The JP Broadcast Group (Jim Pattison) with the help of the David Suzuki Foundation is launching its first-ever green programming initiative across all 28 of it's radio stations throughout British Columbia and Alberta.

The Suzuki Report, a key element of the green radio initiative will be heard in Kelowna on B-103 FM and Power 104.

Starting this fall, British Columbians and Albertans will be more aware of environmental issues by listening to the Report from Monday to Friday.

The radio stations will air long and short form structured programs with announcer dialogue and community service initiatives. The green programming will make listeners aware of recycling drives, environmental fundraisers and green events that will receive exposure on the respective station websites as well.

 

According to Environment Canada, transportation is the single largest contributor of carbon dioxide emissions - accounting for 30% of the total. One of the reasons for this fueling involves "food miles" which is the distance food travels from the field to your home.

What can the average person do to reduce these emissions? Here are a few suggestions from Jill Rhynard, a co-ordinator of health promotion at the Interior Health of the Okanagan health delivery area:

• buy local produce and support the local agriculture
• visit local u-pick farms and the farmer's market
• ask for and get local products at grocery stores
• grow your own fruit and vegetables, cook with a friend
  
• join a local community garden and/or support them
• grow tomatoes and herbs in your kitchen
• replace meat with vegetable protein sources (meat products use more resources)
• try veggie burgers and tofu instead of meat products
  
• avoid plastic bags and use cloth grocery bags
• buy products that have less packaging
• plan your trips to the grocery store with other errands

When you buy local and support the local community initiatives you not only reduce CO2 emissions, you also strengthen your ties with the community.

Source: Article by Jill Rhynard titled "Support your local farmer"

Cherry Hill Coffee, based out of Kelowna is turning a deeper shade of green.

Cherry Hill is offering certified fair-trade (allows the growers to compete globally by offering better trading conditions), organic coffee (which is grown without using pesticides and chemicals). They have 3 delicious organic blends available for the holidays - Jack Frost, Gingerbread and Christmas Blend.

Cherry Hill also introduced a take-out coffee cup made from sustainable materials. The Ecotainer is made from a bio-plastic that is created from corn. These cups are 100% compostable and can decompose into water, organic matter and carbon dioxide.

Finally, they have partnered with a local compost and recycling company to establish a waste management program that takes care of the pickup of your compost. Every week, coffee grounds, ecotainer cups and other organic material can be picked up and converted into nutritious topsoil for local farms.

Source: Article by Natalia Hahn titled "Heard of Green Tea? How about Green Coffee?"

In Part 2 of Greener Clothing, we look at alternative fabrics; some of which requires balancing price with environmental friendliness. The greenest solution though is buying used clothing as it avoids filling up the landfill and requires no new raw materials.

Part 2:

• Organic Cotton - growers don't use pesticides and fertilizers and many stores carry organic clothing. Even name brands like Levi's offers organic options like it's 'eco' jeans.
• Organic Wool - producers don't expose their sheep to hormones or pesticides and only use sustainable grazing practices
• Bamboo - grows really quickly and requires little to no pesticides. Some are certified chemical-free.
• Soy - manufactured from a mixture of left-overs from tofu production and organic compunds so new crops are grown
• Recycled Plastic - plastic bottles are turned into polyester which is then used in clothing
• Hemp - eco-friendly crop that requires little to no pesticides and hemp clothing very durable

Going organic can cost the producers a lot more money and they pass on the costs to the consumers by having more expensive price tags.

Also, a few Bamboo producers in China, with the growing demand for bamboo, have started using more chemicals.

• Other Alternatives - buy less of the new stuff and try out the used and vintage clothing shops. Swapping clothes with friends and relatives is another option and can be lots of fun.

Source: Article by Edward M. Eveld titled "Commit to 'greener' clothing"

Making the switch to eco-friendly clothing may not be easy, considering the lower prices of apparel that may be harmful for the environment.

In Part 1 (of a 2 part series), we outline the environmental problems of producing clothing materials that we take for granted. (In Part 2, we will discuss alternative solutions).

Part 1:
The manufacturing process of conventional fabrics doesn't take into account the harmful effects on the environment.

• Cotton - uses lots and lots of pesticides and fertilizers rich in nitrogen. One cotton t-shirt can use 1/3 of a pound of chemicals
• Synthetics - petroleum-based chemicals are used and a tonne of energy is wasted to produce them
• Wool - livestock may be dipped in pesticides, given hormones and anti-biotics. To clean the wool, harsh detergents may be used
• Rayon - manufacturing process uses lots of water and chemicals and wood pulp is wasted. A product called Tencel is better for the environment
• Dyes - used on garments but contain chemicals and metals that may end up in wastewater

Source: Article by Edward M. Eveld titled "Commit to 'greener' clothing"

The Okanagan Chapter of the British Columbia Sustainable Energy Association (BCSEA), CASCADIA Green Building Council, Okanagan Greens Society and Okanagan Environmental Industry Alliance (OEIA) is putting on an Event called "How Green is your Vote?"

When: Saturday October 25th 2008, 2 - 4 PM
Where: Okanagan College, Room S104 (The Lecture Theatre)

If you are concerned about the future and the rate of development in the City of Kelowna, come to the event to hear from Kelowna City Mayoral and Council candidates about the following topics:

• sustainable development
• transportation
• food supply issues

Ken Salvail of Ken's Horticultural Services, who co-hosts the Saturday morning AM 1150 Garden Show has planned a seminar on sustainable landscaping on Saturday October 18th in Lake Country.

Ken will show attendees how to choose drought tolerant plants which are suitable for the Okanagan and how to conserve water and be efficient when you do water them. Ken advises to avoid overhead sprinkers and use drip and soaker hoses to minimize evaporation of the water. Plants can want frequent waterings but you should water heavily when you do, and less often. Even pruning which can pollute the environment (when using energy) can be avoided if plants are planted in the right places.

According to Ken, homeowners and developers need to choose the right landscaping for their current location.

The City of Kelowna has called upon Salvail for his advice on water conservation and residential landscaping while reviewing its water use policies.

To register for the 3 hour seminar, call 1-250-766-3733.

Source: Article by Judie Steeves titled "Learn about sustainable landscaping"