Green Calgary EcoStore opens in Mount Royal University
The Student's Association of Mount Royal University (SAMRU) in cooperation with Green Calgary brings the EcoStore to Mount Royal University Students. Located in the Copywrite Centre on the lower level of Wyckham House, The EcoStore opened earlier this month to provide alternatives for students to find eco school supplies, gear, and green housewares and giftware. A big thank you to Mount Royal University's Sustainability Centre, Students Association, and Copywrite Centre for this exciting opportunity and progressive step forward in fostering a culture of sustainability on the MRU campus. Check out the webpage for hours and contact information.
EcoLeaders 2010
(formerly EcoLogic 201)
Are you passionate about the environment?Interested in developing your ability to effect change in your community shoulder to shoulder with other Calgarians? The course starts March 13th.Apply soon, as space is limited.
EcoLeaders 2010 is a 20 + hour course for individuals who are aware of and committed to reducing their eco-footprint, but are interested in doing more. The EcoLeaders course investigates our roles as ecologically aware individuals through the lens of integrated community development. It is for anyone who feels compelled to make a sustainable difference in their community; whether that community is of business entrepreneurs, like-minded mothers who want to make change in their neighbourhood, students at their university, green-minded community members, friends, family or any group of people who simply want to make a difference.
If you are a teacher, or know someone who is, read on about this free workshop opportunity:HSBC Clean Air Achieversis a dynamic interactive program that brings a National or Olympic-level athlete into your classroom to talk about clean air and active transportation. The program gets students to track their modes of transportation now, and compares it to their modes of transportation after active suggestions are implemented.It is an on-line learning opportunity. This program is still opened to registration for the 2009/2010 school year.Please register your class on the website as space is very limited.
For Grades 6-9*Cost:FREE.
Come Visit or Volunteer for Green Calgary at the Calgary Home & Garden Show! We would love volunteers to help fill the following shifts:T
Thursday, Feb 25th
11:45am - 4:45pm (5hrs)
4:30pm - 9pm (4.5hrs)
Friday, Feb 26th
11:45am - 4:45pm (5hrs)
4:30pm - 9pm (4.5hrs)
Saturday, Feb 27th
9:45am - 2:00pm (4.25hrs)
1:45pm - 6pm (4.25hrs)
5:45pm - 9pm (3.25hrs)
Sunday, Feb 28th
9:45am - 2:30pm (4.75hrs)
2:15pm - 7pm (4.75hrs) This shift includes 1 hour teardown from 6-7pm
Introduction to Organic Vegetable Gardening: Growing Food for the First Time
Join master gardener and organic market gardener, Elaine Rude, to learn how to grow vegetables successfully in Calgary.Elaine has extensive experience with hardy varieties of vegetables, native plants, water-wise food gardening and high-yield intensive vegetable planting methods.
This workshop is designed for people new to growing vegetables and covers garden preparation, soil amending, getting the most from your garden and individual vegetable varieties that thrive in Calgary. This workshop is made possible by the Unitarian Church of Calgary, The Calgary Horticultural Society, and Green Calgary
This year the Government of Alberta will decide about the amount of water in your river and the price you might pay for water. For the first time in 12 years, the provincial government plans to review the current water rights system on how water is allocated, and more importantly, who gets access. Your input is important, especially in a future of shrinking water supplies and greater demands. To guarantee your right to express concerns about clean water for people and rivers, learn about the upcoming review by joining the campaign Share the Water, and write a letter to the Honorable Minister Rob Renner or your local Member of the Legislative Assembly.
Thrive: Calgary's Community Economic Development Network will be hosting its inaugural Speakers Series in 2010. The series, with the theme The Local Economy, will provide opportunities to learn how various sectors can utilize CED to contribute - in their unique way - to the creation of communities that Thrive.
Author and activist Michael Shuman with REAP Calgary’s Stephanie Jackman at Thrive’s “Going Local” event on January 13th
January 13th was the first event in the series. With record attendance and engaging discussion, the Speakers Series promises meaningful conversations for those interested in establishing sustainable and inclusive local economic opportunities for Calgarians. Read more about the event here
And the tie to Green Calgary and urban sustainability?
‘Going local’ is bigger than just the economy- it is a belief that local businesses have the power to transform communities for the better.
What is the return on investment (R.O.I.) for the various water and energy saving upgrades? I ask because I have a limited budget and I want to know how to best prioritize the changes I want to make. Should I replace toilets or should I upgrade my windows? Should I replace my 15 year old fridge or the 20 year old dishwasher? A few examples of how to best prioritize these investments would be extremely helpful.
Thanks,
Phil
A:
Dear Phil,
Though economic savings should not be the sole motivator for making environmental change, it is an important consideration, especially for those of us with a limited budget. Prioritizing is crucial, as it keeps us from becoming distracted with lesser details. And as you’ll see, the best ecological choices are also good economic choices. Utility prices will inevitably rise as we move forward and this will have a positive effect on each investment.
I’ve listed the upgrades with the quickest return first, while those with longer payback periods are listed toward the bottom. All costs are approximate, as are the rates of return. Many are eligible for rebates and I’ve made notes on what you can expect for a rebate at the bottom of each item.
Low Flow Tap Aerator (Cost: $3; R.O.I.: 1 month):
Switching from a standard 2.2 gallon per minute (~10 litres per minute) aerator to a 1.5 gallon per minute (~6.8 litres per minute) aerator will cut water use by roughly 22,000 litres annually, while saving you approximately $35 in water and sewage costs each year). Click here to view low-flow tap aerators available at Green Calgary’s EcoStore.
Clothes Drying Rack (Cost $25-$75; R.O.I.: 3 to 9 months)
Non-dryer options can save homeowners more than $100 a year in electricity, while adding moisture to dry indoor air. They also make clothes last longer and smell naturally fresh. Click here to view clothes drying racks available at Green Calgary’s EcoStore.
Low-flow Shower Head (Cost $10; R.O.I.: <6 months)
Switching from a 2.5 gallon per minute shower head to a 2.0 gallon per minute model will cut water use by approximately 13,000 litres annually, saving you over $20 per year. Low-flow shower heads also cut hot water use, which results in additional savings. Click here to view low-flow shower heads available at Green Calgary’s EcoStore.
