Dear Green Neighbours
Don't miss our Virtual Town Hall with local decision makers on how we can accomplish a Green & Just Recovery. Now is the time to make a difference!
Are there green news or resources you'd like to see included in the Green 11 newsletters? Send your items and ideas to greenward11@gmail.com.
Green 11 Monthly Meeting
Friday, July 17, 3 p.m.
Please join us at our next meeting on Friday, July 17 at 3 p.m. The meeting will be hosted on Zoom. In order to keep the meeting secure, we ask that you contact Paul Overy at paul.greenward11@gmail.com to receive log in info for the meeting and to suggest any items for the agenda.
Green 11 Virtual Town Hall
University-Rosedale Virtual Town Hall on a Green and Just Recovery
Monday, July 13, 6:30 p.m – 8:00 p.m.
Co-hosts Green 11, University of Toronto Student Union (UTSU) and For Our Kids invite you to participate in a University-Rosedale Virtual Town Hall on a Green and Just Recovery, Monday, July 13, 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. This event is one of many town halls taking place across the country as part of the For Our Kids Green & Just Recovery campaign.
How we recover from the economic and social impacts of the pandemic is on the minds of many in University-Rosedale who recognize now more than ever that the direction in which we were headed prior to COVID-19 was unsustainable and inequitable. How to bring about a Green & Just Recovery? How do we repair systems rife with racism and that perpetuate inequity and environmental destruction, and to rebuild a society that is stronger, healthier, greener, safer and fairer?
Join panelists University-Rosedale MPP, Jessica Bell, Ward 11 Councillor Mike Layton, and Anjum Sultana, Founder of Millennial Womxn in Policy, for a discussion moderated by Emmay Mah, Executive Director of Toronto Environmental Alliance about what a green and just recovery could look like for University-Rosedale.
Please join the conversation!
Register on Eventbrite here to receive a Youtube link and please submit your questions for our panelists in the space provided on the registration form.
Green 11 Volunteer Opportunity
Green 11 is seeking a friendly, energetic, creative and detail-oriented Social Media Moderator and Content Creator
Volunteer Position Description:
This role includes the creation of timely and appropriate content for Green 11’s social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. The Social Media Moderator and Content Creator will also analyze, review and report on the effectiveness of Green 11’s posts and pages.
Volunteer Tasks:
● Update the Green 11 Facebook page and Facebook group, including creating the rules to be followed by its members.
● Create content and moderate the comments from the Green 11 Facebook page and Facebook group.
● Publish, share and/or re-tweet green-related posts or events organized by Green 11.
● Post relevant green articles and news on Green 11 social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram (coming soon).
● Analyze and report on the effectiveness of the posts.
● Time commitment of 2-4 hours per week.
Preferred Skills
● Experience as a content creator and moderator
● Expertise in a variety of social media platforms
● Strong written and verbal communications skills.
● Solid interpersonal and teamwork skills.
● Understanding of social media metrics; able to interpret results and take action to increase effectiveness of posts.
● Knowledge about environmental issues.
● Preference is for a 6 – 12 month commitment
Orientation and ongoing support will be provided to the Social Media Moderator and Content Creator by Green 11 members throughout the entire duration of volunteer work. The Communications Support Volunteer is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys engaging with social media platforms and is interested in learning more, keeping informed, and spreading the word about green events, activities and initiatives happening in Ward 11 and the City of Toronto. Please contact greenward11@gmail.com if you are interested in finding out more about this volunteer position.
Calls to Action
Toronto Office of Recovery and Rebuild - Survey deadline extended to July 15
Open until July 15. The TORR report will be the only one going to council this fall (TransformTO is delayed) and so emphasizing the need for climate action as part of Toronto’s recovery plan is really important! Take the survey here. If you’d like to also send a letter do so as soon as possible. Email your letter to: recoveryrebuild@toronto.ca. You can learn more about this consultation by viewing the recording on the CimateFast YouTube channel at this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IBBBYM9_Xys&t=1838s or read more here: https://climatefast.ca/carbonfreeTO
Tell Starbucks to Allow Re-usable Cups
Health experts from around the world published a statement assuring businesses and consumers that reusables are safe to use during COVID-19. Many businesses, including coffee shops, are reopening and are looking for ways to reduce their plastic footprint. But coffee giant Starbucks has just announced that customers will still not be allowed to use their own reusable cups. The company distributes an estimated 6 billion disposable paper and plastic cups around the world every year. You can sign this petition asking Starbucks to invest in a reusable cup-share program and offer contactless coffee to allow its customers to go plastic-free. https://act.greenpeace.org/page/63162/petition/1
Sistering Request: Seedlings Now, Produce Later
Sistering is a local agency that offers shelter, help, and food to women and trans people experiencing homelessness, isolation, and food shortage. They have just reopened their location at 892 Bloor St. W. (near Ossington), and are asking people to grow produce to support their kitchen.
