From my book Digital HorizonZ Book 2

Chapter 7: Canada's Pivotal Role in the Data Centre Industry

As I researched where the world's data centres are located, I was surprised to discover just how important Canada has become in the digital economy.

When people think of technology hubs, they often think of Silicon Valley, Seattle, or perhaps major cities in Europe and Asia. Yet Canada has quietly become an important player in the global data centre industry.

From Vancouver to Toronto and Montreal, Canadian cities are attracting investment from technology companies looking for reliable infrastructure, renewable energy, skilled workers, and stable business environments.

For a country with a relatively small population, Canada plays an outsized role in supporting the digital world.

Why Canada?

Several factors make Canada an attractive location for data centres.

Abundant Renewable Energy

One of Canada's greatest advantages is its access to renewable electricity.

Much of Canada's power comes from hydroelectric dams, particularly in British Columbia, Quebec, and Manitoba.

Hydroelectric power provides a relatively clean and reliable source of electricity, helping data centre operators reduce their carbon footprint.

As environmental concerns become increasingly important, access to renewable energy has become a major competitive advantage.

Cooler Climate

Computers generate heat, and keeping them cool requires energy.

Canada's climate can help reduce cooling costs compared to hotter regions of the world.

In some cases, cooler outside air can be used to assist cooling systems, reducing electricity consumption and improving overall efficiency.

Political and Economic Stability

Technology companies invest billions of dollars in digital infrastructure.

Stable governments, strong legal systems, and reliable utilities make Canada an attractive location for long-term investments.

Companies want assurance that their facilities will operate reliably for decades.

Skilled Workforce

Canada is home to highly educated workers, strong universities, and growing technology sectors.

This provides companies with access to engineers, technicians, researchers, and other skilled professionals needed to support digital infrastructure.

Vancouver: A Growing Technology Hub

As someone living in British Columbia, I find Vancouver's role particularly interesting.

For many years, Vancouver was known primarily for its natural beauty, tourism, shipping industry, and film production. Today, it is also recognized as an important technology centre.

Strategic Location

Vancouver sits on the Pacific Rim, making it a gateway between North America and Asia.

Its proximity to major technology markets allows companies to serve customers across multiple regions.

Renewable Energy Advantage

British Columbia's hydroelectric power system provides relatively clean electricity, making the region attractive for companies seeking to reduce environmental impacts.

Thriving Technology Sector

Vancouver has become home to a growing number of technology companies, software developers, video game studios, film and animation companies, and AI researchers.

The city's technology ecosystem continues to expand, creating jobs and attracting investment.

Research and Innovation

Institutions such as University of British Columbia and Simon Fraser University contribute to research and innovation in fields including computer science, artificial intelligence, engineering, and sustainability.

These institutions help develop the next generation of technology leaders.

Toronto: Canada's Economic Centre

Toronto is Canada's largest city and financial centre.

Its large population, strong infrastructure, and extensive business networks make it an important destination for data centre investment.

Many organizations choose Toronto because it offers direct access to major corporations, financial institutions, and government agencies.

As cloud computing continues to grow, Toronto's role in digital infrastructure is likely to expand as well.

Montreal: A Renewable Energy Leader

Montreal has emerged as one of North America's most attractive locations for data centres.

Quebec's abundant hydroelectric power provides some of the cleanest electricity available on the continent.

Combined with a cooler climate and competitive operating costs, this has helped Montreal attract significant technology investment.

The city has also become an important centre for artificial intelligence research and development.

Sustainability and the Future

Canada's data centre industry is increasingly focused on sustainability.

Renewable Energy

Data centre operators continue investing in renewable power sources and cleaner energy systems.

Advanced Cooling Technologies

New cooling methods are helping reduce both electricity consumption and water usage.

Green Building Standards

Many facilities are designed to meet strict environmental standards and sustainability targets.

Carbon Reduction Goals

Some operators are working toward carbon-neutral operations through a combination of efficiency improvements, renewable energy, and emissions reduction strategies.

Challenges Ahead

While Canada enjoys many advantages, challenges remain.

Growing demand for AI, cloud computing, and digital services means electricity demand will continue increasing.

Communities may also raise concerns about land use, water consumption, and environmental impacts.

Balancing economic growth with sustainability will require careful planning and cooperation among governments, businesses, and local communities.

Conclusion

Canada has become an important part of the global digital economy.

Cities such as Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal offer unique advantages including renewable energy, cooler climates, skilled workers, and stable infrastructure.

As demand for artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and digital services continues to grow, Canada's role in supporting the world's digital infrastructure is likely to become even more significant.

For Canadians, this presents both opportunities and responsibilities.

The opportunity is to help shape the future of technology.

The responsibility is to ensure that growth occurs in a way that respects environmental limits and benefits future generations.

As we continue exploring the world of AI, it is worth remembering that behind every digital service is a physical infrastructure—and Canada is helping build and power much of it.

