October 2007
Study Our Streams
Can you say “benthic macroinvertebrates?” Superior Science summer camp participants examine stream-dwelling
insects from the McIntyre River.
Renovation Grants Doubled for Homeowners
Wondering if your old furnace will make it through another winter? Trying to decide
if adding insulation to the attic will be worth the expense? Take a look at the ecoEnergy
Retrofit program from the federal government—the grants available make many home
improvements look very attractive.
How about up to $300 toward the cost of that new furnace? Add another $300
cheque from the provincial government, which is current-
ly matching the federal grants. The province will also give
you $150 toward the cost of your home energy evaluation
(which MUST be completed before you start the renova-
tions, in order to access any grants).
EcoSuperior’s Don Rutledge has helped hundreds of
homeowners reduce their energy bills and access thou-
sands of dollars in federal grants. Due to the demand, we
are currently training another certified home energy eval-
uator—Ken Piccinin will be at your service later this fall.
Our home energy evaluation fees stay in our community
and help support local environmental programs.
The more improvements you make, the larger your
grant will be. For example, upgrading to a high efficien-
cy gas furnace could earn a grant of $300, an Energy Star
School Program
Kids playing in the stream and catching bugs—is it education or just
plain fun? Thanks to EcoSuperior’s Study Our Streams program, it’s
both! Over 50 Superior Science summer camp participants took part in
the program this summer. Careful observation while walking along the
McIntyre River made everyone aware of the different creatures living
around, on and in the river.
We quickly focussed our attention on the strange and unusual critters
that live on the bottom of streams and rivers. Everyone learned about the
strange adaptations of many creatures to their watery world. Using puz-
zle pieces and drawings, we looked at all sorts of amazing insect features,
from the dragonfly’s hydraulic lower lip that extends to almost three times
the length of its head to snatch passing prey, to the caddisfly’s house built
of glued-together bits of leaves and debris.
The hour-long session ended with a close-up view of live underwater
creatures gathered from the McIntyre River. Everyone watched in fasci-
nation as dragonfly larvae chased other creatures in the enamel observa-
tion pans. Trading cards featuring photos and interesting facts about these
underwater creatures were distributed. Everyone left the session with a
new respect for rivers, streams and the creatures that live in them.
If you would like your Grade 4 or 7 class to experience the wonders
of life in streams and rivers, contact EcoSuperior to book a one-hour ses-
sion of activities and games. You don’t need to be located on a river to
take advantage of this program. Contact Lucie Lavoie, Project
Coordinator, at 624-2143.
oil or gas boiler $600. A ground- or water-source heat pump earns $3,500. Replace
your wood-burning appliance with an EPA-approved unit and receive $300. Installing
an HRV earns a grant of $300. Adding insulation also brings significant grant amounts
—up to $600 for attic insulation, up to $500 for basement walls, up to $800 for crawl-
space. And remember, until March 2008, you can double those grant amounts with the
added contribution from the provincial
government.
Your EcoEnergy Retrofit report will
include recommendations for prioritizing
Inside
work, and estimates of your energy sav- • Waste Reduction Week
ings as a result of each measure. You have • Board Vacancies
18 months from the date of the pre-reno-
vation evaluation to complete the work, • Nipigon Earth Group
which can be done by yourself or a con-
tractor. Only homes that have had a pre- • Environmental Films
and post-retrofit evaluation from an • Saving Energy with
NRCan-licensed energy advisor are eligi-
ble for grants. Get the details at www.eco- Computers
superior.org, then call 624-2140 to book • Help for Well Owners
your appointment.
1
 ECO-NEWS • EcoSuperior • 2

