tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36849684050258820182024-03-12T21:52:12.584-04:00Nolalu Eco Centre BlogNolalu Eco Centre Blog for news, ideas and recent events. Or go to www.NolaluEcoCentre.orgNolalu Eco Centrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04666124061920087277noreply@blogger.comBlogger82125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3684968405025882018.post-92123322207621547852014-12-16T12:27:00.004-05:002014-12-16T12:27:57.398-05:00Northern Winds<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigL6-eaUUcenT9wUsIrRGFeSpXM8xFEbqKdhlrGQxbp0AGB_Fhhf5Ii8M0XB47oJoVMhDjrlRE_uQf1BZls9fncOcNKNwtEc1-WIOhyphenhyphenXuvlU6NYwSNERDYDh2pGAN2Exv6qzegLZvRDSyx/s1600/nec_house_dec2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigL6-eaUUcenT9wUsIrRGFeSpXM8xFEbqKdhlrGQxbp0AGB_Fhhf5Ii8M0XB47oJoVMhDjrlRE_uQf1BZls9fncOcNKNwtEc1-WIOhyphenhyphenXuvlU6NYwSNERDYDh2pGAN2Exv6qzegLZvRDSyx/s1600/nec_house_dec2014.jpg" height="263" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">NEC south side</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Gray sky, strong northern winds, snow
blowing; you would think it is one of those winter days you throw a lot of
firewood in the stove. No, that’s not the case at all. We are again and again
surprised how well the passive solar building style works: the Eco Centre stays
nice and toasty on north wind winter days, because there are only a few small
windows on the north side, and with the 18 inch thick, straw insulated,
walls, the house hardly loses any heat. Today is one of those relaxing stormy
days for us. The wind generator brings the power in, so I can work on the computer writing this blog, and the ground gets its, very much needed, snow insulation. Smiling faces.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjItaDt7107YXJ8qscFlqUJbrHiXBGUf0HlhaFk8SQqvos94VkoPCFiEA_7_4Oei6wQsKBp35hdztx2bw_-hjwYEmvLUZ7CBJGK1mz_PB-U5xySRUcx2V5c94_wNEu-8HtJmFMWdbJAgBkS/s1600/nechouse_north.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjItaDt7107YXJ8qscFlqUJbrHiXBGUf0HlhaFk8SQqvos94VkoPCFiEA_7_4Oei6wQsKBp35hdztx2bw_-hjwYEmvLUZ7CBJGK1mz_PB-U5xySRUcx2V5c94_wNEu-8HtJmFMWdbJAgBkS/s1600/nechouse_north.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">NEC north side</td></tr>
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Nolalu Eco Centrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04666124061920087277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3684968405025882018.post-39477629576477547722013-04-04T15:55:00.001-04:002013-04-04T16:25:53.168-04:00Presenting: a new local author<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh06J19aLLRCXt2nYPg_8L-ZMRxNwl75RrCLXC05d3wkiZcBUTCHCXHu4CD4p9hcudxS7XefoWQdBh3YH0jpTaRX8rlJh7CmEPe2rIp6wl_VGELhL-TYhV6stffdvfubHTccYSFFc_L4RF6/s1600/fow_cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="The Fires of Waterland " border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh06J19aLLRCXt2nYPg_8L-ZMRxNwl75RrCLXC05d3wkiZcBUTCHCXHu4CD4p9hcudxS7XefoWQdBh3YH0jpTaRX8rlJh7CmEPe2rIp6wl_VGELhL-TYhV6stffdvfubHTccYSFFc_L4RF6/s320/fow_cover.jpg" title="The Fires of Waterland by Raymond Alexander Kukkee" width="213" /></a></div>
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We invite you to come out to Nolalu Eco Centre on Friday, April 12 to meet local author Raymond Alexander Kukkee. Raymond will be presenting his new book “The Fires of Waterland”, a historical fiction novel. This is his first book in print, but those of you who are curious can read more of his digital works online, on his blog<span style="font-family: inherit;"> <a href="http://incomingbytes.com/fiction/books/" target="_blank">http://incomingbytes.com/fiction/books/</a> </span></div>
Meet and Greet will be from 3 p.m. till 5 p.m. Doors open 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.<br />
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About the book:<br />
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Fletcher Williams, a boy from a displaced, dysfunctional and broken family, is forced to deal with the complexities of life and tragedy when he is snatched from those he comes to love. Torn away from Livvy, who becomes a lifelong friend, he is plunged into the life of an orphan. The brutal, stark reality of those surrounding him exacerbates the destructive darkness as human nature surfaces in the Fires of Waterland….. <br />
<br />Nolalu Eco Centrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04666124061920087277noreply@blogger.com1Thunder Bay, Unorganized, ON, Canada48.313455392722823 -89.793834686279348.308175392722823 -89.8039196862793 48.318735392722822 -89.7837496862793tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3684968405025882018.post-8141514414803243272012-05-29T19:35:00.003-04:002012-05-29T19:41:00.487-04:00Creeks and Cranes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsi8edNprECpJfp92ol7Kpq-gR4TuHLS3SFY32owg9veoi23h98s5UM2T5CMBgrRUaEVntWfq6pe5thfdAVrJH1dN4koPXHkVRavq5u-zlGXEvtBVpXmZC0xouy0zQ-Ii5YzGrPOmFiexn/s1600/creek_may2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsi8edNprECpJfp92ol7Kpq-gR4TuHLS3SFY32owg9veoi23h98s5UM2T5CMBgrRUaEVntWfq6pe5thfdAVrJH1dN4koPXHkVRavq5u-zlGXEvtBVpXmZC0xouy0zQ-Ii5YzGrPOmFiexn/s400/creek_may2012.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Usually our creek is
just a trickle, but after all the rain we got dumped on it now looks and sounds quite spectacular. I am
always amazed how much water this creek can handle. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have some beaver ponds in the back, but after
all the rains the water level is too high for the dam to handle and is overflowing. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On top
of all this meteorological excitement we have some new visitors. Two big sand cranes are stepping high through
our fields, close enough to admire them from the house. They
even let us listen to the loud trumpeting sounds they produce. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Big birds making big sounds. I hope they're no early risers...</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim7b9Pnz1GxJ92qTroFKT-nGtPaTDTyC6RD34VGXo4T_v71djafdt41u0z8v0guHTU8u-0Bwfe5c72_BN5H_xVJnlNS4tj-iGGA93-8J-Tj4Y4-G8e_AOZL1ThaZqojwa75yBunsh4clmd/s1600/wildlife_cranes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim7b9Pnz1GxJ92qTroFKT-nGtPaTDTyC6RD34VGXo4T_v71djafdt41u0z8v0guHTU8u-0Bwfe5c72_BN5H_xVJnlNS4tj-iGGA93-8J-Tj4Y4-G8e_AOZL1ThaZqojwa75yBunsh4clmd/s320/wildlife_cranes.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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</span></div>Nolalu Eco Centrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04666124061920087277noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3684968405025882018.post-45404829362745052072011-10-01T19:50:00.000-04:002011-10-01T19:50:59.763-04:00Big Bus<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>It's been a busy summer for us, but things are calming down a bit now that fall is here. Don't think we're twiddling our thumbs, though, there's always something happening. Like the biggest house tour we ever had.<br />
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Thunder Bay's Rural 55+ Travel Club picked us for their fall outing and arrived here last Thursday with the biggest possible size bus this side of Detroit and 51 friendly folks inside of it (plus one very good driver). It was the biggest house tour we've had yet - and one of the most enjoyable ones, too, as these folks proved to be fun, interested and easy going.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg9WPAwcKwqKa_tCMWrX8nQrb4G0cj0hDRLfQnr4zbvvXKCBP0wyF-Mgk0yq26ZEGkVItdXkont9-C-UnLQU0g1Hra_V7BsplF2nYFvArBpXu2cKR2pE1XzUB2cKnp7Zb6Fma9VM53hUw-/s1600/bus_tour.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg9WPAwcKwqKa_tCMWrX8nQrb4G0cj0hDRLfQnr4zbvvXKCBP0wyF-Mgk0yq26ZEGkVItdXkont9-C-UnLQU0g1Hra_V7BsplF2nYFvArBpXu2cKR2pE1XzUB2cKnp7Zb6Fma9VM53hUw-/s400/bus_tour.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>For a casual passer-by it must have sounded like a wild party was going on inside, with one guest playing her favourite rag time tunes on our piano, mixed with happy conversation and laughter erupting frequently.<br />
