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
Two silica mines were proposed in Manitoba. One received government approval; the other didn’t. Members of Camp Morning Star continue to oppose the Canadian Premium Sand mine. [Briarpatch]
Manitoba could become Canada’s main source of lithium (used in EV and renewable energy storage batteries). [Financial Post] However, lithium mining has a significant impact on water quantity and quality. There are “ways to minimize lithium mining’s impact, mostly by reducing the amount of the mineral needed by prioritizing public transportation and producing smaller EVs”. [Inside Climate News]
A 2013 survey found 40% of SK lakes tested didn’t meet WHO drinking water standards: “The province needs to formulate agricultural policies to reduce runoff from agricultural fields, cut urban releases and decrease septic field releases.” [CBC]
Tunnels and fences are helping toads to safely cross the road and reach their breeding grounds on Vancouver Island. [Island Buzz]
Across Canada
Floods are the most expensive, most frequent natural hazard in Canada. Nature-based, community-driven solutions (permeable pavements, bioswales, rain gardens, naturalized buffers along water courses) have huge potential. [The Conversation]
Efforts to decarbonize the cement industry in Canada are unevenly applied and fail to keep pace with Canada’s emission goals. Here’s what is needed. [Pembina Institute]
An analysis of the Canada Green Buildings Strategy points out gaps in the strategy. New buildings shouldn’t be constructed with oil heating, and government procurement policies requiring the use of low carbon building materials should be expanded. [Clean Energy Canada]
Around the World
Thanks to a new demo feature, you can now search iNaturalist using text (e.g. bird eating fruit). [iNaturalist]
For cartoonist Tom Toro, humor about climate change attacks hypocrisy, supports truth, and fuels resistance. [The Revelator]
Making a Difference
A state policy requires the Colorado Department of Transportation to demonstrate how any new proposed highway project will reduce greenhouse gas emissions in order to qualify for state funding. “Within a year, the department nixed two major highway widening projects and redirected $100 million to greener alternatives like better public transit.” [MSN]
The Kitchen at Pendray Inn and Tea House, Victoria, is the first Canadian restaurant to receive gold-level food waste certification. They repurposed food waste into new dishes, maintained meticulous tracking systems, and provided comprehensive team training. [Tasting Victoria]
Have Your Say
The Alberta Wilderness Association is encouraging people to respond to the draft action plan for Alberta’s provincial parks (Aug. 18 deadline). They believe the plan focuses on human uses of nature (accommodation, recreation, business development) with little regard for protecting ecosystems and biodiversity. [Alberta Wilderness Association]
Provide feedback to the Department of Fisheries and Oceans by Sept. 3 on the Marine Mammal Regulations which establish the distance boaters must maintain when near endangered killer whales. Raincoast Conservation Foundation provides useful background information to help you respond to survey questions. [Raincoast Conservation Foundation]
Photo credit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/apmckinlay/53842510045/
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.