Climate 101 rally in Ottawa: 100 plus concerned citizens risk arrest to protest against Kinder Morgan Pipeline

Photo by Mark Klotz

Today in Ottawa, Ontario over a hundred students and concerned citizens gathered at Ottawa University to begin their protest and march against the Kinder Morgan Pipeline. They risk arrest and will brave the cold to raise awareness and demand Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stop the building of the pipeline. This comes on the heels of yesterday's rally in Los Angeles against the Dakota Access Pipeline.

The Canadian Pacific Coast is a diverse ecosystem full of marine life that will be as risk with the building of another tar sands pipeline. Drinking water and ground water contamination is a risk. Also at risk is the impact on global warming as we need to be putting less greenhouse gases into the atmosphere- not more. Justin Trudeau was to be a climate leader, but a carbon tax is not enough. The 2 degrees agreed upon in the Paris Agreement may not be enough. With all the money that has been invested in big oil and fossil fuels for years, it seems insane to not invest money into clean, sustainable energy. Denmark, Germany, Scotland and Ireland are all leading the pack when it comes to clean energy. Canada should be on that list as we have diverse ecosystems and vast spans of forest we need to protect.

Photo by Mark Klotz

There are some that still don't "believe" in climate change. I put believe in quotations because climate change is a fact: it's not a unicorn, it is not a religion that you can choose to believe or not. It is a fact that 97% of the world's scientists agree on- not only do they agree that it's happening, but they also agree that man's reliance and extensive use of fossil fuels is a main cause of the accelerated global warming. So while climate change deniers look at me like I'm the crazy one, you are denying the scientific facts. You are denying the same science that builds your cars, produced your medicine and that you rely on everyday. I refuse to stop talking about climate change, because when all is said and done at least I can say I never stopped trying. I never stopped talking about it. No matter how many people denied science and acted as though I'm some crazy activist trying to save the planet. The planet will still be here after we destroy it- it's our infant species that we are risking.

These incredible Canadians are out in the cold risking arrest for our future. What will you do for their future?

Photo by Neil Moralee

Another great read! It Came From Ohio! My Life As a Writer RL Stine's autobiography (as told to Joe Arthur)

Photo by Samet Kilic

Journalist Deia Schlosberg arrested filming tar sands pipeline protest is released, facing felony charges

Photo by CIFF

Journalist and Emmy award winning documentary filmmaker Deia Schlosberg was arrested on October 11 while filming a protest in Walhalla, North Dakota. Climate activists were protesting against the TransCanada Keystone Pipeline; a pipeline that will bring Canadian tar sands oil into the United States. The group was supporting Standing Rock Sioux Tribe's fight against the Dakota Access Pipeline. Schlosberg was released today, but is facing felony charges.

Schlosberg is the producer of the documentary film How to Let Go of the World and Love All the Things Climate Can’t Change by climate activist and documentary filmmaker Josh Fox. Fox is well known for his Gasland series of documentary films about the dangers of fracking and fossil fuels impact on climate change.

Photo by Peg Hunter

Yesterday in an article by Fox for The Nation he reported that Schlosberg "was held for 48 hours before being allowed to speak to a lawyer." He also stated that the "authorities confiscated her footage. She is now charged with three counts of felony conspiracy and faces a possible sentence of up to 45 years. For being a journalist."

Climate Direct Action- the group protesting the controversial pipeline- shut down the pipeline without using violence or aggressive force. The activists used the emergency shut off valves to shut down multiple pipelines along the Canadian and US border, stating that it was a climate emergency. They shut down five pipelines along the border, including the TransCanada Keystone Pipeline, that would deliver tar sands oil from Alberta, Canada. Schlosberg was filming and did not partake in any of the action, but was arrested as an accessory.

