Upcoming Green Events in Toronto: February 9 - February 15, 2009

February 8th, 2009 | posted by helen

Events

These events are all happening in Toronto and the GTA in the next week.

For more information, follow the links, or find more detail and event descriptions on the Full Calendar. We always recommend you contact the organization to ensure that an event is still scheduled before attending.

See the Full Calendar for more info or to have your event listed.

Mon Feb 9, 2009

8am

Symposium on Sustainable Energy Technology in Germany and Canada

250 Yonge Street, 35th Floor, Toronto ON (Ontario Investment and Trade Centre)

(map)

Protecting the environment means much more than ensuring clean air and pure water. It is a way of life and a way of thinking. The State of Baden-Württemberg, which lies in the south-west of Germany and has a population of almost 11 million, is a successful economic region and home to international companies such as DaimlerChrysler, Bosch and SAP, as well as numerous SMEs. Baden-Württemberg’s long tradition of inventiveness and engineering expertise has led to an energy productivity level that is 33% higher than Germany as a whole. Baden-Württemberg is a leading European region in terms of innovation and is devoting considerable resources to the research and testing of efficient technologies such as fuel cells technology and renewable energies. Efficient building technologies are used in specific projects with various countries to raise awareness of such technologies. This technology transfer is key for promoting sustainable development in emerging economic regions of the world. This symposium will provide a forum for Canadian and German companies, developers, architects, engineers and designers to share expertise and discuss experiences with their transatlantic counterparts.

For more information: http://www.ontario-sea.org/= http://www.ontario-sea.org/Storage/28/1984_Symposium_Invitation_Toronto_Feb9.pdf

6:30pm

Oshawa: Going Green Workshop at Durham College

Durham College, Oshawa Campus

(map)

More and more people are interested in going green but are puzzled by where to start. You will learn how to go green using a process of understanding your pollution and how to reduce it in a way that focuses on the high-impact areas first. Topics covered include: -Environmental Overview - we need to understand the problem before the solutions will make sense -Measuring your Impact (pre-work required, see below) - we need to measure our current ecological impact on the environment to understand where to focus -Solutions for Going Green - this will result in better health, a better environment, and in many cases save you money too The following pre-work will take approximately 30 minutes with several calls to utilities and the use of a website. While this pre-work is not mandatory, it is highly recommended to understand how much you can reduce your effects on climate change. -Determine annual electricity usage in Kilowatt Hours (kWh) -Determine annual home heating fuel usage. For Natural Gas or Propane, in cubic meters (m3), for Heating Oil, in liters -For each vehicle, determine annual kilometers traveled and the “Fuel Consumption for L/100km, City and Highway” using the following website from Natural Resources Canada: http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/

For more information:

http://www.carbondiet.ca/

7:30pm

Community Meeting: Proposed development at 15-27 Beverley Street

100 Queen St W, Toronto ON (City Hall, Committee Room 2)

(map)

Please join Councillor Vaughan for a community meeting about the proposed Development at 15-27 Beverley Street Councillor Vaughan would like to hear your feedback about the proposed redevelopment of this site with the construction of a residential condominium building. RSVP For more information: 416-392-4044councillor_vaughan@toronto.ca

Tue Feb 10, 2009

Knee-High Naturalists Tuesday Club Program (Afternoon Session)

430 Parkside Drive, Toronto ON (Nature Centre)

(map)

Strap on a pair of snowshoes and follow a flock of chickadees with a handful of sunflower seeds! Become a track detective and discover tales in the snow. Catch snowflakes, celebrate winter, make nature crafts and meet new friends! Younger siblings are welcome*. Strollers are not easy to use on the trails, so please bring an alternative. Please be sure to specify which session (morning or afternoon) you would like to enroll in. Ages: 3-5 years with a parent or guardian Cost: $50.00 / child For more information: diana@highpark.org 416-392-1748 ext 6

10am

Knee-High Naturalists Tuesday Club Program (Morning Session)

