Kitchener - Waterloo Conscience

NDP surge in polls DOES NOT relate to gains in Kitchener-Waterloo

2011-04-24T07:05:00.000-07:00

Let's be clear, because polls are sometimes ridiculous! The NDP are up, great, but most gains are in Quebec and British Columbia. Ontario is still where it was a week ago, with the Liberals firmly in 2nd place here.As for the ridings of Kitchener-Waterloo, and Kitchener Centre there is unfortunately no way that the NDP will win these races. Both seats are two candidate races. The only way for the

New Election, New Issues in Kitchener-Waterloo

2011-04-22T06:52:00.000-07:00

Well,After the last election and my (non-expert) prediction that the Liberals would easily take the riding of Kitchener-Waterloo, I was a little humbled. Obviously, the riding didn't vote the way I expected, or most for that matter. I had two angry people that contacted me regarding my suggestion that people vote with their heart, for who they truly believed in, and not strategically. I suppose

K-W Less Crappy?

2010-08-17T19:16:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the headline, I just thought this was a humourous article, though it is definitely good news.So not only can we commit to reduce our energy consumption, but we have already reduced our water usage! These are the kind of necessary first steps needed to develop some long-standing, large-scale changes in the way we live, in order to live more sustainable lives.I've said it before and I'll

K & W Are Energy Aware

2010-08-17T19:11:00.001-07:00

We are conscious of our energy choices here in K & W! Waterloo Region places second in the Ontario Power Pledge contest, and Kitchener places 4th! It is good to know that we here in Kitchener-Waterloo are aware of our energy uses and are able to pledge to reduce our consumption. There is still hope.Well Done K-dub!

Grand River CarShare AGM

2010-08-16T15:36:00.001-07:00

Check out the link for information on the upcoming annual general meeting for Grand River CarShare. A great organization, that you should find out more about.

Detroit: A Transformation From Autos To Agriculture

2009-09-26T18:44:00.000-07:00

What an incredible story of the transformation that will soon take over Detroit. The article sums up the events wonderfully. What a horrendous state of affairs that now rules this city, but with new vision, there is hope.http://news.therecord.com/News/CanadaWorld/article/604062Waterloo Region doesn't suffer from the same problems as Detroit. We are not similar in any respect really. However,

Local Food and Chef Festival!

2009-09-07T22:34:00.000-07:00

Local restaurants and farmers are coming together for the 6th annual Taste Local! Taste Fresh! event. It will take place in Elmira on Sept. 20th. This is a great event with some great local chefs creating amazing dishes using local foods! Guests will get 20 different appetizers to try from 20 farmer-chef pairings. It will be a great afternoon!http://www.elmiraindependent.com//news.php?id=

Green Pee!

2009-08-25T17:00:00.001-07:00

How`s this for a GREAT GREEN INITIATIVE! Brazil`s public service announcements are way better than anything we have here! ENJOY the video!Xixi no Banho - 1 Translation(s) | dotSUBShared via AddThis

Growing Green Roofs

2009-08-24T14:19:00.000-07:00

I have been preaching their benefits for years. I started looking at them as a serious alternative seven or eight years ago. I still have yet to go ahead with my own, however, it has been due to the lack of knowledge in the roofing industry. This is beginning to change. Thank goodness.http://news.guelphmercury.com/News/Local/article/524208More and more communities will embrace the green roof

Out of the Dark - Check out this great eco event!!!

2009-08-10T09:23:00.000-07:00

Out of the Dark: A Solar Information NightDate: Thursday, August 13th 2009 (on the eve of the Great Blackout, August 14, 2003)Time: 6:30-9:00pm (Presentation starts at 7pm)Location: At Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex, 101 Father David Bauer DriveLearn how you can harvest free energy from the sun using solar technology. This information night will feature talks from guest speakers including

The Way Food Systems Should Be!

2009-07-25T17:22:00.000-07:00

Growing Power is a national nonprofit organization and land trust supporting people from diverse backgrounds, and the environments in which they live, by helping to provide equal access to healthy, high-quality, safe and affordable food for people in all communities. Growing Power implements this mission by providing hands-on training, on-the-ground demonstration, outreach and technical

Green Roof Canada

2009-06-07T05:42:00.000-07:00

A good piece on Green Roof technology in Canada,http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20090605/green_roofs_090607/20090607?hub=TopStoriesHowever, I really have to point out that the technology is available for private residences as well. We need to begin to push for this technology into our development regulations. It is perfectly safe, and does not compromise existing structures,

Zero Energy Housing, and Commercial?!!! WOW

2009-05-28T14:35:00.000-07:00

California Public Utilities Commission’s strategic plan calls for new homes to be zero net energy by 2020 and that standard will apply to new commercial buildings y 2030. Now that's exciting!http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/may/26/zero-net-energy-a-goal-for-every-home-and-in/So when is the Most Intelligent Community in North America (that would be Waterloo!) going to catch up with the