Community Partners About Eco-News

The many community programs and projects that you will read about in this EcoNews is produced by EcoSuperior
newsletter would not be possible without the efforts of those who finance and con- Environmental Programs. Look for our regular
tribute to EcoSuperior’s activities. Through contributions of ideas, connections, editions in your Chronicle Journal every April
expertise and financial support, the following organizations have played a major and October. All the articles are written by
role in our success. We extend our sincere gratitude to the individuals within these EcoSuperior staff unless otherwise credited. We
organizations that have helped us along the way. are a non-profit organization, providing public
education in the areas of water and energy con-
• City of Thunder Bay • Bowater servation, waste reduction, pollution prevention and urban greenspaces. Our
program area includes the City of Thunder Bay & the Lake Superior region. If
• Environment Canada • Chronicle Journal you would like to comment on our programs, please contact us: 212 Miles
• Litterfree Thunder Bay • Dougall Media Street East, Thunder Bay, Ontario, P7C 1J6 • Telephone: 807-624-2140
• Thunder Bay District Health Unit • Zero Waste Action Team Facsimile: 807-622-0005 • www.ecosuperior.org • info@ecosuperior.org
• Ontario Ministry of the Environment • ReCool Canada
• Ontario Ministry of Natural
Resources
•
•
Shell Environment Fund
EarthWise Thunder Bay Board Positions Available
• Ontario Power Authority • Greg Malo Photography EcoSuperior is managed by a Board of Directors, a group of twelve volunteers who
• Ontario Ministry of Energy set the course for this organization. They represent a cross-section of the community and
bring a wide range of skills, knowledge and connections to the table. Our directors meet
• Great Lakes Sustainability Fund approximately 8 times per year, discussing program ideas, funding opportunities, com-
• Green Communities Canada munity priorities and potential partnerships. They share a common interest in environ-
• Ontario Trillium Foundation mental issues and community sustainability.
There are currently two vacancies on the Board. If you would like to be considered
• Union Gas
as a board member, send us a letter outlining your interest in EcoSuperior, what sector
of the community you represent, your qualifications and demonstrated commitment to
In addition to the list above, we must thank the many local businesses who make environmental concerns. Describe how you feel your participation could assist our orga-
it possible for people to make the right choices; the local media that help us spread nization. Previous board experience is not necessary. Letters of interest will be accept-
the word, and many volunteer and committee members who provide invaluable ed until October 31, 2007.
assistance. Please address your letter to Donna Alberts, Administrative Assistant, EcoSuperior,
212 Miles St. East, Thunder Bay, ON P7C 1J6 or to donna@ecosuperior.org

Staff Profile: Bill Bradshaw

New to our office since June, Bill Bradshaw
is one of the friendly faces you’ll meet in
our resource centre. As Customer Service
and Outreach Assistant, Bill has been
answering telephone enquiries, preparing
and staffing displays at public events, keep-
ing our website up to date and providing
Water Saver home visits, among many other
diverse responsibilities!
Being from a small town in south-
western Ontario, I’ve always had a strong
interest in nature, as there isn’t much of it
left in that area. After obtaining a diplo-
“Think Outside the Bank” ma in Environmental Management, I
headed north with my fiancée for her to
142 S. Algoma Street • Phone: 345-7612 • Fax: 345-8939 pursue her teaching degree at L.U. and
www.baycreditunion.com for me to explore potential opportunities
in the environmental field. Throughout
my studies, I have learned that the
municipal level of concern is what
achieves the greatest impact on our envi-
ronment. Groups like EcoSuperior are
not as common as they should be and I’m
happy to have found such a group in
Thunder Bay.
After being with EcoSuperior for four
months now, I am amazed at the level of
involvement and number of program
areas offered. This job has involved such
a wide variety of work, from stream sam-
pling and attending local events to assist-
ing city residents with their many envi-
ronmental concerns. Having the chance
to be involved with so many areas of the
city’s efforts has given me a better under-
standing of all the work required to keep
a beautiful city growing.

