Eco-Net News
Eco-Net active on Waste issues at the Provincial Level 2009/10/11
Hamilton Area Eco-Network (Eco-Net)has been active in on waste diversion issues.
Dave Hart Dyke, (formerly of Hamilton's Waste Reduction Task Force, an Eco-Net member, which advised the city on waste issues) was asked to represent Hamilton Area Eco-Network at Waste Diversion Ontario (the agency that determines, among other things, what goes into the Blue Box). It was at the behest of Ontario Environmental Network (OEN) that Dave took the seat that Ontario Environmental Network shares with the Ontario Recycling Council. OEN asked Dave because it recognized that his experience on the Hamilton Waste Reduction Task Force made him the only OEN person with significant experience in waste diversion issues. He attends Waste Diversion Ontario meetings and a number of associated conferences such as Recycling Council of Ontario's AGM and a conference sponsored by the Canadian Environmental Law Association on biodiversity.
Dave has also been part of a number of meetings concerning the Waste Diversion Act, which has been extensively re-written by the Province. These included meetings and consultations on the Act as a whole as well as specific focus areas such as the Waste Electronic and Electrical Equipment Directive, the Hazardous Waste Materials Directive, Call2Recycle (an expansion of an existing battery recycling program to include rechargeable batteries and cell phones) and more.
Dave has also attended several meetings with other NGO's such as the Toronto Environmental Alliance, again mostly concerning waste management decisions, helping to write position papers on Industrial, Commercial and Institutional Waste regulations.
Dave is currently preparing a paper for the OEN on project management information relevant to community-owned renewable power projects in Ontario under the province’s Green Energy Act and the Feed in Tariff regime. This is a result of a major Community Power Finance Forum that Dave attended on behalf of the Ontario Environmental NEtwork.
Dave has kept his affiliation with Hamilton Area Eco-Network front and centre, which gives the Eco-Network status with the Minister of Environment, the Environment Commissioner, CELA and Amore.
As part of this commitment, at last year's OEN Annual Conference, Dave was asked to serve on the Steering Committee and the Water Caucus. Dave has been asked to serve again in 2011. Dave will be attending this year's OEN annual conference and AGM (Biodiversity is the theme)in November in North Bay.
Hamilton Area Eco-Network is proud and thankful of Dave's service to the environment.
Green Drinks/Eat Local Holiday EcoSchmooze 2009
Green Drinkers and EcoSchmoozers united for an evening of local organic food and drinks at the Tapestry Bistro. A Farm For The Future film was viewed, Green Carols were sung,and a local singer rounded out the evening.
Suggestions for Green & LOCAL Christmas Gifts
Mixed Media on James St. N. (all items made locally by Hamilton Artists plus “no-sweat” shoes), Global Village of Westdale (fair trade and organic specialty items & coffee), MAC’s cycle (sell really good refurbished bikes for $50+) Goodness Me on Locke Street (or Upper Gage by the Linc) or Simply Zen on Locke St., workshop for a skill (Yarnopolis on Ottawa has workshops for knitting etc); purchase a trip on the Hamilton that tours Hamilton Harbour (buy from Hamilton Waterfront Trust) bicycle purchase from Pieriks Cycle from Westdale or Central Cycle downtown, or a gift certificate from the Adventure Attic.
Green Drinks Christmas Dec 2007
Over 60 people attended in charming upstairs of Slainte Irish Pub - we had our own bar! Lots of fun, but the highlight of the evening was the "Green Drinks Idol" with lyrics to our Christmas Carols by Dave Hart Dyke. Group carolling to the Eco-carol "12 Green-Days of Christmas'. Who knew we were so talented. Everyone enjoyed ordering from our own menu of specialty "Green Drinks" (developed and printed up by Sharon Washington) and the food was an added bonus. We had amazing prizes for our games - thanks to Natura Day Spa (Dundas), Global Village, Hamilton Art Gallery, Slainthe, Banrock Station Winery for their donations of door prizes.
A special nod to Meghann from Clean Air Hamilton for winning our "Wearin 'O' the Green" game, keeping up the tradition, as Brian from Clean Air won the game last year. Meghann, your peanut butter is in the mail!
