Category: Environment Committee

The Right to Repair – Fighting Back Against Built-in Obsolescence

by Gillian Cantello, CGOW Environment Committee Source: https://24x7mag.com/standards/servicing-legislation/right-to-repair/inside-the-right-to-repair/ When was the last time your smartphone slowed to a crawl after just a couple of years, or your washing machine gave out right after its warranty expired? If it felt suspiciously timed, you might not be imagining things. Around the world, critics argue that many …

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Permanent link to this article: https://cgow.ca/the-right-to-repair-fighting-back-against-built-in-obsolescence

The Heart of Orlรฉans Market – Native Plant Sale

Angie Caunce-Paull, Environment Committee On Sunday July 6, the Environmental Committee, part of the Convent Glen Orlรฉans Wood Community Association, held its first native plant sale fundraiser at the Heart of Orlรฉans Market. It was non-stop community engagement action from open to close! Over 100 visitors came through our booth looking to add to their …

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Permanent link to this article: https://cgow.ca/the-heart-of-orleans-market-native-plant-sale

Shuffle Off This Mosquito Coil

Black Swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes), photo by Thomas Elliott on Unsplash The no-harm approach to managing mosquitoes By Angie Caunce-Paull, Environment Committee There is no way to sugar-coat it. Mosquitoes suck.  How are we supposed to enjoy our outdoor spaces when we are getting eaten alive by relentless vampire insects? When pest control companies …

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Permanent link to this article: https://cgow.ca/shuffle-off-this-mosquito-coil

Cost-effective Ways to Stay Cool This Summer

Bettina Sales, Environment Committee While it is tempting to simply crank up the air conditioner on those hot summer days, there are several cost-effective things you can do to use less energy and save money to stay cool this summer. Reverse your ceiling fan Make sure your ceiling fan is set with the blades running …

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Permanent link to this article: https://cgow.ca/cost-effective-ways-to-stay-cool-this-summer

2025 Repair Cafe โ€“ Looking for Repairers

On September 27th, the Convent Glen Orleans Wood Environment Committee will be hosting their second Repair Cafe at the Orleans United Church, from 2 PM to 5PM.  Repair Cafes are free, community-led events where volunteer fixers and menders assist other members of the community with repairing household items such as small appliances, textiles, electronics, furniture, toys, etc.  …

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Permanent link to this article: https://cgow.ca/2025-repair-cafe-looking-for-repairers

Invasive Plants and Your Garden

Nadia Ouellette, Environment Committee Goutweed (aka ground elder; Aegopodium podagraria). Photo credit: Christina Keys Invasive plant species harm us and our environment. After habitat loss, they are the second largest contributor to endangering native plant species. Invasive plants are defined as species that are alien to an environment, cause economic and environmental damage …

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Permanent link to this article: https://cgow.ca/invasive-plants-and-your-garden

Bird Walk with Bird Friendly Ottawa

Join the Environment Committee and Bird Friendly Ottawa for a morning discussion and a guided bird identifying walk on Petrie Island! Arrive on Saturday May 31st at 9:00 am, space is limited and only open to those who have registered. Registration is required. Please bring a reusable water bottle and binoculars. Schedule (**Follow the links …

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Permanent link to this article: https://cgow.ca/bird-walk-with-bird-friendly-ottawa

Rethinking Spring Cleaning

Photo Source By Chantal Boudreau, Environment Committee Spring is finally here, and with it comes Spring Cleaning! Here are 10 spring cleaning activities to help make the most of your efforts while supporting the environment! Leave the leaves! Did you know that pollinators native to Ontario overwinter in our gardens and …

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Permanent link to this article: https://cgow.ca/rethinking-spring-cleaning