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vol. 29:3 fall 2011

BETWEEN THE BETWEEN THE COVERS: Seven Billion and Counting i s s u e s Sustainable City?

an ecology action centre publication www.ecologyaction.ca

P M 4 0 0 5 0 2 0 4 Features BETWEEN THE

Seven Billion and Counting / 12 ian ecology s action s centre u publication e s VOL. 29 NO. 3 7 table of contents

3 Hot Off the Modem Our Sustainable City? 4 Action is Our Middle Name compiled by EAC Staff / 14 6 Ecobriefs by Mike Ruxton 8 The Dirt on Root Cellars by Nikki Beauchamp 9 The1 Secret Lives of Downtown Fireflies by Scott MacIvor 10 Natural Resource Strategy: Madly off in No Direction by EAC Staff and volunteers 12 Seven Billion and Counting by Heather Hunter 14 Our Sustainable City? by Sam Fraser 16 Fossil Free Power by 2030 by Brennan Vogel 18 The Deanery Transformation by Kim Thompson and Richard Bell CONTRIBUTORS: Richard Bell, Emma Boardman, Maggy Burns, Nikki Beauchamp, 19 Being Green by Jonathan Rotsztain with Scott Fotheringham Scott Fotheringham, Sam Fraser, Heather Hunter, 20 La Vie en Vert Nanci Lee, Scott MacIvor, Tim Roberts, Katrina Ross, Jonathan Rotsztain, Mike Ruxton, Kim Thompson, 22 ecoHoroscopes Brennan Vogel, EAC staff 24 Seasonal Gourmet by Katrina Ross CONTENT EDITORS: Tim Roberts, Mike Ruxton, 26 Action in Verse by Marilyn Nelson Jonathan Rotsztain, Emma Boardman, Maggy Burns, Heather Hunter, Sam Fraser 27 Action in Verse by Sandy Hubbard COPY EDITORS: Tim Roberts, Mike Ruxton, Emma Boardman, Sara Lipson ADVERTISING: Susan Johnstone letters to the centre

ILLUSTRATIONS: Aaron Harpell, Janet Wilson To the Editor: PHOTOGRAPHERS: Emma Boardman, Maggy Burns, Alison Froese-Stoddard, Amy Hawke, Lindsay Hunt, Courtnay Kelsay, Julia Kemp, Brad MacInnis, Ray This is a poem about pollution that I wrote on my free time. I am in grade Plourde, Urs Rindlisbacher, Katrina Ross, 7 at Fairview Junior High, and am very interested and concerned about The Deanery Project global warming. This poem is from the point of view of the fumes com- DESIGN AND PRODUCTION: ing out of the smoke stacks and traveling around the world. My family Aaron Harpell, Hammerhead Design has a membership to the EAC and my brother and I are involved with the DISTRIBUTION: EAC staff, members and volunteers HEAT group at the Adventure Earth Centre. COVER: Aaron Harpell To advertise in BTI, please contact [email protected]. Sincerely, We support businesses working towards social and environmental justice. Sandy Hubbard

Printed at Halcraft Printers on Chorus Art Paper, 50 percent recycled fibre, 25 percent post-consumer with vegetable based inks. See page 27 of this issue for Sandy’s poem.

Between the Issues is published three times a year by the Ecology Action Centre, a charitable organization (PM Registration # 40050204). The Ecology Action Centre’s vision is of a society in NS which respects and protects nature and provides environmentally and economically sustainable solutions for its citizens. The EAC is a founding member of the Canadian and Environmental Networks. Views expressed in BTI are those of the writers and do not necessarily represent EAC or its supporters.

Ecology Action Centre 2705 Fern Lane Halifax, Nova Scotia B3K 4L3 p. (902) 429-2202 f. (902) 405-3716 www.ecologyaction.ca Become a fan on Facebook ~ www.facebook.com/EcologyActionCentre Subscribe to our Twitter feed: EcologyAction pagethree letter from the centre fuels by 2030 (p. 16). Keeping with a theme of energy effi- ciency, Nikki Beauchamp reviews the benefits of a root cellar, Turn and Face the Strange Changes a long-term storage solution in city and country alike (p. 8). Will the city have guidelines in place to allow a population increase without overreliance on suburban development? Sam Fraser takes a look at Our HRM Alliance (p. 14), a group trying to ensure important questions aren’t overlooked be- fore final answers are reached. Speaking of overlooked items, Scott MacIvor offers insight on some of Nova Scotia’s small- est inhabitants (p. 9) as a reminder that changes made by and for humans have long-term ramifications for other species.

The changes already underway in Halifax and Nova Scotia will be significant. But Heather Hunter illustrates a more global perspective on growth (p. 12), comparing patterns in The “Occupy Nova Scotia” movement remains physically to those elsewhere on our shared planet as human manifested in Halifax’s Parade Square as this issue makes its population reaches another milestone. It reminds us that we way to press. The tail end of the season’s cruise ship tourists can receive both inspiration and valuable lessons by maintain- appear both bewildered and curious about the chaotic settle- ing a wider point of view. ment of tents set up on City Hall’s otherwise stately grounds. To show that not everything changes, many favourite features Such tourists (and other passersby) are greeted by a sign stat- return in this issue, such as Being Green, Seasonal Gourmet, ing “Keep Your Coins, We Want Change”. It’s a common sen- Eco-Horoscopes, La Vie en Vert and Action in Verse. timent, one that perhaps neglects to mention we’d strongly prefer such change to benefit the province and its citizens. What will have happened to the “Occupy Nova Scotia” move- (Change for the worse is best kept dormant, thanks.) Truth ment by the time you read this letter? No matter the duration is, change is always around the corner. It’s our task to try to of the visible protest, let’s hope that shouts for truly progres- anticipate life’s twists and turns so that we can push the forces sive, sustainable change fuel fires within us that stay stoked of change in a positive direction. long after the tents are packed away. Case in point – HRM’s Irving Shipbuilding won a $25 bil- ~ BTI Editors lion contract to build combat vessels for the Royal Canadian Navy just days after the first tents were pitched on Parade Square. Such an investment will bring about myriad changes. But how they manifest themselves raises more questions than hot off the modem answers at this point. Shiny new EAC publications How will voters react to such a massive investment in Cana- da’s military when our national reputation is taking a beating The following publications are all available online at for shifting emphasis away from the environment? Proving www.ecologyaction.ca/content/publications-resources that our provincial government can be just as short-sighted as its federal counterpart, EAC staff combine to grade Nova We also have paper copies of some Scotia’s uninspiring natural resources strategy (p. 10). On a of these reports. If you’re interested, please contact us at happier note, Richard Bell serves up an example of positive 429-2202 or drop by our office. change on a local level in Deanery Transformation (p. 18). Communicating with Northumberland Strait Property What effect will an influx of jobs in HRM have on urban and Owners about Coastal Erosion rural population settlement in Nova Scotia? We’re an increas- ingly urban culture in Canada, an unfortunate byproduct of Recommendations for a Communication Strategy which is transit chaos in cities and underfunded transporta- for Northumberland Strait Property Owners on tion options in less populated areas. Happily, the EAC’s Bren- Coastal Erosion nan Vogel outlines how Nova Scotia can wean itself off fossil action is our middle name

2030 vision (Energy Issues Committee) The Energy Is- sues Committee commends the provincial government on its recently legislated 40 percent renewable electricity target for the year 2020. This target makes Nova Scotia a leader in setting things always cooking (Food Action Committee) an ambitious transformation agenda for the electricity sector. Our Food Connections staff held over a dozen preserving work- Currently 13-14 percent of the province’s electricity is sourced shops, both public and with our community partners, and took our from biomass, hydro, tidal and wind power. In September, demos on the road, visiting farmers markets and festivals through- the province opened applications on the Community Feed-In out the province. Heliotrust hosted Open Farm Fridays on the Hants Tariff (COMFIT) program that guarantees community groups Shore in August, September and October. Visitors to the farm picked a stable, long-term price for electricity produced from small- produce and learned how to make yummy treats with it. Meanwhile scale hydro, tidal, wind and biomass (combined heat and pow- the garden team has been busy launching the new Native Plant Pol- er). While the COMFIT program is limited (less than 3 percent linator Project and the Bloomfield Community Greenhouse. We’ll of the total supply), it is a step in the right direction of a more work on the biodiversity of five community garden sites and ex- diversified electricity supply market in Nova Scotia. Forthcom- pand the growing season this winter. Stop by the Bloomfield Centre ing federal regulations on -burning electricity coincide to take a peek. For more details, visit: http://adventuresinlocalfood. with our latest project: Fossil Free Power: 2030 – an interactive wordpress.com/ and http://halifaxgardennetwork.wordpress.com/ website describing how to achieve 100 percent green power in Nova Scotia by 2030. See page 16. clearcutting language not clear (Wilderness Committee) We’ve been meeting with community groups 30 km/h, 1,137 signatures across the province to encourage broad public engage- (Transportation Issues Committee) The Active ment in the recently released “12 percent by 2015” & Safe Routes to School campaign to reduce land protection process (see www.gov.ns.ca/ speeds in school zones from 50km/h to 30 nse/12percent). Public consultations will help km/h was successful. On May 24, 2011, choose a final slate of new protected wilderness the provincial government announced it areas to take our province from 8.3 percent to will make this change to the Motor Ve- 12 percent protection by 2015. We were un- hicle Act. Students in over 100 schools derwhelmed by the Natural Resources Strat- participated in International Walk to egy released in August. While the government School Month in October. School Travel deserves credit for maintaining their commit- Planning schools across the province ment to reduce clearcutting to 50 percent of are busy starting walking school buses, all harvests, the significance of this reduction getting bike racks installed and creating target depends on an ecologically-sound defi- safe routes with traffic engineers and plan- nition of clearcutting. Also of concern was a step ners. The Transportation Issues Committee backwards in the language concerning whole- submitted recommendations on changes to tree harvesting – original commitments to “prohibit” cycling rules in the Motor Vehicle Act. A petition this destructive practice have been replaced by plans to against the widening of Bayers Road, containing 1,137 “develop rules” for its use. The Otter Ponds Demonstration signatures, was presented to HRM Council. This helped Forest – Nova Scotia’s first-ever community-based forestry project – is lead Council to defer the acceptance of the Road Network now up and running. This project will act as an outdoor classroom to Functional Plan until after the five-year review of the Re- demonstrate that you can cut trees and still have an intact forest system gional Municipal Planning Strategy is completed. - and all the social, cultural and ecological values it provides.