Reflective Questions

1. Before reading this chapter, were you aware of Canada's role in the global data centre industry?
2. Why do you think renewable energy has become such an important factor in data centre development?
3. How does Vancouver's location contribute to its growing technology sector?
4. What advantages does Canada have over other countries when attracting data centre investments?
5. Should economic growth be balanced with environmental concerns when expanding digital infrastructure?
6. How might increasing demand for AI affect Canada's energy needs in the future?
7. What role should universities play in advancing sustainable technology?
8. How can governments encourage innovation while protecting natural resources?
9. What opportunities could Canada's growing technology sector create for future generations?
10. How can communities ensure they benefit from technology investments while minimizing environmental impacts?

Hashtags

#Canada #Vancouver #ArtificialIntelligence #DataCentres #Technology #RenewableEnergy #HydroelectricPower #CloudComputing #Sustainability #DigitalInfrastructure #FutureTech #Innovation #DigitalHorizonZ #TinaWinterlik #Zipolita

Keywords

Canada, Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal, Artificial Intelligence, AI, data centres, renewable energy, hydroelectric power, cloud computing, digital infrastructure, sustainability, technology sector, innovation, green technology, AI research, digital economy, Digital HorizonZ, Tina Winterlik, Zipolita, British Columbia

The Cookie Monster and the Crayon Box

INT. SESAME STREET - DAY

The sun is shining brightly over Sesame Street. Birds are chirping, and the sounds of children playing fill the air. COOKIE MONSTER is sitting on a bench with a big plate of cookies beside him.

COOKIE MONSTER

(munching on cookies)

Me love cookies! Cookies are best thing ever. Nom, nom, nom!

Elmo walks over, looking concerned.

ELMO

Hey, Cookie Monster, I heard something today that made me think. I heard about something called the “carbon tax.”

COOKIE MONSTER

(confused)

Carbon tax? What that? Me never heard of it.

ELMO

Well, it’s kind of like if someone said you could still have all the cookies you want, but you have to pay a little bit to make sure there are enough cookies for everyone in the future. It’s about saving the cookies!

COOKIE MONSTER

(eyes wide)

Saving cookies? Me no want to pay to save cookies! Me just want to eat them all now!

ELMO

(laughing gently)

I know, Cookie Monster! But the problem is, if we eat all the cookies right now, there might not be enough cookies for us, or for the other people who need them in the future. The carbon tax is like paying a little extra for the cookies we use, so we can save some for later.

COOKIE MONSTER

(frowning)

Hmm. Me not sure. Me like cookies now. Me no like paying for more cookies.

ELMO

Let me explain with a story! Imagine we have a big, beautiful crayon box. Each crayon is like a cookie. Some crayons are special crayons that help us draw fun pictures, like roads and houses, or even cookies!

COOKIE MONSTER

Oh, me love crayons! Crayons make me draw all kinds of yummy things!

ELMO

Exactly! But if we use the crayons too quickly, the box will get empty. We won’t have crayons to draw more pictures, and we won’t have enough for the future.

COOKIE MONSTER

(suddenly worried)

Oh no, we need crayons for cookies! Me want to save them!

ELMO

That’s right! So, to save the crayons (and the cookies!), we have to be careful with how we use them. That’s why the carbon tax is like paying a little extra for the crayons we use, to make sure they last for everyone in the future.

COOKIE MONSTER

(understanding)

Oh, me get it now. If me pay a little extra for my cookies, me help save some for later, so everyone can have cookies!

ELMO

(smiling)

Exactly! And it’s not just about cookies, it’s about saving the world. When people use things like cars or power, they use up energy, and that energy comes from the earth. So we have to be careful, just like with cookies and crayons, so the earth doesn’t run out of what we need.

COOKIE MONSTER

(grinning)

Me see! So, the carbon tax helps make sure everyone has enough cookies... and crayons... and the earth stays healthy!

ELMO

(nods)

That’s right, Cookie Monster! And by using things wisely, we can all make the future better for everyone — even if it means paying a little bit extra today.

COOKIE MONSTER

(decisive)

Okay, me can do that! Me love cookies and me love the earth. Me will pay a little extra for the cookies.

ELMO

(laughing)

Thanks, Cookie Monster! You’re being a hero!

COOKIE MONSTER

(standing tall, with a cookie in hand)

Me hero for cookies! Me save cookies for future! Nom, nom, nom!

They both laugh together as the camera zooms out, showing the colorful world of Sesame Street around them.

ELMO

Remember, kids, the future is like a big cookie jar — if we all pitch in, there will be plenty of cookies for everyone!

---

THE END

The Crayon Box and the Carbon Tax

 The Crayon Box and the Carbon Tax

---

Once upon a time, in a town not so different from yours, there was a big, colorful crayon box. Each crayon represented something important that helped the town work — the roads, the schools, the parks, and even the water that came out of the faucets.

But the crayon box was getting smaller because some of the crayons, the ones that made things run smoothly, were starting to disappear. They were being used up too quickly, and the people in charge of the crayon box didn’t have enough crayons to keep everything working the way it should.

One day, a clever person had an idea. “What if we could make the crayons last longer?” they thought. “What if we could save some of the crayons for the future by using them more carefully?”

