Eco-News

April 2010

Feds Cut Grant Program

At EcoSuperior, we were hoping to use
this cover article to encourage more home-
owners to take part in the grant program that
helps make your home more energy effi-
cient. Instead, due to a sudden announce-
ment March 31 from the federal government,
we must inform potential customers that
they’ve missed the boat.
With no warning and no notice, the fed-
eral grant program was cancelled.
Homeowners who have already had their ini-
tial home evaluation completed or scheduled
can still follow through and collect their
grants after completing renovations, up until
March 31, 2011. But if you are not already
enrolled in the program, you are out of luck.
The news was a major blow to our orga-
gram toward other environmental programs
in Thunder Bay and area. The fees paid by
homeowners stay in this community to fund
projects such as our anti-idling program for
schools, our resource centre and community
presentations.
The grant program was an effective tool
to improve Canada’s housing stock and
reduce energy consumption thereby having a
direct impact on our greenhouse gas emis-
sions. In addition, the program was having a
positive impact on the local economy.
Homeowners are buying insulation, win-
dows and doors from local suppliers, hiring
local contractors, and creating work for local
tradespeople.
If you share our disappointment with the

The New Leaf Garden nization. As a non-profit service provider, we

were able to put the revenues from this pro-
cancellation of this program, please let your
local MP know.

When we are no longer able to change a
situation, we are challenged to change
ourselves. – Victor Frankl
As an environmental organization,
EcoSuperior has a goal to promote change
— change to a more sustainable and envi-
ronmentally sound way of living. Within
Thunder Bay there are a variety of people
living out a variety of different lifestyles,
some more sustainable than others. But no
matter what stage of “green-ness” you are
currently at, you can always try to do bet-
ter. This spring we’d like to challenge
every citizen to make a commitment to one
more positive change. Even our biggest
supporters have something they could do
better.
Visit our website, click on the New Leaf
Garden link, and choose your change from
the list provided. Or give us one of your
own. Think of it as turning over a new leaf!
For every commitment we receive on-
line, we’ll plant a seed in our New Leaf
Garden. One change, one seed, one big beau-
tiful sunflower in the New Leaf Garden.
We’re not looking for changes you’ve
already made, or habits you’ve already
adopted — we want you to pledge one
brand new commitment, starting TODAY!
Help us fill the garden with sunflowers!
Commitments received by May 21 will
be included in this year’s garden. To see
the results of this community effort, visit
Central Natural Environment Gardens
later this summer and be inspired!
Rain Barrels and
Composters on Sale Now
The early spring weather has gardeners anxious to get growing, so we have brought in
our stock of rain barrels and composters early too. Right now at our office, city of Thunder
Bay residents with a municipal water account can pick up a rain barrel at the subsidized
price of $40. You must bring your water account number and there is a
limit of one per household. The rain barrels are equipped with a
screened lid, overflow drain, and a hose with shut-off valve.
Earth Machine composters are also in stock, and are a great way to
reduce the amount of trash you have to drag out to the curb. It’s estimat-
ed that at least 30% of household garbage is compostable. To purchase a
composter you need proof of City of Thunder Bay address. Our offices are
located at 212 Miles Street between May and Simpson, Monday to Friday
8:30 to 4:30, and we accept payment in the form of cash or cheque.

• Community-wide Yard Sale • Youth Action Team • New green businesses

Inside • Pet Medicines • Book Signing Event • Back to the Tap
ECO-NEWS • EcoSuperior • 2

Our Staff About Eco-News Board

Executive Director: EcoNews is produced by EcoSuperior Environmental
Programs. Look for our regular editions in your
of Directors
Ellen Mortfield A big thank you to the individuals who
Chronicle Journal every spring and fall. All the articles are written by EcoSuperior
Manager of Finance: staff unless otherwise credited. We are a non-profit organization, providing public generously provide time and expertise
Brenda Ingram education in the areas of water and energy conservation, waste reduction, pollution to guide the operation of EcoSuperior:
Administrative Assistant: prevention and urban greenspaces. Our program area includes the city of Thunder President: Mark Smith,
Donna Alberts Bay and the Lake Superior Basin. If you would like to comment on our programs, City of Thunder Bay
please contact us: 212 Miles Street East, Thunder Bay, Ontario, P7C 1J6
Program Assistants: Telephone: 807-624-2140 • Facsimile: 807-622-0005 • www.ecosuperior.org Vice-President: Chris Walton,
Ashley Priem, Shannon Brigden info@ecosuperior.org Arbora Consulting
Program Coordinators: Treasurer: Bryan Heppler,
Jim Bailey
(Mercury, Binational Forum, Lake Superior AOCs)
Lucie Lavoie
Community Partners Union Gas
Secretary: Jane Todd,
(Stream Stewardship, Personal Care Products, Pharmaceuticals) The many community programs and projects that you will read about in this newsletter Ontario Power Generation
Derek Tessier would not be possible without the efforts of those who finance and contribute to Don Murray,
(Water Conservation, EcoDriver, Renewable Energy)
EcoSuperior’s activities. Through contributions of ideas, connections, expertise and Past President
Jane Oldale financial support, the following organizations have played a major role in our success.
(Rural Property Guide, Well Aware, Apartment Recycling)
We extend our sincere gratitude to the individuals within these organizations who have Ken Allan,
Heather Shaver Thunder Bay District Health Unit
(Education & Youth) helped us along the way.
Karen Copeland • City of Thunder Bay • Ontario Ministry of Energy • Zero Waste Action Team Trudy Tuchenhagen,
(Waste Reduction, Litter Prevention, Central Gardens) • Environment Canada • Ontario Power Generation • ReCool Canada Lakehead Public School Board
• Thunder Bay District Health Unit • Green Communities Canada • EarthWise Thunder Bay
Energy Advisors: • Ontario Ministry of the Environment • Ontario Trillium Foundation • Volunteer Thunder Bay John Stephenson,
Don Rutledge • DriveWise Driver Education • Union Gas • Fisheries and Oceans Canada Kuch Stephenson Gibson Malo
Ken Piccinin • Ontario Ministry of Natural • AbitibiBowater • North Shore Steelhead Association
Resources • The Chronicle-Journal • Lake Superior Binational Forum Kirk Ross,
Ryan Whatley • Ontario Power Authority • Dougall Media • Northern Ontario Heritage Fund A&R Ross Products

Celebrate Wind Power

on Earth Day 2010!