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As we waved the group good-bye 2 hours later and watched the big bus just making it out of our driveway, it felt like we made new friends that afternoon. Yes, that was a good day.Nolalu Eco Centrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04666124061920087277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3684968405025882018.post-59040981727707562482011-09-07T18:42:00.006-04:002011-09-07T19:21:21.253-04:00Back to (Eco-)SchoolYup, it's that time of year again: students are headed back to school. Same goes for us, as our "Living Green" courses will be kicking off again through Confederation College's <a href="https://erp-ssb.confederationc.on.ca:7782/proddad/zwskccrs.P_SubjCrse?divs_code=LEIS&dept_code=LIVG">Continuing Education program</a>.<br />
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We'll start on September 26: "<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><a href="https://erp-ssb.confederationc.on.ca:7782/proddad/zwskccrs.P_CrseDetail?divs_code=LEIS&dept_code=LIVG&subj_code=ZD&crse_numb=012">Living Off the Grid</a></span>", from 6:30 - 9:30.<br />
Next is October 3 with "<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://erp-ssb.confederationc.on.ca:7782/proddad/zwskccrs.P_CrseDetail?divs_code=TECH&dept_code=LIVG&subj_code=ZD&crse_numb=011" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Intro to Solar Energy</a></span>", also from 6:30 - 9:30.<br />
Then is there's a new course slated for November 7, again from 6:30 - 9:30: "<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://erp-ssb.confederationc.on.ca:7782/proddad/zwskccrs.P_CrseDetail?divs_code=TECH&dept_code=LIVG&subj_code=ZD&crse_numb=014" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Intro to Small Wind Power</a></span>", offered by popular request.<br />
Follow the links above for more information, or check The Key's fall issue on page 31.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuEh8iRS55rDJ2TMleMVI09TZr2Y8dQ-S98apTz1G6PEE4RU0pqjac3DeerTwiOU2Ulf86ZbMjPwqZMFq5kB3hvp-9qr4EUaMKRDbsdmXFBNt9GCzYPpq7SlQwmLGqVqpu8znseNIm4dLY/s1600/green-courses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuEh8iRS55rDJ2TMleMVI09TZr2Y8dQ-S98apTz1G6PEE4RU0pqjac3DeerTwiOU2Ulf86ZbMjPwqZMFq5kB3hvp-9qr4EUaMKRDbsdmXFBNt9GCzYPpq7SlQwmLGqVqpu8znseNIm4dLY/s400/green-courses.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The great thing about these courses is you don't need to be living in Thunder Bay to enjoy them. The College has a number of "virtual class rooms" all over NW Ontario, hooked up to the actual class room via closed circuit TV. It's almost as though you're actually there, very cool!<br />
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There's always a high turnout for these courses, and with the recent (<i>and</i> impending) significant price hikes for Hydro, propane and gas, we expect they will sell out even faster now. Interesting how the economy can be part of the drive to be green...Nolalu Eco Centrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04666124061920087277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3684968405025882018.post-47640715640100362082011-08-21T17:33:00.007-04:002011-08-21T19:21:04.529-04:00To Your HealthIt doesn't happen very often, but when it does it makes so much sense: seeing the bigger picture, the fact we're all connected and do need each other. No one is an island - even though we sometimes like to think so.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTo6aIEKjrRNNkehAuC4VMKOyrSd0FlHE1MXEhfN3sKqKLpAvnDmi_T9bYagH7lm8v3qzWWoVGGs4sPB141EEMBw17ADJfEqI6tznWCBWi-B0c1Niyi6Lralwcw2ab3LICEGcKaXZ8sU1_/s1600/RuralHealthFair2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTo6aIEKjrRNNkehAuC4VMKOyrSd0FlHE1MXEhfN3sKqKLpAvnDmi_T9bYagH7lm8v3qzWWoVGGs4sPB141EEMBw17ADJfEqI6tznWCBWi-B0c1Niyi6Lralwcw2ab3LICEGcKaXZ8sU1_/s200/RuralHealthFair2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>But Thunder Bay's NorWest Community Health Centre gets it and did something about it, too. On August 17 they organized the first Rural Health Fair, offering everyone who somehow works on physical and mental well-being for the folks in our extensive rural area. Anything and anyone from Addiction Counselling to healthy food options and from Community Centres to churches and everything in between was there - all in all 67 different organizations.<br />
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Of course we were very happy to accept their invitation to be present; what better place for an environmentally-related organization to be? Living a greener lifestyle is so much healthier and saner, combining both body and mind in one fell swoop.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy8TiiZW6Z1NHkjGGM8SnO1VjPnAnpXMML3TzNl-IXDxkqVmVIDILJU9lFfTYEatqrfWBuusn9YSvnVLI-b4j1tQYWUj-FRZmbglidS_XvUo7pzfC6pvTu3FbSdXa1h7tbqG7Dr06wRDRY/s1600/RuralHealthFair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="341" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy8TiiZW6Z1NHkjGGM8SnO1VjPnAnpXMML3TzNl-IXDxkqVmVIDILJU9lFfTYEatqrfWBuusn9YSvnVLI-b4j1tQYWUj-FRZmbglidS_XvUo7pzfC6pvTu3FbSdXa1h7tbqG7Dr06wRDRY/s400/RuralHealthFair.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The busy afternoon provided a good way of introducing that idea to many folks for whom it was all new, or to those who are considering going that route. With almost everyone there it was also the good place to reconnect with others and to get to know some new faces and organizations. Who knew this area was so rich in resources, with so many skilled and community-oriented people?<br />
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A big thank-you to Shaun Peirce and Kendra Williams for putting it all together and making it happen. We're already looking forward to next year's edition!Nolalu Eco Centrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04666124061920087277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3684968405025882018.post-40202878690606413372011-08-14T14:08:00.009-04:002011-08-21T18:30:11.807-04:00UP!The weather forecast called for a chilly day of rain and thunder storms, but it turned out to be a gorgeous day after all. A perfect day to lower our wind turbine for its annual inspection - and hopefully repair. It hadn't been performing well since a bad wind storm did some damage to it last April, it was now a matter of finding out how much damage.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJpu2dz2Oyn1vSSIN1cQxqQJT3venLVllZ1emy24CecstRCgti06OIm43J1FPn8Jk-CfY_7IoKIkTW7gYuF2d57W_ITXRR2v4SNfHxQhxCSbGvKPUWEgMI3R0gz3_ZscGwR7QRB8oxD0-p/s1600/P8136423_small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJpu2dz2Oyn1vSSIN1cQxqQJT3venLVllZ1emy24CecstRCgti06OIm43J1FPn8Jk-CfY_7IoKIkTW7gYuF2d57W_ITXRR2v4SNfHxQhxCSbGvKPUWEgMI3R0gz3_ZscGwR7QRB8oxD0-p/s400/P8136423_small.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coming down carefully...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>As usual, Frank "the Solar Guy" who designed and installed the system was in charge of the operation. Lowering a 306-feet, $9,000 tower is not something you do lightly, it takes thorough planning and smooth team work. Fortunately we had a good group volunteering to help us out, which included a powerful Bobcat to do most of the heavy lifting.<br />