To check out pictures of the event visit www.greendrinks.org www.greendrinks.org www.greendrinks.org
October 2007 Eco-mmunity
With generous funding from Hamilton Community Foundation, Hamilton Area Eco-Network hosted Eco-mmunity. In October Eco-Net gathered together representatives from organizations, businesses, and institutions across the region with members of the Hamilton Area Eco-Network.
Ninety people attended the event at Maplewood Lodge and were thrilled by the facility and its natural surroundings. The beautiful Lodge is located in the Dundas Valley Conservation area and is owned by the Hamilton Conservation Authority.
Eco-Net presented a slide show giving an overview of the Network and its members work. A professional development segment on board issues by bestselling author Jim Brown followed and was well-received.
Then a 'speed networking' session took place, resulting in new connections being made among attendees with the purpose of encouraging future partnerships and resource sharing.
Tastings of local microbreweries Steamwhistle Breweries and Nickel Brook Breweries, and environmentally-based winery Banrock Station Wines, all generously offered tastings to the assembled. Hors d'ouvres from a local caterer were enjoyed. Through the use of non-disposable products (rental/borrowed dishware, glasses, tablecloths etc) and using a green cart there was only 1/4 of a garbage bag filled for an event of NINETY PEOPLE!!
The event was received with enthusiasm, with many attendees already having followed up on contacts they made that day.
Eco-Net would like to thank the generosity and support of the Hamilton Community Foundation who provided the funding and inspiration for this event.
We would also like to thank sponsors Hamilton Conservation Authority, Banrock Wines, Steamwhistle Brewery, Nickel Brook Brewery, Hamilton Industrial Environmental Association, and Hamilton Wentworth Stewardship Council as well as all of the wonderful volunteers who helped make the event such a success!!
Aug 2007 Green Drinks Special Night - Presentation &
Discussion - SPP and the Mid Pen Highway (Niagara to GTA Corridor)
On a cool and drizzly August evening about 30 people gathered at Williams Coffee Pub to listen to a rep from COPE give an excellent presentation on the Mid Penn Highway and the Security & Prosperity Plan. The event went until closing.
July 2007 - Waterfest Dragon Boat Racing and Green Drinks Afloat
It was a perfect summer's day for Hamilton's 2nd annual Waterfest featuring Dragonboat racing with the Bay Area Restoration Council's "Harbour Huggers" and the Eco-Net "Eco Warriors". The teams paddled their hearts out, had lots of fun, all the while raising money for BARC's educational programs. For many the day was capped off with a night on the Hamilton Harbour Queen for "Green Drinks Afloat" with a lovely sunset cruise with warm breezes, starry skies, and terrific music to dance the night away.
June 2007 - An Environmental Success Story: Turtle Ponds Part 1
A recent rezoning application could have resulted in a formerly designated ESA (environmentally sensitive area) property becoming a luxury townhouse development. It was the tenacity, intelligence and passion of some local residents, combined with the support of local environmental organizations that led to the owner/developer of 1/2 of the lands withdrawing his application to rezone. The developer stated that his company is responding to community perceptions about the negative environmental effects of their proposal to build on lands that they had offered to purchase from the Catholic school board, adding that they had no interest in developing a property which, in the process of our doing so, would result in their being perceived as either damaging the environment or serving as a precedent for other developments with less environmental merit.
The proposal was the focus of a six hour public meeting in late April attended by over 300 people, most of them determined to protect a small natural area on the north side of the QEW just east of Confederation Park.
The other half of the property, owned by the Hamilton Wentworth District School Board (Public) is still up for rezoning by another developer.
More on this story can be read at http://www.hamiltoncatch.org/view_article.php?id=110
June 2007 - Jack Vallentyne passes away
Dr. Jack Vallentyne - Johnny Biosphere to some, and just Jack to many - passed away - leaving the environmental community saddened with his loss. Jack, a former Environmentalist of the Year award winner was modest about all he did in research and bringing awareness of crucial environmental issues to the public domain. He became particularily interested in taking the environmental message to youth - taking on the persona of Johnny Biosphere, with his globe strapped to his back. Jack pioneered work on
phosphates issue and played a key role in the Hamilton RAP. As a peer of his remarked "He was quite remarkable in that he was a distinguished environmental scientist, a widely respected public servant and an energetic community volunteer/activist. He would have been regarded as exceptional in any one of these pursuits but it is highly unusual to excel in all three".
