Planet-Friendly Links, Portals & Guides - Information, Ideas, People, Resources, Events, Opportunities

(1) Events, Activities, Films, Courses & Broadcasts

People & Planet Calendar
Green, ecological and environmental events from across Canada. Canada's most comprehensive and up-to-date listings of green events, conferences, workshops, films, courses, outings and more. Updated daily. View the Calendar | Conferences only | Festivals only | Climate Change Events | Post an Event

Specialized Calendars (including annual events and links to other calendars)
Energy & Renewable Energy	main calendar listings \| more \| more
Food, Gardening & Agriculture	main calendar listings \| more \| more \| more
Permaculture	main calendar listings \| more
Conservation, Smart Growth & Land Use	main calendar listings \| more \| more
Ecovillages & Intentional Community	main calendar listings \| more
War, Peace, Nonviolence	main calendar listings \| more \| more \| more
Summer Festivals, Retreats & Gatherings	main calendar listings \| more \| more
Other – enter your own search criteria...	main calendar listings \| more \| more

Eco-Centres & Places
A directory of organic gardens, nature retreats, strawbale houses, wilderness trips, solar power, intentional community, permaculture and more. They offer: guided tours, demonstrations, workshops, courses, outdoor activities, school programs, volunteer opportunities, internships, site rentals, and employment opportunities. Some of these centres offer work-exchange/barter/wwoof opportunities: you can offer your help in return for accomodation, food, tuition and/or mentorship, for anywhere from a few days to an entire year. The directory includes learning centres, resource centres, organic farms, conservation areas, provincial parks, ecovillages, alternative schools, environmental stores. General themes include sustainable living, environment, food systems, healthy community, nature, outdoors education, activism, social justice. www.planetfriendly.net/learn.html and www.planetfriendly.net/eco-green-retreats-centres.html

Other Calendars
A directory of links to progessive calendars across Canada, the U.S.A. and around the world. Website calendars, e-mail lists and e-newsletters, plus a few publications and links to newspapers and other media. If you can't find it in our "People & Planet" listings, look to this page for great events, films, courses, workshops, speakers, festivals, conferences, meetings, outdoors activities, celebrations and fundraisers. Topics include peace, environment, sustainable living, organic food & gardening, renewable energy, globalization, human rights, nonviolence, social justice and more. www.planetfriendly.net/calendars.html

How to make the most of events & meetings
A few tips on how to be more active, more effective, and have a lot more fun. www.planetfriendly.net/eventtips.html

How to organize and promote an event
Some tips and links on how to organize and promote a successful event. www.planetfriendly.net/promote.html

(2) Jobs, Contracts, Internships, Volunteering

GoodWork Canada
GoodWork is Canada's most popular green job site. We're best known for our listings of green jobs, contracts, internships, and other opportunities. These are available on the web and by e-mail. We also provide a unique collection of networking resources for job seekers, employers and interested others. GoodWork is located on the web at www.GoodWorkCanada.ca. Since 2001.

Green Job Sites in Canada
Directory of green/ environmental/ eco-job sites and job boards in Canada and the USA. Organized by sector, issue and area of interest. A great starting point for meaningful, rewarding work in environment, conservation and sustainability. Green Job Sites

(4) Food, Gardening & Agriculture

Everything Local & Organic
Amazing directory and guide to everything organic! For consumers/eaters, gardeners, farmers, students, job-seekers. Everything from where to get organics... to gardening tips & information... events, workshops, courses and educational programs... jobs and volunteer opportunities. Includes permaculture; biodynamics; sustainable living; sustainable agriculture; wwoofing; learning centres and ecovillages; books & magazines; organizations and websites; lists of farms and gardens; more. www.planetfriendly.net/organic.html

World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms & Gardens (WWOOF)
WWOOF is an international network of organic farms, gardens and businesses where you can visit and receive food, accommodation and training in return for your help. No experience is required (although any skills you have could be put to good use). There are over 600 locations in Canada alone, plus hundreds more in 70 countries around the world. www.planetfriendly.net/wwoof.html

Eco-Centres & Places
Places you can go to learn, experience and participate in hands-on activities. Organic gardens, nature retreats, strawbale houses, wilderness trips, solar power, intentional community, permaculture and more! Guided tours, demonstrations, workshops, courses, outdoor activities, school programs, volunteer opportunities, apprenticeships and site rentals. Some of these centres offer volunteer, work-exchange, barter or wwoof opportunities: you offer your help in return for accomodation, food, tuition and/or mentorship, for anywhere from a few days to an entire year. The directory includes learning centres, resource centres, organic farms, conservation areas, provincial parks, ecovillages, alternative schools, environmental stores. General themes include sustainable living, environment, food systems, healthy community, nature, outdoors education, activism, social justice. www.planetfriendly.net/learn.html and www.planetfriendly.net/eco-green-retreats-centres.html

