Hi Mabel, This year we have been part of the Homeschool Natural Leader’s Project at Helen Schuler Nature Centre. During our time there, we have learned so much on waste, resources, and technology. As part of our class, our family … Continued
Dear Mabel, I actually found the Environment Lethbridge website while researching air quality for Lethbridge. Being a green queen from way back, I think it’s great to have a public organization that dedicates itself to sustainability. However, I was wondering … Continued
Environment Lethbridge is seeking proposals from interested consultants for the provision of professional services to conduct a feasibility study for the establishment of a renewable energy co-operative in Lethbridge. Click here to download the RFP. Any updates or amendments to … Continued
For this edition of Dear Mabel, Mabel is joined by Chelsea Sherbut from the Lethbridge Bee Enthusiasts. Dear Mabel: I purchased a bee house to hang this year, but currently our yard does not have any bee attracting plants. My … Continued
Dear Mabel: There is plastic in every part of my bathroom from my tooth brush to my shampoo. What are some ways that I can use less plastic in my bathroom? A. The production of plastic consumes a high … Continued
In February, we asked Heather Gowland from the City of Lethbridge’s Waste and Recycling department to join us to answer questions from our readers about the implementation of curbside recycling in Lethbridge. Here are the questions that were submitted along … Continued
Did Seedy Saturday inspire you to want to start your own garden? Click here to learn about soils, plot location, starting seeds and other basics to get your started!
Dear Mabel, I’m struggling to decide between a real and an artificial Christmas tree. Can you tell me which choice is better for the environment? A. Artificial trees will save you money in the long run, they do have … Continued
Chinook Food Connect has recently released a map showing the locations of local food producers around southern Alberta. The map highlights different small-scale producers who grow everything from garlic to bison. Chinook Food Connect describes themselves as a caring community in … Continued
Dear Mabel, Saving the environment seems really expensive. Big ticket items like solar panels or home improvements are well out of my budget and even smaller changes aren’t easy. What can I do that literally won’t cost me any money? … Continued
November 2, 5-8 pm. Environment Lethbridge Annual General Meeting at the Helen Schuler Nature Centre. November 7, 4-6 pm Green Drinks Owl Acoustic Lounge 411-3 Ave S, Lethbridge Have a drink, meet some new people, answer some green trivia questions, win some great prizes. … Continued
Following last week’s Zero Waste Workshop with Camille Fairbanks, we wanted to highlight some of top waste reduction tips that are easy to follow and a great way to kickstart a zero waste lifestyle! When looking towards a zero waste … Continued
A reader asks: How do I make the best choices when it comes to home improvements and renovations for energy efficiency? A: There are many ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency. So many, in fact, that we will break … Continued
Join us on November 2 from 5:00-8:00 pm at the Helen Schuler Nature Centre for our Annual General Meeting and celebration of Lethbridge’s Green Superheroes. Agenda: 5:00 – Appetizers, Past Present Future Exhibit, Mingling 6:00 – Call to Order for … Continued
We are very pleased to welcome Kelti Baird as the Project Coordinator until March 2018! To get to know her better, we asked her some questions: How long have you lived in Lethbridge? I have lived in Lethbridge since September … Continued
Environment Lethbridge is conducting a short survey in order to understand the benefits and barriers associated with adopting energy efficient changes to homeowners and individuals within the City of Lethbridge. This survey is part of an ongoing practice to help … Continued
A reader asks: My business has a back garden that we use for functions and gatherings. I would like to replace the lawn with something that can withstand foot traffic, but that is more sustainable. What are the options? A. Whether … Continued
Some excellent events are coming up in October, so make sure you head out to a few and learn how you can positively impact Lethbridge sustainability! October 3, 4-6 pm Green Drinks Owl Acoustic Lounge 411-3 Ave S, Lethbridge Have a drink, … Continued
Environment Lethbridge is currently seeking proposals from qualified fundraising consultants. Proposals are requested by October 13, 2017. Click here to download the RFP.
A reader asks: There have been numerous articles in the news about how much water is required to grow and produce cotton cloth. I am wondering which clothing materials use the least resources and would be considered ‘green’ in terms … Continued
We are very pleased to welcome Nikki Hort as a practicum student from the University of Lethbridge’s School of Public Health who will be working with us until December. To get to know her better, we had some questions: How … Continued
A reader asks: What are some options for eco-friendly party decor for kids and adults? So much of those supplies just end up in the garbage. A. Sometimes one-time events like parties or weddings or Christmas tend to fly … Continued
Upcoming Events for September Sep 8, 9 & 10. Reuse Rendezvous. Freecycle your gently used items and find new-to-you treasures. Sep 11-Nov 5. Past Present Future. Explore the history of Lethbridge’s environment, where we are today and where we might go in … Continued
Q. Clothing Conundrum. I’m never sure what to do with ripped or stained clothing. I use some for household rags, but I don’t need all of them. Is there somewhere to donate clothing which is no longer fit for wearing? … Continued
Join us for our first energy efficiency workshop. Learn the steps you can take to make your home or business more energy efficient, reduce your energy costs and have commonly asked questions answered. Register through Eventbrite here.