greenbelt mapping (Built Environment Committee) We’re contemplating what our focus ought to be in the months ahead. Possible focus areas include revamping the Nova Scotia Building Code or setting up a system to match demolition projects with new uses. The 32-member Our HRM Alliance reached consensus on seven “Asks” to present to HRM Council in the first review of the Regional Municipal Planning Strategy. The Alliance also held its first greenbelt mapping workshop. A greenbelt with four zones is now being discussed. Media strategies for the release of both the “Asks” and the greenbelt are in the works. We’ve nearly completed the first Nova Scotia gardening season under the provincial ban on cosmetic pesticides! Though a major step forward in Nova Scotia, the ban still requires work to ensure proper monitoring and enforcement is in place, and to ensure it remains resil- ient in the face of industry pressure. page five

a fish DOES need a bicycle (Marine Issues Committee) Our favourite spokesshark, Hector, has taken his quest for sustainable fishing practices to a new level. In September he decided to cycle from northern Spain to London, England to meet with the Marine Stewardship Council. Hector is formally objecting EVENTS to the certification of the Atlantic Canadian Longline Swordfish Fishery. Keep up with his progress at www.friendsofhector.org. The EAC attended a United Nations workshop in September in Root Cellar Tour which the efforts of countries to protect deep-sea fish and ecosys- Nov 26, 3 pm tems from the impacts of bottom trawling were reviewed. While Pre-registration required some progress has been made, there are still significant gaps in contact Marla at [email protected] full protection – for a full review see www.savethehighseas.org and the report by the Deep Sea Conservation Coalition. Closer to home, Off the Hook launched its fourth season, delivering fresh, EAC Organic Christmas Tree and Wreath Sales fair fish. We’ve also increased our efforts to bring sustainable and Place your order at the Seaport Market land-based aquaculture to Nova Scotia. The growing demand for Nov 19, Nov 26 or Dec 3 sustainable wild and farmed fish means we need to promote fish- Or online at: www.ecologyaction.ca/trees eries that have a low impact on the marine ecosystem and ensure fin fish farming doesn’t jeopardize our coastal communities and Last day to order is Dec 5 environment. Finally, along with First Nations, tourism groups and fishing associations, we are recommending that oil and gas explo- EAC’s Annual Open House – 40 years of action! ration be excluded from the Gulf of St. Lawrence, which is bound Dec 1, 4 pm-7 pm by five provinces and is home to much wildlife, including the very Join us at our offices for refreshments and good cheer endangered blue whale. Contact your elected representatives and ask them about their position. 2705 Fern Lane, Halifax long-awaited wetland conservation EAC Organic Christmas Tree and Wreath Pickup policy is here (Coastal and Water Issues Committee) Dec 10, 9 am-1 pm We welcome the new Nova Scotia Wetland Conservation Policy, Bloomfield Centre originally to be completed by December 2009 but finally released in October 2011. The new policy promises no further loss of significant Hydraulic Fracturing (Fracking) Conference wetlands. Swamp lovers everywhere celebrate the new policy and will keep a close eye on its implementation to ensure it achieves its Dec 3, 8:30 am-4 pm intended goals. Do you want to know how to reduce stormwater NS Agricultural College, Truro runoff and increase water infiltration? So do we, and we’re starting contact [email protected] a stormwater demonstration project to showcase best practices. Between October 2011 and March 2012, we will work with HRM, Eighth Annual Sable Island Update the Halifax Water Commission and the Insurance Bureau of Canada to locate and assess suitable demonstration sites. We’ll document March 2012 the process via blog and share what we learn. Our two-year climate Exact date and location TBA change adaptation project in Chéticamp is well underway. Our visit www.ecologyaction.ca team is armed to make change with environmental technicians or www.greenhorsesociety.com for details from NSCC and tourism students from MSVU, among other part- ners. Send one of our gorgeous pre-addressed postcards to Premier Darrell Dexter. Our message: Please protect our coast through a Coastal Act now. Visit www.ecologyaction.ca/post-coast or drop by the EAC to pick up your postcards.

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La Vie Verte! Every Thursday 12-1 pm on 98.5 FM (Radio Halifax Metro) or ckrhfm.ca Co-hosted by Jen Graham (EAC), Isabelle Levert Chiasson (Heartwood) and Heather Richie. Join us for great music, interviews, and upcoming green and community events. En français!

Le Temp se Gâte! Every Wednesday 8-9 pm on CKJM FM (Radio Cooperative de Cheticamp) or www.ckjm.ca Join climate change adaptation researcher Scott Aucoin for interviews, music, and discussions about climate change adaptation in Cheticamp, Nova Scotia. Toujours en français. eco briefs

By Mike Ruxton

Bottled Water Has Its Place lent examples. Are there comparable No Crates, Stalls or Cages; Enriched En- programs for meat and poultry? Whole vironment; Enhanced Outdoor Access; Clean potable water is a convenience Foods Market, a U.S.-based supermarket Pasture Centered; and Animal Cen- of our modern society, but it is a scarce chain, has been working with its suppli- tered. Animal centered for pigs implies resource in many parts of the world. An ers on just such a product-labeling pro- no castration and pigs remain with lit- estimated billion people lack access to tocol and it is now coming to Canada. termates their entire lives. clean drinking water. The most com- Whole Foods Market doesn’t have Here’s hoping the 5-step animal wel- mon techniques used to purify water for any stores in , but it has fare rating system comes to a supermar- drinking are relatively expensive for the four stores in Vancouver and three stores ket near you in the near future. poor: boiling, disinfection with chlorine in the Toronto area. Whole Foods Mar- and filtering. Solar disinfection, or SO- ket has, since its beginnings in Austin, Globe & Mail 7 August 2011, Global DIS, is an alternative disinfection meth- Texas in 1980, sought the highest qual- Animal Partnership website odology which is cheap, convenient and ity foods while supporting the natural effective. SODIS is not new. It has been foods industry. Over its history, it de- US Polar Bear Scientist Told studied for over a decade by Dr. Ken veloped standards for product quality, – Go Hibernate McGuigan of the Royal College of Sur- ingredients and animal welfare for its geons in Ireland. SODIS requires four suppliers and customers. Eventually it The Public Employees for Environ- things: water, transparent water bottles helped found Global Animal Partner- mental Responsibility (PEER) call it with cap (either plastic or glass bottles ship, a nonprofit charitable organization “a witch hunt.” The proper word is will do), sunshine and time. with the mission of promoting and fa- inquisition. SODIS works because ultraviolet cilitating improvement in the welfare of Dr. Charles Monnett is a veteran radiation and the heat generated either animals raised for food. wildlife biologist, employed by the Bu- kill or damage almost all pathogens. reau of Ocean Energy Management, McGuigan says, “We’ve yet to find a wa- Regulation and Enforcement (BO- terborne disease that’s not significantly EMRE), within the US Department of affected by solar disinfection.” The pro- the Interior (DOI). Dr. Monnett and cess has some drawbacks. Sunshine is co-workers monitored marine mam- not guaranteed. The procedure works mals as part of the Bowhead Whale Aer- best if the water is filtered first to reduce ial Survey Project (BWASP). Although turbidity. And it takes time – six hours Janet Wilson BWASP focused on bowhead whales, of direct sun exposure is recommended. systematic observations were made of Global Animal Partnership’s 5-step all marine mammals. The survey was an Physics.org October 2009, Chemical & animal welfare rating system applies to ongoing one, with data collection sys- Engineering News September 2011 chickens, turkeys, pigs and beef cattle. tematized starting in 1987. In Septem- The steps are rated by colour code: one ber 2004, four polar bear carcasses were The 5-Step Program to red step, two orange steps, one yellow seen floating in open water, presumably Livestock Welfare step and two green steps. Red coded drowned. This was the first documented product does not meet Whole Food observation of drowned polar bears. Dr. If you buy your meat at a farmers’ Market requirements. At a minimum, Monnett and Dr. Jeffrey Gleason pub- market, you can ask the farmers how to meet step one, no antibiotics, no lished their observations in the January they treat their animals. If you shop at added growth hormones, and no animal a grocery store, you can ask your butch- by-products are allowed in feed. There er where the product comes from. But are limits on transport time to market. the butcher isn’t always available and Most body modifications are prohib- the butcher isn’t always the buyer. The ited; e.g., no de-horning, de-tusking, or Ecology Action Centre has been very ac- beak trimming. An example of the pro- tive in helping consumers learn where gressive nature of the steps are weaning their food comes from, with the Off the ages. For pigs, different steps have wean- Hook Community Supported Fishery ing ages of 28, 35, 42 and 56 days. The Janet Wilson program and SeaChoice being excel- steps have different labels depending on the animal, but for pigs, they are labeled page seven

