E-News, July 2013
Sometimes when you work in the environmental sector, it's easy to get discouraged. The news is flooded with stories of oil spills, GMO crops causing cancers, and so on. We sometimes begin to wonder if anything we are doing is making a difference. But then we get an email from a youth whose life we have impacted, or a note from a mom whose kids are raving about our summer camps, and we realize that we ARE making a difference. We are connecting, we are listening, we are impacting! Particularly with our youth programs, we are finding the interconnection between what these kids care about, and how to be sustainable.
...we ARE heading in the direction of a happy ending. The balance is tipping. And while we still have a long way to go and a lot of work to do, our coming together and commitment to making a difference has created a brighter future!
In the SHOPPE: All things KID are 20% off
In honour of the summertime, and those who enjoy it the most, we are celebrating with all things KID at 20% off – this includes kids clothing, toys, sunscreens, kids bath products, kids toothbrushes, modeling clays, and more!
How to choose the right products for your family.
When you walk into a store, looking for something as seemingly simple as a bottle of shampoo, you're often faced with a wall of products. "All Natural!" "Eco friendly!" "Biodegradable!" they scream at you. So where do you start?
First off, NEVER believe any claims that you read on the front of a bottle – you must learn to do your own research – the list of ingredients is where the truth will really come out!
Be wary – if there are no ingredients listed (many in-home companies go this route as they are not required to list ingredients if they're not being sold in stores) then ASK. Ask about specifics – don't just get an answer of "these are good for you, trust me" and go with it – do your own research.
Resources:
There are some great resources available now to help you decide what's hot, and what's not.
Skin Deep – the Cosmetic Safety Database: www.ewg.org/skindeep is one of the best resources on the internet – look up your product, and it will give you a score from 1-10. Low scores mean low toxicity, this is what you're after.
The David Suzuki Foundation: DSF publishes a great list, complete with a printable wallet card, of the Cosmetic "Dirty Dozen" chemicals to avoid in your personal care products: Click here to to download it!
Our Shoppe! In our shoppe, we've already done the research for you! Every single product that sits on our shelves has been researched, to make sure that not only the products are safe, but what the companies are doing in their communities is also good. We've done the hard work for you already; all you have to do is stop in!
Shoppe EN Online!
New! We now have a selection of your favourite products available in our online store on our website! Now you can order your favourite products and have them delivered to your door – please check it out, and if there is anything you'd like to see added to our online shoppe, let us know!!
Click here to go to the Shoppe: http://www.environmentnetwork.org/shoppe.html
We're getting ready to DEPAVE Paradise!
Tuesday July 23, 2013
In partnership with Green Communities Canada, the Environment Network is getting ready for our first Depave Paradise project. Working with the Blue Mountain Foundation for the Arts, we will be de-paving approximately 350 square feet of asphalt behind the BMFA building and transforming it into a green space for staff and the community to enjoy.
Health problems related to water pollution are estimated to cost Canadians upwards of $300 million per year. Hard surfaces, such as driveways, parking lots and buildings interrupt the natural water cycle by preventing rain water from soaking into the ground and creating heat sinks, which in turn is warming up our cities and towns.
By removing pavement and replacing it with native plants, trees and shrubs we are increasing the infiltration rate (flooding in Toronto last week is a prime example of too much pavement and not enough infiltration), recharging our groundwater supply, and cooling our neighbourhoods.
The BMFA is excited to be part of this project, to spruce up the rear entrance to the building and making it an inviting space for staff and artists.
We are now seeking volunteers for this event. Volunteers will be provided with all the necessary tools and equipment. Please come dressed for work, with appropriate attire and closed-toe shoes, sunscreen, and a refillable stainless steel water bottle. Lunch and water will be provided.
Please contact info@environmentnetwork.org for more info on how you can help!
Girlfriends and the Crew
We've wrapped up another successful year of Girlfriends and Crew programming, working with over 150 youth in the Collingwood, Stayner, and Thornbury areas.
