February 3, 2012

Federal Government's Energy Rebate Program Closed

Please note: as of Jan. 30, 2012  the Federal Government has stopped taking new registrants for the EcoEnergy program. Participants already in the program have until Mar. 31 to have their home retrofit completed, and until June 30 to have their post-retrofit evaluation completed.

Efficiency Nova Scotia's rebates will continue. Download our Rebate Guide here.

ACAP Cape Breton will continue to provide assessments under the provincial rebate program. Please phone ACAP Cape Breton at (902)567-1628 for details.

Casting Call!

All teens invited to audition for a new eco-video.

Saturday, January 21st

10am to 2 pm

Call 567-1628 to book your time!

Click image to download pdf.

Tap Into Your Education

Make a 30 second ad on tap water

You could win a $1000 scholarship

 Click image to download pdf.

January 5, 2012

ACAP Cape Breton's 20th Anniversary Kick Off

Monday January 9th from 7PM - 8:30PM

ACAP Cape Breton 582 George Street, Sydney

EVERYONE WELCOME!

6:45PM Musical Entertainment by Heartwood Slacks

7:00PM Kick off remarks

Guest Speaker: Fred Baechler "Water: Damn That's Neat Stuff!"

Overview: ACAP & Anniversary Year Events

Water Education Tool Kit Launch

8:00PM Networking & Light Snack

Please join us!

December 8, 2011

New Horizons for Seniors Program - Seniors Eco-Friendly Greenhouse & Garden  

The NEW HORIZONS Seniors Eco-Friendly Greenhouse & Garden was very successful! A new greenhouse and garden shed, to store all the gardening tools and equipment, was built on the premises of the Mira Manor Seniors Association.

The project was intended to provide seniors the opportunity to grow local and natural fruits, vegetables, herbs, and native plant species while promoting interaction with each other and the community through the construction and use of an eco-friendly greenhouse and garden.

The senior residents worked together with the project staff to share their knowledge of gardening, to learn about the environmentally friendly practices, and to hands on bring the project from an idea to a reality in their own backyard. This resulted in increased social and physical activity for all involved.

November 7, 2011

MAY YOUR HOLIDAYS BE BRIGHT: LED Holiday Light Exchange Program Returns!

CBRM, NS – Looking for ways to save money this holiday season?

Residents who bring two strings of traditional glass holiday lights for free recycling will receive one string of LED holiday lights in exchange for free.
The exchange aims to create public awareness on the benefits of LEDs and encourages participants to make a full switch to the more energy efficient lighting.
"We are pleased to join the LED Holiday Light Exchange this year, which is all about making it easier for Nova Scotians to save energy this holiday season," said Allan Crandlemire, CEO of Efficiency Nova Scotia. "Switching from traditional holiday bulbs to LED lights is just one of the many ways we help people save energy and money."
LED holiday lights use 90% less energy than traditional strings and last ten times longer. "There has been tremendous participation in previous LED Holiday Light Exchanges,” said Rob Bennett, President and CEO of Nova Scotia Power. “We're excited to bring this program to Nova Scotians for the seventh season."

This years exchange will take place at ACAP Cape Breton, 582 George Street, Sydney on Saturday, December 3rd from 6PM - 9PM. One set exchange per person.

For more information please phone 567-1628

October 26, 2011

It’s All Fun and Games and Eco-Lessons at the 2nd Annual CBRM Water Fun Fair

Sydney, NS – Say hello to Tappy, the water drop mascot, and learn a local eco-lesson while having fun at this year’s CBRM Water Fun Fair. The fair will take place at the Mayflower Mall Friday, October 28th and Saturday, October 29th from 12 to 6 PM with unique games created for kids to make a splash while learning about local and global environmental issues.

The second annual Water Fun Fair, hosted in partnership with ACAP Cape Breton, CBRM Water Utility and CBRM Wastewater Operations, will feature four stations with games and activities offering something for everyone. Conserving water will get competitive with the Brush Up, Show Down tooth brushing game. Water will become worth its weight as children complete the Pioneer Water Relay Race. Adults will be able to learn more about ACAP Cape Breton’s programs and how to reduce their environmental impact.

“Now in its second year, the CBRM Water Fun Fair will be bigger and better,” notes Susan King, Executive Director of ACAP Cape Breton. “Environmental education provides children with the tools to make sustainable daily and long-term decisions while having fun. These interactive activities will touch on everything from water conservation to wastewater and allow for learning through doing.”

The event is free and open to the public. Throughout the two days there will be appearances from the CBRM Water Utility water drop mascot, Tappy, and prize draws.  Children who play one game from each station will be eligible to enter draws for prizes. On Saturday afternoon, the winners of the Healthy Water, Healthy Me water conservation poster contest will be announced at an awards ceremony.

The Atlantic Coastal Action Program (ACAP) Cape Breton is a non-profit, charitable community organization. Located at 582 George Street in Sydney, this dynamic group integrates environmental, social and economic factors into projects focusing on action, education and ecosystem planning.

October 6, 2011

Healthy Water, Healthy Me! Contest Invites Students to Combine Creativity and Public Health

Sydney, NS – Healthy water makes for healthy students, and will make for a healthy art collection in the CBRM this fall. Elementary schools and students are invited to participate in the annual poster contest hosted by the CBRM Water Utility and ACAP Cape Breton. A popular contest amongst schools, this year’s theme asks students to explore the concept of public health and tap water.

Students in grades primary to three can incorporate the slogan “Healthy Water, Healthy Me!” into colourful drawings.

