THE BULLFROG IN THIS ISSUE Feature: What is a Bullfrogger? | p.3 Bullfrog chats with WWF-Canada President Megan Leslie | p.9 Green recipes: Quinoa-stuffed Tomatoes and Blissful Chocolate Coconut Bites | p.15 SUMMER 2018
KLUANE FIRST NATION LAUNCHES PIVOTAL WIND PROJECT
This summer, Bullfrog Power helped celebrate the ground breaking of an exciting new wind project with the Kluane First Nation in the Yukon Territory. The wind project will enable the Kluane First Nation to reduce its impact on the land, improve the health of its inhabitants and help take action on climate change. Those attending the ground-breaking ceremony included Colin Asselstine, General Manager of Kluane Community Development Corp. (above, left) and Bullfrog’s Dave Borins (above, right). The festivities also featured an inspiring performance by Fancy Shawl dancer Marissa Mills (top). Thanks to your support, Bullfrog has been a longstanding supporter of the project—read more on p.4. Background photo: Sheep Creek Trail in Kluane National Park
Rebuilding a community As small as we are, we’re one of the largest Indigenous communities on the West Coast. Like many First Nations groups in Canada, we’re still recovering from the long-term effects of the Sixties Scoop and the residential school era in Canada. In the late 1970s and 80s, our community was in a situation where for the first time in generations, our children were being raised in Bella Bella without the threat of removal. At the same time, we were reasserting our independence by beginning to manage a number of services in the community. We were trying to bring the strength of our governance back into our own hands. Our issue was that we were missing generations of knowledge, as well as a cohesive sense of community. As a result, and at the direction of our Chiefs and Elders, what we now know as Qqs emerged in 1999 as a solution to that issue.
Nurturing a new generation Our concern was that kids in the community were disconnected from their territory—because five generations were impacted by residential schools and our culture was repressed by the Potlatch Ban, which made practicing ceremony illegal. These kids lacked the understanding of how our land sustains them. Qqs created a space and programs to teach Heiltsuk youth about their culture and history.
JESS HOUSTY
Communications Director Qqs Projects Society, Bella Bella, B.C. Jess Housty is a citizen of Heiltsuk Nation, a First Nations community of more than 1,500 people in the community of Bella Bella on Campbell Island, B.C. Jess works as a Communications Director with Qqs (pronounced “kucks”) Projects Society. Qqs is a nonprofit organization on Bella Bella that is empowering and educating Heiltsuk Nation youth by reconnecting them with their culture and land. With support from Bullfrog customers, Qqs is installing a 7.3 kW solar project at its Koeye (pronounced “kway”) River Camp, which hosts 50 children every summer.
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Every summer, around 50 children attend the Koeye River Youth Camp where they learn about traditional Heiltsuk practices, ceremonies and stories, as well as the science of the nature that surrounds them. The camp is also home to scientists and stewardship technicians who are researching and monitoring the territory’s wildlife— and sharing their knowledge with the youth. With Bullfrog’s support—that we’re excited about and grateful for—we’re building the solar capacity to help power our Koeye facilities without impacting our land. The entire facility is going to be powered by the sun seasonally. As a long term goal, we’d like the building to be powered by solar energy all year round.
Looking to the future As a nonprofit, we have the opportunity to be creative about finding solutions to our challenges. Our successful solutions can inspire change in how people in the Heiltsuk community view and think of themselves. We’re beginning to see some of our piloted initiatives adopted throughout the community. We’re also learning about renewable energy projects from nearby communities such as Haida Gwaii—and we’re excited to be a part of the shift toward renewables. Our children see what we show them. We have a responsibility to show them the powerful, beautiful and challenging parts of life, as well as the strength that comes from their cultural identity and the land that surrounds them. > kfn.ca
What is a
Bullfrogger? H
ere at Bullfrog, we love to hear from our customers. Many of the emails that come in are about lawn signs getting “chewed up” by lawn mowers, dogs…or a kid (happened once). We will get your typical questions about billing and account changes. But every once in a while we get an email like this:
This should be bad news—we’ve just lost a customer. But, at Bullfrog, this news inspires us because it reminds us of why we’re here. We’re here because of our community—made up of the most innovative, forwardthinking and caring Canadians. People who want to protect our environment and who share our vision for a clean, healthy Canada that runs on 100% renewable energy. We talk a lot about this community but who are we? Who are the 10,000 residential customers, 1,500 businesses, 140 community projects and 55 source projects across Canada? It’s business owners like Adam Pesce from Reunion Island Coffee who has made it his personal mission to deliver the best sustainably sourced coffee in Toronto while having the smallest impact on the earth Gamechangers like Janice Ashworth who is leveraging the power of community co-ops to increase the amount of renewables in her region while generating wealth for her community Leaders like Chief Patrick Michell, Ric Richardson and Jess Housty who see opportunity in the transition to renewables for Indigenous Peoples—such as skills training, land preservation and independence Homeowners like Erin Young, who runs a small business, has three young kids— and still takes the time to always make the sustainable choice Wind energy experts like Aaron Long, who was instrumental in bringing the Ellershouse Wind Farm in Nova Scotia online—which now supplies Bullfrog customers These are just a few members of the bullfrogpowered community—we’ve created this section to show you a broader snapshot. YOU are an important part of Bullfrog Power. Every day, you and Bullfrogs across the country are united in your vision for a better Canada—and your conviction to make it happen. Thank you for being a champion for green energy. We know it’s not always easy—but as they say—no road is as long when you’re in good company.
