Critter Cam

Amazing footage of amazing animals. So obsessed!

Study Abroad

Now is that time of year... to start looking for new places to explore! Last year I went to Cuba. This year I am dying to go to Africa and India. Africa is a no-go since I am graduating this year! and it falls right over convocation, but perhaps India? So many information sessions right now, take advantage and learn in a new place next year.

Atlantic Eco-Expo

I am currently trying to volunteer for this showcase of environmentally friendly business from all over Halifax and surrounding areas. Went to one of these exhibits in high school in Oakville and was blown away. Should be a good one, head over at some point this weekend.

Sharkwater

Sharkwater is an amazing documentary made by Rob Stewart, who is from Toronto. Stewart presents a counter-narrative to the fear instilled in us by Jaws. He shows sharks as being shy and smart, wanting nothing to do with humans. Throughout his film I was captivated, even though I am usually a sucker for pandas, dogs and seals (think WWF, PETA and Greenpeace), it made me want to get on a boat and start fighting shark finning. If you like The Discovery Channel's Shark Week, animals, or learning something new, this film is for you. Watch the trailer online, then go and rent the film, then take action! Warning: I cried 3 times throughout this film, however that only goes to show how much of an impact it has.

Happy Halloween!

I know I'm a little bit late... midterms were a killer this semester! Every year dedicated Oxfam-ers get together on campus to hand out fair trade chocolate. This raises awareness to the student body about what fair trade is and why it is so great in a fun and yummy way. The reverse trick-or-treating is also done by going door to door dressed up and handing out chocolate and brochures. Such an amazing idea, get dressed up and do it yourself next year or even hand out fair trade chocolate at your door. Just Us! sponsored our event but Global Exchange is a good way to find out more information. Meal Exchange was also around campus, collecting food and raising awareness about poverty. Two organizations making Halloween even more amazing than it already is! Poverty is super scary so keep it in mind next year when decorating the house, getting into costume and eating delicious snacks.

Foreign Policy Camp

If you're in Vancouver, B.C. it's time to sign up for camp, Foreign Policy Camp that is! You don't have to be involved in international development studies, you don't have to have traveled the world. This program is all about bringing new ideas to the table and breaking down traditional hierarchies so that everyone has a voice. More information about this event is posted on their website.

The Walrus

The Walrus is a monthly magazine with a Canadian voice. The articles and comics are both interesting and relevant to the country we live in. Read some of their current issue and think.

Chrysotile Asbestos

Chrysotile Asbestos is a mineral that is very resistant to high temperatures so it is used as an insulator from everything from walls to blankets. Asbestos has been banned in Canada because it has been found to cause lung cancer according to Health Canada. However, Asbestos is still mined in Quebec and Canada is its second largest exporter, shipping it to countries all over South Asia. Right On Canada is a campaign working to ban the exporting of the dangerous substance. Take action and send a quick letter online to our political parties, voicing your opinion.

OxJam

OxJam is happening this Friday at the Garrison Brewery. Tickets are only $10 for students and all the money raised goes to Oxfam Canada for the fight for women's rights around the world. Beers are only $2 with your ticket. See you Friday.

Cactus Creek

Cactus Creek is a Canadian company and their bags are lifesavers or should I say wastesavers. The Patsy Pocket Bag folds into itself so that whenever the urge to shop strikes you'll be able to carry all your goodies home, sans waste. Keep one in your purse at all times, as they take up little room and weigh close to nothing. Pick one up at your closest MEC. Happy shopping!

NSPIRG

I am currently reviewing NSPIRG's library to (hopefully!) been printed in the Dalhousie Gazette, our student newspaper. NSPIRG is the Nova Scotia Public Interest Research Group and they do so many great things it's hard to believe that last year they were challenged by the student body to be shut down. Thankfully, they are still up and running and now with a lot more publicity. It was incredible to see all the students out voting at the last Annual General Meeting, regardless of where they stood on the matter, I have never been prouder of my student body. My first assignment for NSPIRG's library is Culture Jam, written by the founder of Adbusters Magazine, Kalle Lasn. Very excited! I'll add my review as soon as it's finished!

MacKay Lecture Series

The College of Sustainability at Dalhousie University is putting on guest lectures every Thursday night throughout the year. The speakers come from a range of different backgrounds of study and speak to the topic of sustainability from their varying perspectives. They are open to the public so check them out. What an amazing opportunity, thank you to the MacKays for enhancing our education.

Just Us!

Just Us! is a coffee shop with a conscience. The Just Us! Development and Education Society gives back by putting people and the planet before profits. They started out of Wolfville, NS as a coffee roaster co-op and have thankfully grown to a few great locations around Halifax. Their products are completely Fair Trade and as local as possible. Take their quiz to see how conscious of a consumer you are. Might be time to switch from Starbucks.

Power Shift

On October 21-23, 2009, young people from across the country will converge on Ottawa to take a message of bold, comprehensive and immediate federal climate action on Parliament Hill. Over the three days there will be inspirational speakers, rewarding training, empowering workshops, entertaining concerts, strategic planning and united lobbying. Fill out the registration form and be a part of the movement for change.

Gapminder

Today was my first class of Environmental Development and I am in love with my prof. He showed us this website today that I will be exploring all weekend long. We looked at the Gapminder World charts in class. You can play around with it to see the emissions specific nations have been putting out over the years as well as see how wealthy they have become and the direct correlation of the two in most cases. Now here is where the egg and chicken comes in for me. Which comes first? Do economies gain wealth by creating emissions or do they put out emissions because they are wealthy? Either way this website is interactive and eye-opening.

