1.Nominee: Bill and Dolly Mozell
My hero and heroine are William (Bill) and Dolly Mozell. They are the couple that allerted our neighbourhood to the crisis that the proposed Brown's Pit would cause to the Hopington Aquifer. This aquifer provides water to 80% of Langley Township and is uncontained and vulnerable to contamination in the area where we live. The water flows from our area south and west toward the majority of the wells that depend on this wonderful resource. Bill and Dolly have spent very much time, money and energy to bring to everyone's enlightenment the risks and value of what we have here. They have not ceased being actively persuing this matter since they first became aware in the fall of 2008. We are pleased to have been given the promise that no gravel will be mined in Brown's Pit but we are continuing the work to protect it for the future. We applaud Bill and Dolly and give them and many others in our neighbourhood grateful thanks for the work they have done.
2.Nominee: Dave Carlson
I am writing this letter in response to your request for nominations for Langley’s Environmental Hero. I would like to nominate Dave Carlson of Langley, B.C., He is an adamant supporter of protecting our natural waterways particularly the Fraser River and all waterways leading to it.
Dave has been witness to a few hazardous wastes spills such as auto accidents as well as a hazardous waste transport truck that has sprung a leak. What he observed was the toxic fluid flowing into storm drains at the street curbs as well as parking lots. This motivated him to design and develop a storm drain cap that can be quickly placed over a storm drain to effectively stop the hazardous waste from flowing into the water system. The device is essentially a steel ring and or rectangle which has a soft rubber liner bonded to the underside of the steel. The rubber creates a seal on the storm drain, similar to that of a Mason jar lid, aided by the weight of the steel.
I have seen it tested and it is not only very effective but also very easy to apply. Dave has approached several of the fire departments in Metro Vancouver as well as in the Fraser Valley and the response has been very positive. The hazardous chemical transport companies have also expressed interest in obtaining these caps as a means of averting a disaster in the event of an accidental spill.
Considering all the efforts that are being made to protect our waterways from contamination, wherever and whenever possible, this is an invention whose time has come. Thank you for your time.
3.Nominee: Derrick Garland
Derrick Garland is a local environmental hero with a mission that benefits us all. He reminds me of a David in a Goliath situation, except Derrick is not trying to topple Goliath (our traditional sources of energy) as much as educate, collaborate with, and improve on and work with Goliath's strengths, and weaknesses. Derrick is the President CEO of Terrasol Geosolar Inc., Fort Langley.
Here are two examples of his vision and mission:
Derrick was driving past SFU when it came to him that they teach sustainability but did not have actual working models in practice. By approaching SFU with the challenge to put their course's ideals into action, they agreed, and he has now installed hot water solar heating panels on the rooftop of the Facilities Management Building on the SFU campus.
Derrick's company was nominated in the United Association National Apprenticeship Competition 2009. His company is being recognized as the future of hot water heating solutions. By partnering with the UA they are ensuring that qualified people are learning about, and working to install and maintain solar heating and geothermal systems. This is an innovative solution and an opportunity for more industries to work as a team to help solve the energy crisis. A solar hot water heating system is currently being installed on the roof of the Piping Industry Apprenticeship Board Building in Delta to be used as a working model for the apprentices to learn from.
Derrick is not afraid to think big, think forward, and he is thinking green. I am proud to nominate Derrick as an exceptional leader in environmental awareness and change.
Derrick Garland = Green Ideas, Green Energy, Green Action.
4.Nominee : Doug McFee
In my humble opinion, Doug Mcfee qualifies for this nomination...for well over 10 years Doug has kept the Salmon River Enhancement Society alive and well-almost single-handedly! In spite of his busy schedule as a local physician and father to three very sports-active children, Doug seems to make time to ceaselessly advocate for the environmental concerns of our society-he attends meetings, writes letters in various newspapers, speaks with reporters and hosts society meetings in his own house.
No question about it, Doug Mcfee is a Langley Environmental Hero!!!