2006 issue of Polar Biology, and specu- Jellyfish Invasions The north has an annual ice cover melt; lated that receding pack ice might be a the south has a permanent ice cover. The contributing factor. One consequence of global warming south is colder than the north. Criminal investigators with the DOI is the acidification of the oceans. Many An international team of scientists Office of Inspector General interviewed species will be negatively affected by reported in early October that “chemi- Dr. Monnett in February 2011 about acidification, such as clownfish, coral cal ozone destruction over the Arctic in potential scientific misconduct related reefs, shellfish such as lobsters and crabs early 2011 was - for the first time in the to BWASP. The investigators asked for and molluscs. Acidification demonstra- observation record - comparable to that explanation and clarification of the Po- bly impairs the sense of smell in clown- in the Antarctic ozone hole.” Environ- lar Biology paper and related matters. fish and may affect their hearing. ment Canada scientists provided obser- During the interview, Dr. Monnett was vations from ground stations and bal- candid on why he thought he was be- loons which helped track the hole, and ing investigated – DOI didn’t want its David Tarasick, an Environment Can- scientists publishing science that might ada scientist, co-authored the report. impede the drilling of wells. Dr. Mon- Journalists were advised that interviews nett’s co-author, Dr. Gleason, was inter- with Tarasick “cannot be granted.” rogated by DOI investigators in Janu- The hole formed because the strato- ary 2011. Dr. Gleason had moved from sphere was cold for much longer than BOEMRE to the Fish and Wildlife Ser- normal – more than 30 days longer than vice several years previous, is not being any previously studied winter. The cold- investigated for misconduct and is not Janet Wilson er stratosphere is believed to be due to under suspension. global warming trends. The Arctic polar In July 2011, Dr. Monnett was Possible beneficiaries of acidification are vortex is more mobile than its Antarc- placed on administrative leave, directed sea grasses and jellyfish. Jellyfish seem to tic counterpart and this spring moved to refrain from entering any DOI offic- be largely immune to the effects of acidi- across northern Canada, through north- es, to refrain from attending any official fication and many of their competitors ern Europe and central Russia and on DOI functions and further directed not and predators are subject to heavy fish- to northern Asia. Environment Canada to have any communication on the sub- ing pressures. says ultraviolet radiation levels were as ject while on leave. He was interviewed Certainly, there have been frequent much as 60 per cent higher than normal a second time in August, after DOI jellyfish population explosions in recent under the hole this spring. changed their allegations to improper years. This past summer, jellyfish inva- Marcus Rex, a report co-author contract oversight. Dr. Monnett has sions shut down power plants at Torness working with the Alfred Wegener In- since been reinstated, but assigned other in Scotland, Hadera in Israel and Fuku- stitute for Polar and Marine Research duties. shima in Japan. The plants at Torness in Germany, says “the Canadian sta- DOI has yet to tell Dr. Monnett of and Fukushima are nuclear-powered. tions were an absolutely key element of specific charges or questions related to Israel claims the Orot Rabin plant at the network of stations we used to do the scientific integrity of his work. Dr. Hadera is coal-fired. the study.” He disagrees with Environ- Monnett has asked the Office of Scien- Science News July 2011, ment Canada statements that there is tific Integrity to look into the way DOI European Project on Ocean Acidification, redundancy in the existing Canadian has handled his case. Scientists familiar The Guardian June 2011, networks that can be eliminated. “There with Dr. Monnett’s work believe it to be The Daily Mail July 2011, is no redundancy. The scientists in Envi- solid and praise his integrity. UNEP 2010 report - Environmental ronment Canada are bright guys. They Consequences of Ocean Acidification have never wasted money by doing re- Polar Biology January 2006, dundant measurements.” The Guardian July/August 2011, Alaska Another Hole in the Sky Dispatch July 2011, Public Employees for Nature October 2011, Postmedia News Environmental Responsibility, transcripts of The Arctic and Antarctic are dissimi- October 2011, NASA Earth Observatory DOI interviews with Drs. Monnett lar in a number of ways; in particular, the October 2011 and Gleason, Science 29 July 2011 north is an ocean surrounded by land; the south, land surrounded by ocean. The Dirt on Root Cellars By Nikki Beauchamp

proach: “Opening the door draws out wood and root eating microbes. Avoid the humidity. You can just feel when it’s roots with rot and store vegetables un- too damp.” Check out the Ecology Ac- washed for best results. Ottenbrite cov- tion Centre’s Adventures in Local Food ers his with dirt: “A layer of carrots, a blog for a step-by-step guide to turning layer of dirt, a layer of carrots, and so your empty basement space into an en- on.” Most root vegetables and hearty ergy efficient, no-running-cost vegetable greens, like cabbage, do well in root cel- storage room. Or visit the EAC’s Fern lars but you may not know that cheese, Lane building for a first-hand look at meat, salted fish and nuts keep well too. Alision Froese-Stoddard materials, conditions and storage ideas. If you’re worried about uninvited din- Our Food Coordinator Marla MacLeod in For the project oriented types, con- ner guests, don’t be. “You get a rat every the EAC root cellar sider the traditional form of root cellar: two to three years,” says Hudson. “Most an independent, underground structure people build a cement rock wall to keep “As crisp and sweet as the day we dug into a hillside or mound of earth. the pests out. Slugs coming in on my put them in,” says Bob Ottenbrite of Great for larger properties, this type of potatoes are my biggest problem.” the nearly 500 carrots stored in his root storage is more labour intensive and re- For more root cellar tips, keep up cellar. No longer limited to “living off quires working knowledge of structural with the EAC’s running commentary on the grid”, root cellars and cold cellars support systems. Once you have mined a root cellar storage, use a search engine are reappearing in rural, suburban and suitable space, temperature and humid- to see what other root cellar owners are even city homes. While deep freezers ity generally take care of themselves; the doing, or talk to your neighbors - what and refrigerators provide undeniable earth floor will retain enough heat and works for them will likely work for you. convenience, they are energy inefficient moisture to prevent frost formation and Who knows? You might be surprised to and unsuitable when it comes to long- keep your space damp. Wooden beams learn who has caught on to this newly term storage of sizable quantities. Nova are needed to support the ceiling and revived tradition. Scotians are quickly discovering the ad- concrete or rocks can be used to build Nikki Beauchamp graduated with a vantages of root cellar storage, especially walls, so be prepared for some heavy lift- BSc. Though she is now a Public Relations with the popularization of farmers’ mar- ing if this is the style of cellar best suited student at NSCC she likes to keep in touch kets. Ottenbrite, owner of Grass Roots to your property. Larger structures also with her biological roots and her love of the Farm in Mount Uniacke, remarks, “It’s a allow for “pounds”, essentially stalls for environment by writing for the EAC. pretty simple concept, but it works.” different types of produce. Root cellars come in many different Robert Hudson, a large-animal vet- shapes and sizes; building a root cellar erinarian from Adam’s Cove, New- can be as simple or complex as your foundland, says the biggest challenge is Take Action space and budget allow. Consider the the upkeep of his 150-year-old dual en- most common and accessible form of trance root cellar: “I have to renovate the Read Root Cellaring by Mike & Nancy Bubel root cellar for homeowners: a cold cel- pounds and bedding [floor] every five to for tips on root cellaring. lar in the north-most basement room ten years with new material due to the that retains humidity and is unheated rot the damp causes.” Every August, Visit EAC’s throughout the year. A simple ventila- Hudson clears out rotten vegetables and Adventures in tion system prevents mold and mildew sprinkles his root cellar with quicklime, Local Food blog for a growth by ensuring fresh air flows freely a high-pH bacteria-inhibiting com- step-by-step guide and more. around the room. Often, basement pound, to disinfect it before stocking up Just search for “root cellar” at adventuresinlocalfood.wordpress.com rooms have a small window through on new goods. “Use non-pressure treat- which the builder can run two or more ed wood because you don’t want toxins Build a root cellar in your pipes - one straight into the room at win- in with your vegetables,” he says. “Other basement or seek out a cold nook dow level and another to the opposite than that though, once you have one, and store some veggies corner of the room a few inches off the you have one for life. It’s a gem.” of your own. floor. This way, warm, rising air escapes With each design, a few things re- through the higher pipe and cold air en- main constant: root cellars, no matter Come on our root cellar tour on Nov 26 and check out ters from the outside, keeping the room how they are built, require 90-95 percent some local root cellars. chilly and perfect for vegetable storage. humidity, stable temperature (ideally See the EAC website for If your space lacks a window, don’t fret around three degrees Celsius) and good registration details. - Ottenbrite uses a much simpler ap- ventilation to discourage the growth of page nine The Secret Lives of Downtown Fireflies By Scott MacIvor

in Point Pleasant Park. Such activities introduced new earthworms to Canada (19 of 25 species in Canada are not na- tive) and could have also served as a vector for associated earthworm preda- tors, such as the larvae of the lesser glow worm. Unlike some other insect species, lesser glow worm adults don’t feed at all! The lesser glow worm doesn’t fly and its mobility is greatly limited, so this population in Halifax was almost cer- Urs Rindlisbacher (inset photo) tainly established from a unique intro- Phosphaneus hemipterus, chilling on a rock ductory event. The lesser glow worm has In 2009 I got to explore insect diver- population of endangered, flightless, been collected in Canada from four oth- sity on green roofs and nearby ground- day-living fireflies thriving in the heart er localities: in Wolfville, Nova Scotia level green spaces in Halifax. During of . (80 km from Halifax), Yarmouth, Nova that time, I came across a fair number The species in question is the lesser Scotia (220 km), Montréal, Québec of interesting and unique species – a few glow worm, Phosphaneus hemipterus, (800 km), and Fergus, Ontario (1350 not previously recorded in Nova Scotia. which is the only firefly (fireflies are km). So we suspect the glow worm has This may seem strange – to find new in- beetles) of over 2,000 catalogued spe- been introduced to the continent on at sects in human-dominated landscapes cies in the world to be introduced into least four separate occasions. – but the reality is that these “urban from Europe. These Despite their limited dispersal abili- habitats” have been sorely understudied glow worms were found in three nearby ties, the distribution of the lesser glow since they were first recognized a centu- locations in Halifax: at the Fort Massey worm in Halifax may be wider than it ry or so ago. A significant interest in the Cemetery, the Holy Cross Cemetery and appears. All three sites where the species ecology of urban habitats has developed the lawn garden on top of the elevated was found are close to one another and in recent years and this is leading to new parking garage at the apartment build- interestingly, there are many neighbour- and exciting research and ideas on the ing across the street. These locations are ing private and public gardens (Victoria planning and design of city spaces. similar to the species’ native habitats in Park, the ) and Another reason I might have been so Germany, Belgium, England and other cemeteries (Camp Hill Cemetery, the fortunate to find such a diversity of in- countries, having disturbed areas of Old Burial Grounds) that could very sects downtown is that Halifax is a port lawn, shrub and hedgerow, dotted with likely support even greater populations city and gateway to the rest of Canada, bare soil, concrete, rock and paved areas. of this distinctive and elusively rare in- serving as a hotspot for all sorts of newly Although red-listed and considered sect. In the summer of 2010, Dr. Majka introduced species. Some of these intro- endangered in some areas where the found it in a garden in peninsular Hali- duced species end up being harmful to lesser glow worm naturally occurs, the fax, 1.6 km west of the previous sites other local organisms, while others are reported scarcity of this species might where the species had originally been more or less harmless. At the end of that come from entomologists looking for recorded. summer in 2009, I had recorded over it in the wrong places. Most search in More about this discovery can be 300 species in just four months of sam- semi-natural and forested areas, but it found in a freely available research pling at 10 downtown areas, raising the is becoming clear that the lesser glow article at: question: just how biologically diverse is worm prefers disturbed – even human- http://www.pensoft.net/J_FILES/1/ the rest of Nova Scotia? dominated – habitat, which until only articles/279/279-G-1-layout.pdf. Dr. Chris Majka might have a good recently has been avoided in many bio- Scott is a former chair of the EAC idea. He is a renowned insect taxono- diversity investigations. Built Environment Committee and a mist, with a fondness for beetles, and Exactly how these glow worms made SMU alumnus. He is currently studying one of a few documenting the diversity it to Halifax in the first place remains wild bees in the urban landscape while and introductions of invertebrate species unknown. They’ve possibly been here completing a PhD at York University. found in the Atlantic provinces. Most for a very long time - between 1878 and important to this story, he was key to 1937 over 10,000 seedling trees in soil my project’s most bizarre discovery – a were imported from Europe and planted Natural Resource Strategy: Madly off in No Direction By EAC staff and volunteers

