---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Energy from Biomass & Waste International Symposium (Venice)
Date: Nov 17-20, 2008
Location:  Venice, Italy
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VENICE 2008 - Second International Symposium on Energy from Biomass and Waste

The production of energy from alternative sources represents one of the main strategic tools implicated in the sustainable development of our society.

Accordingly, numerous types of biomass and wastes contribute towards the production of energy by means of biological, chemical and thermal processes. Further to meeting the need for alternative sources of energy, in modern integrated waste management scenarios the waste-to-energy process allows the cycle to be closed. Existing biomass and waste to energy technologies are currently undergoing rapid development: processes are being optimised and new ideas for technical application proposed. Despite the growing interest in the use of these technologies, in many countries their implementation remains limited, chiefly due to reasons other than those of a technical and economical nature (i.e. scarce public acceptance, negative past experiences, insufficient knowledge, to mention but a few).

The aim of the Venice 2008 Symposium is to focus on the advances made in the application of technologies for energy recovery from biomass and waste and to encourage discussion on relevant aspects such as:

- reliability of processes and technologies,
- full scale applicability of new processes,
- technical and economical optimization,
- improvement of energy balance,
- environmental impact and potential health effects,
- information and education,
- selection of the appropriate process for the specific situation,
- adaptation of technologies to different geographical and cultural situations.

http://www.venicesymposium.it/


-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Managing Without Growth: Slower by Design, Not Disaster
Date: Nov 18, 2008 (5-7pm)
Location: The Boiler House, Distillery District, 55 Mill St, Toronto, ON
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please join Toronto Mayor David Miller, David Suzuki
and Karen Kraft Sloan for the Canadian launch of
Peter Victor's new book,

Managing without Growth:
Slower by Design, Not Disaster

More info:
http://www.managingwithoutgrowth.com/
http://www.pvictor.com/


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Greening Our Cities: An Evening with David Suzuki
Date: Nov 20, 2008 (7pm)
Location: John Bassett Theatre, MTC North Building, Toronto, ON
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
David Suzuki public lecture
David Suzuki will speak about the importance of trees in Greening Our Cities in a public lecture presented by the Toronto chapter of LO. The event begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $50 each and members can purchase them on line at www.locc.ca. The public can purchase tickets at www.landscapeontario.com. Proceeds from this event will go to the Sick Kids Foundation and the Toronto Botanical Garden. Limited tickets are available from shop TBG, please call 416-397-1357 for info.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Green Building 101
Date: Nov 20, 2008 (6-8pm)
Location: Sustainable Building Centre, 1575 Johnston St. Granville Island, BC
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In response to overwhelming interest, we offer a two-hour, non-technical “Green Building 101” for homeowners interested in learning how to “green” their home!

Participants will gain a general understanding of green design ideas, issues and processes, develop a set of personal green goals for their home, and leave with a practical resource workbook. Confused about where to start, who to talk to and what questions to ask? Then this course is for you!

Key concepts:
"Green" Design and construction practices significantly reduce or eliminate the negative impact of buildings on the environment and occupants in five broad areas;

* Site planning
* Water and water efficiency
* Energy efficiency and renewable energy
* Conservation of materials and resources
* Indoor environmental air quality

...using a systems approach and an integrated design process

Register: http://101forhomesnov20.eventbrite.com/
sustainablebuildingcentre.com

Cost: $26 (including course workbook)

Please note: There is no refund for cancellations within 48 hours; however, you can transfer your registration to another date for an administration fee of $15.


-------------------------------------------------
Great Lakes CSA Conference 2008
Date: Nov 21-23, 2008
Location: Orilla, ON
-------------------------------------------------
The Community Shared Agriculture Conference endeavors to generate support for small community-based farm operations.

The conference will bring together CSA farmers and members, prospective CSA farmers and small-farm supporters. Over 150 people are expected to attend this bilingual event.

Workshops and presentations will focus on practical techniques, tools and resources specific to organics and CSA farming. Topics include production, marketing and financial aspects of running a CSA operation.

Unique to the 2008 conference, a CSA mini-school will be offered to novice farmers or existing farm operators interested in switching to a CSA program.

Mark the dates on your calendar and plan to attend!

http://www.csaconference2008.ca/


----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Socially Conscious Consumerism - Knowledge Forum
Date: Nov 21, 2008
Location: Toronto, ON
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dialogue with other managers and researchers about one of the most pressing sustainability issues facing business today: How do consumers take social and environmental attributes into account when making purchase decisions?

The Research Network for Business Sustainability, in partnership with the Richard Ivey School of Business, will bring together more than 65 professionals from academia, industry, government and non-governmental organizations in an environment for interactive learning and networking.

This event, held at the Ivey ING Leadership Centre, will include facilitated dialogue workshops in which participants will learn from each others' experiences. Four speakers will present their expertise between the dialogue workshops

http://www.ivey.ca/bsv/consumers


---------------------------------------------------
Change the Story, Change the Future
Date:  Nov 23, 2008
Location: Tatamagouche Centre, NS
----------------------------------------------------
Based on David Korten's work, "The Great Turning: From Empire to Earth Community", join Bill Scarvie for a day program exploring the stories that we humans live and are defined by. The premise is that these stories have largely been under the control of institutions that are organized by the dominator principles of Empire, encouraging consumption and exploitation of precious resources.

This workshop will review these stories and principles, and present an alternative - the "great turning" toward the partnership principles of Earth Community. Participants will learn to recognize stories of Empire, and to craft alternative stories of Earth Community, to change the world.

Cost: $75 includes tuition, lunch, snacks

Participants are encouraged to read the book, or visit:
www.yesmagazine.org/greatturning/


-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Education for Sustainable Development Conference
Date: Nov 26-28, 2008
Location: Winnipeg, MB
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Choose the Future is a conference for everyone who understands that education is required to sustain our future. Be a part of this unique forum on the actions and connections between achieving economic goals, just social systems, and a healthy environment.

Designed for educators who wish to embed the principles and practices of sustainable development in their teaching and program planning, this conference also applies to leaders of business, NGO’s and government who wish to engage their employees and stakeholders in sustainable practices and operations.

With industry leading speakers highlighting a range of sustainable development topics, the conference also showcases the Manitoba Sustainable Development Round Table 2008 Manitoba Excellence in Sustainability Awards. These awards, developed by the Manitoba Round Table for Sustainable Development, recognize and honour people, projects, and ideas that successfully turn the principles and guidelines of sustainable development into concrete, lasting achievements.

This conference is a project of the Manitoba Education for Sustainable Development Working Group (MESDWG), which brings together stakeholders from the formal, non-formal, and informal education sectors in an effort to further develop, communicate and promote ESD in Manitoba.

www.mesdwg.ca


-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Urban Farming
Date: Nov 29, 2008 (2-4pm)
Location: Sustainable Building Centre, 1575 Johnston St. Granville Island, BC
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ward was raised on a large farm in Saskatchewan. He has a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, with a major in Horticulture. He has been a professional Agrologist since 1989, and has over 20 years experience in agriculture and horticulture. He is the owner/operator of City Farm Boy, an organization committed to promoting urban agriculture, farming & gardening as a viable and environmentally positive way to enhance landscapes and lifestyles. City Farm Boy also grows food for the local farmers markets on 14 private backyard gardens, including a large 65 raised bed rooftop garden in downtown Vancouver.

PLEASE RSVP @ sustainablebuildingcentre.com
This is a free event but a donation of $2-$5 is suggested.

http://www.cityfarmboy.com/


----------------------------------------------------------
Canadian Renewable Fuels Summit 2008
Date: Dec 1-3, 2008
Location: Gatineau, Quebec
----------------------------------------------------------
The 5th Annual Canadian Renewable Fuels Summit will be held at the Hilton Lac-Leamy Hotel in Gatineau, Quebec from December 1-3, 2008. This beautiful hotel and casino is situated across the Ottawa River from Canada's Parliament Buildings. The theme for this event is Growing Beyond Oil.

http://www.crfs2008.com/

Contact: Deborah Elson greenfuels.org

We usually think of cork as something we attach to our walls and stick memos to, or pull from a wine bottle, but cork has been used in flooring in Europe for over 300 years. At first glance, it seems that cork would be easily damaged because of its softness, but cork is tougher then you think. It is a strong and resilient product made of millions of honeycomb cells that hold air pockets, and therefore lends itself to be a quality floor product.

