Earth Day | 2021

WINNIPEG FREE PRESS SUPPLEMENT | SATURDAY, APRIL 17, 2021

APRIL 22, 2021

View online at winnipegfreepress.com/ publications

For advertising information, call: 204-697-7573

Take charge for the environment & recycle your used batteries! Recycling batteries helps protect the environment by keeping potentially toxic materials out of landfills. Always recycle your batteries! April 22nd is EARTH DAY

Learn more & take charge! Visit call2recycle.ca to find a drop-off location near you.

EARTH DAY 2021

2 SATURDAY APRIL 17, 2021

Every day is Earth Day

Tree Planting Relay - EarthDay.ca

By Charlene Adam T he Earth is resilient,” said Pierre Lussier, the director of Earth Day Canada. Lussier is a staunch en- vironmentalist who cut his teeth on St. Lawrence Basin and Great Lakes sustain- ability initiatives. Lussier joined the non-profit organization Jour de Terre Canada (Earth Day Canada) in 1991. He wanted “to do something that mattered with his life,” he said. Knowing that Earth Day had a mission in which he believed, he signed on to the non-profit with the goal of making the planet a better place. Last year was Earth Day’s 50th anniversary. There were a lot of planned activities, and many of these had to change or be cancelled. But the organization was adamant it would embrace some activities. Lussier said, “You cannot cancel Earth Day — Earth Day is every day!” The non-profit was concerned that celebrations such as tree planting would cease to exist that year. Like many of us facing pandemic restrictions, Lussier made the best of it and “planted a tree in his back yard,” he said. Earth Day Canada then decided to approach the “

of silence. It’s like a real Earth Day,” he said. Lussier noted that the website will continue to unveil which cities are participating, but at the time of this interview, Winnipeg and East St. Paul are each doing an Earth Day event. So far, 18 Canadian cities have participated and more than 900 trees have been planted. East St. Paul will plant 50 trees on Earth Day. On the 21st, Winnipeg is slated for a clean-up event. Lussier said that organizers felt this was a good way to honour Earth Day. He was concerned about the number of masks Winnipeggers had found after the winter snow melted. “Masks are recyclable,” he said. But it is an expensive process, and each province deals with waste management and recycling differently. This year’s campaign highlights images of animals cleaning up the environment. Lussier felt it was a powerful message because animals cannot protect the environment — but we can. Cities are encouraged to participate in Earth Day even after April 22. And individuals can, too. Go to the Earth

anniversary creatively and follow this lead. It invited cities across Canada to celebrate the 50th anniversary by planting 50 trees in their communities as a form of tree planting relay. Lussier saw it as being “like a necklace of participation” across Canada. On the 22nd of every month, until 2022, municipalities can take part in this relay to honour Earth Day. Lussier encourages different types of trees to be chosen at these plantings. The need for tree diversity is a concept that many communities in Manitoba have

actions with which they are most comfortable. He explained, “You can’t attract bees with vinegar.” Lussier wants to promote a more sustainable planet but is happy to meet people where they are — rather than turn them off with a potentially negative message. “I would like one million people to help, but I’m happy with one hundred,” added Lussier. In response to the question of how to make a bigger impact in the hearts of Canadians, he said, “We make life better with events.” Without preaching or judging,

Pierre Lussier

learned to embrace. Experience has taught us that planting trees of a single species can foster a profuse spread of beetle or fungal issues. “Planting diversity of trees makes it like a forest,” Lussier said. His approach to encouraging Canadians to embrace environmental stewardship is refreshing. Lussier wants to inspire others to take the positive

he added that they want to help Canadians do the right thing. Events can inspire “like poetry,” he mused. COVID-19 has made a dent in the non-profit’s plans, but some good things have come out of it, too, he intimated. Lussier appreciated the sounds of the city more. Gone are the loud sounds of cars and planes. Replacing these “are the birds and a bit

Day Canada website for further information: www.earthday.ca

LUCKILY THE ANIMALS ARE HERE TO PICK UP AFTER US. TAKE CARE OF OUR PLANET.