So, they came up with a plan called the Carbon Tax. This plan was simple: if people used up certain crayons too quickly (like the ones that made the cars run, or the ones that heated the houses), they’d have to pay a little extra to make up for it. The idea was to make everyone think before using those crayons and use them more wisely.

But some people didn’t like the idea of paying extra. They said, “Why should we pay more for crayons? I need them!” And others didn’t quite understand what the plan was about.

“Why are we talking about crayons at all? I just want to use them when I need them!” they would say.

The clever person who came up with the plan tried to explain it over and over again. “This is so we can keep our crayon box full for the future. If we all use these special crayons more wisely now, we’ll have more for everyone, even when you’re older.”

But there was a problem. Some of the people in charge of the town, who were supposed to help everyone understand, didn’t explain it properly. Instead of saying that this plan would help save crayons for the future, they started telling everyone, “This plan is making everything too expensive. We need to get rid of it!”

And then, the people who talked on TV and radio — the media — didn’t always explain things clearly either. Sometimes, they said, “It’s just a tax. It’s bad. It costs too much.” But they didn’t explain why it was important for the future or how it helped everyone in the long run. They didn’t talk enough about how the extra money was going to help people save or how it could make the future better.

Some people were really upset, and they started believing that the crayon plan was just bad. They said, “Let’s just get rid of it! The crayon box should stay the way it is!”

But there were also people who thought, “Wait a minute. If we get rid of the plan, will the crayon box be empty one day? If we don’t do something, will there be enough crayons left for us, and for our kids?”

The clever person who first came up with the plan didn’t give up. They kept talking to everyone and trying to explain that the extra cost wasn’t just a bad thing — it was part of the solution. It was a way of making sure that the crayon box didn’t run out too soon. And slowly, some of the people in the town began to understand.

But it wasn’t easy. Many of the grown-ups, like the parents and guardians, listened to the people on TV, and some of them said, “I don’t know, this all sounds so confusing. Maybe we should just ignore it for now.”

And that’s where you, the children, come in. You are the future. Your crayon box will be bigger and brighter if we all start thinking about how we use the crayons today. You can ask your parents and friends, “Do we want to keep the crayon box full for everyone? Do we want to help make sure there are enough crayons for the future?”

Sometimes, it takes a while for everyone to understand what’s best. But just like how people learned to save crayons in the past, you can help teach others that saving crayons is really important. You have the power to make the future brighter, and you don’t need to wait for someone else to fix it — you can start by asking questions, learning, and helping others see the truth about the crayon box.

---

“The story of the crayon box is just one way to understand how important it is to take care of our planet’s resources. 

We all have a role to play, big or small. So, to the children of the future, we’re sorry if we didn’t do enough. 

But we tried.

 And now it’s your turn to make the world even better than we could have imagined. Keep asking questions. 

Keep learning. And most importantly, never stop caring for the future.”

Thunder Valley-Building Hope & Resilience with Eco-System

Listen!!



Creating an ecosytem of opportunity on the Pine Ridge Reservation, by building healthy resilient communities. Empowering Lakota youth and families. 

http://www.thundervalley.org/
https://www.instagram.com/thundervalleycdc/
https://twitter.com/tvalleycdc

Equator Prize 2015 Award Ceremony

 Equator Prize 2015 Award Ceremony 

A GLOBAL SEARCH FOR
GRASSROOTS CLIMATE AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT SOLUTIONS
 

The Equator Initiative has received hundreds of nominations for the Equator Prize 2015 as part of an extensive partnership effort underway to strengthen and highlight the role of indigenous peoples and local communities at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC COP21).

The Equator Prize 2015 will be awarded to 20 outstanding local and indigenous initiatives that are advancing innovative solutions for people, nature and resilient communities.

Winning initiatives will join a prestigious network of 187 leading community-based organizations from 70 different countries that have been awarded the Equator Prize since 2002. Each winning initiative will receive US$ 10,000 and be supported to participate in a series of policy dialogues and special events at the UNFCCC COP21 in Paris, France in December 2015. 

Read more here and SEE AWARD VIDEO BELOW
http://www.equatorinitiative.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=940&lang=en&Itemid=1093#.VmXL6oD0yr8.twitter

An evening to honor local achievement and mobilize action
for people, nature and climate

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-CSDSeVZG0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-CSDSeVZG0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-CSDSeVZG0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-CSDSeVZG0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-CSDSeVZG0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-CSDSeVZG0

Can We Change the World in Four Years...

Blog post by Tina Winterlik © 2012
tina_winterlik@yahoo.com
http://tinawinterlik.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/#!/zipolita @zipolita
http://gplus.to/zipolita Google+




http://www.fouryearsgo.org/
What is FOUR YEARS. GO. is a call to shift humanity’s course to a thriving, just, and sustainable future by the end of 2014.



When I first found this website I guess about a year ago,  I was so psyched. I posted lots on my blog about it and I was very motivated trying to spread the word. Then I guess I did what I was supposed and started focusing on me. How can I change the world? What is my role?