430 Parkside Drive, Toronto ON (Nature Centre)

(map)

6:30pm

Discussion: The Truth about Nuclear Power in Ontario

33 Cecil St., Toronto ON (Greenpeace Toronto Office)

(map)

Please join Greenpeace Energy and Climate Campaigner Shawn Patrick Stensil in Toronto for an evening of discussion. Shawn-Patrick Stensil, Greenpeace Nuclear Energy campaigner will provide the facts about Nuclear Energy in Ontario. His enthusiastic approach will provide you with the truths about Ontario’s energy and where our energy is headed. This is a great opportunity to enhance your nuclear knowledge, ask questions and help us replace the Pickering nuclear station with green power. We will also need help with future events including web based activities to promote and raise awareness of green energy. We all have the power to change. Learn more and speak out! For more information: RSVP Angela at angela.woodcock+at+greenpeace+dot+org

Wed Feb 11, 2009

3pm	Dufferin Grove Organic Farmers’ Market 873 Dufferin St, Toronto (in Dufferin Grove Park) (map) Outdoors around the rinkhouse in summer; in and around the rinkhouse in winter. For more information: http://www.dufferinpark.ca/market/wiki/wiki.php
7pm	Free screening of The 11th Hour Kings College Circle, Toronto ON (Medical Sciences building, room 2172, U of T) (map) This is best introduction to the issue, and also very inspiring, providing a much-needed message of hope in the face of catastrophic events. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio. There will be a brief slideshow afterwards on local and national climate change issues, and how you can get involved in the various groups working on these issues -- including Toronto Climate Campaign, Greenpeace Canada, Students Against Climate Change, etc. For more information: http://studentsagainstclimatechange.blogspot.com/ http://wip.warnerbros.com/11thhour/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/
7pm	Grafton Community Gardening Night Roncesvalles and Queen, Toronto (Grafton Community Garden) (map) Join the West End Flower Fairies, residents and business owners to help green the community! Participants will be out every Wednesday, Rain or Shine.
7pm	Poznan Postmortem & Copenhagen Countdown 25 Cecil St., Toronto ON (Steel Hall) (map) Speakers Chair: Afsan Chowdhury Human Rights activist and journalist from Bangladesh, Research Associate at the York Centre for Asian Research, YU and Oak Fellow on Human Rights at Colby College, Maine USA. Dave Martin Climate & Energy Coordinator, Greenpeace Canada Joy Kennedy Ecological Justice Program Coordinator, United Church of Canada Lauryn Drainie Media Coordinator, Canadian Youth Delegation to Poznan (Project of Canadian Youth Climate Coalition (CYCC)) Gerry LeBlanc Program Coordinator, Injured Workers Program, Steelworkers Area Council, Toronto For more information: (647) 230-3257http://www.torontoclimatecampaign.org/poznanpostmortem

Thu Feb 12, 2009

3pm

Dufferin Grove Organic Farmers' Market

South of Bloor on the east side of Dufferin, in Dufferin Grove Park

(map)

A year-round farmers' market every Thursday afternoon from 3 to 7 pm. Outdoors in the beauty of the park in summer, on the skating rink pad in fall, and inside the rink buildings throughout the winter. Local farmers and city-based food producers bring a great variety of organic foods. A special feature of the market is wood-fired oven breads baked right in the park. For more information contact: Phone: 416-392-0913

7pm

Designing Natural Swimming Ponds

Toronto Botanical Garden

(map)

Special Lecture: Designing Natural Swimming Ponds [PG09W02] David Warburton and Jean-Marc Daigle Natural swimming ponds are chemical-free alternatives to in-ground pools and have become very popular in Europe and the United Kingdom. In fact, in France, natural ponds now outnumber conventional swimming pools. Instead of chlorine, these ponds use the natural filtering properties of plants and rocks to keep the water clear and clean. David and Jean-Marc have created a number of these ponds — some smaller and one, a 10,000 square foot piece of paradise. But none are ordinary ponds — with boulder strewn banks, gravel bottoms, depths fed by sparkling brooks that cascade over waterfalls into pools of water lilies and cattails. Join David and Jean-Marc as they show you examples of the swimming ponds they have created and be sure to bring your questions as the latter part of the evening is devoted to a question and answer session where you can receive expert personal advice for your home garden. Please register early as seating is limited. Cost: Members $30 / Public $35 For more information: http://www.torontobotanicalgarden.ca/programs/swimmingpond.htm

