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For 12 years or more, children go to school day after day, sitting, learning, and … wheezing? Indoor air pollution affects many Canadian schools. Unsuspected buildings possess poor ventilation systems, contributing to stale air and the buildup of airborne pollutants, including allergens, dust mites, and molds. All have been shown to trigger asthma symptoms, which affects one in 13 school-aged children. Asthma is the leading cause of missed schooldays due to chronic disease.
Air pollution also worsens some heart conditions and respiratory illnesses, while airborne heavy metals, chemicals, and particulate matter come with their own dangers. Lead, for example, found in old paints, is highly toxic, carcinogenic, and leads to reproductive problems.
Sick schools now have a fighting chance. "Indoor Air Quality: Tools for Schools Action Kit for Canadian Schools," a new federal resource available to help school boards, staff, and parents understand, identify, and combat air quality problems, is available at HC-SC.GC.CA.
Source: alive #S
The Fight For the Future of Food
If the government won't take responsibility for separating industry profit from safety, it's up to consumers! Our federal government has abdicated its responsibility for protecting public health in favor of promot.
If the government won't take responsibility for separating industry profit from safety, it's up to consumers! Our federal government has abdicated its responsibility for protecting public health in favor of promot.
Genetics and the Basis of Biotechnology
Many advocates of organic growing speak of genetic manipulation and bioengineering as unalloyed evil. In order to object we need to do so intelligently and reasonably, not with emotional objections. People may object to things emotionally when they don't understand what something is or how it got there.
Many advocates of organic growing speak of genetic manipulation and bioengineering as unalloyed evil. In order to object we need to do so intelligently and reasonably, not with emotional objections. People may object to things emotionally when they don't understand what something is or how it got there.
Field of Genes
It's been only three years since the first large-scale commercial harvest of genetically engineered (GE) food crops in the United States. Now GE crops cover one fourth of US agricultural land-more than 90 million acres. The Canadian agricultural industry is predictably lagging behind, but puffing hard to catch up..
It's been only three years since the first large-scale commercial harvest of genetically engineered (GE) food crops in the United States. Now GE crops cover one fourth of US agricultural land-more than 90 million acres. The Canadian agricultural industry is predictably lagging behind, but puffing hard to catch up..
Food Crisis
Farming is in a crisis, particularly here on the Western Canadian prairie. Everyone is calling it an economic or financial crisis in agriculture.
Farming is in a crisis, particularly here on the Western Canadian prairie. Everyone is calling it an economic or financial crisis in agriculture.
High Cost of GE Labels
Canada is moving towards a voluntary labelling system for genetically engineered (GE) foods, but such labelling is causing increasing concern among growers and processor.
Canada is moving towards a voluntary labelling system for genetically engineered (GE) foods, but such labelling is causing increasing concern among growers and processor.
Genetic Engineering Faults
Sowing Ignorance About Our Food It is very easy to get caught up in the heady joy of something new and exciting, without considering the consequences. This is exactly what is happening with genetic engineering. Genetics is a young science.
Sowing Ignorance About Our Food It is very easy to get caught up in the heady joy of something new and exciting, without considering the consequences. This is exactly what is happening with genetic engineering. Genetics is a young science.
From Scientist to Consumer
Parents want to know what they're feeding their childre.
Parents want to know what they're feeding their childre.
Genetically Engineered Foods a Threat to Life
Lack of Testing Genetically-engineered foods are being rushed to market without long-term testin.
Lack of Testing Genetically-engineered foods are being rushed to market without long-term testin.
Biodiversity Threatened
Biodiversity Threatened With genetic engineering we are growing fewer and fewer species of crop.
Biodiversity Threatened With genetic engineering we are growing fewer and fewer species of crop.
Save the Wilderness
Our blue/green earth is like the human body. Dr Bill Pruitt, an ecologist from the University of Manitoba, estimates that about one half of the atmospheric carbon dioxide since 1860 has resulted from forest clearing. NASA estimates that approximately 7.
Our blue/green earth is like the human body. Dr Bill Pruitt, an ecologist from the University of Manitoba, estimates that about one half of the atmospheric carbon dioxide since 1860 has resulted from forest clearing. NASA estimates that approximately 7.