And that is what I have been working on the last while, it's one of the big reasons why we went WWOOF'ing. http://tinawinterlik.blogspot.mx/2012/11/woof-video-contest-ends-nov-152012.html







It's why we are in Mexico and I am dreaming, praying and projecting we can get a little piece of land and build a cob house and have raised bed gardens, composting, pop bottle greenhouses, rabbits, chickens, get fish from the ocean and live in the simple way possible with the lightest eco-footprint.

There are some wonderful videos here for solutions so I hope you'll watch. http://www.fouryearsgo.org/solutions/  

The website is new and I haven't even seen alot of them but I'm glad to come across all this again and I happy to find more info






http://www.fouryearsgo.org/solutions/oceans/

Source: National Geographic’s 10 Things You Can Do To Save the Ocean

1. Mind Your Carbon Footprint and Reduce Energy Consumption
2. Make Safe, Sustainable Seafood Choices  

3. Use Fewer Plastic Products 

4. Help Take Care of the Beach

5. Don't Purchase Items That Exploit Marine Life

6. Be an Ocean-Friendly Pet Owner

7. Support Organizations Working to Protect the Ocean
8. Influence Change in Your Community

9. Travel the Ocean Responsibly

10. Educate Yourself About Oceans and Marine Life   




Water-This video will make you think about your next glass of water.
       

The Burden of Thirst -http://www.fouryearsgo.org/solutions/freshwater/

The Rights of Nature is a global initiative to gain recognition and respect for the rights of Mother Earth within international treaties, national governance and local ordinances.

World People's Conference

Climate Change & the Rights of Mother Earth

 http://pwccc.wordpress.com/programa/


Consumerism
http://www.fouryearsgo.org/solutions/consumerism/ 
A huge system of cultural assumptions and actively intrusive advertising is bombarding people with the message that they are not happy, healthy, whole and satisfied unless they buy, have, use, and consume the latest product.

This video is 21 minute but you just HAVE to watch it!!

The Miniature Earth . 2010 edition . Official version  

What if the world's population were reduced to 100 people community? Visit www.miniature-earth.com

http://www.fouryearsgo.org/solutions/secure-our-future/

♫♥ We are all connected to this Earth ♫♥

Sustainability Explained through Animation 

http://www.fouryearsgo.org/solutions/sustainability/

Your Eco-footprint

Find out how many Earths it takes to sustain your lifestyle – and what you can do to reduce your impact. Mathis Wackernagel: The Ecological Footprint



http://www.fouryearsgo.org/solutions/ecofootprint/
Want to make some changes but unsure where to start? Here are some of the main ways to reduce your personal impact on the Earth’s resources through your daily choices:

• Be transportation-smart: drive less, drive smart, share rides, and use public transport whenever you can.

• Save energy: use compact fluorescent light bulbs, and turn off lights, computers, TVs and other appliances when not in use.

• Eat lower on the food chain: whether or not you are to go veggie or vegan, even small adjustments in your food choices add up to a big difference over time.

• Be thoughtful about water use: use low-flow shower heads, sink aerators and low-flush toilets.

• Reduce plastic and decrease or eliminate “disposables.” Use your own cloth napkin, non-plastic cup or refillable water bottle and take-home containers.

 Make Your Voice Heard!

As individuals, much of our Ecological Footprint is shaped by infrastructure decisions of business leaders and policymakers. Hold your leaders accountable for taking actions to balance the budget with nature, rather than adding to our “ecological debt.”

RSA Animate - 21st century enlightenment

 http://www.fouryearsgo.org/solutions/go-deeper/

Painted on a wall near W. Broadway and Main St. in Vancouver BC. Photo by Tina Winterlik © 2012

2012 - A Message of Hope

GROW A GARDEN- PLEASE

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Blog post by Tina Winterlik © 2012
tina_winterlik@yahoo.com
http://tinawinterlik.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/#!/zipolita @zipolita
http://gplus.to/zipolita Google+



GROW A GARDEN- PLEASE


We are going Wwoofing soon. http://www.wwoof.ca To work on an Organic Farm - in exchange for food and shelter. We are really looking forward to it. In our neighbourhood there are some really great little gardens and I wanted to share this one with you. Even though we haven't had a lot of sun, and we've had a ton of rain...JUST LOOK, LOOK at this AWESOME GARDEN! 

 No more lawns - GROW FLOWERS AND FOOD!!!

Music by
"Rooted In Peace" by Admiral Bob (feat. snowflake)
http://ccmixter.org/files/admiralbob77/33646
is licensed under a Creative Commons license:
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Photos and Video by Tina Winterlik
http://tinawinterlik.blogspot.com

I want to go WWoofing!

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Blog post by Tina Winterlik © 2012
tina_winterlik@yahoo.com
http://tinawinterlik.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/#!/zipolita @zipolita
http://gplus.to/zipolita Google+



Been checking into Wwoofing.  Really love this idea and want to go and experience this with my daughter. I think this would be an awesome experience and a great way to experience more of Canada. What the heck is Wwoofing What is Wwoofing?  This link will tell you what it is all about.   This is what they are about though. Here is their mission statement

World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms

...living, learning & sharing organic lifestyles

Mission Statement

Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms, Canada (WWOOF Canada™) is part of a world-wide effort to link volunteers with organic farmers and growers, promote an educational & cultural exchange, and build a global community who are passionate about sustainable organic stewardship of food, animals and land while respecting nature and protecting natural resources.