The Bullfrog Team
THE BULLFROG BUZZ | 3
We are thankful for Bullfrog’s support for the Kluane N’tsi (Wind) Energy Project—from their initial involvement back in 2013 to the additional funding we received this year. Kate Van Ballegooyen
Environment Officer Kluane First Nation Community project Bullfrog supports (read more on page 6!)
By choosing Bullfrog Power’s green energy for our tours, we’re reducing our impact and getting the word out about taking action on climate change.
We have the potential to swiftly transition to renewable power and become a case study for the rest of Canada. We could not have completed this project without bullfrogpowered customers and we are so thankful for their support. Valine Crist
Executive Director Swiilawiid Sustainability Society Community project Bullfrog supports (read more on page 7!)
Sam Roberts Band
A bullfrogpowered band
Bear Mountain Wind Park Bear Mountain, B.C.
Bullfrog Power green energy source
I chose to sign on because I want to take personal responsibility for the impact I’m having on the planet—both at home and in my career.
Bullfrogpowering our facilities is a proven way for us to reduce the carbon footprint of all our facilities across Canada, and help preserve the beautiful country we love.
Kristina Groves
Bullfrog Power customer
David Labistour CEO MEC A bullfrogpowered company
Choosing green energy is only natural for us—it’s a way to protect the land that produces the local ingredients that are crucial to our ice cream.
By bullfrogpowering our boutiques and head office, we’ve spared nearly 40 tonnes of CO2 emissions from our atmosphere in the last year alone.
Benjamin Ernst
Debra Van Dyke
Co-owner Earnest Ice Cream A bullfrogpowered company
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President Frilly Lilly A bullfrogpowered company
What I enjoy most about being a part of the bullfrogpowered community is knowing we are contributing to renewable energy projects and choosing green energy at the same time. Our Tesla Roadster has been bullfrogpowered for eight years! Capri Rasmussen Old Man River Wind Farm Pincher Creek, Alberta
Bullfrog Power green energy source
Bullfrog Power customer
Climate change is one of the most significant environmental challenges of our time. It threatens our ecosystems, economies and communities around the world. Effectively managing how we respond to it is both a personal and collective responsibility. Simon Fish
General Counsel and Chair, BMO ESG Council BMO Financial Group A bullfrogpowered company
THE
BULLFROGPOWERED COMMUNITY From coast to coast to coast…
Becoming bullfrogpowered was a choice that we made in order to do our part for the planet and our local community. Evelyn Schmitz-Hertzberg Bullfrog Power customer
Together with the Autism Society, and thanks to the support of Bullfrog Power customers, we’ll be generating clean energy and growing fresh, local produce right here in St. John’s. Delia Warren
East Coast Director Iron & Earth East Community project Bullfrog supports (read more on page 6!)
We must all do whatever possible to reduce carbon emissions—and I mean yesterday! Support renewable energy in any way you can through organizations like Bullfrog Power.
We pride ourselves on being a positive force in our community. Through green energy, not only are we reducing our environmental footprint in our own province, but we’re also supporting renewable energy projects such as the Ellershouse Wind Farm right here in Nova Scotia.
