Dear Green Neighbours
We are energized from Climate Week last month and are looking forward to EcoFair Toronto from Oct 15 - Nov 8. And in the light of a lacklustre Federal Throne Speech, we’ll continue to pressure the federal government to live up its climate promises. Please stay safe as Toronto and Ontario begin to hunker down again to fight off COVID-19.
Green 11 is a volunteer driven community group. If there is a green initiative that you are interested in starting and recruiting volunteers for, please get in touch with us and we will see how we can support you. If you are wondering if people in Ward 11 are working on a particular green project, get in touch with us and we might be able to point you in the right direction.
Green 11 Monthly Meeting
TBA - between October 16 and 18
Please join us at our next meeting in October. Contact Paul Overy at paul.greenward11@gmail.com to receive the Zoom link and to suggest any items for the agenda.
Calls to Action
Chew on This! Eradication of Poverty campaign
October 17 is the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. Each year on this day, Dignity for All’s annual Chew on This! campaign mobilizes people from across Canada to call for an end to poverty. As a coalition of community organizations, faith communities, and citizens, the Dignity for All campaign is calling on the Government of Canada to do what is legally and morally required to uphold and protect the rights of people experiencing poverty and other intersecting forms of systemic oppression in Canada.
- You can send a letter to your MP letting them know you want action to end poverty in Canada here.
- You can join the e-rally - Saturday, October 17, 1 p.m.-2:30 p.m., featuring a guest panel and inviting questions (not statements) from government representatives, as well as a coordinated social media action.
- You can send a letter to the editor to major newspapers in your community here.
Support the Motion M-46 for a Guaranteed Livable Basic Income
On August 10th, 2020, MP Leah Gazan submitted a motion to convert the CERB into a permanent Guaranteed Livable Basic Income. The motion comes out of a collaborative effort with Basic Income Manitoba and the Basic Income Canada Network. Please read the full text of M-46. You can add your name to support MP Leah Gazan's motion here
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
University Rosedale Community Food Drive
Sunday October 4, from 1-3 p.m.
Christie Pits Park, SE corner
Many of Fort York Food Bank’s clients have lost jobs or homes in recent months. FYFB has seen a 230% increase in new clients from the previous year. This Sunday the University-Rosedale NDP Riding office is setting up in Christie pits and asking folks to bring by non-perishable foods especially:
- Canned meat / fish / vegetables / fruit
- Dry pasta
- Peanut butter
- Soup
- Rice
- Cold or hot cereal
- Adult / kid diapers / sanitary products
All foods received will be quarantined prior to distribution to our clients to minimize any transmission risk. Can't make it? Fort York Food Bank accepts $$$ donations here
The myth of Canada the Good: Why settlers need to understand the Indian Act now
Wednesday, October 7, 06:00 p.m.
From deadly medical racism to rampant vigilante violence, from police raids on land defenders to the ONGOING legacies and iterations of residential schools that we are remembering today — Canadian governments, institutions, and culture are rooted in settler colonialism and anti-Indigenous racism.
As part 3 of SURJ (Standing Up for Racial Justice) Toronto's Intro to Anti-Racism series,
this workshop, facilitated by Dawn Maracle, will look at the relationship between settlers and Indigenous people over the last 500 years. This is crucial history and context that will help you to better understand settler colonialism in Canada today, and to more effectively support struggles for Indigenous land and sovereignty. Register here
Water Ambassador Workshop
Thursday, October 8, 12:00 - 1:05 p.m.
Start a climate change conversation with your community and networks.Not sure how? Environmental Defence will help you lead it! During this community action workshop, learn more about protecting the Great Lakes, why they matter, and how they are in danger. And find out how you can take action and make a difference within your local networks and communities. The workshop will offer some easy, yet effective, ideas that will help you get started. We all want to protect our environment and make a positive change on our planet. This is an opportunity for you to BE THE CHANGE. Register today to join the conversation!
Energy Efficiency Day - October 7th
Using energy more efficiently represents the lowest cost and most abundant energy resource in Canada. Recognizing this through sound policy-making can drive economic growth, stable jobs, healthier homes and lead the fight against global climate change. Ask your political representatives to celebrate energy efficiency with you! Learn more here
Cities Alive conference
October 20-23
Green Roofs for Healthy Cities and the Green Infrastructure Foundation have teamed up to bring you the very best of the CitiesAlive and Grey to Green conferences, combining outstanding world class speakers in the field of living architecture and green infrastructure with award winning project videos and selected in person tours. The content of this conference will be delivered in four afternoon sessions, each focusing on a theme. More info and registration here
EcoFair Toronto
October 15 - November 8
Celebrate a green new decade at the 2020 EcoFair! The 2020 EcoFair will be online this year, featuring webinars, films, workshops and an exhibitor showcase that will all happen online over 4 weeks, as well as EcoTours that will be coming to neighbourhoods near you.