They write: “If you are already growing this summer, it's simple to participate in our Sistering Garden Initiative. Just get in touch with the fundraising team (fundraising@sistering.org) a week before you are ready to harvest to let us know what you plan to donate and to arrange a time to drop it off. We are also accepting seedlings to share with community members who are interested in growing.”
Green Online Events and Webinars
Fridays for Future Weekly Climate Strikes
Fridays, 11 a.m. – noon
Live Streamed webinars with different speakers led by youth.
youtube.com/channel/UCJ1nFFdZbUo6cAr2jV3X0_g
Summer Political Engagement Training Series
Progress Toronto is offering 6 free trainings and workshops for their 2020 Summer Training Series! These trainings are a chance to level up your skills, learn how to take action and change how decisions are made in our city. You can sign up for any session and all workshops are free. Upcoming this month:
#3 How to Meet With Your Local Politician
Tuesday, July 14 - 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Important decisions about issues like our city’s affordability crisis, policing, transit, and more are made at City Hall and the TDSB by locally elected representatives. Find out why meeting with your local politician matters and how you can prepare for your meeting to make sure your voice is heard. Get the details and register: https://www.progresstoronto.ca/summer-training-series-july-14-2020
#4 City Hall 101
Tuesday, July 28 - 6:00PM-7:30PM
Knowing the decision-making process at City Hall is a key tool to advocate, influence decisions, and organize to win. During the pandemic, Toronto city council and committee meetings have been moved online. As Toronto deals with the greatest financial challenges it’s faced in decades and we all continue our work to build an equitable city as we recover, we need to continue to organize to win at City Hall.
Join Progress Toronto's Program and Operations Director, Erica Woods, to learn more about the legislative process, who the key players are influencing decisions, and how you can have your say. Get the details and register: https://www.progresstoronto.ca/summer-training-series-july-28-2020
Climate Friendly Home Renos - webinar series
Clean Air Partnership presents the BetterHomesTO Home Renovation weekly webinar series, which aims to guide Toronto homeowners through renovations and upgrades that will make their homes more comfortable, healthy and climate-friendly. Each week hear from industry experts on various energy-efficient home renovation topics, including renovation planning, EnerGuide home evaluations, rebates and financing and the pathway to net zero through energy-efficient upgrades.
The series kicked off with Planning Your Home Renovation: A Step-by-Step Guide. Future webinars include:
View upcoming webinars and register today on Eventbrite! For more information on the series, please contact Ariana Foyle, Project Lead (Ariana.Foyle@toronto.ca).
eLearning #AtHomeWithNature from TRCA
Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) has introduced fun, e-Learning videos, activities, and resources that will help families deepen their understanding and appreciation of nature, ecology, and cultural heritage — all from the comfort of home! Pre-register at the following link (you can also click the 'back' button to see the webinar recordings from April too!) - trca.ca/learning/nature-elearning/ Upcoming highlights:
Beating the Climate Crisis - webinar
Tuesday, July 28, 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Join Neighbours for the Planet for an online slide presentation to learn more about the climate crisis, solutions, and what you can do to help. Based on one of Al Gore’s Climate Reality Slide presentations, this webinar will be followed by a Q&A session. Register Here eventbrite.ca/e/beating-the-climate-crisis-tickets-112258137110
Green News and Resources
What are the responsibilities of environmental organizations in building a racially-just society?