EARTH DAY 2021

4 SATURDAY APRIL 17, 2021

NEW LIFE for old batteries

By Jennifer McFee A provincially approved program gives batteries a new life in a safe and sus- tainable way. Call2Recycle is a consumer battery collection and recycling program for Manitoba, as well as British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Quebec and Prince Edward Island. In addition, it operates as a registered producer responsibility organization in Ontario. The program accepts single-use and rechargeable household batteries weighing up to five kilograms for recycling. It also accepts eMobility batteries used to power eBikes, eScooters, eHoverboards and eSkateboards. “Since its inception in 1997, Call2Recycle has diverted 26 million kilograms of batteries from Canadian landfills and meets or exceeds the most rigorous recycling standards for safe battery recycling and management,” said Kristen Romilly, director for Western Canada. “Working on behalf of its stakeholders and with a network of more than 8,000 participating collection locations across Canada, Call2Recycle Canada continues its pursuit of ensuring responsible battery recycling is accessible for all.” In Manitoba, Call2Recycle accepts consumer household batteries, which includes both single-use and rechargeable batteries. “Single-use batteries include the kind that are found in your remote controls, kids’ toys and smaller batteries that are found in watches and hearing aids,” Romilly explained. “Rechargeable batteries include portable power packs and batteries that power home security systems and power tools.” Romilly outlines several reasons why batteries

“If certain types of batteries come into

contact with other metal objects that may be in your garbage or junk drawer, it can potentially lead to a spark and eventually a fire.”

- Kristen Romilly, Call2Recycle Director for Western Canada

EARTH DAY 2021

SATURDAY APRIL 17, 2021 5

should be recycled and never tossed in the garbage or regular recycling bin. By recycling batteries properly, you can help to preserve the environment and keep them out of landfills, reduce the risk of fire and contribute to the circular economy. “When old batteries are thrown in the garbage,” she said, “they end up in landfills where the components that are toxic can be harmful to our environment and wildlife.” When an old battery appears dead, it can still hold a residual charge, Romilly added. “If certain types of batteries come into contact with other metal objects that may be in your garbage or junk drawer, it can potentially lead to a spark and eventually a fire,” she said. “Safe battery recycling practices minimize the risk for a potential fire.” Adding to the benefits, recycled batteries can be processed and used to make other common goods like bicycles, golf clubs and stainless steel appliances. Romilly suggests protecting and storing old batteries at home until it’s safe to recycle them. “Once your batteries reach their end of life, don’t throw them out — tape the ends of them and keep them in a cool, dry place in a non-metal container,” she said. “Once you have a few collected, bring them to one of Call2Recycle’s drop-off locations.” Across Winnipeg, there are more than 200 public battery drop-off locations, including many

at retail partners such as Home Depot, Rona and Staples. For 88 per cent of Manitobans, they can find a drop-off location within 15 kilometres of their home. Last year, Canadians helped Call2Recycle collect a record number of batteries weighing in at 4.1 million kilograms. Contributing to these efforts, Manitobans recycled 98,000 kilograms of used batteries, with Winnipeg alone recycling 60,442 kilograms. “The results of a 2020 Ipsos study commissioned by Call2Recycle Canada reveal that Manitoba residents have taken significant steps forward over the past few years with their battery recycling behaviour,” Romilly noted. “Not only was there an increase in the proportion of batteries recycled and a decrease in the amount of batteries thrown away, but 77 per cent of Manitobans surveyed are aware that consumer household batteries can be recycled.” For Earth Day on April 22, Call2Recycle encourages Canadians to recycle old batteries and tag the organization on social media (@Call2RecycleCA for Twitter and @ Call2RecycleCanada for Facebook) using #Call2RecyclePledge. To find the nearest battery recycling drop-off location, visit www.call2recycle.ca/locator.

Recycled batteries can be processed and used to make other common goods like bicycles, golf clubs and stainless steel appliances.

HAPPY EARTH DAY 2021

Fighting for your right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment!

