2006
Trails & Greenways
Worked closely with area trails organizations in Wasaga Beach, Clearview, Collingwood & Town of The Blue Mountains on the creation of a network of community trials, the promotion of alternative transportation & green house gas emissions reductions.
Habitat
Many projects operate within this department at any given time. This activity focuses on stream bank erosion, fisheries development, wildlife habitat rehabilitation, bioengineering, etc. We network with Conservation Authorities & environmental engineers in the promotion of land conversation.
Anti-Idling
Assisted the Town of Collingwood & Town of Wasaga Beach in the creation & enactment of an Anti-Idling By-Law.
Smog Alert Response Project
Received training on the Smog Alert Response Project. Worked with the Simcoe County Health Unit to promote awareness of Smog Alerts and how individuals can make use of the service.
Training Youths
Five youths & two youths at risks were trained for 3 months each on environmental impacts & other environmental issues in the area. The youth were given tasks & tools to complete these tasks, providing them with transferrable skills & guidance in career planning.
Earth Day
Coordinated a community cleanup day where over 200 volunteers participated. Also facilitated an Earth Day Round Table Discussion.
EnerGuide
Obtained funding & implemented the completion of over 500 EnerGuide for Houses Evaluations. 369 of the 500 EnerGuides were performed on Simcoe County Low Income Housing.
Active & Safe Routes to School/Spring into Spring
Continued the implementation of both programs. The Active & Safe Routes to School/Spring into Spring are programs that promote the use of active and efficient transportation for the daily trip to school, addressing health and traffic safety issues while taking action on air pollution and climate change.
Regional Trails Strategy
Continued work on the Regional Trails Strategy (Master Plan) to connect Wasaga Beach, Collingwood, Town of the Blue Mountains & Clearview via multi-use trails & pathways.
Georgian Bay Trials
Continued work on the Trails of the Georgian Bay & created a website, www.trailsofgeorgianbay.com
Collingwood Trails
Coordinated the administration of the Collingwood Trials Committee.
Annual Trails
Hosted the Annual Trails Evening to aid in the connection of surrounding communities.
Go For Green
Hosted the “Go For Green” Active Transportation training workshop for Clearview Township.
Active Transportation
Became a member of the Active Transportation Committee for the Simcoe County providing advice to the County of Simcoe on Trails, and the development of Active Transportation policies and standards).
Severn Sound Environmental Association (SSEA)
Networked with the SSEA to ensure trials, sustainability & ASRTS are implemented in their area with the same continuity as in the Environment Network territory of Simcoe County and Muskoka. Encouraged SSEA to become a member of Green Communities Canada.
Explorations Green Summer Day Camp
Obtained funding for & implemented the Day Camp. Over 250 camper visits throughout the summer. Of the 250 visits almost half were in our new, 4-6 year old group. Two Grade 7/8 girls were trained as CITS (counsellors in training).
Energy Conservation
Supported an Energy Conservation Program to be introduced into the school curriculum. Written by Tina Holroyd through the Simcoe County Board of Education.
ACTIVE 2010
Participated on the ACTIVE 2010 Committee which was created to provide input into the provincial government’s action plan designed to significantly improve Ontario's sport and physical activity system.
Transportation
Worked with the Jubilee Committee in Assisted Transportation issues.
Town of Collingwood Sustainability Committee
Participated on the Committee. Completed GHG Emissions Reductions Inventory Update a draft action plan for the community.
All staff completed an E-Learning course with the Natural Step.
Pesticide Reduction Campaign
Continued implementing the Campaign.
Blue Mountain Watershed Trust
Participated as a member.
Friends of the Environment
Participated as a member of the committee which disseminates funding for local environmental issues and projects.
Great Canadian Shoreline Clean Up
September 16th 2006
Environmental Presentations
Presented various environmental issues to church groups, schools etc.
Green Communities Association
A presentation on Youth Involvement in Environmental Issues was given at the Annual Conference.
Lamont Creek Rehabilitation Project
Initiated and completed the project to rehabilitate this waterway through bioengineering techniques and tree planting.
Pretty River Stream Rehabilitation Project
Worked with the Georgian Triangle Anglers Association in the rehabilitation of the Pretty River.
Nottawasaga Island
Planted over 3000 trees on the Nottawasaga Island on what is known as a bird sanctuary.