2

Nipigon Earth Group
Several dedicated residents of Nipigon, including Ron and Janet Brace (above)
launched a new organization in Nipigon called Earth Group, in hopes of bringing
awareness to environmental issues in their community. They called on EcoSuperior
for assistance, and our Pollution Prevention Coordinator Jim Bailey addressed the
group earlier this summer. They put together a great display for the Nipigon Fishing
Festival in September, winning the Rotary Best Booth award, and promoting Waste
Reduction action. Congratulations to these terrific eco-leaders in the township of
Nipigon!
ECO-NEWS • EcoSuperior • 3
Curbside Recycling at
Fort William First Nation
Anishinabek of the Gitchi Gami (AGG), an environmental stewardship group at
Fort William First Nation, proudly announce the start of a one year curbside recycling
service trial on Monday October 8, 2007.
The group has obtained funding to initiate curbside recycling to 80 residents for
this pilot program, which includes Mountain Road, City Road, and Quarry Road on
the Fort William First Nation. Each house will be provided with a one time only set
of blue recycling bags. We encourage all residents in the trial area to participate to the
full extent.
"We are really excited about helping area residents start to address waste reduction
in our community," says AGG staffer Violet Pleavin. "This pilot program is a great
start, and we have plans for many other environmental initiatives In the months
ahead."
After one year, the trial program will be evaluated, and hopefully expanded to
enable other areas of the Fort William First Nation to have access to the curbside
recycling service. Any questions you may have can be directed to Violet Pleavin or
any AGG staff at 807-623-9575 or violet@gitchigami.org.
Anishnabek of the Gitchi Gami is Ojibwa for "people of the big water" i.e. Lake
Superior. Find out more about this youth-driven group at www.gitchigami.org.
Green Wave
Goes To College
Submitted by Jon Hendel, SUCCI
Here at Confederation College we are riding the "Green Wave.” The College and
Student Union are working together to make huge changes in how we do business.
We are in our third year of an extensive energy conservation program with
Honeywell, and looking forward to a report on our achievements coming in
November. Further on the energy front, the Student Union of Confederation College
Inc. (SUCCI) has now become a member of Bull Frog Power
(www.bullfrogpower.com). This company assesses your organization's electricity
usage and then gives you the opportunity to invest in making your offices powered
100% by Green Energy (wind and water).
SUCCI will also be launching their "Lug-A-Mug" program to address the issue
of how many coffee cups are used on campus. At the Shuniah Building alone, we go
through 1200 cups per day. With this program we will be selling travel mugs at cost
to students & staff. Every time they use this coffee mug, they will receive 10 cents
off their purchase. For every 20th coffee/tea purchased with the mug--it's on us.
SUCCI's promotional "Go Green" campaign will include "green" products avail-
able for purchase, "green" habits to adopt in our daily routines, and a list of all the
areas within our College where we can improve. Our goal is to work our way
through that list and see the green wave grow with every school year.
3
 ECO-NEWS • EcoSuperior • 4
Ways to Reduce your Waste-Line…
Make Every Week Waste Reduction Week
Reduce!
We Canadians collect so much stuff!
Studies have shown that if everyone on
Earth lived like the average Canadian, we
would need more than four planet Earths
to provide all the materials and energy we
currently use. So many things are used
only once or twice, and then tossed in a
drawer, closet, basement or garage, and
eventually end up in the landfill. We can
have a big impact by asking ourselves a
few simple questions before we make a
purchase, such as:
• Do I really need this?
• Do I have something already that would
do the job, or could I borrow or buy
second-hand?
• Is this a quality product that will last?
• Does it contain toxic substances that will
pollute my home and my environment?
• Is there an alternative with less packaging?
• How far did this item have to travel to
reach me?
So, maybe I don’t need to buy this after all!
Reuse!
Lots of people throw stuff in the
garbage simply because they don’t know
what else to do with it. But hold on there…
there are lots of options for passing along
your unwanted items. Many charities are
happy to take your used goods (in useable
condition), and some will even pick them
up for you. These are also great places to
shop for bargains. Other options include
hosting a yard sale or posting items in the
classified section of the newspaper, or with
local web-based exchange programs such
as Freecycle or Craigslist. Remember the
old saying…”one person’s trash is another
person’s treasure”. The more we re-use,
the longer our resources will last.
4
Recycle!
There are a lot of reasons to recycle.
For instance, recycling reduces the need
for land-filling and incineration; prevents
pollution; saves energy and reduces green-
house gas emissions; conserves natural