ized as soon as possible if they hope to maintain their credibility on this most important of issues. As recently as December 2010, the government said it would prohibit the practice of whole-tree harvesting, but upon the strategy’s release that changed to “will develop rules for whole-tree har- vesting.” This means whole-tree harvest- ing can continue as a harvesting method. Over a decade ago, the Department of Natural Resources’ own deputy min- ister warned that the province was seri- ously overcutting. One of the Phase 2

Ray Plourde panels of expertise called for a cap on A Nova Scotia clearcut the annual allowable cut on both pri- vate and Crown lands. The new strat- The status quo is not an option. nority report, calling for education not egy dodges the issue, saying only it will That was the overall message that regulation. evaluate the effects of implementing came out of the year-long Phase 1 pub- The final report claims to strike a a cap. lic consultations for the new natural re- balance between those two extremes. It The strategy’s action document says sources strategy. So on August 16, 2011, speaks about the need to change the way the government is putting measures when The Path We Share: A Natural we manage our resources now to ensure in place to help small woodlot own- Resources Strategy for Nova Scotia was future prosperity, but when examined ers participate in the forest sector. It’s a finally released, the thousands of Nova closely, shows a bias toward economics move that encourages an increase in the Scotians who voiced that sentiment over the environment. Consider this: harvest of sawlogs on smaller private wanted to know if they’d been heard. The strategy says government will re- lands, which will offset the shortages The answer, sadly, is “kinda, sorta, duce clear-cutting to no more than 50 being experienced on industrial lands but not really.” percent over the next five years. This is a due to the overharvesting of the last This strategy was the government’s major progressive step forward. But the two decades. It supports the industry opportunity- some would say duty- to devil truly is in the details. The strategy recommendation and the Woodbridge make the hard decisions that had to be provides no technical definition of what Associates report that called for educa- made for industries like forestry and a clear-cut is and therefore how this goal tion, not regulation. mining. Even with eight extra months of – one of the few specifics in the entire We did find some good news in the time (it was supposed to be delivered in strategy document – will be measured. strategy, though. We applaud the gov- December 2010), they largely didn’t. In- Instead of a proper technical definition ernment’s decision to reduce clearcut- stead, they pushed most of that work and it gives a simple layman’s definition of ting and eliminate public funding for responsibility off to some vague point the practice as: “The removal of all trees herbicides and we’re happy the gov- in the future following yet more multi- in an area at one time, except those re- ernment recognized the need for Nova stakeholder consultation processes. quired to be left uncut under the Wild- Scotia to restore the Acadian forest. The Two contentious areas of concern to life Habitat and Watercourses Protec- goal of establishing working community us were forests and minerals. tion regulations.” forests on Crown land is also a good one By that measure clear-cutting could as it will change the way the rights to use Forests potentially continue at near-current lev- those lands are distributed. els. This from the same NDP govern- The strategy also sets a goal of fully The topic of forests was so contro- ment that, while in opposition, entered implementing an ecosystem approach versial it split the Phase 2 panel of ex- bills on six separate occasions to have to forest management. In the strategy’s pertise into two camps: one, a majority clear-cutting substantially reduced. A action plan, government commits to report calling for a paradigm shift in strong technical definition that will lead spending $4.1 million per year “to en- the way Nova Scotia manages forests; to meaningful and measurable changes hance private land silviculture with a the other, a more industry-friendly mi- in harvesting practices needs to be final- focus on non-clear-cut harvesting.” page eleven

Take Action

Want to help improve forestry practices in Nova Scotia?

Write your MLA to let them know you expect the government to live up to their commitments to reduce clearcutting and eliminate whole tree harvesting.

Learn more about the impacts of these practices on Nova Scotia’s forests by visiting www.novascotiaforests.ca Minerals (Geological Resources) responsible exploration and develop- ment. Same thing for reclamation—it Read the Natural Resources Strat- egy, its companion action plan, Public concern and opinions about recognizes there have been problems in and all the background reports by mining ran almost as high as those of the past, but offers no new substantial visiting www.gov.ns.ca/natr forests. But once again, the strategy regulations, choosing, instead to study leans in favour of exploration and de- the matter further, and thus pass the Watch the video on selection velopment. This time, it comes right out problem to the future. management in NS titled and plays the job card, stating that min- “Leaving a Legacy”, available upon request from the ing jobs are permanent, year-round and Worth the Wait? Association for Sustainable Forestry typically pay almost 40 percent higher www.asforestry.com than other sectors in the province. That A true strategy represents a path to makes them hard to resist when you a goal and sets measurable milestones consider our current economic climate. along the way. This one is a high-level In an opinion piece in the Chronicle document that emphasizes soft concepts Herald on September 8, 2011, Jennifer such as consultation and education, but West, Groundwater Coordinator at the makes few hard decisions - especially crit- Ecology Action Centre, pointed out sev- ical ones that were needed immediately. eral other deficiencies with the strategy. Finally getting some hard results During Phase 1, public consultation could take a long and slow consultation clearly said no mines or quarries should process. It is now more important than be allowed in sensitive areas and com- ever to keep up the public profile of this munities should have the power of veto process and to continually remind gov- over their placement. The public also ernment of the need to make meaning- raised the issues of greater pollution ful changes - changes the public it serves prevention and how mines and quarries demanded but have yet to see. affect the health and wellbeing of those Ecology Action Centre staff and vol- living near them. The new strategy says unteers have been deeply engaged in the citizens will “be engaged over the life- process to develop the Natural Resources cycle of a mine” – language that suggests Strategy. As far back as 2005 we began ad- go-ahead is a foregone conclusion – and vocating for public consultations and since promises to assess and report on the po- then we made numerous submissions and tential for hazards to public health and presentations to the strategy development safety, but stops short of saying what pro- process. In addition to Forestry and Min- tection measures will actually be taken. ing, the Strategy also addressed Parks and The Phase 1 report also said the Biodiversity. Stay tuned to future issues for province must raise the bar for environ- our thoughts on how the Strategy handled mental performance and consultation, these two areas. yet the new strategy sets no rules for Seven Billion and Counting By Heather Hunter

Population Trends

Looking at the demographic infor- mation for China and Canada, we see that women are having an average of 1.5 children during their lifetimes, plac- ing these nations below the replacement rate of 2.1 children per couple. This was not always the case. As recently as 1965, the average number of children born to a Chinese woman was six and in Cana- da around three. In China, the decrease can largely be attributed to the famous “one child” policy. In Canada and other developed countries, the shift toward having fewer children is part of what demographers call the “demographic transition”. The theory is that demographic tran- It’s official. The Population Division when we “exhausted the budget of what sition occurs when a country has gained of the Department of Economic and So- nature can provide this year.” enough money and infrastructure for cial Affairs of the United Nations named The amounts that, and rates at which, the population to reliably access food, October 31, 2011 as the day the world’s humans consume, pollute and reproduce water and basic medical care. In do- human population reached seven bil- vary greatly around the globe. While the ing so, greater stability is achieved and lion. It seems like just yesterday the population in some areas of Sub-Saha- people gain more control over birth and UN announced we’d hit the six billion ran Africa is growing at a much quicker death. As a result, parents can be more mark in 1999. With the Earth’s human rate than in North America and Europe, certain that their children will survive population increasing by nearly 80 mil- more developed countries tend to con- into adulthood and the number of chil- lion people each year, it’s hard not to be sume far more resources per person. The dren born in each family tends to de- concerned about the toll our population biocapacity, or natural resources that a crease. Birth rates also tend to decrease has on the planet. country has available to support its pop- when women can access educational op- The impacts of human activity on ulation, also varies greatly. portunities and when contraceptives are Earth are plain to see: soil is eroding, To highlight global diversity in popu- widely available. In countries that have glaciers are melting and fish stocks are lation size, rate of population growth, undergone demographic transition, vanishing. Over large and densely popu- biological capacity and use of resources, population size remains relatively con- lated cities, smog and particulate air we compare statistical indicators from stant over time and older adults make pollution often block out blue skies and Niger, China and Canada. This provides up a larger segment of the population. nearby rivers and waterways are polluted a snapshot of the population and eco- In comparison, we can see that Niger, with human and industrial waste. While logical challenges that these and simi- with an average of seven children born human overpopulation undoubtedly has larly situated countries will face moving per woman, will experience a major negative impacts on the environment, into the future. it’s not the whole story. The threat to our planet is not just due to our numbers, but how much we consume and pollute. Niger China Canada Today, humans use the equivalent of 1.5 Population 14.14 million 1,336.55 million 32.95 million planets for the resources we use and to Average births per woman 7 1.5 1.5 absorb our waste. That means the Earth Ecological Footprint 2.35 gha/pers 2.21 gha/pers 7.01 gha/pers needs one year and six months to regen- erate what we use in a year. This year, the Biocapacity 2.09 gha/pers 0.98 gha/pers 14.92 gha/pers Global Footprint Network announced Remainder -0.26 gha/pers -1.23 gha/pers 7.91 gha/pers September 27 as “Earth Overshoot Day” gha/pers = global hectares per person page thirteen

