50th Earth Day

Happy 50th Earth Day everyone.

People around the world are going through a lot right now, and something that has helped a lot of people is listing things that bring them joy, and I’d like to challenge everyone reading this to over the next week make a list of 50 -it could be anything.

Whether it is what you see or feel on a walk, or see or feel when you look at a photo of lichee yourself in your favourite place outside, there are many things provided in nature that I hope will bring you joy today.

Terms to Know Regarding the Wet'suwet'en Stand Against the Coastal GasLink Rout

There has been lots of news coverage on the Wet'suwet'en peoples' stand against the Coastal GasLink pipeline, and lots of information to get through. As is often the case I didn't understand what was going on just from the first article I saw about it (or second, or third...), but a member of a Facebook group with family in the middle of it all kindly shared lots of resources to help me out.

While I was going through articles, I came across a lot of different terms and names, and decided to scrap a summary of the news itself in favour of a vocab and people list instead:

TC Energy (formerly TransCanada) - The company making the pipeline.

LNG Canada - the people who selected TC Energy to fulfill the Coastal GasLink natural gas pipeline.

Royal Dutch Shell plc - the people who own LNG Canada

Wet’suwet’en Nation - the 22,000 square km of unceded traditional territory held by the Wet'suwet'en since pre-colonial times.

The Wet’suwet’en First Nation - the 700-member reserve band village (thanks Merv Ritchie who commented on the referenced thetyee.ca article)

Unist'ot'en - One of five Wet’suwet’en clans. Years ago they established a gated camp along the planned pipeline rout.

"The 22,000 square km of Wet’suwet’en Territory is divided into 5 clans and 13 house groups. Each clan within the Wet’suwet’en Nation has full jurisdiction under their law to control access to their territory" - http://unistoten.camp/about/governance-structure/.

Elected chiefs - Elected chiefs also serve the community in an authoritative role, however their powers only extend as set out in the Indian Act (1876) by colonial federal government, including jurisdiction over reserves.

Band councils - Like elected chiefs, the role of elected band council was created under the Indian Act (enacted in 1876) by colonial federal government.

Hereditary chiefs (sometimes called house chiefs) -  the responsibility of hereditary chief is a position held according to traditional Wet'suwet'en governance. The jurisdiction of hereditary chiefs vary between groups, however hereditary chiefs are the Title Holders of the Wet'suwet'en land. (For more details: affirmation in 1997 by the Supreme Court of Canada, in the decision of Delgamuukw v. British Columbia).

unceded land - land where powers over it has not been legally handed over to colonial government.

Reconciliation - “. . . Reconciliation is about establishing and maintaining a mutually respectful relationship between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples in this country. In order for that to happen, there has to be awareness of the past, an acknowledgement of the harm that has been inflicted, atonement for the causes, and action to change behaviour.” - The Truth and Reconciliation Committee (https://www.ictinc.ca/blog/what-reconciliation-is-and-what-it-is-not)

United Nations Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) - passed into British Columbia provincial law in November 2019. "UNDRIP clarifies the rights of Indigenous Peoples to Free, Prior, and Informed Consent regarding projects that impact their lands and livelihoods. It also clarifies that Indigenous Peoples will not be forcefully removed from their lands." - https://canadians.org/analysis/five-things-you-should-know-about-wetsuwetens-fight-their-rights

     While there was a lot of "what's happenings" to read about, it took a while to sift through to understand why or just how this conflict came about.
      A key point that I did not initially understand is that consultation with 20 First Nations did actually take place, and representatives from all 20 signed in agreement with the rout. However, the actual title holders to the Wet'suwet'en land did not sign. All five hereditary Wet'suwet'en chiefs -the title holders of part of the land that they are planning to put the pipeline on- are unanimously opposed.

References
https://thetyee.ca/Analysis/2019/01/08/LNG-Pipeline-Unistoten-Blockade/
http://unistoten.com/
https://vancouversun.com/news/local-news/open-letter-to-wetsuweten-hereditary-chiefs-after-tsayu-clan-meeting
https://www.coastalgaslink.com/about/approved-route/
https://www.greenpeace.org/canada/en/story/28856/what-you-might-not-know-about-indigenous-law-and-the-raids-on-wetsuweten/
https://www.jwnenergy.com/article/2019/12/correction-coastal-gaslink-pipeline-series/
https://www.tcenergy.com/Static/images/pipeline/pdf/TransCanada-protecting-the-land.pdf

Written 2020-02-29

What's a Watershed?

King City, Ontario

Depending on where you live, "watershed" may be a term you hear often. However, many people do not know what a watershed is, or how it is relevant to them.

Not long ago I had the opportunity to learn all about watersheds, but from the start found myself asking what constitutes as a watershed.