resources such as timber, water and miner-
als, creates jobs and helps sustain the
environment for future generations.
Sometimes, especially if you move from
city to city, it can be confusing as to what
is recyclable and what isn’t. Thunder
Bay’s distance from recycling plants
makes it expensive to ship recyclables,
thus limiting which products can viably be
collected. We can all help out by follow-
ing our recycling guidelines (see your
phone book or garbage pick-up schedule
for details). This will mean less time and
money devoted to sorting out the garbage,
so more energy can go towards building a
better community.
Compost!
Canadians produce approximately 7
million tonnes of organic waste each year.
By composting our kitchen and yard
“waste” we can reduce the amount of
material going to the landfill by 30 %.
Also, compost makes great food and
mulch for plants, replacing chemical fertil-
izers and pesticides. Compost improves
soil structure and fertility and increases its
moisture-holding capacity, all while reduc-
ing waste! Build your own bin or buy one
from EcoSuperior. We have lots of infor-
mation to help you get started.
Amazing Recycling Facts...
Did you know?
(Courtesy of ReCool Canada)
• Recycling 3,000 kgs of aluminum will
save enough energy to power an average
vehicle to the moon (384,000 kms away).
• Throwing out one aluminum can is like
pouring out 170ml of gasoline, while
recycling that can will save enough
energy to run a television set for 3
hours.
• Paper and cardboard make up nearly
40% of the waste stream. By recycling
one tonne of paper we save:
– 26,319 litres of water
– 1,753 litres of oil
– 219 kilograms of air pollution
– 2.34 cubic metres of landfill site
– 4,077 Kilowatt Hours of Electricity
(Enough to power a typical 3 bedroom
house for one year).
Shopping Bags
There’s a lot of talk going on around
the world about the problems with plastic
bags. Ireland imposed a tax on plastic
bags, which resulted in a 90 to 95%
decrease in consumption, while raising
funds for the environment. Some retail-
ers charge a small fee for bags. Other
retailers, cities and even countries have
banned them altogether. We can all do
our part by refusing disposable shopping
bags, by using our own reusable bags or
bins, or simply carrying our purchases in
hand, pocket or purse.
Where to find reusable shopping bags
in Thunder Bay: A&P, Safeway, Quality
Market, Superstore, Georges Market,
Wal-Mart, Chaltrek, Finnport, Thunder
Bay Country Market, EcoSuperior,
Thunder Bay Public Library.
If you know of any other local busi-
nesses offering cloth or other reusable
shopping bags, please let us know. E-mail
karen@ecosuperior.org or call 624-2148.
For more information about the prob-
lems with plastic bags and what we can
do about it, check out some of these web-
sites:
• www.bringyourownbag.ca
• www.reusablebags.com
• www.estringbags.com.au
• www.plasticshoppingbagfree.org.nz.
Travel Mugs vs.
Disposable Coffee Cups
Want to save money and help the envi-
ronment? Several coffee and tea shops
around town will give you a discount
when you bring your own mug. And
those discounts can really add up. For
example, if you bought a coffee five days
a week, you could throw out 260 dispos-
able cups, or, if you used your own mug,
you would save $26 or more each year,
depending on the store…that’s a lot of
free drinks (or a lot of garbage)! Here is
a list of places we found that will give
you a discount when you bring your own
mug. Ask them for details:
• Calico Coffeehouse (coffee)
• Great Northwest Coffee Company
(coffee)
• Café West Arthur
(coffee)
• Tim Hortons
(hot drinks)
• Starbucks
(any drink)
• Steepers (tea)
• Seattle Coffee House
Turn That Key...
Go Idle Free!
There’s a new game in town. Instead
of using the drive-thru at a fast-food or
coffee shop, some smart customers are
entering the parking lot, turning off their
vehicles, and checking out the line-up of
cars in the drive-thru lane. They walk
into the building to make their purchase,
and then walk back out to their vehicle,
noticing where the drivers in line are at.
And more often than not, they are on
their way, enjoying their coffee while the
idlers are still in line!
Idling for more than 10 seconds uses
more fuel than it does to restart your
engine. Add to the unnecessary wasting
of fuel (and money!!) the extra pollution
going into the air and the wear and tear
on your vehicle, and idling really doesn’t
make much sense at all! Other good
places to shut the engine off: at the drive-
thru bank machine, and while waiting for
a train to pass.
Experts agree that the best way to
warm up your car is to drive it. Help
your vehicle out on those extra cold days
by plugging in the block heater for 2-3
hours prior to use, and scrape the frost
away rather than waiting for the
defroster to do it for you.
Of course, the some of the best ways
to get around without harming the envi-
ronment are by foot, bicycle, roller
blades or public transit. But if you are
going to drive, please remember to use
your vehicle responsibly. There’s only so
much fresh air and fuel to go around, and
we all need to do our part.
 ECO-NEWS • EcoSuperior • 5