Students in grades 4 to 6 will promote awareness of source water protection by exploring the concepts: “Treatment plants keep my tap water clean by…” , “ I keep my tap water clean by…” and “I keep my water clean because….”.

“Tap water is an important part of environmental stewardship. As students explore the connection between their tap water and their lake or well, they will understand the efforts needed to keep them clean,” notes Susan King, Executive Director of ACAP Cape Breton. “I look forward to seeing the students’ creative interpretations of everything from treatment plants to public water protection.”

The top six posters will be awarded prizes and be featured in the 2012 CBRM Water Utility calendar. Each student who enters the contest, which closes on Wednesday, October 19th, will receive an eco-H2O prize.

The Atlantic Coastal Action Program (ACAP) Cape Breton is a non-profit, charitable community organization. Located at 582 George Street in Sydney, this dynamic group integrates environmental, social and economic factors into projects focusing on action, education and ecosystem planning.

October 3, 2011

Next Phase of Canada's Economic Action Plan

Visit ActionPlan.gc.ca/homes or call 1 800 O-Canada to learn more.

Spetember 22, 2011

Waste Reduction Week - October 17-23, 2011

Is fast approaching and we would like to encourage everyone to take part in two great projects, "Recycle My Cell" and Ease My Load".

Recycle My Cell, Canada’s national cell phone recycling program, is inviting schools and post-secondary institutions across Canada to take part in its challenge: recycle as many old wireless devices as possible.  If your school is interested, simply register on the website and all materials necessary to participate in the challenge will be sent to you.  Schools that collect the most cell phones and accessories may be eligible for some great prizes.  These include $500 towards green initiatives in your school, and a new electronic device that can be awarded by the school to a deserving student who has shown outstanding commitment to environmental issues.  For more details on the program and Recycle My Cell Challenge timelines, please visit http://www.wrwcanada.com/recycle_my_cell.

In addition to Recycle My Cell, we are also promoting the Ease My Load campaign (http://www.wrwcanada.com/ease_my_load ).  Schools can participate in the Ease My Load campaign by encouraging students to take photos of Atlas (cut-out available on the website), the Ease My Load mascot, in front of waste reduction activities.  If you participate in this campaign, please take photos in a location where the school’s name is visible (e.g. in front of the school).

September 20, 2011

Retire Your Tank - Cashback Oil Tank Replacement Program

Get $125.00 rebate on qualifying models and a brand new oil tank!

The retire your tank program is only available from May 15th, 2011 until December 31, 2011.

For complete information on the project please visit www.retireyourtank.ca or phone ACAP Cape Breton (902) 567-1628.

September 19, 2011

Sydney Joins International Movement with “Get Active, Go Local Cape Breton” Event.

Sydney, NS – This Saturday, September 24th, millions of people across the globe are taking and calling for action on climate change with Moving Planet Day. Sydney is hosting one of thousands of events asking citizens to move on bicycles, unicycles, kayaks, on foot or by any active mode of transportation to represent a commitment to moving beyond fossil fuels.

‘Get Active, Go Local Cape Breton’ is inviting residents to come out and enjoy local food at Sydney’s farmers’ markets without using any fossil fuels. ACAP Cape Breton, in partnership with the Cape Breton Regional Municipality, is hosting the event at both the Cape Breton Farmers’ Market and the Downtown Sydney Farmers’ Market.

“There has been a lot of positive momentum behind active transportation in the CBRM,” says Susan King, executive director at ACAP Cape Breton. “Moving Planet Day is highlighting the importance of reducing our carbon footprint which fits in nicely with the current healthy living and active transportation movement here in Cape Breton.”

Each market will have a Moving Planet Pledge for Cape Bretoners to show that they are ready to move past fossil fuels. The first 25 people arriving by active transportation at each market will be rewarded with $2 in market money to be used during the day's market. The first market event takes place from 8:30 am to 1 pm at 340 Keltic Drive and the second takes place 1 pm to 4 pm at the corner of Pitt and George Streets, Sydney.

For more information, please phone ACAP CB at 567-1628 or visit www.moving-planet.org.

September 16, 2011

ACAP Cape Breton Celebrates Bras d’Or Biosphere with East Bay Sandbar Blitz

Sydney, NS –ACAP Cape Breton is inviting Cape Bretoners to actively celebrate Canada’s 16th biosphere with clean-up on the shores of the beautiful Bras d’Or. On Friday, September 16th at 2 PM, ACAP staff will be providing bags and gloves to all helping hands at the East Bay sandbar. The clean-up is taking place in conjunction with local and national celebrations through the Bras d’Or Biosphere Celebrations and the Great Canadian Shoreline Clean-up.

The UNESCO biosphere designation of the Bras d’Or Lakes and its watershed calls upon communities to protect biodiversity while fostering economic and social development. In following this idea of stewardship of our waters and coastlines, ACAP Cape Breton has also joined the annual Great Canadian Shoreline Clean-Up which encourages cross country shoreline health by removing litter and raising awareness.

Together, Cape Bretoners can help maintain the health of our island’s watersheds and shorelines. ACAP is encouraging everyone to take an active role in the celebrations and in community stewardship this weekend and all year long. For more information, please contact Susan King, Executive Director, at 567-1628 or sking@acapcb.ns.ca.

The Atlantic Coastal Action Program (ACAP) Cape Breton is a non-profit, charitable community organization. Located at 582 George Street in Sydney, this dynamic group integrates environmental, social and economic factors into projects focusing on action, education and ecosystem planning.

August 5, 2011

Trashformers in Action

Coxheath Skate Park

July 29, 2011

The Trashformers cleaned up and around the skate park collecting 19 bags of litter.