Construction of the Cranberry Woods Trail
Georgian Trail
Environmental Assessment & Construction completed.
Girlfriends Club
Participated in the creation of a new program structured through weekly sessions to address such topics such as self-care, positive self-image and self-esteem, physical activity and healthy eating habits, along with those topics in which the girls express an interest. Throughout the program they are encouraged to share their own experiences, thoughts and opinions. Mentors work with the girls weekly to encourage, support and assist them in expressing their concerns and thoughts relating to the topics. This is done through discussion, fun games and educational activities.
2007
Active Transportation
An initiative that works in conjunction with trail development. This initiative is designed to assist municipalities in the creation of bike lanes & education campaigns designed to encourage individuals to reduce their dependency on the personal motor vehicle for trips that are less than 3km. This initiative addresses Green House Gas emissions reductions.
Education
The Environment Network acts a resource to the Simcoe County District School Board, local schools, separate & independent schools. We provide presentations & activities related to various issues to engage students in positive action for their futures. Our organization realizes the importance of providing HOPE to our young people.
Earth Day 07
Over 200 volunteers participated in the Earth Day Community Clean Up.
Eco Energy
Implemented the completion of over 1000 home energy evaluations.
Active & Safe Routes to School & Spring into Spring
Continued implementation.
Active Transportation
Continued participation on the Active Transportation Committee for Simcoe County (advising the County on Trails Policy & Standards) where we successfully implemented the alteration of the transportation hierarchy.
Wildlife
Various studies & reports on wildlife.
Local resource & champion for Children’s Health & the Environment.
Received training from Canadian Partnership for Children’s Health and the Environment CPCHE. CPCHE is a group of physicians, allied health care practitioners and citizens committed to a healthy and sustainable environment. The Environment Network provides information and education on children’s environment and health issues.
Conservation Kits
Available for sale at the Environment Network.
Day Camp 07
Another successful summer of Explorations Green Summer Day Camp.
Trillium 2007
Received funding from the Ontario Trillium Foundation for Sustainability Training from The Natural Step, organizational partnerships, and overall promotion/education of Sustainability.
Well Aware
FREE guided self-assessments of wells to homeowners wishing to learn more about how to protect their well water and our shared groundwater supplies.
2008
Day Camp 08
Another successful summer at Explorations Green Summer Day Camp.
Pesticide Awareness
Continued sharing of knowledge to support the Town of Collingwood, Wasaga Beach and The Blue Mountains in efforts to reduce and eventually eliminate the use of cosmetic pesticides.
2009
Active Transportation
We have continued in our participation on the Active Transportation Committee for Simcoe County (advising the County on Trails Policy & Standards) where we successfully implemented the alteration of the transportation hierarchy. This initiative works in conjunction with trail development. This initiative is designed to assist municipalities in the creation of bike lanes & education campaigns designed to encourage individuals to reduce their dependency on the personal motor vehicle for trips that are less than 3km. This initiative addresses Green House Gas emissions reductions.
Education
The Environment Network acts a resource to the Simcoe County District School Board, local schools, separate & independent schools. We provide presentations & activities related to various issues to engage students in positive action for their futures. Our organization realizes the importance of providing HOPE to our young people. For example the conducting of educational talks & workshops in schools on vermi-composting, climate change, active transportation, recycling & other environmental issues.
Earth Day Celebrations
For this year’s Earth Day the EN conducted a number of talks from guest speakers on: how to grow a lawn naturally, green cleaning, sustainable building & 5 ways to detox your children. Staff from the EN gave talks on ecoDriver, & composting & vermi-composting as well conducting a number of children’s activities, such as pine cone feeders, rain barrel painting & the planting of native seedlings.
Active & Safe Routes to School & Spring into Spring
Continued implementation of this program by sending out information to all schools in the Simcoe county.
Day Camp We had another successful summer of Explorations Green Summer Day Camp, with an average of 270 campers for the year.
Well Aware
The Environment Network offers well owners a fresh outlook on water with the 2009 Well Aware program, a confidential, and non-regulatory service offered at no charge. The program is purely educational and guides residents in identifying risks and points them in the right direction for solutions. Over the past 3 years the Environment Network was able to provide over 75 homeowners with the service.