How to Protect and Preserve the Land you Love
Do you care about the land? Is there a special place, public or private, that you want to help protect? Do you want it to be green, healthy and sustainable? This page is a gateway to ideas, information and resources that can help you protect and preserve the land you love – today, and for future generations. Whether you own private land or public land – as all citizens do – you will find useful information here. www.planetfriendly.net/property/stewardship.html

Protect the Land, Don't Pave It!
Canada may be large, but only a small portion is farmable. Two thirds of our usable land has already been lost to over-farming and urban sprawl. And despite today's global economy, we can't depend on importing food (from countries whose practices are just as unsustainable as ours). We should protect our land, not pave it over. www.planetfriendly.net/dontpave.html

Organic & Ecological Real Estate – EcoProperty.ca
Ecological and organic real estate for sale, rent, or to share. For everyone interested in environment, organics, nature, renewable energy, and sustainable living. Urban, rural, residential, commercial. See: www.EcoProperty.ca or www.planetfriendly.net/property/ (See also: Eco-Centres and Places and Ecovillages).

Permaculture Links & Resources
Permaculture is a system and approach that aims to create sustainable homes, habitats and food production by following nature's patterns. www.planetfriendly.net/permaculture.html

(6) Environment & Sustainable Living

Eco-Portal Canada – Gateway to environmental directories, networks & portals in Canada & beyond. A great starting point to find environmental groups, organizations, people, places, activities, news, information and opportunity. www.planetfriendly.net/ecoportal.html

Environmental Search Guide – a portal to major sources of environmental groups, organizations, websites and resources in Ontario and Canada, arranged by theme. To assist in searching, related keywords and concepts are also provided. This page is intended to complement the Ontario Environmental Directory and the Environmental Portals & Directories Guide.

Climate Change Gateway
Climate change is happening. Scientists say that more frequent and extreme weather events, such as floods, droughts, ice storms and hurricanes will result. A recent UN report warns of 50 million environmental refugees by the end of the decade. And there is little doubt that human beings are the major contributing factor. Several major climate change events are coming up in Canada and around the world. This page is a summary of useful climate change links, resources, organizations, events, jobs and opportunities: www.planetfriendly.net/climate_change.html

Sustainable Living Directory
How to make choices that promote your health and happiness – and protect the planet at the same time. Ideas for your home, garden, school, work, and community. Non-toxic, earth-friendly products and services. How to's and green guides. Events, courses, workshops, festivals, links directory. Topics include: How To Be Green, Home & Garden, Food & Gardening (including permaculture), Healthy, Non-toxic Construction & Renovation, Mental & Physical Health, Green Products & Services, Books, Magazines, Travel & Recreation, Transportation, Renewable Energy, Appropriate Technology, Healthy Community, Ecovillages, Events & Courses, Environmental & Alternative Education, Groups & Organizations, Jobs & Volunteering, Green Business & Industry, Faith & Spirituality, Simplicity, Activism. Possibly the most comprehensive sustainable living directory in Canada. www.planetfriendly.net/living.html

Back to School?
Thinking of going back to school, one way or another, this year or next? Interested in environment, peace, social issues? A guide to useful resources and food for thought – on education, learning and action, for people and the planet.

Eco-Retreats, Centres & Places
Places you can go to learn, experience and participate in hands-on activities. Organic gardens, nature retreats, strawbale houses, wilderness trips, solar power, intentional community, permaculture and more! Guided tours, demonstrations, workshops, courses, outdoor activities, school programs, volunteer opportunities, apprenticeships and site rentals. Some of these centres offer volunteer, work-exchange, barter or wwoof opportunities: you offer your help in return for accomodation, food, tuition and/or mentorship, for anywhere from a few days to an entire year. The directory includes learning centres, resource centres, organic farms, conservation areas, provincial parks, ecovillages, alternative schools, environmental stores. General themes include sustainable living, environment, food systems, healthy community, nature, outdoors education, activism, social justice. www.planetfriendly.net/learn.html and www.planetfriendly.net/eco-green-retreats-centres.html