Whitney Pier Youth Centre

August 4, 2011

Joined by 30+ youth from the centre, 22 bags of litter were collected on the Youth Centre property and surrounding areas.

Thank you to all of the youth who helped The Trashformers,  job well done!

August 4, 2011

Explore Louisbourg’s Hidden Gem Kelly Lake this Saturday

Sydney, NS - ACAP Cape Breton and the CBRM Water Utility are inviting residents to get outside and explore a beautiful and important lake near Louisbourg. Kelly Lake is the public water source for the town of Louisbourg and often unseen by local residents.

The Hike ‘Round Kelly Lake will take residents around their water source through a lush forest. CBRM Watershed Coordinator, Britt Roscoe, will be guiding the walk which will also include a youth scavenger hunt and prizes. The hike will finish at the Water Treatment Plant with a tour and snacks.

This hike is part of a series of Watershed Walks promoting the exploration and stewardship of our public water sources. Within the CBRM, there are seven watersheds which provide residents with their tap water. Source water protection is an important issue for both our environment and our public health.

The hike takes place Saturday, August 6th from 10 a.m. to 12 noon, beginning at the Louisbourg Water Treatment Plant at 1399 Terra Nova Road. The event is free to the public, though the hike is recommended for ages 12 and up. The hike will proceed rain or shine, so participants are encouraged to dress appropriately.

For more information, please contact ACAP Cape Breton at 567-1628 or www.acapcb.ns.ca.

July 14, 2011

Electronics Recycling Program to Hold Annual Computer Raffle.

ACAP will hold a computer raffle on Tuesday, July 26 - 9:30 AM at our location on 582 George Street, Sydney.

There will be approx. 30 complete systems to be given away free of charge.

Everyone present at 9AM will receive one free raffle ticket (there are no tickets for sale).

Tickets will be given out at 9AM sharp.

Once everyone receives a ticket we will start the drawing immediately.

This is not a first come first serve basis give-a-way. No other computers will be available on the day of the raffle.

If you have any questions please phone ACAP Cape Breton at 567-1628.

July 8, 2011

ACAP Cape Breton Announces Two Summer Day Camps

ACAP Cape Breton will be holding two seperate day camps for ages 5 -12 this year from July 18-22 and from August 8-12. 9AM - 12 PM.

Both camps will feature indoor and outdoor events, nature crafts, adventures and lots of hands on learning through eco-experiments.

Prices:

Per day - $10.00 per child, $16.00 for two.

Per week - $45.00 per child, $80.00 for two.

Pre-registration is required. Phone 567-1628 or drop by our centre at 582 George Street in Sydney.

Hope to see you there!

June 13, 2011

Jane's Walk

ACAP Cape Breton will be hosting Step Out in Downtown Sydney: Cape Breton’s First Jane’s Walk this coming Thursday, June 16th at 6 PM. This free event promotes active transportation and focus on the hidden gems of our own downtown.

The Walk will begin at ACAP CB’s Centre for Sustainable Communities (corner of George and Townsend Streets, Sydney) and will wind through Downtown Sydney and will highlight the interesting and exciting spots we often overlook in a car. There will be snacks, door prizes and childrens’ activities.

Jane’s Walk celebrates the ideas and legacy of urbanist Jane Jacobs by getting people out exploring their neighbourhoods and meeting their neighbours. Jacobs once said, “No one can find what will work for our cities by looking at our cites [various] models….You’ve got to get out and walk” .

The event is part of June is Active Transportation Month and is sponsored by the Nova Scotia Heart and Stroke Foundation, Ecology Action Centre and Nova Scotia Bikeways Coalition.

June 6th, 2011

Annual General Meeting

The Annual General Meeting of ACAP Cape Breton will take place Thursday, June 9 at 7:00 pm at the Centre for Sustainable Communities at 582 George St., Sydney, NS. Please note the proposed amendments to the by-laws will be voted on at the AGM.

Instead of a guest speaker from another organization, some of the staff will be presenting an overview of the projects, programs and activities that are part of ACAP Cape Breton.

Please RSVP your attendance by calling 567-1628 or sending an email to acapcb@acapcb.ns.ca

May 27, 2011

Environment Week Schedule

This year, ACAP Cape Breton is celebrating Environment Week  with a jam-packed week of events for all ages and everyone looking to learn more about their environment. Kicking off with UN World Environment Day on Sunday, June 5th, ACAP CB invites families out to a Downtown Sydney geo-caching event. The eco-fun continues with a bicycle commuter breakfast with Mayor Morgan, a lunch-time market with the Cape Breton Farmers’ Market and ACAP Cape Breton’s annual general meeting.

All events are free and take place at ACAP Cape Breton’s Centre for Sustainable Communities, 582 George Street, Sydney. Following is the schedule of events:

Sunday, June 5th - UN World Environment Day

Geo-cache family nature scavenger hunt in downtown Sydney – 2PM

Enjoy a downtown adventure to appreciate our natural environment inside an urban one.  Registration suggested.

Environment Week opening ceremony – 4PM

Join ACAP CB in celebrating the start of Environment Day in our Centre for Sustainable Communities.

Monday, June 6th

Bike Commuters’ Breakfast  - 7:30 to 9 AM

Start your week on two wheels and enjoy a fresh breakfast compliments of Velo Cape Breton and CBRM Recreation. Mayor John Morgan will join us to start off Cape Breton Bike Week.

Tuesday, June 7th

Cape Breton Farmers’ Market @ ACAP - 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM

Take a bite out of Cape Breton at the downtown, lunchtime market. Stop by for a bite or for groceries!

Wednesday, June 8th   - Clean Air Day, World Oceans Day

Department of Natural Resources Kids’ Forest Day at Mira River Park

To celebrate both the UN Environment Day’s theme of Forest: Nature at your Service and World Oceans Day, ACAP CB will educate kids on local water conservation and protection issues at this event.

Clean Air Day Tire Clinic – 3:30 to 4:30PM

Do your part on Clean Air Day by dropping by Mercer Fuels (490 Esplanade, Sydney) to learn how to safe gas and GHGs with proper tire pressure and more!

DIY Container Garden Workshop – 7 PM

Learn from Master Gardener’s how to plant your own herbs and veggies anywhere! Starter kits are supplied or bring your own seeds and questions. Information on Nova Scotia’s new pesticide regulations will also be provided. Registration suggested.

Thursday, June 9th

ACAP Cape Breton Annual General Meeting – 7PM

Learn about the past year’s activities at ACAP Cape Breton at this informative event.

Friday, June 10th

Bike Commuters’ Breakfast - 7:30 to 9 AM

If you missed it Monday, ease into the weekend on two wheels.

RBC Blue Water Day

ACAP Cape Breton will be celebrating Blue Water Day at the Charlotte Street Branch and providing information on stream restoration projects supported by RBC.

For more information please contact Hannah MacDonald at 902-567-1628 or via email

May 26, 2011

Showerhead Swap at the Cape Breton Farmers’ Market

ACAP Cape Breton with the CBRM Water Utility as well as Nova Scotia Department of Environment will be having a Showerhead Swap at the Cape Breton Farmers’ Market this Saturday, May 28th. If you are a CBRM Water Utility customer, bring 1 old showerhead and we will swap you for 1 new low-flow showerhead, for free! If you have your own well and septic, sign up for an Environmental Home Assessment, a free and confidential education program, which includes a free showerhead. Either way, start your summer by saving water! Information on the new provinical non-essential pesticide regulations will be available as well – more ways to keep our water clean. Drop by our booth for a showerhead or for more information. The Cape Breton Farmers’ Market takes place 8:30 AM to 1PM at 340 Keltic Drive in Sydney River.

April 29th, 2011

20 Minute Makeover - Photo Submissions

ACAP Cape Breton’s annual 20 Minute Makeover took place at 12 noon on Earth Day Eve (April 21), 2011. It was a great success with over 1400 people participating from across the island. 25 teams of concerned Cape Bretoners took to the streets, boardwalks, ditches and school grounds to make a big difference in little time.

A huge thank you to all the participants and remember, everyday is Earth Day! Here is a sampling of photos from the many makeovers.

ACAP Cape Breton			Northside Green Team
Holy Angels High			PWGSC Cleaning Team
MacIsaac Clan			Stream Global Services
McConnel Library			Team Delta Hotel

April 14, 2011

Earth Week Activities 2011

Earth Week begins on Monday April 18th, and the folks at ACAP Cape Breton’s Centre for Sustainable Communities are ready to celebrate! ACAP Cape Breton is inviting people to form a neighborhood ‘glam squad.’ On April 21st at 12 noon, you and your squad can ‘makeover’ a selected area by cleaning it up!  Each team should have a designated photographer to take a ‘before’ and ‘after’ picture. Teams are encouraged to register with ACAP CB. Their teams, location and photos will be featured on the ACAP CB website.

Each team will be provided with an Earth Day clean-up kit consisting of bags, gloves and disposal will be coordinated.

Teams can register by calling 567-1628 or email hmacdonald@acapcb.ns.ca.

 Also during Earth Week, feel free to stop by the Centre and fill out your Earth Week Eco Island Challenge – a way to publicly declare your commitment to a sustainable community!

 Keep an eye out for Tappy the Water Drop. He’ll be going on an Earth Week tour with SIFE Cape Breton members and you never know where you’ll see him!

ACAP Cape Breton has a full schedule of Earth Week Activities. If you have books, magazines, seeds or plants for our scheduled exchanges please feel free to drop them off at the ACAP Centre for Sustainable Communities, 582 George St., Sydney between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m..

 *Please note all lunch n’ learn sessions and exchanges will be held at the ACAP Cape Breton Centre for Sustainable Communities, 582 George St., Sydney.

  All events are FREE of charge.

Monday April 18

Seed & Plant Exchange: Bring your favourite seeds and slips to ACAP CB and take part in our exchange!  This event will be ongoing for the day, so feel free to drop by anytime.

Lunch n’ Learn (12 noon):  Spring Gardening 101: Preparing Your Soil: For all of you who have a green thumb (or wish you did), drop by ACAP Cape Breton for a lunch n’ learn with Master Gardeners. They will tell you everything you need to know to start your garden- beginning with the very important task of preparing your soil.

Tuesday April 22

Book & Magazine Exchange: Do you have books and magazines that are just waiting to be read with new eyes? Bring them to us for our book and magazine exchange and they’ll find a new home. We will be accepting these items anytime between now and Earth Week.

Clearing up Clear Bag Garbage (12 noon): Join us for a lunch n’ learn with the folks from CBRM Solid Waste Department where you can ‘clear up’ any questions you have about the switch to clear garbage bags.

Wednesday April 20

Livin’ La Vida Local (12 pm - 2 pm): Cape Breton is excited to partner with the Cape Breton Farmer’s Market to celebrate Earth Week! A mini market will be held at the Centre for Sustainable Communities to focus on the importance of buying local.

