Below you will find our top ten achievements from 2009 - ten achievements you have helped us attain, and ten reasons why you should donate now to ensure our Top 10 are even better in 2010!
10. Surviving the financial crisis
Thanks to your support Burns Bog Conservation Society celebrated its 21st anniversary on November 14, despite these harsh economic times.
9. Extending our message to a wider audience
Thanks to support from ECO Canada, we are now able to embrace online social media tools. Your positive feedback tells us we're on the right track as we have greatly increased the scope of our reach.
8. Providing disabled individuals access to secure employment
In return for their contribution to our work, the Society helps to develop skills and social networking to over 50 individuals, some of whom have barriers to employment.
7. Being recognized for environmental leadership
Society president Eliza Olson was honoured with the award for Environmental Leadership from Vancouver Island Human Rights Institute.
6. Growing and expanding the project
Thanks to JDQ 3Spheres of Reciprocity, we are fine tuning business practices to expand into new projects such as an Interpretive Centre and capital campaign development.
5. Familiarizing more people with Burns Bog
In 2009 your support allowed us to take almost 3000 people on a tour of Burns Bog, and pre-registeration for our Summer Day Camps doubled!
4. Inspiring action to stop South Fraser Perimeter Road
You helped make our Stop SFPR campaign successful allowing us to mobilize hundreds of people into action protesting the South Fraser Perimeter Road.
3. Moving Burns Bog closer to UNESCO World Heritage Site Designation
MP Sukh Dhaliwal presented the petition to designate Burns Bog as a UNESCO World Heritage Site to the House of Commons.
2. Growing international support
Two interns came from Germany to work at the Society, and Burns Bog is featured on International Mire Conservation Group's homepage.
1. Burns Bog battles climate change
Thanks to your suport, the Society fought global warming by showing support at Global Day of Action events, and distributing information and petitions to delegates at Copenhagen Climate Change Conference with the help of BCEN.
Please add protecting Burns Bog to your Top 10 by clicking here to donate today.
Thank you for your support and all the best for the New Year!
Conservation and protection of Burns Bog forever
31 December 2009
18 December 2009
People take action to stop freeway
Early this morning concerned citizens took action to try to stop the South Fraser Perimeter Road. The billion dollar freeway construction project will run along the south side of the Fraser River from from Deltaport Way in Southwest Delta to 176th Street (Hwy 15) in Surrey, with connections to Highway 1, 91, 99 and to TransLink's new Golden Ears Bridge connector. It is being said to reduce congestion and improve the quality of life for businesses and residents, but at a cost more valuable than money. Running along the lagg of Burns Bog, it will have devastating impacts on the bog's ecological integrity. It will cause serious health problems for surrounding residents. And it has already torn up countless homes and farmland. Thankfully there are many concerned people and organizations that are trying to put a stop to this, yet another unecessary freeway. Gatewaysucks, an organization dedicated to stopping Gateway projects such as the South Fraser Perimeter Road, mounted large signs today with strategically placed messages in protest against the project. Below are some images taken this morning by me and my colleagues here at Burns Bog Conservation Society.
Home on River Road demolished to make way for freeway
To see more photos visit http://www.flickr.com/photos/43367159@N07/sets/72157622798719051/
You can also help stop this "Freeway to Destruction." Sign the online petition at http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/stopsfpr/ Speak with your local government representative. Attend a protest. There are many ways that you can help stop this.
For more information please visit http://www.burnsbog.org/, http://www.gatewaysucks.org/, and http://thereisanotherway.com/
14 December 2009
Maybe Scrooge is just misunderstood
So you may say “Bah, humbug” to the title alone, but perhaps Mr. Dickens was onto something more than just a famous Christmastime tale. Don’t we all value saving a little money? Keeping the temperature down in the office is an excellent energy saving tactic that saves money and also helps reduce greenhouse gases. Working by natural candlelight does too. From this story we can take away new meaning from its lesson of generosity and sharing. Make this holiday season one of giving back. Not just to friends and family, but also to the planet who has given so much to you.
Get a head start on that pesky New Year’s resolution to reduce your carbon footprint this holiday season by using some of these helpful tips.