Mike Brigham
Bullfrog Power customer (and President of Solarshare)
Ken Shea
CEO and President East Coast Credit Union A bullfrogpowered company
We already source premium, all-natural ingredients for our beer, but we also wanted to reduce the footprint we leave on this earth by choosing the cleanest energy available. Cam Heaps
Co-Founder Steam Whistle Brewing A bullfrogpowered company
While the grand gestures of sustainability are wonderful, the small things can also add up in a very meaningful way. Choosing green electricity is an important initiative for us as we are constantly working to reduce our impact on the environment. Adam Pesce
Director of Relationships Reunion Island Coffee A bullfrogpowered company
It has been our continued belief that we should make as little impact on the environment as possible. Choosing green electricity for our home is a meaningful way for us to do our part. Michelle Oliveira Bullfrog Power customer
Sustainability leadership is about championing long-term, global objectives over short-term gains. With Bullfrog Power, we’re demonstrating that Unilever is committed to investing in and achieving our long-term sustainability goals. John Coyne
VP, Legal and External Affairs Unilever Canada A bullfrogpowered company
Creating a culture of sustainability inspires both passion and action toward environmental initiatives at work and at home. LUSH has a unique platform to create positive change in our world...whether it’s the packaging, ingredients, products or choosing green energy, we’re always looking for ways to innovate and create products that reduce our impact on the environment. Katrina Shum
Sustainability Officer LUSH A bullfrogpowered company
The financial support of Bullfrog Power was important in ensuring the ongoing success of this project...we are demonstrating real progress in developing new, cleaner forms of power for Nova Scotians. David Devenne
Mayor of Mahone Bay and AREA Vice Chair Ellershouse Wind Farm Bullfrog Power green energy source
THE BULLFROG BUZZ | 5
140 SUPPORTED PROJECTS…
THANKS TO YOU! Thanks to the support from the bullfrogpowered community, we’ve now supported 140 community renewable projects across the country. Below, take a look at just a few that have recently begun construction or come online.
Kluane First Nation breaks ground on new wind project
On National Indigenous Peoples Day (June 21), the Kluane First Nation in the Yukon Territory held a ground-breaking ceremony for the Kluane N’tsi (Wind) Energy Project, a three-turbine wind project. When completed, the turbines will help the Kluane First Nation reduce its reliance on fossil fuels by 160,000 litres of diesel per year. The wind project will enable the community to reduce its impact on the land, improve the health of its inhabitants (by lowering the amount of toxins produced by diesel energy generation) and take action on climate change. Through direct ownership and operation of the project, the Kluane First Nation will also become the first independent power producer in the Yukon Territory. Thanks to your support, Bullfrog Power was able to provide critical funding during the planning stage of the project—and our partnership with the First Nation continues to this day. “Bullfrog’s support in 2013 came at a crucial time,” said Kate Van Ballegooyen, who is the Environment Officer at the Kluane First Nation. “We were collecting wind data and that information, coupled with the initial financial support, helped us take our proposal to other organizations, secure additional funding and continue to move forward.” “We are thankful for Bullfrog’s support for the Kluane N’tsi Energy Project. From their initial involvement back in 2013 to the additional funding we just received in 2018, it is great to see Bullfrog’s continued involvement in this project,” says Van Ballegooyen.
Growing renewables in Newfoundland and Labrador When you choose renewable energy with Bullfrog, you support organizations accelerating the adoption of renewables in their own provinces. Bullfrog has been partnering with Iron & Earth East, an inspiring St. John’s-based nonprofit advancing the growth of renewables in their province. Newfoundland and Labrador recently introduced net metering legislation, enabling independent power producers to supply renewable energy to the electricity grid. With support from the bullfrogpowered community, Iron & Earth East is participating in the net metering program with a solar installation called The 365 Greenhouse. A brand-new, year-round greenhouse will be constructed in partnership with the Autism Society of Newfoundland and Labrador. Iron & Earth East will install solar panels on part of the greenhouse as well as on a neighbouring building. In addition to housing grid-connected solar panels, the greenhouse will produce fresh vegetables for
6 | THE BULLFROG BUZZ
the Autism Society’s on-site restaurant, The Pantry Café. As social enterprises, the Café and gardening program employ young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder and empower them to learn new skills. “The Autism Society property is the perfect location to showcase our first solar project,” said Delia Warren, who is the East Coast Director of Iron & Earth East. “Together with the Autism Society, and thanks to the support of Bullfrog Power customers, we’ll be generating clean energy and growing fresh, local produce right here in St. John’s.” Construction of the solar installation is expected to be completed by the fall of 2018. Iron & Earth East is a local chapter of a national organization called Iron & Earth, formed in 2015 by Canadian energy workers to help oil and gas sector workers build renewable energy skills.
Bella Bella community reconnects kids with heritage Qqs (pronounced “kucks”) Projects Society is a nonprofit organization on Bella Bella, B.C. that is empowering and educating Heiltsuk Nation youth by reconnecting them with their culture and land. In June, with support from Bullfrog customers, Qqs installed a 7.3 kW solar project at its Koeye (pronounced “kway”) River Camp, which hosts 50 children every summer. In addition to housing campers during the summer, the camp also hosts scientists who are studying the island’s wildlife. These scientists, in turn, educate campers about Bella Bella’s ecosystem and land, further emphasizing the importance of preserving it. “With Bullfrog’s support—that we’re excited about and grateful for—we’re building the solar capacity to help power our Koeye facilities without impacting our land,” says Jess Housty, Communications Director at Qqs (read Jess’ full profile on page 2!).
