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.