EcoWest News, January 30, 2024

Welcome to EcoWest News, a weekly round-up of news and resources that you can put to use in addressing environmental issues and protecting the wild in your community.

Across the West

EcoStress Sask will be offering an eight-week online group session in Feb-Mar to discuss distress caused by environmental threats and losses. [EcoStress Sask]

The Saskatchewan NDP are hosting consultations around the province in February and March regarding a proposed wetland conservation policy. For further information, contact Erika Ritchie, MLA Saskatoon Nutana. [Erika Ritchie]

Alberta can prevent electricity grid alerts through further ties with other grids, added energy storage, and variable time-of-use rates. [Pembina Institute]

A 10-year study of urban coyotes in Edmonton shows that encounters with bold coyotes are most common in the spring when pups are being raised but total encounters are highest in the fall when juveniles are dispersing. “The chances of an aggressive encounter are highest when an off-leash pet is present.” [Nature Alberta]

A report from CPAWS BC “finds that areas the BC government counts as ‘protected’ and uses to conserve biodiverse old growth forests do not meet conservation standards and contain little old growth.” [CPAWS BC]

“Eco-friendly burials, which typically skip embalming and use a cotton shroud or wicker casket, are becoming increasingly popular in Manitoba, with one group even working to develop a fully-green cemetery in the Winnipeg area.” [CBC]

The Seal River Watershed Alliance is hosting the world premiere of We Are Made from the Land at the Winnipeg Art Gallery on February 15, 2024. The film tells the story of their work caring for the watershed, healing from the trauma of relocation, and ensuring these lands will sustain their communities far into the future. [Seal River Watershed]

Across Canada

A solar-driven heat storage system could one day free remote communities in Northern Canada from reliance on costly and toxic diesel. [The Energy Mix]

Ocean Wise offers 3 annual programs to assist youth in developing the necessary skills to become ocean ambassadors. There are part- and full-time programs for 19–30 year olds and a 10-month program for 15-18 year olds in Halifax, Ottawa, Montreal, Vancouver, and Victoria. [Ocean Wise]

Around the World

Solar farms planted with native grasses and flowers give a much-needed boost to native bumblebees and other imperilled insects. [Yale Environment 360]

“Fossil fuel divestment may be an inconsequential act that borders on greenwashing and diverts attention away from actions investors can take to enact real-world, positive climate and social outcomes.” [JSTOR Daily]

Taking a cruise generates approximately twice as many greenhouse gas emissions as flying. [Bloomberg]

Urban agriculture practitioners can reduce their climate impact by cultivating crops that are typically greenhouse-grown or air-freighted, extending infrastructure lifetimes, and using recycled materials, water, and compost. [Futurity]

Making a Difference

A British coffee shop sent a powerful message by covering the floor of their shop with 15,000 discarded coffee cups for a week. “Customers who requested a disposable cup would have to endure a ‘walk of shame’ and wade through the sea of cups to reach the counter. Conversely, customers who had brought their own reusable cup had their orders taken at the door.” The coffee shop no longer provides disposable cups. [Famous Campaigns]

DIY

Seven easy steps towards a greener lifestyle, from growing your own greens to planning alternative transport for one regular trip. [Tree Canada]

Photo credit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/apmckinlay/8645152373

EcoFriendly West informs and encourages initiatives that support Western Canada’s natural environment through its online publication and the Nature Companion website/app. Like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Mastodon, or subscribe by email.