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Once the tower had come down we quickly found out what the problem was: a frayed tension wire in the turbine head had overheated and shorted the system. The good news was that we had the skills and the tools to repair it. Other than that there were no further issues or repairs, thank goodness. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz5OA1B3uRYt4MhotnpY42b3re9dzR2geQErv-YC5k_3y1XTLy-HjPHr8F-sw7jV-GL0ppjx2Ub1eMQfyDNLxuVM9LotneykG_aug3WSg0YplSIsaDR5iv9_ttGNp8tAJDYbmKXGESOxv8/s1600/P8136418_small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz5OA1B3uRYt4MhotnpY42b3re9dzR2geQErv-YC5k_3y1XTLy-HjPHr8F-sw7jV-GL0ppjx2Ub1eMQfyDNLxuVM9LotneykG_aug3WSg0YplSIsaDR5iv9_ttGNp8tAJDYbmKXGESOxv8/s400/P8136418_small.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Many hands...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Getting the tower back up proved a bit more of a challenge. Because of the slippery tall, moist grass under the Bobcat, its wheels began to spin. The solution proved simple: everybody pile on top of it to give some extra grip - and there we went.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhchfpSWq0Gw4tA5A0pJOg-oEbvZdV6CaLnP8Y6Xwc2Awhuk5Cy22N8ZWopgjsdFJHpzH_UVyDyKA7N8lzao-rtcf_Kyg0mfP6jcs9CPKE6PbDQr6rprkVfOOgMZL-lu0En7Bt2wGLZsFPD/s1600/P8136421_small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhchfpSWq0Gw4tA5A0pJOg-oEbvZdV6CaLnP8Y6Xwc2Awhuk5Cy22N8ZWopgjsdFJHpzH_UVyDyKA7N8lzao-rtcf_Kyg0mfP6jcs9CPKE6PbDQr6rprkVfOOgMZL-lu0En7Bt2wGLZsFPD/s400/P8136421_small.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All aboard!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Lowering & raising a turbine, even a relatively small one as ours, is always a hassle and time-consuming. On the other hand, it's also a great exercise in community building, with everyone pulling his/her weight, learning about wind power and adding to a wonderful day. But the end of the afternoon the turbine was back to happily cranking out green energy again.<br />
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Thank you, Frank, Jane, Mark, Dana, Paul, Brian, Will, Joey, Mel and Tyler for your help and positive attitude. Oh, and the happy dogs Will & Kate and Amber, too!<br />
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Nolalu Eco Centrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04666124061920087277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3684968405025882018.post-12827718314199015222011-08-09T20:45:00.000-04:002011-08-09T20:45:45.311-04:00Comin' Down!It's that time of year again: time to lower our wind turbine for its annual check-up. Our solar system has been performing flawlessly since it was hooked up 7 years ago and doesn't need any maintenance, really. But with wind, it's different... <br />
All those moving parts at often high speeds make it a very good idea to make sure those parts are still performing adequately. Right now the wind turbine has some issues since we got hit by that big wind storm last April so we'd better have a look-see and fix what needs fixing.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi5TH5tkPGBAVi1etAfYfrXZztEWOuJ-KXMFDwrGyEB-e95W5rB08WfMfr9X2S-douIuFVTnox2mEG3wYQdGke_KAYQnjHSUH4PyADD4n22MQaOhjfa2kFb1-Ha3I9fLbNY_4v_FpOS4WG/s1600/turbine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi5TH5tkPGBAVi1etAfYfrXZztEWOuJ-KXMFDwrGyEB-e95W5rB08WfMfr9X2S-douIuFVTnox2mEG3wYQdGke_KAYQnjHSUH4PyADD4n22MQaOhjfa2kFb1-Ha3I9fLbNY_4v_FpOS4WG/s400/turbine.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last year's wind turbine inspection</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The date: this coming <b>Saturday, August 13. Time: 2:30 pm</b>.<br />
Why are we posting this on our blog, you may well ask. Well, lowering a 106-foot steel mast is always a bit of an operation, so we could sure use a few good men and women to help us out (and ideally someone with a truck).<br />
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So if you're interested in being part of our annual wind turbine maintenance routine and have an up close & personal experience with green wind energy, give us a quick call and we'd be happy to fill you in on the details. Oh, and we'll provide the drinks, munchies and other goodies - and those dorky yet strangely sexy hard hats!Nolalu Eco Centrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04666124061920087277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3684968405025882018.post-71087821563398942502011-07-27T10:38:00.002-04:002011-07-27T10:49:57.184-04:00Supergirls<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5YNvLXn_0uQWzn5wt-lH5_AqqUht9NdOF-1GbDgpCCRWhXuLeEMHzbYr1NFGhnkpTqNnQvdWnOkzf7BJJyYLsC7ZZLFDoqyYdhyTHjUd_czVfYtcI48q4t2_0NwuDMGDXDFT48jx-ce7k/s1600/clearingtrails.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5YNvLXn_0uQWzn5wt-lH5_AqqUht9NdOF-1GbDgpCCRWhXuLeEMHzbYr1NFGhnkpTqNnQvdWnOkzf7BJJyYLsC7ZZLFDoqyYdhyTHjUd_czVfYtcI48q4t2_0NwuDMGDXDFT48jx-ce7k/s400/clearingtrails.jpg" t$="true" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
They were back again last week: the Ontario Junior Rangers, for their 3rd annual visit. A group of positive, fun, hard-working girls who spend their summer working on all kinds of green/environmentally sustainable projects, including ours. <br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpH4OKwnr7sIQtW9zFP9kzbZ5DuRay1AI5DaK3E8pu8GJGp94ZnBQtgR7COi26kfWjNvjyg9NdNFADf9ZCrmfmAX9cSj6-BTA33EutvGqHcjtkUlOuIwFB4woxTe7pHIXs-4wyzF_ncE29/s1600/potatofield.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpH4OKwnr7sIQtW9zFP9kzbZ5DuRay1AI5DaK3E8pu8GJGp94ZnBQtgR7COi26kfWjNvjyg9NdNFADf9ZCrmfmAX9cSj6-BTA33EutvGqHcjtkUlOuIwFB4woxTe7pHIXs-4wyzF_ncE29/s200/potatofield.jpg" t$="true" width="200px" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We kicked the day off with a house tour and cold drinks, but then they got into their gear and unphased stepped outside into the muggy heat.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLWo_a_JcFkufMtBMltx9x5oiPwHHzXEB-d_oHIy939Vv5a0vIP-QQp1q8NwSsxu4eOHK0GJerDmj_xkW5xvw_O26szXg5NNeV6YS9Ak3B9UiVG7HWI6KYFQQ-_U9RfhIXowMiYkPZQoF_/s1600/guesthouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLWo_a_JcFkufMtBMltx9x5oiPwHHzXEB-d_oHIy939Vv5a0vIP-QQp1q8NwSsxu4eOHK0GJerDmj_xkW5xvw_O26szXg5NNeV6YS9Ak3B9UiVG7HWI6KYFQQ-_U9RfhIXowMiYkPZQoF_/s200/guesthouse.jpg" t$="true" width="200px" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinz5iypw3A4ycinz7d6GK7GLbXD2yOjro3Rtxvkw1eXhK5v8R_Fi7jg0OgBNM9q6AmooL8fpRC_mOGBHjs2o6BEjm46i7u_bbaYoM4wHvUyAQud_0uL-BqczhDFGRHKgEwwOB53vGterex/s1600/firewood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinz5iypw3A4ycinz7d6GK7GLbXD2yOjro3Rtxvkw1eXhK5v8R_Fi7jg0OgBNM9q6AmooL8fpRC_mOGBHjs2o6BEjm46i7u_bbaYoM4wHvUyAQud_0uL-BqczhDFGRHKgEwwOB53vGterex/s200/firewood.jpg" t$="true" width="200px" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The previous two years they helped us paint our place (see <em><a href="http://nolaluecocentre.blogspot.com/2010/08/just-add-water.html">here</a></em> and <em><a href="http://nolaluecocentre.blogspot.com/2009/07/yay-and-hooray-finally-eco-centre-got.html">here</a></em>); this year they cleared trails, weeded and hilled our potato plants, stacked firewood, and sanded down the stucco guest house walls. They worked so hard we almost ran out of chores for them!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>It's become a summer highlight to have these girls around with their infectious energy and laughter filling the air. Positive vibes all around. <br />
Thank you so much, gals! Here's looking forward to next summer!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8qCHE8BFSI5D50cgIULJw4CTd_AVK51GpjvjKvkrvP8_IoFl2-c702cBW00aSjqQFmGFs3DXkxHZpKQTcTpSZCjOKhPD0Kes5QeteheUhWsSx8AG_RB2TOtI4_VdNwgpVKVq0_5jnGc-y/s1600/group.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8qCHE8BFSI5D50cgIULJw4CTd_AVK51GpjvjKvkrvP8_IoFl2-c702cBW00aSjqQFmGFs3DXkxHZpKQTcTpSZCjOKhPD0Kes5QeteheUhWsSx8AG_RB2TOtI4_VdNwgpVKVq0_5jnGc-y/s400/group.jpg" t$="true" width="400px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Nolalu Eco Centrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04666124061920087277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3684968405025882018.post-2078574659953207502011-07-17T17:29:00.008-04:002011-07-17T18:58:01.767-04:00Heat Wave? What Heat Wave?!Up here in NW Ontario we're never sure if summer's actually here. Winters are crazy long and cold, and it's been known to snow on some Canada Days. But this time there's no doubt about it. The heat wave we've been having lately leaves little room for thoughts of snow, although this stifling heat almost makes you wish for some of the white stuff.<br />
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It's just too darn hot to do anything other than trying to keep cool. Stay in the shade, go to a beach, eat ice cream. Crank up that air conditioner and try not to think about your next Hydro bill, not to mention your carbon footprint.<br />