Waste Reduction Week: October 15-21, 2007

Thunder Bay will once again be a part of the nation-
wide celebration to raise awareness of waste reduction.
EcoSuperior and the City of Thunder Bay Environment
Division and our community partners will be coordinating
a wide range of activities, so plan to participate!
Get Caught Recycling
ReCool, the City of Thunder Bay and EcoSuperior will
be rewarding recyclers for their efforts. Magic 99 and The
Giant will be watching the depots, curb-sides and apart-
ment recycling areas in your neighbourhood and offering
random rewards to lucky recyclers.
Mr. Green’s Guide
Ever wonder what to do with old computers, printer
cartridges, or other items that you no longer have use for,
but you know don’t belong in the landfill? Check out this
comprehensive new guide for local recycling and re-use
solutions. It will be launched during Waste Reduction
Week and on-line soon at www.ecosuperior.org,
www.thunderbay.ca or www.tbpl.ca or pick up a copy at
the Thunder Bay Public Library or EcoSuperior office.
Household Hazardous Waste Depot
This is a great time to get rid of all your household haz-
ardous waste before winter! The Household Hazardous
Waste Depot at the John Street Landfill Site is free of
charge for city residents, and you can drop off items all
year round.
School Programs
EcoSuperior and Lakehead University Education stu-
dents will be visiting classrooms during Waste Reduction
Week, sharing practical ideas on how to reduce waste.
Several schools will also participate in a Battery Round
Up program, where students can bring dead batteries to
school to be collected for safe disposal.
Retail Program
Local businesses will help us to educate the communi-
ty about ways to reduce waste. Watch for the “Too good
to Waste” logo reminder messages on store shelves!
Local paint stores will be distributing stickers that
remind you how to safely dispose of paint. Many thanks
to all of our local retail partners for participating in Waste
Reduction Week!
Radio Contests
Be listening to your favourite radio stations for a
chance to win great prizes. But be sure to brush up on
your waste reduction trivia—you will need to know the
right stuff to win!
Great Pumpkin Compost Collection
Residents are encouraged to put Jack in the Box, not in
the trash. Last year over 30 tonnes of pumpkins were
diverted from the landfill to the municipal composting
facility. Bins for Halloween Pumpkins will be set up from
November 1st – 11th at the Lakehead Labour Centre,
County Fair Plaza and the Westfort Playfield.
Remember—no plastic bags, no candles, and no trash—
pumpkins only please! Sponsored by ReCool Canada Inc.
and Print Pros Plus.
For more information on any of these programs visit
www.ecosuperior.org and click on the Waste Reduction
Week link, or call EcoSuperior at 624-2140.
Municipal Green Award
The Municipal Green Award serves as an incentive and
gives recognition to successful waste reduction initiatives
of individuals, businesses and organizations in Thunder
Bay.
The Zero Waste Action Team (ZWAT) and the City of
Thunder Bay are currently assessing 2007 applications for
the award, and will begin accepting 2008 applications in
late October until May 2, 2008.
Previous recipients include Valhalla Inn, Pack Pros
Plus, Ontario Power Generation, Thunder Bay Salmon
Association, Victoria Inn, Thunder Bay Regional Health
Sciences Centre and MGM Electric. Castlegreen Housing
Cooperative received a certificate of recognition for their
waste reduction efforts.
For more information, or for an application form, visit
www.zwat.ca or call Vanessa de Giacomo at 625-3851.

Bagging Rights Household Hazardous Waste

The plastic shopping bag issue is big news lately, with some towns banning them, and
some grocery stores eliminating them—but still, we see them blowing around all over
town. The facts are frightening: worldwide, nearly a trillion bags are consumed each
year—that’s over 1 million per minute! Manufacturing those bags uses more than 40
billion gallons of oil every year. And thousands of birds, sea turtles, whales and other
wildlife die a slow death by ingesting or getting tangled in the discarded bags.
Clearly, we need to do something, and I’m trying really really hard. I’ve amassed a
huge collection of cloth tote bags—now if I could just remember to take them with me
when I’m shopping. The key, according to the experts, is to keep the supply of bags in
your vehicle, not in your closet. As soon as you unload merchandise from the bags, put
the bags back out in the vehicle—this is a good chore for the kids.
So you have the bags in the vehicle—now you just have to remember to take them
with you into the store. How many times have I been merrily zooming the grocery cart
from aisle to aisle when I suddenly realize—“#!*&, I forgot my bags again!”
Sometimes, I’m already in the checkout line when the memory strikes. There is only
one cure for ‘bagamnesia.’ Make yourself take that long walk back out to the parking
lot to fetch your collection. Trust me, you won’t have to do it more than once or twice
before the message is permanently etched in the frontal lobe. It’s a bit like house-train-
ing the new puppy.
Once you’ve mastered the take-your-own-bag behaviour, you’ll begin to start growl-
ing when you are faced with others’ bad bagging habits. For example, some poor clerk
at the corner store tries to put your bag of milk in a bag for you. Here’s how you han-
dle that situation—remember SNUB: Say No to Unnecessary Bags. Just remember to
do it politely, with no snarling.
Collections For Greenstone
On and around the weekend of October 20th and 21st, residents of Greenstone will
have a chance to get rid of hazardous waste from around the home. Collection events
will be offered at central locations in the communities of Beardmore, Geraldton,
Longlac and Nakina. Specific event times and dates for each community are current-
ly being finalized.
Residents are encouraged to bring in old paint and solvents, automotive fluids,
batteries, mercury and any articles that contain mercury, pesticides, propane containers,
cleaning fluids, etc. Note that used oil (transmission, motor or
hydraulic) will not be accepted at these collection events, as other
options for oil disposal are already in place. There is no charge and
the event is open to all residents of Greenstone. Hazardous waste
from commercial and industrial sources will not be accepted.
The goal of these events is to reduce the amount of toxic sub-
stances entering the landfill and surrounding groundwater.
The collection event will be carried out by a hazardous waste
carrier certified by the Ontario Ministry of Environment and is
being organized in conjunction with EcoSuperior and the munic-
ipality of Greenstone. Financial support for the collection is being
provided by Environment Canada and the Ontario Ministry of
Environment.
For more information, contact Jim Bailey, Pollution Prevention
Coordinator at EcoSuperior, 624-2144.