WIND WORKS and is the BEST

environmentally friendly option
Clean energy

Reducing green house gases

Tackling climate change

Voice your support!

E-mail or call your City Councillor today.
For further information visit: www.bigthunderwindpower.ca
 ECO-NEWS • EcoSuperior • 3

Book The Earth Week to

Signing
Carol
“A Woman’s Way”
by Kathy Ashby
Monday, May 3,
12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
at EcoSuperior, 212 Miles St. East
For an inspiring story about a
woman’s efforts to effect positive envi-
ronmental change in her own commu-
nity, you might want to pick up a copy
of Carol ‘A Woman’s Way’ by Kathy
Ashby. EcoSuperior will host a book
signing and “meet the author” event at
our offices on Monday, May 3 from noon
till 2 p.m. The book will be available for
sale at that time at our office, or you can
order on line from dreamcatcherpublish-
ing.ca
A former resident of Thunder Bay,
Kathy is an award-winning glass
blower/artist. She is also a writer and has
been extensively published. She has pro-
duced three narratives aired on CBC
Radio One's programme Outfront. One
segment combines her spoken poetry with
the sounds of the different processes used
in glassblowing. In 2004, Kathy was nomi-
nated for a YWCA Woman of Distinction
Award in the Arts Category. Carol ‘A
Woman’s Way’ is her first book of fiction.
Clean Air Day Challenge
for Schools
(April 19 to June 2)
Two ways your school can
participate:
• Pick a week between Earth
Week and Clean Air Day and
encourage your students to
get active and walk some-
where each day! Combine
this week with one of the
activities suggested in the
online flyer.
• If your school is really ener-
getic then challenge students
to walk (or jog, ride, roll,
skip, jump) everyday during
Earth Week to Clean Air Day.
www.saferoutestoschool.ca
Spring into Spring is a great way to encourage daily physical activity while teaching envi-
ronmental protection and safety skills. Let us know if you are planning on participating!

The Youth Action Team has been Busy

EcoSuperior has recognized that youth in our com-
munity are concerned about the environment. The ideas
and concerns we each have about the environment are
oftentimes based on our individual lives: where we go,
what we do, what we see and hear. Of course, because
we all lead such different lives we are also going to
have differing opinions about our impact on the envi-
ronment, and what actions we should be taking to pro-
tect it. The EcoSuperior Youth Action Team has
become a place for youth to meet to discuss these con-
cerns about our environment and work together to
come up with ways to make a positive change.
The team has had a chance to hear from guest
speakers about current programs happening at the
EcoSuperior office, such as Active Transportation and
Personal Care Products. In conjunction with the
Sustainable Communities in the North Conference that
took place in February, the team viewed the documen-
tary The End of Suburbia that was being reviewed and
discussed by high school students at the conference.
Most recently, the group has decided to take on a more
active role by organizing a litter-clean-up event. With
the early arrival of spring, the litter on the ground is
hard to ignore. What better way to get more youth
involved in the community than by helping to make a
positive difference! The Youth Action Team has been
planning for several weeks and is in the process of
finalizing all of the details. The day will be a chance
for students to get outside, visit with their peers, meet
some new people with similar interests, clean up an
area of our community, have a chance to earn prizes
and EARN VOLUNTEER HOURS. The more people
that come out to help in the clean up, the better! It’s
going to be a great day!
The Youth Action Team is always looking for more
volunteers. If you are interested in helping to organize
similar events, looking for a place to visit with others
with similar environmental interests, or have a chance
to learn about how you can make a difference, this
group may be the place for you. Information is avail-
able on the website: www.ecosuperior.org or by calling
Heather at 624-2147.
Volunteer Opportunity
for Youth!!
We need your help to clean up litter in our city!
Anyone is welcome to attend (elementary, sec-
ondary, post secondary or others!) Come on out
to the event to earn your volunteer hours:
Mission: Clean Park.
Do you choose to accept it?
Saturday May 1, 2010 • 12noon to 3pm
Soroptomist International Friendship Gardens
(sign-up & volunteer hour signing will be in the parking lot)
All materials, including garbage bags, recycling bags &
gloves will be provided. Come for as little or as long as you
like, and feel free to bring others along with you.
If you have questions about the event, please call Heather at
624-2147 or see our website: www.ecosuperior.org

The paper you are reading is manufactured by your friends and

neighbours who work at AbitibiBowater Inc. – Thunder Bay Operations
It contains 30% recycled content.
ECO-NEWS • EcoSuperior • 4