Cork comes from the bark of a cork tree, and when carefully harvested will not kill the tree, thus making this product a good eco-choice for home or commercial use. The cork tree itself has a lifespan of over 200 years, and if only 50 percent of the bark is peeled away, the tree can be harvested once every nine years. Cork has been a renewable material for thousands of years. A tree called the “Whistler Tree” (because of the songbirds that dwell in its branches), found in the Alentejo region of Portugal, is said to yield over a ton of cork per harvest and has been used since 1783! It is the oldest cork tree in the world.

I remember the panic-stricken call of a lady who had just installed a cork floor in her kitchen only to have the movers drop her stove on it! The stove made deep marks in the floor, which she thought was ruined for good. Then, just like magic a few hours later, the cork healed itself by springing back to its full beauty! She and the relieved movers came to believe that cork is indeed tough and can withstand almost anything.

What other benefits can cork bring? If you are on a second floor or doing an addition to an attic, cork is an excellent choice, as it reduces noise. Cork absorbs sound, unlike wood, which echoes sound, making it even louder. If you have foot traffic above you, cork will muffle the sound quite a bit.

Dislike cleaning or have little time to do so? Again cork is your friend, as cleaning is as easy as a vinegar spray bottle and a dust mop. Cork repels dust mites and mold. It is anti-static and fire retardant. It also can regulate the temperature of a room and keep it cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

Cork comes in a multitude of incredible designs and a wide range of colors. White cork looks like finely polished marble without the upkeep or slippery surfaces. There are also a variety of installations, including rolls, tiles, and click systems, which do not require any glue, making cork very safe for sensitive individuals. If the company uses a top finish, find out if it is tough and safe.

Cork can fade in the sun if not treated or protected properly, but also does better in dry locations than moist ones. Opt for a kitchen installation rather than a bathroom.

Most building supply stores have cork as a flooring option. Make sure you shop around, though. Cheap cork will not last as long as the thicker, higher-quality brand. And ask about the warranty before you buy; good-quality cork will have a 25-year warranty.

In your search for reliable, comfortable flooring, give cork serious consideration. It will be kind to your feet and legs, and stand up to pets and kids. Cork can go in almost any interior design, and its beauty will make you happy for many years to come! 

http://www.futuregreen.net/product.php?productid=80&cat=22&page=1

Mrs. Sim has been living an eco-conscience lifestyle for over 20 years. She is the founder of “Future Green,” one of the first stores in the country solely devoted to offering a complete line of sustainable products, including Fair Trade products, organic, recycled, and non-toxic building supplies. For more information, see Futuregreen.net.

I have entered 2 videos in the invent the future contest. Here: www.inventthefuture.ca

If some of you would spare a couple of minutes to register and vote, that would be so SO awesome of you guys.

I know I'm new here, but I plan on making some really super friends on this forum, I hope we can start soon, I've been reading and you guys sound awesome!

I wrote out step by step instructions.

1. Go to http://www.inventthefuture.ca/register.php
2. Register to Vote
3. Go to http://www.inventthefuture.ca/video54.php and vote for this video, it's called "Grow Your Own Food!"
4. Go to http://www.inventthefuture.ca/video35.php and vote for this video, it's called "Water Deferral System"
5. Come back here and tell me you voted and receive my undying love! <3.

Water Deferral System is currently in 3rd place... I really want to bump it up to 2nd or even 1st. That would be SO amazing.

Also, just so you guys know... Registering to vote puts you in a draw to win and iPod Nano.

THANKS AGAIN! <3.