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Check out all the latest web content on our site. You'll find links to the most recent blog posts, news releases, commentary and news from around the Club. Maybe you'd be interested in taking a look at our videos or our social media streams to see more of what we've got out on the Web.
The perplexing world of GMOs
2013-05-17  |  Andisheh Beiki

GMOs: The perplexing food of the modernized world

By: Andisheh Beiki

It was in May of 1983, exactly 30 years ago, when the field of biotechnology boomed with excitement as a momentous publication announced the scientific feet of transplanting foreign genes into plant cells and thus altering their DNA 1. Since then, we have seen the rise of several key genetically altered crops including tomatoes, corn, soy, canola and sugar beets.

Today, it’s likely that you have heard a myriad of news headlines such as “Supreme Court sympathizes with Monsanto in seed patent case,” “Study reveals GMO corn to be highly toxic,” or “GMO fears do not ‘translate to the average consumer,’” and your head is spinning with an assortment of ideas about what GMOs really are.

Although...

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Getting to Know Ontario’s Wildlife: Canada Geese
2013-05-15  |  Julia Kole

By: Julia Kole

“Canadian geese or Canada geese? Year-round residents! Noisy, mean, green-pooping machines! ”

Even though the Branta Canadensis has “Canada” in its name, very few Canadians are proud to lay claim to this vocal, abundant, messy bird. Although rather striking to look at, people are quick to consider these birds just a pretty face. People in urban, suburban and rural areas have all come to label Canada geese - not Canadian geese, they cannot have sole citizenship since they can be found from the Arctic Circle to Northern Mexico- as pests, hazards and at times, aggressive animals. 

 

 

The Fast Facts:

Type: bird

Size: Body, 76 to 110 cm; Wingspan, 1.3 to 1.7 m

Weight: 3 to 9 kg

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Bottle Shock
2013-05-09  |  Denna Berg

By Denna Berg

It is true what they say- ignorance is bliss. But as environmental issues grow larger in scale and have more damaging effects on the surrounding areas, it is getting more and more difficult to partake in blind consumption. Even with the global market, stories, such as the one-too-many factory fires, are making their way back to the developed world, inviting consumers to question the ethics and origins of their $10 T-shirt. As these horrific truths spread and become more frequent, there seems to be a disconnect between the companies true colours and what we would really value and expect from our beloved brands.

Well, unfortunately, I am here to discuss yet another concerning business venture –one that is occurring in our own backyard of Ontario. Nestlé Canada Inc. has been drawing a shockingly large amount of water for its commercial PureLife bottled water from a well in the Erin Townships, and has...

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A beautiful day for tree planting in Birchwood Park (Mississauga)
2013-05-07  |  Shaima Al-Khalili

Photo

CLICK THE IMAGE TO WATCH THE VIDEO

On May 1, 2013, Sierra Club Ontario, Sierra Club Peel Region Group, and Credit Valley Conservation hosted a tree planting at Birchwood Park, Mississauga.  It was a great event...

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SCO submission on Pickering Nuclear request for extension
2013-05-03  |  Guest

Sierra Club Canada and the Ontario Chapter submitted a detailed report on the Pickering Nuclear Station request for permit extension. Our research has turned up a good argument for immediate closure of the plant - certainly not operating it beyond its own planned obsolescence.

From the report:

The risk of air and waterborne emissions from regular operations, unintended releases, including catastrophic accidents, and decommissioning from Pickering Nuclear are great. We review some of the most urgent issues respecting ageing reactor equipment as well as cracking concrete containment and underground structures. Sadly the root cause of many of these events remains unknown and unknowable. Many of the major degradation mechanisms cannot be avoided or mitigated. Approving this application as it is may put the Canadian government out of compliance with both domestic law and Canada-­‐ US regional agreements.

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