EcoFair will be twelve exciting events happening over 4 weeks between October 15 and November 8. Each week has a theme: Carbon Countdown (week 1), Waste Not (week 2), Active & Healthy (week 3), and the Eco-economy (week 4). Events will culminate in the November 8 finale, featuring EcoFair eco-groups & eco-business exhibitors.
As always, the EcoFair is being organized 100% by volunteers. It will be FREE, family friendly, and fun. It will celebrate the wonderful people, environmental groups, and eco-businesses that are helping create a greener and healthier planet for all. Everyone can share and learn tips on ways to live more sustainably, and be inspired to make a difference as we start a green new decade. We CAN do this together!
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: EcoFair relies on the enthusiasm and dedication of volunteers to make the event run smoothly. If you can spare some time to help, please visit our Volunteer page.
Co-hosted by Green Neighbours Network of Toronto and Transition Toronto.
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:
Progress Toronto Fall Training Series
September 16 - December 2
This Fall, Progress Toronto is hosting 10 free political engagement training sessions. With the pandemic deepening inequalities across our city, now is the time to demand more from those in power and campaign for Toronto's future. Level up your skills with this free series. Workshops this Fall include digital campaigning, how to meet with your local politician, City Budget 101 with Councillor Mike Layton, and more! For details and registration click here: progresstoronto.ca/fall-training-series-2020
Green News and Resources
Just Recovery Throne Speech Reaction
In the Speech from the Throne, the Trudeau Government laid out Canada’s roadmap to COVID-19 recovery. Organizations working for civil and climate justice know that if we’re going to come out of our current crisis stronger we need to take this opportunity care and provide for one another as we work towards resiliency.
In May of this year, the Principles for a Just Recovery were developed and endorsed by over 560 organizations working together from across sectors. Through these principles, the alliance demands a future that puts the health and wellbeing of all peoples and ecosystems first by building a more equitable, resilient, and sustainable society.
It was, and remains the hope of these organizations that the Prime Minister will remain committed to Build Back Better. Those who endorsed the principles for a Just Recovery continue to demand they see the six principles reflected in the actions taken by the federal government. Read more here
Be a Neighbourhood Climate Action Champion
The City of Toronto recently launched the Neighbourhood Climate Action Program, and they are seeking local neighbourhood leaders to join the program to help the City engage with community residents on environmental issues and inspire climate action.
The objective of this program is to empower neighbourhood residents to reduce the carbon footprint of their neighbourhood together by developing innovative local climate action projects while also supporting the diverse values and needs of their community. Participants will receive training through a series of webinars on climate change topics and will meet with City staff on a monthly basis to discuss their neighbourhood projects and receive feedback and support. Participants will also receive $500 to support their neighbourhood climate action projects.
Applications close mid-October, or until positions are filled. Click here to find the application form and more information, including program eligibility.
Toronto’s Atmospheric Fund Seeks New Board Members
This could be your chance to lend your expertise to a growing organization on the cutting-edge of climate solutions, as The Atmospheric Fund (TAF) is seeking two new members to join their Board of Directors.The Atmospheric Fund (TAF) invests in urban solutions to climate change and air pollution. For nearly 30 years TAF has been advancing innovative policies, technologies, financial tools and collaborations that will drive down carbon emissions.
TAF is governed by a 11-member Board of Directors – three City of Toronto Councillors and eight citizen members. The Board is responsible for overseeing the prudent investing of its endowment; approving grants; establishing committees that advise the Board; accountability under TAF’s Relationship Framework with the City, the Transfer Payment Agreement with the Province and Funding Agreement with FCM for the Canada endowment; and oversight of TAF’s strategic plan and business affairs.
For more info on the role, qualifications and how to apply click here. The deadline for applications is October 9.
The pandemic proves that we can slow consumption
The COVID-19 crisis helped drive down the world’s carbon footprint, but environmental recovery must go beyond returning to "normal," writes David Suzuki in NOW Read more here.
Community Hub Responses to COVID-19: Lessons for Creating More Equitable, Low-Carbon and Resilient Neighbourhoods
In a new blog series, climate campaigner Michael Polanyi is sharing stories and exploring some of the lessons that can be learned from community hubs about our city’s emergency response and how to build more resilient, low-carbon and equitable neighbourhoods. Check out the blog, which includes a spotlight on the Scarborough Cycles Hub at AccessPoint on Danforth. Read more here.
Environmental groups urge Toronto to turn city golf courses into parks, urban farms and housing
“The issue is around how public assets are used to support communities. Green spaces need to serve the public good and this is the perfect opportunity to target populations that are disproportionately disadvantaged at this moment,” says Melana Roberts, chair of Food Secure Canada and a member of the Toronto Food Policy Council. “(The courses) are in dense populations with low-income neighbourhoods that have inadequate access to parks. Build a city for the people who live here and not for the privileged few.” Read more here.