Building
Better
Streets
By: Adam Krupper

It’s an exciting time for cyclists in

Thunder Bay.
Soon, for the first time in this city, there
will be bike lanes. We will see sharrows.
Our multi-use trails are being re-built. The
City’s Renew Thunder Bay project is ded-
icating millions of dollars to Active
Transportation. We have EarthWise and
the Active Transportation Coordinator
working hand-in-hand with Thunder Bay’s
Transportation and Works Division help-
ing to accommodate all road users.
For years, cyclists have been urging our
City to consider and accommodate the
travel needs of road users beyond drivers.
The persistency of a handful of advocates,
within city administation and within the
community, finally paid off when this City
Council decided to create the Active
Transportation Advisory Committee.
This Committee, with members from
all sectors of the community, helped pull
together a plan that lays the groundwork
for all future active transportation initia-
tives. It focuses on cyclists, but also rec-
ognizes all other forms of active travel.
It’s a new concept in Thunder Bay:
Building or re-building a road so that it
calms traffic, is safer for cyclists and walk-
ers, and accommodates people of all abili-
ties. Naturally, not everyone agrees with
this concept. Some of the resistance in
Thunder Bay comes from a fear of the
unknown. What happens to a neighbour-
hood with fewer driving lanes, less park-
ing, better sidewalks and more pedestrians
and bicycles? Because Thunder Bay has
no local examples, many people are
unsure.
Two great examples come to mind:
Peterborough and Halifax. Both have a
similar climate, are similar size, are eco-
nomically vulnerable, and relatively iso-
lated.
While we’ve just jumped on the active
transportation bandwagon, those commu-
nities are pioneers. They started their bike
lane programs years ago. Currently, both
cities have an active transportation staff of
three, run a variety of programs, and have
developed a comprehensive system of
active transportation routes.
Peterborough and Halifax continue to
build upon their successful biking and
walking network for the same reasons
cities all over North America are pushing
active transportation: higher quality of
life, safer streets, healthier populations,
vibrant communities, and resilient
economies.
Diverse, inclusive streets yield the
same benefits as any system that
embraces diversity and accepts differ-
ence: more thoughtful, sensitive, and
understanding interactions between peo-
ple. What seems like a transportation
issue is really a human issue.
Transportation is an endemic issue that
affects people young and old, of every
ethnicity, income, and ability.
While Bike Lanes are a fantastic facil-
ity for cyclists, they are also a symbol of
great change in this city, representing a
paradigm shift towards recognizing the
transportation needs of all citizens.
To learn more about bike lanes
and Active Transportation initiatives
underway in Thunder Bay, please visit
EcoSuperior.org.

Celebrate Earth Day: Turn Off Your Engine

On April 22, 2010, help protect the health of children
and the environment from harmful vehicle emissions by
eliminating unnecessary idling.
Why is unnecessary idling
a problem?
• Increases air pollution around the school right at the
time when there are lots of children running around.
• Impacts children’s health because they breathe more
rapidly than adults and take in more of the pollution.
• Wastes money – to the tune of 1.8 billion a day across
Canada!
• Wastes fuel — 3% of Ontario’s fuel is idled away every
year.
• Can harm your engine because it is not able to run at
peak efficiency while idling.
• Contributes to global climate change through increased
emissions of carbon dioxide, a powerful greenhouse gas.
Warming up or cooling Change your Habits
down a vehicle is the most
common reason given for • Turn off the engine if the vehicle is going to be parked
idling. In winter, Canadians for more than 60 seconds (except in traffic).
voluntarily idle their vehi-
cles for a combined total of
• Drive the vehicle to warm it up‚ rather than idling the
engine. (On cold winter days, usually two to three min-
more than 75 million min- utes of idling is enough warm-up time.)
utes a day, equal to the • Use remote car starters wisely to avoid excessively
amount of fuel required long warm-ups.
to idle one vehicle for • Use a block heater on cold winter days to warm the
144 years! We idle about engine before starting it (ideally, the block heater
40 percent less in summer, should be turned on by a timer 2 hours before starting).
the equivalent of idling one • Turn the engine off! Unnecessary idling wastes money
vehicle for 89 years! and fuel, increases air pollution and produces green-
house gases (GHGs) that contribute to climate change.
Surveys show that Canadians also idle their vehicles
when: waiting for passengers, stopped at railway cross- Thunder Bay’s Active & Safe Routes to School
ings, waiting to park, running quick errands, sitting in Committee comprised of EcoSuperior and the Thunder
drive-through lanes, waiting to refuel or to have the car Bay District Health Unit has No Idling Tool Kits available
washed, stopped to talk to an acquaintance or friend and to local schools. To request a tool kit, contact ashley@eco-
when preparing to leave the house. superior.
 ECO-NEWS • EcoSuperior • 5

Pet Pharmaceuticals tbhydro.com

Our pets deserve good care and attention, and that can include City of Thunder Bay Solid Waste Facility (Landfill Site). The
medications when they are ill, or powders or shampoos to get rid of Household Hazardous Waste Depot, located beside the recycling
pesky fleas. But what do you do if you have leftover or expired pet depot, is open year round and is free of charge. So help the envi-
prescriptions, wormers or flea treatments? You might be tempted ronment and use the Household Hazardous Waste Depot to get rid
to just toss them in with your regular garbage, or flush them down of all sorts of toxic stuff!
the toilet. However, some of the chemicals
found in your pet’s drugs and flea controls
can be harmful to the environment.
If you toss unwanted pet medications
and flea treatments in with your regular
garbage, the chemicals may eventually
leach from the waste disposal site to pol-
lute the groundwater. Flushing these pet
medications down the toilet or pouring
them down the sink will affect organisms Serving Up the Latest News on
that live in the water. Because wastewater x How to cut your electricity
treatment plants are not designed to com- bill
pletely capture medications from sewage, x Before electricity retailers
these pharmaceuticals will find their way come knocking
into water bodies. There, the drugs can x Conservation programs
affect aquatic organisms such as fish and x Future ‘Time of Use’ rates
amphibians. Just like the drugs humans
consume, the drugs we give to our pets Check us out today !
must be disposed of properly.
If you want to get rid of unwanted pet
medications, wormers, flea treatments or
other like items, bring them to the
Household Hazardous Waste Depot at the