Youth rediscovery camps on Haida Gwaii shine with solar Haida Gwaii is considered one of the remaining pristine and wild places in the world. With more than 13,000 years of history, its people have earned a reputation for being strong environmental stewards. That is why the Swiilawiid Sustainability Society formed—to help maintain the legacy of environmental stewardship on Haida Gwaii, “the Islands of the People.” In just its first year—and with support from the Bullfrog community—the Swiilawiid Sustainability Society successfully installed solar panels on three Rediscovery camps for youth.
increase understanding and awareness; and build bridges between cultures. Swiilawiid felt it could positively shape the future of energy on the island by showing younger generations what was possible through renewable energy at the camps. This year, young campers from across the island will arrive at the facilities to find them 100% solar powered! Now that the projects are complete, camp staff are busy incorporating discussions about solar energy and the installations into summer camp programming.
Rediscovery camps are places where Haida and all-Island youth can be re-connected to their land, culture and off-grid lifestyles;
THE BULLFROG BUZZ | 7
DEAR ROUGE IN TUNE WITH GREEN POWER Vancouver-based, JUNO Award-winning rock duo Dear Rouge is joining some of the greenest bands in Canada by bullfrogpowering its 2018 Canadian tour with 100% renewable electricity! The band, which formed in 2012, consists of Drew and Danielle McTaggart, who met while touring in separate bands before getting married and starting Dear Rouge. Taking its name after Danielle’s hometown—Red Deer, Alberta—the band has sprung to the forefront of the Canadian indie rock scene, marking their success with milestones such as winning the 2015 SOCAN Songwriting Prize for “I Heard I Had” and Breakthrough Group of the Year at the 2016 JUNO Awards. The band’s latest album, PHASES, was released in March 2018. “We draw a lot of the inspiration for our music from our friends and family, and the place we call home,” says Danielle McTaggart. “That place is Canada, and it only makes sense that we do as much as we can to protect its beauty.” Be sure to check out the album as well as the band’s upcoming tour dates at the website below.
> dearrouge.com
Q&A
FROM COAST TO COAST
WITH TARA MACLEAN Tara MacLean is a Canadian award-winning singer and songwriter who is also one of Bullfrog’s longest standing customers. MacLean’s Atlantic Blue summer tour in Charlottetown, P.E.I., running from July through August, pays homage to East Coast music and its roots. We chatted with Tara about her heritage and green energy. How has the Atlantic Blue show helped you grow as an artist and a musician? My East Coast roots go back over seven generations—many of my family members were songwriters. I was deeply inspired by their lives and their ability to overcome hardship. Performing the first Atlantic Blue tour affirmed my belief that being an Atlantic Canadian songwriter is my true calling. Why is it important for the show to feature strong French and Indigenous components? The Acadian musical tradition is a big part of life on P.E.I., and I was deeply affected by its cultural impact on music in Atlantic Canada. I am also passionate about Indigenous issues. It is important to not only acknowledge how music was and is a huge part of Indigenous
> taramacleanmusic.com
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culture, but also how much of this culture was lost during Canada’s history. I have had the great honour of working with the Abegweit First Nation in P.E.I. on projects related to Truth and Reconciliation. You’re one of Bullfrog’s longest standing customers. Why is it important for you to continue supporting renewable energy in Canada? I am so proud to be bullfrogpowered! My husband, [Moksha Yoga founder] Ted Grand has also been a huge supporter of Bullfrog. The initiatives the company takes, and the way you make it so easy for us to choose an alternative to conventional energy, shows the level of dedication to a cleaner future for our children and beyond.
Bullfrog chats with
Megan Leslie
Megan Leslie is the President and CEO of WWF-Canada. Leslie worked in ocean governance and conservation for two years at WWF-Canada before becoming head of the nonprofit in December 2017. Here, she speaks with Bullfrog about her background, WWF’s ongoing mission and the importance of renewable energy.
What sparked your interest in becoming an environmental advocate? When I was 15 and living in my hometown of Kirkland Lake, Ontario, a proposal was developed to store toxic waste in the abandoned mines around town. My friends and I were strongly against this idea, so we made signs that said ‘No, no! We won’t glow!’ and marched in front of the town hall. That same passion has driven me to become a community legal worker, an elected official, head of ocean conservation at WWF-Canada and now President and CEO of the organization. What is one environmental challenge of which you’d like more Canadians to be aware? The scale of wildlife loss in Canada is truly astonishing. If we support whole ecosystems while wildlife populations are still healthy, instead of waiting until they are in crisis, we will have a much better outcome. It is something that all Canadians can take part in, whether you are cleaning up garbage threatening aquatic ecosystems, planting native gardens for pollinators and other species, or reporting where you see wildlife through a citizen-science project. How does renewable energy fit into WWF’s mission of preserving wildlife and the environment? Our goal is 100% renewable energy by 2050 or before, and that will require a lot of new energy projects. WWF-Canada is pioneering approaches to renewable energy deployment that won’t impact wildlife or the ecosystems upon which they depend. What’s your favourite outdoor pastime? There are so many to choose from! From hiking to biking to cross-country skiing, I love being outdoors and active. But I do love being on the water and recently took up white-water canoeing. I’m hooked.