MALAYA MARCELINO MLA for Notre Dame 204-788-0800 malaya.marcelino@yourmanitoba.ca

JIM MALOWAY MLA for Elmwood 204-415-1122 jim.maloway@yourmanitoba.ca

NELLO ALTOMARE MLA for Transcona 204-594-2025 nello.altomare@yourmanitoba.ca

Niki Ashton , MP Churchill—Keewatinook Aski Niki.Ashton@parl.gc.ca 1-866-785-0522

Leah Gazan , MP Winnipeg Centre Leah.Gazan@parl.gc.ca 204-984-1675

Daniel Blaikie , MP Elmwood—Transcona Daniel.Blaikie@parl.gc.ca 204-984-2499

LISA NAYLOR MLA for Wolseley 204-792-2773 lisa.naylor@yourmanitoba.ca

MATT WIEBE MLA for Concordia 204-654-1857 matt.wiebe@yourmanitoba.ca

JAMIE MOSES MLA for St. Vital 204-219-5407 jamie.moses@yourmanitoba.ca

EARTH DAY 2021

SATURDAY APRIL 17, 2021 7

Manitoba farmers making huge strides in ‘greening’ the egg industry

A be Loewen, a Manitoba egg farm- er, is reducing the environmental footprint on his family’s farm near Arborg, Manitoba. The Loewens re- cently invested in solar panels to heat and cool the family’s home along with the entire 12,600 laying hen barn on their property. “We enjoy seeing how sunshine can produce energy for our farm,” said Abe. “The solar panels produce 90 per cent of the power required for the farm. The lights, the fans, feeding systems, water and pretty much everything else,” said Abe’s son Dylan Loewen, second generation egg farmer. “We

Regulated egg farmers like Abe Loewen are making huge strides in greening the egg industry. In fact, the environmental footprint of Canada’s egg production supply chain declined by almost 50 per cent between 1962 and 2012, while egg production increased by 50 per cent. In that timeframe, the Canadian egg industry used 81 per cent less land, 41 per cent less energy and 69 per cent less water. The industry produced 61 per cent fewer emissions that contribute to acid rain, 68 per cent fewer emissions of nitrogen and phosphorus and 72 per cent fewer greenhouse gas emissions. Laying hens themselves have been doing their part, as their feed efficiency or ability to convert feed into a source of protein is remarkable. On average, for every 1.7 kilogram of feed, a hen produces one kilogram of high- protein eggs.

are saving about $16,000 a year.” The Loewens’ investment has paid off in many ways; the system is working beautifully and is extremely low maintenance. The only requirement so far has been cleaning snow off the panels about half a dozen times throughout the winter. The Loewen family has proven to be early adopters as they were among the first egg farmers in the province to move away from conventional cages to new enriched housing. The enriched environment provides the birds with more space and enables them to express natural behaviours like perching, scratching and laying their eggs in private nesting areas.

The eggs available in Manitoba grocery stores are produced by local egg farmers like the Loewen family of Arborg, Manitoba. Locally produced Eggs

Regulated egg farmers meet high standards in food safety and hen care.

8 SATURDAY APRIL 17, 2021

EARTH DAY 2021

By Stewart Wilcox W hen the federal government launched the iZEV incentive program to purchase electric vehicles in 2019, I was looking for a new car. It was the perfect time to buy an electric vehicle. There are a few things I wish I had known before buying one. Here are a few things government, businesses, apartment buildings and buyers may want to consider: Plugs matter: The Canadian standard plug is 120V with a continuous current. Most parking lot plugs cycle on and off, and only have power in the winter. Many are even lower at 110V when powered. This will work for a standard gas vehicle block heater, but electric cars need a steady, reliable stream and will not charge in these “smart” plugs. Overnight charging is crucial: Few apartments have suitable year-round outdoor plugs. This severely limits electric vehicle owners’ options when choosing to rent. I chose my apartment because it was one of the few locations with suitable year-round plugs. Garages are useful: Garages can house the chargers well. But if you do not have a garage, you will need a cover for your charger to protect it from the elements. I made mine out of a sealed rubber tub. Lines and chargers must be maintained well: Even minor faults in the line can prevent charging. Lack of overnight charging may go unnoticed until the morning. It can affect your morning commute. Public chargers are useful but not all are well maintained: I could quickly tell which places had installed fast chargers once and then neglected them. At best, they never charged and, at worse, they were visibly broken and potentially dangerous. Electric car owners plan trips around charging stations: Weekend date nights can be dictated by whether there are nearby charging stations. IKEA, Fort Whyte Alive and Polo Park quickly became my favourites. Weather matters: Electric vehicles use more energy to heat them than to cool them. This makes winters — especially Manitoba winters — more challenging. Trips that usually take 10 per cent of your battery life in the summer can take up to 30 per cent, or more, in the winter. There were times when I had to choose between wearing a heavy coat or arriving home from work. More is not always merrier: Extra weight means more energy used. Your range decreases with every extra person and item you bring with you. If you are planning a trip to the beach, you may need to choose between an extra person or that heavy cooler. Road trips must be meticulously planned: Limited range and sparse charging stations mean road trips need to be well planned out and have no unexpected detours. There is also the risk a broken charging station could significantly extend your trip — or worse, leave you stra nded. All that being said, I have enjoyed having an electric vehicle. It costs less in repairs and I do not have to worry about paying for gas. With practice and proper planning, most, if not all, issues can be avoided. My life would be easier if more businesses had fast chargers and more apartments had standard plugs — but one can only dream. Confessions of an EV user Electric cars will be part of our future. Younger generations will live with societal decisions made today. The Winnipeg Free Press reached out to 25-year-old Winnipegger Stewart Wilcox, who owns an electric car. His comments can help many of us understand and address some of the issues to increase EV use.

