Upcoming Anti-Fracking Workshop: Wed Oct. 19th - EVAC - 6pm

FRACK ATTACK!

Our anti-fracking station at September's Car Free Fest via OurStreet in London, ON, was a success! It was great to share information and have productive conversations - local Londerns even helped to make large water themed collages to celebrate H20! To follow up, we are hosting an upcoming anti-fracking workshop on this Wednesday Oct 19th. Please make an appearance at 6pm to attend an orientation and discussion of the dangers of hydraulic fracturing i.e. "fracking". It will occur in the open community of the East Village Arts Co-Op space in London, ON at 757 Dundas St. E. We can't let profit frack around Southern Ontario and the Great Lakes now can we!? Look forward to seeing your caring and questioning faces and concerns in action.

What is fracking?

NOT A "NATURAL ENERGY DRILLING TECHNIQUE" - THAT'S WHAT!

“As conventional natural gas supplies diminish, energy corporations are looking for new ways to get at trapped reserves. Hydraulic fracturing – more commonly known as ‘fracking’ – is a process where sand, water and chemicals are blasted into rock formations such as shale, coal beds and ‘tight’ sands to gain access to trapped natural gas deposits. This injection process creates cracks in the rock formations and allows the gas to flow up the well.” This shale gas extraction is a problem because of “its high carbon emissions, its high water use, and the dangers it poses to polluting groundwater and local drinking water. People living in communities where fracking projects are underway have reported water pollution, ‘burning water,’ where water from household taps catches fire due to residual methane gas from fracking operations, and health concerns.”- The Council of Canadians

What is wrong with fracking?

Tap water for drinking is ignited in a residential home as a result of hydro fracking (above) as depicted in the 2010 award winning documentary on fracking the U.S. called Gasland by American filmmaker Josh Fox.

IT IS A HEALTH AND CANCEROUS HAZARD!

Water contamination threats- Wasted water supplies- Methane greenhouse gas releases- Wasted energy supplies (used in fracking)- Air pollution- Possible radon contamination in extracted shale gas- Deforestation- Increased truck traffic- Explosion and earthquake risks- Monitoring it would be expensive and inadequate- Industrialization of rural areas- These impacts will cross property lines- Losing opportunities to invest in alternatives

HERE IS A LINK TO AN ANTI-FRACKING ZINE I MADE!

For more information, see http://stopfrackingontario.wordpress.com/

Reclaim The Streets in London - Sept 17th & 18th!

BE THERE TO SUPPORT, SHARE AND CELEBRATE IN LONDON, ONTARIO'S CONTRIBUTION TO THE CAR FREE MOVEMENT!

Car Free Festival: REIMAGINE PUBLIC SPACE ON SEPT 17th & 18th

"Car Free Festival is a unique opportunity to promote the environment, health, local economy, culture, community, and above all have fun! The idea is not new, as many street festivals have taken place in our city in the past. What is new, however, is the approach. Collaborating with over 20 events and organizations will allow Car Free Festival to bring its important message and celebration to the people of this city up to 10 times this year in Downtown and other London neighbourhoods. With collaboration as our cornerstone value, Car Free Festival will be the collective creation of the London community. Community ownership, above all else, is critical to the success of Car Free Festival. "

Who is OurStreet?
"Our Street London acts as a catalyst to help the people of London envision a sustainable future for our community. Through a collaborative relationship with community members, local and provincial governments, business owners, and non‐profit groups we work to inspire a united vision of London in which people‐based street and urban design are at the forefront of our future."

Mission
"To promote the equality of all street users including pedestrians, cyclists, transit riders, and motorists of all ages and abilities in order to maximize our city's economic and cultural potential by fostering a safe, healthy, and environmentally sustainable community.
Walking, cycling and taking public transit benefits our environment, our health and our community: and it all takes place on our street. Car Free Sunday strives to encourage a city that is strong, vibrant and full of healthy people and happy communities. "

Our Environment
"The most effective way to address global climate change is through local action. In London, the greatest local source of greenhouse gas emissions is personal vehicle use. Beyond climate change, automobiles also represent a significant contribution to air quality issues effecting our health and quality of life. Getting more Londoners to walk, bicycle, and take public transit is an important step toward local environmental health and global environmental sustainability.
Prioritizing pedestrians and bicycles in the transportation network creates a more aesthetically pleasing urban environment for everyone. Planters that act as buffers between walkers and speeding cars add much needed beauty to a city landscape. People‐based street design also helps to reduce noise pollution, further improving the urban environment and quality of life."