Green, Renewable Energy
A gateway to wind, solar and other forms of renewable energy, and energy conservation. Information, organizations, events, resources and opportunities. Conserve energy & save money; buy green electricity; start a community green energy project; solar power; wind power; other forms of renewable energy; home-made power; green energy vs. smog, climate change, radiation; climate change; what's wrong with oil; what's wrong with nuclear; sustainable & simple living; more. www.planetfriendly.net/energy.html

The Blackout, Emergencies, Energy & You
A unique collection of tips, information, resources and upcoming events related to blackouts, energy, and emergency preparedness. The focus is on what you can do in your home, your workplace, your community ...and your planet. Includes: Emergency Tips, Preparedness & Supplies; Save Electricity, Save Money, Save the Planet; Media Reports, Press Releases & Links; Directory of Energy Organizations, Government & Utilities; Energy & Electricity (more links); Energy Calendar (Conferences, Fairs, Workshops & Meetings). www.planetfriendly.net/blackout.html

Get a Car or Get a Life!
Special edition honouring World Car-Free Day and New Mobility Week. Learn about the traps and illusions of car ownership... plus some workable options, both in the short- and long-term. Editorial, events, links, organizations, resources. www.planetfriendly.net/carfree.html

Greener, Healthier, Friendlier Gifts, shopping & things to do
Green places to shop; healthy & ethical gift ideas; books & videos; magazine subscriptions; activities & alternatives to giving people more stuff; top five gifts not to buy; seven steps to a healthier world. An inspiring diversity of gifts, ideas, and things to do. These are not paid advertisements. www.planetfriendly.net/gifts.html

What is "The Commons"?
We're not talking about the House of Commons, here. "Like fish in water, we rely on the commons – for life, for play, for community. So why is the commons so neglected and ignored?" (Yes Magazine, summer 2001). A page of links to some fascinating readables & resources. www.planetfriendly.net/commons.html

WWOOF: World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms & Gardens
www.planetfriendly.net/wwoof.html

Eco-Forestry Links & Resources
www.planetfriendly.net/forests.html

Permaculture Links & Resources
www.planetfriendly.net/permaculture.html

Don't Pave It!
www.planetfriendly.net/dontpave.html

Water Links, Resources, Organizations
www.planetfriendly.net/water.html

People & Planet Newsletter
Our popular e-mail newsletter includes timely updates related to People & Planet themes. Sometimes published weekly, sometimes monthly. Free. Subscribe

(7) Building, Housing & Community

Canada Green Building Guide – directory of green/sustainable building links, resources, organizations, jobs, courses and events. See also: Strawbale Building in Canada | Healthy Construction & Renovation, Indoor Air, Non-toxic Materials (more)

Ecological & Organic Real Estate – EcoProperty.ca
Ecological and organic real estate for sale, rent, or to share. For everyone interested in environment, organics, nature, renewable energy, and sustainable living. Urban, rural, residential, commercial. See: www.EcoProperty.ca or www.planetfriendly.net/property/ (See also: Eco-Centres and Places and Ecovillages).

Affordable Housing www.ontariotenants.ca www.planningaction.org http://individual.utoronto.ca/leah/ www.torontocan.ca www.tdrc.net http://directory.google.com/Top/Society/Issues/Housing/Affordable_and_Low_Income_Housing/
(see also Poverty & Social Justice, below, and The Community Page, above).

The Community Page – Create Community Anywhere
This is an introduction, overview and directory of links to a wide variety of ideas and projects that help create stronger, healthier community. We start by looking at a number of alternative and experimental forms of community, including ecovillages, cohousing, intentional community, cooperatives, related topics and links. We then look at a variety of creative ways that you can find or create stronger community where you live today (without moving or joining an alternative community). We include resources on how to go about this, and the interpersonal issues and group process that can be involved. We also look at the whole "Healthy Community" approach, and how it can lead to a better lifestyle and a more sustainable world. Includes definitions & examples; related events; organizations; publications; listings; how to find or create a community, more. www.planetfriendly.net/community.html (see also: Learning Centres www.planetfriendly.net/learn.html )

(10) Business, Economics, Trade, Democracy

Questioning Business
Quotes and links to provoke thought & discussion on the relationships between people, business, and the planet. Includes sections of links to corporate watch & PR watch sites; ethics & conflict of interest for environmental & activist groups; the race to the bottom; green business and environmental economics. "Why new rules? Because the old ones don't work any longer. They undermine local economies, subvert democracy, weaken our sense of community, and ignore the costs of our decisions on the next generation." – The New Rules Project www.planetfriendly.net/business.html

