Consider the "Human Footprint" on Planet Earth

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David Suzuki

The copper wire used in telephone lines is mined from the earth, and mining is one of the most destructive activities that humans carry out, Suzuki said. Cell phones aren't immune either. A variety of mined metals are used inside those electronic gadgets too.

Of course, Suzuki doesn't really expect us to stop using vehicles or telephones or eating pizza. He's asking us to make informed choices and put some balance into our decisions.

  • Walk, or take a bus instead of driving to the store every time.
  • Make locally produced foods part of your weekly diet. That doesn't mean never eat imported bananas again, but perhaps buy some food at a local farmers' market to make a few meals.
  • When you're making a purchase, consider the amount of packaging you're buying along with it. One family he knows puts only two bags of garbage a year at the curb.

2005-06 IUPAS Speaker Series

Feb. 10, 2006, 10 a.m.

  • Stephen Williams,
    Author
    Orillia Campus Gymnasium, Orillia Campus Tickets are available through the Orillia Campus Bookstore at (705) 325-2740, ext. 3013
    Note: Daniel Richler's Feb. 10 appearance at the Barrie Campus has been cancelled. Ticket holders for Daniel Richler may use their tickets to attend the Stephen Williams talk. If a refund is preferred, ticket holders should take their tickets to Mary Whittaker in Room C303 on the Barrie Campus.

Feb. 13, 2006, 7:30 p.m.

  • Pier Giorgio Di Cicco,
    Toronto's Poet Laureate
    Georgian Campus Gallery, Barrie Campus
    Tickets, $15, are available from Mary Whittaker at (705) 728-1968, ext. 1774.

March 31, 2006, 10 a.m.

  • Maude Barlow
    Passionate Canadian, author and National Chairperson of the Council of Canadians
    Georgian College Theatre, Barrie Campus
    Tickets are available through the Gryphon Theatre Box Office, (705) 728-4613.

These events are sponsored by Georgian's Institute of University Partnerships and Advanced Studies (IUPAS). 2005-06 Laurentian at Georgian Reading Series

Through a partnership with Laurentian University, Georgian's Institute of University Partnerships and Advanced Studies offers a variety of degree study programs at the Barrie and Orillia campuses, including a Bachelor of Arts with a major in English.

Through the Reading Series, distinguished authors read from their works and dialogue with Laurentian at Georgian students and the general public. These readings are presented in an intimate atmosphere with a wine and cheese reception. For ticket information about the Reading Series, call (705) 728-1968, ext. 1774.

But there's no doubt that we must make the right choices, he says. A human population of more than six billion is putting huge demands on the earth's resources, and something has to give.

His talk was part of the annual speaker series presented by the Georgian College Institute of University Partnerships and Advanced Studies. Upcoming speakers include pop culture critic Daniel Richler on Feb. 10 and passionate Canadian Maude Barlow on March 31.

If David Suzuki's message inspires you, check out these related Georgian College programs: