Karin Kliewer

Eat Thoughtfully, Eat Locally!

Karin Kliewer March 1, 2005

t may be surprising to learn that nearly 1/5 of North American energy consumption is used in conventional food production. This includes fertilizers, pesticides, diesel farm equipment, refrigeration, processing, packaging, and transportation. An astounding surprising amount of food travels up to 2400 km before it reaches your plate. The “food miles” in a typical Canadian diet creates nearly as much carbon dioxide as the typical car! Taking simple steps, such as reducing your meat and dairy consumption, eating organically, and eating more locally-produced food can reduce your personal “food mile” budget by 60-70%! Here’s how.

Creating an “Urban Village” One Loaf at a Time

Karin Kliewer June 1, 2004

The traditional village bake oven was the hub of community life – the town’s unique focal point, the circle of neighbours swapping recipes and sharing stories, the public meeting space where people’s lives intermingled amidst the pungent smells of wood smoke and fresh baking.

May Place Garden Establishing Roots in the Community

Karin Kliewer September 1, 2003

Since the early spring, the formerly vacant lot on May Place has been filled with the steady hum of garden activity. Whether sod was being turned, raised bed boxes were being built, compost was being shoveled, or seeds were being planted, the once forgotten Kitchener lot has seen few days when someone was not busy digging into the midst of this downtown community project.

Bicycling in the Waterloo Region – A Viable Option

Karin Kliewer June 1, 2002

The impact of the automobile on human health and the environment is clear. Increasingly cities, municipalities and governments across North America are starting to promote transportation planning that reduces personal vehicle use. A move in this direction is especially relevant here in the Waterloo Region where we have developed a well-known reputation for poor air quality. In a study done in May 2000, Kitchener was rated the highest out of 24 Canadian cities for concentration of ground-level ozone and fifth for particulate matter, corning in ahead of cities like Toronto, Windsor and Hamilton.

Pedalling Together, Reclaiming Bicycling

Karin Kliewer June 1, 2001

As summer approaches Recycle Cycles moves into its second year at The Working Centre’s 43 Queen Street location. Already, it has been a busy spring around the shop and on any public day (Thursdays and Saturdays 12-4 pm) the space is bustling with the activity of those who participate in using or providing bicycles as transportation in our community.

Recycle Cycles: Community Development in Motion

Karin Kliewer September 1, 2000

Bicycles build community. Bicycles give ownership and pride. Bicycles provide affordable transportation. Bicycles allow access to work. Bicycles mean freedom. Bicycles contribute to cleaner air quality. Bicycles are intergenerational and multicultural. Bicycles link us with history. Bicycles allow opportunities for education. Bicycles allow us to savour our travels around town. Bicycles are fun.

Tools for Living Project

Karin Kliewer December 1, 1999

For the past three weeks the third floor of the Working Centre has been electrified by the energy and daily activity of the “Tools for Living” (TFL) group. This is a consensus-based youth-run project that is working in conjunction with the organization and planning of the new building at 43 Queen Street.