You Are What You Eat
By now we're aware of the increasing amounts of genetically engineered (GE) foods on grocery store shelves. But we're still ignorant about what this means for our future food supply and healt.
By now we're aware of the increasing amounts of genetically engineered (GE) foods on grocery store shelves. But we're still ignorant about what this means for our future food supply and healt.
How are Plants Genetically Engineered?
Several methods of plant engineering have been tried, but only two patented methods are used today. One is the "gene gun" method, which fires gold- or tungsten-coated micro-particles into target cells or tissues. Genes are integrated into the chromosomes of the target cells.
Several methods of plant engineering have been tried, but only two patented methods are used today. One is the "gene gun" method, which fires gold- or tungsten-coated micro-particles into target cells or tissues. Genes are integrated into the chromosomes of the target cells.
Organic Agriculture Grows Up!
Organic agriculture is booming. The news drew cheers from participants at the 20th annual Guelph Organic Conference in Januar.
Organic agriculture is booming. The news drew cheers from participants at the 20th annual Guelph Organic Conference in Januar.
We're at War!
I am a 77-year-old retired farmer. After 32 years of organic farming I have leased my farm to the Back to the Farm Research Foundation, established as a certified organic research and demonstration farm. I am manager..
I am a 77-year-old retired farmer. After 32 years of organic farming I have leased my farm to the Back to the Farm Research Foundation, established as a certified organic research and demonstration farm. I am manager..
Why Label GE Foods?
The Codex Alimentarius Commission (a joint body of the UN World Health Organization and the Food and Agriculture Organization concerned with food sanitary laws) met in July and agreed in principle about the need for global guidelines for the pre-market testing of genetically engineered (GE) foods.
The Codex Alimentarius Commission (a joint body of the UN World Health Organization and the Food and Agriculture Organization concerned with food sanitary laws) met in July and agreed in principle about the need for global guidelines for the pre-market testing of genetically engineered (GE) foods.
Schmeiser on a World Circuit
Recent events in the farm community have greatly reduced my level of cynicism about our individual rights in the global village and the international institutions we have established to protect our rights.
Recent events in the farm community have greatly reduced my level of cynicism about our individual rights in the global village and the international institutions we have established to protect our rights.
Governments Say No to GMOs
On July 11, 2001, the Star Phoenix of Saskatoon reported that the Saskatchewan government was cutting its research contributions to the biotechnology program at Saskatoon Crop Development Centre (CDC).
On July 11, 2001, the Star Phoenix of Saskatoon reported that the Saskatchewan government was cutting its research contributions to the biotechnology program at Saskatoon Crop Development Centre (CDC).
The Power of Global Markets
With more than 40 genetically modified (GM) crops already approved for commercialization in Canada, it seems that the biotechnology industry is poised to reap the benefits of the last 20 years of research and development..
With more than 40 genetically modified (GM) crops already approved for commercialization in Canada, it seems that the biotechnology industry is poised to reap the benefits of the last 20 years of research and development..
Organic Group Takes Up Arms
On Oct. 12, 2001, Arnold Taylor, president of the Saskatchewan Organic Directorate (SOD), announced the directorate's intention to take legal action against those responsible for introducing genetically engineered (GE) canola into Saskatchewan and to hold them accountable for crop losses and damages.
On Oct. 12, 2001, Arnold Taylor, president of the Saskatchewan Organic Directorate (SOD), announced the directorate's intention to take legal action against those responsible for introducing genetically engineered (GE) canola into Saskatchewan and to hold them accountable for crop losses and damages.
What are Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals?
On Oct. 30, 2001, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) held a public forum on plant molecular farming, defined by the CFIA as "the use of plants in agriculture to produce biomolecules instead of food, feed and fibre.
On Oct. 30, 2001, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) held a public forum on plant molecular farming, defined by the CFIA as "the use of plants in agriculture to produce biomolecules instead of food, feed and fibre.
Biological Terrorism a New Threat
Saskatchewan grain and oilseed farmer Percy Schmeiser has added a new term to his vocabulary: biological terroris. It means the deliberate injection or placing of a gene unknowingly in a farmer's seed, grain or oilseed that would damage large acres of growing crops or cause illness or death to large numbers of people.