Pandemic brings Toronto’s legacy of environmental racism into the open
The gatekeepers of progress still question the readiness of racialized communities to find solutions to the inequities exposed by COVID, writes Shannon Honess of Progress Toronto. Read more here.
Parks, policing, and the pandemic
“With calls to stay home, the pandemic has brought the divide between those who use public space by choice, as opposed to by necessity, into stark relief.” writes Adri Stark. Read more here.
Zero Waste News and Events
Take the HallowGreen Challenge!
PlasticFreeToronto describes a way to reduce your waste this fall:
Fall is our favourite time of year, but it’s feeling a little spookier this year. We know:
- the worst impacts of climate change could be irreversible in the next 5-10 years
- more than 1 million species are at risk of extinction due to human activity
- climate change disproportionately impacts Indigenous, Black, impoverished, and otherwise oppressed communities
- leaders still aren’t taking climate actions seriously
One of the best ways to tackle the eco-friendly anxiety that is dogging all our footsteps this year is to take action! Which is why Plastic Free Toronto along with 50+ environmental organizations are taking part in Random Acts of Green's 5th HallowGreen Challenge. While we know individual action isn’t going to solve the systemic issues that got us into this mess, creating cultural change, building community, and having fun are still super important!
To participate, simply cross off as many tombstones as possible throughout October and tag @plasticfreeto and @randomactsofgreen. You can also send in a photo/video of yourselves doing one of the challenges. Together, the politico-zombies don’t stand a chance!
Ontario proposes mandating that municipalities allow coffee pods in organics bins
They’re not compostable, they jam equipment (costing taxpayers money) and they degrade the quality of compost produced. Learn more in this statement by Environmental Defence. The public comment period is open until November 14, 2020, however if you wait for the next posts to come out from Toronto Environmental Alliance and Environmental Defence, they’ll contain tips to add to your input, and potentially links to their petitions.
The City conducted tests on coffee pods in Toronto’s organics processing system in 2018 and the decision was made to not accept them. They are not a part of our circular economy or zero waste future. Watch a new video by the City of Toronto about compostables here.
Ontario’s proposed new blue box rules are coming soon!
The Ontario government is going to be releasing draft new blue box rules this Autumn for a public comment period. Learn more from Toronto Environmental Alliance
and Environmental Defence:
Find out about opportunities to have your say by subscribing to Toronto Environmental Alliance (TEA) and following @TOenviro on Twitter and Facebook
Toronto Public Health COVID-19 Guidance regarding second-hand items and food banks
Toronto Public Health released updated guidelines that include second-hand items. An excerpt:
Donation of Non-Food Items
- Fabrics (e.g. clothing/sheets/towels) should be isolated for a minimum of two days. If they cannot be isolated, they should be laundered on high heat settings (wash and dry).
- Household items that are nonporous, such as items made of plastic, porcelain, etc., should be cleaned and disinfected.
- Items that cannot be properly cleaned and disinfected should be isolated for seven days.
- Donors who are sick should avoid donating.
- Clients/customers should launder clothing after receipt/purchase.
More Zero Waste Events
For more zero waste related news and events taking place across Toronto check out Zero Waste Hub Toronto on Facebook and Twitter!
Urban Agriculture Events, News and Resources
What's Wrong With a Food Swamp?
You’ve heard of food deserts, but have you heard of food swamps? “Food swamp" is a popular term in the food movement referring to areas that have access to unhealthy food, but it echoes a 19th century settler-colonial perspective and implies that these areas are undesirable or need to be cleaned up. In his blog “Swamp Imaginaries,” The Stop summer student Chris Moure challenges the phrase and re-imagines the rich value of swamps.
City & Crumpets Podcast: Food Insecurity episode
Executive Director of FoodShareTO joins the pod to talk about food insecurity and poverty in Toronto
Active Transportation News and Resources
Bloor-Danforth Celebration Ride
Sunday, October 4, 11 a.m.
Meet at Bickford Centre at 10:45
Toronto cyclists experienced a huge win this summer with the completion of the Bloor-Danforth bike lanes; now it’s time to celebrate! Grab your party hats because Cycle Toronto University-Rosedale is organizing a physically distant bike party along the newly installed and connected bike lanes!
This is a decentralized event to get everyone cycling on the 15km of Bloor-Danforth lanes at the same time (just not in the same place). Costumes, streamers, noisemakers, decorations, are all encouraged! Gather your friends, family, and colleagues and come on out! Physically apart, but together in spirit, ride Bloor-Danforth!
ActiveTO Extended Through October
Good news! Weekend ActiveTO street closures have been extended through October.
The popular weekend closures have provided space for thousands of people to be physically active while ensuring physical distancing, and contributed to the overall well-being of residents. The routes run adjacent to some of Toronto’s busiest and most popular trails where people can walk, run, bike, and explore the outdoors. Click here for this weekend’s road closures, and to learn more.
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 in English; other language skills are also an asset.
● 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, possibly longer
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.
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.
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