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ECO-NEWS • EcoSuperior • 6

Got Leaks? Why are you drinking

Splashes, running water and
dripping taps can drum up the
urge to visit the bathroom but
for different reasons than you
bottled water?
may be thinking. Leaks around Is it the taste? • If you fill a water bottle 1/4
full of oil, that’s how much
quick math shows it to be 6
tests per day. On the other hand
the house are money down the
drain, literally! A leaky tap you EcoSuperior conducted sev- oil was used to bring that bottled water is regulated
take several months to fix, a run- eral taste tests comparing tap bottle to you! under the food and drug act
ning toilet you ignore for weeks water, Brita filtered tap water • 120 grams of greenhouse which has fewer testing
can easily add up to $60 or more and name brand bottled water gases are generated by a sin- requirements than the mandat-
on your water bill. In terms of and every time Brita and tap gle disposable plastic bottle ed public water systems.
water use that’s 30m3 or 15% of water beat out bottled water of water Quality can vary quite widely
your annual water use (based on handily. To most people, tap • It takes over 700 years for between brands so you really
200m3 annual average water use water tastes best. plastic to decompose. We’ll never know what you’re get-
per household in Thunder Bay). be dealing with plastic waste ting. Even if you believe bot-
Fortunately, most leaks are easily fixed, and with a few simple tips you
Is it the cost? for generations to come. tled water is better, 40% of the
bottled water brands are
can detect them early as well. It is absolutely not the cost
that drives us to buy bottled
Is it the quality? sourced from municipal sys-
tems.
1. Toilets are popular spots for leaks to occur. Placing a few drops of
food coloring in the tank can usually identify a leaky toilet. If after water. We require approx. 730L In Thunder Bay 2,000 micro-
of water per year to maintain biological tests are done each So why are you still drinking
about 10 minutes you see the coloring in the bowl, you've discovered
our bodies. This would cost us year on our drinking water. The bottled water?
a leak. Repair might be a simple as replacing the flapper valve, or if
the toilet is old, you may want to consider replacing it. Call us about $365-$635 in bottled water or
the City of Thunder Bay $125 toilet rebate program—some restric- $1.39 in tap water. Even if you
tions apply. purchase a Brita filter to elimi-
nate chlorine taste and odour
2. A periodic look under a sink can identify leaking plastic pipe joints that will only run you $36.50-
since they often drip onto items stored below. To double-check, it's a $43.80 per year.
good idea to run your fingers over low points in the pipes or on the
joints (be careful of sharp points!) If your fingers get wet it may indi- Is it the
cate a leak, but not always. If other areas on the pipes are damp, it
may be just a case of heavy condensation.
convenience?
Maybe you find it quite
3. Leaky faucets often give themselves away. You can usually see water
handy to carry around that small
dripping from the faucet or possibly a mineral stain in the sink. Slow
plastic bottle. They’re compact
leaks can waste 18 or more litres of drinkable water per day. Water
and easy to pack into a lunch
isn't the only thing you have to worry about wasting with a faucet
bag or backpack, although a
leak. If you have a leak in the hot water faucet, you’re also wasting
reusable water bottle doesn’t
the energy used to heat the water.
take up any more space. But the
For more tips and hints on leak prevention, visit our website or drop difference in environmental
into our office to pick up a leak prevention brochure. If you have con- impact between the disposable
cerns about your water usage, you may contact us to schedule a free water bottle and reusable are
Water Saver home visit. We’ll try to provide some tips, show you how to quite drastic. That convenient
read your water meter, and leave you with some water-saving devices. bottled water can cause serious
Call 624-2140 to schedule your Water Saver visit. damage to our environment. Our Taste Challenge Results

