Noor Cultural Centre
    

Resources | Social Justice Issues

Jun 11th 2012

environment-links-main

Environmental Protection

‘Bottled Water Free Zone’

Sign | This is a Bottled Water Free Zone

This sign can be used to be mark your space as a ‘bottled water free zone’.  It also contains information about the importance of refusing bottled water.

Greenpeace Top 10 Green Tips

1. Drive less
2. Eat fewer animal products
3. Eat locally grown organic food
4. Buy less
5. Choose fair trade
6. Reduce air travel
7. Reduce waste
8. Call your municipality for ways to reduce your environmental impact in your city
9. Get political – we need systematic change in the form of environmental regulations to truly change our course of environmental degradation.
10. Tell everyone the above steps you are taking

Websites

Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS): http://www.cpaws.org
CPAWS is dedicated to the protection of public land and water, and ensuring our parks are managed to protect the nature within them. 

David Suzuki Foundation: https://davidsuzuki.org/
The David Suzuki Foundation is a national organization that uses evidence-based research, education, and policy analysis to advocate for conserving and protecting the natural environment. 

Ontario Clean Air Alliance: http://www.cleanairalliance.org/about/ 
The Ontario Clean Air Alliance is a coalition of over 90 organizations that advocates for clean energy solutions.

350.org:  https://350.org/
350.org is an advocacy organization dedicated to opposing new coal, oil, and gas projects and to advocating for clean energy solutions that work for all.  

A World of Green Muslims:
https://aworldofgreenmuslims.wordpress.com/
This is a hub of information for Muslim environmental initiatives around the world.  

Greenpeace Canada: http://www.greenpeace.org/canada/en/
Greenpeace is an independently funded organization that works to: protect biodiversity in all its forms; prevent pollution of the Earth’s oceans, land, air and fresh water; end all nuclear threats; and promote peace, global disarmament and non-violence.

What’s in Season in Ontario: http://ontariofarmfresh.com/consumers/whats-in-season/
A guide to the fruits and vegetables available in Ontario throughout the year.  A useful guide for those looking to reduce their ecological impact through buying locally.

Green Enterprise Toronto: http://www.greenenterprise.net/web/index.php

Green Living: http://greenlivingonline.com/
Green Enterprise Toronto and Green Living provide listings of green businesses in the Greater Toronto Area.

The Pembina Institute: http://www.pembina.org/
Pembina’s mission is to advance sustainable energy solutions through innovative research, education, consulting and advocacy.

Polaris Institute: http://www.polarisinstitute.org/about_polaris_institute 
Polaris is designed to enable citizen movements to re-skill and re-tool themselves to fight for democratic social change, including environmental sustainability, in an age of corporate driven globalization.

Tar Sands Watch: http://tarsandswatch.org/
Tar Sands Watch is the Polaris Institute’s website on Canada’s tar sands project.

Khaleafa.com: http://khaleafa.com/
The purpose of this site is to raise awareness in the Muslim community about environmental issues as well as showcase Muslim initiatives in the area of environmental stewardship.

Toronto Environmental Alliance: http://www.torontoenvironment.org/
The Toronto Environmental Alliance advocates for and engages citizens in creating a more environmentally-sustainable Greater Toronto Area.

Islamic Climate Change Declaration: http://islamicclimatedeclaration.org/islamic-declaration-on-global-climate-change/ 
Turkey recently released the ‘Islamic Climate Change Declaration’, presenting the moral case, based on Islamic teachings, for Muslims and all people to take urgent climate action.

Articles

Less is More: Reducing Meat and Dairy for a Healthier Life and Planet
Report by Greenpeace

Islamic environmental ethics, law, and society
Article by Dr. Mawil Y. Izzi Deen

Ecology in Islam: Protection of the web of life a duty for Muslims
Washington Report article by Dr. Hasan Zillur Rahim

The eco-halal revolution
Altmuslim.com article on environmentally sustainable production of halal meat

Environment and ecology in Islam
Compilation of articles by The American Muslim

Environmental responsibility clear in Islamic scriptures
Washington Post article by Imam Zaid Shakir

Presentation on the upcoming global water shortage

Multifaith Climate Action Iftar: Follow-Up Document
This is the follow-up document to Noor Cultural Centre and Faith & The Common Good’s joint iftar dedicated to climate action 