Saskatchewan grain and oilseed farmer Percy Schmeiser has added a new term to his vocabulary: biological terroris. It means the deliberate injection or placing of a gene unknowingly in a farmer's seed, grain or oilseed that would damage large acres of growing crops or cause illness or death to large numbers of people.
GMO Contamination Around the World
A recent study published in Nature by University of California Berkeley researchers reveals that some of Mexico's native corn varieties contain genetically modified, or transgenic, DNA. The study compared samples of the "criollo" corn variety taken from remote areas of Mexico's Sierra Norte de Oaxaca.
A recent study published in Nature by University of California Berkeley researchers reveals that some of Mexico's native corn varieties contain genetically modified, or transgenic, DNA. The study compared samples of the "criollo" corn variety taken from remote areas of Mexico's Sierra Norte de Oaxaca.
Who's Accountable for Genetically Modified Crops?
Food biotechnology covers a complex range of issues, all profoundly interconnected. In this month's column, this interdependence is highlighted by looking at the risks that farmers face when growing genetically engineered crops, how decisions to adopt the technology affect the environment and how consumer rights are threatened.
Food biotechnology covers a complex range of issues, all profoundly interconnected. In this month's column, this interdependence is highlighted by looking at the risks that farmers face when growing genetically engineered crops, how decisions to adopt the technology affect the environment and how consumer rights are threatened.
The Hidden Cost of Genetic Engineering
Genetically engineered food--the food we're eating. A savior or a sacrifice? That's the question on many lips. We have been given many arguments as to the supposed benefits of this new application for technolog.
Genetically engineered food--the food we're eating. A savior or a sacrifice? That's the question on many lips. We have been given many arguments as to the supposed benefits of this new application for technolog.
Will the Hungry Profit From Biotechnology?
The "biotech will feed the hungry" argument is often used to rationalize genetically engineered (GE) crops and to justify the export of these crops and genetic technologies to developing countries. But will genetically engineered crops feed the world's hungry? Doubtful.
The "biotech will feed the hungry" argument is often used to rationalize genetically engineered (GE) crops and to justify the export of these crops and genetic technologies to developing countries. But will genetically engineered crops feed the world's hungry? Doubtful.
Genetic Engineering Food Fight
Did you know that 65 to 95 per cent of processed food products contain genetically engineered (GE) ingredients? Yet because sectors of the food industry have resisted identifying these foods, and because our regulatory bodies have chosen to adopt a voluntary labelling system, many consumers do not know what's in the foods they're.
Did you know that 65 to 95 per cent of processed food products contain genetically engineered (GE) ingredients? Yet because sectors of the food industry have resisted identifying these foods, and because our regulatory bodies have chosen to adopt a voluntary labelling system, many consumers do not know what's in the foods they're.
Biotechnology: Damage to Democracy and the Environment
Have you ever wondered who in Canada assesses the introduction of newtechnologies that will change your health, your environment--your life? Why was genetic engineering (GE) implemented despite popular protest? Why have health concerns about the long-term effects of eating GE foods been dismissed? And why does the .
Have you ever wondered who in Canada assesses the introduction of newtechnologies that will change your health, your environment--your life? Why was genetic engineering (GE) implemented despite popular protest? Why have health concerns about the long-term effects of eating GE foods been dismissed? And why does the .
The Next Generation of Genetically Engineered Foods
At the same time governments worldwide are talking about establishing guidelines for biotech-free foods, industry giants have done it again: the next generation of genetically engineered (GE) crops, known as biopharmaceutical crops, is about to be commercialized.
At the same time governments worldwide are talking about establishing guidelines for biotech-free foods, industry giants have done it again: the next generation of genetically engineered (GE) crops, known as biopharmaceutical crops, is about to be commercialized.
Changes at Monsanto
It would appear that Monsanto is turning over a new "genetically modified" leaf. A company spokesperson pledged in the Aug. 17, 2002 issue of The Economist to be more transparent by involving the public in dialogue, presumably in response to European resistance against genetically modified organisms. A nice promise. But how realistic is it?
It would appear that Monsanto is turning over a new "genetically modified" leaf. A company spokesperson pledged in the Aug. 17, 2002 issue of The Economist to be more transparent by involving the public in dialogue, presumably in response to European resistance against genetically modified organisms. A nice promise. But how realistic is it?
Genetically Engineered Food Aid
Canadian farmers have lost market opportunities as a result of growing genetically engineered (GE) corn. In Canada, GE corn makes up roughly 27 percent of corn production in Ontario and Quebec. Similarly in the United States, more than 20 percent of corn acreage is genetically engineered.
Canadian farmers have lost market opportunities as a result of growing genetically engineered (GE) corn. In Canada, GE corn makes up roughly 27 percent of corn production in Ontario and Quebec. Similarly in the United States, more than 20 percent of corn acreage is genetically engineered.
Food Biotechnology
It's a sad and serious fact. Canadian consumers know little to nothing about where their food comes from. The average supermarket shopper is influenced by packaging and pric.
It's a sad and serious fact. Canadian consumers know little to nothing about where their food comes from. The average supermarket shopper is influenced by packaging and pric.
Bias In Biotechnology: Who's Paying The Piper?
I have recently begun to speak out in public about the contentious issue of genetically modified organisms, As a result, I have been accused by public relations spokespeople and executives of biotechnology companies of being either uninformed because I am not actively engaged in research or biased in my opinions..
I have recently begun to speak out in public about the contentious issue of genetically modified organisms, As a result, I have been accused by public relations spokespeople and executives of biotechnology companies of being either uninformed because I am not actively engaged in research or biased in my opinions..
Dr. Krop Loses, Environmental Medicine Wins
Dr. Krop's case has brought about a revolution in the highercourt of public opinion, which demands safe medicine and a return tounpolluted planetary life-support systems.The 13-year trial of Dr. Jozef Krop may be over, but its impact on thefuture of environmental medicine in Canada will be lasting.
Dr. Krop's case has brought about a revolution in the highercourt of public opinion, which demands safe medicine and a return tounpolluted planetary life-support systems.The 13-year trial of Dr. Jozef Krop may be over, but its impact on thefuture of environmental medicine in Canada will be lasting.
alive's Rallying Call to Consumers
Now is the time for Canadian consumers to stop a massive threat to our food security and farming industry. If US-based Monsanto Corp., a biotech and chemical company, has its way, genetically ingineered (GE) wheat will soon be approved in Canada.
Now is the time for Canadian consumers to stop a massive threat to our food security and farming industry. If US-based Monsanto Corp., a biotech and chemical company, has its way, genetically ingineered (GE) wheat will soon be approved in Canada.
Polar Bears
Polar bear cubs, while gorging on their mother's milk, ingest high levels of toxic chemical pollutants before they eve.
Polar bear cubs, while gorging on their mother's milk, ingest high levels of toxic chemical pollutants before they eve.
Soil Science
New discoveries in soil ecology have found that genetically modified organisms (GMOs) remain in the soil long after GM plants are harveste.
New discoveries in soil ecology have found that genetically modified organisms (GMOs) remain in the soil long after GM plants are harveste.
Genetic engineering
"When all is said and done, it still gives us just a voluntary standard with manufacturers having the power to decide if they label or not." Canada will soon have a new set of labelling standards for food.
"When all is said and done, it still gives us just a voluntary standard with manufacturers having the power to decide if they label or not." Canada will soon have a new set of labelling standards for food.
A Seedy Business
The business of farming has undergone an arguably ominous shift and the commodity most at risk is our seeds. Twenty years ago, farmers controlled almost 100 per cent of their seed supply by saving it year after year. Now 80 per cent of Canada's seed supply is under corporate control.
The business of farming has undergone an arguably ominous shift and the commodity most at risk is our seeds. Twenty years ago, farmers controlled almost 100 per cent of their seed supply by saving it year after year. Now 80 per cent of Canada's seed supply is under corporate control.
Human Guinea Pigs
The very concept of medical and scientific experimentation on human beings is troubling, even frightenin.
The very concept of medical and scientific experimentation on human beings is troubling, even frightenin.
Sick Building Syndrome
Often people are unable to understand why they feel sick on a daily basis and why they develop symptoms that worsen over tim.
Often people are unable to understand why they feel sick on a daily basis and why they develop symptoms that worsen over tim.
Breathe Easy
At a recent party, I joined a friend on the balcony for a break from the festivities. "It's good to get a breath of fresh air, she said. That got me thinking about air quality, not just at smoky parties but at home, too.
