Download Meet Canada’s Youngest Climate Change Presenter (6 min)

In just three short years, Kiva has blossomed into a $60 Million dollar a year financier of small business in the developing world.

See how it all got started.

Part I

Part II

Bullfrog Power – the provinces Zero Emissions energy supplier is also involved in the project announced by Better place, as provider of the electricity for charging stations in a new electric vehicle grid. Read the full press release here http://www.carbonfree.co.uk/cf/news/wk02-09-0002.htm

Why is the Ontario Auto Sector not involved?

The Japanese Ministry of the Environment has invited Better Place and major Japanese carmakers to participate in a major electric car project there. Hopefully, the Ontario auto manufacturing sector will see the wisdom of getting involved. The announcement would have been front page news if the Ontario auto sector were partners in this venture. Our economy needs a healthy auto manufacturing sector. It’s more than a shame the auto manufacturers were not at the table, looking for opportunities to turn around their beleaguered fortunes, particularly with the recent multi-billion dollar auto industry loans the provincial and federal government have offered the auto industry.

It is indeed wonderful that Ontario will lead Canada with a Zero Emissions transportation solution, but the Better Place announcement is a small first step. The full promise of a green, carbon-friendly economy will not be realized without the auto industry fully and enthusiastically participating and adapting to establish a new vision for Ontario’s roadways.

The city of Toronto is encouraging projects that will help reduce carbon emissions by donating millions of dollars in a scheme that Mayor David Miller hopes is copied by cities all over the world.

It’s no longer a debate about climate change and whether or not carbon emissions are the culprit, the discussions are now on who should take action and by what degree.

What are you doing to take action.  Be bold and step up.  It’s time for Canada to set an example for the developed nations of the world.  It’s nice that Toronto is stepping up.  But we need equally brave initiatives from provincial and federal levels of government.

Perhaps each person as a consumer, can question their need to have access to goods around the clock and make a lifestyle change and wait for the next day in order to make convenience purchases. The other hand-in-hand issue might be to reconsider the idea of Sunday shopping. If we only have 6 days to shop instead of 7 each week wouldn’t we logically spend the same amount of money, but compress that spending into 6 days, leading to greater efficiency in retail store operations?

Northern Edge Algonquin , a nature retreat in Ontario, Canada has hours of operation which are limited to 5 days (Monday – Friday). This limits registration for vacation retreats and adventures but staff appreciate the lifestyle opportunities that come with focusing registrations to the week. Likewise, the solar powered nature retreat holds most events on long weekends (Thursday-Sunday) allowing the business operation to close for what has traditionally been slower times.

Just think about your 24 hours of convenience, what lifestyle changes could you make to lessen your carbon output?

Does your home qualify for a grant?  The initial inspection costs about $300 and is offered by certified companies who will come back to verify that the improvements have been made and authorize the government grants.  They’ll fill out of the paperwork for you!

Learn more about Canadian Home Energy Grant programs at:

Green Communities Canada/EcoENERGY
http://egh.gca.ca/index.php?en_home

Other organizations that may be helpful:
Grassroots North (non-profit) -888-661-0000
Canspec – 705-472-0077
Amerispec – 866-284-6010

Dave Wright of Wright Alternative Technologies in South River, Ontario has been excited about electric bikes and scooters for a number of years. Although he’s not related to the Wright brothers, Dave’s enthusiasm for innovation with these bikes is infectious. After a few trips to China to meet with electric bike manufacturers, he is excited to be receiving his first shipping container of bikes in less than two weeks and he has retailers across Ontario, Canada getting ready to sell them.

Dave’s bikes are designed to meet the needs of anyone who can ride a bicycle and they follow the same rules of the road as traditional bikes.

“We made a few adjustments to the design to make them ready for North Americans who want to use them to commute. They are absolutely everywhere in China. I’m sure it will be just a short while before they become commonplace throughout Ontario,” said Wright

Wright has both scooter-like bikes and others that look more like conventional bikes with a battery. The red beauty I tested even has saddlebags (panniers). It can carry up to 330 lbs. The pedals on these models aren’t just for looks either. I found that pedaling added a bit of assist to the electric motor, especially on hills and other than pedaling a bit more weight (from the batteries) the pedals work just like those on conventional bike.

By law, these zero emission vehicles have a speed limit of 50 km/hr in Ontario (these bikes travel at a safe 32 km/hr) and with the standard gel cell lead acid batteries they travel up to 35 km on a full 6 hour charge. Optional lithium-Ion batteries are much lighter and provide for greater range and easier pedaling.

For more information on these electric bikes contact:
Wheel Easy
19 Howard St.
South River, ON
P0A 1X0
Phone: (705) 358-0096
E-mail: dave@wheeleasy.ca

• Learn more about the rules of the road for electric bikes in Ontario and Ontario’s Plan for the emergence of electric vehicles
• A listing of Electric Bike Resellers across the world.
• Learn about the Transport Canada’s path to introduce Electric bikes from 2000-present.

Here are a few things to consider:

• How you are getting there? Choose a destination that is close to home.  Choose a mode of transportation that puts the lowest amount of carbon into the atmosphere.  Purchase carbon credits or invest in carbon offsets for your emissions – like tree planting or power generation that wouldn’t other wise happen.
• Go somewhere green. Consider the carbon footprint and energy use of your host location.  There are solar powered places, wind powered places, places that use little energy or are energy efficient, and places that immerse the traveller into the green landscape.
• Eat local. Many places source their food locally, hence lowering emissions for transportation of food.  Ask the host location where their food comes from.  These places usually employ locally too, so the people who are hosting your visit don’t have to put out significant carbon emissions to serve you.
• Choose activities that don’t require carbon emissions. Choose a location where you can walk or take public transit to most of the things you want to see and do.  Consider activities that burn calories instead of carbon like biking, canoeing, kayaking, hiking instead of riding in gas powered golf carts, motorboats, or atvs.

Northern Edge Algonquin is a great example of a location that has been serving up climate-friendly holidays for over a decade.  This year they are making it easy for travellers, encouraging guests to forgo the high gas prices and traffic congestion on the highway by offering a special discount called the Climate-Conscious Traveller package.  Northern Edge Algonquin’s Climate-Conscious Traveller package includes a two for one train ticket from Toronto to Algonquin Park on Ontario Northland train ( a low emissions transportation option), free shuttle to the solar powered eco-lodge and complimentary Climate-Conscious Traveller t-shirt. This special package is just $140.

In addition, as previous guests attest, experiences they offer are decidedly good for the planet, serving up locally produced foods from market gardens and local organic meat producers (some from their own garden),  and employing local staff, some who live right at the eco-lodge.  Guided adventures in Algonquin Park by canoe and sea kayak and hosted yoga retreats are the featured vacation packages.

Carbon Friendly Vacations like this one are good for the planet, economical, and a rewarding way to experience Ontario’s Algonquin Park.  If you are near Toronto, this summer, leave the car parked in the driveway and start your vacation at Toronto’s Union Station.

Learn more about Carbon-friendly vacations offered by Northern Edge Algonquin including: Quest for Balance, Yoga & Sea Kayaking Retreat and adventures in Algonquin Park include Morning Tea with Moose and Waterfalls, Wanderings & Watercolours Canoe trips at: 800 953-3343 or 705 386 1595 and or by visiting the Web site at http://www.northernedgealgonquin.com.

-Tim Lucier