population boom in the coming years. in Canada, it is clearly not ecologically In fact, David Bloom (from the Depart- possible for all people to consume and ment of Global Health and Population waste as much as we do. in the Harvard School of Public Health) With a growing population and with has predicted that by 2050 the earth’s millions of people wanting and deserv- population will reach 9.3 billion and ing to raise themselves out of poverty, adds that “Nearly all (97%) of the 2.3 how can we balance human rights and billion projected increase will be in the desires with the Earth’s ecological limi- less developed regions, with nearly half tations? In developing nations, hope for (49%) in Africa.” the future likely lies with sustainable de- velopment initiatives, resource protec- Population and Biocapacity tion measures and education, especially for girls and women. Perhaps more im- As the world’s population swells and portantly, developed nations, even those human activities diminish natural re- with abundant resources or the ability sources, global biocapacity decreases. In to buy resources elsewhere, must reduce 2005, there were 13.4 billion hectares of waste and consumption to sustainable biologically productive land and water levels. on this planet. Dividing by the number To save ourselves and save this planet, of people alive in that year, 6.5 billion, it seems that a global shift in perspective gives 2.1 global hectares per person. In is required. We must learn to be con- 2010, biological capacity available per scious of ourselves, each other, the plan- person has been reduced to 1.8 global et and all its biodiversity. After all, this hectares. Canada and Niger both exceed is all we have – seven billion people, one this number. planet and a universe of mostly empty In terms of individual country bio- space. capacities, Niger and China both have Heather Hunter is a recent gradu- ecological footprints beyond their coun- ate of Wilfrid Laurier’s MA Community try’s biocapacity, a situation the Global Psychology program and a research associ- Footprint Network calls overshoot. ate at the Participatory Action Research However, Niger and China are not and Training Centre on Food Security at alone. The Global Footprint Network MSVU. This is her first article for Between estimates that 80 percent of countries the Issues. overshoot their biocapacity. Overshoot tends to have a disproportionate impact on the poor, who cannot afford to buy resources from elsewhere. When it be- Take Action comes severe, overshoot also contributes to resource conflicts and wars, mass mi- To calculate your Footprint and learn how you can change it, visit grations, famine, disease and other hu- footprintnetwork.org and click on man tragedies. “Footprint for you.” In Canada, we are lucky to be one of the 20 percent of countries that have more biocapacity than we are using. However, according to the Canadian Living Planet Report 2007, if everyone lived like Canadians, we would need 4.3 Earths to support us! While na- tions around the world strive to attain the comforts of life that we enjoy here Our Sustainable City? By Sam Fraser

implemented, redefine key terms such as community growth centres, and incor- porate new research into social trends. “The Plan is a good document, but the Alliance wants HRM to regain its title as the most sustainable medium- sized city in Canada,” says Jen Powley, Our HRM Coordinator at the Ecol- ogy Action Centre. “It will take a great document to do this, but I am confident HRM can steal back the title from Van- couver. The five-year review is our best opportunity to do this.” The review process will take at least 12 months to complete, ideally wrap- Courtnay Kelsay ping up in the fall of 2012. Parts of the Plan will need to be rewritten according In the late summer of 2006, council The Plan has a built-in review pro- to what was accepted during the review. members of Halifax Regional Munici- cess to combat inconsistencies. Parts of The Plan could still be undergoing big pality approved a document detailing the document will be updated every five changes in October 2012, simultaneous everything about how the city and coun- years to reflect people’s experiences with with the next municipal election. Elec- ty would be developed over the next 25 existing policies. But how can one coun- tion candidates could be campaigning years. Land use; waste management; cil with a membership that will change on their vision for the 25-year Plan. For transit; urban, rural & island develop- many times over the lifetime of the Plan example, one candidate might be willing ment; environmental sustainability; retain the important details and coop- to accept the changes proposed by the wetlands protection; property taxation; erative momentum from one review Alliance, while another might not. business parks: all this and more was session to the next? Enter Our HRM Because this document has such a considered by the 164-page Regional Alliance, a group formed in the fall of broad and long-term scope, let’s hope Municipal Planning Strategy. Though 2010 to help bring the needs of HRM’s the candidates and Councillors are fa- the document is called a strategy or sim- populace and environment into the re- miliar with how the Plan will shape the ply “the Plan”, it is a policy document, view process. next 20 years in HRM! laying down dozens of broad policies on The Alliance is made up of over 30 Sam Fraser sits on the EAC’s Board of all aspects of HRM living. These policies business, social and environmental or- Directors. This is his first article forBe- would be honed and then implemented ganizations from across the region, rep- tween the Issues. by Functional Plans, such as the Road resenting the whole gamut of people Network Functional Plan. in the county. A package of “Asks” is An impressive achievement, the Plan being created by the Alliance member- has nonetheless been subject to many ship through a steering committee of complaints since its adoption. For ex- the Downtown Halifax Business Com- ample, the proposed widening of Bay- mission, the Ecology Action Centre, ers Road and Highway 102 seems to run the Five Bridges Wilderness Heritage contrary to its transit-focused strategy. Trust, the Heart and Stroke Founda- However, because of council’s recent tion of Nova Scotia, the Sackville Rivers agreement to postpone the discussion of Association and the St. Margaret’s Bay the widening project, the Bayers Road is- Stewardship Association. This package sue won’t come up during the review pro- contains seven demands to be brought cess. A document so large in scope can’t before the review process and, if accept- help but satisfy some citizens’ demands ed, they will improve environmental while shirking others, even as the chang- sustainability and the health and hap- ing needs of citizens over time make piness of the populace. It will reinforce some aspects of the Plan less relevant. aspects of the Plan that have been poorly page fifteen

The Seven Asks ers drive to commercial parks for their lect Capital Cost Contributions to help needs. A significant investment from all alleviate the burden, but these contri- levels of government will help keep com- butions must go further. Most already munities vibrant and well-populated. built-up areas have this infrastructure in place. New developments require these services to be put in place. With the ex- ception of six specific areas, general taxes pay for this. Putting the cost burden on the developers will create an incentive 1. The creation of a greenbelt around to stick to already developed areas that Halifax. Although the Plan has created don’t need new infrastructure. an Open Space and Natural Resources Designation, which includes parks and trails and conservation areas such as wet- 3. Shift the balance of funding to active lands, it is composed of isolated pockets transportation and public transit instead of green space and furthermore is still of single-occupancy vehicles. Halifax’s affected by development. An accessible public transportation lags behind other natural corridor or greenbelt is vital to Canadian cities such as Montreal, To- the health of our ecosystem. ronto and Vancouver. Accessible transit is worse. Prioritizing transit and active 6. Protect water resources by extending transportation such as bicycles and walk- buffers between new developments and ing will improve the health of citizens, as lakes, rivers, and coasts, requiring third- well as reduce harmful emissions. party environmental assessments, and ensuring new developments are capable of handling storm water runoff. Poorly planned developments are threatening the coasts and are polluting fresh water 2. Provide funding to revitalize the systems. Lakes are becoming increas- downtown cores of Halifax and Dart- ingly choked by organisms feeding on mouth, as well as community centres. minerals from runoff. The downtown core is suffering, as any- one witness to the boarded windows and 4. Ask HRM to prioritize growth in empty facades on Barrington Street can already built-up areas. Currently, the testify. Likewise, communities around suburbs and rural commutershed are the region are struggling to keep shops surpassing their growth targets while and cultural centres open while consum- the core has yet to meet its target. Our HRM Alliance proposes that residential development eventually reach a goal of 40 per cent urban, 40 per cent subur- 7. Improve the methods of measuring ban, and 20 per cent rural. the success and failure of the Regional Take Action Municipal Planning Strategy. The Plan Browse the Regional Municipal includes a number of benchmarks that Planning Strategy at reflect the issues the document is trying http://www.halifax.ca/districts/ to address - drinking water quality or dist17/documents/ number of people walking to work are RegionalPlan.pdf examples. The Plan does not set targets for these measurables nor does it offer Join Our HRM Alliance by visiting http://www.ourhrmalliance.ca/ current statistics. Rewriting this section members 5. Ensure existing taxpayers do not of the Plan to include goals that can be shoulder the cost of sewers, water measured will show where it has been Hold your councillor responsible mains, roads, and soft services for new successful and where it has fallen short. in the 2012 municipal election! developments. HRM has begun to col- Fossil-Free Power by 2030 By Brennan Vogel

