Greater Arnprior Environmental Action Council

A 100-Mile Pig Roast is a great way to Celebrate the Fall Harvest and Local Food

Jeremiah Gillett — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 21:15:05 +0000

Some things like coffee, cocoa, sugar and salt have been imported to the Ottawa Valley since Europeans first settled here. But apples from Washington State, strawberries from California, sweet peppers from Chile or Garlic from China, well that’s something much more recent. Unfortunately, it has become all too common for the food on our plates to have travelled long distances; the average bag of groceries has travelled between 1500km and 3500km, depending on the study, and of course the groceries. At first we might dismiss this as simply a product of globalisation, market efficiencies, the result of individual rationalised choices. We might praise it as a wonder of our modern era that we can have strawberries with our breakfast in February, and inexpensive garlic grown on the other side of the world with supper. Indeed it is amazing and a testament to our commercial abilities as a species. However it comes at a price.

First, consider quality and taste. Produce grown for traveling long distances travels well. Indeed strawberries grown outside of Phoenix Arizona (yes in the desert) are red and plump in our supermarket days after they have been picked and shipped. Yes, they travel well and they look, well, perfect. The wonder ends when you bite in to one. The woody, white insides tell you that while they travel well they taste terrible or at least not very much like strawberries.

Next, consider the needless environmental impact. Shipping food (increasingly viewed primarily as a commodity, rather than necessity of life) around the world, often by planes and more often by trucks, contributes to air and water pollution as well as greenhouse gases emissions a major cause of climate change.

Finally, and less often discussed, consider food security and/or food sovereignty. Last year one of the last remaining fruit juice canneries in Ontario announced it was closing its doors because it was unable to compete with foreign canneries, most notably in China. As a result many Niagara region fruit farmers have been cutting down their orchards and switching crops to stay profitable. That’s right, the “Product of Canada” apple juice on the shelf at the grocery store, means that 51% of the cost of production, including shipping and marketing was born by a Canadian company; but it doesn’t mean that it was Canadian apples grown by Canadian farmers. Now here you might think I am just being protectionist, nationalistic or xenophobic. But this is not my perspective at all. Rather, consider this, we are ignoring the consequences of our individual and collective food purchasing choices and as a result, we are losing them.

So what is the alternative? Eating local.

Once upon a time, and indeed for many in the world today, this wasn’t a trend but rather everyday life. People lived near, and were in many ways more connected to where, and who, their food came from. Now many people are staring to think more and more about what they eat, in fact you can read all about it. In 2005, Alisa Smith and J.B. MacKinnon began a one-year experiment in local eating where they ate exclusively food grown within 100 miles of their home. Although others had done similar undertakings, the book which chronicled their adventure, The 100-Mile Diet, sparked a public interest that has grown and spread. Many people have now taken the “100-Mile Pledge” a challenge worth checking out at 100milediet.org

Local eating can be a bit of a challenge. In fact, the challenge is part of the fun for many people. But, in meeting that challenge there are also great discoveries to be made. Local fruit varieties you didn‘t know about, or just haven‘t tasted in years. Developing networks with people, also known as building community, whether they are others challenging themselves to eat locally, artisan cheese producers, local farmers, market garden producers, bakers, etc. There are other discoveries to be made as well. For our family those discoveries included our children helping to grow and can our own tomatoes which we enjoy canned year round. There are great resources to help meet the challenge of looking beyond your local grocery shelf. Check out the Ottawa Valley Food Coop on line www.ottawavalleyfood.org, visit a local farmers’ market, like the one in Arnprior on Wednesday mornings or in numerous local towns on weekends.

Local eating is also a celebration, and doesn’t have to be an unwavering exercise in self-denial. There’s something to say for a cup of fair trade coffee (locally roasted) and poured in a cup beside a plate of pancakes made from local flour, local eggs and local milk, with fresh July picked strawberries and of course Ottawa Valley maple syrup. It is “Thanks, and let’s eat.”