At a recent party, I joined a friend on the balcony for a break from the festivities. "It's good to get a breath of fresh air, she said. That got me thinking about air quality, not just at smoky parties but at home, too.
Monsanto
Monsanto is a company with a very illustrious-and unsavoury-past. At the moment it is trying to escape liability (up to $2.3 billion US) for major chemical contamination in Alabama that it hoped to get rid of when it hived off its chemical operations as the independent company Solutia.
Monsanto is a company with a very illustrious-and unsavoury-past. At the moment it is trying to escape liability (up to $2.3 billion US) for major chemical contamination in Alabama that it hoped to get rid of when it hived off its chemical operations as the independent company Solutia.
What's Eating Our Kids?
Common sense tells us that what's eating our kids is what they're eating. If they eat junk food, they will have junk bodies and junk feelings. An overburdened liver must struggle to detoxify the synthetic ingredients in processed food; a malnourished brain is more susceptible to the neurotoxic effect of "excitotoxins (MSG and aspartame) that lead to emotional and neurological imbalance.
Common sense tells us that what's eating our kids is what they're eating. If they eat junk food, they will have junk bodies and junk feelings. An overburdened liver must struggle to detoxify the synthetic ingredients in processed food; a malnourished brain is more susceptible to the neurotoxic effect of "excitotoxins (MSG and aspartame) that lead to emotional and neurological imbalance.
Nontoxic Natural Air Purifiers
In winter our windows and doors often stay shut for hours on end. What can we do to safely and naturally purify our air? Commercial air purifiers can be toxic because they emit ozone gases or ultraviolet rays.
In winter our windows and doors often stay shut for hours on end. What can we do to safely and naturally purify our air? Commercial air purifiers can be toxic because they emit ozone gases or ultraviolet rays.
March of the Produce
While dining recently at my friend Hamish's house, he apologized for the lack of taste and texture in the vegetables and the bland-tasting fruit salad. "It looked really fresh and it was reasonably priced, Hamish said. "Why is it so hard to get decent-tasting produce in the winter?
While dining recently at my friend Hamish's house, he apologized for the lack of taste and texture in the vegetables and the bland-tasting fruit salad. "It looked really fresh and it was reasonably priced, Hamish said. "Why is it so hard to get decent-tasting produce in the winter?
Dumping Engineered Seeds
Genetically engineering food crops has resulted in unprecedented protest around the world, from both consumers of the foods and members of the scientific community. Many scientists are concerned that the introduction of foreign organisms into the DNA of a plant family can have disastrous results.
Genetically engineering food crops has resulted in unprecedented protest around the world, from both consumers of the foods and members of the scientific community. Many scientists are concerned that the introduction of foreign organisms into the DNA of a plant family can have disastrous results.
Mutant Tacos Removed
The politics of genetically engineered (GE) foods is becoming a hot topic in the US. Kraft Food's taco shells, mistakenly made of genetically engineered corn, were recently recalled from store shelves and Taco Bell restaurants. It was the first mass recall of frankenfood in the US.
The politics of genetically engineered (GE) foods is becoming a hot topic in the US. Kraft Food's taco shells, mistakenly made of genetically engineered corn, were recently recalled from store shelves and Taco Bell restaurants. It was the first mass recall of frankenfood in the US.
Flaws in Testing
Serious flaws in the product testing system for genetically engineered (GE) foods have been discovered in the U.
Serious flaws in the product testing system for genetically engineered (GE) foods have been discovered in the U.
Scientists
Scientists working for Swiss food giant Novartis have developed and patented a method for "switching off" the immune systems of plant.
Scientists working for Swiss food giant Novartis have developed and patented a method for "switching off" the immune systems of plant.
Failure of Genetically Engineered Goods
Monsanto Bullies Farmers Agribusiness giant Monsanto has warned Argentina it may shut down some operations in the country if the government does not loosen restrictions on genetically engineered (GE) crops..
Monsanto Bullies Farmers Agribusiness giant Monsanto has warned Argentina it may shut down some operations in the country if the government does not loosen restrictions on genetically engineered (GE) crops..
Say So-long to Sci-fi Seed
A genetically engineered flax seed has been removed from the market due to European fears that it will contaminate other flax varieties in Canada. University of Saskatchewan researchers called their seed Triffid after the tall, three-legged walking plants in a 1950s science fiction movie.