‘A Breath of Fresh Air’ Downtown Walk (12 noon): Join members of the Cape Breton Active Transportation Coalition for a lunchtime walk leading to the Mini-Market at ACAP CB. Those interested can meet in front of the CBRM Civic Centre.

 Thursday April 21st

Light Bulb Exchange: Bring in one incandescent light bulb and we’ll trade you for a CFL, on the house! One bulb per person.

The 20 Minute Makeover is back! (12 pm - 12:20 pm)

 Friday April 22 – Earth Day!

This year, Earth Day is also Good Friday. Since many workplaces are closed (ACAP CB included) we are providing clean-up kits to anyone who might like to spend some of their long weekend tidying up their neighborhood. Drop by anytime during Earth Week to pick up yours.  In this case, residents will be responsible to properly dispose of any materials they collect.

March 24, 2011

Celebrate Earth Hour This Saturday, March 26th at 8:30 p.m.!

On March 26 at 8:30 pm, ACAP Cape Breton encourages you to join hundreds of millions of people around the world in turning off your lights for an hour to demand action on climate change.

This is an annual event, which started in 2007 in Australia, and has grown to include 128 countries and territories. This year Earth Hour asks people to go beyond the hour, and use Earth Hour to commit to an action, big or small, that they will sustain for the future of our planet.

ACAP will be turning off our outside lights at the Centre for Sustainable Communities on Saturday night for Earth Hour.  Our organization is always available to provide information to residents on how to extend their efforts beyond the hour in areas like water conservation, energy and active transportation.

Earth Hour is a global initiative in partnership with WWF. Individuals, businesses, governments and communities are invited to turn out their lights for one hour on Saturday March 26, 2011 at 8:30 PM to show their support for environmentally sustainable action. The event began in Sydney in 2007, through a partnership between WWF Australia, Leo Burnett and Fairfax Media, when 2 million people in one city switched off their lights. By 2010, Earth Hour had created history as the largest voluntary action ever witnessed with participation across 128 countries and territories and every continent, including the world’s most recognized man-made marvels and natural wonders in a landmark environmental action.

 Earth Hour.org

Some fun ways you can participate in Earth Hour 2011

Stargazing

Candlelit dinner

Cards by candlelight

Ghost Walk in your community

Play Spotlight

Read by the fireplace

Play board games

Make shadow puppets

Have an acoustic jam

March 23, 2011

ACAP Cape Breton’s Electronic Recycling Program donates working computer systems to local organizations.

The highly successful Electronic Recycling Program has found another avenue for its refurbished computer systems via other non-profits and local charities.

On March 24th, 2011 ACAP will donate working systems to The Elizabeth Fry Society, Pathways to Employment and The Cape Breton Residential Society.

Each organization will be provided with complete refurbished systems including monitor keyboard and mouse.

“There have been quite a few information requests coming in from local groups concerning our electronic give-a-ways and the number one question was “Is our group eligible?” Most local charities and non-profits are able to request and receive systems as long as it complies with the guidelines set out in our policy. Anyone who would like a copy of this policy may request one.

With the high demand for computers from the general public it was not feasible to ask that these local groups attend our raffles/exchanges at the same time due to space requirements and availability. A policy was created and a new facet of our program was added allowing local charities and non-profits to obtain computer systems on two separate dispersals each year. There is however a limit of 5 units per organization per year which also depends on item availability.

ACAP is here for the community and if we can provide the resources which other organizations require to in turn provide services for our community then the electronics recycling program is achieving much more than just helping the environment.”

Shawn Young, Network Administrator / Electronics Recycling Manager

If a local group would like more information on this service please contact ACAP Cape Breton by phone: 567-1628.

February 18, 2011

The Watershed Walk ‘Round Waterford Lake Postponed until next Sat., Feb 26th.

10 am, Meet at New Waterford Water Treatment Plant

October 15, 2010

CBRM Water Fun Fair: H20 Yeah!!

Looking for somewhere to take the kids during the school in-service day? ACAP Cape Breton is excited to present, in partnership with the CBRM Water Utility and Wastewater Operations, the first ever CBRM Water Fun Fair: H20 Yeah!!. This family event will be held at the Mayflower Mall on October 22 & 23 from 11 am – 7 pm.

The Water Fun Fair will feature 10 activities and/or games with themes like, Protect Your Tap, Use Less Lose Less, Water is Never Wasted, Save the Storm Drain. There will be giveaways and prizes and information for ‘grown-ups’ as well.

Another exciting part of the Fair is the introduction of the CBRM Water Utility mascot! A naming contest has been held within all elementary schools and the winner will be announced on Saturday October 23 at 2 p.m.

“All of our stations will focus on water conservation, source water protection, and wastewater treatment,” says Hannah MacDonald, ACAP CB Public Education Coordinator and organizer of the event. “We’ve ‘disguised’ these serious and somewhat complex themes into games and activities that will promote learning in a fun environment.”

This is a free event and will also include information for adults. A Cape Breton University MBA Social Marketing Class will also be conducting a voluntary survey on water use to use as part of a water conservation social marketing project in partnership with ACAP Cape Breton.

For more information please call 567-1628

September 27th, 2010

ACAP'S SOLERGY MEDIA

ACAP Cape Breton has a new advertising media in the form of a new multicoloured reader board. The purchase was supplemented via a generous donation from Nova Scotia Power Inc., and spearheaded through the initiative of Bruce Young, ACAP’S Energy Dept. Manager and former Executive Director Eleanor Anderson.

The reader board will be used for displaying environmental messages, ACAP programs and partnerships, and messages pertaining to ACAP Cape Breton’s mandate. It will also host messages from our funding partners and stakeholders.