The Corporation
Feature documentary by Mark Achbar, Jennifer Abbott and Joel Bakan. Based on the book (2), The Corporation: The Pathological Pursuit of Profit and Power by Joel Bakan. Winner of Peoples Choice awards in Toronto, Calgary, Vancouver. Announcements, Discussion, Screenings, Reviews (2) | TV Ontario Broadcasts | Questioning Business: Links, Organizations, Resources (2) (3) (4) | Film Website & E-newsletter

Free Trade or Fair Trade?
A collection of Canadian, American and international links regarding "free" trade, globalization and fair trade. What is the FTAA, WTO, MAI, etc.? What's the fuss about "corporate globalization"? www.planetfriendly.net/trade.html

Elections & Democracy in Canada
Comprehensive election network and portal with a focus on peace and environment. Includes a directory of resources, candidates, watchdog organizations, websites, media. Also includes some provincial and municipal sections. "Democracy is not something you believe in or a place to hang your hat, but it's something you do. You participate. If you stop doing it, democracy crumbles." – Abbie Hoffman, U.S. activist (1936-89) www.planetfriendly.net/planetvote/

(11) Communication, Media & Activism

Alternative Voices
Great reading, listening and viewing, plus lots of opportunities for interaction and participation. Websites, e-mail lists, newsletters, books, magazines, film & video, radio, television, resource centres, groups & organizations, networking opportunities, more. Also, how to "become the media". www.planetfriendly.net/voices.html

Communication Rights: Use Them or Lose Them
Why is free and independent media important? Free speech? The Internet? What do they have to do with peace, environment and social issues? Editorial, news, links, what you can do, quotes and inspiration. www.planetfriendly.net/communicationrights.html

Activism Resources & How to be An Activist
An introduction and portal to activism, education, community involvement, and social change. Guides, definitions, approaches, themes, stories, how to be an activist. www.planetfriendly.net/active.html

Arts & Music for Social Change
A front door to arts and music related to environmental and social issues, activism, politics, etc. Resources, articles, organizations, lyrics, artists, how-to's. www.planetfriendly.net/art.html

Eco-Heroes, Visionaries and You
Canada has many activists, leaders and visionaries who started small, followed their hearts, and achieved great things. We can learn a lot from them. Here you will find an inspiring selection of eco- and social heroes, along with their writings, websites, biographies and films. You'll also find books about activists, leaders and visionaries, plus links and resources on "how they do it". We close off with some quotes on the path to good work and success. www.planetfriendly.net/heroes.html

Event Calendars
A directory of links to environmental and related events calendars across Canada, the U.S.A. and around the world. A number of the websites mentioned serve as communication hubs for citizen groups, environmentalists and activists. They offer a wide variety of information and services, including: directories of groups & organizations (with links to their sites); event calendars; e-mail lists; more. www.planetfriendly.net/calendars.html

See also Computer & Internet, below.

(12) Computer & Internet

E-mail Tips & Strategies
E-mail is so "easy to use" ...that we often use it without being aware of its limitations. It is easy for your message to be ineffective, misunderstood, or even harmful. Here you will find some useful tips and ideas, of relevance to both professionals and casual users. This page is being provided as a service to our readers, submitters, and other interested persons. www.planetfriendly.net/emailtips.html

Attachments, Viruses & Effective Communications
What's wrong with attachments? And what are the alternatives? www.planetfriendly.net/attachments.html

Virus Self-Defence Primer
A little off-topic, perhaps, but with so many of you dropping like flies to this latest round of computer viruses, I thought I'd try to share some useable info on this topic. Particularly because this latest virus threatens your security (passwords, credit-card numbers that you type in, etc.). www.planetfriendly.net/virustips.html

The Open Source Movement
Open Source is a practical approach to not only computer software, but also the economy in general. Open Source software can be much more affordable (or even free); more reliable, capable, adaptable and secure (than proprietary software). The Open Source approach could help to create a green and sustainable economy, by enabling a shift from a product-based to a service-based economy. Advocates claim the approach can greatly empower diverse enterprise and innovation, rather than current monopolistic ways. This page includes everthing from "Why Avoid Microsoft?" to "OpenOffice", a top-quality, ethical alternative to Microsoft Office, available free by download. www.planetfriendly.net/opensource.html

Note: many great products & services can also be found in the preceding sections, such as under "Sustainable Living", "Organic Opportunity", and "Alternative Voices".

Archived Sections:

Summer Calendar 2004


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