greenhouse gases. Moving away from coal-burning electricity will also have clear health benefits. It would improve our local air quality while reducing the health care costs associated with illnesses such as cancer and asthma. Air pollu- tion is estimated to cost the Nova Sco- tian health system $6.2 billion between 2008-2030. Breaking our coal habit would also provide new opportunities for more stable energy prices and sustainable, lo- cal job creation in the renewable energy sector and energy efficiency/conserva- tion sectors. Volatile international coal Maggy Burns Solar panels at the Joggins Fossil Centre. prices are the driving factor behind the increasing electricity costs in Nova Sco- Fossil-free power in Nova Scotia by good jobs based on renewable electricity tia and it is widely recognized that we 2030 seems like an immense challenge. here in Nova Scotia. This would mean must overcome this dependency to keep However, it is both realistic and achiev- sustainable prosperity that does not power rates sustainable for Nova Sco- able and it would bring with it immense damage the global climate, our local en- tians. We can do that by getting away benefits. It would leave a long-lasting vironment and human health. from unsustainable fossil fuels, like coal, legacy for generations of Nova Scotians If we look back 30 years, follow- and instead using the renewable power while setting us apart as a national and ing the OPEC oil crisis of the 1970s, sources provided by Nova Scotia’s wind, world leader in reducing greenhouse Nova Scotia realized that depending on waves and sunshine. Our forests and gases, creating sustainable jobs and imported oil for electricity production farms can also offer sustainable oppor- achieving energy security. was economically unsustainable. With tunities for biomass and biogas to help Over the past year, the EAC’s Energy this realization, and an opportunity for with this transition. Issues Committee has developed a vi- cheaper, domestic fuel substitution in According to the Department of En- sionary project called Fossil Free Power: Cape Breton coal, Nova Scotia’s pub- ergy’s 2009 Renewable Electricity Plan, 2030. This web-based educational tool lic electrical utility invested heavily in 25 percent of Nova Scotia’s electricity provides a brief overview of how Nova developing coal-burning power plants to must come from renewable sources by Scotia’s electricity system could become keep power rates affordable and to create 2015 with an aim to grow to 40 percent fossil fuel-free by 2030 and why it is cru- mining jobs. renewables by 2020. These are ambi- cially important that we do so. But 30 years later, the domestic coal tious goals, but we can achieve and According to James Hansen, NASA’s and mining jobs are all but gone and exceed them through progressive and top climate scientist, the harsh real- Nova Scotians again face steadily in- aggressive measures to transform the ity is that by 2030 we must phase out creasing costs of imported fossil fuels for electricity sector. coal-burning power plants. If not, we’ll electricity generation. This time around, have failed to do our part in keeping the the problem is largely due to the rising How Do We Get There? global temperature from rising by more costs of imported coal. To make matters than two degrees Celsius, which scien- worse, we also face the challenge of dra- We are challenged to transform the tists claim would irrevocably change life matically reducing the province’s green- electricity sector by our aggressive green- on Earth as we know it. house gas emissions. About half of all of house gas reduction targets, by our re- Fossil Free Power: 2030 shows that Nova Scotia’s greenhouse gas emissions sponsibility to our communities’ health by pursuing an ambitious agenda of re- originate from the province’s four coal- and well-being and by our obligation to ducing energy waste, transitioning to re- burning electricity plants in Trenton, future generations. How do we make newable electricity, implementing good Point Tupper, Point Aconi and Lingan. this transformation a reality? power policies for green growth and bet- We need to phase out coal to address The essential ingredients to getting ter managing the electrical grid through serious global environment challenges the fossil-free job done will be ambitious regional collaboration, we can create like runaway climate change from rising leadership, political will and a shared, page seventeen

sustainable vision for the future of Nova this is happening too. tors and change agents. But the rewards Scotia’s electricity among citizens. We’re We have some more work to do are well worth it! making progress on some of the specif- around the implementation of progres- Brennan Vogel is the Climate Change ics but much work remains to be done. sive energy policies such as Feed-In-Tar- and Energy Coordinator with the Ecol- Just as in the 1970s, Nova Scotia is in- iffs, which democratize the renewable ogy Action Centre and holds a Masters vesting in the domestic potential of our electricity supply opportunities for all of Arts degree in International Develop- own resources, only this time its renew- Nova Scotians. Transforming the grid to ment Studies from SMU. Since joining the able resources, most notably wind, tidal allow better access to developing renew- EAC in 2010, Brennan has advocated for and biomass. Making local renewable able resource potential and diversifying progressive Feed-in Tariffs for renewable electricity to reduce greenhouse gases is the supply of renewable production will electricity, ambitious energy efficiency and a big part of the solution. In addition, greatly assist the transformation. conservation programs and transformative we need to aggressively pursue all cost- Take a moment to envision a prosper- energy policies targeted at rapidly achiev- effective opportunities for low-carbon, ous Nova Scotia reaping the benefits of ing greenhouse gas reductions from the imported hydro-electric power. We also clean, local power and stable electricity electricity sector in Nova Scotia. need to stabilize overall demand for prices. This fossil fuel-free transforma- electricity through energy efficiency and tion in Nova Scotia will require commit- www.fossilfree2030.ca conservation. Thanks to the 2009 cre- ment, risk-taking, and hard work from ation of Efficiency NS to provide use- all of us – in our roles as home-owners, ful programs and services to rate-payers, citizens, voters, business owners, educa-

40 years of environmental change

Make Action add your Your Middle Name – voice Become a Monthly get Contributing Member! active No more reminder calls

Maximize Call or Your email us for more Impact Give details any amount The Deanery Transformation By KimThompson and Richard Bell The Deanery project

Making the sand form for the outdoor wood-fired cob oven

The Eastern Shore of Nova Scotia is inspiring, self-sustaining space which milk paint that transformed the exte- fast becoming known for more than its supports youth in particular, as well as rior walls. With youth from the Atlantic rugged beauty. Organizations like the community members of all ages. Learn- Youth Leadership Conference we began Eastern Shore Forest Watch and the ing through community service, out- our first permaculture garden beds.” newly formed Deanery Project attest to door leadership programs, healthy living In reviewing the whirlwind process the shore community’s powerful com- projects and traditional rural skills will thus far, Thompson emphasizes the rich mitment to environmental stewardship take place within a framework of envi- vein of goodwill for the Project. “What’s and education. ronmental sustainability. been especially moving for us all is that The story of the Deanery Project be- Organizations like HeartWood Cen- so many people keep coming out to help. gan in June 2011. It evolved out of an tre for Community Youth Development, We have a stellar board of directors. We opportunity, a long history, a need for HRM Recreation, The Old School, are looking forward to working with change and the vision of a community and Straw Bale organizations like the EAC and a wide inspired by each other and by the land. Projects are among the many groups range of youth and community groups The opportunity arose when a much actively supporting the Deanery Proj- to explore opportunities for living and loved Anglican summer camp in Ship ect. Ship Harbour Youth Action Team learning at this very special place.” Harbour, an hour east of Halifax, came alumni and a wide range of community Local projects like The Old School, up for sale after 75 years of service to members have been there from the be- Memory Lane Heritage Village, Rails to thousands of Nova Scotians. ginning to envision future projects while Trails and other committed local organi- A dramatic drop in camp use over renovating, repairing, and painting. zations remind one of what a remarkable the past decade led the Diocese to put “We’re deeply committed to making place the Eastern Shore is. The Deanery the beautiful 25-acre coastal woodland The Deanery Project a model for learn- Project, with its beautiful sheltered ocean on the market. But in a truly good news ing how to live sustainably with the cove, gracious trees, rocks and history, twist, community members from Ship land,” says Kim Thompson, one of the is another facet of this amazing spirit. Harbour and a number of youth-serving founding directors. Kim Thompson wears a wonderful organizations in Halifax came together “Every aspect of the Project will be array of hats. She is a founding member at the eleventh hour to purchase the reviewed with that intention in mind. It of the Deanery, a straw bale building pio- property and keep it as a community re- was a real joy to bring life back to build- neer in NS, and a teacher at Dalhousie’s source. ings that many thought were destined School of Architecture and Planning – just The Deanery Project is now a com- for the landfill. Working with Dalhousie to name a few. She is also a former – and munity-owned cooperative offering ac- Free Lab students this summer we built hopefully future – EAC staffer! tivities focused on environmental edu- a composting centre, a traditional out- To learn more about the Deanery Proj- cation, natural building, and the arts. door bread oven, earth plastered interior ect search for it on Facebook or read the Long-term goals include creating an walls, and made our own sunny yellow blog at hedeaneryproject.wordpress.com. page nineteen Being Green Mike Targett: Personal and Political Passions By Jonathan Rotsztain with Scott Fotheringham