“Solergy Media”, when implemented, will be a service of ACAP Cape Breton which will be designed to accommodate all aspects of advertising via the reader board. It will handle items such as pricing and design for potential advertisers, rules and approvals regarding displayed messages and maintenance.

The sign is 100% powered by the sun via ACAP Cape Breton’s 3 x 175W photovoltaic panel solar energy system which will allow messages to be displayed even during power outages.

Our location on the corner of “Action Corner” is a prime location for messages to be conveyed to the public. The vibrant colours are easily visible during the day and are an eye catcher during the night.

ACAP purchased the sign through Sign Source, Sydney, Nova Scotia and the installation was completed by Lorne Currie of Sign Source and the electrical work was completed by Lorne Aucoin Renovations.

September 20th, 2010

‘Take Me Outside Week’

ACAP Cape Breton and the CBRM Water Utility are partnering with ‘Take Me Outside Week’ to invite Northside residents to explore their watershed on a guided walk.

This Saturday, September 25th, residents can meet at the Legion Memorial Chapel on Johnson Road at 11 am. The walk will be guided by Britt Roscoe, CBRM Watershed Coordinator, and will feature the good, the bad and the beautiful. There will also be a children’s scavenger hunt and snacks provided.

The walk will proceed rain or shine, so dress accordingly. For more information, please contact ACAP Cape Breton at 567-1628.

August 20th, 2010

ACAP recycles and gives away 25 computer systems

ACAP Cape Breton found new homes for 25 computers Friday as part of ongoing computer give-aways from its George Street office. The latest systems that now have new homes are products of an electronics recycling program designed to give second lives to used electronics.

“If somebody has a working computer and they are replacing it we ask they send it to us,” said Shawn Young, ACAP's Network Administrator / eRecycling Manager. “Instead of sending it off to be dismantled while it is still working, we believe it is better to give back to the public to somebody who doesn’t have one.”

Young said the recycled computers are often used to help students with school work. They also help to introduce new users to the world of computers.

First-time participant and winner Lindsay Debont took the two-hour drive from Skye Glen to have her name entered in the raffle.

 “I think it is wonderful and well worth the trip. I have two small children, one is in Grade 2, and it is good to have a computer for her to do her school projects and things like that.”

Another first-time participant and winner — Norm Campbell from Sydney — now has a computer at his home for his grandchildren to use. 

“They have a computer at their home, but poppy doesn’t have one, so I told them I’d try to win one,” he said while carrying his prize from the building. “It is just something for them to play their games on, I suppose.”

A raffle system was set up to give away the systems. It saw everyone who showed up for the event receive one ticket for a 10 a.m. draw.

The new format was designed to discourage extraordinary measures people went through in past years to be one of the program’s computer recipients.

“People were showing up at 11 p.m. the night before and camping out,” said Young. “That is not really fair for the person who is getting up at 7 a.m. the next morning. This way we are giving everyone who shows up a ticket and an equal chance to win a computer.”

In spite of the new rules, a long line of anxious, potential computer owners still took their places along George Street shortly after 7 a.m.

Those who did win received a system complete with monitor, tower, keyboard and mouse.

“They are Dell Pentium 4’s and are Internet ready with Windows XP Pro installed,” said Young. “They’ve all been tested and are in working order.”

As part of ACAP’s recycling program more than 200 refurbished personal computers have been distributed in 2010.

Since the program’s inception, thousands of recycled computers have been given back to the community.

June 15th, 2010

Seton Elementary visits ACAP

Students from Grades 1 and 2 of Seton Elementary School in North Sydney stopped by for a visit with ACAP Cape Breton today. Katherine MacDonald took them on a tour of our Centre for Sustainable Communities and explained a little about ACAP Cape Breton. The students learned about the problem of littering, energy and water conservation. As always our fish were a big hit with the children as was the discovery cove sandbox.

June 14th, 2010

Planter Re-planted

Our front planter received a makeover today as Micheline Cote donated her time, plants, knowledge as well as her green thumb towards making it beautiful. Also on hand to help were Mike Barnes, Shawn Young and Arnold MacDonald.

Photos by Shawn Young                                             

Environment Week 2010: Embrace the Earth

Monday, May 31

Plant & Seed Exchange: ACAP Centre for Sustainable Communities

Bring in plants, slips from your garden and your favorite seeds and exchange them for something new for your garden. This event will go all day at the ACAP CB Centre, 582 George St, Sydney.

Tuesday, June 1

Biodiversity Bonanza - NSCC Marconi Campus Cafeteria 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.

This event will mark the International Year of Biodiversity, which is also the theme of 2010 Environment Week.  The bonanza will feature displays focusing on different species of life here in Cape Breton, including Project UFO, CEPI and the Department of Natural Resources. There will also be an area to watch film presentations and lots of organic treats to enjoy.

.

Wednesday, June 2 Clean Air Day

Free Trees!

Did you know a single tree provides enough oxygen for two people for their entire lives? Stop by the ACAP CB Centre for Sustainable Communities and pick up a seedling. Plant a tree, it can absorb over one ton of carbon dioxide in its lifetime – how’s that for taking action?

Vermi-composting Workshop 2 p.m.

Learn how red wigglers make short work of your food scraps and turn it into what gardeners refer to as black gold. The fertilizer created by these special worms that can consume their body weight daily.

Thursday June 3

Baille Ard Trail Biodiversity Survey 9:30 -10:30 am.

Join us on a fun trail walk to identify some different species of animal and plant life in our community. This is open to people of all ages, and there will be lots of fun for kids.