Shoppe
In April the mayors from both Collingwood & Blue Mountains came to cut the ribbon for the official grand opening of the Shoppe. All products sold in the shoppe have been extensively researched thereby offering consumers assurance that they are buying items that are all made from sustainable materials, are completely free of harmful chemicals, are fair trade and where possible are locally made.
Girlfriends
Girlfriends is an after school program for all girls in grades 7 & 8. It is hands on and active in nature, with volunteer mentors and guest female professionals from the community providing positive leadership and serving as role models for the participants. During Girlfriends, participants are given the tools needed to help improve their nutrition, physical fitness, self-esteem, and relationships. This is the 4th year this program has been running.
ecoEnergy
The Environment Network delivers the ecoENERGY Retrofit service agreement under Green Communities Canada. Since the program started in May 2007 over 1550 homes have been retrofitted.
ecoDriver
ecoDriver is a program that educates the public on the many ways to reduce fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions, for instance; through driving habits, vehicle maintenance, choosing a fuel-efficient vehicle and considering alternatives to driving. We have conducted several workplace Lunch and Learn presentations, workshops and are working with large employers to train fleet managers and drivers on how to save fuel and money.
Farmer’s Markets
The Environment Network went along to the Collingwood Farmer’s Market during the summer & conducted workshops on; how to make your rain barrels & vermin-composting.
Rain Barrel Workshops
For the year of 2009 - 90 rain barrels were made. That means a potential 19,800 litres of rain water can be collected and used on lawns and gardens.
Be the Change Documentary & Discussion Series
The EN supported a number of series presented at the Gayety Theatre. These series of documentaries provided the audience with a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of some of the most important ecological & social justice issues facing the communities of the planet.
For a Better World bi-weekly column
Melanie is one of the staff here at the Environment Network who writes regular articles for the Enterprise Bulletin on environmental issues impacting on the community & the planet.
Summer Workshop Series
The Environment Network conducted a number of successful workshops with professional guest speakers throughout the summer.
Topics included: Energy Efficiency, Cosmetics & Personal Body Care, Power to the People - Life off the Grid, Life without Plastic, Back to School ecoStyle, Greening your Office, Food Choices & Nutrition, Active & Safe Routes to School, 5 ways to Detox your Children, Greenwashing
2010
Active Transportation
Again we have continued in our participation on the Active Transportation Committee for Simcoe County (advising the County on Trails Policy & Standards), which addresses Green House Gas emissions reductions. This initiative is designed to assist municipalities in the creation of bike lanes & education campaigns designed to encourage individuals to reduce their dependency on the personal motor vehicle for trips that are less than 3km.
Education in Schools
The Environment Network acts a resource to the Simcoe County District School Board, local schools, separate & independent schools. We still continue to provide presentations & activities related to various issues to engage students in positive action for their futures. Our organization realizes the importance of providing HOPE to our young people. For example the conducting of educational talks & workshops in schools on vermi-composting, climate change, active transportation, recycling & other environmental issues.
Earth Day
For this year’s Earth Day the Environment Network conducted a number a workshops on how to make your own rainbarrel & green household cleaning products. We also had some of our volunteers help out with some kids activities such as making pine cone feeders, baking rainforest cookies, & making mason bee houses. Staff from Karmikaze Bikes conducted free bike maintenance checks & the local Health Unit conducted free safety helmet checks for the kids. The local OPP held a bike rodeo for kids teaching them how to obey traffic rules & how to use the roads safely.
Active & Safe Routes to School & Spring into Spring
The Environment Network continued its implementation of this program by again sending out information to all schools in Simcoe County.
Day Camp 10
We had another successful summer of Explorations Green Summer Day Camp, with an average of 290 campers. Each year our numbers keep on increasing due to the unique nature of the program.
Well Aware
The Environment Network still continues this successful program. It is purely educational and guides residents in identifying risks and points them in the right direction for solutions. Over the past 4 years the Environment Network has been able to provide over 100 homeowners with the service.
Shoppe
Our shoppe continues to thrive offering new & improved products. From stainless steel containers, drink bottles, body care products, baby items, household cleaners, books, writing materials, pet care, lawn products, kids toys & games, reuseable bags & much, much more.