Buy Less, Give More
Christmas is the time for giving, but giving doesn’t have to be wasteful, nor does it have to be expensive! Re-gift those two identical juicers you got as wedding presents in the summer. Or how about that painting in the basement your aunt Sue just adores that you have just as a space filler? Got a great old armoire that just needs a little sanding? I bet your niece who recently started university would love that refurbished piece for her bare-bones student apartment. Struggling to find an adequate Secret Santa gift for that boss who already has everything? Make a donation in his/her name. Your mother ‘s shelves about to collapse with all the dust collectors she’s been receiving over the years? Give her the gift of experience. Send her to the spa for the day, or treat her to a snorkeling lesson in the summer. Services make great waste-free gifts for just about anyone.
Come Boxing Day and you’re ready to head to the mall in hopes of exchanging the 10th wool sweater you got without a receipt? Why not let that sweater make someone else’s day? Donate unwanted gifts to charities in need.
Keep it Simple, Be Creative
Strapped for cash this year? Or simple sick of long holiday line-ups at the mall? What better time to get in touch with your creative side! Why not make all-natural beauty products like face masks and hair conditioner? Google is your best friend for quick, simple and cheap recipes that are eco-friendly and not tested on animals. Or make a DVD for grandma with a slideshow and some music featuring the adorable grandkids she hasn’t been able to see all that much this year. There are many easy-to-use programs like Microsoft Movie Maker or Apple’s iDVD, which most computers already have installed. Get the perfect finishing touch by making homemade wrapping paper, creating personalized cards, and using old VHS and cassette tape as ribbon (the vintage look is so in!) instead of scotch tape. Making your own paper sound like too much work? How about wrapping your gift in clothe? I bet you have an old flannel shirt you haven’t worn since the 60s. Cut off the sleeves for a unique wrapping look or use the material to make a cloth bag that can be reused year after year!
Save More Than Just Money
Helping the environment is an excellent way to really get into the Christmas spirit. This year send a message to the world that you care about saving our planet. Instead of chopping down a tree, rent a carbon neutral Holiday Tree from carbonsync.ca. Carbonsync, a local business, will deliver and pick-up the beautiful potted live tree and then replant it in a habitat restoration project where they will not get cut down. Buy local products like an organic free-range turkey and organic wine, which not only reduces C02 emmissions, but also boosts rural industry. Set the mood by using less light, and burning soy, beeswax or vegetable-based candles, as they are biodegradable and made from renewable resources. Or keep it minimal with LED lights and battery-free gadgets and toys. There is lots you can do!
Imagine a world without the beautiful smell of fir trees, without the pristine white snow blanketing your lawn on Christmas Day. Imagine no chestnuts to roast on an open fire, no mistletoe to kiss your loved ones under. Christmas just wouldn’t be the same. Consider me your Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come. Embrace these eco-friendly Christmas practices today so we can continue to enjoy the holidays as they are, and carry on Tiny Tim’s legacy for many more years to come.
Get a head start on that pesky New Year’s resolution to reduce your carbon footprint this holiday season by using some of these helpful tips.
Buy Less, Give More
Christmas is the time for giving, but giving doesn’t have to be wasteful, nor does it have to be expensive! Re-gift those two identical juicers you got as wedding presents in the summer. Or how about that painting in the basement your aunt Sue just adores that you have just as a space filler? Got a great old armoire that just needs a little sanding? I bet your niece who recently started university would love that refurbished piece for her bare-bones student apartment. Struggling to find an adequate Secret Santa gift for that boss who already has everything? Make a donation in his/her name. Your mother ‘s shelves about to collapse with all the dust collectors she’s been receiving over the years? Give her the gift of experience. Send her to the spa for the day, or treat her to a snorkeling lesson in the summer. Services make great waste-free gifts for just about anyone.
Come Boxing Day and you’re ready to head to the mall in hopes of exchanging the 10th wool sweater you got without a receipt? Why not let that sweater make someone else’s day? Donate unwanted gifts to charities in need.