Ten Golden Rules

The Green Guide's Ten Golden Rules for living sustainably:

1. Drink tap water.

2. Use active transport, walk, bike or blade and indoors take the stairs - elevators use electricity made by burning coal.

3. Reduce paper use: double sided copy, reuse scrap paper.

4. Eat mostly plants, locally produced and minimally processed.

5. Think about the water you pour down the drain minimize it.

6. Turn off lights, appliances, computers etc when not in use.

7. Turn down the thermostat and wear an extra layer.

8. Use your own mug - not disposable cups.

9. Think before you buy - do you need it - can you share it?

10. Get involved: take action.

No Impact Man

My friend sent me this trailer. Looks so cool, wish I could do something like this. Maybe one year I will try it myself.

Environment, Sustainability & Society

ESS is a new program being offered at Dalhousie University starting this semester (Fall '09) through the College of Sustainability. I'm really looking forward to taking their Sustainability 1000 class. It is a completely new way of teaching and learning, by combining studies from all backgrounds in order to focus on issues and solutions of today and tomorrow. Maybe someday these crucial lectures will be required by all students. Until then, watch Dal's video and get your school on board with an ESS program!

JFK

I watched this movie with my Dad yesterday, even though it's probably been sitting in our house since 1991. Transferred from VCR to DVD to Apple TV, it finally caught my attention with my new found love for politics and my longtime love for Jackie O. This film doesn't cover anything on the beauty but it does have an all-star cast. I thought Oliver Stone was incredible after I saw The Doors, but this film is truly genius. Check out this piece of history from a new light and you'll be waiting for 2029 to come a lot faster. Had me on the edge of my seat the entire time, such a thriller and so much better than Bobby, as it leaves you searching for more information than Wikipedia has to offer. I can't wait to get my hands on a copy of Jim Garrison's On the Trail of the Assassins, probably a very interesting read on the controversial theory against the U.S. military.

The Better World: Shopping Guide

I just picked up a copy of The Better World: Shopping Guide by Ellis Jones. Pocket-sized and easy to read, it's super convenient. It ranks companies on a grade scale (A+ through F) based on their social and environmental records. All the research done for you for $10! Genius. Who knew Ben and Jerry's would be among the top 10 most socially and environmentally responsible brands?

The Big Pic

The Big Pic is a series of interactive games with International Development related issues. It is geared as an educational tool for kids but it is eye-opening for everyone. Play a game and learn a little, you're never too old.

It's Not Just the Weather that's Cooler in Canada

Kind of cool, from an American's point of view. Worth the read as Samantha Bennett points out that Canada has its priorities straight in her article from 2003.

Bridges That Unite

Bridges That Unite is an organization that travels across Canada addressing the prevailing issue of poverty. They are currently seeking individuals with an International Development Studies background to help out with their exhibit at Pier 21 in the fall. The deadline to apply is September 13, as they will be in Halifax throughout October and November. Visit their website for more information on the important work they do.

War Dance

The resilience of children is incredible. This film is a must-see, the trailer alone will captivate you.

Flow

Flow is a film about how water, a basic necessity of life, is quickly becoming another commodity. Take a look at the trailer. Scary stuff.

A Long Way Gone

Ishmael Beah is a former child soldier. He now speaks publicly and has written a novel on his past experience with war. A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier is an honest and rare account of his life and the lives of many that will never be heard. The Hour held an interview with Ishmael in respect to the release of his story.

Omar Khadr

Omar Khadr is a Canadian citizen being held at Guantanamo Bay. He has been there since 2002, accused with throwing a grenade that killed a U.S. soldier. He was never proven guilty, he was also a boy of 15 at the time. Watch a clip of the honourable Romeo Dallaire fighting for the youth.

Uganda Rising

This film is extremely difficult to watch but it reveals an unbearable reality that needs to be addressed in order to change. Pick it up the next time you are at Video Difference and let it impact your life in order to impact the lives of those who are truly being affected.

CPAWS

This summer I began volunteering with an organization called Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS). So far CPAWS has been successful in conserving over 400,000 square kilometres of wildlife across Canada.

At our last meeting they gave me the position of chair for our chapter's next event. CPAWS NS will be holding a photochallenge over the coming few months and showcasing the results late fall. It's a great way to get outside, be creative with nature and get the CPAWS name out there. Check out your chapter is doing across Canada. If you're in Halifax, stay tuned for more details on how to participate in our upcoming challenge.

Children and War

Former child soldiers talk. If you are free August 27th be sure to pick up a ticket. It is for a great cause and the personal knowledge is invaluable.

Coltan

Coltan isn't in the dictionary. It's in our phones and computers. It is also killing children and forcing children to kill in Africa. Unlike diamonds, there is no way of knowing where coltan comes from - whether it is ethically mined in Australia or whether it is sustaining the Congo's civil war. You can probably bet whichever is the cheapest form businesses can get it in. I love my iPhone and my MacBook, so I hope Apple is the first to prove their coltan is ethically mined. Until then, no more new products and lots of letters to Steve Jobs. Check out what WarChild is doing in the Congo and get inspired!

Tomorrow's sun shines in our hearts, in our minds

I am doing my undergrad in International Development Studies at Dalhousie in Halifax. The challenges of my program and the love of my family inspire me to change my world. This blog is the first step towards a grassroots change for the better. Thanks for following.

xoxo Jess