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As for us, we stay inside and enjoy our built-in "air conditioner": plenty of heat-absorbing thermal mass, 3-feet overhangs that keep direct sunlight out and especially the thick, super-insulating straw bale walls keep the indoor temps at a very pleasant 20C to 21C. Costing us not one penny.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtF0YL_jPVFJEQRtuoLS4goCEbc7LPWuMz4HCP-itN35HdwqGtwDiWcWajPg1M_VuhZttWjOqsEU2sX9YaKX3Z9i0IMbSJitCOwijt-gkcW0KISOEHirPd_8xwE-QRK5t-RIzwdF2uvjUY/s1600/heat_wave.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtF0YL_jPVFJEQRtuoLS4goCEbc7LPWuMz4HCP-itN35HdwqGtwDiWcWajPg1M_VuhZttWjOqsEU2sX9YaKX3Z9i0IMbSJitCOwijt-gkcW0KISOEHirPd_8xwE-QRK5t-RIzwdF2uvjUY/s400/heat_wave.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Outside: pushing 35C. Inside: a cool 20C - without air conditioning</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Yup, life here is good - as long as we don't have to go out and do stuff. Hmm, but the grass needs cutting, there's still lots of firewood to be split and stacked, and the gardens need watering... Guess we'll have a cool one first, though!Nolalu Eco Centrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04666124061920087277noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3684968405025882018.post-52975156565732338072011-07-15T10:36:00.001-04:002011-07-27T10:45:38.839-04:00B&B BonusOne of the bonuses of our Eco Bed & Breakfast is we get to meet these wonderful people without having to go anywhere. This week for instance we had <a href="http://www.passionstems.com/">Larissa McLean</a> spend a night here as she was travelling from Calgary to Southern Ontario. Larissa plans to one day build an off-grid straw bale home herself, but also turned out to be an accomplished print maker and water colour artist. A lady of many talents!<br />
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A summery stroll through our fields full of flowers produced a gorgeous field bouquet, the perfect subject for two water colour paintings she did that same evening (in about the same time we need to do the dishes).<br />
Here's one of them:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVdl14h6ZVKf1XPyhlTJrCb1zjUiWtRwAaMDarAWrThRWbObwwTukLu3njRENmSC3tVgCxWbKc0EPiOlOkQ3T5s3Er8vKuQGhVmsYRdxxxD65iBn74u-oJvoS25-o8OKl2-EzsNZBJIU9A/s1600/Larissa_watercolour.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVdl14h6ZVKf1XPyhlTJrCb1zjUiWtRwAaMDarAWrThRWbObwwTukLu3njRENmSC3tVgCxWbKc0EPiOlOkQ3T5s3Er8vKuQGhVmsYRdxxxD65iBn74u-oJvoS25-o8OKl2-EzsNZBJIU9A/s400/Larissa_watercolour.jpg" width="282px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">water colour by Larissa McLean, July 2011</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Most of our guests share sweet, funny or inspiring stories with us and leave delightful comments in our guest book. Not many leave a piece of artwork behind, a delicate souvenir of summer and a reminder of another wonderful guest.Nolalu Eco Centrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04666124061920087277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3684968405025882018.post-8170757496188642832011-07-10T23:00:00.004-04:002011-07-11T20:25:12.555-04:00Get Me To The Market!Have you noticed? Local country markets are sprouting up just about everywhere. More and more people are aware now of the the many benefits locally produced produce and baking offer. Here in Nolalu the local local market went into its second year, with even more vendors than before. It found itself a new place, too, on the Nolalu Community Centre's parking lot, well visible and easy to find, every Friday from 4:00 - 7:00 pm.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUm716ybSUQz7wjkM8vdmyDt9x_yk3yRi-XfK6H_Qb-hpY1VE1LlJ345NG0Sz93xZeB9Omkyn99DftP2seJYq0_GxVvqhIViVlZBZAs9lmk_XqCfXwzlhqrzSl4xn0L-cn3U5fia12kLQC/s1600/Nolalu_market1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUm716ybSUQz7wjkM8vdmyDt9x_yk3yRi-XfK6H_Qb-hpY1VE1LlJ345NG0Sz93xZeB9Omkyn99DftP2seJYq0_GxVvqhIViVlZBZAs9lmk_XqCfXwzlhqrzSl4xn0L-cn3U5fia12kLQC/s400/Nolalu_market1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
So next time you're heading out to the lake or going for a drive in the country, stop by at the Nolalu Country Market for delectable pies, fresh veggies, baking, plants, even some arts and crafts. You'll get to meet the folks who grew/baked/made it all themselves, you know it's as fresh as it can possibly be, and you're supporting the local economy. Oh, and did I mention it's healthier and tastes noticeably better, too?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_fpK7G5X9l7CErfk3nQJVZ4vE_ft4AvYMBbBnJjLlj6vkylGF7hNhipij3uSdowCTKjzR6Y4_0mL1Wuex6aR81m6B13eNCpUN5IqKCyHASSsPQsoJTP_3FU82W1KtByz0Skfis3n5m8r8/s1600/Nolalu_market3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_fpK7G5X9l7CErfk3nQJVZ4vE_ft4AvYMBbBnJjLlj6vkylGF7hNhipij3uSdowCTKjzR6Y4_0mL1Wuex6aR81m6B13eNCpUN5IqKCyHASSsPQsoJTP_3FU82W1KtByz0Skfis3n5m8r8/s200/Nolalu_market3.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Buying local is a big part of a greener life style. Everyone benefits of a strong and healthy local community, it's a win-win situation for everyone. And as far as shopping experiences go, buying at a local market sure beats going to any super market, any time.<br />
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You'll find the Nolalu Country Market every Friday afternoon from 4:00 - 7:00, until October 1st. And if you're not in this area, go shop at any of the many other local country markets! Enjoy!<br />
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(for the latest info, visit the market's Facebook <a href="http://id-id.connect.facebook.com/pages/Nolalu-Market/218721511495337">HERE</a>.)Nolalu Eco Centrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04666124061920087277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3684968405025882018.post-39083982968037021872011-07-04T12:17:00.006-04:002011-07-04T17:04:41.675-04:00Firewood? Must be summer!After a long winter that just didn't seem to want to let go, summer's finally here. And with the hot, seemingly endless days, the summer chores kick in: putting in gardens, setting up watering systems (thank you, <a href="http://nolaluecocentre.blogspot.com/search/label/water%20conservation">water barrels</a>!), some basic house maintenance, encouraging a few dozen insecure 3-year old trees using home-made compost, but most of all: getting next winter's firewood bucked, split and stacked.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8qZ1NlnFNEkyZaSsT8qmWRvnwtnFPA4ewRDq25Apl4Y2YG9Ybzp5LpBRfI8oPyOvzX5jrUECvmXJGArMzzfukYpTkNOCCsVi1zggbe0VFspMPp1-Lc77QmrRUDwYs56BpYHJB8D3TZbEF/s1600/fire_wood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8qZ1NlnFNEkyZaSsT8qmWRvnwtnFPA4ewRDq25Apl4Y2YG9Ybzp5LpBRfI8oPyOvzX5jrUECvmXJGArMzzfukYpTkNOCCsVi1zggbe0VFspMPp1-Lc77QmrRUDwYs56BpYHJB8D3TZbEF/s400/fire_wood.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><br />
The distant sound of chainsaws whining is the tell tale sign that we're not the only ones working at it. Common wisdom has it you'd better have your wood bucked and split by Canada Day (July 1st) so it has enough time to dry out before winter rolls around again. It's hard, hot work, yet strangely satisfying. We pretty much hit that target, most of our wood is ready for next winter and it even looks like there's enough left for the winter after - bonus!<br />
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Getting your firewood done is one of the bigger chores connected to living in the country. It's also a vital one: no firewood, no heat! And given our long cold winters and temps that routinely hover around the -30C to -40C mark, you'd better have your woodstove going!<br />
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Fortunately our large straw bale house proves very well insulated, using only about 3.5 cords of wood each winter - about one half to one third of similar sized homes out here. That saves a lot of work! And as I'm slowly working my way through what seems like a mountain of wood in the summer heat and surrounded by hungry mosquitoes, that's something I'm very grateful for right now...!Nolalu Eco Centrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04666124061920087277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3684968405025882018.post-77633037027615077712011-06-22T19:50:00.002-04:002011-06-22T19:55:45.743-04:00Going, going...Life has been too busy for regular blog updates lately: putting the vegetable garden(s) in, work, new studies, setting up new courses through Confederation College - and a full blown estate auction.<br />