Targett’s disillusionment over Toronto’s ca) and the Sydney Open Streets revi- suburbs and the promise this way of liv- talization project, which hopes to make ing failed to deliver. downtown Sydney a pedestrian-friendly “When we moved into the house centre of activity. I grew up in, when I was six or seven, “Both projects take a holistic ap- our backyard was a dirt patch, and there proach to environmental problems: were cornfields on the horizon. Every food, energy and transportation are in- year, more of the farmland was stripped tricately connected,” Targett says, “and and turned to dirt and the dirt patches the way we produce, transport and con- turned to housing subdivisions almost sume food and energy, and the way we overnight. Over and over again,” Targett get ourselves around, has a huge impact says. “I started looking, with skepticism, on our social, cultural, and economic at what I eventually perceived to be the well-being, not to mention our health.” illusion of suburbia - of safety and sta- “If we take care of ourselves and each bility - and realized the prosperity and other we can’t help but take care of ‘the security was propped up by inequality, environment’,” Targett continues. “If we exploitation and misery throughout the create sustainable communities because rest of the world… The human and Mike Targett fell in love with Cape they contribute to this well-being, or for environmental costs of the prosperity Breton in contrast to his upbringing in their own sake because they are beauti- that surrounded me left me stunned.” Markham, Ontario, a sprawling suburb ful, we dissolve - as opposed to solve - Targett could no longer tolerate the outside of Toronto. He would visit his environmental concerns.” injustice around him, so he decided to grandparents in , where Green Cape Breton’s website is a tes- escape - to industrial Cape Breton and his father was born and raised, for two tament to the growing success of this living with his 80-year-old grandfather, weeks every summer. new movement. The space for events, a retired steelworker. “I imagine that, cumulatively, those education and “Action Alerts” inspires Acclimatizing to Cape Breton came visits had a formative effect on me,” and informs participants to learn, teach slowly. “I spent my first year basically Targett says, “not just the beauty and and make a positive impact on island hiding out. Looking back, I think I was scenery and whatnot but the ‘prosperity’ sustainability issues. The main goal of in shock. I spent a lot of time standing difference struck me then.” Targett de- the organization is to let participants on a beach, staring at the sea,” he says. cided to move back to Cape Breton and know that they are not alone in seeking Eventually, he began getting out, meet- to make positive change in the place he a more equitable, environmentally con- ing interesting people and finding ways calls home. scious Cape Breton. to make a difference. “I realized that Targett uses his web design skills to When asked what brings him to ac- trying to ‘save the world’ was not only empower non-profits, small businesses tivism, Targett is wry and honest. “I met impossible but narcissistic, not to men- and community organizations to orga- my future wife while attending a meet- tion a recipe for despair. So I started get- nize and engage online. In March 2010 ing of a group she founded, MobGlob ting involved in things on the local level, he co-founded Green Cape Breton, an (Mobilization for Global Justice). She’s where change is possible.” online destination for islanders to con- now the manager of the Cape Breton Following his participation on a nect around environmental, economic, Farmers’ Market. We have two kids, stimulating panel about the challenges social and cultural development that Shepard (2) and Zadie (4).” He says his of global warming, Targett and the other seeks to build and maintain sustain- children “are my answer to the question speakers gathered to build a movement. ability in the area. The site uses a local, ‘What do you see as in need of protec- The principals quickly agreed that while consensus-based approach to tackle the tion?’” education and awareness-raising were global problem of climate change. The Thanks to the work of Targett and important, true engagement would be group focuses on energy, transportation others at Green Cape Breton, much is crucial. And so Green Cape Breton was and agricultural issues to creatively pro- being done to leave future generations a born. As at the Ecology Action Centre, tect and enhance the health, safety, resil- healthier, more sustainable world. issues are organized into specific working ience and adaptability of Cape Breton. Jonathan Rotsztain is a freelance groups with the aim of producing practi- The journey towards Green Cape writer and graphic designer in North End cal results. Targett is involved with food Breton and sustainability began with Halifax. security issues (through CBLocalDiet. La Vie en Vert Welcome to our “green society page” where we provide you with an inspiring (and pleasantly green-tinged) view of recent happenings in the EAC community.

Extreme Membership Canvass

Our canvass team this year is extremely spectacular! The rumour is that they even have a song-of-the-night. Seems like that would be a requirement for the crucial, but sometimes chilly, job of going door-to-door recruiting new EAC-ers. Julia Kemp Amy Hawke A Beautiful World Best Day Ever at the Office! Katrina Ross and Steffy Guo were part of the cracker-jack team of organizers that helped make our second annual The reputation of our mandatory “Get Outside and Have Fun” On Canvas: Art for the Planet fundraiser such a big tri- day has been seriously enhanced thanks to East Coast Outfitters. umph! Thanks also to some wonderfully talented artists, Staff and volunteers spent a gorgeous August day messing around super special guests, fabulous patrons of the arts, and the with boats, BBQs and sunscreen at their fabulous boathouse in stylish venue at FRED. We were able to make the world a Lower Prospect. If possible, our team now loves the environment more beautiful place in a few ways at once. Bravo! even more than ever! Brad MacInnis

Retreat: It Rhymes with Eat!

Not to overshadow the many awesome elements of our Annual EAC-wide Retreat – like the nature walk, yoga, on-site childcare and a beautiful outdoor smudging ceremony – but the food sure was delicious. We did lots of serious work too, so stay tuned for some super-

Emma Boardman duper strategic thinking courtesy of the collective mind of the EAC. page twentyone

Staff Snippets

It’s been a while since we updated readers on the doings of staff at EAC so there’s lots to tell!

Our “no net loss of Jocelyns” policy means that Jocelyne Rankin (Water Coordinator) has returned from her New Zea- land sabbatical energized and full of weird Kiwi vocabulary to share, while Jocelyn Knoester (Communications Coordinator) has embarked on the adventure of motherhood with her beau- tiful new daughter Mavis!

Perhaps indicative of the international popularity of “green”, our colleague Jennifer Scott (Heliotrust Coordinator) married and became Jennifer Greenberg. Congrats!

Enthusiastic, EAC-style welcomes go out to: David Adler (Off the Hook Coordinator), Scott Aucoin (Coastal Adaptation Researcher), Veronica Brzeski (Coastal Adaptation Coordina- tor), Libby Dean (Our Food Researcher), Stephanie Hughes (Healthy Lawns Coordinator), Lindsay Hunt (Volunteer Coor- dinator), Julia Kemp (Office Coordinator), Matt Miller (For- estry Coordinator), Ryan O’Quinn (Canvass Coordinator) and Rebecca Singer (Native Plant Project Coordinator)!!!

Continuing the theme of equilibrium we’ve seen some coun- terbalancing fond farewells: Cat Abreu (ACSEC Regional Fa- cilitator), Chris Benjamin (Healthy Lawns Coordinator), Alex Curtis (Sustainable Fisheries Scientist), Amy Hawke (Office Coordinator, now on sabbatical), Carey Jernigan (Urban Gar- den Outreach Coordinator), Margot Metcalfe (Pace Car Co- ordinator), Sadra Monfared (Heavy Metal Researcher), Thom Oommen (Green Mobility Grants Coordinator and new dad to Felix!), Jamie Simpson (Forestry Coordinator) and Fred Wendt (Acting Water Coordinator).

Interns and students are a huge part of what makes the EAC such a great place to get stuff done! Thanks to our current and recent assemblage: Keltie Butler, Alison Froese-Stoddard, Sonia Grant, Keren Lifshitz, Munawir Mukhtar Lutfi, Brittany Mac- Gillivray, Chitha Manoranjan and Fiona Tunmer. Exuberant (and Caffeinated) Thanks to Laughing Whale Coffee!

You truly know you’ve arrived when you have a coffee named after you, right? Well that’s the case for EAC and the “Grounds for Action” coffee produced by our very eco-friendly friends at Laughing Whale! Since 2007, Laughing Whale Coffee has donated 25 cents from every pound of retail coffee sold to help our environmental work. So between their coffee and their generosity you can see why we’re so exuberant! eco horoscopes By Suki Starfish

Aries – As your energy turns towards improving your health Virgo – Just because you’re named after a virgin doesn’t this winter, give yourself a natural high with some fun out- mean you have to act like one. Take Madonna, for example door activities. Walk, skate, ski, gather some friends togeth- (who, coincidentally, has her natal Venus in Virgo). You’ll er for some winter sports or a hike. Get your favourite kids be feeling extra charming and sexy in the first half of De- involved by encouraging their school to register for Winter cember, so work it. And feel even more amazing with some Walk Day (www.saferoutesns.ca), any day in February. humorous EAC underwear, available from www.ecologyac- tion.ca/fundies with slogans like “Take Action, Get Action”, Taurus – You of all people know that the arts speak directly “Wetland Protected Area” or “Local Wind Power.” to people’s souls. Art, music, and poetry can inspire people to positive environmental action in a way that hard facts just Libra – You have the ability to see beauty in the most un- can’t. So, always remember that your creative pursuits are likely of places. That’s why people like you are able to create valuable forms of activism. Create, create, create and take beautiful art out of something that other people would see as some time to appreciate other environmentally-themed art, just junk. The mural on the side of the EAC’s office building such as music by Planet Atlantic (www.planetatlantic.com) is a good example. It’s made completely from re-purposed or the Gaia Singers, or check out EAC’s art fundraiser, On materials, including an old piano that you can actually come Canvas, at FRED this winter. down and play! It’s worth checking out.

Gemini – Words are like breath to you air signs. Pick your- Scorpio – You have a deep, scientific mind. So why not use self up as the sun’s light wanes with an inspiring book. One it to learn all you can about a complex issue? Hydraulic frac- of our favourite Geminis, and former EAC staff member, turing is a timely one. It’s a process of drilling for natural gas Chris Benjamin, has recently published Eco-Innovators, a which involves large quantities of water and chemicals. A book about Atlantic Canadians who have done ground- lot of people are pretty concerned that it might be coming breaking work for the environment. Pick it up to read some to Nova Scotia, potentially threatening our health, drinking great true stories about local leaders – including EAC Inter- water and wildlife. Once you’ve read up on it, and watched nal Director Maggy Burns. It’ll inspire you to keep doing the award-winning movie Gasland, take action. The NO- your own great work! FRAC (Nova Scotia Fracking Resource and Action Coali- tion) needs all the support it can get. Find out more about Cancer – Root cellars are becoming more popular these them and their member groups on Twitter @NOFRAC – days and with good reason. You get to store your veggies or contact your fellow water sign, Pisces Jennifer West, at and preserves in your own home, it’s a low energy way to [email protected]. store food and it has a nice, old-fashioned, preserving-the- tradition feel. What could be more perfect for a nurturing, Sagittarius – It’s time to learn something new this winter! homebody Cancer? If you want to build one, check out the (Well, let’s be honest, it’s always time for a Sagittarius to article on root cellars in this issue of Between the Issues. If you learn something new and exciting!) So in the colder months, don’t own a home but want to live the root cellar experience why not warm up with some food and friends at one of vicariously through someone else, sign up for the EAC’s root our seasonal cooking classes? The classes are taught by vol- cellar tour on November 26th – contact Marla at 442-1077 unteers, feature seasonal, local ingredients, and after each for details. class, participants sit down to share the meal they created together. Leo – Hey there, beautiful kitty. Ok, so you’re not really a cat, but chances are, you love one. They’re cute, aren’t they? Capricorn – Feeling caught up in an epic struggle between But they can also be deadly killers. Yes, even your sweet, good and evil these days? Read or re-read Capricorn Tolk- gentle, most precious and kind Mr. Fluffybloomers! Just ask ien’s Lord of the Rings this winter – it has strong environ- a bird or a mouse. Cats are the number one killer of song- mental themes and it’ll help you focus on the bigger picture birds – according to the American Bird Conservancy, they (something you’re naturally good at) as you do your work. kill hundreds of millions of birds each year. So, help birds Want to do more? Get out and put your skills to good use and cats by making your home comfortable and fun for an for a non-profit organization: join a board, or volunteer for indoor kitty with lots of window ledges, climbing spaces a job that gets you doing what you do best in the ongoing and scratching posts. Your vet will tell you that Puss will live battle against environmental ills. longer if she stays indoors, too. page twentythree

