Session 1: You and Me on Planet Earth
In this introductory session, we'll set the stage for future discussions
and actions by shifting our point of view and looking at the Planet from a truly global perspective.
Topics:
Course Outline, Two Guiding Thoughts, Conditions on Other Planets, Earth as Viewed from Space, Astronauts' Comments, Ecosystem
Services, Biosphere II, Introduction to Climate Change, Select Entrance Survey Results
Session 2: Conserving
Electricity
An important way to begin reducing electricity consumption is by identifying electronic devices that consume electricity
even when turned off. This standby or phantom energy can easily account for up to ten percent of your monthly
consumption.
Topics: Earth Lights, Electricity Generated from Conventional Sources, Electricity Generated from Renewable Sources, Actions
to Conserve Electricity.
Session 3: Conserving Water
It can be difficult to develop a conservation ethic when water is
as abundant and as inexpensive as it is in Canada. However, water conservation is a consistent part of the “conserver”
attitude that many people adopt as they examine their lifestyles for ways to reduce their environmental impact.
Topics: The
Tragedy of the Commons, Grand Schemes, Water in Other Countries, Privatization of Water, Desertification, 2007 U.S. Drought,
Charlottetown's Water Supply, Actions to Conserve Water
Session 4: Reducing Heating Requirements
With the
price of crude oil hitting record highs and the potential impacts of climate change looming over us, there has never been a better
time to reduce the amount of energy we consume to heat our homes and provide domestic hot water.
Topics: New Ecological
Paradigm Survey, Peak Oil, Homes Near and Far, Actions to Reduce Heating Requirements.
Session 5: Personal Transportation
Collectively, our personal transportation habits have a tremendous impact on the environment
and our wallets. In areas where public transportation is available, we have a wonderful opportunity to dramatically reduce
our fossil fuel consumption. However, even if public transportation is not available, there are still many things to keep
in mind to operate our vehicles in a more efficient manner, and to think about when leasing or purchasing vehicles.
Topics: Roger's Adoption/Innovation Curve, Ways We Get Around, Car Heaven, Actions to Reduce Vehicle Usage and Conserve
Fuel
Session 6: Food Choices
When you are surrounded by such an incredible diversity of food from around the
world, as we are today, it is not always easy to reposition yourself a little lower on the food chain. However, it can be done,
and it can lead not only to health benefits, but also to an even greater appreciation for the variety of local and organic food available
to us.
Topics: The Parable of the Three Stonecutters, Planetary Perceptions, Food in Other Countries and Other Information,
The 100-Mile Diet, Making Better Food Choices
Session 7: Material Consumption
Most of us are wallowing in more stuff than
we know what to do with. Although we have a provincial waste management system that is the envy of many jurisdictions, we have done
relatively little to reduce the sheer volume of material that enters the waste stream in the first place.
Topics: The Ecological Footprint,
Gross National Happiness, Consumerism, "Greenifying" Your Life, Where is Away?, More Actions to Reduce Material Consumption
Session 8:
Outside Practices
The extent of our practices around our homes can vary greatly depending on our personal circumstances.
We may have relatively little impact or we may be chugging along with an arsenal of lawn and garden equipment that could be the
envy of small municipalities. Learn about the benefits of making your outside practices emissions-free.
Topics: Green
Burials, Views and Perspectives, Deep Ecology, The Voluntary Human Extinction Movement, Landscape Modifications, 7 Continents - 21
Photos, Low Impact Outside Practices
EcoLiving 101 Session Descriptions