By Sage Birchwater – It’s been a year now since Atlantic Power Corporation (APC) unveiled its plan to ask the Ministry of Environment for permission to burn millions of railway ties as feedstock for its Williams Lake biomass-fuelled energy plant. Provincial environmental regulators haven’t given their answer yet, but many people in Williams Lake are nervous. To understand the implications, the company is asking permission to burn up to a 50/50 mix of creosote-laden rail ties and untreated sawmill waste known as hog fuel. The Williams Lake Power Plant (WLPP) burns 450,000 tonnes annually, so potentially it…
Author: thegreengazette
By Oliver Berger – Well, it has been a crazy few years. Lots of fun activities packed with endless adventures. I am mostly happy with my latest endeavours in the waste management field and all the wonderful opportunities that have come along with it. I have met so many dedicated people and learned a lot of what happens behind the scenes. It has been very rewarding as well as surprising to hear some of the crazy stuff that most people do not witness. During one visit to a transfer station in the area, I got to talking with the…
By Shawn D. Lewis – Never has mountain biking (MTB) been under more duress than now. Industry, range, and other recreational users all vie for the same green space in and around our community. Throw in the realities of private property and urban sprawl, and mountain biking faces considerable hurdles when looking at the longevity of the sport. Thankfully, the City of Williams Lake, the Cariboo Regional District and the Province of British Columbia recognize the social and economic value of mountain biking, its trails and the infrastructure that support it, and have become willing partners with the Williams Lake…
By Jessica Kirby – Canadian Environment Week runs June 5 – 11 this year, and is a prime example of just how great days of awareness can be, because it does so many amazing things correctly: the festivities last an entire week, the majority of initiatives are municipally implemented, and the observance activities are fun, simple, and easily engage people. Delivering the message is accessible and just about everyone can both understand and appreciate it—talk about bringing us closer to making the most important and meaningful change we can in terms of our long-term happiness and survival. The federal…
The nostalgic Potato House is nestled the heart of downtown Williams Lake, past empty storefronts and bust-more-than-boom businesses these days. Tourists, travellers, historians, and eco-geeks alike travel past this beautiful British Columbian town by the RV load every day. In every direction travelling into Williams Lake, there are billboards advertising services and shops, but no attractions. The Potato House Society proposes following The City of Victoria’s lead with a charming billboard to encourage people towards our downtown with a destination stop at our historic Potato House. The Potato House billboard will attract the traveller looking for a personal experience and…
By Diane Dunaway – Kids of all ages love Scout Island Nature Centre’s observation honey bee hive. It’s a popular display that draws those who wish to see the lives of bees from behind the glass walls of this unique fixture. Volunteer carpenter and retired beekeeper Jürgen Hornburg crafted the five-frame hive from plans shared by the Kamloops BC Wildlife Park. Over the years he’s maintained the double glass cabinet with feedback from the bees and me. In fact, he’s made so many thoughtful alterations to better suit the inhabitants that it’s not uncommon for us to leave the bees…
Spring is the perfect time to start composting or ramp up production of nutrient rich soil in your existing compost pile. A healthy compost pile will be moist, and have a good balance of carbon to nitrogen and a regular supply of oxygen. If your compost isn’t breaking down, it’s because one or all of these things are missing. Compost piles should be layered with veggie/fruit waste and a carbon source like leaves. The material should be aerated regularly, every week ideally. This can be done with a shovel, but a soil turner is easier to use. If the compost…
By Jasmin Schellenberg – HEALTHY SNACKS Breakfast Bars Ingredients 1 1/4 cup almond flour (soaked, dehydrated nuts, ground to a flour) 1/4 teaspoon sea salt 1/4 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 cup coconut oil 1/4 cup maple syrup (organic, grade B) 1/8 cup filtered water * 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 cup shredded coconut 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries 2 1/4 cups any combination of pumpkin seeds, chopped almonds or walnuts, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, and flax seeds, soaked and dehydrated Method In a large bowl, combine almond flour, salt, and baking soda. Add coconut oil, maple…
I am the community health nurse working for the XeniGwet’in Band in the Nemiah Valley. I moved to the Nemiah Valley in April, 2013 to be the sole nurse for a population of approximately 230 band members in a community three hours from the closest medical center. The XeniGwet’in Band has been in the news recently for its successful win of title to the land on which they live. However, for all the strength and self-advocacy reflected in the news, there are battles fought on a daily basis; many of these battles never achieve victory. These stories are not represented…