Earth Week Electronic Waste Collection
Last October, Pack Pros Plus, the Zero
Waste Action Team, EcoSuperior and the
Intercity Shopping Centre teamed up to run
a Community Electronic Waste Collection
as part of Waste Reduction Week. More
than 600 vehicles queued up drive-thru
style during the five-hour event, while vol-
unteers directed traffic and handed out
information. Pack Pros staff unloaded the
televisions, computers, printers and fax
machines from vehicles and loaded them
onto pallets for shipping. A total of 21,683
kg of electronics was collected and sent to
southern Ontario for recycling as part of
the Ontario Electronic Stewardship (OES)
program.
In Ontario, more than 91,000 tonnes of
electrical and electronics equipment are
available for reuse and recycling every
year. Under normal usage, unwanted elec-
tronics pose little or no hazards. However,
many electronic products do contain mate-
rials such as lead, cadmium and mercury,
that if not handled properly could have
environmental impacts and cause health
and safety concerns. The Minister of the
Environment designated this special diver-
sion program to ensure that unwanted elec-
tronics are reused or recycled, and to stem
the flow of these materials to landfill or
improper processing in developing nations.
The program is also stimulating jobs in the
recycling sector.
The OES program is funded by first
importers (into Ontario), brand owners and
assemblers, and ensures that shipments and
materials are tracked until they are refur-
bished, recycled into new products or dis-
posed of in a safe and environmentally
responsible way. The program began in
April 2009 and is being implemented in
stages, with phase II beginning earlier this
month. There are currently 44 types of
electronic devices that are now accepted,
including the following:**
Save Water, Save Money
Less Stress On Septic Systems
Pro-Tech
Sales & Service
541 10th Ave. • Ph. 346–8324
ECO-NEWS • EcoSuperior • 7
Pack Pros Plus and OLG Thunder Bay Casino
will be hosting an e-waste collection on
Saturday, April 24th from 10 am-3 pm at the
OLG parking lot across from the fire station.
See below for a list of items which will be
accepted for free recycling.
Call Pack Pros at 344-8799 for more info
• Computers, monitors, and peripherals
• Printers, fax machines, photocopiers
(desktop & floor-standing), scanners
• Televisions
• Electronic typewriters
• CD, DVD, MP3, Blu-Ray & cassette
players, turntables
• Cameras (digital and non-digital), digi-
tal picture frames
• Telephones (all types) and answering
machines
• Cellular phones and devices, pagers
• Home stereo and theatre systems (speak-
ers, digital projectors, amplifiers, etc.)
• After market vehicle speakers, radios,
CD/DVD players)
When deciding what to do with your
old electronic equipment, remember the 6 "As your accredited Greenagent (TM),
Rs: Rethink, Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, I am committed to promoting green real estate
Repair, and then Recycle. Ask yourself:
“Do I really need the latest gadget, when in our community. Homes that are more
the one I’m using works just fine?” “Is energy-efficient, whether you are BUYING
there a person or charity that can use my
old items?” “Can the item be repaired for or SELLING may impact the price of your
my own use or someone else’s?” If the home! Call me today for further details.
answer is “no” to all of the above, then
dropping electronic items off for recycling
is the right choice.
**Visit www.dowhatyoucan.ca and www.ontarioelectronicsteward-
ship.ca for more information about the OES program and complete
Janice Atkinson, Salesperson
up-to-date listings of acceptable items and year-round drop-off & Accredited Greenagent (TM)
locations. Although steps are taken to insure items are secure, it is Team 100 Realty Inc - Brokerage
always a good idea to remove personal information from your elec-
tronic devices before you pass them on. Direct (807-)683-4317 • Office (807)345-2226 • email jatkinson@team100realty.com
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142 S. Algoma Street • Phone: 345-7612 • Fax: 345-8939
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ECO-NEWS • EcoSuperior • 8

Aimers Xeriscaping and

Organic Seeds Rain Gardens
for Sale The City of Thunder Bay and EcoSuperior are promoting wise
water use with two very different kinds of landscaping.
Xeriscaping means designing a garden to survive with little or min-
imal watering required — it involves the use of drought-tolerant
EcoSuperior has once again brought in a supply of plants, rocks and plenty of mulch to hold the moisture in. Ask for
Aimers Organic herb and vegetable seeds. Drop in soon to our new booklet, Waterwise Landscaping, to find out more. Or for
get your garden growing this year with a wide variety of some hands-on learning, help us install a xeriscape garden area at
certified organic seeds. All varietes listed below are $1.99. Central Natural Environment Gardens on Central Avenue.
Herbs: Arugula, Basil (Sweet & Genovese), Cilantro, Volunteer sessions will begin soon—you can sign up on our web-
Chives, Dill, Oregano, Parsley (Moss Curled), Thyme site or call Karen at 624-2148 for more details.
Vegetables: Tomato (Sweetie & Brandywine), Beans Rain Gardens are a way to address quite the opposite prob-
(Golden Wax & Tendergreen), Beets, Broccoli, Canteloup, lem: too much water! If you have a low-lying area in your yard, or if you have issues
Carrots, Corn, Cucumber, Lettuce (4 varieties), Onion with run-off from your roof or hard-surface driveway, a rain garden might be the answer.
(Bunching evergreen), Peas (Laxton’s Progress & Oregon By planting a low area with plants and mulch that absorb water, run-off can be directed into
Sugar), Peppers (California Wonder, Long Red Cayenne), the garden where it is naturally filtered by the soil, instead of carrying all kinds of sediment
Pumpkin (Big Max, Small Sugar), Radish (French and chemicals directly into our storm sewer system. A demonstration rain garden is being
Breakfast,Cherry Bell), Spinach (Bloomsdale), Squash planned for construction this summer at the Bare Point Water Treatment Plant.
(Buttercup), Zucchini (Dark Green). Watch www.ecosuperior.org for more landscaping projects and programs coming soon.
Some varieties are in limited supply, so hurry in! Our
offices are located at 212 Miles Street East between May
and Simpson.
Eggs-cellent Idea
Green Drinks
Every month in over 600 cities around the world, people who work or have an inter-
There are criminals in our midst — scat-
tered rebels who keep their unlawful activi-
ty quietly cooped up in backyards con-
nities only permit hens, not roosters with
their early morning wakeup calls.
If you are interested in learning more
cealed by shrubbery. They’re the under- about urban chickens or adding your sup-
est in the environment get together at informal sessions known as Green Drinks. Locally, ground chicken keepers, because according port for changing the by-law, watch our
the gathering may include a lively mix of people from academia, government and busi- to Thunder Bay by-laws, it is illegal to keep website for more information coming soon.
ness, as well as an assortment of EcoSuperior staff. Everyone is welcome, and we since chickens on city property less than 5 acres
we choose a different watering hole each month, there will hopefully be one in your or within the boundaries of the municipal
neighbourhood soon. There is no agenda, no speakers — we keep it simple but many water system.
people find it a great way to catch up with what’s happening, make However, there is a movement afoot to
contacts, spread the word, find volunteers and much more. It happens change the by-law, following the lead of
on the third Wednesday of every month--you can have a drink of any many Canadian cities including Brampton,
colour, or even order a meal. Contact ellen@ecosuperior.org to be Niagara Falls, Victoria, Surrey, and Guelph.
added to the e-mail list, or check www.greendrinks.org/ON/thunder- At least 86 U.S. cities now permit urban
bay for the monthly update and location. chickens, including our sister city Duluth
Newest green drinks cities on board: Bainbridge Island, and Minneapolis. In most cases, there are
Logo design Washington; Makati, Phillipines; Verona, Wisconsin; Castel restrictions pertaining to lot size, enclosures
by Ryan Mortfield Gandolfo, Italy; Rochester, New York; Maitland, Australia. and the number of birds, and most commu-