Keep it Simple, Be Creative
Strapped for cash this year? Or simple sick of long holiday line-ups at the mall? What better time to get in touch with your creative side! Why not make all-natural beauty products like face masks and hair conditioner? Google is your best friend for quick, simple and cheap recipes that are eco-friendly and not tested on animals. Or make a DVD for grandma with a slideshow and some music featuring the adorable grandkids she hasn’t been able to see all that much this year. There are many easy-to-use programs like Microsoft Movie Maker or Apple’s iDVD, which most computers already have installed. Get the perfect finishing touch by making homemade wrapping paper, creating personalized cards, and using old VHS and cassette tape as ribbon (the vintage look is so in!) instead of scotch tape. Making your own paper sound like too much work? How about wrapping your gift in clothe? I bet you have an old flannel shirt you haven’t worn since the 60s. Cut off the sleeves for a unique wrapping look or use the material to make a cloth bag that can be reused year after year!
Save More Than Just Money
Helping the environment is an excellent way to really get into the Christmas spirit. This year send a message to the world that you care about saving our planet. Instead of chopping down a tree, rent a carbon neutral Holiday Tree from carbonsync.ca. Carbonsync, a local business, will deliver and pick-up the beautiful potted live tree and then replant it in a habitat restoration project where they will not get cut down. Buy local products like an organic free-range turkey and organic wine, which not only reduces C02 emmissions, but also boosts rural industry. Set the mood by using less light, and burning soy, beeswax or vegetable-based candles, as they are biodegradable and made from renewable resources. Or keep it minimal with LED lights and battery-free gadgets and toys. There is lots you can do!
Imagine a world without the beautiful smell of fir trees, without the pristine white snow blanketing your lawn on Christmas Day. Imagine no chestnuts to roast on an open fire, no mistletoe to kiss your loved ones under. Christmas just wouldn’t be the same. Consider me your Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come. Embrace these eco-friendly Christmas practices today so we can continue to enjoy the holidays as they are, and carry on Tiny Tim’s legacy for many more years to come.
11 December 2009
Take action against climate change
The planet, YOUR planet, is in a dire state and needs your help. You can stop climate change. Will you accept the challenge?
With the drastic increase of greenhouse gases in our atmosphere, the earth has warmed to a dangerous level. A warmer earth means melting glacier ice, causing warmer waters, causing the death of coral reef, and the death of coral animals. It means exascerbated natural disasters. It means extreme drought and water scarcity. It means loss of habitat to wildlife. It means the world as you know it is quickly falling apart. The ferocious ripple effect is having a devastating impact that, if not stopped soon, will be irreversible. The world as you know it will cease to exist.
Our world leaders are currently meeting in Copenhagen, Demark at the annual United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, trying to establish a new emmissions reduction agreement. The fear among many, however, is that not all parties, especially developed nations such as Canada, will commit to the level of action that is so desperately needed.
This is where your help is needed.
Tell Stephen Harper that you want your country committed to stopping climate change. Saturday, December 12, 2009 is Global Day of Action where concerned citizens worldwide band together to show their united support of world leaders taking real and immediate action to fighting climate change.
This year candlelight vigils will be held all throughout the globe to demonstrate solidarity against climate change. Bring a candle and attend one of the many events to show your support. There are many throughout the Lower Mainland including:
SurreyFriday, December 11, 2009 5:30pm - 6:30pm at Holland Park (corner of King George & 100 Street).
LadnerSaturday, December 12, 2009 5:30pm at Westham Square (in front of Johnny's Store at the corner of Elliott Street and Ladner Trunk Road).
VancouverSaturday, December 12, 2009 11am - 9pm at Vancouver Central Library downtown.
You can also battle climate change by giving a gift to Burns Bog Conservation Society. We work to conserve Burns Bog and peatlands worldwide. As a recent UN report states, "Degradation of peatlands is a major and growing source of anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions. Carbon dioxide emissions from peatland drainage, fires and exploitation are estimated to currently be equivalent to at least 3,000 million tonnes per annum or equivalent to more than 10% of the global fossil fuel emissions."
For more information about Global Day of Action and how you can participate please visit www.globalclimatecampaign.org and www.350.org
For more information on the United Nations Climate Change Conference please visithttp://unfccc.int/2860.php
With the drastic increase of greenhouse gases in our atmosphere, the earth has warmed to a dangerous level. A warmer earth means melting glacier ice, causing warmer waters, causing the death of coral reef, and the death of coral animals. It means exascerbated natural disasters. It means extreme drought and water scarcity. It means loss of habitat to wildlife. It means the world as you know it is quickly falling apart. The ferocious ripple effect is having a devastating impact that, if not stopped soon, will be irreversible. The world as you know it will cease to exist.