THE BULLFROG BUZZ | 9
David Suzuki on transportation and sustainability Science Matters is David Suzuki’s weekly column on issues related to science and the environment, published by the David Suzuki Foundation. In a recent column, David Suzuki and Senior Editor Ian Hanington weighed in on the relationship between our transportation habits and climate change. Below, read selected excerpts from the article. In many countries, greenhouse gas emissions have been falling in some sectors, thanks largely to a shift from coal-fired power. But they’ve been rising in the transportation sector. That’s bad news. Transportation accounts for about 14% of global emissions and is now the largest source of CO2 emissions in the U.S., mostly from cars and trucks. Fuel efficiency, hybrid and electric vehicles and cleaner transportation options such as car-share programs, transit and cycling infrastructure are necessary to reduce pollution and climate change. But the growing worldwide market for trucks, SUVs and “crossover vehicles,” which combine car and SUV design, are negating advances in those areas. It’s up to industry and governments to take the major steps to combat climate change and reduce pollution, but individuals also have a responsibility. Personal transportation choices can make a major difference. Driving SUVs and trucks when less-polluting options would serve as well or better is irresponsible. We owe it to ourselves and to the rest of the world to do better. This blog post, written by David Suzuki and Ian Hanington, was originally posted by the David Suzuki Foundation.
"Public transit and cycling are the best ways to get around. But they're not available to everyone. So we need a fossil-fuel alternative to run our cars. Bullfrog's new green fuel—which uses waste cooking oil—is a good step as we transition to a sustainable transportation system."
Gideon Forman Climate Change and Transportation Policy Analyst David Suzuki Foundation
To learn more about Bullfrog’s green fuel, visit bullfrogpower.com/greenfuel.
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Bullfrog Power’s Christine Carter (far left) and Emily Briggs (far right) attended the 2018 JUNO Awards in Vancouver. The Awards show and all JUNO Week events were bullfrogpowered!
Bullfrog’s mascot, Tad, makes a new friend, Ava, at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (which is bullfrogpowered!) during Doors Open Toronto in May. This year's Doors Open welcomed more than 24,000 people for a behind-the-scenes look at the airport’s operations.
In June, we joined bullfrogpowered Grizzly Paw Brewing for its fourth annual community BBQ in Canmore, Alberta. Tad loved the scenery!
Thanks to everyone who joined our Earth Hour celebration at bullfrogpowered 4Cats Arts Studio in Toronto. When the lights dimmed for Earth Hour, guests tapped into their creative sides and got a little messy with glow-in-the-dark splatter painting!
Bullfrogpowered Granville Island Brewing in Vancouver celebrated Earth Week in style with a growler painting session!
The Bullfrog team took a break on a sunny afternoon in April to clean up a local park for Live Green Toronto's Clean TO initiative. THE BULLFROG BUZZ | 11
Here are just a few of the many organizations that choose green energy with Bullfrog Power. Bullfrog thanks all of its customers for choosing green energy!
WHAT’S IN NOVA SCOTIA’S TIDAL BAY WINES Did you know that Nova Scotia has a rich tradition in grape growing that dates back to the 1600s? Solidifying that history is Tidal Bay wine, a uniquely Nova Scotian style of winery. Below, bullfrogpowered Bishop’s Cellar explains the characteristics of Tidal Bay wine. Tidal Bay wine is grown from 100% Nova Scotian grapes, comprising two categories of grapes: neutral, less aromatic grapes that highlight the terroir (the environmental makeup behind a crop’s growth); and aromatic grapes, which cannot make up more than 49% of the wine. “The wine can neither taste too sweet nor too dry; the goal is to find that balance between lively acidity and sweetness,” Bishop’s Cellar’s Alanna McIntyre says. “Each winery has its own take on Tidal Bay all while maintaining a style that is light, dry-ish and slightly aromatic.” > bishopscellar.com
BLACKBIRD BAKING CELEBRATES FOUR YEARS Congratulations to bullfrogpowered Blackbird Baking Co. on its fourth anniversary! The bullfrogpowered bakery has been a staple in Toronto’s Kensington Market, serving everything from sourdough bread to pastries. “For us, baking is an art, and we are proud to choose 100% green electricity for our bakery,” says owner Simon Blackwell.
CAMPFIRE CUISINE IN THE HEART OF BANFF Park Distillery + Restaurant, one of the newest bullfrogpowered restaurants, takes inspiration for its décor and cuisine from Banff National Park—where it is located—and the Canadian outdoors. Co-Founder Yannis Karlos explains: “Campfires were the original restaurant, and our cravings for food cooked over wood continue to run deep.” The restaurant also sources ingredients locally. Karlos says: “We believe Alberta is one of the premier grain growing regions on the planet and we wanted to showcase this story to the world.”