A few special thank-you's – The United Way is a huge supporter of both these programs, and we could not do it without them!
Thank you as well to the Optimist Club of Collingwood. Also thanks to Nic Witriak at the Collingwood Loblaw, who has donated gift cards, to help us supply the Crew and Girlfriends with healthy snacks.
As the fall starts to approach, we will be looking for more schools and volunteers who are interested in these programs – please contact Stephanie for more information programs@environmentnetwork.org
Explorations Green Summer Day Camp
Our summer day camp is well underway, and you may see our little herd of happy bicycle riders around town over the next weeks! Most weeks still have availability, our 4-6 age range fills up the quickest, so if you're thinking of booking, make sure to do it soon!
Click here to register online
A special thanks to The Co-Operators Insurance for sending 10 lucky kids to camp this summer!
Environment Network wins a Green Communities Canada Award
The Environment Network has received the Organizational Resilience Award in recognition of 20 years of hard work in the service of the environment in the region of Southern Georgian Bay.
"We're very impressed with the accomplishments of The Environment Network down through the years," said Clifford Maynes, of Green Communities Canada. "Environmental sustainability is an urgent goal, but we're not going to get there overnight. We need people and organizations like The Environment Network that will keep working away -- through good times and difficult times." Maynes noted that it is far from easy to maintain and grow an organization like The Environment Network, with its excellent programs. "It takes determination, entrepreneurship, and constant innovation," he said.
The term Resilient Organizations is used to describe businesses and non-profits that continue to succeed despite challenges, thanks to a host of qualities, including flexibility and adaptation.
Environment Network awarded "Employer of the Year" by Breaking Down Barriers
Every year at its annual awards dinner, Breaking Down Barriers names an “Employer of the Year”. The 2013 recipient of this award was The Environment Network.
Breaking Down Barriers is a not-for-profit organization that was begun in 1985 and provides a number of programs and services for people with various types of disability. One of the programs, Worklinks Employment Service, is funded by Service Canada’s Opportunities Fund for People with Disabilities.
For a consumer who wants to work, Breaking Down Barriers attempts to match the consumer with a workplace situation which fits the needs, skills and comfort level of both employer and worker. At its discretion, Breaking Down Barriers can provide a subsidy to an employer while the new employee is being trained, becoming comfortable in a new setting and developing confidence in the ability to participate in the work force. Ideally these placements will result in long-term employment - either part or full time. Breaking Down Barriers has had the support and assistance of many local employers over the years; this is much appreciated.
Breaking Down Barriers approached The Environment Network when a consumer expressed a strong interest in working with the organization. The Environment Network proved to be a supportive and nurturing workplace with exceptional team values. After a successful placement, the arrangement became permanent.
For more information about Worklinks, you may contact Anne ext. 303 or Catherine ext.302 at 705 445-1543.
Safe, constant reliable drinking water, even at the cottage!
Summer is the time for camping, cottaging, and spending time outdoors. Often, having a potable water source is an issue in those places. Our friends at Conscious Water have the solution!
Conscious Water is a Canadian business specializing in the Berkey water filter. Seeking a safe, constant, reliable, pure water source for your family? Water purified of bacteria, viruses, chlorine, arsenic, pesticides, herbicides and other harmful toxins? Without the need for electricity or water pressure? You have come to the right place…
Berkey water filters are the world's most powerful and economical personal water purification filter for everyday at home and emergency use. Sounds bold, but true!
If you're interested in purchasing a Berkey Water System, please use our affiliate link to check them out, or let them know we sent you! We earn commissions off your Berkey purchases, which goes right back into programs in the community – it's a win/win!
http://consciouswater.zferral.com/l/1/65070
Like us on FACEBOOK for your chance to win a $25 Gift Certificate in the Shoppe!
Click here now!