Recycled Tires Mean Renewed Landscapes

Manitoba recycles the equivalent of 1.8 million end of life tires per year, and 100% of all tires are used in environmentally friendly ways. Landscaping products made from recycled tires are lightweight, easy to manage and easy to clean. Better landscapes, better for Manitoba.

Learn more about the landscaping products available right here in Manitoba RecycledTiresMB.ca

EARTH DAY 2021

SATURDAY APRIL 17, 2021 9

Plugging into electric vehicles

By Jennifer McFee I t’s easy to get charged up about electric vehicles, which are a driving force to- wards a sustainable future. The Manitoba Electric Vehicle Association, or ManitobaEV, is geared for anyone interested in environmentally sustainable, electric-powered transportation — and you don’t even need to own a vehicle to become a member. “Members of ManitobaEV truly represent the diversity of men and women in rural, remote and urban areas of this province,” said president Robert Elms. “From enthusiastic secondary-school students building a high-performance electric bike to sage senior citizens meeting with the Association of Manitoba Municipalities, together we are learning about the many environmental and economic advantages of electric-powered transportation.” At the same time, Elms said they’re sharing their knowledge with individuals, businesses, educational institutions, governments and other organizations to ensure more Manitobans can benefit from these vehicles. “Before factory-built plug-in electric automobiles were available here, some savvy ManitobaEV members started making their own,” he said. “They converted various internal combustion- powered vehicles — cars, trucks, SUVs, a tractor, a boat — to fully electric power.” Over the last dozen years, not all plug-in electric vehicles have been made available for sale to Canadians, Elms added. However, ManitobaEV members helped to steer change with that situation. “For instance, when Mitsubishi manufactured the iMiEV, it was the world’s most economical, fully electric vehicle, and when GM produced the Chevy Volt, it was the best-known plug-in hybrid- electric vehicle,” Elms said. “Originally, neither vehicle was for sale in our country. Due to the dogged efforts of some Manitoba Electric Vehicle Association members, both Mitsubishi and GM reversed their decisions not to sell their respective plug-in EVs to Canadians.” He also sheds light on why ManitobaEV members have been so revved up for the cause. “According to Climate Change Connection, transportation accounts for 43 per cent of the greenhouse gases emitted in our province. Collectively, internal-combustion-powered cars, SUVs and pickups are the single largest source of those emissions,” he said. “For more than a decade, ManitobaEV members

According to Climate Change Connection, transportation accounts for 43 per cent of the greenhouse gases emitted in our province.

have enjoyed driving plug-in electric vehicles, proving that, in the true north, vehicles powered by emission-free, electric motors are excellent alternatives to internal-combustion-powered vehicles.” As an added benefit, switching to an electric vehicle can result in some cost savings for drivers. “In Manitoba, electricity is relatively inexpensive,” Elms said. “After switching to an automobile powered entirely by electricity, it’s not unusual for a driver to save $2,000 per year on fuel.” With that in mind, more than 700 Manitobans have already made the switch to emission-free, battery-electric vehicles, also known as BEVs. “BEVs cost very little to maintain — they don’t need tune-ups; they have no radiators to leak; they have no oil, transmission fluid or filters to change,” Elms said. “Newer, mid-priced BEVs are available, which can be driven over 500 kilometres on a fully charged battery. Some are priced competitively with gasoline-powered vehicles from Volvo, Audi, Lexus, Infiniti.” Combined with fuel and maintenance savings, Elms said, those lower prices make the total cost to own a mid-priced, long-range, battery-electric vehicle less than the total cost to own a similarly priced, gasoline-powered vehicle. “Here’s one more fun fact: electric motors can accelerate much faster than gasoline engines,” he added. “So, electric vehicles are more fun to drive.” For more information about the Manitoba Electric Vehicle Association, visit www.manitobaev.ca.