5.Nominee : Elfrieda Trigg
Elfrieda Trigg is a true Langley Environmental Hero. She recycles EVERYTHING no matter what it is and always finds a way to reuse old things instead of the alternative- throwing them away. She walks often to save gas (even if it means walking 2 km to the nearest grocery store) and along her walks she always picks up the garbage other people have left behind. I love walking with her, because she is always quick to point out the beauty of nature around us. Elfrieda shops for locally grown, organic produce, and uses the environmentally friendly "green shopping bags". Elfrieda has inspired me to be just as aware of how important it is to take care of our planet and cherish the beauty within it, and ultimatley, that is what being a hero is all about. I feel Elfrieda should be Langley's next environmental hero because she tries very hard to make our world a better place, and she is a shining example of how it can be done, all it takes is a little care.
6.Nominee: Gary Jones
We would like to nominate Mr. Gary Jones for the Langley Environmental Hero Award. Gary is a humble fellow; as one of our region’s strongest advocates for sustainable agriculture and green initiatives he praises the efforts of others in the community, but remains in the background, quietly doing on-the-ground environmental work.
Gary emigrated from England in May 1999 to take an instructor's position with Kwantlen Polytechnic University. In 2004 he was awarded an educational leave, which included a trip to Vietnam, to investigate the potential for novel crops for the greenhouse industry. Gary has been the Chair of the Greenhouse and Nursery Production program for the past 4 years and has written many articles for Greenhouse Canada. Furthermore, Gary designed, and is the only instructor for, the Organic Greenhouse Vegetable Production course.
Apart from his role with KPU, Gary is heavily involved within his local community promoting local eating, sustainable agriculture and green living. He is the Chair of the Langley Community Farmers Market Society and took a strong leadership role in making the market move forward. His ability to mobilize people and resources has been tremendously beneficial and we appreciate his involvement more than he will ever know. Meetings for the market began in November 2008 and the market is already scheduled to open on Wednesday, July 8th, 2009 from 3pm to 7pm at Kwantlen.
Additionally, Gary’s role with the BC Association of Regenerative Agriculture (BCARA) Certification Committee has given him a strong presence in the local agricultural community. BCARA’s role as the Organic Agriculture certifying body for the Fraser Valley, Lower Mainland and Sunshine Coast regions is invaluable for increasing awareness and credibility of organic farming.
Gary and the Kwantlen School of Horticulture have also partnered with the Green Ideas Network to put on Green Wednesdays at KPU. Each month the university hosts a movie night or talk geared towards some aspect of green living. These events have been very successful and have worked towards spreading word and raising awareness about concerns of climate change, water conservation, sustainable agriculture and waste reduction.
Finally, as a community champion, Gary supports many of the green initiatives in the region. He has developed an extensive contact list that reaches far and wide, and on a monthly basis will distribute information about Langley Environmental Partners Society’s upcoming events without asking for anything in return. At the drop of a hat he will write letters of support for our various projects, adding considerable weight to our funding applications. We believe that Gary Jones is one of our community’s biggest assets and would like to acknowledge his hard work through this nomination for the Langley Environmental Hero Award.
7.Nominee: Genesis Recycling Ltd.
As a representative of Genesis Recycling Ltd. I would like to nominate my business for the Langley Environmental Hero recognition.
Genesis has been operating for over a decade and specializes in the ethical recycling of electronic waste. Genesis was founded in 1994, before "e-waste" was even an environmental concern, and we use our experience to consistently find new and better ways to recycle the material present in electronic waste. We also consult with our clients to find out what other material we can help them divert from landfills. Genesis uses local workers to manually disassemble electronics into their most base components such as tin, plastics and non-ferrous metals to achieve an exceptional recovery rate, annually diverting over 2000 tonnes of potentially hazardous waste from landfills. Electronic waste has nearly every major building material present in it and due to this, Genesis' recycling model is highly adaptable. When asked what we accept, we simply respond "if you can plug it in, we can take it."