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Good friends of ours are moving away and asked to have their estate auctioned off from our property. We happily agreed, as this was a great opportunity to get rid of some of our own things, too. <br />
Jacomyn quickly realized that an auction like this is not just an occasion to sell stuff, it's also a community event. Posters were distributed, people informed, and judging by the number of phone calls we got, pretty soon the community was aware of this upcoming event. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7vJHHFHBP7JXG6WWHGPm4fUZTBzypKpvRw5CLuC-ubNwy488gfDe26YU2uSeT-Cdbc5drlmUHvj-kxDK9-dyYfnFEEqMmP5nr57dy8LoONyqR8jjtPMWM7y-13PgPoXlrPrtwU96aq2dn/s1600/auction.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7vJHHFHBP7JXG6WWHGPm4fUZTBzypKpvRw5CLuC-ubNwy488gfDe26YU2uSeT-Cdbc5drlmUHvj-kxDK9-dyYfnFEEqMmP5nr57dy8LoONyqR8jjtPMWM7y-13PgPoXlrPrtwU96aq2dn/s400/auction.jpg" width="400px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Auctioneer Peter Kantola in action on a large Douglas fir timber</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Just after 8:00 am that morning the first lookers dropped in to go through the many things waiting to go, and around 10:00 auctioneer Peter Kantola kicked things off to rapidly work his way through the long list of items. Chairs, hammock, mud buggy, power wood splitter, paint, tractor, timbers, buckets full of screws and nails, power tools, scaffolding, you name it.<br />
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It was a lovely (and windy) day, turnout was great and the mood was excellent. Just after 1:00 everything was sold, often for next to nothing. A good time was had by all, we met some new neighbours, and on top of that our property got cleared of a lot of stuff we otherwise wouldn't have known how to get rid of. <br />
Our friends also got rid of all their things and are now getting ready to move on. That's one thing this auction removed: a good friendship. We'll miss them.Nolalu Eco Centrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04666124061920087277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3684968405025882018.post-58921653290648463702011-05-15T21:48:00.002-04:002011-05-15T22:07:30.076-04:00Yay for Terrace Bay!There aren't many recurring events we make a point of attending, but the Green Trade Show at Terrace is an exception to that rule. This year marked already the 4th time we <a href="http://nolaluecocentre.blogspot.com/2010/04/terrace-bays-got-good-thing-going.html">attended</a>; it's almost routine now and we now look forward to seeing the friends and familiar faces who make this show the success that it is. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg96DlAxqrPMTcvK-tcxETo_0362iJpcYCVtqLz3YqEeZzmMukQoybZrRnqcbMazpl5h4roDhYQ0JEnk8y4WUqCOyYsBymV3AiQtx1iFwId_bbAem1DqoprByzehZfij6JkmNe3x6Croe1z/s1600/TerraceBayShow_2011a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg96DlAxqrPMTcvK-tcxETo_0362iJpcYCVtqLz3YqEeZzmMukQoybZrRnqcbMazpl5h4roDhYQ0JEnk8y4WUqCOyYsBymV3AiQtx1iFwId_bbAem1DqoprByzehZfij6JkmNe3x6Croe1z/s400/TerraceBayShow_2011a.jpg" width="400px" /></a><br />
Despite this town's modest size of 1800 souls and a depressed resource-driven economy, they somehow manage to organize one of this region's better "green" shows. Near-flawlessly organized, infectious of mood and a pleaser of crowds it's a true community event and the reason we keep coming back. <br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">This time things were a little different: as we pulled into Terrace Bay, the clear Lake Superior air got replaced with the smell of the town's paper mill which had finally re-opened. Good news for the community that depends on the mill for jobs, but not necessarily good news for the environment. It encapsulated the difficult tension between economy and ecology...</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Once again a shout out to the indefatigable Sean Irwin and his tireless team of volunteers who made it happen. See you all next year!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXtU8LQPKdtsN01a6Gm0suRh_7ydlBFcKBNyo44SbLgv7kk5md7H05fCHLchnp3wo0apCaufgWHZJfGB09hwJQvi0ShgSonhNmFZBa72YYuAO54yPa8ppd4h0TZRNVAUJukA9qhamwUScL/s1600/TerraceBayShow_2011c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="327px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXtU8LQPKdtsN01a6Gm0suRh_7ydlBFcKBNyo44SbLgv7kk5md7H05fCHLchnp3wo0apCaufgWHZJfGB09hwJQvi0ShgSonhNmFZBa72YYuAO54yPa8ppd4h0TZRNVAUJukA9qhamwUScL/s400/TerraceBayShow_2011c.jpg" width="400px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Opening speeches: show coordinator Shaun Irwin (right) and the mayor of Terrace Bay (left).</td></tr>
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</div>Nolalu Eco Centrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04666124061920087277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3684968405025882018.post-58927341780335058552011-05-02T20:42:00.004-04:002011-05-02T21:07:11.147-04:00Nolalu UnpluggedSo Nolalu is maybe not the centre of the universe. And maybe you think we don't have easy access to any culturally relevant entertainment (other than watching our amazing starry nights and northern lights).<br />
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Well, okay, maybe. But then our friend and neighbour Larry Watson thought: if we can't go to the entertainment, the entertainment shall come to us. And he organized a wonderful concert in his big and acoustically excellent woodworking shop.<br />
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And so, between wood planers, band saws and press drills, about 30 people enjoyed an exhilarating evening with the unique and exciting music from BC's Fish and Bird, as they made a stop-over here on their Canada tour. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhubxW9AiSYTgjSnSfapdY0jYT3iW4zevxFx95ffs4oeqKulUjUMh6c1aW45-ew515sY0hb2dNJ0ssIrTaMhK0kb3CALcCcJiUH3oAutlubqNqQGyIp_rGueP29JzCaZmdb1sFwBPmAb-Uc/s1600/bird%2526fish_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="272px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhubxW9AiSYTgjSnSfapdY0jYT3iW4zevxFx95ffs4oeqKulUjUMh6c1aW45-ew515sY0hb2dNJ0ssIrTaMhK0kb3CALcCcJiUH3oAutlubqNqQGyIp_rGueP29JzCaZmdb1sFwBPmAb-Uc/s400/bird%2526fish_01.jpg" width="400px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fish And Bird performing amidst woodworking equipment (for better acoustics)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Despite the fact that the 5-piece band (plus "road manager") only arrived about an hour before the show started, their performance was tight, musical, absorbing, and a qualified success (click <em><a href="http://www.cbc.ca/radio2/cod/concerts/20110210fishb">here</a></em> to hear some samples of their music).<br />
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Those in Thunder Bay who would like to enjoy what we in Nolalu enjoyed first, your chance will be May 30th in the Apollo. Highly recommended!<br />
And to give this entry the required green edge: very soon this band will be touring this vast land of ours in a van that runs on vegetable oil!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfBPIZ5wKFWgNjLsdMzBYaPyEimaASiJdMRIEQKS2X3OLiVyMEwRPIOxOTLgVExdAkvUo4qnmmnJ4PWxkV2vk0grdBnJfH1_wGIlQ4zBx-fNf8xQzXNGaG8j27l5rLXpHxbeRHoretOvcJ/s1600/bird%2526fish_02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfBPIZ5wKFWgNjLsdMzBYaPyEimaASiJdMRIEQKS2X3OLiVyMEwRPIOxOTLgVExdAkvUo4qnmmnJ4PWxkV2vk0grdBnJfH1_wGIlQ4zBx-fNf8xQzXNGaG8j27l5rLXpHxbeRHoretOvcJ/s400/bird%2526fish_02.jpg" width="400px" /></a><br />
