Smokers in Ottawa will have to think twice before lighting up in parks and on public patios — the city’s new anti-smoking rules kicked in Monday. Smoking on city property, parks and beaches and on restaurant and bar patios can now lead to a fine of $305. The changes to the city’s smoking bylaw were passed three months ago. But up until Monday offenders were let off with a warning. Last week, city council voted to extend the ban to hookah water pipes. The ban is on the grounds that the outdoor smoking is a public nuisance and creates odours. City clerk and solicitor Rick O’Connor told committee members that he believes the prohibition is the first of its kind in the province, and might face legal challenges legal challenges from users of medical marijuana, and based on “cultural aspects.” |
Cuba
Cuba has a comparatively massive population, with well over 11 million inhabitants. Nevertheless, this larger population hasn't meant that Cuba's environmental impact is comparable to similarly sized countries. In 2006, Cuba was the only country in the world to meet the World Wild Fund for Nature's sustainable development standards. The WWF's sustainable development standards derive from a combination of a nation's Human Development Index and its ecological footprint per capita. Cuba achieved this distinction by having an HDI value higher than 0.8 and an average ecological footprint lower that 1.8 global hectares per person, the lone nation in the world to do so. Cuba has also championed urban organic gardening. The country's network of organopónicos arose after the fall of the Soviet Union and subsequent collapse of Cuba's export economy. |
King Island, Australia
Australia's King Island is making a name for itself in the world of renewable energy. Located in the Bass Strait between Australia and Tasmania, King Island has partnered with Hydro Tasmania, one of the oldest renewable energy companies in Australia, to significantly reduce fossil fuel use on the island. In July of 2013, King Island achieved sustained periods of zero diesel operation, an important feat for the island. Hydro Tasmania uses a combination of solar, wind, and hydro-electric power in its off-grid technologies. Before this achievement, diesel backup engines were required for the system, but Hydro Tasmania now expects longer periods of zero diesel operation when wind and solar conditions are right and energy demand is relatively low. King Island is also in the process of installing 200 wind turbines, with the help of TasWind, to further ensure the island's renewable energy future. |
http://sierraclub.typepad.com/greenlife/2014/03/4-of-the-worlds-greenest-islands.html
http://www.hackingtheplanet.squarespace.com
Hacking the Planet is a student-driven event which invites local speakers to engage their communities to "Empower, Embolden, and Inspire individuals to do the same." Our 2014 event will be held free of charge and open to the public FRIDAY, APRIL 4, 2014 from 5-8:30 PM at the University of Colorado - Boulder campus in Humanities Building, Room 150. |