Girlfriends
Girlfriends continues to be a highly successful program & has now been running for 5 years. Girlfriends is an after school program for all girls in grades 7 & 8 providing participants the tools needed to help improve their nutrition, physical fitness, self-esteem, and relationships. The program continues to increase in its numbers each year.
ecoEnergy
The Environment Network continues to deliver the ecoENERGY Retrofit service agreement under Green Communities Canada. Since the program started in May 2007 over 1700 homes have been retrofitted.
ecoDriver
The Environment Network still continues to deliver the Lunch & Learn ecoDriver presentations & workshops. This program has also been highly successful in educating the public on the many ways to reduce fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions..
Farmer’s Markets
The Environment Network went along to the Collingwood Farmer’s Market during the summer & conducted workshops on how to make your own rain barrel.
Be the Change Documentary & Discussion Series
This is the 2nd year that EN has supported the Documentary & Discussion Series at the Gayety Theatre. These series of documentaries provided the audience with a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of some of the most important ecological & social justice issues facing the communities of the planet.
For a Better World
Melanie continues to write her regular articles for the Enterprise Bulletin on environmental issues impacting on the community & the planet.
Rain Barrels
This year our rain barrel workshops have been hugely successful, with approximately 200 barrels made. That’s a savings of 44,000 litres of water!
ecoFest
The EN supported the ecoFest held in Barrie. The festival was based on working as a community to celebrate the earth and to offer a message of new possibilities and alternate lifestyles. By improving every being's quality of life through our actions, to conserve Earth's vitality and diversity, minimizing the depletion of non-renewable resources & to offer options for change of personal attitudes and practices.
Power Pledge
The EN supports the Power Pledge initiative presented by the Ontario Power Authority & WWF-Canada. The purpose of this initiative is to get the general public to make a commitment to take simple conservation actions that can help them save money, electricity and to help the environment in return.
EcoEnterprise:
The Environment Network is developing a new service called 'EcoEnterprise.' It will serve local businesses and organizations with the guidance, tools and resources to help them integrate sustainability into their companies. The program is scheduled to be introduced to the business community in Fall 2010.
Food for Thought:
Along with the Non-Profit Network we hosted a workshop to identify specific actions that can be taken to improve the overall food system in our community. Workshop participants identified how various organizations and services support the current food system and how we can improve and better link users of this system with desired resources. A group coordinator was identified and tasked with organizing the next meeting in September.
Trails & Greenways
Worked closely with area trails organizations in Wasaga Beach, Clearview, Collingwood & Town of The Blue Mountains on the creation of a network of community trials, the promotion of alternative transportation & green house gas emissions reductions.
Habitat
Many projects operate within this department at any given time. This activity focuses on stream bank erosion, fisheries development, wildlife habitat rehabilitation, bioengineering, etc. We network with Conservation Authorities & environmental engineers in the promotion of land conversation.
Anti-Idling
Assisted the Town of Collingwood & Town of Wasaga Beach in the creation & enactment of an Anti-Idling By-Law.
Smog Alert Response Project
Received training on the Smog Alert Response Project. Worked with the Simcoe County Health Unit to promote awareness of Smog Alerts and how individuals can make use of the service.
Training Youths
Five youths & two youths at risks were trained for 3 months each on environmental impacts & other environmental issues in the area. The youth were given tasks & tools to complete these tasks, providing them with transferrable skills & guidance in career planning.
Earth Day
Coordinated a community cleanup day where over 200 volunteers participated. Also facilitated an Earth Day Round Table Discussion.
EnerGuide
Obtained funding & implemented the completion of over 500 EnerGuide for Houses Evaluations. 369 of the 500 EnerGuides were performed on Simcoe County Low Income Housing.
Active & Safe Routes to School/Spring into Spring
Continued the implementation of both programs. The Active & Safe Routes to School/Spring into Spring are programs that promote the use of active and efficient transportation for the daily trip to school, addressing health and traffic safety issues while taking action on air pollution and climate change.
Regional Trails Strategy
Continued work on the Regional Trails Strategy (Master Plan) to connect Wasaga Beach, Collingwood, Town of the Blue Mountains & Clearview via multi-use trails & pathways.
Georgian Bay Trials
Continued work on the Trails of the Georgian Bay & created a website, www.trailsofgeorgianbay.com
Collingwood Trails
Coordinated the administration of the Collingwood Trials Committee.
Annual Trails
Hosted the Annual Trails Evening to aid in the connection of surrounding communities.
Go For Green
Hosted the “Go For Green” Active Transportation training workshop for Clearview Township.