To read a little more about his wonderful and varied life please follow these links http://www.thespec.com/article/210548 and http://www.thespec.com/article/211504
June 2007 - Nature Walk for Our Environment
Concerned citizens and nature lovers joined Grand Marshall Sarah Harmer (Juno Award winning singer/songwriter/environmentalist) for a walk along Hamilton's Waterfront Trail to raise funds and awareness for local environmental initiatives. It was a gorgeous day in a gorgeous place, with displays set up along the route. Of particular interest to those who were in the right place at the right time was the Fishway event. Afterward participants enjoyed a lite lunch and screening of the film "Escarpment Blues".
This event, organized by several environmental groups within the Network, raised money to support local environmental projects (walkers were able to designate a portion of the funds they raised to support the programs and projects of any local environmental group participating in the walk). The focus was to pay off the mortgage on the Cartwright Nature Sanctuary, which is part of an important natural corridor connecting the Niagara Escarpment to Cootes Paradise Marsh providing habitat for Species at Risk.
May 2007 - Climate Change: From Despair to Empowerment
Over 100 people attended a presentation by Australia - from activist and Order of Australia recipient John Seed jointly hosted by EcoNet and Environment Hamilton. Many signed up to be part of Environment Hamilton's initiative on this important issue.
April 2007 - Green Drinks goes Provincial!
Greenies across Ontario united for an evening of meeting and greeting. Hamilton Area Eco-Network hosted the first ever - province-wide Green Drinks event! Almost 60 people gathered at the Phoenix pub at McMaster University to make this a great evening of meeting people from Windsor, Ottawa, London, Guelph, Toronto, Parry Sound, North Bay, and more. It was fabulous to kick back with a drink with not only municipal environmental and health organizations, but to have representation from international organizations like Great Lakes United, World Wildlife Fund and Greenpeace in the mix.
The fun started directly after former Energy Minister Brian Charlton’s keynote address at the OEN Conference: Election Preparedness 2007. Brian also attended as well as many local Green Drinkers.
The conversation was so engaging that it was hard to be heard over noise decibel of the conversation. The highest (literally) point of the evening was when MAC Green and Powerwise got together to do on a little guerilla warfare and replaced one of the ceiling's incandescent bulbs with a compact flourescent. Great crowd, great fun.
March 2007 - Green Drinks Celebrates its One-Year Anniversary
This month 40 people attended the one year anniversary of Green Drinks Hamilton. There were many new faces this month, with a good turn-out from Environment Canada professionals.
February 2007 - Suzuki hits town
The largest of his stops in 28 days, Suzuki was treated to a sold out crowd at Hamilton Place! The “If YOU were Prime Minister” Cross-Country Tour with David Suzuki and special guest Sarah Harmer was a huge hit - citizens of all stripes showing up to voice their concern for the environment - and Eco-Net's member groups were there to greet them.
Over 30 displays from environmental organizations were placed throughout the 4 levels of Hamilton Place. Crowds were able to visit each to get information and hope, and at the same time were entertained on all levels by 8 various musical acts. The scene was festive and Sarah Harmer and Suzuki didn't disappoint. Sarah charmed with her thought provoking lyrics and fabulous voice, and Suzuki educated and inspired - his speaking style having garnered him the honour of having a "green drink" named after him: The Suzuki Shooter. Local leading environmentalist Dr. Jack Santa Barbara educated the audience on local issues.
After the "program" in the Great Hall, the crowds continued to visit exhibits and many took advantage of the "Speaker's Corners" where they were videotaped doing their 30 second clip of "What they would do if they were Prime Minister".
Cable 14 has been airing the event over the last couple of weeks. You can catch the final showing of it on Cable 14 at Midnight on Sunday April 1st.
The Suzuki Foundation will be making a documentary of this cross country tour.
For pictures from the event click here.