Photo by Joe Brusky

Protests have also been held in Standing Rock, North Dakota. The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe has been a loud voice against the Dakota Access Pipeline, filing a complaint stating that it "threatens the Tribe's environmental and economic well-being and would damage and destroy sites of great historic, religious and cultural significance to the Tribe." The complaint states that the pipeline goes against the Clean Water Act which "prohibits the discharge of any pollutant, including dredged spoil or other fill material, into waters of the United States unless authorized by a permit."

On October 10 Divergent actress Shailene Woodley was arrested in Sioux County while at a peaceful protest against the Dakota Access Pipeline. She streamed her arrest on Facebook Live. She was among 27 people arrested.

Photo by simpsdog

Fox streamed on Facebook Live on October 13 from the streets of London where he was screening the film How To Let Go of the World. He said that Schlosberg is "the media. The media is allowed to report on actions that are happening." In his article for The Nation about the recent arrests he said "all this should send chills down the spine of every documentary filmmaker and journalist."

Photo by Joe Brusky

After her release Schlosberg posted a video to her Facebook thanking people for their support and stating that she will be posting more information soon. Celebrities like Leonardo DiCaprio, Mark Ruffalo and Neil Young and politician Bernie Sanders have rallied to show their support and protest against the Dakota Access Pipeline. A petition has been started online to try and encourage law enforcement to drop the charges against Schlosberg. 













 

Photo by Jordi Carrasco

World Animal Day: Get involved and show you care


The organization has a Pledge Board for animal advocates to make a pledge to better the future of the world’s animals. The pledges can be big or small. I really enjoyed reading some of the pledges. A pledge to donate earnings to an animal welfare group. A pledge to never own a wild animal. A pledge to rescue all future pets. A pledge to take the dog on longer walks. A pledge to go vegan. A pledge to not use any products that test on animals. A pledge to raise awareness. People from all over the world are making a pledge for animal advocacy and to end animal cruelty.


If you are looking for an inspiring World Animal Day event you can search events all over the world on their website, or add an event of your own. The great thing about this “social movement to raise the status of animals and improve welfare standards around the globe” is that everyone can make a difference. There are 92 World Animal Day ambassadors in 74 countries. In a press release World Animal Day ambassador Thomas Kahema from Tanzania said "all that we do in celebration of World Animal day has been a big lesson to government, local communities and schools throughout the country. Many people now understand the reasons why it’s important for them to take the care of animals seriously." Enjoy your World Animal Day celebration!

National Walk Your Dog Week kicked off yesterday and this fun awareness week is a great excuse to get in a few extra walks with your furry family member. Enjoy this week of being active and bonding with your pooch!

Photo by tohu

World Rabies Day: Why I vaccinate my pets against rabies

September 28 is World Rabies Day and 2016 marks the 10th annual World Rabies Day. According to the Rabies Alliance Organization in 2007, there were over 7,000 cases of animal rabies reported in the U.S. Most of these cases were in wildlife, but these animals can expose pets and humans to rabies. In the U.S., typically 1-3 cases of human rabies are reported per year and CDC confirmed one case in 2007. Even though North America is not an endemic region for rabies, it is still prevalent enough to potentially put my pets- and myself- at risk. Even if you don't encounter a lot of wildlife, mice, rats and bats can still enter the home and come into contact with your dog or cat. Once you or your pet are infected, there is no specific treatment. According to the World Health Organization FAQ's on Rabies "Human rabies caused by the classical rabies virus continues to be almost 100% fatal, with no specific treatment available anywhere in the world."

"There are only seven recorded cases of human rabies survivors in the world, who received intensive nursing care. Almost all of them received preventive/ pre-exposure rabies vaccination that might have modified the course of illness. Only one case of human rabies caused by a bat bite did not receive pre-exposure vaccination but survived. However, this case was not caused by the classical rabies virus."

Celebrate World Rabies Day with Paws For Reaction and vaccinate your pets against rabies! Check out the infographic below about rabies endemic regions and what to do if you or your pet is bitten.