What is a watershed?

"the area of land that catches precipitation and drains into a larger body of water such as a marsh, stream, river, or lake" (SEAWA, 2014).

"A watershed is a topographically bounded area... that possesses a measurable drainage area (eg. 100 hectares), where all runoff from a precipitation event will be conveyed downstream, ultimately reaching the outlet of the area" (Introduction to Watersheds, 2020).

Imagine you are sculpting a shallow bowl with gently sloped sides. Now, if you were to add little peaks and indents on the inside of the bowl, you have just modified the topography of your bowl. After the bowl is finished, if you were to leave it out in the rain any rain that fell along the sloped edges would be funneled through the indents down to the lowest point in the bowl, maybe leaving other little pockets of water here and there.

topography: the physical appearance of the natural features of an area of land, especially the shape of its surface. - Cambridge Dictionary

In this analogy, not only middle pool of water but the entire inner surface of bowl is the the "watershed". It is an entire area of land that collects precipitation such as rain and drains it to a common place.

Watersheds exist in many different shapes, and can drain into many different types of water bodies. They are not limited to inland water bodies either; amoung water bodies such as lakes and large rivers, precipitation may also drain towards an ocean (Missouri Botanical Garden, 2002).

References:

Cambridge. (n.d.). TOPOGRAPHY: meaning in the Cambridge English Dictionary. Retrieved from https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/topography

Missouri Botanical Garden. (2002). Retrieved from http://www.mbgnet.net/fresh/rivers/shed.htm

SEAWA. (2014). What is a Watershed? Retrieved from http://seawa.ca/our-watershed/what-is-a-watershed/

Introduction to Watersheds. (2020). Introduction to Watersheds. Slide 3.

American Psychological Association 6th edition formatting by BibMe.org.

edited 2020-02-11

On the current Plight of Koalas

Image source: Majesticanimals.net/Heartbreaking images
of confused koala after discovering its home has been cut down

The article attached to this photo explains that this koala survived and is ok. She had suffered some injuries and was taken to an animal hospital where she is in much better condition.

Also, in correction of a previous post, fortunately the report in November 2019 that koalas are "functionally extinct" was erroneous. Though they do still need our help, to be considered "functionally extinct" a species must fall within the criteria below:

1. The population is so low that they no longer play a significant role in their ecosystem. Eg. There are so few they don't put significant dent in what they prey on

2. "A population that is no longer viable", or there are none left able to produce.

3. "Finally, functionally extinct can refer to a small population that, although still breeding, is suffering from inbreeding that can threaten its future viability".

Although the label of "functionally extinct" was erroneous, it did come from the very real sitaution that they are in trouble.

If you would like to donate to help koalas specifically, Living With Koalas has put together a nice list of charities to help them:
http://livingwithkoalas.com.au/home/koala-charities/

Sources:
PBS
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/science/koalas-may-be-functionally-extinct-but-what-does-that-mean
majesticanimals.net https://www.majesticanimals.net/heartbreaking-images-of-confused-koala-after-discovering-its-home-has-been-cut-down?fbclid=IwAR1tco5hYcynTQeESOwBdCSQNACQuB-YTQFHrBu44gUhcXBFBcocExqZTuY

Written 2019-10-21, Posted to sister blogs NN and L~W 2019-12-17, edited 2019-12-20, 2020-01-05, 2020-07-19

November's little things (photo post)

It's not November anymore, but a little thing on a walk with my sprightly jack russel, Luna, has really stuck with me.

Ontario is known for its bitter, humid cold, and the combinations of countless browns and white that paint the landscape. But sometimes underrated is the beauty of this time and in its little things when we stop to smell the crisp air.

 

Sustainable Environment and Sustainable Business: Three Things You can Do

The last Nature Nimbus post put the spotlight on fourteen companies that are taking the lead in green business management and production. If you are a person in business and are interested in ways you can become a leader in sustainability and improve your own business, here is a brief look at some things you can consider:

Use Sustainable Materials
If your business generates a tangible, physical product that people can pick up and buy, there is lots of opportunity to help turn the tide in production and materials. Consider:

• sustainable production that minimizes pollution volume and/or intensity in areas such as manufacturing, transportation
• using recycles or reclaimed materials
• using materials that are extracted and/or processed in sustainable ways
• ingredients that are grown conscientiously

Certain products can be used to support a more environmentally-conscious lifestyle. However, not all businesses were founded with the most current standards of sustainability and not all businesses have a physical product that can be modified to use more sustainable materials very easily. Even in cases like this, there are still other places to start.

Minimize Waste
Potential energy, water, and food waste are present in every business. From the lighting system to toilets used, there are many ways both soft and concrete that a workplace can begin to reduce waste.