So you can doing Wwoofing in Canada, or the US or Latin America, I saw some on Facebook for Israel and Switerzland so it is International.  

I really want to learn more about living off the grid while my child is very interested in animals, especially chicks and cows. I love herbs and herb gardening so I want to pursue this. 

So I am cooking up a plan. Not sure how I am going to implement yet but as soon as I do I will let you know. If you have done Wwoofing, I would love to hear about your experience or if you have been the host I would love to hear about that side too. 

Oh, there is a contest too! If your a wwoofer or thinking about wwoofing, check this out. http://www.wwoof.ca/VideoContest

Daisies by Tina Winterlik © 2012

¨Photo by Tina Winterlik © 2012

¨Photo by Tina Winterlik © 2012

¨Photo by Tina Winterlik © 2012

¨Photo by Tina Winterlik © 2012

¨Photo by Tina Winterlik © 2012

¨Photo by Tina Winterlik © 2012

¨Photo by Tina Winterlik © 2007

¨Photo by Tina Winterlik © 2007

¨Photo by Tina Winterlik © 2007

¨Photo by Tina Winterlik © 2007

What Should Barbie's Green House look like?

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Blog post by Tina Winterlik © 2011

http://tinawinterlik.blogspot.com 

So the American Institute of Architects created a contest to create Barbie's Dream house. This is pretty cool because my little girl just got some new Barbies, actually 2 new Ken Dolls to go with her many Barbies. This was a good thing as she said all the Barbie's were fighting over the one lone(Malibu) Ken doll, and he was married to Malibu Barbie!  So now there's 3 Ken Dolls, well one is now James, ...  :)

This is so funny, because we actually did  a little fashion shoot with them all last night, and I am making it into a little video, I'll show you later. Until then check this out these houses.

 Some are pretty cool. I like the smaller ones, of course, because that's much "greener" and more sustainable.

Check them out http://www.aia.org/practicing/AIAB090142 and you can Click here to Choose & Vote

Designing Barbie's Dream House

Designing Barbie's Drema House

Choose from these Designs
http://www.aia.org/aiaucmp/groups/aia/documents/audio/aiab090136.pdf
http://www.aia.org/aiaucmp/groups/aia/documents/pdf/aiab090126.pdf
http://www.aia.org/aiaucmp/groups/aia/documents/pdf/aiab090100.pdf
http://www.aia.org/aiaucmp/groups/aia/documents/pdf/aiab090117.pdf
http://www.aia.org/aiaucmp/groups/aia/documents/audio/aiab090109.pdf

Click here to Choose & Vote

Carbon Pig

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Blog post by Tina Winterlik © 2011

http://tinawinterlik.blogspot.com 

Hey found this great site today. I will be checking it out more but just wanted to share it with you.

Kɑ́r - bən - Pɪ́g (n)

A person who chooses a product or service when a more sustainable option is also available.

Carbon Pig - Discover Sustainability

Carbon Pig

CarbonPig covers the latest in eco product trends and ideas, manages one of the largest searchable databases of eco products, and partners with manufacturers to give you free eco products.

Environmental Action, Renewable Energy, Carbon Offsets, Global Warming, Organic Clothing, Sustainability, CarbonPig.com, Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Green Buildings, Pigs, Wind Power, Solar Panels

carbonpig@carbonpig.com

http://CarbonPig.com

Sam Brenner

@EcoTechDude view full profile →

New York

http://carbonpig.com

Enter to Win - Giveaways on Carbon Pig

 https://www.facebook.com/CarbonPig?sk=app_190322544333196

You ready to get a full-on eco lifestyle going? Well, then you need to register to win these three items from Keep Cup, Jonesy Charismatic Stationery, and CarbonPig.

1. A 12oz. Tumbler from Keep Cup - This happens to be CarbonPig's favorite coffee cup because they really know how to reduce usage and manufacture their cups in an eco friendly style.
2. A Jonesy Charismatic Stationery "Idea" Notebook - these notebooks are eco to the core - all the way down to the biodegradable sleeve they come delivered in.
3. A CarbonPig "Green is the New Gold" T-shirt as worn in the photo by the former Bachelor TV Star Charlie O'Connell - Dude Where's my Car- I mean shirt?

Request for Proposals- Sustainable Food Systems

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Blog post by Tina Winterlik © 2011
Mar 13/2011

http://tinawinterlik.blogspot.com

Found this on my Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/SustenanceFestival

http://www.mcconnellfoundation.ca/en/granting/sustainable-food-systems

Request for Proposals
Sustainable Food Systems

To strengthen regional food economies in Canada

While the global industrial food system can be credited with providing low cost food to large numbers of consumers, it has serious drawbacks and vulnerabilities. Obesity rates are escalating, and dependence on food banks is growing.

Roughly 30% of all greenhouse gas emissions are generated by food production, processing, and distribution; and major watersheds are being harmed by intensive agriculture.