Thank you to Fish and Bird for a wonderful musical experience in every sense of the word. And a big shout out to Larry and Liz who organized this neighbourhood concert and offered the band meals, beer and a place to spend the night.Nolalu Eco Centrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04666124061920087277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3684968405025882018.post-57297125789604396522011-04-24T19:11:00.004-04:002011-04-24T20:29:28.237-04:00Earth Day 2011March 26 was <a href="http://nolaluecocentre.blogspot.com/2011/03/earth-hour-2011.html">Earth Hour</a>, and a few days later on April 22 that hour turned into a full day: Earth Day. Here in in Thunder Bay we had a number of initiatives, including a brand new one: an Earth Day event on April 16 at the Thunder Bay Country Market. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ItAtSYECdf2FgjF3osEA-C0XKJp1h1KE-XgL-poCM5BjcQxxgJkGb3Iqdpeufpxh_sV5gh9jOhONpKDU61-gcSpedZIri3yTdqClQCA2SIWglT_G7UgcZLPVSiQury8KCto-X1dBlO5P/s1600/IMG_3663.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300px" i8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ItAtSYECdf2FgjF3osEA-C0XKJp1h1KE-XgL-poCM5BjcQxxgJkGb3Iqdpeufpxh_sV5gh9jOhONpKDU61-gcSpedZIri3yTdqClQCA2SIWglT_G7UgcZLPVSiQury8KCto-X1dBlO5P/s400/IMG_3663.jpg" width="400px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">picture: Raili Roy</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">About 15 different organizations and businesses were offered a free booth to show local shoppers what is being/can be done to improve our environment. Anything from recycling programs to composting toilets (hmm, not all that different come to think of it) to beekeeping and soil testing. We were there, too, and thoroughly enjoyed the positive buzz that was in the air (with warm thanks to Raili Roy for organizing it all!).</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTtd_eI5MoCY08UN4f6KfKXQkPiEaHrg00OEiAgB55jWHdoh1IzgSHae897LDYIp5hmLfgaE1TkW_mbF9HEJE5hEpASLdV7Im8Ba9o_eoF441rdBZoJbj2FDERJLWsNhERnMJVwiREL6vl/s1600/IMG_3657.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300px" i8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTtd_eI5MoCY08UN4f6KfKXQkPiEaHrg00OEiAgB55jWHdoh1IzgSHae897LDYIp5hmLfgaE1TkW_mbF9HEJE5hEpASLdV7Im8Ba9o_eoF441rdBZoJbj2FDERJLWsNhERnMJVwiREL6vl/s400/IMG_3657.jpg" width="400px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">picture: Raili Roy</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The world was first introduced to Earth Day on April 22, 1970, when an estimated 20 million Americans attended rallies around the country and helped clean up their local communities.</div><br />
This first attempt to start something of this scale on the national level brought all kinds of people together in their neighbourhoods, starting grassroots campaigns to help revolutionize the way we handled waste, recycling, power consumption, and conservation in general. <br />
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41 years on, the event has turned into something of a global phenomenon, a time to stop and think about our earth and our impact on it. Some cities even instigated Earth <em>Week</em>. Kinda makes you hope for the next logical steps: Earth Month and Earth Year...<br />
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What I like best about it is it empowers people everywhere to make change happen from the bottom up. No point in expecting politicians to make the change and blaming them if nothing happens. <em>We</em> are the change, and politicians better pay attention.<br />
(Oh, and speaking of politics: you do vote green this coming election, right...?)Nolalu Eco Centrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04666124061920087277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3684968405025882018.post-77269753356553042372011-03-26T20:00:00.006-04:002011-03-26T20:10:34.229-04:00Earth Hour 2011<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Of course I don't have to explain you what that is. And of course you will turn off the lights from 8:30 - 9:30 tonight and be part of a global movement that is part of the solution - not the problem. And hey, if you live in Thunder Bay, you may even have decided to throw an Earth Hour party or event (and maybe qualify for one of the prizes awarded by City of Thunder Bay, Thunder Bay Hydro, EarthWise and EcoSuperior). <br />
Good on you! </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">So here's a question. After 9:30 and your lights are back on again, ask yourself: now was that such a big deal? Should I do this only once a year - or maybe more often..? <br />
Ask yourself, what else can I do to conserve my energy consumption and limit my carbon footprint (and my power bill)?</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">To inspire you and maybe even nudge you to be part of this great initiative, here's a great little Earth Day commercial all the way from Australia. So is this a global movement or what?<br />
(okay, I'll admit I'm a sucker for that Ozzie accent)</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="255" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/RiBJC9x_ChQ" title="YouTube video player" width="383"></iframe></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div>Nolalu Eco Centrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04666124061920087277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3684968405025882018.post-49629149642700964062011-03-21T22:35:00.006-04:002011-03-22T21:12:41.440-04:00GreencougingI learned a new word today, an effective new word: greengouching. It's what happens to you, your wallet and possibly your health if you fall for the "green claims" touted by countless "green" products that are flooding the (super)market these days. Green shampoos, green clothing, green detergents, green wines, green cosmetics, green you-name-it-they've-got-it.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLRVaBnDWf_YxXp0eIPHS2DZAwaTxJeF2ZqFVZpyepDhh8LFa6IPvLPVwnPYpV66ssh6FjRhz__AyBM3l6zrk2dvCcF3LpT-Vwy-9r-S17KF_bWFYW1sHe_ucOpcNMXSx-TarQtDojxHdf/s1600/greengouching.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLRVaBnDWf_YxXp0eIPHS2DZAwaTxJeF2ZqFVZpyepDhh8LFa6IPvLPVwnPYpV66ssh6FjRhz__AyBM3l6zrk2dvCcF3LpT-Vwy-9r-S17KF_bWFYW1sHe_ucOpcNMXSx-TarQtDojxHdf/s400/greengouching.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Peeling back misleading green labels" (CBC's Marketplace)</td></tr>
</tbody></table> A solid 95% of those "green" claims are (gasp): "vague, irrelevant, unproven or just patently false" according to <a href="http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/story/2011/03/18/f-marketplace-erica-johnson-green.html">CBC's "Marketplace".</a> In other words: almost all of the green hype is hogwash and lies. Greenwash.<br />
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The article points out that just about every manufacturer especially of cosmetics, skin care and baby products now has a seperate (and more expensive) line of "green" products on the shelves. It goes on to say that these products no longer are limited to a niche market but have gone main stream, making oodles of money for their manufacturers. (I guess it also explains why the accompanying picture shows 2 puzzled women: men don't clean the house, don't look after children and are of course <em>never</em> puzzled.)<br />
I recommend reading the article, if only for a good chuckle on how creative some of those lies - sorry: claims can be. <br />
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What bothered me about the article, though, was the sole conclusion it came to: the reason for this problem is the lack of any regulating body. We need more rules.<br />
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Now don't get me wrong: civilized societies need rules. The free market is not necesarily always a good idea and regulation can prevent excesses (just look at the unregulated US banking system and what happened there). I just don't think regulation can solve the underlying problem.<br />
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The underlying problem is the assumption we <em>need</em> all these products. As long as we think we need toxic products in order to clean the house, suppress body odours and have movie star hair, the problem won't go away. The real problem is not just false advertising, the real problem is us buying wholesale into the illusion we need these products. <br />