Active Transportation
Became a member of the Active Transportation Committee for the Simcoe County providing advice to the County of Simcoe on Trails, and the development of Active Transportation policies and standards).
Severn Sound Environmental Association (SSEA)
Networked with the SSEA to ensure trials, sustainability & ASRTS are implemented in their area with the same continuity as in the Environment Network territory of Simcoe County and Muskoka. Encouraged SSEA to become a member of Green Communities Canada.
Explorations Green Summer Day Camp
Obtained funding for & implemented the Day Camp. Over 250 camper visits throughout the summer. Of the 250 visits almost half were in our new, 4-6 year old group. Two Grade 7/8 girls were trained as CITS (counsellors in training).
Energy Conservation
Supported an Energy Conservation Program to be introduced into the school curriculum. Written by Tina Holroyd through the Simcoe County Board of Education.
ACTIVE 2010
Participated on the ACTIVE 2010 Committee which was created to provide input into the provincial government’s action plan designed to significantly improve Ontario's sport and physical activity system.
Transportation
Worked with the Jubilee Committee in Assisted Transportation issues.
Town of Collingwood Sustainability Committee
Participated on the Committee. Completed GHG Emissions Reductions Inventory Update a draft action plan for the community.
All staff completed an E-Learning course with the Natural Step.
Pesticide Reduction Campaign
Continued implementing the Campaign.
Blue Mountain Watershed Trust
Participated as a member.
Friends of the Environment
Participated as a member of the committee which disseminates funding for local environmental issues and projects.
Great Canadian Shoreline Clean Up
September 16th 2006
Environmental Presentations
Presented various environmental issues to church groups, schools etc.
Green Communities Association
A presentation on Youth Involvement in Environmental Issues was given at the Annual Conference.
Lamont Creek Rehabilitation Project
Initiated and completed the project to rehabilitate this waterway through bioengineering techniques and tree planting.
Pretty River Stream Rehabilitation Project
Worked with the Georgian Triangle Anglers Association in the rehabilitation of the Pretty River.
Nottawasaga Island
Planted over 3000 trees on the Nottawasaga Island on what is known as a bird sanctuary.
Construction of the Cranberry Woods Trail
Georgian Trail
Environmental Assessment & Construction completed.
Girlfriends Club
Participated in the creation of a new program structured through weekly sessions to address such topics such as self-care, positive self-image and self-esteem, physical activity and healthy eating habits, along with those topics in which the girls express an interest. Throughout the program they are encouraged to share their own experiences, thoughts and opinions. Mentors work with the girls weekly to encourage, support and assist them in expressing their concerns and thoughts relating to the topics. This is done through discussion, fun games and educational activities.
2007
Active Transportation
An initiative that works in conjunction with trail development. This initiative is designed to assist municipalities in the creation of bike lanes & education campaigns designed to encourage individuals to reduce their dependency on the personal motor vehicle for trips that are less than 3km. This initiative addresses Green House Gas emissions reductions.
Education
The Environment Network acts a resource to the Simcoe County District School Board, local schools, separate & independent schools. We provide presentations & activities related to various issues to engage students in positive action for their futures. Our organization realizes the importance of providing HOPE to our young people.
Earth Day 07
Over 200 volunteers participated in the Earth Day Community Clean Up.
Eco Energy
Implemented the completion of over 1000 home energy evaluations.
Active & Safe Routes to School & Spring into Spring
Continued implementation.
Active Transportation
Continued participation on the Active Transportation Committee for Simcoe County (advising the County on Trails Policy & Standards) where we successfully implemented the alteration of the transportation hierarchy.
Wildlife
Various studies & reports on wildlife.
Local resource & champion for Children’s Health & the Environment.
Received training from Canadian Partnership for Children’s Health and the Environment CPCHE. CPCHE is a group of physicians, allied health care practitioners and citizens committed to a healthy and sustainable environment. The Environment Network provides information and education on children’s environment and health issues.
Conservation Kits
Available for sale at the Environment Network.
Day Camp 07
Another successful summer of Explorations Green Summer Day Camp.
Trillium 2007
Received funding from the Ontario Trillium Foundation for Sustainability Training from The Natural Step, organizational partnerships, and overall promotion/education of Sustainability.
Well Aware
FREE guided self-assessments of wells to homeowners wishing to learn more about how to protect their well water and our shared groundwater supplies.