In addition to recycling electronic waste Genesis is running a pilot project for the recycling of styrofoam. Genesis is one of the only companies in BC that recycles this extremely persistent and environmentally harmful packaging material.
At Genesis, we work hard to find innovative ways to help our clients reduce the amount of waste they generate in all aspects of their operations. We were recently featured in a Langley Times article for our commitment to the environment. I have provided a link below
As the article says, every day is earth day at Genesis Recycling Ltd.
8.Nominee: Glenn Wallace
Dear Mr. Warawa
I’d like to nominate the TWU Maintenance Manager, Glenn Wallace, for his contributions as “Captain Conservation” here at TWU. A good summary of his work, and his department’s efforts can be found at: http://www.bclocalnews.com/surrey_area/langleytimes/lifestyles/42220137.html.
Some parts of the Langley Times article are copied below:
“Unbeknownst to many at TWU, Wallace and the maintenance department have been aggressively working to diminish the amount of electricity the university uses. To date they have changed almost all of the incandescent light bulbs in the dorms to energy saving compact fluorescent lights or CFLs, and will also be replacing approximately 240 shower heads, saving an estimated 15,000 gallons of water per year. Toilets are also getting an overhaul with the installation of low flow dual flush toilets saving almost 6 to 9 liters per flush. Humble yet proud about the work that is being done Wallace shares, ‘One of the larger projects we’ve undertaken is replacing approximately 500 light fixtures in the library, another 300 across campus, plus approximately 500 CFL bulbs in the dorms. With these initiatives alone we could see an energy savings of approximately 222,000 kw/h, a cost savings of $10,434 annually. BC Hydro will be rebating us the total cost of all materials used, about $23,000, and because we are using our own staff to install them our payback will be immediate.’ ... Other initiatives that the university has undertaken to reduce consumption of energy has been installing reflective roofing material on buildings to keep them cooler, and updating boilers that have seen a significant savings in the university’s overall utility bills. TWU Grounds and Custodial Departments are using mostly environmentally friendly products and practices such as composting, and mulching grass clippings. When asked why the maintenance department is promoting Earth Hour to the campus Wallace says, “Like others that have joined in this initiative, we want to do our part to ensure that we as a university are setting an example of good stewards for the environment and of our resources. As a Christian university we understand that what we enjoy in water, trees, and other resources are all from the Lord and should be used wisely… Our biggest challenge is convincing people that they can make a difference one switch at a time,” says Wallace.” (from Langley Times)
9.Nominee : Glenn Ryder
Mr. Ryder’s 50 year history of conservation work in Langley has made our community a better place. Mr. Ryder has meticulously documented wildlife species sightings and locations. His field notes are a stunning reminder of what Langley once was and what we must all work to get back to. We have lists of endangered and threatened species and their habitats, as well as knowledge of locations where now extirpated species once existed, largely due to Mr. Ryder’s efforts
Mr. Ryder has shared much of his 50 years worth of data with LEPS and we are finding new ways to incorporate it into our programs and priorities. Perhaps even more important than sharing his data with us is the many classrooms of children who are inspired because of the work of Mr. Ryder. Today’s Young Naturalists are encouraged to start their own field notes that they may share in another 50 years.
Mr. Glenn Ryder is an environmental Hero, not only for his past work but also for the legacy he leaves behind.
For more details of Mr. Ryder’s life visit:
Page 1 - http://sasquatchtrails.com/My%20Trips/Taggart%20Peak/Glenn%20Ryder/Page_1.pdf
Page 2 - http://sasquatchtrails.com/My%20Trips/Taggart%20Peak/Glenn%20Ryder/Page_2.pdf
Page 3 - http://sasquatchtrails.com/My%20Trips/Taggart%20Peak/Glenn%20Ryder/Page_3.pdf
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Heroes don’t set out to be heroes. Glenn Ryder sets out every day to unravel the mysteries of the natural world that surrounds us; that world we neglect and disregard or see only as an instrument of commerce. His actions are driven by an unwavering fascination with, and compassion for, native organisms and natural systems. His exceptional observational skills and his diligence in recording the information he gathers inspire the rest of us. The information he gathers serves both as a record of human’s effects on and poor regard for wildlife (plants and animals) and provides the primary tool for hope and possibility.
Glenn is a naturalist, pure and simple. That is his calling. Glenn is a conservationist. That is his reward for knowledge. (You can’t conserve what you do not know.) His data have contributed invaluably to the Birds of BC (Campbell et al.; 4 Volumes: 1990-2001), the Biodiversity Centre for Wildlife Studies (in Victoria), other conservation-oriented groups (LEPS, for example), to governments (municipal, regional, provincial and federal), and to consultants (and developers). Since the 1950’s Glenn has been exploring the remnant wilds of Langley and other lower mainland communities. He continues to do so from his home in Aldergrove.
Without Glenn’s data our decisions would be less informed; we simply would know far less about the plants and animals that have been the focus of his life for 66 years (Glenn is 71). And without this knowledge we would know much less about what we have lost, how we might get it back, or how we might prevent similar follies. I hereby nominate Glenn Ryder as Langley's environmental hero.
10.Nominees: Julie Travis and Nichole McLeod – Happy Nappy Cloth Diaper Service
The lower mainland Happy Nappy Cloth diaper service had its grand opening celebration in July of 2008. Since their opening they have managed to eliminate over 130,000 diapers from entering our land fills. Three trees are required to diaper one baby in disposable diapers, based on this statistic The Lower Mainland Happy Nappy has saved over 400 trees from being cut down. To date this franchise has over 150 families on the service and is growing daily. Julie and Nichole recognize the importance of working together to assure generations to come can enjoy a clean environment. Their goal is to have 3% of the Greater Vancouver babies on their service.
Happy Nappy Cloth Diaper Service has been setting the standards for the new way to cloth diaper our children. These two young ladies along with their spouses are truly making a difference to our environment and for this reason should be commended and recognized for their efforts.
11.Nominee: LEPS – Langley Environmental Partners Society
Nominated by: Carol Heuman
I am sending this email from work to say that I think that Langley Enviromental Partners Society should be our Hero. The name speaks for itself. I know that Mark has worked with LEPS and knows of some of the good (and great) works that they do. Not just on an environmental basis but LEPS works with disadvantaged kids that have come from troubled homes and LEPS teaches not only the environmental issues we as a community are facing on a daily basis so that they can help but computer skills, nutrition values, hands on skills in the community such as door to door information on our salmon bearing streams, our manure programs, and the planting and restoration that goes into saving our streams and trees. They not only learn skills through our organization but a life long ability to better themselves and become not troubled youth but workers that can hopefully take care of themselves and perhaps through our association help others like themselves. ( as I know this has happened numerous times I wish I could give you all their names as they are real heros as well) but since I can't I will again say that Langley Environmental Partners Society is a real hero to me and will always be not just this year and years past but in future years to come. thank you for the imput.
12.Nominee: Mountain View Conservation and Breeding Society
I would like to nominate Mountain View Conservation & Breeding Society as an environmental hero.. I have volunteered there for four years as a tour guide, I think it's a remarkable place.
Mountain View started with one animal in 1986, it has now grown to over 50 different endangered species. The Mountain View Mission is to preserve endangered species. give them the necessary conditions to build strong family units and then return them back to their native homeland, when it is safe to do so.
While many of their species come from around the world they are also working on saving some of our very own BC endangered species, such as the Northern Spotted Owl, Vancouver Island Marmot and Oregon Spotted Frog.
Understanding that education is the cornerstone of every successful effort, Mountain View conducts daily guided educational tours of the facility and species with the public. Through this venue they have reached thousands of people, notably school children. Teaching them why these species are threatened and what individuals can do to help, is paramount to changing the status of all living things.
Mountain View also shares what they learn with other institutions by having an international internship program, which has young people from other countries come and work with the Mountain View staff.
Hiring students in the summer helps give back to the community as well, by providing jobs and contributing to their education in wildlife management and public education.