Friday June 4

VELO Commuter Breakfast  7 a.m. – 10 a.m.

Drop by ACAP CB and share some breakfast with VELO Cape Breton members. Breakfast treats, coffee, tea and juice will be served.

ACAP Cape Breton's Annual Computer Give-Away

This event will be held at 10AM at our location on 582 George Street, Sydney.

Terrarium Fun 3:00 p.m.

Stop by after school to create your very own terrarium! We will provide the supplies and the fun. It’s your chance to make a cool project that you can take home when you’re finished.

For more information please phone ACAP Cape Breton at 902-567-1628

“Green Cuisine” specials for Environment Week

The Bean Bank Café – Avocado veggie sandwich (incl. organic veggies)

Governor’s Restaurant – Atlantic lobster and lobster rolls

Flavor by Creative Catering - Atlantic lobster salad with Cape Breton wildflower honey vinaigrette AND Mini Cape Breton highland beef burgers with Cape Breton wildflower honey vinaigrette.

Sydney, NS – ACAP Cape Breton and NSCC Marconi Campus are teaming up during Environment Week for a Biodiversity Bonanza in the campus cafeteria on Tuesday June 1, from 5-8 p.m.

The bonanza will feature displays focusing on different species of life here in Cape Breton, including Project UFO, CEPI and the Department of Natural Resources, as well as activities for children. There will also be an area to watch film presentations and lots of organic treats to enjoy.

“We wanted to hold an event to mark the International Year of Biodiversity,” says Eleanor Anderson, Executive Director of ACAP Cape Breton. “NSCC Marconi Campus is a great supporter of ACAP initiatives, and wanted to partner for this event. The theme of Environment Week is Embrace the Earth, and this is a great way to encourage our community to do just that.”

The United Nations declared 2010 to be the International Year of Biodiversity. It is a celebration of life on earth and of the value of biodiversity for our lives. For more information, visit www.cbd.int/2010.

COOKING WITH AWARENESS June 7 - 11, 2010

Run for awareness association presents the 6th annual week of Cooking with Awareness from June 7th to the 11th

Information, education, motivation and exercise. Not to mention - a chance to enjoy a sumptuous selection of vegan food. Let your tatse buds lead you on a patheway to a healthier lifestyle..

Run for awareness association presents the 6th annual week of Cooking with Awareness from June 7th to the 11th. Classes take place in the Round Room opposite the Sydney board walk at the rear of the Civic Center, The Esplanade, Sydney.

Information, education, motivation and exercise. Not to mention - a chance to enjoy a sumptuous selection of vegan food. Let your taste buds lead you on a pathway to a healthier lifestyle..

Tickets: $10.00 per class –  available at:

Charlene’s Nutrition Centre, 254 Kings Road, Sydney.

Office of Dr. Cadegan, 65 Minto Street, Glace Bay

The Black Spoon, 320 Commercial Street, North Sydney

For updates and further information please visit our website at:

www.runforawareness.ca

Join us on Facebook and stay in the loop

Phone 539-0722 or 562-7083

Email runforawareness@gmail.com

Or watch for our ad in the Cape Breton Post

Earthweek 2010 a Sucess!

Photo Submissions - 20 Minute Tidy

Earth Week 2010 at ACAP Cape Breton was a huge success.  The week kicked off the festivities on Monday April 19 with a used book and magazine exchange.  Throughout the whole week book lovers dropped off boxes of previously loved books and spent hours browsing through the books on our tables.  Later that day, we had an excellent presentation by Heather Atiyah about gardening and lawn care using water wise and pesticide free methods. 

Our Earth Week Eco-Spies were deployed for the first time on Monday.  The day began slow, waiting to see if any unsuspecting recyclers could be spotted sorting their wasteproperly in a certain public space, but it was to no avail.  Grocery stores and coffee shops proved to be the targets of the day where we were able to find many customers using reusable bags, avoiding the drive thru, and using active transportation.  A trip to a bus stop ended the Eco-Spies’ day, with rewards going to people using public transportation. 

Tuesday April 20 was a busy day.  We began by hosting a guided walk of the Baille Ard Trails in Sydney, attended by 4 very interested community members.  The walk was leisurely, with participants and guide Stephanie Johnstone-Laurette stopping at frequent intervals to discuss different plants, animals and fungi which are found along the trail.  Participants were encouraged to share their knowledge and stories about the trail as well. 

At noon on Tuesday there was an Energy-Wise Lunch n’ Learn session held at the Centre for Sustainable Communities.  Certified Energy Advisor Bruce Young shared knowledge with residents about the best practices for saving energy in the home, as well as available programs for homeowners to increase their home’s energy efficiency.  Later that afternoon, a Tire Pressure Clinic was held in the parking lot of the Mayflower Mall with several drivers stopping to learn the importance of vehicle maintenance and how to correctly check their tire pressure. 

Wednesday, April 21 saw the beginning of our Second Chance Toy Drive.  This drive was also received very well, with many people dropping off lightly used toys, and others picking out that perfect item for their child.  This drive continued until the end of the week, with leftover toys being donated to a new local daycare.  Also on Wednesday, ACAP staffers invited the public to join them on a lunchtime walk.  Taking the time to get outside and walk is a great way to reinforce your connection with nature and the environment, plus it is healthy and fun to do!

Thursday April 22 was of course, Earth Day.  To show our love for the Earth, we organized a 20-Minute Tidy for noon.  The 20-Minute Tidy is a great way to show just how much impact a collection of small actions can make.  With 22 registered groups and over 895 participants, this year’s cleanup was very successful. 