Our world leaders are currently meeting in Copenhagen, Demark at the annual United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, trying to establish a new emmissions reduction agreement. The fear among many, however, is that not all parties, especially developed nations such as Canada, will commit to the level of action that is so desperately needed.
This is where your help is needed.
Tell Stephen Harper that you want your country committed to stopping climate change. Saturday, December 12, 2009 is Global Day of Action where concerned citizens worldwide band together to show their united support of world leaders taking real and immediate action to fighting climate change.
This year candlelight vigils will be held all throughout the globe to demonstrate solidarity against climate change. Bring a candle and attend one of the many events to show your support. There are many throughout the Lower Mainland including:
SurreyFriday, December 11, 2009 5:30pm - 6:30pm at Holland Park (corner of King George & 100 Street).
LadnerSaturday, December 12, 2009 5:30pm at Westham Square (in front of Johnny's Store at the corner of Elliott Street and Ladner Trunk Road).
VancouverSaturday, December 12, 2009 11am - 9pm at Vancouver Central Library downtown.
You can also battle climate change by giving a gift to Burns Bog Conservation Society. We work to conserve Burns Bog and peatlands worldwide. As a recent UN report states, "Degradation of peatlands is a major and growing source of anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions. Carbon dioxide emissions from peatland drainage, fires and exploitation are estimated to currently be equivalent to at least 3,000 million tonnes per annum or equivalent to more than 10% of the global fossil fuel emissions."
For more information about Global Day of Action and how you can participate please visit www.globalclimatecampaign.org and www.350.org
For more information on the United Nations Climate Change Conference please visithttp://unfccc.int/2860.php
05 December 2009
Paving over the answer to climate change
Burns Bog is being drained of its lifeblood – water. Precious farmland is being covered by preload, heritage homes are being demolished, the Fraser River ecology is being disrupted, and wildlife habitat is fragmented.
And for what? Yet another unnecessary freeway.
The South Fraser Perimeter Road (SFPR) runs from DeltaPort Way through Delta’s richest farmland, through bogland along the south side of the Fraser River, cuts through the banks of the Fraser in North Delta destroying heritage homes, then through Bridgeview in Surrey where the destruction of homes has left people homeless. It finally connects to 176th Street (Hwy 15) and stops near Barnston Island in Surrey.
The government argues this freeway is necessary to reduce congestion and will improve the quality of life for businesses and residents.
But will it? As the SFPR snakes its way through Delta and Surrey it passes fifteen private and public schools. How can increased noise and air pollution improve their quality of education?
The government reports state there will be increased jobs in the health industry due to increased respiratory and cancer related illnesses caused by pollutants from the road. Is that a worthy trade-off to you?
Is this how you want your taxpayer money spent?
You already paid $73 million to protect the bog. Now you’re going to be paying over a billion dollars to ruin it. This freeway will ruin the bog and ruin our chances of reducing climate change.
Burns Bog, located in Delta, British Columbia, and other peatlands worldwide, play a large role in reducing climate change. Peatlands, such as Burns Bog, are massive carbon sinks, storing as much carbon as all terrestrial biomass, twice as much as all global forest biomass, and about the same as in the atmosphere (UN report, 2007). The 2007 UN report continues to state that, “degradation of peatlands is a major and growing source of anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions. Carbon dioxide emissions from peatland drainage, fires and exploitation are estimated to currently be equivalent to at least 3,000 million tonnes per annum or equivalent to more than 10% of the global fossil fuel emissions.” Despite these frightening statistics, the destruction of Burns Bog continues.
It is not too late. We can still stop this atrocity but we need your help. Sign our online petition here, and send a letter to your government representative telling them you oppose this freeway. Better and cheaper alternatives have been made and ignored. Building a 4-lane highway is not the way to go “greener.” Write your own thoughts or use the letter template provided below. Simply sign your name to it. No postage required.
Download the letter template by clicking here.
For a list of government officials names and addresses click here.