13.Nominee: Nichole Schmidt
Nicole, a 12 year old student at St. Catharine’s, has a very keen interest in the environment, particularly the Amazon Rainforest. She founded an organization called Save The Rainforest Association in early 2007 and developed the following pledge for the members:
“The people of the rainforest are people just like us they need their home. The animals are animals like animals everywhere they need a home. The plants in the rain forest give us air to breath we need them. The climate in the rain forest is amazing we should keep it that way. I want to save all these things and the rainforest.”
Nicole holds an annual conference of members and brings environmental issues to their attention. She sends monthly environmental awareness bulletins to members and asks them for FACTS on environmental issues. She produces and sells an environmentally safe cleaning product (Borax and baking soda).
Nicole has helped members of her group become aware of ways to assist with environmental concerns in our community as well as the world. Some suggestions : Turn off your car ignition at railway crossings, buy food that is grown in a sustainable way, use less water when showering or brushing your teeth, composting, etc.
Her goal is to continue to expand her association and to eventually raise sufficient funds to purchase and protect a tract of land in the Amazon rainforest.
Nicole is a young, energetic person who is interested in ensuring that our environment and the Amazon rainforest will be available for future generations to enjoy.
14.Nominee: RAD DVD
My nomination for Langley’s Environmental Hero award goes to “RAD DVD” of Langley. Located at 48-3347 262nd Street Aldergrove BC V4W 3B9 (604) 607 5060
Meet Jennifer & Rick Mathers a new generation of green entrepreneurs who have taken potential land fill material and turned it into a thriving business. RAD DVD reclaims used, scratched, or unwanted DVD’s and either brings them back to new condition for re-sale or recycles every component.
These young Langley Entrepreneurs have developed revenue generating systems for reclaiming and reselling this much sought after product along with a cost neutral recycling plan to keep plastics out of our land fills and oceans.
I have learned that DVDs are made with a high density Polycarbonate. DVD cases are made up of two plastics, the sleeve (transparent cover) that is made with Polyethylene terephthalate or PET, and the case is made form Polypropylene or PP. The sleeves are removed from the DVD case and separated for processing while the cases requires further effort to remove any metal anti-theft devices that would contaminate the future resin.
Once the plastics have been separated and securely packaged for transport they are sent off to a Langley based plastics recycling facility where they are ground into resins or pellets that will be shipped to various manufacturers across North America. At RAD DVD they recycle each and every component used in Packaging DVDs, Shipping DVDs and even the DVDs themselves. Recycling plastics helps reduce waste, emissions and our dependence on our natural resources. Using recycled plastics in consumer products packaging, cars, fixtures and many other commonly used items helps to reduce the amount of energy we use and ultimately reduces the footprint we leave on our environment.
Although there are several companies that recycle plastics I feel RAD DVD is unique because they do not produce plastic products. RAD DVD is an excellent example of a local Langley company creating environmentally friendly jobs and having a no-compromise “green” attitude!
15.Nominee: Rhys Griffiths
It is with pleasure that I would like to nominate Mr. Rhys Griffiths as one of Langley's Environmental Heroes. Rhys has been an active Environmental Champion in our community for many years. He is and has been active in the Langley Field Naturalists and was instrumental in many of their initiatives to bring attention to environmental issues in our communities and region. One particular imitative that Rhys was involved in was the eradication of the Purple Loosestrife in Brydon Lagoon. Rhys was passionate about this issue and could easily give a one hour talk about it and it all made sense.
In addition to this involvement Rhys has been active as a member of the Parks, Environment, Recreation Committee for the City of Langley and in that role has kept the Environment on the agenda of every committee meeting and has held the City's feet to the fire on a number of fronts. Even when you don't always agree with Rhys on a specific issue, he is always the consummate gentleman and his dedication goes without question. Both Rhys and his wife Annabelle are strong community members and have the best interests of all the citizens and the future of the community at heart. I also know, as it is with any true hero, Rhys simply goes about doing what he believes in and is not seeking any recognition for himself.