Toronto Environmental Alliance Executive Director Emmay Mah shares her reflections on allyship.
torontoenvironment.org/the_responsibilities_of_environmental_organizations_racial_justice
The Stop’s Advocacy and Community Resources
The Stop’s Community Action Program works alongside people experiencing poverty and marginalization to challenge chronic income and food insecurity by building stronger community support networks, raising political consciousness, and taking direct action. Read their latest writing, research, and resources - reports include: The Impact of COVID on Lower-Income Populations, Poverty in the Time of COVID-19, and the new Economic Justice Project. thestop.org/get-involved/advocacy-and-community-resources/
US Pipelines Becoming “Unbuildable”
A US Federal court ordered the Dakota Access Pipeline at Standing Rock (DAPL) shutdown within 30 days, big US utilities cancelled the Atlantic Coast pipeline, and the U.S. Supreme Court rejected a bid to immediately restart construction of the Keystone XL pipeline. Read more about these victories here:
theenergymix.com/2020/07/07/three-projects-three-wins-flurry-of-decisions-shows-u-s-pipelines-becoming-unbuildable/
jwnenergy.com/article/2020/7/demise-gas-project-shows-us-pipelines-becoming-unbuildable/
Zero Waste News and Events
Have you heard of Plastic Free July?
#PlasticFreeJuly is a global movement that seeks to reduce plastic pollution by challenging us all to refuse single-use plastics. It’s a personal challenge that is a part of the global effort to play our part in preserving our oceans and our planet. If cutting out plastic for a month sounds too daunting, pick one single use item that you rely on and brainstorm a reusable alternative. You are also encouraged to use what you have, buy second hand, and support local businesses whenever possible. Need some help getting started? Plastic Free July has an amazing “next steps” guide on their website. plasticfreejuly.org/
#PLASTICFREEDOM workshops
Plastic Free Toronto presents the support group you didn't know you needed. Every session will feature individual and collective actions that we can take to create tangible changes in our lives and worlds. Goals include: understanding why plastic is so problematic; understanding the bigger picture and how you fit into it; turning your individual actions into game-changing culture shifts; and challenging your mindset and checking your privilege.
Together, participants will hold each other accountable and remind each other that we are not alone! The group will meet over Zoom once every two weeks from 6:30-8pm EST for a total of 4 sessions These workshops are PWYC! Full details at bit.ly/plasticfreedomcourse
1. Life in Plastic: Not Fantastic - July 8, 2020 | 6:30-8pm
Looking at the environmental and social impacts of plastic production across the globe.
2. Turn off the Tap - July 22, 2020 | 6:30-8pm
Individual actions are great, but systems change is better. This week, we will explore how corporate interests have influenced public opinion about plastics, as well as government policy and practices surrounding waste management.
3. The Real Deal - August 5, 2020 | 6:30-8pm
Exploring Canada’s recycling and waste management systems, and how to go from linear to circular economies.
4. Mind Over Matter - August 19, 2020 | 6:30-8pm
This session will be focused entirely on YOU. Transforming your world starts with transforming your relationship to yourself. Bring your journal and your favorite pen and get ready to explore your attitudes and relationships to the world around you. We will also answer any questions from the previous weeks' learnings.
Plastic pollution and the powerful voice of youth - film and discussion
Screenings: July 16-19
Discussion: Saturday, July 18, 5 - 6 p.m.
Watch a free screening of "Microplastic Madness" by Cafeteria Culture any time from July 16 to 19, and learn how 56 fifth graders led a plastic free movement in their community. Then join in the online community conversation on July 18. All part of the UofT Trash Team’s #PlasticFreeJuly plans! Register for free here: eventbrite.com/e/screening-discussion-plastic-pollution-and-the-powerful-voice-of-youth-tickets-111367852244
Microplastics in Lake Ontario
Have you heard of nurdles? They're just one of five types of microsplastics that can be found in our waters. Read more about these small but problematic plastics in this A Greener Future blog post. agreenerfuture.ca/blog/2020/6/18/pollution-in-hiding-microplastics-in-lake-ontario
Ongoing Zero Waste Events
For more zero waste related news and events taking place across the city check out Zero Waste Hub Toronto on Facebook facebook.com/0wasteTO and Twitter! twitter.com/0wasteTO
Urban Agriculture News and Resources
Good Food Markets return!