Seek Guidance
The weight of the world feels less heavy when we shoulder it together. It is easy to understand from any perspective how business and society hangs on environment. However, to take steps towards helping the environment within a business that entity itself also needs to be taken care of, and there are entities that can help with this.

Options include hiring an environmental consultant, seeking certifications, and joining groups like Partners In Project Green. At my college a presentation of some of the Partners' low impact development projects left quite the impression on me, and they are now a group I would be happy to reference as business-conscious guides for areas of water, waste, energy, and engagement, and to help other entities move through the process and learn the best places to start.

Think Long-Term
When we consider economy, society, and environment, having a healthy, livable environment is the top link in the chain that holds the others up. There is planning, budgeting, and engineering to consider, but each of these are ultimately investments that in the long run are sustainable for a business, and there is help available.

Taking the first step can feel overwhelming, but please do remember: not only are there groups like consultants and Partners in Project green rooting for you, but there are many of us around the world rooting for the people people behind businesses who are out there looking to move forward in sustainable ways.

This post was Republished 2019-12-07, and dated back to 2019-11-07

Green Living Show 2019 Highlights

Green product placement time! (If you have used up your budget for the month, maybe come back next month and read instead). Plus one charity.  This light post has been a long time coming, so thank you for your patience. It has been a busy summer and I'll have some more nature pics to show you in a future post from a surprise location.

Our family attended the Green Living Show in Toronto this May that just passed. It was a brisk, sunny day, and as we walked in we were greeted by many friendly people. Lots of stands from Quebec. We noticed it also seemed to be an overall very fit crowd. Lots of heathered grey sweaters and old cotton t-shirts.

It was a fun family trip to Toronto, and we met so many friendly people overseeing their stands. There were so many booths and stands, but here are a few green products and ideas that we were able to learn more about:

These ladies gave us such a warm welcome to welo! This company makes low-sugar, vegan probiotic snacks, which can help support gut health, while also boasting using organic ingredients. Fun option: char

Wholly takes veggie patties to a *whole* new level. Since the Green Living Show I have tried many more veggie patties, bot personally nothing has beat the spiced flavours found at this table. Website: https://www.whollyveggie.com/

Joggo sells fashionable bags with a focus on ethical manufacturing both for workers and the environment. They have also partnered with CARE Canada to help provide education for refugee children in 21 countries!

Green Window Works is a company in the GTA that helps addresses a major contributor to energy waste in Canada: insecure building envelope. The building envelope is essentially what separates inside from outside, and when things like windows allow temperature-controlled indoor air to leak being exchanged by the raw outdoor air, it wastes energy. If you are in the GTA and might be interested, feel free to submit a request on greenwindowworks.ca

Here's one for the insomniacs on the net. I didn't get to learn a lot about SAMINA sleep systems to be honest, but we did hear that they are made of banboo (which grows very quickly),  

https://www.samina.com/

Garden of Life's Protein & greens protein shakes. #1 question for many when buying their supplemental shakes: how awful does it taste? That is a matter of opinion, but mine (though I never say this about protein shakes)... it actually tasted really good. Apparently, chocolate flavour was the fan favourite.

Occupied VR: Living With Jaguars. This was a fun stand. On the left, this immersive and interactive documentary explores tensions surrounding jaguar conservation in Brazil, digging deeper in understanding why it can be so hard. Unfortunately I didn't have the change to see the sharkwaters side, but I can tell you there was a long lineup there, too.

Green Schools Green Future. So many people in environment also care about humanitarian and more human-centric causes as well, and Green Schools Green Future marreis the two ideas in one great organization.

And for the tea fans, The Herbal Brewer. We also had the pleasure of meeting the herbal brewer herself, who shared these organic, naturally-sweetened iced teas. Recommendation: Anything rosey.

LUNAH. This brand now holds a special place in my heart. I mean, armpit. It has been so difficult to find a natural alternative to antiperspirants without any strong additives for perfumes or weird feel, without compromising effectiveness, but the founder of LUNAH has achieved it. Talking about body odour isn't always the most comfortable of subjects, but when it comes to what products we apply to our body's largest organ every day it is important to think about what we are using, and how it impacts our environment. To take a look at her natural, hand-made 

These lovely ladies helped introduce the women in our group to some green alternatives to period products. From their padded underwear to their own take on the menstrual cup, these can be used for a long time and can go a long way in reducing waste every monthly cycle.