The current supply of inexpensive imported food is threatened by rising energy costs and climate change-related declines in crop yields.

Canadians increasingly understand that a resilient and sustainable food system must address not only the economic wellbeing of producers and consumers, but also environmental impacts and human health outcomes.

Local, diverse, and ecologically sustainable food initiatives are multiplying across the country, including eco-certification, regionally focussed restaurants and food markets, and healthy supply chain strategies that link informed consumers to local producers.

In order to assist this work, the McConnell Foundation is launching an initiative to strengthen regional food economies in Canada. 

We envision a food system that links growers and consumers in supply chains that incorporate shared values around sustainability, health, and resilience. Read More Here http://www.mcconnellfoundation.ca/en/granting/sustainable-food-systems


Examples of projects which this initiative could support include:

-certification programs that support local and sustainable food

-projects that influence institutional procurement policies

-healthy supply chains” that enable intermediaries to link farmers to markets

-dissemination of programs that provide fresh local food for schools

-food “hubs” that link local producers, processors, consumers, and civil society organizations

The deadline for submissions of proposals is April 15, 2011.

Submit a Proposal

Edibles Advocate Alliance

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Blog post by Tina Winterlik © 2011
March 12/2011

http://tinawinterlik.blogspot.com

Edibles Advocate Alliance

Came across this on Linkedin in my Four Years. Go Group.  
Edibles Advocate Alliance. http://www.ediblesadvocatealliance.org/ Wonderful site that is just so full of really valuable info. I've been putting lot thought into the short film I want to make for the Four Years. Go "Possible Futures" Contest.

Thinking about my future, how I want to live, how I would like the world would be. How to "Green" my lifestyle and really make it sustainable. I have lots of ideas, and this site really helps has lots of advice on how I can make it happen. Check it out!

What Is A Local Food Web?

A Food Web consists of the links between farmers and growers, processors, suppliers, local food shops, as well as other local food providers such as farmers markets, box schemes, community supported agriculture and food cooperatives, through to consumers.

A thriving Local Food Web benefits people, places and communities by:

• Creating new jobs and small businesses,
• Keeping local money in the local economy,
• Generating fewer food miles and less waste,
• Securing thriving business models for farmers and producers,
• Increasing access to fresh, healthy, affordable food, and
• Expanding consumer choice of where to shop and what to buy locally produced items.

Visit the website to learn more about the following:

What is a Food System?

What is a Community or Regional Food System?

 What Is A Sustainable Community Food System?

The word sustainable is often associated with the sustainable agriculture movement, which had its beginnings in North America in the 1980s. This period was characterized by a wave of bank foreclosures of farm operations, particularly small and family-owned farms.

Many were unable to compete with the large national and international farming corporations and were forced to sell their farms and go out of business. Globalization, through international trade agreements, were also viewed by some in the agriculture community as another reason for the demise of many small and family-owned farms.

Misuse and overuse of chemical fertilizers and pesticides contributed heavily to the degradation of many farms and waterways throughout the United States, Canada, and other developing countries.

Out of this "farm crisis" came national and international institutions and organizations of concerned citizens, producers, community organizations, business like the Edibles Advocate Alliance, and environmental groups.

We advocate for the creation of policies and laws that supported new environmentally safe approaches to producing food that would ensure the livelihood of farmers, vibrant economically-sound communities, and local living economies.

Thus, a Sustainable Community Food System is a self-reliant system that sustains people as well as the land. Read More Here http://www.ediblesadvocatealliance.org/

Why Are Sustainable Community Food Systems Important?

A Sustainable Community Food System, whether it is local or regional, is a Local Food Web that brings food producers closer to consumers by producing fruits and vegetables or raising livestock or fish closer to the places they are sold.

Emily Brooks and the Edibles Advocate Alliance believe that when it comes to food security and economic development, the closer producers are to homes and neighborhoods, the greater the access to more nutritious and affordable food and the more we are able to steward and protect our environment.

A Sustainable Community Food System supports long-term connections between farmers and consumers while meeting the economic, social, health, and environmental needs of the communities within a region. Read More Here http://www.ediblesadvocatealliance.org/

More Interesting Links
Sustainable Water Solutions
http://www.ediblesadvocatealliance.org/sustainable-water-solutions/ 

Animal Waste Treatment Systems
http://www.ediblesadvocatealliance.org/animal-waste-treatment-systems/

Edible Advocate Alliances- Blogs

The Local Food & Agriculture Business Blog nurtures marketing and strategic business education for local food and agricultural businesses, organizations, and sustainable food systems. 

http://www.ediblesadvocatealliance.org/local-food---agriculture-business-blog/



The Sustainable Learning Journey Blog ties together health information, ecological advocacy, green living, environmental awareness, and sustainable food and agricultural knowledge into a cross-spectrum of learning opportunities.
http://www.ediblesadvocatealliance.org/sustainable-learning-journey-blog/