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Community Clean-Up Week-end
& Community-Wide Yard Sale
Spring is here
and, along with those
beautiful spring flowers, ugly litter is
sprouting up everywhere. Spring Up to
Clean Up gives us all a great opportunity
to show our pride and do our part to keep
Thunder Bay clean, green and beautiful.
Registered Spring Up groups receive
clean-up supplies, draw prizes and public
recognition. Last year close to 11,000 cit-
izens cleaned up over 250 areas around the
city, including parks, roadsides, recreation
trails, school grounds and neighbour-
hoods. We would like to send out a big
“THANK YOU” to all who participated.
The 14th annual Spring Up to Clean
Up takes place during the month of May
and will be launched with the following
events:
April 30th at 10am: 3rd annual 20-
Minute Makeover for workplaces.
My Story
By Chase Danchuk, Age 7
I cleaned up the garbage on the street and cleaned up the whole thing down to the
end of the road.
I saw lots of people driving past me honking their horns and giving me a thumbs-
up. A truck and a car and a taxi and even a man on a bike yelled out good work and
great job. They did some-
thing nice for us and
because they were respect-
ful it made me work hard-
er. I felt thankful – and
really nice.
It was hard and dirty
work and I was glad when
it was done. I had fun and
I had safety gloves on.
The first year I got 3 bags,
last year I had 4 bags and
now I have 5 bags of
garbage. Look at my
picture.
More people are help-
ing and cleaning the
streets now too because
they seen us, even my dad.
The end.
Spring Up to Clean Up,
Register your workplace by April 23rd for
clean-up supplies, public recognition and
treats sponsored by Tim Hortons (while
supplies last). Help clean up our down-
towns and commercial areas… it’s good
for business!
May 1st to 2nd: Community Clean-Up
Weekend. Get outside with your neigh-
bours and clean up litter and debris in and
around your yards, just in time for the curb-
side leaf and yard waste collection, and free
tipping week. Many hands make for light
work…Let’s make Thunder Bay shine!
May 1st: Thunder Bay’s first Community
Yard Sale Day. Imagine a sea of yard sales
everywhere you look. This is a perfect
opportunity to clear out your closets and
find some great deals! Register your yard
sale with EcoSuperior by April 26th and
ECO-NEWS • EcoSuperior • 9
we’ll help you advertise! (Rain date: superior.org and click on the Spring Up but-
May 2nd). Yard sales help you REDUCE ton, or call Karen at 624-2148.
waste and SAVE money. If you’re not This community event is funded by
sure what to do with your leftover items, the City of Thunder Bay Transportation
check out Thunder Bay’s Green Guide at & Works department and delivered by
www.thunderbay.ca/Living/Environment. EcoSuperior Environmental Programs.
htm or pick up a paper copy at the We would like to thank our sponsors for
EcoSuperior office. this year’s event: Tim Hortons, Ontario
Power Generation, Boston Pizza,
May 1st to 31st: Spring Up to Clean Up. Acklands Grainger, Intercity Industrial
Register your clean-up of a park, road- Supply, Superior Safety, Bill Martins
side, trail, waterway, neighbourhood or Nurseryland, Thunder Bay Broom &
Chemical and Litter Free Thunder Bay.
school ground to receive clean-up sup-
plies, free waste disposal, draw prizes, a
These Community Programs are
great deal on work/garden gloves and
public recognition. Participating schools funded by the City of Thunder Bay
will also have the opportunity to plant a and delivered by EcoSuperior.
tree in their schoolyard.
For more information or to register your
clean-up or yard sale, please visit www.eco-
Spring Up to Clean Up
Photo Contest
We want to see and hear about your spring clean-up experience. Send us a photo-
graph (digital or film) or drawing from your clean-up, along with a brief description
of your picture or event. Entries will be judged by quality and creativity.
The winning entries will be posted on the EcoSuperior website and in the
EcoNews next spring. Winners will also receive a surprise gift pack.
More information about the contest can be found in your Spring Up to Clean Up
registration kit, or by calling Karen at 624-2148.
Toilet Rebates are Back!
If you’ve been thinking about replacing that old ancient toilet that was already there
when you bought the house, you might want to take advantage of the City of Thunder
Bay Toilet Rebate program. If you have a city water account, call EcoSuperior to make
an appointment for a free Water Saver visit. We’ll confirm the flush vol-
ume of your existing toilet (must be more than 6 litres) and provide an
application form for a $125 credit when you have it replaced with a toi-
let that flushes 6 litres or less. Old toilets use from 13 – 25 litres per
flush, so the savings are considerable, and your new toilet should
pay for itself in two years or less. Keep in mind that to qualify for
the rebate, you must have the toilet installed by one of our partici-
pating plumbers, but the toilet can be purchased from any source.
Call our office or visit www.ecosuperior.org for more details.
ECO-NEWS • EcoSuperior • 10