Environment Network
44 St. Marie St., Collingwood,
Ontario, Canada, L9Y 3Y9
Hours:
Monday to Friday - 10:00am-5:00pm
Phone: 705.446.0551
Toll Free: 866.377.0551
Fax: 705.446.0561
info@environmentnetwork.org
www.environmentnetwork.org
...we ARE heading in the direction of a happy ending. The balance is tipping. And while we still have a long way to go and a lot of work to do, our coming together and commitment to making a difference has created a brighter future!
In the SHOPPE: All things KID are 20% off
In honour of the summertime, and those who enjoy it the most, we are celebrating with all things KID at 20% off – this includes kids clothing, toys, sunscreens, kids bath products, kids toothbrushes, modeling clays, and more!
How to choose the right products for your family.
When you walk into a store, looking for something as seemingly simple as a bottle of shampoo, you're often faced with a wall of products. "All Natural!" "Eco friendly!" "Biodegradable!" they scream at you. So where do you start?
First off, NEVER believe any claims that you read on the front of a bottle – you must learn to do your own research – the list of ingredients is where the truth will really come out!
Be wary – if there are no ingredients listed (many in-home companies go this route as they are not required to list ingredients if they're not being sold in stores) then ASK. Ask about specifics – don't just get an answer of "these are good for you, trust me" and go with it – do your own research.
Resources:
There are some great resources available now to help you decide what's hot, and what's not.
Skin Deep – the Cosmetic Safety Database: www.ewg.org/skindeep is one of the best resources on the internet – look up your product, and it will give you a score from 1-10. Low scores mean low toxicity, this is what you're after.
The David Suzuki Foundation: DSF publishes a great list, complete with a printable wallet card, of the Cosmetic "Dirty Dozen" chemicals to avoid in your personal care products: Click here to to download it!
Our Shoppe! In our shoppe, we've already done the research for you! Every single product that sits on our shelves has been researched, to make sure that not only the products are safe, but what the companies are doing in their communities is also good. We've done the hard work for you already; all you have to do is stop in!
Shoppe EN Online!
New! We now have a selection of your favourite products available in our online store on our website! Now you can order your favourite products and have them delivered to your door – please check it out, and if there is anything you'd like to see added to our online shoppe, let us know!!
Click here to go to the Shoppe: http://www.environmentnetwork.org/shoppe.html
We're getting ready to DEPAVE Paradise!
Tuesday July 23, 2013
In partnership with Green Communities Canada, the Environment Network is getting ready for our first Depave Paradise project. Working with the Blue Mountain Foundation for the Arts, we will be de-paving approximately 350 square feet of asphalt behind the BMFA building and transforming it into a green space for staff and the community to enjoy.
Health problems related to water pollution are estimated to cost Canadians upwards of $300 million per year. Hard surfaces, such as driveways, parking lots and buildings interrupt the natural water cycle by preventing rain water from soaking into the ground and creating heat sinks, which in turn is warming up our cities and towns.
By removing pavement and replacing it with native plants, trees and shrubs we are increasing the infiltration rate (flooding in Toronto last week is a prime example of too much pavement and not enough infiltration), recharging our groundwater supply, and cooling our neighbourhoods.
The BMFA is excited to be part of this project, to spruce up the rear entrance to the building and making it an inviting space for staff and artists.
We are now seeking volunteers for this event. Volunteers will be provided with all the necessary tools and equipment. Please come dressed for work, with appropriate attire and closed-toe shoes, sunscreen, and a refillable stainless steel water bottle. Lunch and water will be provided.
Please contact info@environmentnetwork.org for more info on how you can help!
Girlfriends and the Crew
We've wrapped up another successful year of Girlfriends and Crew programming, working with over 150 youth in the Collingwood, Stayner, and Thornbury areas.
A few special thank-you's – The United Way is a huge supporter of both these programs, and we could not do it without them!
Thank you as well to the Optimist Club of Collingwood. Also thanks to Nic Witriak at the Collingwood Loblaw, who has donated gift cards, to help us supply the Crew and Girlfriends with healthy snacks.