Emily Brooks is the revolutionary new face of the local food and sustainable agricultural advocacy.  The Harvesting CT Blog is an in-depth tour of all of Connecticut's bounty.  Meet farmers, visit farmstands, and tour farm markets in our video postings.  Follow along with us through our Socialight road map.  Participate in the writing of Connecticut Farmer & Feast- Emily's innovative new book highlighting CT's farmers and producers.  Participate in supporting local agriculture throughout Connecticut as we launch SharedHarvest CT - an interactive website that fosters the buying, selling, bartering, and donation of locally produced food.  http://www.ediblesadvocatealliance.org/harvesting-ct-blog/

New Book- Farmer & Feast

Sustainable Living

Tweet
Blog post by Tina Winterlik © 2011
March 9/2011

http://tinawinterlik.blogspot.com

Today I came across Gouri's Blog - How? because he started following me on Twitter. This Twitter is really starting to happen for me. My whole world is opening up. Gouri is in India.  I love the whole social media networking thing.

Anyways Gouri's blog got me thinking about Sustainable Living and I want to share what I have learned.

http://www.gouri.info/green-living/simple-and-sustainable-living
Check out Gouri's Bio- I really like it!
A guy caught between materialistic temptations & spiritual aspirations. Veggie by birth and conscience, out on a journey to discover the meaning of life..

(Guest post by Kathy Rothaar)

Not all of us live in an area that is conducive to planting our own gardens or visiting the local farmer’s market several times a week. But all of us can practice living a more sustainable life – no matter where we live.

What is sustainable living?

Two years ago I had not even heard of the word sustainable. I had no idea what sustainable living meant. I thought it meant I had to drive an electric car, gather and harvest my own foods and hunt for my dinner. And while those are all wonderful ideas, they were not very realistic for my family. I had to find other alternatives.

Wikipedia defines sustainable living as -

a lifestyle that attempts to reduce an individual’s or society’s use of the Earth’s natural resources and his/her own resources.

I could do that. But how? I don’t live in the country and I don’t drive an electric car. Read more here. http://www.gouri.info/

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From Wikipedia- Sustainable Living
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sustainable_living

Sustainable living is a lifestyle that attempts to reduce an individual's or society's use of the Earth's natural resource and his/her own resources.^[1]

Practitioners of sustainable living often attempt to reduce their carbon footprint by altering methods of transportation, energy consumption and diet.^[2]

Proponents of sustainable living aim to conduct their lives in manners that are consistent with sustainability, in natural balance and respectful of humanity's symbiotic relationship with the Earth's natural ecology and cycles.^[3]

The practice and general philosophy of ecological living is highly interrelated with the overall principles of sustainable development.

Lester R. Brown, a prominent environmentalist and founder of the Worldwatch Institute and Earth Policy Institute, describes sustainable living in the 21st century as "shifting to a renewable energy-based, reuse/recycle economy with a diversified transport system."^[4]

John Willoner's Eco-House at Findhorn. Turf roof, passive solar, solar panel.

Sustainable Shelter
Sustainable homes are built using sustainable methods, materials, and facilitate green practices, enabling a sustainable lifestyle. Their construction and maintenance have neutral impacts on the Earth. Oftentimes, if necessary, they are close in proximity to essential services such as grocery stores, schools, daycares, work, or public transit making it possible to commit to sustainable transportation choices.^[19] Sometimes, they are off-the-grid homes that do not require any public energy, water, or sewer service. Read more here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sustainable_living

• Lumber from Forest Stewardship Council approved sources/
• Composite wood (when made from reclaimed hardwood sawdust and reclaimed or recycled plastic)
• Straw Bale
• Cob
• Adobe
• Rammed Earth
• Cordwood
• Bamboo
• Cork
• Hemp
• Linoleum
• Natural Rubber
• Natural fiber (coir, wool, jute, etc)
• Reclaimed stone
• Reclaimed brick
• Recycled metal
• Recycled concrete
• Recycled paper
• Papercrete
• Cellulose insulation
• Organic cotton insulation
• Soy insulation
• Insulating concrete forms
• Structural insulated panel
• Lime render
• Soy-based adhesive

Sustainable Power 
When needed, sustainable living requires the use of sustainable energy. This involves the use of power in such a way that fulfills the requirements of the present without compromising the requirements of the future.

Or, in short, using power sources and in such a way that can be sustained infinitely. This means the energy source must be renewable, and must not harm the environment or the people working under it.

The most commonly used renewable sources of energy are: biomass, water, geothermal, wind, and solar.  Read more here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sustainable_living

Sustainable Food
A more sustainable means of acquiring food is to purchase locally and seasonally. Buying food from local farmers reduces carbon offsets, caused by long-distance food transport, and stimulates the local economy.^[45]

Local, small-scale farming operations also typically utilize more sustainable methods of agriculture than conventional industrial farming systems such as decreased tillage, nutrient cycling, fostered biodiversity and reduced chemical pesticide and fertilizer applications.[46
Read more here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sustainable_living

Water
A major factor of sustainable living involves that which no human can live without, water. Unsustainable water usage has far reaching implications for humankind.

Currently, humans use one-fourth of the earth’s total water in natural circulation, and over half the accessible runoff.^[59] Additionally, population growth and water demand is ever increasing.

Thus, it is necessary to use available water more efficiently. 