For more information on the South Fraser Perimeter Road please visit http://www.burnsbog.org/, http://gatewaysucks.org/, http://www.thereisanotherway.com/ and http://www.gatewayprogram.bc.ca/
View photos of the construction already underway on Flickr by clicking http://www.flickr.com/photos/45258465@N05/
And for what? Yet another unnecessary freeway.
The South Fraser Perimeter Road (SFPR) runs from DeltaPort Way through Delta’s richest farmland, through bogland along the south side of the Fraser River, cuts through the banks of the Fraser in North Delta destroying heritage homes, then through Bridgeview in Surrey where the destruction of homes has left people homeless. It finally connects to 176th Street (Hwy 15) and stops near Barnston Island in Surrey.
The government argues this freeway is necessary to reduce congestion and will improve the quality of life for businesses and residents.
But will it? As the SFPR snakes its way through Delta and Surrey it passes fifteen private and public schools. How can increased noise and air pollution improve their quality of education?
The government reports state there will be increased jobs in the health industry due to increased respiratory and cancer related illnesses caused by pollutants from the road. Is that a worthy trade-off to you?
Is this how you want your taxpayer money spent?
You already paid $73 million to protect the bog. Now you’re going to be paying over a billion dollars to ruin it. This freeway will ruin the bog and ruin our chances of reducing climate change.
Burns Bog, located in Delta, British Columbia, and other peatlands worldwide, play a large role in reducing climate change. Peatlands, such as Burns Bog, are massive carbon sinks, storing as much carbon as all terrestrial biomass, twice as much as all global forest biomass, and about the same as in the atmosphere (UN report, 2007). The 2007 UN report continues to state that, “degradation of peatlands is a major and growing source of anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions. Carbon dioxide emissions from peatland drainage, fires and exploitation are estimated to currently be equivalent to at least 3,000 million tonnes per annum or equivalent to more than 10% of the global fossil fuel emissions.” Despite these frightening statistics, the destruction of Burns Bog continues.
It is not too late. We can still stop this atrocity but we need your help. Sign our online petition here, and send a letter to your government representative telling them you oppose this freeway. Better and cheaper alternatives have been made and ignored. Building a 4-lane highway is not the way to go “greener.” Write your own thoughts or use the letter template provided below. Simply sign your name to it. No postage required.
Download the letter template by clicking here.
For a list of government officials names and addresses click here.
For more information on the South Fraser Perimeter Road please visit http://www.burnsbog.org/, http://gatewaysucks.org/, http://www.thereisanotherway.com/ and http://www.gatewayprogram.bc.ca/
View photos of the construction already underway on Flickr by clicking http://www.flickr.com/photos/45258465@N05/
04 December 2009
People find South Fraser Perimeter Road appalling
The results are in. November's survey featured on this blog asked readers how they feel about the massive freeway construction project already underway in Surrey and surrounding areas, the South Fraser Perimeter Road. 87% of voters oppose the freeway with 55% of those appalled by it. Only 4% support it and 9% said they are ambivalent.
Help Burns Bog Conservation Society stop construction of this unnecessary atrocity. It is not too late. Sign the petetition online at http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/stopsfpr/ and write a letter to your government officials. A pre-written letter that you can simply sign your name to is available at http://www.mediafire.com/?ljjeonzd2zh. For a list of government contacts visit http://www.mediafire.com/?zyntu1x4taq. No postage is required. Simply write O.H.M.S. in place of a stamp.
Be sure to also copy in the Society on any correspondence as we would love to see your support. Our address is
Burns Bog Conservation Society
4-7953 120 Ave.
Delta, BC V4C 6P6
Help Burns Bog Conservation Society stop construction of this unnecessary atrocity. It is not too late. Sign the petetition online at http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/stopsfpr/ and write a letter to your government officials. A pre-written letter that you can simply sign your name to is available at http://www.mediafire.com/?ljjeonzd2zh. For a list of government contacts visit http://www.mediafire.com/?zyntu1x4taq. No postage is required. Simply write O.H.M.S. in place of a stamp.
Be sure to also copy in the Society on any correspondence as we would love to see your support. Our address is
Burns Bog Conservation Society
4-7953 120 Ave.