Fri Feb 13, 2009

9:30am

Family Day at the Toronto Zoo

361A Old Finch Avenue, Toronto (Toronto Zoo)

(map)

Toronto Zoo LOVES families - so we are providing 50% admission to everyone all weekend (Friday February 13th to Monday February 16th inclusive). What better place to spend Ontario Family Day? Bring the gang out to the Zoo for a great discount, some wild fun and learn about Zoo conservation. Check out the family trees at many of our indoor pavilion exhibits, and learn fun family facts about your favourite Zoo families! Cost: 50% off For more information: http://www.torontozoo.com/SpecialEvents/

Sat Feb 14, 2009

9:30am	Family Day at the Toronto Zoo 361A Old Finch Avenue, Toronto (Toronto Zoo) (map) Toronto Zoo LOVES families - so we are providing 50% admission to everyone all weekend (Friday February 13th to Monday February 16th inclusive). What better place to spend Ontario Family Day? Bring the gang out to the Zoo for a great discount, some wild fun and learn about Zoo conservation. Check out the family trees at many of our indoor pavilion exhibits, and learn fun family facts about your favourite Zoo families! Cost: 50% off For more information: http://www.torontozoo.com/SpecialEvents/
5am	St. Lawrence North Farmers’ Market 92 Front Street East, Toronto (at Jarvis) (map) For more information: http://www.stlawrencemarket.com/
8:30am	The Village Organic Farmers’ Market at Toronto Waldorf School 9100 Bathurst St, Toronto (map) For more information: http://www.villagemarket.ca/
9:30am	How to Start a Community Garden 5 Replen Road, Toronto ON (Lawrence Heights Community Centre) (map) Learn how to start a community garden workshop in 2-day workshop from the Toronto Community Food Animators Lunch is provided, please register in advance For more information: 416-652-7867 ext. 236amanda@thestop.org
9:30am	Saturday Morning Naturalist Club for Kids 430 Parkside Drive, Toronto ON (Nature Centre) (map) Have you ever wondered why chickadees sing their own name or how many different kinds of snowflakes there are? Join the “High Park Saturday Morning Naturalist Club for Kids” and learn the answers to these questions and many more. Play ecological games, make nature crafts to take home and meet lots of new friends! Ages: 6-8 years Dates: January 17, 31, February 14, 28, March 14, 28, 2009. Time: 9:30am - 12:00pm Cost: $60.00 / child (covers cost of all 6 sessions) For more information: diana@highpark.org Phone: 416-392-1748 ext 6
10am	Winter Snowshoe Ecotour at Wye Marsh 16160 Hwy 12 East, Midland (Wye Marsh) (map) Enjoy a 3 hour, 3-4 km snowshoe trek into the woods of Wye Marsh. Learn about animal tracking, tree identification, hands-on winter survival & fire starting techniques, research updates & more. Learn how to navigate your way through the woods using a GPS and get the group back. Saturday’s & Sunday’s December to March (weather permitting). Cost: $50.00 per person. Pre-registration & payment required. For more information: 705-526-7809http://www.wyemarsh.com/
7pm	Green Valentine's Day Dinner and Dance 1389 Dundas St. W., Toronto ON (depARTment) (map) Vert Catering is a gourmet green caterer, specialising in local and organic food, waste and energy reduction and community involvement. We present a Valentine's Dinner and Dance at the innovative artist space the depARTment. 2% of ticket sales will be donated to The Stop Community Food Centre. Celebrate elegant and fun food along with a romantic evening of gastronomic pleasure Cost: $75 per person $25 per person for open bar For more information: Email Marilyn to reserve, or phone 416.535.2412--seating is limited, so book early!http://www.vertcatering.com/vertgastroclub.html