In sustainable living, one can use water more sustainably through a series of simple, everyday measures. These measures involve considering indoor home appliance efficiency, outdoor water use, and daily water use awareness.  Read more here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sustainable_living

Toilets
Toilets account for almost 30% of residential indoor water use in the United States.^[60] One flush of a standard US toilet requires more water than most individuals, and many families, in the world use for all their needs in an entire day.^[61]

A home’s toilet water sustainability can be improved in one of two ways: improving the current toilet or installing a more efficient toilet.

To improve the current toilet, one possible method is to put weighted plastic bottles in the toilet tank. Also, there are inexpensive tank banks or float booster available for purchase.

A tank bank is a plastic bag to be filled with water and hung in the toilet tank. A float booster attaches underneath the float ball of pre-1986 three and a half gallon capacity toilets. It allows these toilets to operate at the same valve and float setting but significantly reduces their water level, saving between one and one and a third gallons of water per flush.

A major waste of water in existing toilets is leaks. A slow toilet leak is undetectable to the eye, but can waste hundreds of gallons each month. One way to check this is to put food dye in the tank, and to see if the water in the toilet bowl turns the same color. In the event of a leaky flapper, one can replace it with an adjustable toilet flapper, which allows self adjustment of the amount of water per flush.

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I came across this book at Chapters last night. Go Green by Nancy H Taylor
http://www.nancyhtaylor.com/go-green.html 

Go Green by Nancy H. Taylor

How to Build a Eco-Friendly Community- Go Green by Nancy H. Taylor

About the Book- Go Green

There is no one way to solve the global warming crisis. Just as it will take many kinds of fuel to replace our appetite for fossil fuel, it will take many different approaches to reduce our carbon footprint.

There are actions we can do at home and at work, easy things like changing our light bulbs, recycling and driving less. There are solutions at the community level, such as starting a CSA or a farmers market or a recycling center. And there are municipal, state and governmental programs we can start in our hometowns.

A few ideas are: getting your mayor to sign the Climate Protection Agreement, starting a light rail program in your city, redirecting a highway project so it does not damage a fragile ecosystem and making sure there is funding for affordable green housing.

Be creative, do not waste time, get involved with your neighbors—become part of the sustainable earth family. 

It will change your life!

Go Green offers user-friendly suggestions for:

• Remodeling an existing home to create a healthier, energy-efficient living space
• Siting a new house and choosing green building materials
• Greening schools and hospitals
• Choosing the right transportation to influence the future
• Buying local, organic, sustainable food
• Conserving water at home and at the office
• Learning how to reduce your carbon footprint
• Starting programs in your community such as a light rail system, a recycling center, and Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)

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Something that Nancy talked about was the issue of non-green schools and how daylit classrooms had such a positive effect on the children. This touched home to me because children spend so much time in these buildings and since my child is home schooled but is considering school, well this was something in the back of my mind but it's really got me reconsidering the whole thing now. 

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Animal, Vegetable, Miracle
http://www.animalvegetablemiracle.com/ 

Animal, Vegetable, Miracle

Welcome to the secret hideaway of a long-forgotten goat, the flowers of a peanut plant nosing their way into the dirt, the lost art of turkey sex:  In Animal, Vegetable, Miracle (HarperCollins Publishers, May 2007), our family documented our year of procuring as much of our food as possible from neighboring farms and our own backyard. We're glad you're here, and hope you find more resources and other local-food devotees in a rapidly growing movement.


Here are a Couple of Good Videos on Sustainable Living
Patti Moreno the Garden Girl explains her Sustainable Living methods.
Check out http://www.gardengirltv.comCheck out http://www.gardengirltv.com


Living Outside The Box Sustainable Lifestyles


Does GDP really correspond to happiness? is our happiness tied up with ''stuff''? here are some ideas about sustainable living -- how many planets do we need to sustain our lifestyle?

The Division for Sustainable Development is holding a Seminar Series http://bit.ly/d74V2 addressing the thematic issues pertaining to the Commission for Sustainable Development 18th session (CSD-18) thematic topics.

This video was of interest to the Seminar held on Sustainable Consumption and Production Patterns (SCP) http://bit.ly/9WdiIn. It is used at the seminar to illustrate specific concepts.

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 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photovoltaics
Photovoltaics (PV) is a method of generating electrical power by converting solar radiation into direct current electricity using semiconductors that exhibit the photovoltaic effect.

Photovoltaic power generation employs solar panels composed of a number of cells containing a photovoltaic material. Materials presently used for photovoltaics include monocrystalline silicon, polycrystalline silicon, amorphous silicon, cadmium telluride, and copper indium selenide/sulfide.^[1]

Due to the growing demand for renewable energy sources, the manufacturing of solar cells and photovoltaic arrays has advanced considerably in recent years.^[2][3][4]
 
As of 2010, solar photovoltaics generates electricity in more than 100 countries and, while yet comprising a tiny fraction of the 4.8 TW total global power-generating capacity from all sources, is the fastest growing power-generation technology in the world. 

Introduction to Solar Photovoltaics



http://www.solarcentury.com/