January 2007
Eco-Net hosted two workshops this month. The first, "Funding: the F-Word for Non-Profits" was a huge success with the dynamic and entertaining facilitator Curt Hammond, who is returning for a follow up session in the near future. The second workshop "Community Right to Know" gave attendees some direction on mapping where toxics are being used in the community, and ideas on how to move forward in getting a "right to know" bylaw.
December 2006
Five days before Christmas, the holiday season was celebrated in fine style at the Hamilton Eco-Net/Green Drinks Christmas/Holiday Gathering. The fabulous eco-drinks, decorations, snacks, peanut brittle and hilarious games were courtesy of the creative volunteer duo, Carrie and Sharon. Over 50 people attended, some walking away with door prizes donated by LEDesign Works and Global Village.
November 2006
Twenty-two people attended a workshop hosted by Eco-Net on Volunteer Management. The half-day workshop offered excellent strategies for members to take back and use in their organizations.
November 2006
The environmental community suffered another loss with the tragic death of Bruce Duncan, head of the Hamilton Conservation Authority, and a man of great intelligence, dignity, and depth. Bruce was remembered at a large gathering of the community as a gentleman of many facets - a father, husband, teacher, leader, raptor expert, conservationist, canoeist, proud Scot, and more. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and colleagues at the Hamilton Conservation Authority, and the enviromental community has lost another treasure.
Eco-Net hosted a "Volunteer Management" workshop. Over breakfast twenty Eco-Net members enjoyed chatting with one another while taking in the beautiful view of the Bay. The facilitator, Reva Cooper gave them lots of information to take back to their organizations that will help in the recruitment and retention of volunteers.
October 2006
Sad news for the environmental community. One of our most beloved environmentalists and friend Betty Blashill passed away on Oct 23rd.
Over the years Betty acted as treasurer, secretary, and president of Hamilton Naturalists' Club as well as treasurer of Friends of Red Hill Valley and Environment Hamilton. As a webmaster, Betty created and maintained a multitude of environmental websites, volunteering her time to do so. Actlocally, the online events calendar was one of those creations.
In 2003, Betty received the Hamilton-wide, Environmentalist of the Year award for her long years of dedication to the environment. In 2006, she received the 'Volunteer of the Year' award from Hamilton Naturalists' Club for all of her wonderful work for the club.
In 2005 Betty was hired as webmaster for Eco-Net and also took the reigns as the Channel Manager for the environment portal of the mega-site 'myhamilton until a sudden illness put her life in jeapoardy. She pulled through but resigned her job with Eco-Net so she could concentrate on getting healthy again, She turned her actlocally site over to Eco-Net but continued to give help when needed.
An inspiration for us all, Betty was a quiet, intelligent and dedicated friend and colleague. She walked the talk, practicing voluntary simplicity in her life. Betty leaves behind her husband, two sons, siblings, mother and many, many friends. Her passing has left a hole in many hearts.
The 1st Annual Green Drinks Pub Crawl saw 30 participants visit 4 downtown pubs in search of the 'cold weather headquarters' of Green Drinks. Despite somewhat "Irish weather" spirits were high and everyone enjoyed strolling from pub to pub to experience their great food, wide variety of beers on tap, and even a "Celtic" jam with 5 musicians on various Irish instruments. Stay tuned to find out what pub was voted on as being our next 'home'.
September 2006
50 Green Drinkers climbed aboard the Hamilton Harbour Queen for Green Drinks Afloat! It was an evening of socializing, dancing to great music, and amazing viewing of the nightime harbour. Many new friends were made and we even had some Toronto Green Drinkers join us! Everyone agreed it was a success and Afloat II is being planned for next summer.
August 2006
24 people came out to hear about Environment Canada's EcoAction community funding program Information Session – hosted by Eco-Net. EcoAction presented the changes to their funding application and spelled out their eligibility criteria. Attendees were given ideas for projects and had an opportunity to meet with the funder for a short one on one to discuss their own situation.
July 2006
Twenty-one "green" (in more ways than one) paddlers raced to victory in the Hamilton Waterfest Dragon Boat races, having only . During their 2 practices it became apparent that what they lacked in style and experience was more than made up for in spirit and sense of fun.
