Sierra Club Chinook Group Update: September 9, 2008

Sierra Club of Canada - Chinook Group

Updates

Voting guide to the "Climate Crisis Election"

Sierra Club Canada has unveiled its ranking of the federal parties on what the club is referring to as the “climate crisis election.” The guide is available on Sierra Club Canada’s website: www.sierraclub.ca “There is no doubt that the climate crisis will be a pivotal factor in the upcoming federal election,” said Stephen Hazell, executive director of Sierra Club Canada. “Polling consistently reveals that Canadians want Canada to do its fair share to avoid dangerous climate change, and they know we are not doing that now.”

Wilderness First Aid course

We have secured dates for the free Wilderness First Aid Course offered free of charge to Sierra Club members by the Calgary Area Outdoor Council (normally around $250). The course will be offered over 3 full days, Sept. 26-28. Maximum capacity is 15 people. Those interested in attending should contact Alex Taylor at: [email protected]

A reminder that you need to be a current member of the Sierra Club, which you can get or renew (for $20) at https://getinvolved.sierraclub.ca/renew.php

Plastic bag campaign update

Thanks to the efforts of the Chinook Group’s summer staffer Tara Mahoney, we are making strides in our efforts to eliminate free single-use plastic shopping bags in the city, including the production of the Chinook Group’s own reusable cotton bags and an informational brochure on the subject. Stay tuned for more information and developments about this campaign this fall. In the meantime, Seattle has become the first major North American city to approve a tax on plastic bags, similar to the successful “plastax” in Ireland. For more information, check out the Aug. 23 Sierra Club Radio podcast.

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Events

Chinook Group monthly meeting - October 1

The topic of next month’s public meeting will be bicycle commuting in Calgary, featuring speakers and discussion about the pros and cons of commuting by bicycle in Calgary, as well as tips and suggestions for how to leave your car at home for your daily trip to work. The meeting will also feature photos from Chinook Group member Grady Semmens’ Daily Ride photo project.

Chinook Group monthly meetings are free and open to the public. The meetings take place the first Wednesday evening of each month at 7 pm at the Calgary Area Outdoor Council (CAOC) building at 1111 Memorial Drive NW on the Bow River pathway (upstairs, entrance at the back). Inexpensive parking is available at the building off east-bound Memorial Drive.

Free public lecture - "Nuclear Power is Not the Answer"

Renowned anit-nuclear advocate, Nobel peace prize nominee and co-founder of Physicians for Social Responsibility, Dr. Helen Caldicott, will be in Calgary on Tuesday, Oct. 7 for a free public lecture about the perils of nuclear power. Caldicott’s talk will take place at 7 pm at MacEwan Hall on the University of Calgary campus. The lecture is presented by Citizens Advocating The Use of Sustainable Energy (CAUSE). See attached poster for more information.

Outings & Trips

Gorilla Run - October 19

The Chinook Group plans to continue its annual tradition of taking part in the Calgary Zoo’s Gorilla Run relay running race on Sunday, Oct. 19. The run raises awareness of the threats facing the world’s remaining mountain gorilla populations in central Africa and is a fundraiser for the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International. Entry fees are $35 per person. For more information, visit: www.gorillarun.com

To take part under the Chinook Group banner, contact Laura Hickman at: [email protected]

To be added to our Outings email list, go to: http://lists.sierraclubchinook.org/mailman/listinfo/outings

Chinook Group Vision Statement

The Sierra Club of Canada - Chinook Group is an environmental organization that changes consciousness through political influence, education, advocacy and fun!

Not a member yet? Join Sierra Club of Canada today at:
https://getinvolved.sierraclub.ca/renew.php