Litter: Your Rights and Responsibilities

Everyone wants a clean environment, but do you know
who is responsible to make that happen? Actually – we all
are, according to Thunder Bay’s comprehensive Yard
Maintenance By-law. The by-law defines the concept that
we are all responsible for keeping our property (residential
or commercial, vacant or occupied, owners and tenants
alike) clean and free from litter and other debris. It also
requires that our actions don’t negatively affect any neigh-
bouring properties (usually caused by inadequate contain-
ment of garbage). Littering or dumping debris on any pub-
lic or private property without permission is also an
offence.
A comprehensive 2009 Keep America Beautiful study
showed that the presence of litter in a community reduces
property values by an average of 7%. It also discourages
tourism and new business investment as it indicates a lack
of pride and commitment to the community. Currently,
millions of dollars are spent across the country on litter
clean-ups – money that could be spent on other services.
So people who litter hurt everyone by doing so. Two of the
strongest contributors to littering are the prevalence of
existing litter and the absence of a sense of personal own-
ership or pride.
While it would be ideal if all individuals took full
responsibility of their property and never littered, this is
obviously not always the case. In these situations, by-laws
can provide an effective incentive. But by-laws only work
when they are enforced, and reports or complaints help
trigger enforcement. You can report littering offences to the
City of Thunder Bay Licensing & Enforcement Division at
625-2710. They will require an exact address of the loca-
tion of concern and the name and particulars of the com-
plainant, as anonymous complaints are not accepted. In
most cases, the owner of the property will receive a letter
indicating they are violating the by-law and are given a
deadline to correct the situation. If these requirements
aren’t met, they can receive a fine. You can also help by
contacting your City Councillors to let them know you are
concerned about litter in Thunder Bay.
Visit www.ecosuperior.org and www.litterfree.ca for
more information on the Yard Maintenance by-law as well
as many resources to help prevent litter, including:
• Planning a Litter Free & Green Event
• Litter Prevention Tips for Workplaces
• Cigarette Butt Receptacle Rebates
• Abandoned Shopping Cart Reporting Program
(www.litterfree.ca)

Business Rebate
for Butt Containers
Not only do littered cigarette butts look bad, but did you know…?
• Cigarette butts are the most littered item (approx. 35-50% of all litter). It is estimat-
ed that 1.69 billion pounds (over 768,000 metric tonnes) of butts wind up as litter
worldwide per year.
• Filters are 95% acetate (plastic) and can take up to 15 years to decompose.
• Cigarette butts and other litter dropped on the ground end up in streams, rivers and
Lake Superior via wind, rain and storm sewers.
• The chemicals from cigarette butts have been proven to be toxic to fish and other
aquatic organisms.
• Cigarette filters have been found in the stomachs of fish, birds and other animals who
mistake them for food.
Alfa Products is offering a 15% DISCOUNT on cigarette receptacles plus FREE
INSTALLATION. Rebates are available from EcoSuperior with proof of purchase and
installation of wall-mounted or ground-model enclosed cigarette receptacles (no open ash-
trays) after February 15th, 2010, while quantities last. Rebate is not limited to Alfa
Products receptacles. If you have questions, call Karen at 624-2148. Limit one rebate per
workplace. Please note receptacles must be placed at least 3 metres from an entrance to a
work place according to City of Thunder Bay By-law # 34-2004.
Rebates are available through EcoSuperior’s Litter Prevention program in partnership
with Litter Free Thunder Bay, and made possible with funding from the City of Thunder
Bay Clean, Green and Beautiful Committee.
For more product information and pricing, contact: ALFA PRODUCTS International
at 767-4145 or vvanska@tbaytel.net.

Planning an Event? Make it Litter Free & Green

Events are often a huge source of litter
and waste, whether an outdoor music festi-
val or an indoor conference. But they don’t
have to be. With a little extra planning and
some guidance, event planners came make
a big difference. Organizing a litter-free &
green event provides many benefits to your
organization and to our environment. It
reduces waste going to landfill, conserves
resources and demonstrates your commit-
ment to a healthy, more sustainable com-
munity.
The ZWATeam, Litter Free Thunder
Bay and EcoSuperior have created the
“Litter-Free & Green Event Planning
Guide” and will recognize event organizers
who implement all of the essential require-
ments plus at least five of the other tips of
their choice. Qualified events receive a cer-
tificate, public recognition on the
EcoSuperior website, and use of the
“Welcome to Our Litter Free Green Event”
and “Put Litter in its Place for a Clean,
Green and Beautiful Thunder Bay” ban-
ners. You can find the guide and apply for
certification at www.ecosuperior.org (in the
Waste & Litter section) Paper copies are
also available at the EcoSuperior office and
at the City of Thunder Bay Event Services.
Funding for this program was provided by
the City’s Clean, Green & Beautiful
Committee.
 ECO-NEWS • EcoSuperior • 11

Binational Forum Presents

Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Plan
The Lake Superior Binational Forum will host its next meeting in Sault Ste. Marie on The Lake Superior Binational Forum is composed of twelve Canadian and twelve
May 7th and 8th, 2010. From 1 to 4:30 p.m. on Friday, May 7th at the Delta Waterfront American stake-holders representing industrial, Tribal/First Nations, business, environ-
Hotel on the St. Marys River the Forum will hold a public input session centering on the mental, recreational, tourism, health, labor, and academic interests. The purpose of the Lake
“Lake Superior Aquatic Invasive Species Complete Prevention Plan.” There is no charge for Superior Binational Forum is to further consultation and participation among government,
this session which is open to the public. industry and environmental stakeholders towards restoration and protection of Lake
Invasive species have become one of the greatest threats to the Great Lakes, including Superior and the environment of the surrounding basin.
Lake Superior. The risk of non-native species is their potential to cause devastating eco- The “Lake Superior Aquatic Invasive Species Complete Prevention Plan” and further
nomic and ecosystem effects in the form of damage and control costs, degraded water qual- information about the Lake Superior Binational Forum can be found at www.superiorfo-
ity, job losses, declining property values, compromised native species, decreased biodiver- rum.org. The Lake Superior Binational Forum is funded by Environment Canada and the
sity, and other negative impacts. The Sea Lamprey, which entered the Upper Great Lakes U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
after the Welland Canal was constructed, is an example of an invasive species which total-
ly devastated fish stocks in Lake Superior.
The Complete Prevention Plan outlines actions that need to be taken to prevent new
aquatic invasive species from entering and becoming established in the Lake Superior
ecosystem. Key actions for the U.S. and Canada include:
• develop binational, federal uniform ballast water treatment standards for both oceango-
ing and lake vessels
• accelerate the development, testing and implementation of effective ballast treatment
systems
• adopt best management practices for the Sault locks that require closing the upper and
lower gates when not in use
• put in place practical and educational efforts to address the problem of bait fish and
transfer of aquatic invasives into Superior and inland lakes within the Superior water-
shed.