Greenovation makes sustainable (and aesthetic) disposable plates out of palm leaves. Our immediately family didn't have any need for these at the time, but surprise! Ended up seeing these compostacle creations at a cousin's wedding. Usually at learge events where there are disposable plates used I get this feeling of anxiety well up seeing the piles of strofoam or thick cardboard, soggied with food juices. No such stress this time. They definitely *leave* a much better feeling :)

Vegcheese. THE best vegan cheese I have ever tasted, and no idea how they did this but it's even nut-free. It actually tastes better than dairy cheese. I don't know what else to say about it. I guess also the family that runs it was also super nice and down-to-earth. All around great time. 

Near the end of our day, we met Eric, the friendly rep from Bec selling organic maple syrup soda. The flavours were fresh, and were a nice organic, sweet end to our day. In the poto on the right you can see stores that carry them (also in reusable/recyclable glass bottles).

If you have been on Nature Nimbus for a while, you'll probably notice that there has been very little mentioned in the way of products. To be honest I am largely ignorant of green products, especially affordable ones. However, I did find the green living show useful in identifying a couple replacements for items I normally buy. 

Moreover, it is worth remembering that the goal is not to just spend more money or acquire more stuff, but to learn about reasonable and practical measures we can take to lessen our impact on the environment in ways that are possible for us. I didn't end up buying products from all these companies because I didn't need all of them, but hopefully the show and this post will help people find some greener alternatives for things they are.

This page may be updated, so feel free to check back a few weeks from now. In the meantime, if you are interested in attending next year's Toronto green living show March 13-15, please visit their website https://www.greenlivingshow.ca/

Removing Invasives and Making Garlic Mustard Pesto

It's high in Vitamin A and C, and has a potent flavor. (And it indeed has a garlicy flavour).

A common invasive species that can be found in Ontario is garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata). It is native to Europe, and as the name suggests  is classified a type of mustard and has a garlic-like smell.

It is currently early June and blooming season, and in the patches can be seen all over with small white flowers blooming at their tips.

This plant populates fast and can outcompetes many other plants. In some cases it looks like a wall; taking over a garden patch or area of soil, stopping only at a lawn mix (which more than likely contains other non-native species too).

About a week ago I noticed a big patch of garlic mustard in a parkette garden where many birds have always lived. This plant is everywhere, but I figured why not try to pull what I can. I called the city to make sure it isn't an area of study or anything, and decided to remove what I could just with some gardening gloves and a little jabby tool to make it even easier to get the root.

The weather was perfect for t-shirt and jeans, and a pair of mourning doves cooed nearby, reminding me to tread carefully. Although there were many trees where they could nest, they reminded me to keep an eye out just in case they or any other wildlife were nesting on the ground.

Despite how aggressively garlic mustard spreads, they are relatively easy to pull out and don't have prickles or anything. The younger stalks especially do break easily, but a small hand tool can help with getting the roots.

At a volunteer event several years ago at the Kortright Centre in Vaughn, our team leader Joanna explained that once broken the pods spread hundreds of seeds. If you decide to remove some garlic mustard, avoid snapping any pods and maybe give the bottoms of your shoes a wipe or quick scrub with a brush to avoid carrying the seeds around to other aresa (good practice in general, especially if you visit a conservation area or other potentially fragile ecosystem).

When disposing, invadingspeciesguide.com also cautions to throw them in the garbage, not the compost, as discarded flowers can still produce seeds .They also direct citizens to please report sightings in the wild to the Invading Species Hotline (1-800-563-7711) or on EDDMapS Ontario.

After carting away as much as I could carry, I decided to make a pesto with some of the leaves, spinning off of tama matsuoko wong of Food52's recipe, adding:

olive oil to taste
about 1/4 c. grated parmesan cheese
three cloves of regular garlic
squirt of lemon juice
teaspoon salt
teaspoon sugar
handful of pistachios (instead of pine nuts)
added to ~6 cups of chopped garlic mustard leaves

The leaves have a bitter taste, but blending it with pistachios and plenty of oil smoothed out the flavour nicely and it came with an especially satisfying feeling.

Again, this plant is all over, and garlic mustard is not a valuable food source for other wildlife in this area (Ontario) so you don't have to worry that you're taking away an animal's dinner. So go wild on it; feel free to have a pull-then-pesto party, there is lots to go around yet.

References

Garlic Mustard – Ontario's Invading Species Awareness Program. (n.d.). Retrieved June 3, 2019, from http://www.invadingspecies.com/garlic-mustard/

Wong, T. M. (2014, May 06). Garlic Mustard Pesto Recipe on Food52. Retrieved May 31, 2019, from https://food52.com/recipes/28281-garlic-mustard-pesto


Left: My trusty cart. A person actually stopped to comment that it made a pretty bouquet.

Article title updated 7 Nov 2019
Edited 17 July 2020

Face reveal 8D