The Greater Arnprior Environmental Action Council (EAC), along with local producers and purveyors is holding a 100-mile harvest dinner pig-roast to celebrate the wonderful food available to us in the Ottawa Valley. Originally scheduled for August 22^nd, Mother Nature hasn’t co-operated. It isn’t that there isn’t enough delicious food (or great entertainment to be had), but rather the rain has dampened so many July plans, that many people just don’t have a free Saturday in August to spare. So, in order to make this fund-raiser a success, and to have it enjoyed by as many people as possible, we have moved the date to Wednesday, September 23nd . If you have already purchased tickets, they of course will still be honoured. If you haven’t yet got your tickets, well save the date, and get them now. Tickets are 25$ and are available at Arnprior Bulk and Natural Foods, Bonnie Jane’s Scones, as well as the Elgin Street Farmers’ Market on Wednesdays, and the White Lake General Store. Funds form this event will go to support local food initiatives and other EAC events such as Earth Day. Along with the meal (including a vegetarian option), the evening will feature live entertainment and is sure to include great company and conversation as well as local art work and a raffles. For more event information about the dinner or ticket purchases contact EAC Director, Eric Burton at 613-622-5719, or ericreidburton@yahoo.ca

A “Local” celebration for Earth Day in Arnprior

Jeremiah Gillett — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 20:44:45 +0000

Think Global – Act Local. This is a mantra often heard when speaking about the environment. This year the Greater Arnprior Environmental Action Council (EAC) has made acting local the theme for the Town of Arnprior’s Earth Day Street Festival. Held on John Street in the Town’s historic downtown district, the event featured local food, entertainment and activities for the whole family.

So what does acting local mean? Let’s start with what we eat. Food has become an increasingly global market commodity. For producers this means increasing competitive pressures and for consumers it has meant, that while we can get anything anytime, we are becoming disconnected from the people and land that feed us. For our environment, large scale industrial agriculture has meant pollution from industrialised farming techniques and pollution and climate change from excessive transportation networks. So what can we do about it and what can we do we stand to gain?

We can choose local food. Choosing locally grown food has numerous positive effects. Environmentally, it cuts down on the carbon foot print created by vast transportation networks. Local food makes our ability to feed ourselves sustainable. Local food builds a mutually beneficial connection with local farmers; this encourages a type of community stewardship of our land and water resources. Local food gives a more immediate connection with nature’s ability to provide what we need. A California grown strawberry, picked and shipped thousands of kilometres just doesn’t taste the same as a fresh Ottawa Valley strawberry still warm from the sunshine. So next time your in the supermarket look at where your food comes from. If it isn’t clear just ask. Or better yet, get to your local farmer’s market; Arnprior’s growing one is great as are others around the Valley. Join a food co-op. The Ottawa Valley Food Co-op is a fantastic source for local food and a great way for farmers and the rest of the community to connect. Finally, grow a garden. It doesn’t have to be big. Even a few tomato plants in containers on the porch can be enough. At least to start…

How else can we act local? How about what and how we buy. First, try buying less. Everything we buy as consumers comes from resources and energy provide by our biosphere – the earth. That’s right we “consume” what the earth gives us. Some of these resources when managed properly are renewable. Others, such as petroleum based plastics, are not. We all know the new 3 R’s: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. Their order is not random. They are listed in order of importance and effectiveness. Most of us have gotten really good at recycling. Many, certainly from our parents’ and grandparents’ generation are also very familiar with reusing items. But the primary item on the list is reduce. In a world where we are bombarded by thousands of advertising messages everyday this can be a challenge. But it can be a challenge worth facing. Buying less means less shipping, less packaging, less driving to stores. But without shopping, what can we do with our time? How about going out with family and friends, getting out in the garden, or hiking, skiing, etc.