2008
Day Camp 08
Another successful summer at Explorations Green Summer Day Camp.
Pesticide Awareness
Continued sharing of knowledge to support the Town of Collingwood, Wasaga Beach and The Blue Mountains in efforts to reduce and eventually eliminate the use of cosmetic pesticides.
2009
Active Transportation
We have continued in our participation on the Active Transportation Committee for Simcoe County (advising the County on Trails Policy & Standards) where we successfully implemented the alteration of the transportation hierarchy. This initiative works in conjunction with trail development. This initiative is designed to assist municipalities in the creation of bike lanes & education campaigns designed to encourage individuals to reduce their dependency on the personal motor vehicle for trips that are less than 3km. This initiative addresses Green House Gas emissions reductions.
Education
The Environment Network acts a resource to the Simcoe County District School Board, local schools, separate & independent schools. We provide presentations & activities related to various issues to engage students in positive action for their futures. Our organization realizes the importance of providing HOPE to our young people. For example the conducting of educational talks & workshops in schools on vermi-composting, climate change, active transportation, recycling & other environmental issues.
Earth Day Celebrations
For this year’s Earth Day the EN conducted a number of talks from guest speakers on: how to grow a lawn naturally, green cleaning, sustainable building & 5 ways to detox your children. Staff from the EN gave talks on ecoDriver, & composting & vermi-composting as well conducting a number of children’s activities, such as pine cone feeders, rain barrel painting & the planting of native seedlings.
Active & Safe Routes to School & Spring into Spring
Continued implementation of this program by sending out information to all schools in the Simcoe county.
Day Camp We had another successful summer of Explorations Green Summer Day Camp, with an average of 270 campers for the year.
Well Aware
The Environment Network offers well owners a fresh outlook on water with the 2009 Well Aware program, a confidential, and non-regulatory service offered at no charge. The program is purely educational and guides residents in identifying risks and points them in the right direction for solutions. Over the past 3 years the Environment Network was able to provide over 75 homeowners with the service.
Shoppe
In April the mayors from both Collingwood & Blue Mountains came to cut the ribbon for the official grand opening of the Shoppe. All products sold in the shoppe have been extensively researched thereby offering consumers assurance that they are buying items that are all made from sustainable materials, are completely free of harmful chemicals, are fair trade and where possible are locally made.
Girlfriends
Girlfriends is an after school program for all girls in grades 7 & 8. It is hands on and active in nature, with volunteer mentors and guest female professionals from the community providing positive leadership and serving as role models for the participants. During Girlfriends, participants are given the tools needed to help improve their nutrition, physical fitness, self-esteem, and relationships. This is the 4th year this program has been running.
ecoEnergy
The Environment Network delivers the ecoENERGY Retrofit service agreement under Green Communities Canada. Since the program started in May 2007 over 1550 homes have been retrofitted.
ecoDriver
ecoDriver is a program that educates the public on the many ways to reduce fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions, for instance; through driving habits, vehicle maintenance, choosing a fuel-efficient vehicle and considering alternatives to driving. We have conducted several workplace Lunch and Learn presentations, workshops and are working with large employers to train fleet managers and drivers on how to save fuel and money.
Farmer’s Markets
The Environment Network went along to the Collingwood Farmer’s Market during the summer & conducted workshops on; how to make your rain barrels & vermin-composting.
Rain Barrel Workshops
For the year of 2009 - 90 rain barrels were made. That means a potential 19,800 litres of rain water can be collected and used on lawns and gardens.
Be the Change Documentary & Discussion Series
The EN supported a number of series presented at the Gayety Theatre. These series of documentaries provided the audience with a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of some of the most important ecological & social justice issues facing the communities of the planet.
For a Better World bi-weekly column
Melanie is one of the staff here at the Environment Network who writes regular articles for the Enterprise Bulletin on environmental issues impacting on the community & the planet.
Summer Workshop Series
The Environment Network conducted a number of successful workshops with professional guest speakers throughout the summer.