Aquarius – You’ll be feeling especially warm and nurturing this cycle, Hector says he felt scared and awkward at first, but Winter Solstice. Celebrate the season by cooking and baking lo- pushed himself to keep going by remembering how far cal, organic food for those you love. The memories of a cheery he had come and the importance of his job to “make the evening with friends, family, warm apple cider and cookies will Atlantic ocean a safer place for sharks, turtles and other last far longer and mean far more than a disposable store-bought sea life.” You, sweet shy Pisces, should learn from Hector. gift. For close friends, consider donating to a cause rather than Jump out of your comfort zone to fight for something you giving gifts. Or set up a giving page at www.canadahelps.org believe in strongly. It can only result in good things. For which will allow your friends and family to donate to your fa- inspiration, learn more about Hector and his epic journey vourite charity instead of giving a gift. It’s easy and fun to set up at http://hectoronwheels.org/ a page for any holiday, birthday, or life milestone. Suki Starfish is a Northern Sea Star (Asterias vulgaris). She Pisces – Hector the Blue Shark and his best Pisces friend, Shan- lives in the shallow waters near Halifax and enjoys dining on non Arnold of the EAC, spent some time this past fall cycling molluscs, star-gazing, Bollywood musicals, and re-growing her across Europe to raise awareness about the bycatch waste of the own limbs. longline swordfish industry. As a fish learning how to ride a bi-

www.zuppatheatre.com seasonal gourmet By Katrina Ross

Pastaless “spaghetti” and meatless “meatballs”

The fact that the days are getting shorter and cooler is a bit of a bummer but it means the arrival of warm hearty meals that stick to your ribs. One of my favourite vegetables available this time of year is spaghetti squash, aptly named as it can be used as a nutritious substitute for pasta. It has substantially fewer calories and carbohydrates than traditional pastas and is suit- able for those following a gluten-free diet.

Ingredients What’s in Season?

Spaghetti Vegetables: Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, celeriac, gar- 3-4 pound spaghetti squash, lic, Jerusalem artichokes, kale, kohlrabi, leeks, onions, pars- halved and seeded nips, potatoes, pumpkin, rutabaga, shallots, spinach, squash, 1 T olive oil sweet potatoes, tomatoes, turnips, winter squash

Meatballs Fruits: apples, cranberries, pears 2 cups cooked dark lentils 1 ½ cups button mushrooms, Sustainable Seafood: Chedabucto Bay Trap-Caught Shrimp, quartered Bottom Longline Haddock, Atlantic Lobster, Farmed Mus- 1 onion, diced sels, Oysters and Clams, Atlantic Mackerel, Farmed Arctic 1 clove garlic Char ½ cup nutritional yeast ½ cup brown rice flour Check out the Food Action Committee’s blog for additional 1 T flax meal ideas of what to do with autumn produce: http://adven- 1 T fresh basil, chopped turesinlocalfood.wordpress.com ¼ cup green onions, chopped 2 T fresh parsley, Katrina Ross is a nutrition student at Mount Saint Vincent finely chopped University and blogger at Happy Body Foods (www.happybody- ¼ t salt (optional) foods.wordpress.com), an allergy friendly local food blog. She is also a volunteer on the Food Action Committee, coordinator of Method “Eating by the Seasons” cookbook and avid seasonal cook.

1. Preheat oven to 350F. 2. Line cavity of squash with ½ T olive oil, wrap the cut side with tin foil and bake foil side up for 40 – 60 min, until fork can easily be inserted. 3. Gently sauté onions and garlic with remaining oil until translucent. 4. While onions are cooking add 1 cup of lentils and remain- ing ingredients to a food processor and blend. Be careful not to over mix. It should be crumbly not pureed. 5. Add remaining lentils and onion mixture and stir. 6. Form into golf ball sized balls and place on a cookie sheet. You should get about 24 “meatballs”. Bake for 30 min at 350F. 7. Scoop out fleshy strands of squash. If there is a lot of liquid in the squash, press through a colander to get rid of some. 8. Mix “meatballs” with your favourite pasta sauce and spoon over squash pasta. page twentyfive

Maritimers now have a 100% green electricity choice action in verse

Dusting By Marilyn Nelson

Thank you for these tiny particles of ocean salt, halcraft ad pearl-necklace viruses, winged protozoans: for the infinite, intricate shapes of submicroscopic living things.

For algae spores and fungus spores, bonded by vital mutual genetic cooperation, spreading their inseparable lives from equator to pole.

My hand, my arm, make sweeping circles. Dust climbs the ladder of light. For this infernal, endless chore, for these eternal seeds of rain: Thank you. For dust. page twentyseven action in verse EAC STAFF CONTACT LIST AND COMMITTEE CONTACTS Shot From the Chimney Core Staff By Sandy Hubbard Policy Director: Mark Butler 429-5287 [email protected] Grade 7 Student & EAC member Internal Director: Maggy Burns 429-5287 [email protected] Financial Director: Carla Vandenberg 442-0254 [email protected] Volunteer Coordinator: Lindsay Hunt I feel the heat of the fire 422-0198 [email protected] I am rising up, up Office Coordinator: Julia Kemp 429-2202 [email protected] The black walls shoot by me as I race past Web Manager: Emma Boardman 429-2202 [email protected] Canvass Coordinator: Ryan O’Quinn 429-2202 [email protected] I see a light up ahead Between the Issues: [email protected] Suddenly, I am puffed out into the light I see land, covered in houses, rising up from the water Committees / Project Staff I see my friends all around me Built Environment We float through the sky Healthy Lawns Coordinator: Stephanie Hughes 442-5051 [email protected] We spread out into little groups Our HRM Coordinator: Jen Powley 429-0924 [email protected] I see clouds float by Coastal Issues We are rising, up, up Coastal Coordinator: Jen Graham 442-5046 [email protected] I look down and see the ocean below me Water Coordinator: Jocelyne Rankin 442-5046 [email protected] We keep floating, up, up Groundwater Coordinator: Jennifer West 442-5046 [email protected] I see more houses in the distance Restoration Coordinator: Ashley Sprague As I get closer, I realise that they are different than the other houses 442-5046 [email protected] Coastal Adaptation Coordinator: Veronika Brzeski So are the people; they dress differently (902) 929-2757 [email protected] No matter, I am free Coastal Adaptation Researcher: Scott Aucoin I am floating, up, up (902) 302-0257 [email protected] Bird Conservation Coordinator: Mark Butler The clouds around me seem to be getting greyer 429-5287 [email protected] Just like me Energy Issues I start to feel hot Energy and Climate Change Coordinator: Brennan Vogel I feel as though I am in a ball of heat 422-0199 [email protected] I notice that the ground isn’t as green Solar Gain: Wayne Groszko [email protected]

More a dull yellow Food Action And then it hits me like a wrecking ball Heliotrust: Jen Greenberg (902)757-1640 [email protected] I am extinction Our Food Coordinator: Marla MacLeod 442-1077 [email protected] I am the future Urban Garden Coordinator: Garity Chapman I am pollution 442-1077 [email protected] Our Food Researcher: Libby Dean 442-0177 [email protected] Native Plant Pollinator Project Coordinator: Rebecca Singer 442-1077 [email protected]

Marine Issues Marine Conservation Coordinator: Susanna Fuller 446-4840 [email protected] Marine Planning and Community Conservation Coordinator: Shannon Arnold 446-4840 [email protected] Off the Hook Coordinator: David Adler 442-0999 [email protected] Sustainable Seafood Coordinator: Rob Johnson 442-0999 [email protected] Communications Coordinator: Jordan Nikoloyuk 446-4840 [email protected]

Transportation Issues Active & Safe Routes to School Coordinator: Janet Barlow 442-5055 [email protected] Making Tracks and School Travel Planning Coordinator: Jennifer McGowan 442-5055 [email protected] School Travel Plan Facilitator: Stephanie Johnstone-Laurette (902) 562-5371 [email protected] TRAX Coordinator: 429-0924 Scott MacPhee [email protected] Bike Again: Jyelle Vogel 431-8215 [email protected]

Wilderness Issues Forestry Program: Matt Miller 429-1335 [email protected] Wilderness & Public Lands: Raymond Plourde 442-5008 [email protected] 100 000 – number of unwanted sharks thrown back in Nova Scotia by the surface longline fleet; that’s 5 for every 1 swordfish kept! 1313 – number of km cycled by our spokes-shark, Hector on his journey from Spain to the Marine Stewardship Council headquarters in the heart of London’s financial district. 3804 – number of fans Hector has on Facebook. 35 – number of pages in the objection submitted to the Marine Stewardship Council regarding eco-certification of the longline fishery. 4 – number of organizations who were part of this objection, including EAC. 2,000+ – number of letters sent to remind the Marine Stewardship Council that they have responsibility to citizens and species everywhere. 1.5 million – number of farmed salmon Cooke Aquaculture plans to put in two large feedlots in St. Mary’s Bay off Digby Neck. 11 – number of criminal charges laid against Cooke Aquaculture for use of illegal pesticides.

Recent EAC Successes: • The provincial government finally announced both a Coastal Strategy and a Wetland Conservation Policy. After years and years of hard work on these important subjects we were proud to see our input had been heard. • On Sept 12th and 13th, 75 folks attended EAC’s Opportunities for Agricultural Biomass Combustion in Atlantic Canada workshop in Truro. • We constructed two new membership-based community food locations: our Fern Lane root cellar which has 5 members and our community greenhouse at Bloomfield Centre which has 7 members. • On October 13th, 25 folks attended EAC’s day-long workshop on the Community Feed-in Tariff program. • The designation of Five Bridge Lakes Wilderness Area which is now permanently protected from If sending a void cheque please sign above. industrial development.