Free Geek Vancouver, an organization that refurbishes and dismantles unwanted computer equipment, has become an “e-Steward.” That means if you give your old laptop to these geeks, it won’t be dumped in China, where e-waste is causing untold environmental and health problems. The e-Stewards Initiative is a new certification program that forbids the dumping of toxic e-waste in developing countries, local landfills, and incinerators, as well as the use of prison labour. freegeekvancouver.org [1]; e-stewards.org [2]

Access Natural Healing, an Eastside walk-in homeopathic clinic, is offering a homeopathic immunization program for children and travellers—the only program of its kind in the province. And if needles give you the heebie jeebies, take heart: these non-toxic vaccinations are administered orally. 101-1416 Commercial Dr., accessnaturalhealing.com [3]

The Gabriola Green Bikes Project (GGBP) aims to put a free bicycle under the bum of every Gabriolan or visitor who wants to use one for an hour, an afternoon, or a weekend. GGBP is modelled after other public bicycle initiatives around North America. The goal is to have 100 bicycles distributed all around the island. They’ll be painted bright green—tires, handlebars and all. gabriolagreenbikes.blogspot.com [4]

RDC Fine Homes has been nominated for two Georgie Awards. A Whistler company known for its rammed earth houses and green building practices, RDC is up for Best Renovation under $100k and Best Renovation $500k–$750k. Last year, the company won Best Renovation over $650k and Best Residential Landscape Renovation. The Canadian Home Builders’ Association of B.C.’s annual Georgie Awards celebrate excellence in homebuilding. rdcfinehomes.com [5]

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Publisher’s Note continued...

Ben Banky Will Be Missed

One of the smartest, jolliest, saltiest, most well-intended people I know was Ben Banky, owner of TallGrass Distribution in Vancouver and recently elected board member of the Canadian Health Food Association. The details of Ben’s death at age 40 last month are searchable on the Internet, but aside from the facts, the circumstances still leave us in awe of what is sometimes called the “great mystery.”

Briefly, a holiday party, which is the essence of gratitude and cheer, became a backdrop for an act that cries out in despair and desperation… a former employee shoots Ben to death and, in doing so, continues what surely is his own private hell.

What came to mind was the senseless shooting of ex-Beatle John Lennon, and that same pang of losing a man who had so much more to contribute to the betterment of our world. (Ben would have liked that I put him in such high company and probably would have given a hearty laugh.)

Our thoughts go to Linda, his wife, Matt, his business partner, and all others who are mourning the loss of Ben and who will feel his absence in the advent of this new year.

Got some dirt? Give it up. E-mail editor@shared-vision.com [6]

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photos:

baby: Meredith, one of the first.

man: Ben Banky

house: One of RDC’s many fine homes.