A genetically engineered flax seed has been removed from the market due to European fears that it will contaminate other flax varieties in Canada. University of Saskatchewan researchers called their seed Triffid after the tall, three-legged walking plants in a 1950s science fiction movie.
Groups Oppose Modified Wheat
Genetically modified (GM) wheat has raised concern both domestically and abroad. Farmers and grain industry participants are concerned about market loss and risks to Canada's distinguished reputation for quality wheat varieties as well as agronomic impacts. Consumers are concerned about food safety and regulatory adequacy..
Genetically modified (GM) wheat has raised concern both domestically and abroad. Farmers and grain industry participants are concerned about market loss and risks to Canada's distinguished reputation for quality wheat varieties as well as agronomic impacts. Consumers are concerned about food safety and regulatory adequacy..
Contrail Concerns Heat Up
Contrails are a factor in global warming, according to a new study by researchers at the Norwegian Institute for Air Research in Kjelle.
Contrails are a factor in global warming, according to a new study by researchers at the Norwegian Institute for Air Research in Kjelle.
Wish On, StarLink Corn
Genetically modified StarLink corn isn't allowed to cross the Canadian border as of September 2001. Linda Webster, a spokesperson for the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), said that all imported corn must have accompanying documents to certify that the shipment is StarLink free.
Genetically modified StarLink corn isn't allowed to cross the Canadian border as of September 2001. Linda Webster, a spokesperson for the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), said that all imported corn must have accompanying documents to certify that the shipment is StarLink free.
enviroment
Need three more reasons to go to alive.com ("Lobbying Letters") and print out your letter opposing the commercialization of genetically engineered wheat in Canada? 1.
Need three more reasons to go to alive.com ("Lobbying Letters") and print out your letter opposing the commercialization of genetically engineered wheat in Canada? 1.
Tilling Togetherness
Hot town! It's time to shake off the dust, bust out of your tiny-but-affordable apartment, and join the steamy chaos of summer in the city!
Hot town! It's time to shake off the dust, bust out of your tiny-but-affordable apartment, and join the steamy chaos of summer in the city!
Escape
Your neck is tense and twisted from a serious lack of downtime. Words like vacation, travel, trip, adventure, and journey pop out from the pages of everything you read. You really need a break.
Your neck is tense and twisted from a serious lack of downtime. Words like vacation, travel, trip, adventure, and journey pop out from the pages of everything you read. You really need a break.
David Suzuki
For more than three decades, it has been the primary work of this renowned geneticist to remind us that humans are simply one part of the environment and linked to every species on the planet.
For more than three decades, it has been the primary work of this renowned geneticist to remind us that humans are simply one part of the environment and linked to every species on the planet.
Ticking Time Bomb
"Sixteen years after the end of the Cold War...we stand at the brink of a second nuclear age and unprecedented climate change, stated the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists earlier this year. The scientists urged immediate action to address climate change, resetting the Doomsday Clock at five minutes to midnight.
"Sixteen years after the end of the Cold War...we stand at the brink of a second nuclear age and unprecedented climate change, stated the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists earlier this year. The scientists urged immediate action to address climate change, resetting the Doomsday Clock at five minutes to midnight.
Heat: How to Stop the Planet from Burning
George Monbiot is a name you will see much more of in the coming years. He is a meticulous journalist with a strong streak of optimistic realism; a critical, calculating, and creative researcher who writes with the skilled voice of a man who is unyielding in his conclusions.
George Monbiot is a name you will see much more of in the coming years. He is a meticulous journalist with a strong streak of optimistic realism; a critical, calculating, and creative researcher who writes with the skilled voice of a man who is unyielding in his conclusions.
Keeping Up with Kyoto
It's not easy to keep up on the current situation regarding the Kyoto Protocol. Like the weather, it's always changing. One thing's for sure, though, global warming is a hot topic-and it's getting hotter, in more ways than one.
It's not easy to keep up on the current situation regarding the Kyoto Protocol. Like the weather, it's always changing. One thing's for sure, though, global warming is a hot topic-and it's getting hotter, in more ways than one.