5
 ECO-NEWS • EcoSuperior • 6
What’s for
Sale?
Drop into 212 Miles Street East to pick
up or order the following items. We are
open weekdays from 8:30am to
4:30pm.
Shopping Bags
Cotton tote bag with an environmental
message, EcoSuperior and City of
Thunder Bay logo – just $2 each.
Proceeds support our community pro-
grams.
Blue Bags
Get set for a year’s worth of recycling
with rolls of 25 clear blue bags for just
$5. No packaging – ready to use!
Composters
The Earth Machine composter is avail-
able to city residents for just $25. We
can also help you out with advice on
any composting questions or problems.
Rain Barrels
Plastic rain barrels are in stock now,
priced at $35 & available to Thunder Bay
residents with a current water account.
Great gift idea!
Kill-A-Watt Meter
Borrow this device for a one-week term
to test appliances and find out the oper-
ating cost and electricity consumed. A
$20 deposit is required, returned to you
when you return the meter. Note – elec-
tronic energy cost meters are also avail-
able at Thunder Bay Public Library. You
can borrow one with your library card!
Gift Certificates
Ask us about gift certificates for a Home
Energy Evaluation or any of our retail
items. A great Christmas Gift!
Renovating?
Roofing?
New construction?
Moving or
Spring clean up?
577-0411
10% off with this Ad
6
Welcome to our Garden
There is a beautiful new sign identifying our
Natural Environment Garden on Central Avenue,
a partnership project of EcoSuperior and the City
of Thunder Bay. Many people have said “I’ve
noticed that garden, but never knew what it was!”
Well, now we’re out of the closet, thanks to fund-
ing from the Shell Environment Fund, and the
impressive artwork by Ron Cameron of Wooden
Earth Signs. This funding also allowed us to cre-
ate a budding new Anishinabek garden and inter-
pretive signs for our on-site composter and solar
pump, both of which will be installed next spring.
Learn the ins-and-outs of composting and how
the sun can provide irrigation while enjoying the
sights and sounds of Nature in the middle of the
City. This is a great spot to have lunch or read a
book, either basking in the sun or enjoying the
shade of a willow tree.
How to Deal with a
Broken Fluorescent Light
All fluorescent lights contain mercury. The mercury in fluo- The first time you vacuum the area where the bulb was bro-
rescent lights is in vapour form and also in the phosphor pow- ken, remove the vacuum bag once done cleaning the area (or
der which coats the inside of the lamp. Fluorescent lights in use empty and wipe the canister) and put the bag and/or vacuum
are perfectly safe and pose no health risk. However, if a fluo- debris, as well as the cleaning materials, in two sealed plastic
rescent light is broken, we recommend that the following steps: bags in the outdoor trash or protected outdoor location for nor-
mal disposal.
1. Open the windows & leave the room for at least 15 minutes.
These same precautions should apply if you break any
2. Wearing gloves, carefully dispose of any broken glass, as household device that contains mercury, such as an old-style
well as any loose white powder (fluorescent glass coating). thermometer or furnace thermostat. If you have a
Use sticky tape to pick up small pieces of glass or powder. spent fluorescent bulb, you can bring it to our
collection depot at ecoSuperior, 212 Miles
3. Double bag all parts that you pick up.
Street East between May and Simpson
4. Clearly label the bag as containing mercury waste. streets. We can accept bulbs from house-
holds only, Monday to Friday 8:30 to
5. Deposit the waste at your local household hazardous waste 4:30. Residential bulb recycling is
depot. In Thunder Bay this depot is located just to the right supported in part by Ontario
of the gates at the John St. Landfill. There is no cost to City Power Generation (OPG). Spent
of Thunder Bay residents using the depot. bulbs from commercial sources
Note: DO NOT USE A VACUUM CLEANER (as the may be taken to MGM Electric
exhaust air from the vacuum will spread the mercury vapour. on MacDonnell Street where
A wet paper towel should be used instead of a vacuum clean- recycling service is offered
er for cleanup of glass and powder. for a fee.
We’ll deliver a temporary bin to your location Frank’s
Alternate Energy
… when your project is finished, our drivers
will remove the bin and the contents in it!
Sun / Wind / Water
solar.wind.Micro-Hydro
Specializing in...
Custom Design and Professional Installation of
“Off-the-Grid” and “Grid Tie” Solar and Wind
Electric Systems, Experienced Troubleshooting,
Personalized Service
Ph/Fax: (807) 964-2050 Toll Free
RR#3, Thunder Bay, Ont. 1-888-SUN WIND
(786-9463)
Locally owned and operated since 1994
email: sunwind@tbaytel.net www.sunwindwater.com
 ECO-NEWS • EcoSuperior • 7