> parkdistillery.com
> blackbirdbakingco.com
OTTAWA FAMILY FARM ENTERTAINS THOUSANDS WITH GREEN ENERGY Since opening its doors in 1976, bullfrogpowered Saunders Farm in Ottawa has hosted more than a million guests at its award-winning acreage. Known for its Haunting Season and FrightFest fall events, the farm is also home to the world's largest collection of hedge mazes, which are open to the public each summer. “We’ve planted more than 200,000 trees on Saunders Farm since 1994. Choosing green energy provides a great opportunity to further offset our environmental impact,” says Mark Saunders, co-owner and Director of Fun. > saundersfarm.com
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BULLFROGS GATHER FOR THIRD ANNUAL SUSTAINABILITY SNAPSHOT In June, Bullfrog Power invited business leaders in Toronto to the third annual Sustainability Snapshot. The event featured speakers from Unilever Canada, Burnbrae Farms and Just Food: leading organizations who are innovating in sustainability within the food and agricultural industries—and who are also linked by their commitment to renewable energy. OLG (another bullfrogpowered customer!) was the presenting sponsor of this year’s event.
The speakers discussed topics such as: How to generate awareness amongst Canadians about where their food comes from; The challenge and benefits of diverting large-scale organic waste to compost; and How sustainable farming can be integrated into urban residential areas. Read the full event summary and learnings at bullfrogpower.com/snapshot2018
SNAPSHOT
Bullfrog Power and BASF Canada have announced a partnership to bullfrogpower BASF’s Canadian corporate headquarters, as well as its production facilities in Ontario, Alberta, Quebec and Saskatchewan with 100% green electricity. BASF’s renewable energy commitment will reduce its CO2 emissions footprint by approximately 1,520 tonnes annually—equivalent to taking nearly 325 cars off the road for a year. Marcelo Lu, President of BASF Canada, explains the decision: “We believe it’s crucial for businesses to focus on longevity as well as financial success. Operating our organization in a sustainable manner not only makes sense for our long-term future, but also for the partners and clients with whom we work.”
sustainable
Lu hopes that BASF’s focus on sustainability—as well as transparency about that sustainability—will encourage suppliers and partners to step up their own environmental efforts. “Our products are used to reduce water consumption, expend fuel more efficiently and reduce emissions in cars,” he says. “We want to make a difference for the people and companies around us as well as within our own company. We think it’s that kind of thinking that will make the difference in the fight against climate change.”
> basf.ca
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NELSON SOLAR GARDEN Nelson, British Columbia
The Nelson Community Solar Garden Project is Canada’s first community solar garden installation. The 60 kW project employs an innovative “virtual net-metering” subscription model to give citizens a new way to support communityscale solar.
Investors celebrate the launch of the Nelson Community Solar Garden in June 2017.
In virtual net-metering, participants purchase solar panels not on their homes and get credited on their electricity bills for the energy their panels produce—just as if the panels were on their homes. Bullfrog Power provided financial support to help make the Nelson Community Solar Garden a reality. Below, members of the community share their thoughts on the project and what it means to them.
Kim Horrocks
Alison MacLeod
Marcel Jacques
Investor, Nelson Solar Garden
Principal, Structural Engineer, MacLeod Nine Consultants Ltd.
Investor, Nelson Solar Garden
Since getting involved with the Nelson Solar Garden, I’ve learned that a renewable project’s impact transcends dollar figures. You can’t assign a monetary value to the community relationships, energy infrastructure and public education being nurtured within our community. I brought my eight-year-old son, Zane, along with me to the tour of the Nelson Solar Garden. I want to teach him about this project as I believe it is a strong demonstration of the types of energy projects that will become more commonplace in his lifetime. I also believe involving youth in these kinds of community projects will help create more responsible citizens.
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We provided the structural design for Nelson Solar Garden’s solar panel racking system. It was a lot of fun working with Nelson Hydro, local consultants, contractors and the community to come up with a cost-effective design! This project is a step in the right direction. Projects like the Nelson Solar Garden help fuel the continued innovation that our planet needs if we want to stick with our current lifestyle or improve on existing technology.