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Thank goodness there are saner alternatives. There are cleaning products that are actually natural, like baking soda or <a href="http://www.superiorsoapnuts.com/">soap nuts</a>.<br />
There are small scale local manufacturers who make great cosmetic and skin care products manufactured with respect for our environment and (get this): actually do your skin good. A good place to start here in Thunder Bay is <a href="http://www.bareorganics.ca/index.cfm?page=background">Bare Organics</a>, we're so lucky to have them here. <br />
And if you're still using those yuckie deodorant sticks or sprays, consider using Deodorant Crystals: effective, safe to use, non-polluting to manufacture and much cheaper in the long run.<br />
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Okay, so these alternatives may be a little bit harder to find. You can't blame them for it, they don't have the glossy million-dollar advertising campaigns. But once you look for them you'll quickly find they are everywhere. Oh, and did I mention you'll meet the wonderful people who make and use them? Try that with a Johnson & Johnson shampoo!<br />
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Stop the greenwash, refuse to get greengouched and set your own course to a healthier and saner, truly greener lifestyle.Nolalu Eco Centrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04666124061920087277noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3684968405025882018.post-32335469966827715282011-02-06T19:56:00.004-05:002011-03-01T20:38:56.255-05:00Pet Peeves (1)Rant alert. About the Drive-Thru phenomenon. Any Drive-Thru. For coffee, fast food, banking or postal services. There are even drive-thrus for getting married and getting buried, seriously (US residents only, thank goodness).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG_w4jNoWDwsdUfDghE4w9Qnm8Ulb2VemWfEAqsW4o-DraDhsllVC9j2eqeuMT_hXML1vaxwZ7d7yDnn5q3ET0-cME2Ro472BkiDueb9-vsCts-KAXZCSZToz3BLrU8KVGeAWrz6_2Aae7/s1600/drive-thru.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG_w4jNoWDwsdUfDghE4w9Qnm8Ulb2VemWfEAqsW4o-DraDhsllVC9j2eqeuMT_hXML1vaxwZ7d7yDnn5q3ET0-cME2Ro472BkiDueb9-vsCts-KAXZCSZToz3BLrU8KVGeAWrz6_2Aae7/s400/drive-thru.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I don't get them, drive-thrus. Why do people prefer to wait in their idling car, wasting time and fossil fuel instead of just parking the car and walk over to get that same coffee much quicker? Saves time, and in the process you get a little bit of exercise (some walking) and an interactive experience (with that cute server and maybe some other customers).<br />
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Point in case: I drive past a Tim Horton's almost every day, and each morning there's a line-up of at least 12 cars there. Often there are so many cars the line-up stretches well into the main road.<br />
One day I stopped to time them how long it took to get their coffee: three and a half minutes. It would have taken me less than 3 minutes to park my car, walk into the restaurant, order my coffee and walk back to my car. Faster, with no engines idling.<br />
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An idling car consumes about 2 litres of fuel an hour (even more for trucks and SUVs). Twelve idling cars burn about 24 litres an hour, 12 hours each. Cars that are going nowhere, doing zero miles per gallon. Drive-Thrus are directly responsible for a lot of unnecessary carbon monoxide and other toxic gasses, just because we don't like to get out of our bubble. Heaven forbid we might get wet. Or cold. Or hot. Or (gasp) have a conversation with someone. <br />
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Let's face it, folks: drive-thrus don't belong in a green live style or any other saner life style. So next time you feel the urge, just park that car, get out, walk to the counter and order that coffee. You can do it, you'll save some time & fuel, and hey, you might even enjoy it!<br />
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Rant done, thank you. And tell that cute server I said hi.Nolalu Eco Centrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04666124061920087277noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3684968405025882018.post-10177938347204648692011-01-16T17:16:00.003-05:002011-01-16T17:33:23.787-05:00Cool Courses Coming UpWinter's darkest days are behind us and each day we're clocking a bit more sunshine (read: sun power). From a distance the Nolalu Eco Centre may seem to be hibernating, but the relative silence is misleading. We're already planning this coming summer's activities, and there's always a steady stream of folks dropping in for house tours and B&B stays.<br />
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One activity is coming up fairly soon, even: the ever-popular "Living Green" classes as part of Confederation College's <a href="https://erp-ssb.confederationc.on.ca:7782/proddad/zwskccrs.P_SubjCrse?divs_code=LEIS&dept_code=LIVG">Continuing Education program</a>. The first class will be February 23: "<a href="https://erp-ssb.confederationc.on.ca:7782/proddad/zwskccrs.P_CrseDetail?divs_code=LEIS&dept_code=LIVG&subj_code=ZD&crse_numb=011">Introduction to Solar Power</a>", and the second one March 9: "<a href="https://erp-ssb.confederationc.on.ca:7782/proddad/zwskccrs.P_CrseDetail?divs_code=LEIS&dept_code=LIVG&subj_code=ZD&crse_numb=012">Living Off the Grid</a>". Follow the links for more information, or check The Key's winter issue. <br />
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The great thing about these courses is you don't need to be living in Thunder Bay to enjoy them. The College has a number of "virtual class rooms" all over NW Ontario, hooked up to the actual class room via closed circuit TV. Very cool!<br />
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There's always a high turnout for these courses, and with the recent (<em>and</em> impending...) price hikes for Hydro, propane and gas we expect they will sell out even faster now. Interesting how the economy can be part of the drive to be green...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhKyhmGu-4mFktbZI5eQ6TsikhqXXrtFQSTTYPusIlqvQEtUxMxuTs9Zc5NDYapccQWwj2a3n5se5ReSBC8kYu-wZO6eTZyxzCR2BaUyY2wKd9Z1xSbJEMg0T9anm0gxUa74oM34XsBe3J/s1600/snowhoe_tracks2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="297" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhKyhmGu-4mFktbZI5eQ6TsikhqXXrtFQSTTYPusIlqvQEtUxMxuTs9Zc5NDYapccQWwj2a3n5se5ReSBC8kYu-wZO6eTZyxzCR2BaUyY2wKd9Z1xSbJEMg0T9anm0gxUa74oM34XsBe3J/s400/snowhoe_tracks2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">snowshoe tracks at dusk</td></tr>
</tbody></table>One of our favourite winter activities doesn't require any electric or combustible energy to enjoy: snowshoeing. The conditions this year are just glorious, so you'll find us breaking trails when ever time (and the weather) permits. Call me crazy, but I love winter for it.Nolalu Eco Centrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04666124061920087277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3684968405025882018.post-60278417223259965042010-12-06T19:25:00.002-05:002010-12-06T19:30:34.507-05:00Dancin' and Prancin'Who says nature is boring? A few days ago we were treated to a private show by a big red fox having a whale of a time in the December snow. The -14C and cold winds didn't seem to bother him as he played around, diving and dancing, taking his sweet time, even catching the occasional rodent.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP1QxQm55MIFrbmlNjUW8BwMScEaffGvTQfpErS0wlgoQrfPA2LY8hwezF9bFpSAaIp4_o3RZUKYuihFi-Slofq0yLjnyqvsLQMHWYbBobD_uFwJEPZItJ0ITqhaWCfmSEM2PVCHDTEUS2/s1600/fox_combined.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP1QxQm55MIFrbmlNjUW8BwMScEaffGvTQfpErS0wlgoQrfPA2LY8hwezF9bFpSAaIp4_o3RZUKYuihFi-Slofq0yLjnyqvsLQMHWYbBobD_uFwJEPZItJ0ITqhaWCfmSEM2PVCHDTEUS2/s400/fox_combined.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(click to enlarge)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Perfect timing, style and gracefulness, just a joy to watch... Foxes are creatures of habit, so we're keeping our eyes open for a repeat performance!Nolalu Eco Centrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04666124061920087277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3684968405025882018.post-65901638046041130572010-11-21T19:42:00.008-05:002010-11-21T19:48:01.252-05:00Snow And StrawLet it snow, let it snow, I wrote last week. Be careful what you wish for, they say. Well, we did get lots more snow (yay!) - and had to cancel our informal get-together that was planned for Sunday afternoon (boo!). <br />
