Free Me

Free Me is one of the first videos on animal cruelty I ever saw before becoming a vegetarian and it has always tugged on my heartstrings. If you can't watch, just listen to the lyrics, so moving. The song is by Goldfinger.

Veggie Love

PETA's new commercial promoting vegetarianism was banned from the Superbowl lineup. It was too sexy? Since when is America against being sexy? America is against not eating meat. They are also not against rapists playing professional football, ehm, Steelers.

Nissan

If the time comes to buy a car, I will definitely look into the Nissan LEAF electric car, I'm such a sucker for polar bears. If you loved this commercial as much I did, or more so if you loved the polar bear, her story behind making the video is here.

Kicking It

Sport and development has become more popular in new development initiatives all over the world. I think sports are an amazing way to develop personal skills and a great way to help rehabilitate or provide communities with a positive outlet. I have recently watched the documentary Kicking It and was reminded how much sports can do to better one's quality of life. The documentary shows how soccer can address issues in the developed world such as drugs or abuse as well as in developing countries that deal with refugees and no hope. Soccer teaches teamwork, self-esteem and confidence, discipline and so much more. Sport and development work is very inspiring and so is this one look at the Homeless World Cup in Kicking It.

The Cove

It has been a week of documentaries. Last night I went to a screening of The Cove. It was good, but it was a sad film. After leaving No Impact Man so inspired, it was depressing leaving the auditorium yesterday. At least I wasn't bawling like throughout Sharkwater. So jealous of freedivers though, I love dolphins forever.

No Impact Man

I saw No Impact Man last week. It was so motivational, I felt like I could do it. Four weeks left of school and then it is time to do everything I ever wanted to do. Looks like living with zero impact could be on the list, after I fly around the world of course. Dreams getting in the way of dreams, what a life. Check out the zero footprint hero Colin Beavan's blog and for information on how to reduce your own footprint check out the project to download a pdf how-to.

Polar Tweets

Cutest thing ever. If you have Twitter, you have to follow these guys. Love Polar Bears.

Defending Democracy

Elizabeth May speaking out against Harper. Such an incredible lady, from her first battle against the use of pesticides in NS in the late 1970s to fighting for Green in Ottawa in 2010, I love her.

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.