August 1, 4-6 pm Green Drinks Owl Acoustic Lounge 411-3 Ave S, Lethbridge Have a drink, meet some new people, answer some green trivia questions, win some great prizes. August 8, 1pm. Videos, Games and Popcorn! Hosted by Oldman Watershed Council at the Galt … Continued
We are looking for a Project Coordinator to join our team! Click here for the job description and details.
Lethbridge has a wealth of public fruit trees. Click here to download the map of tree locations.
Q. My daughter and I have having an argument about the best way to water the lawn. Since it’s been so hot lately, I’ve been putting the sprinkler on in the morning before I go to work and moving it … Continued
Community gardens, where community members garden collectively on a single piece of land, are scattered throughout Lethbridge. Now, under the auspices of Environment Lethbridge, community gardens have a network to provide information and support. “We are very excited to host … Continued
Dear Mabel is an advice column for your environmental problems and dilemmas. If you want to know how to set up a composter, what flowers are best for bees, where to recycle fluorescent light bulbs or anything else related to our … Continued
June 4, 1-4 pm. Coulee Clean Up with Environment Lethbridge. Join Environment Lethbridge for a coulee clean up in the River Valley. Prizes for the most unusual item and the best collector. Please bring gloves, a hat, water and good shoes. June 5, … Continued
Visit our Facebook page to win 2 tickets to Bee-Friendly Gardening with Lyndon Penner on June 9 at 7:00. To enter, like this post and post a photo of your garden. Click here to see all the details about Lyndon’s talk or see … Continued
May 5. 3:30 pm. Hot Composting Workshop with Dan Rollingson from Earthly Matters. Hosted by the Lethbridge Sustainable Living Association and the Interfaith Food Bank. May 5-7. Jane’s Walk. Jane’s Walk (named for urban planner Jane Jacobs) is an annual … Continued
April 12. 100 Reasons to Go Outside. Hosted by the Helen Schuler Nature Centre. April 12, 7pm. Ecosystem Management Presentations, Part II. Bats, Raptors and Bird Banding. Hosted by the Lethbridge Naturalists at the Helen Schuler Nature Centre. April 22, … Continued
We are currently seeking nominations for our Executive Committee. The Executive Committee is the governing board of the organization and is responsible for overall direction, policy and governance. The Executive Committee meets monthly and the estimated commitment is 6-8 hours … Continued
We’re excited to be part of the Oldman Watershed Council’s Southern Alberta Water Charter for 2017. The Water Charter inspires organizations, municipalities and businesses to take action to improve the health of the watershed. To do our part, we will … Continued
March 7. 4pm. Lethbridge Green Drinks. Owl Acoustic Lounge 411-3 Ave S. Informal gathering to discuss environmental issues, projects and solutions. First Tuesday of each month. March 7. 7pm. Ksisskstaki with Ryan Heavy Head. Hosted by the Helen Schuler Nature Centre. … Continued
Join us November 3 at the Helen Schuler Nature Centre for a celebration of Lethbridge’s Green Superheroes and our Annual General Meeting. Doors open at 5:00 pm. Program details: 5:00 pm – Appetizers and mingling 6:15 – Annual General Meeting … Continued
The Executive Committee is seeking nominations from people in Lethbridge interested in advancing sustainable practices in the region. The Executive Committee works on behalf of the Community Partners to oversee the day-to-day governance of Environment Lethbridge. It is responsible for … Continued
For the first time in five years, electronics recycling will be part of this year’s Reuse Rendezvous. Environment Lethbridge is partnering with Efutures Renewables, to ensure that leftover electronics are disposed of properly after this year’s event. “We are very … Continued
As Lethbridge continues to grow, community gardens play an important role for a range of reasons, environmentally, socially and economically. Community gardens; develop otherwise unused areas into fertile and productive green spaces, provide fresh, locally grown produce to a multitude … Continued
Environment Lethbridge is pleased to present free film screenings throughout the summer. All screenings will be held at The Hub, 319-6 St. S. in Lethbridge. Popcorn and snacks will be provided. To download the film schedule, please click here. Wednesday, … Continued
Environment Lethbridge is pleased to welcome Courtnay Sopko and Sophia Larney to our team. Courtnay will be with us until the end of the year and will be working as our Research Coordinator, leading our benchmarking project which will collect … Continued
A local family is in the process of building a net-zero house on the westside of Lethbridge. Brian Sexton agreed to talk about the project and answer some of our questions about the construction of their net-zero house. Tell me a little … Continued
Did you throw any food in the garbage this week? That squishy cucumber from the bottom of the produce drawer, maybe? How about that leftover jar of something from the back of the fridge? All together, in Canada, we … Continued
March 22nd is World Water Day. Designated by the United Nations in 1992, World Water Day is an opportunity to learn about and be inspired about water and water issues. This year’s theme is Water and Jobs. A short … Continued
Mel began volunteering with Environment Lethbridge as our Volunteer Photographer in January of this year. We asked her to share her thoughts about sustainability, superheros and time travel. How long have you lived in Lethbridge? I have lived in Lethbridge … Continued
On Family, the Lethbridge Sustainable Living Association (LSLA), Helen Schuler Nature Centre and Environment Lethbridge co-hosted a workshop for teens on solar cooking. Following a presentation by Thomas Porter from LSLA, each participant was able to make their own solar … Continued
On February 18, Environment Lethbridge and the Oldman Watershed Council hosted an Open House at our new office at 319-6 Street South in Lethbridge. Here are a few photos from the event: All photos are copyright Mel Lefebvre, 2016.
