Earlier this spring, the sponsors announced that part of the proceeds from sales of Pacific Pilsner and Pureiän Springs would fund a $20,000 water clean-up program. They invited communities all across BC to share the story of their stream, river, lake or shoreline and their proposed clean-up project for funding and other support, and promised to announce winners before BC Day weekend.

“We were thrilled to receive applications from communities from all over British Columbia, who told us why their local water is important to them. They shared their clean-up ideas, as well as photos, video and social media projects. Most importantly, they shared their passion for nurturing their communities and for clean water for everyone to enjoy,” said Kazuko Komatsu, President and Chief Executive Officer, Pacific Western Brewery.

The sponsors and The Pacific Streamkeepers Federation, BC Lake Stewardship Society and BC Rivers Day reviewed the applications and selected the following water clean-up projects to receive funding and other support this summer.

Cowichan – Cowichan Land Trust for Cowichan River

Langley – Langley Environmental Partners Society for Bertrand Creek

Nadsilnich Lake (near Prince George) – Nadsilnich Lake Community Association for its lake

North Vancouver – Morten Creek SEP Society for Lynn Creek/Keith Creek confluence

Okanagan Falls – Okanagan Falls Parks and Recreation for Skaha Lake

Pemberton – In-SHUK-ch Nation for Lower Lillooet River (south of Pemberton)

Prince George – Fraser Basin Council for Nechako River

Quesnel – Baker Creek Enhancement Society for Dragon Creek

Quesnel – Horsefly River Roundtable for Horsefly River

“We are very proud to celebrate British Columbia, and BC Day, by supporting clean water projects. Water is one of BC’s most important resources and a jewel of our province. We appreciate its abundance as we brew our beers and create refreshing drinks with the pure spring water at our own facility in Northern BC,” said Kazuko Komatsu.

“BC Rivers Day will be celebrating its 30th anniversary on September 26 of this year. These projects are a great way to build up to this important celebration of our connection with local waters, which will involve virtually every community in the province”, said Mark Angelo, BC Rivers Day founder and Chair of the Rivers Institute at BCIT in Burnaby.

“These shoreline clean-up and restoration projects will not only create a sense of pride and accomplishment within a community, but will also have a positive impact on terrestrial and aquatic life that depend on healthy lake ecosystems” said Skye Dunbar, Project Coordinator, BC Lake Stewardship Society in Kelowna.

“Community groups from all across BC expressed their concern and commitment to their local streams and waters, and particularly the banks and shores surrounding them, to help them thrive. We look forward to working with community groups to help make these worthy projects successful and meaningful,” said ZoAnn Morten of The Pacific Streamkeepers Federation in Vancouver.

The sponsors and partners will share information about each of the clean-up projects as they take place at www.pwbrewing.com and at www.natureland.ca this summer.

Established in 1957 in Prince George, BC, on a fresh water spring, Pacific Western Brewing Co. is BC’s largest and longest established independent, Canadian-owned brewery. Pacific Western Brewery is committed to brewing consistently high quality beers, responsibly stewarding our shared resources and environment, and participating in programs and initiatives that benefit our local community and province.

Natureland Organics, Pacific Western Brewery’s sister company, creates and bottles certified organic Pureiän spring water and flavoured beverages: EnergyMax, an organic, caffeine-free and healthy alternative to many energy drinks; RelaxMax, with GABA, a naturally produced form of the amino acid the body uses to counteract stress and improve mental focus; VitalMax which contains coenzyme Q10, a naturally forming antioxidant studied for its anti-aging benefits and role in cognitive health—all available throughout British Columbia in London Drugs and Choices Markets.

Stay tuned for stories, photos and videos as these projects get underway across the province.

For more information and an on-line application form, visit www.pwbrewing.net/watercleanup.

Or download this PDF:  BC Waters Challenge – Application Form

The Leo Awards took place Friday June 4th and Saturday June 5th at the Westin Bayshore Hotel, to honour the best in British Columbian television and film production. This year’s loot, comprised by Eco Fashion Week Vancouver, included everything one would need to live an eco friendly lifestyle. From the coveted KOBO Ereader to Sappho Pure Mineral Make Up to Tonic Lifestyle Apparel, the 2010 Leo Awards gift bag were every bit luxurious. The recycled jewellery was a celebrity favourite that featured a necklace from Dotted Loop, bracelets from Ecocessories and earrings from Street Cat Designs. Eco Fashion Week looked for only the most environmentally innovative and one-of-a-kind products. “The gift bags were a huge success and we look forward to working with them again in the future.” – Drew Scott (Leo Awards co-producer)

The Leo Awards gift bags were made up of donated products given to presenters as a token of appreciation. Presenters for the 2010 Leo Awards included Smallville’s Kristin Kreuk, Reaper’s Tyler Labine and Stargate Universe’s Elyse Leveque, who is also the face of the September 2010 instalment of Eco Fashion Week. The Eco Fashion Week team, who were at the Leo’s filming a webisode for a behind the scenes look at “what goes on at a fashion week” handed out the bags to the celebrity presenters. The webisode will be posted sometime this month on Eco Fashion World, and will feature celebrities from the likes of Lou Diamond Philips and Aaron Ashmore receiving their eco friendly gift bags.

One of the biggest comments about the bags was the diversity of products – Pureology Shampoo, SIGG Water Bottle, a restaurant gift card from Wild Rice and Energy Max organic drink all brought something different to the sustainable swag. The array of eco fashion, beauty, gadgets and services were a hot topic throughout both nights, and was a considerable step for planet friendly brands to reach mainstream audiences.

Source: Eco Fashion World

Letís talk neuroscience. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a naturally occurring amino acid made from glutamate in your brain cells. GABA and glutamate are the two most abundant neurotransmitters in the brain, especially concentrated in the cerebral cortex where sensory perception and thinking occur.

Naturally Boost Your Mood!

Pharma-GABA The Effects:

GABA increases alpha brain waves, which produce feelings of ìin the zoneî calmness and relaxation. Likewise, GABA decreases beta brain waves, which produce feelings of nervousness and anxiety. Those beta waves are the waves of distraction. They get in your way and muddle your mind.

GABA The Results:

In a world of hyperactivity, GABA helps those with plenty of energy feel relaxed, centered and focused. Athletes who took GABA supplements before exercising had lower blood pressure, body temperature, and heart rates. Students who took GABA before tests experienced less anxiety and stress than students not on GABA. Their test scores were higher, too.
Since the 1950s, people have successfully used GABA to restore mental calmness; to improve learning performance and memory; to improve sleep quality; to deal with situations involving high stress, extreme anxiety, phobias and fears; and to regain mental focus and concentration

Dave Jones

Coenzyme Q10. The Science:

CoQ10, also known as ubiquinone, is present everywhere in the body. Without CoQ10, our cells can’t function. Every cell needs this vital coenzyme to create energy within the cell and keep up with life’s unceasing demands on our bodies. CoQ10 is the high octane fuel our body needs to think, act and move!

Coenzyme Q10. The Effects:

Powerful Antioxidant. It has been studied for its role in cognitive health, heart health, and anti-ageing (in oral and topical formulations). A scientific study presented strong evidence that CoQ10 could help slow the progression of the neurodegenerative disease Parkinson’s.

Coenzyme Q10. The Results:

When there is a deficiency of this enzyme, even the basic metabolic functions of your cells are disrupted. Natural production of this enzyme declines as we age. Furthermore, the use of medications for lowering cholesterol also depletes your levels.

Dave Jones