opening minds.
We saw many great vendors from previous years and events, familiar and new.
We will definitely be back next year.

My son came home from school with a note in his agenda saying that the kids in their class had to bring a litterless lunch. We use containers for our children's lunches. I never buy baggies, so it was no big deal for us.
That made me start thinking about how it is up to each individual teacher or school if they want to include the environment in what they teach our children.
From Kindergarten until College, schools have a huge influence in our children's lives. A stronger curriculum that includes  greenhouse gases (chemistry), composting (science),....well you get the idea.
My children have to put up with me, and not only hear about it, but live it.

We would like to congratulate the city of Thunder Bay for having recycling options available to our local businesses. It isn't enough yet though. We need to ensure that all of our businesses are utilizing these services, and that the employees are separating their waste correctly. A great waste is the amount of garbage bags that are changed even though they are in perfect condition, and could simply be emptied into a larger bag. Sometimes they only need to be changed because someone dumped coffee grounds, or a banana peel, or some other organic item into the bag. If we could implement a separate compost system (including pickup) along with the recycling system, we could put all organics into a cornstarch bag, and reuse our garbage bags for weeks. The compost would be picked up, taken to a commercial composter who would be able to supply Thunder Bay and area with local compost soil, instead of our stores having it shipped here. This would be a win-win-win situation for all, especially our environment. Can you imagine how many bags would be kept out of the landfill if all businesses did this? Perrons Ecosolutions will be able to supply several different sizes of cornstarch bags to fulfill this need. The cornstarch bags won't break down until they are subjected to the microorganisms present in the soil. Wet items will not cause a loss in structure unless they are exposed for 2 years.

I only have one composter in my yard. It is kept at the very back as far from the house as possible. Not really a big deal in the summer, but near impossible to get to in the winter. So all winter I put my compost into large 5 gallon pails. With lids that seal shut.
I probably ended up with 5 over the winter. As each one was filled, I would place it outside waiting for spring.
Now that spring is here, I had to wait for the ground to defrost just enough, and then I bury the compost all over the gardens. I dig holes, and put the compost in. You may think that this sounds crazy, but by the time we are ready to plant, all of that compost will not only have been breaking down into the earth, it has become food for the worms. We have more worms that are absolutely huge in our gardens. And when I grow my gardens, the neighbours can never figure out why everything grows so great! Oh, and no fishermen allowed!
One tip for anyone who is storing compost, that the more the compost has liquified, the faster is composts.
I sometimes add water to the pail to encourage this.

On February 25th and 26th, the first annual sustainability conference was held at Confederation College, and Lakehead University.  With great speakers, and a forum for people to gather together and brainstorm the future. I can't wait to see what ideas come out of it! We were very pleased to be invited, and look forward to next year's event.

 Our shopping boxes are a solution to several different environmental concerns for a large range of people.  When my son was 4, he could pull the shopping box when we went shopping. From 4 to 84, this box allows you to walk, bus, or drive without straining to carry heavy items. Your not sharing germs from public carts, and you're enjoying faster maneuverability through crowded stores. Best of all there are no plastic bags. You get fit, reduce your carbon footprint, eliminate plastic bags, save wildlife by eliminating plastic bags, and include your whole family in your chores. You also save money on gas because you don't have to drive to the store.
Perrons Ecosolutions Shopping Boxes are strong, durable and simple in design. They can be used all year round. If you spill something on them, just wipe them off. You can use disinfectants. They provide depth, and the square design leaves you so much room to store your items. Space that rounded corners or bags which collapse around your items waste. Nothing rolls around, and it doesn't get squished.
We receive rave reviews about the shopping boxes all of the time. We are always thrilled to know that others feel the same way about them that we do. Our home now has 4 boxes of our own. 2 are eight years old, and 2 are 2 years old. Strong, dependable, and invaluable to our family. We use them for grocery shopping, recycling, picnics, trips to the library, and more. 2 boxes hold enough groceries for a family of 4 + a dog and 2 cats. We buy large bulk items that lay across a loaded box. The box is so strong that it only matters how you pack it. Look at some of the grocery shopping trips of mine! My daughter has used it for her paper route and flyers too.

We have really cold winters, and then really hot summers. This means hard working furnaces, and central air conditioners.
In our home we have a high efficiency furnace, but we don't have central air. The first few years in this house could be quite uncomfortable in the summer heat. We tried an air conditioner for a month, but it only cooled one room in the house. We have spent a great deal of time in the lower levels of the house too.
Now we have the solution that keeps us comfortable. You have to have a decent level of proper insulation to not only keep the heat in in the winter, but to keep it out in the summer too, especially in your attic..
The easiest thing that you can do each day is to cover the windows with a very dark coloured, thick material during the daylight hours, and when it starts to cool down, uncover them and open the windows. Repeat each day of the heat wave.
 Remember to do most of the cooking either outside, or at the coolest times!

