Friday 5 October 2012

Marineland re-visited

First let me apologize for my lacking of posting thus far. I’ve been more occupied with my bicycle blog (bicycleSTC).

So it’s rather unfortunate that I have to have my first post in months be yet again about Marineland -- the marine park that is about 20km from where I live.

The Cove star Ric O’Barry was in town today to protest Marineland and the recent horrible findings.

He has called it the ‘worst park’ in progressive countries.

Reading comments on local newspapers as well as listening to people phone into radio shows, the feelings on Marineland are quite mixed locally.

For the most part many are disgusted and will not return or won’t go (if they never have before).
There are those who still defend the park, usually citing two things…

  1. Findings from the organization that Marineland pays to be a member of. They have found nothing wrong with the park.
  2. Jobs. It is true Marineland hires many local students during the summer, but is this even remotely a good enough reason to remain open?

Although it will never happen under current ownership, the best solution to Marineland is shutting down…though not for good.
Revamp the park minus the animals. Make it into a large theme park with plenty of rides, bigger and better, have picnic areas. The region lacks water parks. Niagara Falls use to have, which I remember going to as a child (now it’s an outlet mall).
Then there was another waterpark at the other end of the region, between St. Catharines & Grimsby, another park I recall visiting on a number of occasions. Last I saw of this place it was just empty.

You are still employing those young students, perhaps even more.

Tuesday 31 July 2012

Feeling guilty for past support?

The past couple of nights I’ve been watching the Free Willy’s (which for those who support more oil tankers in BC -- watch the second Free Willy).

It got me thinking of when I was a kid about some where during the summer I would always head to with my Dad…Marineland (Niagara Falls). I found out later on that my Dad was actually always against Marineland.

I will admit I did rather enjoy my time going there -- mostly though because my Dad and I did quite a bit together and out trips to Niagara Falls in general were always fun. We took many trips to Niagara Falls to walk around.

If I fast forward to the past decade, I have strongly disliked Marineland. Too many animals have died but mostly inadequate facilities.

The following pictures are from the early to mid 90’s.

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If you look in the back, that small space is where the whales spend most of their day. The ‘preforming’ section of the tank is too small for their holding area.

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Three whales in a small area.

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Dolphins didn’t have it any better. Where the two “Hogwart coloured” backboards for a basketball nets are, is where the Dolphins are kept while not preforming. Quite sad seeing the bars raised and lowered -- having them enter their prison.

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Wide open to the public are hundreds of deer.

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I couldn’t find any pictures -- but I’ll always remember are lighter coloured bear with dried blood stains. Most likely from a fight with another bear.

To add insult to injury, the city of Niagara Falls sold a parcel of land across from Marineland where people use to protest…TO Marineland. What does that mean? No more protests outside Marineland without ‘trespassing’.

So should I feel guilty for going to Marineland as a child -- but being utterly against them now?

Tuesday 24 July 2012

National Drive-thru day?

So I found out this morning on the radio that it is national drive-thru day. I suppose a day to celebrate polluting and laziness.

I rarely see people with disabilities or children go through a drive-thru -- it is nearly 99.9% always a single occupant vehicle.

While picking up some groceries this morning, I took the following picture;

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Chaos caused by people blocking one of the main driveways in and out of the mall.

There is some good and bad news with regards to that picture…

Good news - This drive-thru was rather quiet this morning (yes, that picture is considered quiet).

Bad news - The usual line-up is far longer.
Side note to bad news - The radio personality I found this out from, spent far more time talking about national drive-thru day than he did bike to work day/week/month.

Sunday 22 July 2012

The Garbage City

My city is considered “The Garden City”. Regrettably for as long as I can remember -- the more appropriate name is “The Garbage City”.

I will do a future post on garbage on city streets and sidewalks, however today I will focus on a small little wooded area that is popular for young people to drink at nights and for people dumping garbage.

Trash in a nice wooded area Trash in a nice wooded area Trash in a nice wooded area Trash in a nice wooded area Trash in a nice wooded area Trash in a nice wooded area Trash in a nice wooded area

This is just one area. There are plenty of parks and secluded wooded areas in similar condition.
You should also note that this is mid-summer after a mild and snowless winter. Garbage is worse after a harsh winter buries everything.

I clean the garbage around my house daily…After one week it is almost a bag worth of garbage.

Age doesn’t seem to matter. Older people will dump larger items in wooded areas (though in credit to most -- they usually dump in dumpsters); while younger people will toss or drop garbage where ever they see fit.

Sunday enjoyment

Second Sunday now where I’ve decided to head on over to the park near my house to enjoy some ‘nature time’ -- get away from the constant sound of cars passing by.