I was very excited to learn about the Nelson solar project. When I learned about it, I invested in it right away. Many neighbours I talked to had a negative response to the project, due to lack of knowledge about the project itself. I am hoping that the project will help people realize the importance and urgency of taking action for the environment. I was surprised to see how many people I knew at the site tour for the Solar Garden. Professionals, acquaintances and young families were all getting together to create change. It felt good to see the panels installed and ready to hook up to the grid. This project is a positive change made possible by a caring community.
green
Quinoa-stuffed Tomatoes WITH CHIPOTLE MAYONNAISE
This recipe for Quinoa-stuffed Tomatoes is brought to you by Chef Chris Klugman of Paintbox Bistro, a bullfrogpowered Toronto restaurant focused on making a positive community impact. Makes 6 servings
Ingredients 2/ 3
cup (150 ml) quinoa
1/ cup 3
(75 ml) water
6 large ripe tomatoes, yellow and/or red
4 tsp (20 ml) plus 2 tsp (10 ml) lemon juice 3/
4
tsp (4 ml) salt
3 egg yolks
1 or 2 chipotle peppers, finely chopped
1 cup (250 ml) vegetable oil
1 ripe avocado 1/
cup (50 ml) coarsely chopped mint 4
Preparation Quinoa:
Mayonnaise:
Rinse quinoa under cold running water and set aside. In a saucepan over high heat, bring water to a boil. Add quinoa, return to boil, then reduce heat to medium low. Cook 20 minutes, or until water is absorbed; stir occasionally. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
Place egg yolks in a bowl. Beating constantly with a wire whisk, add oil in a slow, steady stream. When all oil has been absorbed, stir in 4 tsp (20 ml) lemon juice, ½ tsp (2 ml) salt and chipotle pepper. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Tomatoes:
Peel and dice avocado. In a bowl, combine cooked quinoa, avocado, mint, reserved tomato flesh, remaining 2 tsp (10 ml) lemon juice and ¼ tsp (1 ml) salt. Slice a small piece off each tomato base so that tomatoes stand upright. Fill tomato shells with stuffing and replace tops, if desired. Serve with mayonnaise.
Place a large pot, half full of water, over high heat. Bring to a boil, then add tomatoes. After 20 seconds, transfer tomatoes to a bowl of cold water. Using a paring knife, remove and discard skins. Cut off and reserve the top quarter of each tomato, then scoop out flesh and seeds. Coarsely chop 1 cup (250 ml) tomato flesh. Discard remainder.
> paintboxbistro.ca
Final steps:
Bli ful
CHOCOLATE COCONUT BITES
This recipe for Blissful Chocolate Coconut Bites was submitted by bullfrogpowered Community Natural Foods, an independent health food franchise in Calgary that has been operating since 1977. Makes a dozen bites (your mileage may vary!)
Ingredients 1 cup certified gluten-free oats ground into flour (can use a coffee grinder or buy oat flour) 1/
cup toasted unsweetened coconut (plus more for rolling)
1/
cup cacao powder
2 4
1 Tbsp chia seeds 1/
cup flaxseed meal
1/
cup raw honey or sweetener of choice
1/
cup coconut butter, softened
2 3 2
1 tsp vanilla extract 2 Tbsp coconut oil, melted
Preparation In a large bowl, mix together ground oats, coconut, cacao powder, chia seeds and flaxseed meal. In a separate bowl, stir together honey, softened coconut butter, vanilla extract and melted coconut oil. Pour wet mixture over the oat mixture and mix well to completely combine. The mixture will be too soft to roll into balls so refrigerate the mixture for 15-20 minutes and then roll into 1-inch balls. Add more ground oats if necessary. If they happen to be too dry, add a touch more honey. Spread out coconut onto a plate. Roll the balls on coconut spread so balls are covered in coconut. Refrigeration will solidify the bites. Enjoy!
> communitynaturalfoods.com THE BULLFROG BUZZ | 15
green index
Bullfrog Power thanks all bullfrogpowered organizations for choosing clean, green energy. List current as of July 12, 2018
VISIONARY
>40,000 MWh or >280,000 GJ or equivalent combination*
VANGUARD
20,000 - 39,999 MWh or 140,000 - 279,999 GJ or equivalent combination*
AMBASSADOR
10,000 - 19,999 MWh or 70,000 - 139,999 GJ or equivalent combination*
EMISSARY
5,000 - 9,999 MWh or 35,000 - 69,999 GJ or equivalent combination*
STEWARD
1,000 - 4,999 MWh or 7,000 - 34,999 GJ or equivalent combination*
black + pantone 341
black
gray
white
never use green leaf with white or gray typo
16 | THE BULLFROG BUZZ
never use with outline stroke
HERALD
500 - 999 MWh or 3,500 - 6,999 GJ or equivalent combination*
The Lowe-Martin Group Upper Canada Forest Products
Lessen your emissions this summer
Burnbrae Farms Christie Lites Urban Systems Ethical Bean Coffee Office Coffee Solutions/Mindful Snacks Craft Beer Market D+H Hotel Blackfoot Sisters of St. Joseph in Canada Morguard Excel Homes South-East Ottawa Community Health Centre TAS Your Credit Union
If you have or are planning to travel abroad for vacation this summer, consider offsetting the emissions of your flight with Less Emissions. Less Emissions, a Bullfrog Power company, helps people and organizations mitigate travel emissions quickly, effectively—and with the highest quality offsets in Canada. You’ll lessen your environmental footprint, support innovative emissions reductions projects and ultimately make the responsible decision for our planet when you need to travel. Less, Air Canada's voluntary offset provider, is ranked as the highest quality offset provider by the David Suzuki Foundation and the Pembina Institute. Learn more at less.ca today!