But there are things we need to buy. People need to sell and manufacture goods to make a living. Absolutely, we need an economy. This is where we can also act locally. Local economies are more easily made sustainable. The owners of locally owned and run industries have a personal vested interest the environmental impact of their businesses. Local merchants do as well. Shopping from locally owned businesses, and buying local produced products when possible, has other positive effects beyond reducing fossil fuels used to transport goods around the world and the local environmental stewardship that it encourages. Walkable shopping districts like downtown Arnprior get us out in the fresh air. They get us interacting face to face with our neighbours including local business owners; thus developing a sense of community and connection.

Of course, some would say be reasonable – I don‘t want to live in a hippy commune, I can‘t afford solar panels. We don’t all need to. But here is a reasonable idea: maybe we could all work smarter instead of harder, take time to grow, cook and enjoy local food when it’s in season and at it’s tastiest. Enjoy it with our families and friends. If we need something, maybe we can go for a walk and meet our neighbourhood merchants.

If you want other ideas on how to think globally and act locally, or just a chance to get out and enjoy what the Valley and Arnprior have to offer, come out to next year’s Earth Day Street Festival in downtown Arnprior.

The Third Annual Arnprior Earth Day Street Festival was a huge success!

Jeremiah Gillett — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 01:43:47 +0000

For Immediate Release

This last Saturday people from around the entire Ottawa Valley came to historic downtown Arnprior to celebrate the third annual Earth Day Street Festival. Hosted by the Environmental Action Council, the theme of this year’s street festival was “Think Global – Act Local – Buy Local – Eat Local”. Despite high winds and an occasional rain shower, the event brought together local growers, producers, farmers, artisans, artists, NGOs, political parties, merchants and people of all ages. Members of the public from around the Ottawa valley learned about resources available throughout the local area while enjoying live entertainment, great food, arts and crafts, face painting and more.

The live stage show, sponsored in part by Audrey’s In Town, Richie’s Feed and Seed, and Arnprior Rona, and hosted by Peter DeWolf of MyF included performances by local band Crush Luther, Arnprior High School Bands, and local artist Maria Hawkins. Opening the festivities, Arnprior Councillor Eric Burton opened the festivities in front of the historic clock tower. “This growing event shows and celebrates the important efforts that people are making across the Ottawa Valley to build a sustainable environment, for our own, and future generations.”

The celebration had John Street packed for hours with hundreds of families enjoying the event. Children lined up for face-painting and to checkout the bees from Ottawa Valley Honey and the EAC’s BBQ was a hit, with people lining up to enjoy local beef burgers, featuring Dobson’s Grass Fed Beef, and vegan burgers from Living on the Veg.

EAC Chair Jeremiah Gillett said “Along with the other initiatives that the EAC has undertaken this year, it was really great to see such a successful festival in Arnprior with so many people out to celebrate Earth Day.”

Come out to the Arnprior Earth Day Street Festival – Sat. April 25th 10am to 3pm

Jeremiah Gillett — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 21:48:41 +0000

The theme of the third annual Earth Day Celebration in Arnprior is “Think Global – Act Local – Buy Local – Eat Local”. Growing from the success of the last two years, the street festival, to be held in Arnprior’s historic downtown, will bring together local growers, producers, farmers, artisans, artists, NGOs, political parties, merchants and others. Members of the public from around the Ottawa valley will be able to learn about resources available throughout the local area. Along with live entertainent, great food, arts and crafts and more, the event is destined to help grow the local networks that can, and are, having a positive impact for our globe.