On race day they arrived decked out in their warrior gear - Eco-Net dragonboat team t-shirts designed from gently-used clothing by “Revolution Wear” and "Pirate” bandanas. In keeping with the spirit of fun, one male member wore long golden locks which went well with his beard. It was easy to pick this team out of a competitor’s field of others!
After three 250 meter races the "Eco Warriors" were undefeated and having the times of their lives. Composed of 10 women and 11 men of all ages and abilities, they went on to win the 500 meter fun race as well. The Bay Area Restoration Council put on this wonderful event and a portion of the proceeds collected by our team was donated back to Eco-Net. 16 of Eco-Net's member organizations were represented on the boat - truly a team-building experience - look for them next year!
June 2006
Two events took place in June.
Hamilton Area Eco-Network celebrated its first birthday at its 1st Annual Meeting. 27 of Eco-Net's member organizations were represented. Attendees enjoyed strawberry cake and champagne while they listened to the highlights of the year and participated in a facilitated feedback seesion.
Only days later Eco-Net hosted the breakfast meeting "Building Your Online Community" - a popular topic which brought 21 people to the Hamilton Yacht Club to hear Liz Scanlon of IMPACs. Participants heard about methods of making your website more relevant to your target audience and shared their own ideas and successes.
May 2006
Eco-net's Green Drinks Hamilton moves to its summer home on a patio by the marina at Williams Coffee Pub.
picture of our summer home on the bay at Williams Coffee Pub, Pier 8
March 2006
March saw the start of the monthly "Green Drinks Hamilton" - an event which takes place in Hamilton on the 3rd Tuesday of every month.
Over 30 people who work, volunteer, or are just plain interested in the environment met up for a drink at the Winking Judge Pub. Door prizes were donated by FirsTeam-LEDesign Works. It was a lively mixture of people from NGOs, academia, government and business. Green Drinks is a great way to catch up on what others are doing, and kick back, relax, and have some fun - and who needs to have fun more than we do!?
Green Drinks International was founded in London, England, in 1989. Hamilton was the 116th city to join. Green Drinks is now in 140 cities worldwide, including in those in Japan, Chile, India, Australia and Europe.
February 2006
In February, Eco-Net put on 2 events.
First Eco-Net members enjoyed a full day workshop on "Advocacy" at EcoHouse, facilitated by consultant Mary MacNutt, communications consultant to Greenpeace and others. This intensive workshop featured a fabulous lunch and day-long snacks. Participants came away with solid methods to develop and deliver their message which they will take back to their organizations. New and valuable connections were made among attendees.
Later in the month Eco-Net hosted another Breakfast Meeting at the Royal Botanical Gardens featuring Wade Weppler, IT expert. Wade answered people's questions and directed participants to where they could access excellent tools to improve their organizations communications performance. Since there was such a demand for his information, Wade has promised Eco-Net he would do another presentation in the future.
Dennis Guy of city of Hamilton's Waste Department also presented the new Green Cart program to interested guests.
January 2006
Eco-Net hosted its first ever Breakfast Meeting at the Royal Botanical Gardens. Jennifer Parkin of Bay Area Restoration Council was on hand to deliver an excellent talk on " Collecting Your Outreach Statistics ". Every attendee received a CD containing a template for collecting statistics and agreed that it was invaluable. Everyone enjoyed the informal roundtable atmosphere and excellent networking that took place.
October, 2005
In October, Eco-Net celebrated its creation with the community by hosting a Launch Party, and it was an affair to remember.
Read about the launch & view photos
September, 2005
In September, Eco-Net members took advantage of a workshop offered by Eco-Net to strengthen the efficiency of their organization. Fourteen people attended an Outcomes Measurement workshop at EcoHouse. After enjoying a fabulous breakfast, members spent half a day participating in an interactive workshop aimed at increasing their ability to plan, set goals, and measure these goals. A follow up workshop to this one will be held in the spring.
September also saw the launch of the 1st monthly newsletter from Eco-Net called "Monthly Updates". This newsletter is full of information on out of town environmental events, fun happenings, upcoming Eco-Net events, Workshops, Conferences, funding opportunities, job opportunities, humour, news tidbits and more. A must read!