We’ve spent a lot of time talking about recycling in Lethbridge – recycling bins, recycling depots, curbside recycling. Perhaps the recent decision by Lethbridge City Council to reject curbside recycling in Lethbridge should be a reminder that recycling is intended … Continued
Local teens are encouraged to register for a workshop on alternative energy and sustainability taking place on Monday February 15th at the Helen Schuler Nature Centre. The workshop, targeting youth ages 11 – 15, will start at 1:00pm and is … Continued
We make the case for the first of the three Rs in our February newsletter. “In our efforts to do the right thing, it’s easy to forget that recycling is the last best option. In fact, recycling should be the … Continued
We are looking for volunteers to help out at different community events. If you are interested in sharing information about sustainability, connecting with the community and attending local events, these positions may be for you! We have two volunteer opportunities … Continued
The Executive Committee is seeking nominations from people in Lethbridge interested in advancing sustainable practices in the region. The Executive Committee works on behalf of the Community Partners to oversee the day-to-day governance of the Council. It is responsible for fiduciary care, oversight of … Continued
Environment Lethbridge is looking for a volunteer photographer to take photos at upcoming events and to begin to build a library of environmental images from around the Lethbridge area. We are seeking photographs that we can share online and in print with … Continued
Are you looking to decrease your holiday footprint this Christmas? We’ve put together a list of ideas and tips for ways to make your holiday season in Lethbridge more sustainable. Our list includes everything from lights to trees, gifts to … Continued
After an extensive search, Environment Lethbridge is pleased to welcome Kathleen Sheppard as its new Executive Director. “We are very excited to have Kathleen join the Environment Lethbridge team,” said Mike Spencer, Chair of Environment Lethbridge’s Executive Committee. “We … Continued
The 2015 Environment Lethbridge Vision Meeting (AGM) will be held on Thursday, October 29 between 4:30pm and 7:30pm at The Lethbridge Nature Centre. If you would like to attend, please RSVP at info@environmentlethbridge.org 4:30pm – 5:15pm……… Meet and greet, light food & … Continued
As the Environment Lethbridge annual Vision Meeting approaches (October 29th, 2015), the Executive Committee is seeking nominations from people in Lethbridge interested in advancing sustainable practices in the region. The Executive Committee works on behalf of the Community Partners to oversee the day-to-day governance … Continued
Environment Lethbridge will have a booth at the downtown Lethbridge farmers’ market on August 26th, and at the west side farmers’ market on August 27th. We’ll be promoting our organization, but more importantly, the community events coming up over the … Continued
The Keen for Green 2015 event was a wonderful success. We had many local, environmentally-minded businesses and people attend to enjoy the beautiful weather, the guest speakers and the BBQ. Many thanks to all the hard working volunteers that made the … Continued
Now that the City Council of Lethbridge has approved the fee-for-service agreement, we are looking for a motivated and talented individual to fill the newly created Executive Director position. This is a full time, permanent position based at our office … Continued
COUNCIL APPROVES 3 YEAR FEE FOR SERVICE AGREEMENT WITH ENVIRONMENT LETHBRIDGE At their May 25, 2015 meeting Lethbridge City Council voted 8-1 to approve a new three-year, Fee-For-Service Agreement with the group Environment Lethbridge to enhance community outreach as well as environmental education … Continued
The Lethbridge Herald ran a story on April 13 about a new initiative taking place in our community. Josh Hellawell of Synergy Farms is breaking ground for the SPIN farm this month, with the goal of selling locally produced organic … Continued
Spring is the time of renewal and growth, and in that spirit the new Environment Lethbridge site is live! Here we plan to engage the community with blog posts about our community partners and about local environmental news, to share … Continued
There’s been a lot of discussion going on with the City Council of Lethbridge about introducing either curbside recycling, organic waste (greenbox) recycling or both in the next couple of years. Mayor Chris Spearman is spearheading the effort to get both … Continued
Promising momentum is building for the City of Lethbridge to implement curbside recycling. Taking the extra step to collect organic materials from homes, such as leaf litter, grass clippings and kitchen food waste, would go a long way towards easing … Continued