Silent, but Deadly
Canada's new guideline for radon gas exposure could save hundreds of lives each year-if we act now. This radioactive gas is a quiet killer because it can enter our homes unnoticed; it's colourless and odourless. It's also the second-leading cause of lung cancer in Canadians after tobacco.
Canada's new guideline for radon gas exposure could save hundreds of lives each year-if we act now. This radioactive gas is a quiet killer because it can enter our homes unnoticed; it's colourless and odourless. It's also the second-leading cause of lung cancer in Canadians after tobacco.
UBC Uses Eco-Sense
With global warming considered Earth's greatest threat, more companies are seeking ways to reduce their environmental impact. Adopting energy-conserving measures is not only healthy for the planet, but it is also good for organizations' bottom lines.
With global warming considered Earth's greatest threat, more companies are seeking ways to reduce their environmental impact. Adopting energy-conserving measures is not only healthy for the planet, but it is also good for organizations' bottom lines.
We're Not Crying Wolf
Despite the increasing awareness of global warming, many people believe that the current climate changes are part of a natural cycle. They believe that we should not be worrying about the media's hyperbole.
Despite the increasing awareness of global warming, many people believe that the current climate changes are part of a natural cycle. They believe that we should not be worrying about the media's hyperbole.
Be an Eco-Hero
When I think about changing the way I live in order to help save the planet, I wonder, "What more can I do? I already live in the dark, shivering, tripping over piles of recyclables. But after a little research, I realize that there are so many simple things I can do.
When I think about changing the way I live in order to help save the planet, I wonder, "What more can I do? I already live in the dark, shivering, tripping over piles of recyclables. But after a little research, I realize that there are so many simple things I can do.
Eating to Save the World
How often do we consider where our food comes from? Do we know what process it went through from initial conception to arriving on our plates? Might there be risks to our health, our community, and our environment if we don't ask these questions?
How often do we consider where our food comes from? Do we know what process it went through from initial conception to arriving on our plates? Might there be risks to our health, our community, and our environment if we don't ask these questions?
Addressing the World's Hottest Issue
The setting for a global gathering on climate change last December, on the South Pacific island of Bali, was idyllic. But what transpired during the discussions was less so.
The setting for a global gathering on climate change last December, on the South Pacific island of Bali, was idyllic. But what transpired during the discussions was less so.
Detox Your Bedroom
The bedroom is usually a place of rest, so it often slips through the cracks of regular cleaning regimes. Not only can poor housekeeping in the bedroom be detrimental to your quality of sleep but it could also damage your overall health.
The bedroom is usually a place of rest, so it often slips through the cracks of regular cleaning regimes. Not only can poor housekeeping in the bedroom be detrimental to your quality of sleep but it could also damage your overall health.
Climate Change
We have all heard about climate change-but should we be worried about it?
We have all heard about climate change-but should we be worried about it?
Is Your Food Well-Travelled?
Take a look at that luscious, juicy mango on your plate. Your mouth is no doubt watering as you anticipate digging into its sweet ripeness.
Take a look at that luscious, juicy mango on your plate. Your mouth is no doubt watering as you anticipate digging into its sweet ripeness.
BC'$ Carbon Tax
Sometimes we need to view a problem with our own eyes to appreciate its gravity. For British Columbia's Premier Gordon Campbell, a trip to smog-choked Beijing helped him to understand the impact our actions have on the environment.
Sometimes we need to view a problem with our own eyes to appreciate its gravity. For British Columbia's Premier Gordon Campbell, a trip to smog-choked Beijing helped him to understand the impact our actions have on the environment.
GMO Bullies
Do citizens in a democratic society have a right to determine what kinds of food are grown and sold in their country? Have international trade agreements deprived us of this right? Are locally made decisions, such as creating a zone free of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), even possible?
Do citizens in a democratic society have a right to determine what kinds of food are grown and sold in their country? Have international trade agreements deprived us of this right? Are locally made decisions, such as creating a zone free of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), even possible?
Think Outside the Blue Box
After preparing a tasty meal, you toss one of your used cans into the blue recycling bin. As it arcs through the air, it glints with the light from your energy-efficient fluorescent light bulbs for a moment before it lands with a satisfying clang.
After preparing a tasty meal, you toss one of your used cans into the blue recycling bin. As it arcs through the air, it glints with the light from your energy-efficient fluorescent light bulbs for a moment before it lands with a satisfying clang.