Starting July 14, The Stop's Good Food Market will once again be selling high-quality, culturally appropriate, and affordable produce, legumes, and spices. All are welcome to shop with us outside 1884 Davenport every Tuesday, 11am-3pm. BYO mask!
Also announcing the opening of a new Good Food Market! On Fridays, you’ll find the Gesture Good Food Market at Clinton & Harbord Street selling fresh affordable produce from 1pm - 4pm.
Good Food Markets are community markets that sell high quality, culturally appropriate, affordable vegetables and fruits. These markets bring healthy produce to neighbourhoods where it might not otherwise be available, and where farmers’ markets aren’t viable because sales are too low to cover farmers’ costs. More info here: foodshare.net/program/markets/
Growing food security in First Nations communities
Gardeners dig into a history of resilience to feed people during COVID-19
canadiangeographic.ca/article/growing-food-security-first-nations-communities
Gardening with Brother Nature: Video Series
Led by Evergreen’s Lead in Urban Agriculture, Isaac Crosby, Evergreen shares a new video each week with great plant stories, tips and tricks. Learn about the gardening practices used at Evergreen Brick Works and be inspired to put those practices into action at home! New episode every Wednesday on Evergreen's Youtube. youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDSOKzaT4AFsd6lO4NZ2lw_CyrE3cZu_W
The Annual Guide to Organics 2020 Released!
Check out the Annual Guide to Organics, published by Toronto’s own Vitality Magazine. It’s a directory of Ontario organic and/or pesticide-free farms with pick-your-own and farmgate sales, and CSA’s (Community Shared Agriculture), plus markets, stores, suppliers, restaurants, and events around the province. vitalitymagazine.com/annual-guide-organics/ You can also learn more by visiting the Canadian Organic Growers and the Canadian Organic Growers - Toronto Chapter websites.
Active Transportation News and Resources
Support Expanded Bus-Only Lanes and Emergency Funding for the TTC
The TTC will be installing a bus-only lane this Fall along Eglinton East from Kennedy Station all the way to the University of Toronto Scarborough Campus. This is a major victory for the Scarborough residents who’ve been organizing for rapid transit to Eastern Scarborough for years. But other proposed bus lanes have been delayed until 2021 and longer. We need much more than one bus lane to reduce overcrowding on buses. And the TTC needs emergency funding to run more buses. Here are 3 ways you can take action for better bus service:
- Send a message to your Councillor in one click about bus lanes - click here
- Call your MP and MPP to request emergency funding (Chrystia Freeland 416-928-1451 and Jessica Bell 416-535-7206 for University Rosedale)
- Make a speech at the TTC Board meeting on July 14th about why we need more bus lanes, sooner. Sign up here to receive speaking tips and background info!
COVID-19 News and Resources
City of Toronto COVID-19 Resource Map
The City of Toronto has created a useful COVID-19 Essential Service Mapping Tool.This tool has up-to-date service listings across Toronto, including COVID testing centres, food banks, meal delivery programs, community health services and more. Additional layers and details are being updated daily by 211 Toronto.
Ward 11's COVID-19 Resource Guide
Councillor Mike Layton's staff have created an updated list of local and City-wide resources that you and your neighbours can access when in need. This document compiles non-profit, community, and government resources that can help Ward 11 residents. It contains information for those who require assistance, as well as for those who would like to help others in need. Click here to access the Resource Guide
Support Ward 11 Businesses
Third-party delivery services often charge large service fees and make it difficult for small businesses to make a profit on orders. Wherever possible, contact the business directly and take advantage of pick-up and takeout options, or the business’ own delivery service. Mike Layton’s office has created a list of local businesses to support during the COVID-19 shut-down. Click here to access Ward 11 Local Business Info
Beyond CERB: Advocating for Universal Basic Income
Millions have been relying on the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) these past few months. This has been an extraordinary response to an extraordinary time. But people concerned about fighting poverty are looking to draw lessons from the pandemic for the future. Discussion is growing around the creation of a universal basic income for Canadians.
Ontario Basic Income Network (OBIN) is a coalition committed to seeing Basic Income implemented in Ontario. It's a bold vision of dignity and justice for every Canadian regardless of work status - you are invited to join their growing community of advocates. For more info and resources visit www.obin.ca/
|