What to do if you are bitten by an animal 

-Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water for at least 5-10 minutes. This is the most effective first-aid treatment against rabies.
-Contact your physician immediately.
-Report the bite to the local health department. If necessary, you will be assessed for rabies post exposure prophylaxis.
-Prompt and appropriate treatment after being bitten and before the disease develops can stop rabies infection and prevent the disease.*Information source from Rabies Alliance Organization

 Organic Week Top Product Pick: Bio Organics Honey


When honey is in season I like to pick it up at our local farmers market. There is nothing quite like local, unpasteurized honey- it tastes like pure sunshine. Eating local honey can help build up your immunity against allergies caused by local plant life and pollens. But when I can't find local honey then Bio Organics is a close second place and the only store bought honey I use. Bio Organics can be found in most grocery stores (I find it at my local Metro) and is a dark Amber honey. It has the Canada Organic seal or approval!

Greta's Organic Gardens seeds

Organic Week: Greta's Organic Gardens seed

Hey Paws peeps, since it is Organic Week I want to give a shout out to Greta's Organic Gardens. I purchased my seed exclusively from Greta this year at the Ottawa Valley Seedy Sunday event. Greta's seeds are organic and non-GMO.

Every year we plant an eight foot vegetable garden and it grows very well here in Ontario, Canada. A lot of Greta's seed is heirloom seed, harvested locally by organic farmers and passed down from generation to generation. Our garden now belongs to that historical network of farmers who are trying to preserve our organic agriculture.

For me, planting a garden is not just a way to save money at harvest time, it is also great for the environment and fights against large agribusiness farms and their unethical practices. Even a small garden in your backyard can make a positive impact the environment. Over the next few months as my garden sprouts and grows, I will be sharing with my readers some of the organic and non-GMO products I love, as well as some local food from farmers in our area. How does this relate to pets? Bettering our environment positively affects every aspect of our lives- including our pets!

Hazel helps out in the garden

Photo provided by Organic Week

Organic Week: Where to buy Organic food and products

I'm continuing my Organic Week celebration with more tips on shopping Organic. The Organic Week website features a map of retailers who sell organic products! Wondering where to purchase organic food? Are you wanting to buy some organic beauty or cleaning products? Use this map as a reference! CLICK HERE!

This Organic Week I am asking retailers to commit to adding their stores to the map. Put yourself on the map! People who live an organic lifestyle can find out where to buy from you!

This post contains affiliate links to all of these spooky books!

Organic Week Top Product Pick: Happy Planet Lemonade



Happy Planet is Canada’s leading all natural food and juice company and contains the Canada Organic seal. Happy Planet tried their hardest to source their ingredients from Canadian farmers. I absolutely love Stop correcting "their" organic lemonade and raspberry iced-tea. CLICK HERE to find out more about Happy Planet organic products!

Photo by Bill Tanata

Organic Week: Organic video educates about the Canada Organic rules and regulations

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Organic Week Top Product Pick: Crofters Fruit Spreads

Crofters is a Canadian company, located in Parry Sound, Ontario. They have been in business since 1989, and they are deeply passionate about the environment, and about the public knowing what is in their food. That is why being verified by the Non-GMO Project is so important to them.

Organic Week, Non-GMO, Non-GMO Project, organic, Crofters, Crofters Fruit Spread, nature, jam, fruit spread, fruit, environment, food, GMO,

Repopulating Ridley Bronze: Raising endangered turkeys is more fun than work

Photo by Crisher Entertainment

Organic Week: How to shop for Organic food on a budget

Many people who don’t eat organic cite the high cost of organic food as the reason for not making the switch. Even people who care deeply about the environment, animal rights and their own health say they just can’t afford to eat organic. Let’s face it- just eating healthy on its own is more expensive. Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) did a study in 2013 where they examined 27 existing studies that evaluated the cost of healthy vs un-healthy foods in 10 different high-income countries. Their study found that it costs about $1.50 more a day to eat healthy, even if the food items weren’t organic. The term “healthy” was given to diets that incorporated more food like fruits, vegetables, nuts and fish. “Un-healthy” diets consisted mostly of packaged processed food, meat and refined grains.