Ricoh Canada eBay Canada
> less.ca
DCR Systems Group Westin Harbour Castle Metro Toronto Convention Centre
a
company
National Tire Distributors Sodexo Canada Ltd. Proof Homes by Avi Whitewater Brewing Company Pete’s Fine Foods KingSett Capital Crombie REIT Egg Farmers of Canada
AND NOTEWORTHY
To view a full list of bullfrogpowered organizations and the details of their green energy commitments, visit bullfrogpower.com/greenindex.
*Green index tiers are based on annual financial commitment to green energy.
THE BULLFROG BUZZ | 17
help froggy get to the river!
Match the animals with their footprint
1
2
A
3
B
4
C
D Answer Key: 1-C; 2-D; 3-B; 4-A
18 | THE BULLFROG BUZZ
Spot the differences!
Answer Key: Red flag, second Orca whale, third white seashell
Connect the dots and colour!
THE BULLFROG BUZZ | 19
GREEN ENERGY news
Solar capacity outpaces conventional energy capacity growth: REN21 Report In a June announcement by the Renewable Energy Policy Network of the 21st Century (REN21), renewable energy achieved record increases in capacity in 2017. According to REN21’s Renewables 2018 Global Status Report, more solar PV capacity was added in 2017 than the net additions of coal, gas and nuclear combined.
Unilever’s Sustainable Living brands drive higher rates of growth Since launching its Sustainable Living Plan seven years ago, Unilever announced that its Sustainable Living Brands are now delivering 70% of the company’s turnover growth worldwide. Their 26 sustainable brands—an increase from 18 brands in 2016—also grew 46% faster than the rest of the business in 2017. Unilever Canada has been a Bullfrog Power customer—and one of the largest green energy supporters in Canada—since 2011.
U.S. wind energy demand surges Across the U.S., a total of 36 wind projects with a combined 5,523 MW either began construction or entered advanced development of construction, the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) said in its U.S. Wind Industry First Quarter 2018 Market Report.
ABOUT BULLFROG
The newly announced developments in Q1 boosted the total development of wind projects to 33,449 MW, up by 40% over the first quarter of 2017—the highest level since this statistic was first measured at the beginning of 2016, according to AWEA.
Canada to join the International Renewable Energy Agency
Carbon Engineering, a Canadian company backed by Bill Gates, recently announced it has reached an important threshold in developing technology that can remove CO2 from the air and synthesize it into clean fuel. The B.C.-based company published a peer-reviewed study showing that it can capture carbon for less than $100 per tonne. This price represents a significant reduction from the current price of approximately $600 per tonne, and could have long-term implications for widespread adoption of carbon capture technology.
Canada is set to join the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the world’s largest intergovernmental organization that supports countries in their transition to sustainable energy sources. As a member of IRENA, Canada will join more than 170 member states actively promoting and growing renewable energy technology and policies.
Bullfrog Power, Canada’s leading green energy provider, offers renewable energy solutions that enable individuals and businesses to reduce their environmental impact, support the development of green energy projects in Canada and help create a cleaner, healthier world. As a Certified B Corporation, Bullfrog Power meets higher standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. Thousands of individuals and businesses in Canada are doing their part to address climate change and air pollution by choosing green energy with Bullfrog Power. Sign up easily, quickly and affordably at bullfrogpower.com.
PM41503526
Canadian company makes strides in cutting cost of carbon capture tech
The Bullfrog Buzz is printed on FSC®-certified paper, which comes from well-managed forests, controlled sources and recycled wood or fibre. We encourage you to share it with family and friends and then recycle it when you’re finished. If you prefer to go paperless, you can choose a PDF version of this newsletter. If you are a residential Bullfrog customer, just email us at customerservice@bullfrogpower.com and let us know. Thanks!
the bullfrog buzz Bullfrog Power Inc. Vancouver 134 Abbott Street, Suite 304, Vancouver, B.C. V6B 2K4 Calgary 1206 20 Avenue SE, Calgary, AB T2G 1M8 Toronto 160 John Street, Suite 500, Toronto, ON M5V 2E5 Ottawa 428 Gilmour Street, Ottawa, ON K2P 0R8 Halifax 1883 Upper Water Street, Suite CB202, Halifax, N.S. B3J 1S9
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