This year’s participants include:

Bonnie Jane’s Scones – www.ottawavalleyfood.org/shop/producers/scone.php

The Mix Company – www.themixcompany.com

Opeongo Mountain Soap – www.opeongo.com

Organic Growers, Ottawa Chapter – www.cog.ca/ottawa/

The Ottawa Valley Food Co-op – www.ottawavalleyfood.org/

The Diaper Service Co.- www.thediaperservice.ca/

The Honey Guy

Dobson’s Grass Fed Beef Farm – www.dobsonfarm.com

Botanical Bella and Bebe

The Arnprior Garden Club – www.arnweb.com/gardenclub/

Energy Options – www.energyoptions.biz

Steve Anderson bio-deisel

The Ottawa River Institute – www.ottawariverinstitute.ca

FACT-MB: Friends Addressing Concerns Together in McNab/Braeside - www.fact-mb.org

Communities in Bloom – www.communitiesinbloom.ca

Barefoot Buttercup – www.barefootbuttercup.com

Renfrew County Stewardship Council – www.ontariostewardship.org/councils/renfrew

The Cool Hemp Company – www.coolhemp.com

Stone Farms – www.ottawavalleyfood.org/shop/producers/12345.php

Norm Babineau

El Camino Farms – www.ottawavalleyfood.org/shop/producers/elsag.php

Reid Brothers Arnprior – www.reidbros.ca

Arnprior Home Hardware – www.homehardware.ca

Kym’s Old Fashion Bakery – www.ottawavalleyfood.org/shop/producers/moose.php

Tiffanu Walmer jewelry

Ontario Sustainable Energy Association – www.ontario-sea.org

Nature Conservatory of Canada: Ontario Region -www.natureconservancy.ca/

Claude Dallaire

Sweet Violet – www.sweetviolet.ca

Arnprior Public Library

Rona – www.rona.ca

The Green Party – www.gpo.ca

New Democrat Party – www.renfrewndp.ca

The Ottawa River Keepers – www.ottawariverkeeper.ca

and more…

The event will also include a live stage show hosted by Peter DeWolf of MyFM:

Don’t miss it:

10 am – Opening Ceremony including welcoming by Mayor Terry Gibeau

11:00 – Maria Hawkins – www.mariahawkins.ca

12:15 – Announcements

12:30 – Arnprior High School Band

1:15 – Announcements

1:30 – Crush Luther – www.myspace.com/crushluther

And more yet to be announced….

While you’re out for the day, why not sign up for a nature walk or geocache game. There will be a sign-up page at the EAC’s table.

Adult walks:

11 a.m. – bird-walk in the Grove with Eric Ridgen

12 p.m. – tree identification walk in the Grove with Shawn Gibson and Nancy Ilman

1 p.m. – walk through McNamara Trail with Joel Byrne (meeting at the trailhead)

Children’s/Family walks:

11:30 a.m. 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m.

The Geocache game, with Alastair Baird, will have room for 5 families (first come basis, sign-up at the EAC table). Departure time will be from the main stage at 12:30 returning an hour later.

Of course, there will be food and refreshments. There will be a BBQ including local beef burgers, featuring beef from Dobson’s Grass Fed Beef Farm, and vegan burgers from Angela Stuart – Life on the Veg. As well Bonnie Jane’s will be providing drinks and other yummy snacks. We encourage everyone to bring your own water-bottle.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED.

That’s right, an event like this requires many people to put together. If you would like to lend a hand with setting-up or tearing down, or lending a hand, please send an email to jeremiah.gillett@sympatico.ca

Think Global – Act Local – Buy Local – Eat Local

The Environmental Action Council Presents Earth Week Speakers Series 2009

Jeremiah Gillett — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 01:15:22 +0000

For Immediate Release

April 10th 2009, Arnprior Ontario

The Environmental Action Council Presents Earth Week Speakers Series

The EAC is pleased to present two speaking engagements as part of Arnprior’s Earth Week festivities. Focussing on this years theme of acting locally for the globe, the events will provide valuable and interesting information and are sure to be enjoyed.

Tuesday, April 21st the Environmental Action Council presents Lauren Trute, Species at Risk Biologist with the Ministry of Natural Resources in Pembroke. Please join the EAC at the Arnprior District High School at 7:30 pm to learn about local species at risk and what you can do to help them out.