By Jessica Kirby – The trouble with celebratory days of observance is they beg the question of how to react to world issues the other 364 days of the year. There are cynics in every crowd who assume days of observance are largely symbolic and promote armchair social activism, but is that the case? Are the time and effort behind these days really worth it? Earth Day falls on April 22, the anniversary of the birth of the modern environmental movement in 1970. It was a big year: war raged in Vietnam, students took to the streets to oppose it,…
By Jasmin Schellenberg – HEALTHY SNACKS AND WHY – Sriracha Hummus Flavourful, loaded with micronutrients and with just the right hint of spice. Fantastic served with fresh vegetables. Great snack. Ingredients 2 cups dry chickpeas ¼ teaspoon baking soda 4 cloves garlic, smashed 2½ teaspoons finely ground sea salt 1 teaspoon smoked paprika ¼ cup roasted sesame tahini ¾ cup sriracha (or chili sauce) ½ cup extra virgin olive oil ¼ cup water Method Pour the chickpeas into a bowl, cover with warm water by two inches, and then stir in the baking soda. Let the chickpeas soak,…
By B. Blake Levitt – Few people realize that the concept of the ‘smart’ grid and its accompanying ‘smart’ meters – which create two-way communications between utilities and customers for billing, new time-of-use rate pricing tiers, and other utility-friendly goals under the guise of green – rely on the unfettered use of nonionizing radiofrequency (RF) radiation throughout our homes, businesses, and neighbourhoods. In this new “mesh” network, everything and everyone is connected, whether we want it or not. This will, in time, include all appliances – washing machines, dryers, air conditioners, refrigerators, freezers, computers, furnaces, etc. – which will…
By Kristin Lehar – I have recently come to Williams Lake not knowing what to expect from the community and not really intending to get involved in anyway. Coming here to live was initially a temporary plan that would allow me to save some money and finish my studies in holistic nutrition. Upon getting a job that allows for interaction with all kinds of lovely people everyday, I began to get a feel for the diverse communities of interests and after a while felt the urge to become a part of the ones that resonate with me and contribute to…
By Molly Payne – Women across North America are getting their hands dirty in the unpredictable and often unprofitable industry of sustainable agriculture. What is driving these shifts, and what does it mean for the future of organic farming? Six years ago, I would have never guessed I would find myself falling in love with the feeling of my hands in the soil. I never thought watching seeds sprout from the earth would feel so gratifying to me, and that I would prefer to eat a dirt covered carrot fresh from the ground than a KitKat. My idea of a…
Invasive plants are non-native plants that have been introduced to BC and have detrimental economic, environmental, and health effects on local humans, livestock, and wildlife. Also known as noxious weeds or alien species, they are far more aggressive than other common garden or lawn weeds. Economic impacts of invasive plants include reduced forage quality and quantity for cattle ranchers, as many invasive plants are unpalatable to livestock. Invasive plants are the second largest threat to biodiversity in the world, due to their ability to out-compete native plants; this threatens habitat for wildlife as native plants are displaced. New invasive plants…
By Adam McLeod, ND, BSc – Recently there have been a surge in patients seeking alternative cures for cancer after watching the popular series, “The Truth About Cancer.” This series does an excellent job of raising awareness about various natural therapies but it does patients a great disservice by discouraging patients from using conventional therapies. This documentary has given patients a biased view point and as a consequence they feel polarized in their opinion against conventional care. The problem is that the best treatment plan involves integrating these two worlds together. Both conventional therapies and natural therapies have a lot…
By Ron Young – Yogi Berra said it best, “If you don’t know where you are going you will wind up somewhere else.” If you are considering a solar energy system for your off grid home, ranch, or seasonal residence here are a few pointers to help you through the decision making process. Solar Availability To determine what the solar availability is at your location there are a few things to consider. First of all you need a good south-facing view of the sun through the hours of 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. at a very minimum. Solar radiation…
By Erin Hitchcock – People around the world will voice their support for organic, toxin-free food during the annual March Against Monsanto, Saturday, May 21. Williams Lake will be no exception, as plans are underway for a March for Food Justice to coincide with events happening across the globe. It takes place at noon that day at 327 Oliver. St., (Cariboo Growers has graciously welcomed the second annual march to begin and end from its parking lot again this year). The Williams Lake Food Policy Council and its partners have been doing tremendous work promoting and supporting local food and…
By David Suzuki – Many environmental campaigns over the past 50 years have aimed at getting people to care for imperilled species in wild, far-off places. The focus in Canada has often been on large, photogenic, culturally important animals, with bonus points for campaigns that include alliteration, bumper sticker-friendly slogans, and plush toys. This has been a sensible and often successful strategy. Over the past few years smaller, charismatic critters closer to home have buzzed into the spotlight: bees. About a decade ago, beekeepers in Europe and North America started noticing serious declines in honeybee populations. Bees have lost much…