Waterloo Is Out Of Cluck

2009-04-09T20:55:00.000-07:00

http://news.therecord.com/News/Local/article/517143The article is very informative. Check it out.I don't know if I would want to have chickens in my backyard. Maybe, it would be great for my daughter to learn about. However, I don't think I am ready to tackle that responsibility. Oh, wait, I won't be able to because whether I want to or not, Waterloo has officially closed the debate.I would be

Grand River Transit Includes Elmira

2009-04-08T17:17:00.000-07:00

Great one year trial initiative by the GRT. The service has been extended to Elmira from the Conestoga Mall terminal. All the details are in the press release on the region's website. If you are in Elmira, consider this as an option! Please! I am sure you wouldn't miss the traffic!http://www.region.waterloo.on.ca/web/region.nsf/$All/16F748BDC7F5F9CA852575900053CB43?OpenDocument

Where in Waterloo are Green Roofs?

2009-04-07T20:05:00.000-07:00

Now, I do understand that this is a much larger city, and with a wee bit larger event coming to town, but Vancouver has it figured out. http://www.theprovince.com/story_print.html?id=1465814&sponsorI am impressed a great deal with the newest addition to the Olympic preparations. I do realize that the costs are falling upon the taxpayer, HOWEVER, I do appreciate the efforts made to embrace a

Think Globally, Act Locally

2009-04-05T16:34:00.000-07:00

We have all heard this before. The global problems need to be tackled at a local level. Well, local municipalities and provinces, and the nation had better start to act. Now!http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-kRP5x2MsAwThe video says it all. It actually sent a chill up my spine, and my eyes got a little misty! Powerful, and necessary!

K-W Record Against Environmental Protection

2009-03-30T12:56:00.000-07:00

Wow, what an idiot! I am not one for disrespect, but what does this writer expect!http://news.therecord.com/News/Local/article/511200So basically, building bike lanes is a waste of time. Rather, just keep everyone in the cars as long as possible. Apparently bike lanes aren't going to increase bike commuting numbers enough to make bike lanes a worthwhile investment.Three main thoughts on this:

Paths For Reconstruction in the 21st Century

2009-03-29T10:45:00.000-07:00

Wow! A very powerful look at where we are headed in the future, and an attempt to understand and develop some kind of guide to lead us through a global society based upon plural cultures. This article isn't limited to just environmental issues, but looks at all those challenges that will face us. Of course they are all interconnected to varying degrees, and thus we need to understand as many of

Roll Up The Rim Season - Environmental Disaster?

2009-03-19T06:22:00.000-07:00

A Canadian tradition, an institution in it's own right! Everyone always wins, at least the 'Please Play Again". Hoping for a donut, a coffee, maybe even something bigger! It is a lottery that is easy and fun, but it does have it's downside!Take a look around city streets, country sideroads, our local parks, and there will be reminders of the great spring past-time in Canada. Red Timmy cups

Important Video - No It's Not Paris Hilton, or Britney Spears

2009-02-22T10:25:00.001-08:00

I hope you like the title! An idea from a friend of mine! I know, you are diappointed in my shameless attempt to gain visitors to the site! Hey, if it means ONE more person sees the video below, then it was well worth selling out!GO HERE,http://www.storyofstuff.com/AND PRESS PLAY!You won't be disappointed, but your eyes will be opened a little wider after!

Organic Farmer Conference In Guelph

2009-01-22T19:30:00.000-08:00

Here we are again! Check out the information for the International Organic Farmers Conference in Guelph, http://news.guelphmercury.com/News/article/429624 . It runs from Thursday, January 22nd, to Sunday, January 25th. GREAT EVENT!I can't be there, so go and fill me in on how great it is!

Waterloo Region Steps Up To Save Water

2009-01-22T19:02:00.000-08:00

The region announced that they are studying larger water barrel systems, complete with a pump for outdoor use. They plan is to put 25 large tanks into the community and to monitor their use. http://news.therecord.com/News/Local/article/475384 They are hoping that this will help to save the region's limited water resources from being used on lawns. The larger tanks are close to $2000 in cost.I was

Malls Go Residential

2009-01-10T06:35:00.000-08:00

We have all experienced the Mall! Acres of asphalt and concrete, covering what was once land on the fringes of towns and cities, now smack in the middle of it. Chains of stores, connected together under one roof, yet very much unconnected in terms of lifestyle. These mall 'facts' are being rewritten. Mostly in the US, some malls have taken to a transition. That's right, a residential element

Waterloo Citizen's Environmental Advisory Committee

2008-12-31T15:37:00.000-08:00

I have my first appointment in politics.I have been accepted onto the Waterloo Citizen's Environmental Advisory Committee. I don't think that the criteria were too high. I do wonder how many people would be interested in such an activity. Oh, well, that is beside the point.I am happy to join the committee in the New Year. I am hoping that I will be able to help the city to make informed decisions