Updated July 21st/2010. After experiencing some very hot days this summer, we have finally finished all the work needed to keep us cool inside our home without air conditioning. Our walls and attic are properly insulated, we have replaced the windows, use low watt lights in all of the rooms, and have ceiling fans. We close the windows during the hottest part of the day, and then open them in the evening. It is very comfortable.
If you use an air conditioner, try swapping the cost of running it to have your ceiling properly insulated. It's a start!

My gutters and drainage system are being replaced this week, and I thought it was the perfect time to pick up a couple of rain barrels. 
I have already started some of the plants for my garden, and started getting my funnel bottles ready. I use about 80 pop bottles, remove the cap, cut the bottle completely in half about 2/3 from the bottom. I poke a couple of holes in the bottom and I use those for my starter plants. The remaining part of the bottle with the neck is placed upside down inside plant pots, and in a place in the garden where the plant will eventually shade it. This allows more precise watering with less waste, and I'm sure with my new rain barrels I am picking up on Monday, I won't have to use drinking water for my plants.
Ecosuperior sells them for $40 each if you have a Thunder Bay water account.  You can pick them up at 212 Miles St east.

I first heard about this initiative about a year ago, and did include it with our displays at the Mini Green.
If you have an old vehicle, no matter what the condition, you can donate it, receive a tax receipt, and you will be helping addicted teens fight for a better future.
Website is www.teenchallenge.tc.
They accept vehicles, boats, or RVs. No matter what condition they are in.
They will use every piece of the vehicle, and will either use it for parts in building other vehicles, or will sell it for scrap, and all proceeds go to fund the rehabilitation center.
This is a great idea that cleans up waste, recycles a product at the end of its life cycle, and has a positive influence on our communities.
Visit www.teenchallenge.tc       Call for Information  345-2277

We had started a Mini Green Trade Show, which was supposed to be a place that would show a diversified one stop shop for all of the green avenues and products available.
It would have also allowed small green businesses to share in advertising cost, rental space, customer base, etc.
It didn't turn out quite like I planned since it was supposed to be more of a partnership between different businesses, and instead turned out to be more of a one business effort with 2 other businesses making an effort.
We did develop partnerships with some businesses for future events, and cross promotion.
Before starting this trade show, I called and visited several of our environmental organizations and picked up information that I would put on display each week. We have pamphlets and posters from Ecosuperior, Earthwise Thunder Bay, ZWAT, and more.
Separately, we have started to collect information on other options for our waste stream. Who takes what, and individually  what we can do to use less now without making any huge changes.

As part of my business, I still offer this information, and actively seek new information to promote to our customers.
I am pleased to be part of a network that passes on and promotes everything green.

Now that I have updated my current green network responsibilities (I consider them so), I want to discuss my new smart meter and the weirdest bill I have had in more than 6 years. Our meter was changed in October/2009. The first bill was the normal amount which hasn't varied more than 10-20 dollars in the last 6+ years. My last bill comes in at more than double its regular rate. We went through all possibilities, but can not find a reasonable explanation for this to have happened. We're not talking about a few extra things left on, we are talking about 130 days worth of hydro being used in 60 days.
I immediately called the Hydro company, and the agent had me report the current meter reading to her. She stated that it showed the correct amount even though she recognized that it was completely out of the ordinary. The only option that she could give me at the time was to contact Measurements Canada who would obtain our previous usage records, and have the meter removed (substitute put in) and tested for malfunction.
There was some discrepancy about who charges a fee for this. I contacted Measurement Canada who sent me a complaint form to have the process started. They also assured me that they do not charge a fee for this service, but my Hydro company might.
I called Thunder Bay Hydro who assured me they didn't charge a fee, and that Measurement Canada charged me a $100.00 billed directly to me. Apparently there is no fee! The agent I spoke to this time was very helpful.
 Laura attempted to answer my questions and concerns and called me back repeatedly with what she had learned. She was unable to do much at the time, but has emailed my information to their power usage appraiser (my words, I couldn't remember the title), and he will contact me when he returns. In the meantime, I am waiting for my next bill.
This is a big deal to me. I keep any lights off when not using them directly. I have all low wattage fixtures, and bulbs. I don't turn on lights when I can use daylight, and  I use clotheslines to hang laundry. Short of switching over to solar and wind, (future plans), I have lowered my bills as much as possible.
I think that I will pick up a couple of block heater timers though for next winter. I will find out where we can pick those up and post shortly.

September 11 and 12 for the Go Green Expo on the Canadian Lakehead Exhibition Grounds

Times to follow.
If you would like to have a display, email  www.earthwisethunderbay.com
E-mail being distributed as follows:


Hello there,
please join us this September 11 and 12 for the Go Green Expo on the Canadian Lakehead Exhibition Grounds. You are invited to provide an educational booth or display at the Expo to showcase your green activities, products, or services. Please see the attached pakage for information and the registration form. We look forward to hearing from you!