Delta, BC V4C 6P6
01 December 2009
Save Energy. Save Money
As we quickly approach the end of 2009, why not get a jump start on your New Year's resolution to be more environmentally friendly? During these harsh economic times it may not always be easy, but thanks to this excellent info featured in a Home Depot advertisement, here is one way to help you save energy AND money at the same time!
1. SWITCH TO CFL LIGHT BULBS
Switching all your incandescent bulbs to CFLs wil result in a 75% - 80% savings in your lighting energy costs.
2. INSTALL TIMERS, INSIDE AND OUT
Timers are one of the easiest ways to cut down on outdoor lighting costs. By programming your timer to run lights for only a few hours nightly you are able to easily reduce your energy bills and increase efficiency.
3. CHANGE YOUR FURNACE FILTER
Change your furnace filter every 3 months to improve the air quality of your home and improve the efficiency of your furnace.
4. INSTALL WEATHER STRIPPING
Air leakage accounts for 30% to 40% of total heat loss. Sealing up those little spaces where cold air creeps in and warm air slips out with caulking and weather stripping can save up to 20% on your heating and cooling bills.
5. INSTALL LIGHT DIMMERS
Dimmers are a great lighting control that will reduce the wattage output of your lights. This will increase the energy-efficiency of your home and will save you money.
6. INSTALL A PROGRAMMABLE THERMOSTAT
The average household can save about $180 a year by properly setting your programmable thermostat and maintaining those settings.
7. INSTALL A CELING FAN
Energy Star ceiling fans with lights are about 50% more efficient than conventional fan/light units. Installing an Energy Star ceiling fan with a light can save you more than $15 per year on your utility bills.
8. CHOOSE ENERGY STAR MAJOR APPLIANCES
Choose Energy Star qualified major appliances and save up to $80 a year in energy costs.
9. REPLACE YOUR WINDOWS AND DOORS
About 30% of a home's heat loss occurs through the windows and doors. Installing Energy Star qualified windows and doors will reduce the energy required to keep your home at a comfortable temperature.
10. PROPERLY INSULATE YOUR HOME
Installing insulation with a higher R value can reduce energy use for space heating by up to 15% and will cut energy costs by as much as 50% to 80%, quickly offsetting the cost of installation.
For more energy saving projects visit homedepot.ca/saveenergysavemoney
1. SWITCH TO CFL LIGHT BULBS
Switching all your incandescent bulbs to CFLs wil result in a 75% - 80% savings in your lighting energy costs.
2. INSTALL TIMERS, INSIDE AND OUT
Timers are one of the easiest ways to cut down on outdoor lighting costs. By programming your timer to run lights for only a few hours nightly you are able to easily reduce your energy bills and increase efficiency.
3. CHANGE YOUR FURNACE FILTER
Change your furnace filter every 3 months to improve the air quality of your home and improve the efficiency of your furnace.
4. INSTALL WEATHER STRIPPING
Air leakage accounts for 30% to 40% of total heat loss. Sealing up those little spaces where cold air creeps in and warm air slips out with caulking and weather stripping can save up to 20% on your heating and cooling bills.
5. INSTALL LIGHT DIMMERS
Dimmers are a great lighting control that will reduce the wattage output of your lights. This will increase the energy-efficiency of your home and will save you money.
6. INSTALL A PROGRAMMABLE THERMOSTAT
The average household can save about $180 a year by properly setting your programmable thermostat and maintaining those settings.
7. INSTALL A CELING FAN
Energy Star ceiling fans with lights are about 50% more efficient than conventional fan/light units. Installing an Energy Star ceiling fan with a light can save you more than $15 per year on your utility bills.
8. CHOOSE ENERGY STAR MAJOR APPLIANCES
Choose Energy Star qualified major appliances and save up to $80 a year in energy costs.
9. REPLACE YOUR WINDOWS AND DOORS
About 30% of a home's heat loss occurs through the windows and doors. Installing Energy Star qualified windows and doors will reduce the energy required to keep your home at a comfortable temperature.
10. PROPERLY INSULATE YOUR HOME
Installing insulation with a higher R value can reduce energy use for space heating by up to 15% and will cut energy costs by as much as 50% to 80%, quickly offsetting the cost of installation.
For more energy saving projects visit homedepot.ca/saveenergysavemoney
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