Visit MCIC.ca for sustainability resources, including

and other resources for educators, youth, businesses and all Manitobans

Recycle smart – no plastic bags in the cart!

winnipeg.ca/recycling

EARTH DAY 2021

10 SATURDAY APRIL 17, 2021

Family fun for Earth Day

walked before, plant seeds in your flowerbed or garden.” Ans also offers Earth-friendly ideas for families to make a difference in their neighbourhood — and in our world. “Try taking your green actions a step farther and pick up trash in your community,” she said. “Avoid buying anything in plastic packaging for the day, and make it a point to shop only locally and second-hand.” It’s never too early to start teaching kids how to take care of our planet. On the flipside, it’s never too late for adults to start making changes for the betterment of our world. “Climate change is the biggest issue of our time, and more of the world needs to realize that,” Ans said. “Children are the future leaders of the world, so it is important to teach them how to take care of and appreciate the Earth so that

humans, animals and nature may live in harmony for generations to come.” For nearly 35 years, Green Action Centre has provided Manitobans with information on healthy transportation, waste reduction and resource conservation. “We work with partners and community networks to identify down-to-earth solutions to climate change, healthy mobility, overconsumption and waste. We believe sustainability is achieved through education, awareness and action. We provide realistic, simple and effective ways to live sustainably — at work, at home, at school and in the community,” Ans said. “We are committed to human involvement in global ecological sustainability through education, awareness and action, and maximizing opportunities for full participation in decision making by all Manitobans. Our belief is that all sectors of society have a shared responsibility to present and future generations.” Their vision is simple yet succinct: All Manitobans living green and living well. “At Green Action Centre, we’re encouraging Manitobans to think about ways they can make every day Earth Day,” Ans added.

By Jennifer McFee K ids can embrace their inner eco-superpowers with a few simple and sustainable ideas. Green Action Centre, a non-profit environmental education organization, offers some kid-friendly activities to embrace Earth Day. “Spending time outside is a great way to appreciate the earth on Earth Day,” said Colleen Ans, the Living Green, Living Well co-ordinator at Green Action Centre. “Enjoy nature in your favourite way, whether that’s going on a bike ride to your favourite park, check out a trail you’ve never

Many people want to get involved and prioritize the environment but just don’t know where to start. These initiatives are a great way to encourage acting green all year round.

“We’d love to see individuals commit to one green action going forward, in an effort to do better for the Earth.” Green Action Centre is encouraging Manitobans to share

EARTH DAY 2021

SATURDAY APRIL 17, 2021 11

photos on social media of how they are greening the Earth using #EarthDayYourWay to amplify and inspire green action. In addition, Green Action Centre will host an online panel on April 22 from noon to 1 p.m. about their initiatives. Attendees will receive green tips from each of the organization’s program areas and enjoy an appearance from a special guest from Compost Winnipeg, Green Action Centre’s social enterprise. The organization is also on Manitoba’s Climate Action Team, which will be hosting a comedy fundraiser with Winnipeg Comedy Festival in June. Coming up, details will be posted on their website and social media. Looking ahead, Green Action Centre is getting in gear for International Composting Awareness Week in the first week of May, as well

as Plastic Free July and Waste Reduction Week in October. “Many people want to get involved and prioritize the environment but just don’t know where to start,” Ans said. “These initiatives are a great way to encourage acting green all year round.” Additional are available through the blog on the Green Action Centre’s website at www.greenactioncentre.ca. resources You can also sign up for their newsletter and follow the organization on social media (@greenactioncentre).

What’s Inside Counts. Resources within our devices can be recovered through recycling. The future is in your hands. Don’t let it go to waste.™ esources within our devices can be recovered through recycling. t let it go to waste.™

Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12

www.winnipegfreepress.com

Powered by