Sun Feb 15, 2009

9:30am	Family Day at the Toronto Zoo 361A Old Finch Avenue, Toronto (Toronto Zoo) (map) Toronto Zoo LOVES families - so we are providing 50% admission to everyone all weekend (Friday February 13th to Monday February 16th inclusive). What better place to spend Ontario Family Day? Bring the gang out to the Zoo for a great discount, some wild fun and learn about Zoo conservation. Check out the family trees at many of our indoor pavilion exhibits, and learn fun family facts about your favourite Zoo families! Cost: 50% off For more information: http://www.torontozoo.com/SpecialEvents/
10am	Stewardship Event - Richmond: Iona Beach Regional Park Iona Regional park (At the washroom building) (map) Removal of invasive Scotch Broom and restoration of sensitive dune habitats. For more information: Andrew Appleton andrew +at+ evergreen.ca
10am	Winter Snowshoe Ecotour at Wye Marsh 16160 Hwy 12 East, Midland (Wye Marsh) (map) Enjoy a 3 hour, 3-4 km snowshoe trek into the woods of Wye Marsh. Learn about animal tracking, tree identification, hands-on winter survival & fire starting techniques, research updates & more. Learn how to navigate your way through the woods using a GPS and get the group back. Saturday’s & Sunday’s December to March (weather permitting). Cost: $50.00 per person. Pre-registration & payment required. For more information: 705-526-7809http://www.wyemarsh.com/
10:30am	Animals and Insects - with High Park Volunteer Stewardship Program 430 Parkside Drive, Toronto ON (Howard Park Tennis Club) (map) The Social Lives of Plants (Part 2): How walking and crawling creatures affect plants and how plants influence animals and insects. Q&A follows the talk by four experts. For more information: vsp@highpark.org

On 17:01pm, February 13th, 2009 Mangal-aarti said:

Earth Alert - Earth day - raising environmental consciousness

In celebration of Earth Day - We invite all environmental enthusiasts to participate in a fun evening with Devamrita Swami who will share valuable insights to raise environmental consciousness. Check event details and RSVP at http://www.urbanedgeyoga.com/index.php?d=inSpirit2009&p=earthAlert or urbanedgeyoga@gmail.com.

Climate change is with us. A decade ago it was conjecture, now the future is unfolding before our eyes. Canada's Inuit see it in the disappearing Arctic ice, the shantytown dwellers of Latin America and Southern Asia see it in lethal storms and floods and Europeans see it in the disappearing glaciers, forest fires and fatal heat waves. These changes reveal that the world has not been as warm as it is now for more than a millennium.

Now, more than ever, Mother Earth needs us to tread as lightly on her as possible. But, how do we change the deeply embedded lifestyles and habits?

Let the eternal vedic wisdom reveal the timeless art of genuine sustainable living. Aided by the ancient technology of sacred sound, changing hearts becomes a tangible possibility. And with a sacred heart, comes sacred action - the clarion call of our times.

Our Speaker, Devamrita Swami, a traveling monk uses the ancient yoga knowledge of the east to present a practical alternative for the modern man. He is a Yale graduate, an author and researcher who has been instrumental in raising environment awareness around the world through his workshops.

So come along and mingle with like minded people in a quest to truly nurture Eco-desire.There will be the most delicious vegan feast awaiting you.

About the speaker : Devamrita Swami is a monk in the renounced order of life with profound spiritual practices that go back 35 years. He is an advisor on Spiritual Economics to the Russian chamber of commerce and the author of several books. This is his third annual tour of Toronto. In the past two years he has addressed over 1000 people on topics as diverse as yoga, vegetarianism, spiritual economics etc. Last year when visiting Toronto, he presented at York University, University of Toronto and several other yoga studios around downtown.