Assistance Program for How

Electric Heat Homes Well is
Area residents who are least able to afford rising energy bills are now able to
access a free assistance program through EcoSuperior. Income-eligible households
with electrically heated homes can apply for a free energy audit as well as compre-
Your
hensive retrofits to help make their homes more energy-efficient.
Green Communities Canada (GCC) has been retained by the Ontario Power
Authority (OPA) to operate an energy conservation program for low-income house-
Well?
holds in privately-owned single family houses. EcoSuperior has been contracted by If your water comes from
GCC to deliver in this region. Tenants or homeowners may apply. The program a well, either drilled or dug,
offers energy audits in electrically-heated single family houses and comprehensive you need to know how to
retrofits on the building envelope and some appliances, where cost-effective. protect and preserve your
water quality. Our Well
Eligible households will receive, free of charge: Aware program offers a free
• Home energy evaluation home visit service that shows
you how to properly main-
• Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) tain your well and septic sys-
• Low-flow showerheads and aerators tem, and how to identify and
address any potential prob-
• Water heater insulation blanket lems. Call us today to book
• Water heater pipe wrap an appointment at 624-2140.
A small mileage fee may
• Advice and education on reducing energy bills apply—but if we can book a
Approximately 60% of homes where greater needs are identified, may also receive, visit with a neighbor on the
free of charge: same day, we’ll waive the
fee. See www.wellaware.ca
• Refrigerator replacement for more details.
• Hot water tank replacement (electric to gas)
• Draftproofing and insulation (attic, walls, basement, crawlspace, exposed floors)

Application forms and eligibility guidelines are available at EcoSuperior, 212 Miles
Street East, and www.ecosuperior.org. The program is available until December 2007.
Green Drinks!
Do your friends call you names like ‘the eco-freak’ or the
‘green guru’? Are you the one picking the pop cans out of the

Rain Barrel Reminder
Your rain barrel has served you well
all season long, taking care of your plants
with healthy chlorine-free rainwater.
Now it’s time for you to take care of your
rain barrel: be sure to turn your barrels
upside down or take them inside for stor-
age over the winter. Any water left inside
could cause the barrel to freeze and split!
Don’t take a chance – put your rain bar-
rels away before freeze-up!
office garbage and putting them in the recycle bin? Do you thrill to
the sight of finished compost in the bottom of a backyard composter?
Guess what – you are not alone! Folks like you who have a genuine
interest in environmental issues actually gather in significant numbers
once a month at an event known as Green Drinks. We meet to mix and
mingle, enjoy a favourite beverage, discuss ideas and issues and enjoy
good company, on the third Wednesday of every month.
Green Drinks Thunder Bay is a part of the world-wide Green
Drinks phenomenon. See www.greendrinks.org for details on how
the concept of gatherings for the environmentally-minded has
grown to include groups in more than 100 countries.
Join us for the next Green Drinks at the L.U. Outpost on Wednesday, October 17
from 5 – 7 p.m. Everyone welcome (even if you’re not quite an ‘eco-freak!’)

MOD SHOP
(A recycling member of our community)
Your Donations Divert Tons of Reusable Items From Our Landfill Site and help us assist adults with disabilities in Thunder Bay
WE ARE DOING CURBSIDE - Just fill a clear or blue bag with clothing and put it at curbside on your regular recycling day.
Items we accept include: Our Bin Locations: Drop Off Donations at:
Furniture • Quality Used Clothing, 237 Camelot Street 237 Camelot Street or at Mod Shop,
Books, Toys, Housewares, Kakabeka Esso 140 South Syndicate Avenue
Small Working Appliances (TV’s, VCR’s, Stereos) Behind the Brick
No Large Appliances

For Fast Free Pickup of

Large Items, Please Call 622-5281 Monday - Saturday
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