Topics included: Energy Efficiency, Cosmetics & Personal Body Care, Power to the People - Life off the Grid, Life without Plastic, Back to School ecoStyle, Greening your Office, Food Choices & Nutrition, Active & Safe Routes to School, 5 ways to Detox your Children, Greenwashing
2010
Active Transportation
Again we have continued in our participation on the Active Transportation Committee for Simcoe County (advising the County on Trails Policy & Standards), which addresses Green House Gas emissions reductions. This initiative is designed to assist municipalities in the creation of bike lanes & education campaigns designed to encourage individuals to reduce their dependency on the personal motor vehicle for trips that are less than 3km.
Education in Schools
The Environment Network acts a resource to the Simcoe County District School Board, local schools, separate & independent schools. We still continue to provide presentations & activities related to various issues to engage students in positive action for their futures. Our organization realizes the importance of providing HOPE to our young people. For example the conducting of educational talks & workshops in schools on vermi-composting, climate change, active transportation, recycling & other environmental issues.
Earth Day
For this year’s Earth Day the Environment Network conducted a number a workshops on how to make your own rainbarrel & green household cleaning products. We also had some of our volunteers help out with some kids activities such as making pine cone feeders, baking rainforest cookies, & making mason bee houses. Staff from Karmikaze Bikes conducted free bike maintenance checks & the local Health Unit conducted free safety helmet checks for the kids. The local OPP held a bike rodeo for kids teaching them how to obey traffic rules & how to use the roads safely.
Active & Safe Routes to School & Spring into Spring
The Environment Network continued its implementation of this program by again sending out information to all schools in Simcoe County.
Day Camp 10
We had another successful summer of Explorations Green Summer Day Camp, with an average of 290 campers. Each year our numbers keep on increasing due to the unique nature of the program.
Well Aware
The Environment Network still continues this successful program. It is purely educational and guides residents in identifying risks and points them in the right direction for solutions. Over the past 4 years the Environment Network has been able to provide over 100 homeowners with the service.
Shoppe
Our shoppe continues to thrive offering new & improved products. From stainless steel containers, drink bottles, body care products, baby items, household cleaners, books, writing materials, pet care, lawn products, kids toys & games, reuseable bags & much, much more.
Girlfriends
Girlfriends continues to be a highly successful program & has now been running for 5 years. Girlfriends is an after school program for all girls in grades 7 & 8 providing participants the tools needed to help improve their nutrition, physical fitness, self-esteem, and relationships. The program continues to increase in its numbers each year.
ecoEnergy
The Environment Network continues to deliver the ecoENERGY Retrofit service agreement under Green Communities Canada. Since the program started in May 2007 over 1700 homes have been retrofitted.
ecoDriver
The Environment Network still continues to deliver the Lunch & Learn ecoDriver presentations & workshops. This program has also been highly successful in educating the public on the many ways to reduce fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions..
Farmer’s Markets
The Environment Network went along to the Collingwood Farmer’s Market during the summer & conducted workshops on how to make your own rain barrel.
Be the Change Documentary & Discussion Series
This is the 2nd year that EN has supported the Documentary & Discussion Series at the Gayety Theatre. These series of documentaries provided the audience with a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of some of the most important ecological & social justice issues facing the communities of the planet.
For a Better World
Melanie continues to write her regular articles for the Enterprise Bulletin on environmental issues impacting on the community & the planet.
Rain Barrels
This year our rain barrel workshops have been hugely successful, with approximately 200 barrels made. That’s a savings of 44,000 litres of water!
ecoFest
The EN supported the ecoFest held in Barrie. The festival was based on working as a community to celebrate the earth and to offer a message of new possibilities and alternate lifestyles. By improving every being's quality of life through our actions, to conserve Earth's vitality and diversity, minimizing the depletion of non-renewable resources & to offer options for change of personal attitudes and practices.
Power Pledge
The EN supports the Power Pledge initiative presented by the Ontario Power Authority & WWF-Canada. The purpose of this initiative is to get the general public to make a commitment to take simple conservation actions that can help them save money, electricity and to help the environment in return.
EcoEnterprise:
The Environment Network is developing a new service called 'EcoEnterprise.' It will serve local businesses and organizations with the guidance, tools and resources to help them integrate sustainability into their companies. The program is scheduled to be introduced to the business community in Fall 2010.
Food for Thought:
Along with the Non-Profit Network we hosted a workshop to identify specific actions that can be taken to improve the overall food system in our community. Workshop participants identified how various organizations and services support the current food system and how we can improve and better link users of this system with desired resources. A group coordinator was identified and tasked with organizing the next meeting in September.