Once the hard work was done, we gathered at the Centre for Sustainable Communities to celebrate a very special occasion, the 40th anniversary of Earth Day.  To celebrate, we had a party with delicious cake and eco-friendly homemade decorations. 

Later that evening, our Executive Director Eleanor Anderson gave a presentation at the McConnell Library in Sydney on “An Inconvenient Truth”.  Eleanor was one of two Atlantic Canadians selected to be trained by Al Gore on this material.  Over the course of the week, Eleanor also provided presentations to Morrison Jr. High in Glace Bay (212 students), Strait and Area Education Centre, SAERC, Port Hawkesbury (350 students and teachers), and Canso High School (75 students and teachers). 

Friday, April 23, we wrapped up the festivities by providing breakfast for those commuters who chose to use active or public transportation to get to work.  Delicious coffee and homemade treats were available for free from 7-10am.  Following the breakfast we had a drama presentation by Youth In Action on active transportation.  The group has been together for 5 years and is creating promotional material to encourage people to use active transportation whenever possible.

And of course, Friday was the final day for our Eco-Spy Initiative.  Throughout the week we visited different communities in the CBRM and found people doing reward-worthyactivities.  We rewarded those who picked up litter, used active or public transportation, avoided the drive thru, used reusable bags or mugs, reduced, reused and recycled and many other activities as well.  The reception was great; people almost always met our spies with a smile and were eager to share stories of other eco-conscious choices they make on a regular basis. 

Some Earth Week stats:

• 22 teams registered for the 20-Minute Tidy
• Over 895 participants in the 20-Minute Tidy
• 800-1000 bags and around 400 gloves were given out for the 20-Minute Tidy
• Over $2000 worth of prizes donated for the Eco-Spy Initiative
• 44 businesses donated prizes for Eco-Spies
• Approximately 650 people reached with presentations on environmental topics during the week

Information on our Earth Week activities was featured on:

• www.whatsgoinon.ca
• The Cape Breton Post
• ATV’s Live at 5
• CBC Radio One Information Morning and Mainstreet
• Cape Breton Radio
• 101.9 The Giant
• 103. The Eagle

We’d love to send a great big thank you out to all of the businesses who donated prizes for our Eco-Spies to hand out as well as treats and goodies for our Active Transportation Commuter breakfast.  But don’t forget – if we all chip in and do our part we can make every day Earth Day!

Photo Submissions - 20 Minute Tidy

3RD Glace Bay Pathfinders

Lee Mac Neil, Ruth Gay, Myrtle Campbell, Mary Campbell - Connaught Ave. in the Bridgeport area of Glace Bay.

AECOM - Sydney Tar Ponds Cleanup

Northside General Hospital

RBC Sydney

ACAP Cape Breton Earth Week Eco Espionage Begins April 19th

April 8th 2010

ACAP Cape Breton will be unleashing its ‘eco-spies’ for Earth Week 2010. Each day, starting April 19th, these spies will be in different communities catching people ‘green handed’ and rewarding them as they do something beneficial for the environment.

You never know where our eco spies will be. They could be outside of restaurants rewarding those who don’t idle, visiting bus shelters, and ‘catching’ people who randomly pick up litter or recycle right.

ACAP Cape Breton will be approaching local businesses in the coming weeks with a request for ‘rewards’.  

On Earth Day, ACAP Cape Breton is also doing another 20 Minute Makeover. This was a very popular event last year, with 50 teams and over 500 people participating. The basic premise: pick an area, take a ‘before’ picture, tidy it up in 20 minutes and take an ‘after’ picture. Teams can register by calling 567-1628.

ACAP Cape Breton also has a full schedule of Earth Week Activities. If you have books, magazines or toys for our scheduled exchanges please feel free to drop them off at the ACAP Centre for Sustainable Communities, 582 George St., Sydney.

February 9, 2010

Stream restoration project builds bridge

During the week of January 25, 2010 ACAP completed the design and construction of a bridge (water crossing) and associated bank stabilization on wash brook at the South End Community Center location.  The project is part of a future stream restoration project scheduled for the summer of 2010.  The stream restoration project will focus on the section of wash brook between Cabot Street and Royal Avenue.  The SECC has partnered with ACAP Cape Breton to complete this stream project to enhance the brooks ability to support wildlife and stabilize the bank sides to allow for development of an urban garden which will provide a much needed area for environmental / nature education and enjoyment.  Funding for this project was provided by ACAP Cape Breton and The Royal Bank Blue Water Project.

September 2009

Outdoor Learning Project Requires Volunteers

Sydney, NS - ACAP Cape Breton, in conjunction with Wal-Mart Canada Evergreen grants, is partnering with the Adopt-A-River program is to create awareness, and educate and involve youth in the process of environmental protection with a focus on water management. This project will focus on how to involve one's community with nature; educating them on composition of local ecosystems & habitats.  It will also broaden their awareness of local aquatic life and their needs. ACAP Cape Breton has a core group of volunteers experienced in outdoor learning, and they were prepared to assist students in the program.

“This program will address importance of environmental stewardship, and address the importance of benthic macro-invertebrate habitats,” says Stephanie Johnstone Laurette, Project Coordinator. “We hope to eventually establish a water quality monitoring network.”

This project requires volunteers. If you would like to participate in this ‘outdoor classroom’ initiative, please contact ACAP Cape Breton at 902.567.1628.

For more information please contact:

Katherine MacDonald

Senior Project Coordinator/Media Relations

ACAP Cape Breton

902-567-1628