Thursday, April 23rd the Environmental Action Council presents Bob Dobson, Founding member of the Ottawa Valley Food Co-operative, Dobson Family Farms. Please join the EAC at the Arnprior District High School at 7:30 pm for a presentation titled “Cuba-Canada Farmer to Farmer Tour”. This presentation is the result of a 14 day trip to Cuba; touring farms and food production systems to learn how people in Cuba have been able to increase their domestic food supply with organic production techniques.

Following the Earth Week Speaking Series, the EAC will be hosting Arnprior’s third annual Earth Day Street Festival on Saturday, April 25th from 10am to 3pm. On John Street in Arnprior’s historic downtown, the event promises something for everyone. Including local vendors from around the Ottawa valley, local food BBQ, face painting and crafts, a live political debate, live music including Crush Luther and Maria Hawkins, and more.

Jeremiah Gillett — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 17:44:12 +0000

For Immediate Release

March 29^th 2009 – Arnprior, Ontario

Earth Hour 2009 a great success in Arnprior

On Saturday evening people around the world joined together for Earth Hour celebrations and switched of the lights from 8:30 to 9:30. Along with the Town’s official participation, members of the community came together for an Earth Hour hot chocolate and marshmallow roast, hosted by the Galilee Centre and Environmental Action Council (EAC). The festivities were a great success. Earth Hour is a global initiative that has grown year after year to raise awareness about energy conservation and the power that globally combined, individual commitments can have for the environment.

Councillor Eric Burton welcomed the public and introduced the co-hosts of the event. Deanna Karimullah, Public Relations Coordinator for the Galilee Centre explained the event as “a chance for people to come together to share and enjoy a sense of community while participating in Earth Hour.” The event was so well attended that the Galilee Centre and EAC plan to host the event again next year. Jeremiah Gillett, Chair of the Environmental Action Council said “it is so great to have so many people out; this has been a great launch for the upcoming Earth Week in Arnprior.”

This year’s Earth Week events will run from April 19^th to April 25^th in Arnprior. Events will include guest speakers and workshops, as well as the Earth Day Street Festival on Saturday April 25^th from 10am to 3pm on John Street in historic downtown Arnprior. The festival will include:

A local food BBQ with burgers and vegetarian fare

Stage show hosted by MyFM and featuring live entertainment including Crush Luther and Maria Hawkins

Face painting

Arts and Crafts using household recyclables

Bicycle tune-ups

All parties political discussion, and

Vendors and more…

For more information on Earth Week in Arnprior or the Environmental Action Council, visit us at www.gaeac.wordpress.com or please contact Jeremiah Gillett, Chair, at 613-623-4864.

Annual General Meeting 2009

Jeremiah Gillett — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 16:28:40 +0000

The Greater Arnprior Environmental Action Council (EAC) held it’s annual general meeting on February 25^th. Generously hosted at Bonnie Jane’s Scones Shop, the evening was a great success. After expressing her thanks for the work done by the Environmental Action Council over the last two years, out-going Chair Mandi Lavallee called for elections. Elected to return as Vice-Chair, Ms. Lavallee is joined by Kelly Reed as Secretary-Treasurer and new member Jeremiah Gillett taking on the role of Chair. “Jeremiah was nominated for his commitment to working with and learning from everyone in the community” says Councillor Eric Burton, founding Chairperson of the EAC.

The EAC passed its 2009 budget and list of its main priorities for the year. All members present were excited and looking forward to working in the community. Successful projects from years past such as the Shoreline Clean-up, the Town’s Pitch-in Day, and involvement with the weekly Farmer’s Market will be repeated. Additionally, the EAC plans to hold summer and autumn“100-mile” Harvest Suppers including a autumn “meet and greet” open-house. The EAC is also working on developing a community garden in Town and member Doug Munro continues his work on Household Hazardous Waste programs.

The Council has its immediate sights set on the upcoming Earth Day Celebration for the third week in April. Culminating in the Earth Day Celebration held on Saturday April 25^th the week promises to be filled with events for the whole community. Building on the successes of the past two years the EAC believes Earth Day 2009 will be another really well attended event in Arnprior.