Manitoba Eco-Network

The Manitoba Eco-Network (MEN), a not-for-profit charity organization, connects individuals and groups in Manitoba communities and encourages positive environmental action through education, celebration, and facilitation.

As a regional affiliate of the Canadian Environmental Network, MEN provides networking and referral services to over 50 member groups, and meeting space and equipment for those member groups without offices. Community members can become individual members and associate memberships are available to businesses that share our vision and principles.

MEN started in 1987 in a corner of the office of another environmental group before becoming incorporated and moving into our own office the next year. After numerous location changes, many special events, and much hope for the future, the MEN is a hub of environmental education and advocacy, covering the hot topics of today, such as climate change, oil spills, food issues and green transportation.

Environmental issues are complex and wide reaching, which can make it difficult for individuals to navigate through the many problems and initiatives which occur simultaneously.  Through their many programs and network of member groups, the Eco-Network reaches out to communities across Manitoba to keep residents up to date on local issues, news stories, job postings and events. These resources allow everyone to do their part to ensure Manitoba’s environment is preserved and rehabilitated where necessary.

Residents of Manitoba are interested in environmental issues, as we have responded with abundant education opportunities through our programs Climate Change Connection, the Organic Lawn Care Education Project, the Water Caucus, and the Manitoba Environmental Youth Network. MEN also publishes the Eco-Journal five times a year, featuring local environmental stories often not found in mainstream media. Another great service provided by the Manitoba Eco-Network is the Alice Chambers Memorial Library, which has an extensive collection of environmental books, journals, government reports, and films available for free loans to the public.

Climate Change Connection is a hub for information about climate change in Manitoba and envisions that Manitobans’ will become increasingly aware of climate change facts related to Manitoba and as a result reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. Idle Free Zone signs are distributed for free and posted at school, community, and business areas throughout Winnipeg and Manitoba.

Organic Lawn Care Education was developed as a result of increasing awareness of the health and environmental risks associated with using synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, as well as the lack of lawn care companies that employ organic methods and principles.  Free workshops are given at libraries throughout the city and cover the proper cultural techniques needed to maintain a healthy, beautiful lawn organically.

MEN’s Water Caucus encourages and facilitates broader environmental non-governmental organization and citizen involvement in water stewardship activities through workshops, capacity-building and projects such as Protect Our Water, where project staff work with local homeowners to set goals toward conserving water in their households.

Manitoba Environmental Youth Network creates spaces for environmental youth to connect, share, learn and take action. This past October, a diverse group of Manitoba youth boarded a bus for Ottawa to attend Power Shift, a weekend filled with workshops and strategy sessions that led up to a day of lobbying on Parliament.

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