If you are not part of the ZWAT team and you operate a green business, or are just an environmental enthusiast, you are missing a great opportunity to network and develop a greater understanding of who's green in Thunder Bay, and what changes are being made.
Perrons Ecosolutions Inc. is part of the Zero Waste Action Team as a member. From the very beginning, before our membership was established, we were invited to participate in the bi-monthly meetings, and we are kept informed of all the actions and groups that Zwat is affiliated with. There is a wealth of benefit and information in this membership.
Check out their website at  www.zwat.org

April 23-24
Everyone is invited to the first ever Thunder Bay Environmental Film Festival!  Learn about the abundance of toxic chemicals in almost everyone’s homes in Chemerical and urban backyard chickens in Mad City ChickensEducate yourself about the effects of Canada’s oil industry on your pristine environment, through the movie H2Oil and contemplate climate change in The Age of Stupid. The festival will take place at the Lakehead University Agora on Friday April 23^rd and Saturday April 24^th.  Parking and Admission are free, donations are gratefully accepted. See attached pdf for film schedule. For more information visit the website at http://tbefilmf.wordpress.com or call 475-3631.

The Terrace Bay Green Trade Show is being held on April the 24th/2010 at the Terrace Bay Arena. A large group of green businesses, and organizations will be there. Great volunteers put in a lot of effort. We were very pleased to be invited last year, and will be back again this year.
The Terrace Bay Green Trade Show uses Perrons Ecosolutions biodegradable and compostable sugarcane and cornstarch tableware, bags, and takeout containers for this green event. From 12 noon-4pm.

On May 19th join the other citizens and businesses in Thunder Bay and spend some time cleaning up an area of your city.  Every piece of garbage picked up makes a huge difference.
We are going to clean up an area of the city that we haven't chosen yet.
 My children are asking their friends to come, and the only reason they want to is because it is something different. So I'll take pictures of them and find a fun reward.
Even if you only clean up your block, can you imagine the manpower that would be put into play if a couple of people on each block did this?
Littering is wasting resources, poisoning wildlife, and allowing toxins into the soil and water.
Where are you going to clean up?

Try drying and using the seeds out of the fruit and vegetables that you buy from the grocery store.  Cantaloupe, peppers, etc. Once dried, place in a damp paper towel inside a sealed container and place on a small source of heat. For example, I put my container on top of my modem. The seeds sprouted 5 times faster than on a windowsill. Do be careful to check it to make sure it doesn't dry out.

Come out to the Current River Rec Centre on May 15th from 1-4 and bring some gloves, tools and a shovel. This year volunteers will be planting 500 trees. Posted information below.
Please join the City of Thunder Bay and Councillor Andrew Foulds in helping to green Thunder Bay at Thunder Bay’s Arbor Day tree planting event.
Please bring your own shovel and work gloves, as well as any pails or wheelbarrows you may have. There will be some tools on hand as well as drinking water. The Arbor Day event will present other tree planting opportunities and environmental information. There will be live music. The new City of Thunder Bay Notable Tree Program will also be launched at this event.
Participants have a chance to win one of three $50 Gift Certificates to Landale Gardens donated by Earthwise, Trees Thunder Bay and the ZWATeam, as well as reusable bags from Delight.
Attend this event or plan one of your own. Take action to create a healthy environment by planting a tree in your yard, at camp or on your school grounds. Boulevard trees can be requested through the City’s Parks Division or the cost-shared, accelerated Tree Stewardship Program.
Supported by:
Councillor Andrew Foulds, City of Thunder Bay, Delight, Earthwise Thunder Bay,
Hill’s Greenhouses Ltd., Landale Garden Centre, Ontario Power Generation,
Rutter Urban Forestry, Trees Thunder Bay and ZWAT (Zero Waste Action Team).
For more information call Community Services at 625‑2351.

I am collecting 791ml pop bottles now. I cut them in half, and use the bottom for seedlings to start my plants early.
The top is being kept for when the gardens are planted outside. Turn them upside down with the neck pushed an inch or two into the dirt. Placed at regular intervals in the garden, and in plant pots, you now have the perfect way to keep your plants watered.  No wasted water with wide area sprays, or even burnt leaves. You will find that your plants grow higher, greener, and produce faster when they have everything to meet their needs during their peak growing times.
 Best of all, at the end of the season, collect the tops and bring them to the recycling depot. Another way to increase the use of a throw away item.
I prefer to use a plastic base for my seedlings as the biodegradable paper ones dry out and don't provide a regular source of water when the plants need it. I am currently using a biodegradable base which sits inside small yogurt containers.
I don't feel comfortable using the same bottles year after year, and do replace them every spring.

A commercial cleaner who cleans an office building everyday of the week may be cleaning 30 different rooms. They are trained and expected to change the garbage bag every time they clean. It is totally unnecessary. Only change the bag if it has an odour, or something molding in it. Most times it can be simply dumped into a larger bag and this is even faster than changing each bag. Use your judgment and the customer probably won't even notice if the bag was changed or not.
I have only had to change the bags 3 times in the last 4 years in a building. Sometimes I have wiped part of the bag, or turned it inside out if it is showing wear. Tuck the edges under to hide rips, and whatever other ideas you can use to make that bag last longer.
No major change, but a major difference in waste output. Easy, convenient, and waste reducing.