As the fall starts to approach, we will be looking for more schools and volunteers who are interested in these programs – please contact Stephanie for more information programs@environmentnetwork.org
Explorations Green Summer Day Camp
Our summer day camp is well underway, and you may see our little herd of happy bicycle riders around town over the next weeks! Most weeks still have availability, our 4-6 age range fills up the quickest, so if you're thinking of booking, make sure to do it soon!
Click here to register online
A special thanks to The Co-Operators Insurance for sending 10 lucky kids to camp this summer!
Environment Network wins a Green Communities Canada Award
The Environment Network has received the Organizational Resilience Award in recognition of 20 years of hard work in the service of the environment in the region of Southern Georgian Bay.
"We're very impressed with the accomplishments of The Environment Network down through the years," said Clifford Maynes, of Green Communities Canada. "Environmental sustainability is an urgent goal, but we're not going to get there overnight. We need people and organizations like The Environment Network that will keep working away -- through good times and difficult times." Maynes noted that it is far from easy to maintain and grow an organization like The Environment Network, with its excellent programs. "It takes determination, entrepreneurship, and constant innovation," he said.
The term Resilient Organizations is used to describe businesses and non-profits that continue to succeed despite challenges, thanks to a host of qualities, including flexibility and adaptation.
Environment Network awarded "Employer of the Year" by Breaking Down Barriers
Every year at its annual awards dinner, Breaking Down Barriers names an “Employer of the Year”. The 2013 recipient of this award was The Environment Network.
Breaking Down Barriers is a not-for-profit organization that was begun in 1985 and provides a number of programs and services for people with various types of disability. One of the programs, Worklinks Employment Service, is funded by Service Canada’s Opportunities Fund for People with Disabilities.
For a consumer who wants to work, Breaking Down Barriers attempts to match the consumer with a workplace situation which fits the needs, skills and comfort level of both employer and worker. At its discretion, Breaking Down Barriers can provide a subsidy to an employer while the new employee is being trained, becoming comfortable in a new setting and developing confidence in the ability to participate in the work force. Ideally these placements will result in long-term employment - either part or full time. Breaking Down Barriers has had the support and assistance of many local employers over the years; this is much appreciated.
Breaking Down Barriers approached The Environment Network when a consumer expressed a strong interest in working with the organization. The Environment Network proved to be a supportive and nurturing workplace with exceptional team values. After a successful placement, the arrangement became permanent.
For more information about Worklinks, you may contact Anne ext. 303 or Catherine ext.302 at 705 445-1543.
Safe, constant reliable drinking water, even at the cottage!
Summer is the time for camping, cottaging, and spending time outdoors. Often, having a potable water source is an issue in those places. Our friends at Conscious Water have the solution!
Conscious Water is a Canadian business specializing in the Berkey water filter. Seeking a safe, constant, reliable, pure water source for your family? Water purified of bacteria, viruses, chlorine, arsenic, pesticides, herbicides and other harmful toxins? Without the need for electricity or water pressure? You have come to the right place…
Berkey water filters are the world's most powerful and economical personal water purification filter for everyday at home and emergency use. Sounds bold, but true!
If you're interested in purchasing a Berkey Water System, please use our affiliate link to check them out, or let them know we sent you! We earn commissions off your Berkey purchases, which goes right back into programs in the community – it's a win/win!
http://consciouswater.zferral.com/l/1/65070
Like us on FACEBOOK for your chance to win a $25 Gift Certificate in the Shoppe!
Click here now!
Environment Network
44 St. Marie St., Collingwood,
Ontario, Canada, L9Y 3Y9
Hours:
Monday to Friday - 10:00am-5:00pm
Phone: 705.446.0551
Toll Free: 866.377.0551
Fax: 705.446.0561
info@environmentnetwork.org
www.environmentnetwork.org
