[Uvic-sustainability] News and Events for week of April 7th

Details: Published on Monday, 07 April 2014 13:00; Written by editor

NEWS

Two UVic scientists were featured prominently in media coverage on the latest IPCC UN report on climate change that came out last week. Tom Pedersen of the UVic-led Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions says a new 'industrial revolution' is underway, but the real challenge is to get people to understand the gravity of the climate situation and to take various actions to protect the planet. Ken Denman of Ocean Networks Canada is also quoted saying the issue is not lack of scientific evidence of climate change, but rather, the unwillingness of people and governments to act. See Ottawa Citizen (Postmedia News).

The province has taken another step forward in its first major legislative exercise involving water in a century. The Water Sustainability Act completed its second reading last week and opposition MLAs debated and raised concerns about certain points related... to the act. Oliver Brandes from UVic’s Polis Water Sustainability Project provides comment for this coverage in The Province.

Every year millions of used cell phones end up in landfills while millions of the world’s poorest cannot afford access to this potentially life changing and lifesaving technology. Now you can help by donating your used cell phone to the charity Africa Calling at the red “London style” phone box stationed in the UVic SUB. The project was founded by UVic Student Kevin Davis.

Ever wondered if a solar hot water system would make sense for your home or business? The CRD now has funding incentives available region-wide for residents under the Solar CRD program. Limited funding is provided by the federal government’s Clean Energy Fund.

Now that most municipalities in the CRD have launched curbside compost pick up, you might wonder where it’s all going and who benefits. Due to problems with odor at the original site the CRD planned to take the residential compost, most of it will now be buried at the Hartland Landfill until another facility can be located or built. Some Victoria & Saanich councillors want to see the CRD build a composting facility at the landfill site. See the Times Colonist. Note that the District of Saanich is taking its compost to the Fisher Road facility in Cobble Hill, but even that facility is reaching capacity. See the Times Colonist.

EVENTS

UVSS STUFF SWAP
Apr 7th, 8th & 9th, 11 AM to 2 PM, SUB, Michele Pujol Room
Moving out and need to purge? Need new stuff? Bring your gently used clothing, books, shoes, electronics and small kitchen appliances (no large bulky items like furniture or mattresses) and pick up some new-to-you stuff. Any leftover items will be donated to charity. Volunteers also needed! Contact Nadia at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it."> This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and see Facebook for more info.

GREEN DRINKS
Apr 8th, 5 to 7 PM, Spinnakers Brewpub, Esquimalt
Casual get together for people around the region interested in environmental issues.

BLUE ICE, WHITE BEAR: THE RAW, THE BLEAK AND THE BEAUTIFUL
Apr 8th, 7:30 PM, Fraser Building, Room 159
Victoria Natural History Society hosts a talk by George Sirk to learn about the Inuit, their deep knowledge of wildlife and their intuitive ability to adapt to cold (-60C), ice, permafrost, and how animals and plants have adapted to the harsh Arctic environment. Everyone welcome. Bring a friend and a coffee mug.

THE FUTURE OF SOLAR PV IN BC
Apr 9th, Noon to 1 PM
The BCSEA hosts a free, online webinar with David Egles, founder of HES-PV, who will discuss the future of generating electricity from solar in BC now that solar prices are falling and hydro rates are increasing. More info and registration available on gotomeeting website.

THE CHALLENGE OF THE 21ST CENTURY: SHIFTING THE PARADIGM
Apr 9th, 7 PM, Bob Wright Centre, B150
The School of Environmental Studies hosts public talk by David Suzuki. Seating is limited! Starting at 9:30 a.m. on April 2, tickets can be ordered online at tickets.uvic.ca, in person at the UVic Box Office, or over the telephone at 250-721-8480.

HOT COMPOSTNG WITH THE COMMUNITY GARDEN AND COMPOST ED
Apr 10th, 12:30 PM, Campus Community Garden
Community Garden and the Compost Education Centre host workshop on using compost in the garden. Cost is by donation, please RSVP to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

BLUE DRINKS
Apr 10th, 5:30 PM, Fernwood Inn, 1302 Gladstone Ave
Casual get together for people interested in water issues. Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it."> This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

SUMMER KICKOFF WORK PARTY AND GARDEN BALL
Apr 12th, 3 PM, Campus Community Garden
Join other garden enthusiasts for a work party at 3 PM, followed by a potluck, open mic and music starting at 5:30 PM. Everyone welcome. Conact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

RECOVERING OUR SENSES
Apr 14th, 7 to 9 PM, MAC, David Lam Auditorium
A talk by Philip Shepherd, author of "New Self, New World" on how our society has become disconnected from nature, each other and our own bodies. See Facebook for more info.

Rita Fromholt

Sustainability Coordinator

Office of Campus Planning & Sustainability

University of Victoria

E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it."> This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., O: 250.853.3758, C: 250.884.5751