Allergic to Work? Your Air Could be Making you Sick
Do you constantly suffer from unexplained skin rashes, nosebleeds, sinus troubles, fatigue, or headaches? You could be the unwitting victim of indoor air pollution or sick building syndrome. Find out whether or not your home or office is making you sick.
Do you constantly suffer from unexplained skin rashes, nosebleeds, sinus troubles, fatigue, or headaches? You could be the unwitting victim of indoor air pollution or sick building syndrome. Find out whether or not your home or office is making you sick.
Fuelling a Revolution
With a climate-change crisis and depleting oil reserves, the world is facing a period of great uncertainty and potential upheaval.
With a climate-change crisis and depleting oil reserves, the world is facing a period of great uncertainty and potential upheaval.
The Ethanol Debate
Roger Samson's voice is tense with frustration as he discusses the sudden enthusiasm for ethanol made from switchgrass, an energy solution he championed in 1991, but has long since abandoned as too expensive, wasteful, and difficult to produce.
Roger Samson's voice is tense with frustration as he discusses the sudden enthusiasm for ethanol made from switchgrass, an energy solution he championed in 1991, but has long since abandoned as too expensive, wasteful, and difficult to produce.
Petro Problems in Cowboy Country
When it comes to mega-profits from mega-oil, the province of Alberta was not careful enough about what it wished for. What it has been granted, along with the riches, is a nightmarish mess of pollution that it has not begun to address.
When it comes to mega-profits from mega-oil, the province of Alberta was not careful enough about what it wished for. What it has been granted, along with the riches, is a nightmarish mess of pollution that it has not begun to address.
Winter Allergies
We often blame wintertime sniffles on the weather. Instead, the real cause might be something the forecast didn't mention-the climate in your home.
We often blame wintertime sniffles on the weather. Instead, the real cause might be something the forecast didn't mention-the climate in your home.
Dry Cleaning Resolution
Have you made any eco-conscious New Year's resolutions? In 2009 why not resolve to choose a green dry cleaner? While Environment Canada has regulated the phasing out of wasteful, old-generation washing machines and the reduction of toxic dry cleaning emissions, the department has not yet assessed the success of its regulations.
Have you made any eco-conscious New Year's resolutions? In 2009 why not resolve to choose a green dry cleaner? While Environment Canada has regulated the phasing out of wasteful, old-generation washing machines and the reduction of toxic dry cleaning emissions, the department has not yet assessed the success of its regulations.
Resolve to Be Green
Like most Canadians, you've probably started a list-maybe just a mental list-of changes you'd like to make in 2009. Instead of, or in addition to, resolving to lose weight or stop smoking, why not resolve to be green?
Like most Canadians, you've probably started a list-maybe just a mental list-of changes you'd like to make in 2009. Instead of, or in addition to, resolving to lose weight or stop smoking, why not resolve to be green?
Talking Tough on Climate Change
Imagine a theatre full of university students compelled to their feet in a standing ovation following a speech from a septuagenarian. Then picture lineups of eager participants at two microphones-all of them hoping for a chance to speak a few words with this powerful orator and mentor.
Imagine a theatre full of university students compelled to their feet in a standing ovation following a speech from a septuagenarian. Then picture lineups of eager participants at two microphones-all of them hoping for a chance to speak a few words with this powerful orator and mentor.
Get in the Habit
Rees, a community planner at the University of British Columbia, had found the perfect metaphor for a concept he had been working on called “the regional capsule.” After his small epiphany, he immediately renamed that concept “the ecological footprint.” This now ubiquitous phrase has challenged the way we think about our relationship to the environment.
Rees, a community planner at the University of British Columbia, had found the perfect metaphor for a concept he had been working on called “the regional capsule.” After his small epiphany, he immediately renamed that concept “the ecological footprint.” This now ubiquitous phrase has challenged the way we think about our relationship to the environment.
Green Motoring
Perhaps you’re not currently interested in a new car. If that’s the case, some simple tips and advice will help keep your older model from using excessive fuel and emitting excessive pollution.
Perhaps you’re not currently interested in a new car. If that’s the case, some simple tips and advice will help keep your older model from using excessive fuel and emitting excessive pollution.