7
 ECO-NEWS • EcoSuperior • 8

Toilet Rebates
The City of Thunder Bay Water Conser-
vation program provides rebates when you
switch to a water-conserving toilet. Get $125

Did You Know? credit on your water bill toward the purchase
and installation of an ultra-low-flush (6-litre)
or $150 for a dual flush (3-6 litre) toilet. A
limited number of rebates are available to
“Less energy is consumed when computers and monitors are turned on and off (as often as required) than when left on over
time. In fact, all electronic devices use more energy when left on, as opposed to being turned on and off as needed.” (Ontario City of Thunder Bay water customers who
Ministry of Energy, 2007) have the toilet installed by a participating
“Turning your PC on and off does not wear it out. Today's PCs are designed to handle 40,000 on/off cycles before a failure, plumber, and who have a Water Saver visit
and that's a number you likely won't reach during the computer's five-to-seven-year life span.” (Microsoft Small Business, 2007) performed prior to the installation. Call our
All of the computers currently in use at work and at home represent a tremendous opportunity for energy conservation. In a office for an appointment at 624-2140.
recent survey conducted by EcoSuperior, we found that more than 25% of home computer users left their workstations on 24 The Toilet Rebate Program is available to
hours a day. Nearly half have more than one computer at home. Workplace respondents indicated that 93 percent do not shut both residential and commercial customers,
off their monitor when they walk away—a simple habit that results in significant savings. And more than a quarter of the busi- and now includes rebates when old fixtures
ness workstations are still using old style CRT monitors. New flat screen LCD monitors use less than a third of the energy are replaced with 6-litre ULF toilets, two-
required by those big old monitors. button toilets and waterless urinals. Please
Starting next month, EcoSuperior will be launching a new program “Click On Savings” that will help both home and busi- contact EcoSuperior before any purchase or
ness computer users reduce their energy consumption. If you are interested in a workplace presentation, contact Bill Bradshaw installation to ensure that rebates are still
at 624-2147. available, as they are in limited quantities.

What’s in the Food Kids Eat? Environmental

Contributed by Lyne Soramaki, Thunder Bay District Health Unit
Nowadays, there is a growing concern about how exposure to toxic chemicals found in the environment can affect the
Film Network
EcoSuperior has joined a number of
health of unborn babies and children. Children are more vulnerable to environmental contaminants and this starts in the other community groups to form the
womb. Children are exposed to greater levels of contaminants than an adult mainly because of their size. They are less able Environmental Film Network. Many thanks
to remove the toxins from their bodies and this can particularly end up affecting vital organs such as the brain. Although we to Eleanor Dunn for spearheading this initia-
cannot remove all of the environmental toxins and hazards around us, there are ways to decrease a child’s risk. tive. The idea is to bring environmentally
Start childproofing early- even in pregnancy. A good place to start is with the food you eat. focused films and documentaries to Thunder
• Choose organic foods when children will only eat a limited variety of food Bay. The first film, Toxic Trespass, was an
Ontario premiere for the National Film
• Purchase local food. This means less distance from field to table which means less pesticides and preservatives are needed
Board production, and attracted a large audi-
• Check out your local farmer’s market or obtain a copy of the Farm Fresh Products brochure at www.tbdhu.com ence.
• Aim for a variety of fruits and vegetables so that children are not always exposed to the All films are shown at the Paramount
same types and levels of residues Balcony Theatre, 24 South Court Street.
Admission is free, but donations are accept-
• When your food budget is tight, stretch the organic food dollar by choosing organic
ed, and all proceeds will support the film
for foods that tend to be higher in contaminants such as dairy, eggs and meat and/or
sponsor. Plan to attend the following films
focus on food that has less difference in price between organic and non organic.
coming up this fall:
• Fresh food with minimal amounts of additives or processing is known to be lower
in contaminants than processed foods • The Fight for True Farming,
• According to the U.S. Environmental Working Group you can lower your pesti- 7:00 p.m.Wednesday, October 17,
cide exposure by 90% if you avoid “The Dirty Dozen” which include: peaches, presented by the Food Security
apples, sweet bell peppers, celery, nectarines, strawberries, cherries, pears, Research Network
grapes(imported), spinach, lettuce and potatoes. Replace these with organic fruits and
vegetables when possible. Do not remove fruits and vegetables from your child’s • Forbidden Forest,
diet. 7:00 p.m. November 14
For more information on environmental childproofing tips or to down-
• Being Caribou,
load an environmental checklist, please visit www.tbdhu.com & search
7:00 p.m. December 12
‘home environment’ or phone 625-5972.