Avenue’s A-List 2009
The people making Calgary better, like Natalie Odd, our Executive Director:
News
Exciting New Communications Volunteer Opportunities with Clean Calgary Association
Clean Calgary Association is excited to offer three new volunteer opportunities with our Marketing Coordinator. These positions are quite specialized and have a more formal application process than our general volunteer opportunities. If you have graphic design, Photoshop, or media relations skills this is the volunteer opportunity for you. Please see the volunteer job descriptions for more information.
All applications are due by July 6th, 2009.
How green is Calgary?
The Healthy Homes Calgary program is Clean Calgary’s newest residential service, providing free home visits to Calgarians interested in creating a healthy living environment, while reducing the home’s “eco-footprint”. We will provide the tools and information needed to improve indoor air quality, energy and water efficiency, waste reduction, and more.
Healthy Homes Calgary was featured on City TV recently. Click on the link to see the video: http://www.citytv.com/calgary/yourcity_68181.aspx
Ask Ashley
Know Farmers, Know Food
Q:
Hi Ashley,
Lately, I have been making a conscious effort to eat more locally. This is fairly easy in the summer months, especially because I have my own garden, but winter is definitely more challenging. Much of the local produce is produced in greenhouses and I’m wondering if this is a sustainable option. Is produce grown in a greenhouse actually better for the environment than shipping it from California and is it actually as healthy as food produced in soil? I need your advice.
Thanks,
Sara
A:
Dear Sara,
Author and farmer Wendell Berry once wrote, “If there is any truth to the cliché you are what we eat, then we should be honest about the fact that most of us do not have the slightest idea what we are”. What Berry was referring to is the fact that our food system has become so unbelievably complex that it is nearly impossible to know the origins of much of the foods we eat, or what their ingredients are actually derived from. This situation is deeply troubling but, encouragingly, it appears that a growing number of people are taking interest in knowing what they are eating, how it was grown, and what it means for their health and the health of the planet. I, too, share your enthusiasm, worry, and curiosity about food. In fact, I could not wait to dive into this question as I can recall, on several occasions, standing in the produce section mid-winter, deciding between the Rocky View hot house tomato and the field grown variety from Mexico. I let my gut guide my decision then but, hopefully, by the end of this short article, we’ll have more to base our decisions on than just a feeling. So let’s get started.
Program Highlights
Clean Calgary’s Reuse and Recycling Guide
The Reuse and Recycling Guide is filled with great tips and ideas for reducing waste and encouraging recycling in the city. The comprehensive guide is intended to become a resource for Calgarians.
Cell Phone Recycling
With cell phones becoming as superfluous as the advertisements that convince you that it is time for the newest model, one has to wonder what the impact is on the natural environment.
Dump the Junk Campaign
Clean Calgary Association has launched a "Dump the Junk" campaign which provides individuals and businesses with the resources to be removed from junk mail lists.
Tip of the Month
Talk to a friend
- Many of us greenies may have trouble speaking with friends, family and coworkers. It can be a challenge to approach someone with a different worldview than your own but it is still important to start the conversation.
- Talk to someone close to you about one change you have made in your life and why. It is important not to preach but rather share your experience and the success you have had with it (i.e. cost saving, a good feeling etc.)
- Give up television one night a week when you would normally just veg out. Use the time to meet up with friends and strengthen your relationships.