We had been asked to host an afternoon with 2 folks who work in North Japan on local social and ecological issues for the United Church of Canada and were looking forward to meet them, together with a few good friends. Well, thick heavy snow prevented it from happening. That's how it can go in this neck of the woods; we like to think we're in control of what happens, but really we aren't. Oh well, another lesson learned.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV2iNkyZYA2EPBYVfLSzgwF_XGp_nFdxdu1SgNvVBhh-7vKXxHaKptzzrjNhMOhD5QiQh5E2VIEKs3_f_9TJqh3yBjgHpUPA2KVne-lo59D5tYP452TUsjR1NP9WgdShUwMxMhYSJAPqwc/s1600/more_snow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV2iNkyZYA2EPBYVfLSzgwF_XGp_nFdxdu1SgNvVBhh-7vKXxHaKptzzrjNhMOhD5QiQh5E2VIEKs3_f_9TJqh3yBjgHpUPA2KVne-lo59D5tYP452TUsjR1NP9WgdShUwMxMhYSJAPqwc/s400/more_snow.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Fortunately our straw bale presentation at renowned architectural firm <a href="http://www.ksgm.ca/">Kuch Stephenson Gibson Malo</a> went ahead as planned, last Friday. "Kuch", as the firm is affectionately called here in Thunder Bay, specializes in buildings that make more sense environmentally; they have been asked to work on an exciting new straw bale project in the town of <a href="http://www.redrocktownship.com/">Red Rock</a>, not too far from here. We thoroughly enjoyed being invited at "Kuch's" and talking to the open-minded folks there. <br />
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The ambitious project is to build a 4000 square feet multi-purpose straw bale building on the rejuvenated harbour front, facing the lake. The challenge will be to make it as environmentally friendly as possible within the serious restrictions of a public space. <br />
Kudos to the Red Rock city council for having this vision, the stamina to stick with it and for getting the complex financing in place! It's now in "Kuch's" capable hands to come up with a proposal that will satisfy the many complex and opposing demands, not an easy task. But having met them we now feel if anyone can pull it off it's them.Nolalu Eco Centrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04666124061920087277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3684968405025882018.post-80358739102802444192010-11-16T21:11:00.006-05:002010-11-16T21:42:00.027-05:00First Snow...Last Sunday morning we woke up to a beautiful white world outside. A good 10cm of snow had fallen overnight and the late afternoon before. All those dreary fall browns and grays outside had suddenly morphed into a sparkling brand new world. Our neighbours tell us "This is it, this'll be on the ground till next spring".<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeQfSFurGMLpQhbTjunT07ZFxvBZfCMncu4yjcoyRnNuTqDelp5GQMN1O4YlvVi7cDKzhwUWIaDd-6PQVWUTbkmsAq8x5vFXRuL0xdD4y0xVwyN_ZjP9oh73q6fCCotNZaKyEh8xMoNi4p/s1600/snow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeQfSFurGMLpQhbTjunT07ZFxvBZfCMncu4yjcoyRnNuTqDelp5GQMN1O4YlvVi7cDKzhwUWIaDd-6PQVWUTbkmsAq8x5vFXRuL0xdD4y0xVwyN_ZjP9oh73q6fCCotNZaKyEh8xMoNi4p/s400/snow.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Somehow that first snow is always a bit exciting and magical; shades of childhood, of snowmen, snowball fights, snow forts, trying the ice... <br />
There's less squeeling and peals of laughter in our lives now when seeing the world covered in its first white robe of the year. Yes, there's still that sense of excitement, mixed now with the knowledge that after the very busy fall things will slow down a bit. We don't exactly go into hibernation, but we do hole up more, spend more time indoors. We eat more, too, mostly with good friends. And personally I like to revisit a few old Hollywood classics in our solar-powered mini cinema.<br />
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What I like best about winter is it doesn't have that urgency summer and fall have, of things that got to be done. Get firewood ready, work the gardens, do maintenance and renovations, organize workshops, house tours, feel guilty about not doing that canoe trip we promised ourselves... <br />
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Instead, the snowshoes have been prepared for another good workout and the snow blower topped & tuned up. I know I'll feel different about it in 6 weeks or so, but right now I'm ready for the cold season, secretly squeeling with delight inside.Nolalu Eco Centrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04666124061920087277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3684968405025882018.post-23143025643198752282010-10-30T13:57:00.005-04:002010-10-30T14:17:16.140-04:00Carbon Emissions Be Gone!We recently spent a week in Toronto for a big-city-fix, our first vacation in 6 years! Isn't it interesting to notice how your sense of vacation changes depending on where you live? "You can take the boy out of the city, but you can't take the city out of the boy", to coin a phrase.<br />
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Because we only had 1 week, driving down there wasn't an option; it would have meant 5 days on the road, leaving 1 measly day to enjoy our destination. So I booked a free flight (thank you Aeroplan!) but felt bad about the ecological footprint involved. Canadians spend too much time on planes, and no matter how you cut it: planes ain't good for our environment and are part of the growing greenhouse problem. <br />
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Granted, Canada is just too darn big to travel by other means and still get there within a reasonable amount of time. So what to do? The answer: purchase a <a href="http://www.environmentalleader.com/2007/05/29/air-canada-launches-voluntary-carbon-offset-program/">carbon credit</a>!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZS0PezFQO0E4iGXe6QVwwaS60S6jOb30_fKVujPzOdepO4cjCnqa_JkhYCxmHE9oerf3aWIKDJF5rCmo7iOJu66iNu_w1QYp7NYYIwq0qH8jgJ-ofdsOosoTkeePV4lg_tdUDf8ySUJab/s1600/carbon_offsets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="355" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZS0PezFQO0E4iGXe6QVwwaS60S6jOb30_fKVujPzOdepO4cjCnqa_JkhYCxmHE9oerf3aWIKDJF5rCmo7iOJu66iNu_w1QYp7NYYIwq0qH8jgJ-ofdsOosoTkeePV4lg_tdUDf8ySUJab/s400/carbon_offsets.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
When processing our online bookings I was pleasantly surprised when a window popped up asking if I wanted to offset the carbon emissions for these flights by purchasing a corresponding <a href="http://www.environmentalleader.com/2007/05/29/air-canada-launches-voluntary-carbon-offset-program/">carbon credit</a>. Turns out that in our case of two return tickets Thunder Bay - Toronto, the carbon credit cost us less than $25.00 - a no-brainer, of course. <br />
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Carbon credits are getting increasingly popular with consumers and industries alike. The basic idea is that by supporting alternative energy programs, like investing in solar and wind generation, planting trees etc., we can offset the carbon emissions created through the burning of fossil fuels in transportation and industries.<br />
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Now mind you, even though I felt not as bad about the flights, it isn't the solution. It's tempting to think we can maintain a basically destructive lifestyle simply by buying more carbon credits. Sorry, it's not the fix we need, it's only a band-aid. Ultimately, we have to drastically change our lifestyle, a tall order to fulfill. <br />
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So until then, purchase those carbon credits whenever you can. It does help, and hey, you'll feel a lot better, too!Nolalu Eco Centrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04666124061920087277noreply@blogger.com1