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Coming Events
April 9 – 11
CLE Spring Home & Garden Show
Lake Superior
(visit our booth in the Coliseum bldg)
April 20
Youth Action Team meeting,
Areas of Concern
The Peninsula Harbour Community Liaison Bay – Schreiber area community. Dave Tamblyn is the
Brodie St. Library Community Room, 5:15 p.m. – 6:45 p.m. Committee will meet at 12 noon on April 27th at Town committee chair. At the meeting a draft “recovery
Hall in Marathon. The Committee provides communi- report” will be submitted by Dr. Rob Stewart of
April 21 ty input to government representatives working to Lakehead University. The report deals with environ-
Green Drinks Thunder Bay, 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. address the contaminated sediment in Marathon’s mental conditions and the potential for recovery in the
at Boston Pizza on Memorial. See www.greendrinks.org Peninsula Harbour. Dr. Sarah Newberry is the chair of Blackbird Creek and Jackfish Bay ecosystems which
the committee. At the meeting, an update on plans for were impacted by effluent from the Terrace Bay mill.
April 22 a proposed 2011 sediment remediation project will be Additionally, a plan for environmental monitoring
Earth Day provided by representatives of Environment Canada designed to gauge environmental conditions will be
Environmental Film Festival at L.U. Agora, and the Ontario Ministry of Environment. Recent envi- presented by government representatives.
Free admission. Call 475-3631 for information. ronmental problems at the former mill site will also be Agendas for both meetings as well as a wide range
discussed. of information about these two Lake Superior environ-
April 24 The Jackfish Bay Public Area in Recovery Review mental areas of concern can be accessed at www.supe-
E-Waste Collection at OLG Casino, Committee will meet at 7 p.m. on April 28th at the riorforum.org. The general public is most welcome to
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (details on page 7) Community Centre in Terrace Bay. The Committee attend either of these two meetings. Further informa-
provides a two-way avenue for communication tion can also be obtained by calling EcoSuperior at
April 25 between government representatives and the Terrace 888-301-5253 toll free.
Norwest Ontario Geocachers Cache In, Trash Out event
at the Centennial Bluffs (off Arundel St.)
11:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. For details contact Chris at 621-9598
April 27
New Green Businesses
• Check out The Battery Doctors, a local company that repairs your car, boat and rv batteries. Through a tech-
Peninsula Harbour Community Liaison committee meeting
nology being used extensively in the USA, Europe and Australia you can now bring in your tired and weak-
12 noon at Marathon Town Hall ened batteries and have them chemically rejuvenated. Not only does this save you the cost of battery replace-
April 28 ment, but it also reduces the toxic chemicals going into the landfill.
Jackfish Bay Public Area in Recovery Committee meeting • Concerned about the impact of your lawn care service? Look into Green City Grass, owned by Nathan
7:00 p.m. Terrace Bay Community Centre. Woods. “The earth lover’s landscaper” is promoting low-emissions lawn care in the Thunder Bay area using
electric equipment charged by CO2 neutral and renewable power. Services include grass cutting, aeration,
April 29 overseeding, natural fertilizer and more. Call 472-0543 or visit greencitygrass.ca for a quote.
EarthWise Thunder Bay spring general meeting details at If your business is providing a green service let us know! If your business would like to reduce its environmental
www.earthwisethunderbay.com footprint, contact Earthwise Thunder Bay and check out the Net-Zero Business guide (a local resource to mak-
April 30 ing your business more environmentally friendly).
20 Minute Makeover clean up event for businesses
(see page 9)
May 1 – 31
14th Annual Spring Up to Clean Up month (page 9)
The Big Boreal Adventure
No one disputes the fact that children today spend including EcoSuperior’s Central Natural Environment
May 1 more time indoors in front of television screens than Gardens.
Community Yard Sale all over Thunder Bay (page 9) they should. The Big Boreal Adventure is a new pro- Go to all 25 locations to fill your guidebook with
gram to address this issue, to combat obesity, to rubbings of original drawings by local artists. In addi-
May 3 – 8 encourage exercise and the enjoyment of the natural tion, the guidebook includes the 25 most common
Free Tipping Week at Thunder Bay Solid Waste & world. Created by Little Lions Waldorf Daycare and insects in Thunder Bay for you to seek and identify. It’s
Recycling Facility supported by a long list of community partners, the the Big Boreal Adventure — get out and go!
program will be launched next month.
May 4 – 18 You can register your family at a variety of places
Leaf & Yard Waste Collection in Thunder Bay. in the city, including all branches of the Thunder
Check your waste management calendar Public Library, the Children’s Centre, the Art Gallery
and participating daycares. You will receive a free
May 30 – June 5 guidebook, map and crayon as well as a complimenta-
Canadian Environment Week ry Get Wild Activity Book from the Ministry of
Natural Resources. In the map you will find the loca-
June 2 tion of 25 wonderful places to take young children
Clean Air Day where they can have a variety of nature experiences,