Down a private path Just coming out of the woods

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Sandals Old Canal Looking towards Pedestrian bridge Tree

Turned out quite nice this morning -- seeing as rain was forecasted.

Monday 16 July 2012

Slug in my yard!

I noticed a slug on my deck this morning. I’ve seen a few over the years in the yard, but usually they were half the size of my pinky finger. This one was close to 6-7 inches.

Sunday 15 July 2012

Sunday mornings -- at peace!

I love heading to the park down the road from me on Sunday mornings…Few people around -- any noise from passing vehicles is drowned out by nature!

Enjoying nature Enjoying nature Raccoon

I was going to head to another area in the park, then I noticed this little guy.

He was about 2 metres from where I was going to go, so I just decided to let him be and went elsewhere.

Rare to see a raccoon at that hour.

Saturday 14 July 2012

Care2 account

I joined care2 today. I actually had an account years ago but don’t recall my user name or email I signed up with.

If you’d like to add me as a friend here is my profile:

http://www.care2.com/c2c/people/profile.html?pid=365652436

Bare (footing) it?

Bare 'footing' it

It would seem as if more people are embracing activities done sans shoes.

I’m sure you can find plenty of articles and ‘studies’ that have been done that show an equal amount of pros and cons of dumping shoes (occasionally at least).

For myself outside of the house -- I usually go barefoot on the final stretch home when walking my dog.
I’m not sure how your city is, but mine people’s favourite past time is breaking glass.

In a perfect world where sidewalks and roads are clear of debris, I could easily see myself barefooting it far more. That final stretch when I kick off my sandals is the most comfortable!

Do you ever go barefoot outside of your house? How are sidewalk conditions (debris wise) AND how do people react? I live in a fairly older and more Conservative city (by Ontario/Canadian standards) and can tell you the reaction I’ve seen directed at others who barefoot it isn’t always positive.

Path | Drought | Rain Barrel

Sometimes when I come home from shopping, I like to ride out of my way. This morning I took a little pathway -- one I use to take when I walked to school in grade 8.

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It turns right down to a bridge. The path heading straight was not there when I use to walk to school. It was put in a few years ago.

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The bridge is rather hidden now.

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This was never really a fast flowing stream, but recent hot, humid and dry weather has dried the stream up.

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Rain is forecasted over the next few days -- however I would say they are about 5% correct when forecasting rain.

My main rain barrel is almost empty. I’ll be using my ‘reserves’ soon.

This video was shot two weeks ago. Downpour of rain that only lasted minutes…Was still enough to fill my rain barrel!

Why aren’t they listening?

 

According to new findings called “Canada and the World” -- we don’t stack up to well in the environmental section.

The following rankings are for the ‘environment’.

  • In your opinion, what is the most positive contribution that Canada, as a country, makes to the world? ----- 2%
  • In what areas, if any, do you think Canada has missed an important opportunity to make a positive contribution to the world?  ---- 23% (ranks 1st)
  • What do you think is the most important issue or problem facing the world today? ----- 29% (ranks 1st)

Amazing how the government continues its war on the environment -- has the media make it seem the only thing people care about is strictly the economy.

Friday 13 July 2012

Pet Peeve - Letting your car idle

I pulled up to my bank and noticed this vehicle running. I didn’t pay much attention to whether or not anyone was inside…

After locking up my bike and getting my camera bag I went into the bank. I was about 3 minutes inside.

When I come back out I notice the vehicle still running. I unlock my bike, put my camera bag in my basket, re-organize my box of groceries then took this picture.

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It was at least 10 minutes from when I pulled in. Who knows how long it was running before I got there OR even after I left.

Turn you car off if your going inside a store or business.

The war on wind

I can’t speak for other countries, but it seems Canada’s constant attack on wind power never ends.

For the longest time -- Ontario Progressive Conservatives found their niche in siding with those against wind. Saying if elected they will end wind farms and all them only in places people want them.

Now things have heated up with our good ‘ol green federal government stepping in -- as the fed’s will underwrite an “in-depth” scientific study into the negative health effects of wind turbines.
If you are Canadian or follow politics in this country I’m sure you are probably laughing your head off right now. Conservatives using science!?

Yes, the very same government that cut funding to the science community is now turning to their own scientists to try to show Ontarians something that no other study has been able to conclude…That wind turbines are bad for ones health.

When I hear people say the following:

  • Unsightly
  • Loud
  • Lower property values
  • Negative health effects

The first thing I think of is - ‘they must be talking about roads and highways, not wind turbines’.

Most roads and all highways are quite unsightly to look at.
Ask any relator and I’m sure they will say living on a busy road lowers ones property value.
A number of studies have found increased stress, asthma and other illness as a cause of living next to busy roadways.
Loud…With cars and trucks passing by -- is that suppose to be quiet?

So why not commission a study on the health effects of busy roadways? Why not a moratorium on any new highways?
After all Ontario PC leader (anti-wind crusader) Tim Hudak wants to build a new highway through Southern Ontario’s green space…Ironically enough passing through many of the same communities who are complaining about wind energy.

With the past month being excruciatingly hot in Ontario -- people left their air conditioners and central air units running 24/7. Even when things cooled down people let them run on still.

  • Conservation. I will admit the energy prices have increased, however it’s naive not to think they wouldn’t have increased with or without green energy.
    As long as people are not willing to conserve, then costs should continue to increase AND alternative energy sources (such as wind & solar) are required.

I know I would be more then happy to trade the busy roadway I live on for a wind farm. My health would improve instantly.

Thursday 12 July 2012

Bicycle Protests - WNBR & CM

World Naked Bike Ride Toronto 2012 19

It was approximately one month ago when the World Naked Bike Ride (WNBR) took place in many cities across the Northern Hemisphere.

There are many reasons people partake in the ride ranging from protesting our oil dependency, better bike infrastructure to even body image issues (promoting body positive).

The event is similar to the monthly Critical Mass rides, only in the sense that cyclists take to the street.
The obvious differences of course are Critical Mass riders wear clothes and ride once every month (last Friday of every month). WNBR takes place once a year in June.
The general messages behind each ride are pretty much the same.

Critical Mass Bike Ride, Toronto, Friday, July 27, 2007 - 158

I use to be against such rides (mostly Critical Mass), as you generally only heard one side of the coin…The motorist. Yes -- as ironic as this may sound coming from someone who doesn’t drive, but rides a bicycle -- the only side I ever heard from was the motorist.

“I’m stuck in traffic because of these riders” many would complain on the radio.
A part of me felt this is in no way to win motorists over.

The Rage

It probably wasn’t until I heard complaints over bike lanes that were put in locally here in St. Catharines that I started to side with and understand those who partake in either Critical Mass or the World Naked Bike Ride.

When I heard motorists make claims of being slowed down or delayed by our newly minted bike lanes, I stopped and looked one day while sitting in a bike lane waiting for the light to change…

It wasn’t the bike lane that is delaying motorists…It’s too many vehicles on the road. I thought; ‘why are people looking beside themselves…look in front!’

I will concede that locally -- roads that went from four lanes down to two (with bike lanes), speeds were reduced. The often ignored fact is they were reduced TO the speed limit. 50km/h is the speed limit on most roads here, people would often travel 55-60km/h back in the days of four lanes.

Bike lanes aside, both CM and WNBR are protests against oil, or rather our oil dependency.
If you live in Canada I’m sure at some point in the past year you have heard how oil is suppose to save us from all the economic evils in the world. But at what cost?

Have YOU ever participated in either the World Naked Bike Ride or Critical Mass (or both)? If so, how often do you partake and do/did you enjoy it?
If not, why?

And for the record I have not participated in either event…If I lived in a larger urban centre that had either ride I suspect I would give both a shot.

Critical Mass Bike Ride, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Friday July 25, 2008 - 145 Critical Mass Bike Ride-12 World Naked Bike Ride Toronto 2012 07

I DO NOT own any of the photos used in the post. Click on the following names for images/credits:

Welcome to Eco-eh!

This is my new blog which will be dedicated to everything related to the environment and wildlife in Canada!

I currently maintain a blog about bicycle commuting and bicycle related issues in general. If you are interested in following that as well, check out Bicycle StC.

Eco-eh! will be a work in progress for the next little -- so bare with me while I continue to update and add things.

If you have a website dedicated to the environment or wildlife, please send me an EMAIL and I will add you link to my sidebar --------------->

Why the name? Well I’m terrible at coming up with names for blogs -- I wanted something short and that had some sort of connection with being ‘green’ and ‘Canadian’.

So why did I create this blog?

My main blog (Bicycle StC) I wanted to focus strictly on issues facing cyclists.
Although the bicycle is an amazing and green way to get around, I tend not focus on the environmental side of cycling on Bicycle StC…Yes, I will talk about the green aspects of cycling and transportation in general here, but this blog will not be limited to just transportation issues.

The biggest reason I created this blog is probably do to the current Conservative government Canada has in place. The constant attacks on environmental programs or anything positive for the environment was the tipping point.

I will be more then happy to accept ‘guest posts’ where you can email me your green/eco tips or stories.
Just make sure to include either your name (doesn’t have to be full name) or a nickname. If you have a blog/website of your own I will post it along with your tip/story.
EMAIL