Books

Heat: How to Stop the Planet Burning by George Monbiot

Tar Sands: Dirty Oil and the Future of a Continent by Andrew Nikiforuk

Plan B: Rescuing a Planet Under Stress and a Civilization in Trouble by Lester R. Brown

The Book of Nature: A Sourcebook of Spiritual Perspectives on Nature and the Environment edited by Camille Helminski

Sea Sick: The Hidden Crisis in the Global Ocean by Alanna Mitchell

Video

Environmental activists Vandana Shiva & Maude Barlow
“Democracy Now” (April 22, 2011)

Are the Tar Sands Ethical? : Andrew Nikiforuk vs. Ezra Levant

Climate Cartoons
This series of short cartoon videos, produced by GreenMajority.ca, explains climate change and our options for responding to it.

 

divider-bar2

Animal Ethics

Websites

Veganism of Colour: http://www.veganismofcolor.com/
Veganism of Colour advances an analysis that recognizes the interconnectedness between all oppression – human and non-human. It provides resources for non-White vegans and others who reject the dehumanization engendered by social hierarchies.   

Non-Human Rights Project: https://www.nonhumanrights.org/who-we-are/
The Non-Human Rights Project works to secure legally recognized fundamental rights for non-human animals through litigation, advocacy, and education.

Animal Justice: https://www.animaljustice.ca/
Animal Justice is a legal organization working to pass strong new animal protection legislation, push for the prosecution of animal abusers, and fight for animals in court.

Recipes for a Healthy World: A Greenpeace Cookbook:
https://medium.com/greenpeacecookbook
This is a resource of vegetarian and vegan recipes.

The Ultimate Guide to Cruelty-Free Beauty and Household Shopping
https://couponfollow.com/research/cruelty-free-shopping#cruelty-free-makeup
This is a guide to purchasing ‘cruelty-free’ products – i.e. those that do not involve testing on animals, which causes pain and suffering.

50+ High Quality Vegan Blogs Worth Following:
http://theminimalistvegan.com/high-quality-vegan-blogs/
This is a resource page for vegan recipe blogs.

At-Home Vegan and Vegetarian Resources:
http://www.improvenet.com/a/at-home-vegan-vegetarian-resources 
This is a resource page on vegetarianism and veganism – including definitions, nutrition tips, and recipes.  Reducing our meat intake reduces our environmental footprint, given that meat production is incredibly resource-intensive.

Mercy for Animals: http://www.mercyforanimals.org/ 
Mercy for Animals is an international non-profit organization dedicated to preventing cruelty to farmed animals and promoting compassionate food choices and policies.   It does this through: undercover investigations in industrial farms and slaughterhouses; legal advocacy for the rights of animals; outreach to corporations; and education.

Factory Farming Awareness Coalition: http://www.ffacoalition.org/ 
Factory Farming Awareness Coalition is a non-profit organization committed to empowering people through education to save the environment, animals and our own health through our food choices. 

World Wildlife Fund Canada: http://wwf.ca/
The World Wildlife Fund’s mission is to stop the degradation of the planet’s natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature, by: conserving the world’s biological diversity; ensuring that the use of renewable natural resources is sustainable; promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful consumption.

World Society for the Protection of Animals: http://www.wspa.ca/
The World Society for the Protection of Animals conducts campaigns on issues such as reducing the cruelty perpetrated against animals used in food production and sport, and protecting animals from the effects of natural disasters.

Calendar of Upcoming Vegan/Vegetarian Events (in USA/Canada) http://www.culinaryschools.org/blog/upcoming-vegan-and-vegetarian-events/

Articles

Mercy for Animals’ ‘8 Delicious Vegan Recipes’

Veganism of Colour: A Starter Guide 

5 Reasons You Should Boycott the Zoo

Animals in Islam
Excerpts from the book by Al-Hafiz B.A. Masri

Books

Animals in the Qur’an, by Sarra Tlili (Cambridge University Press, 2012)

divider-bar2

Economic Issues

Websites

Campaign 2000: https://campaign2000.ca/
Campaign 2000 is a public education movement to build awareness and support for ending child poverty.

Ontario Coalition Against Poverty: http://ocap.ca/
The Ontario Coalition Against Poverty is an anti-poverty organization that advocates for systemic solutions to poverty, as well as works with those affected by poverty to navigate social assistance, public housing, and other bureaucracies.

Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives: http://www.policyalternatives.ca/
The Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives is a research institute concerned with issues of economic, social and environmental justice.  It suggests and advocates for alternatives to current government policy in these areas.

The Progressive Economics Forum: http://www.progressive-economics.ca/
The Progressive Economics Forum is a collection of articles on current-day economic issues written by a variety of leading progressive economists.  They also host conferences and panels, and serve as a hub for the growing community of progressive economic thinkers.

divider-bar2

Anti-War/Militarism 

Websites

World Beyond War: https://worldbeyondwar.org/
World Beyond War aims to create awareness about popular support for ending war, and to further develop that support. They advance the idea of not just ending any particular war, but of abolishing the institution. 

Code Pink: https://www.codepink.org/splash?splash=1 |
Code Pink is a women-led grassroots organization working to end US wars and militarism, support peace and human rights initiatives, and redirect public spending into healthcare, education, green jobs, and other life-affirming programs. 

Roots Action: http://rootsaction.org/
Roots Action is an online initiative dedicated to galvanizing people who are committed to economic fairness, equal rights, civil liberties, environmental protection – and defunding endless wars

Physicians for Social Responsibility: https://www.psr.org/ 
Physicians for Social Responsibility advocates to prevent dangers to our world – i.e. nuclear war and proliferation, climate change, toxic chemicals in our environment, and eliminate the use of nuclear power – based on medical/public health expertise.  

Federation of American Scientists: https://fas.org/
The Federation of American Scientists provides science-based analysis of, and solutions to, protect against catastrophic threats to national and international security.  Specifically, it works to reduce the spread and number of nuclear weapons, prevent nuclear and radiological terrorism, promote high standards for nuclear energy’s safety and security, illuminate government secrecy practices, as well as prevent the use of biological and chemical weapons.

Project Ploughshares: http://ploughshares.ca/
Project Ploughshares is an operating division of the Canadian Council of Churches that works with churches, governments, and civil society, in Canada and abroad, to advance policies and actions to prevent war and armed violence, and build peace.

Rideau Institute: http://www.rideauinstitute.ca/
The Rideau Institute does independent research, advocacy, and social engagement to aid decision makers, opinion leaders, and the public on foreign and defence policy.

Homes Not Bombs: http://www.homesnotbombs.ca/hnbhistory.htm
Homes Not Bombs is an Ontario-wide volunteer coalition of people using non-violent direct action in an attempt to confront institutional and personal violence.

Videos

Moving from Militarism to Peace: A Conversation with Medea Benjamin
(Noor Cultural Centre; Sunday September 23, 2018)

divider-bar2

Race/Racism

Articles

NCC Report |Myths & Facts of Islamophobia: Responding to Common Narratives about Muslims

2018 Survey | A Grave Problem: EKOS Survey on Islamophobia in Canada

Reading List | Islamophobia is Racism

NCC Reading List | Islamophobia in Canada post-Quebec mosque shooting

NCC Report | Islamophobia in Canada

NCC Report | Islamophobia in Mainstream Media: “Muslims as Terrorists”

NCC Report | Muslims & Multiculturalism: Evaluating Common Concerns about Muslims in Canada

NCC Report |A Critique of ‘Honor Diaries’

Donation GuideRohingya Relief & Advocacy

Event ReportUnderstanding the Rohingya Genocide: Event Summary Document

Syllabus for White People to Educate Themselves
A compilation of articles on racism in North America, as well as information for taking action

Omar Khadr Settlement: A Brief Fact Sheet
Noor Cultural Centre report, based on the lecture at Noor Cultural Centre, addressing common questions and misconceptions about the Canadian government’s financial settlement with Omar Khadr.

Video

‘Islamophobia Is’ : short video series
5 animated video shorts + resources + Educator’s Guide 

Payam Akhavan – Justice for the Rohingya
Recording of the program at Noor Cultural Centre

One Year After the Quebec Mosque Shooting: Remembrance & Reflection
Recording of the program at Noor Cultural Centre to mark the first anniversary of the shooting at the Islamic Cultural Centre of Quebec City.  

Zainab Amadahy – ‘Your Home on Native Land: Canada 150
Recording of Islamic History Month Canada 2017 lecture at Noor Cultural Centre – on the subject of historical and ongoing colonialism on this land.

Audrey Macklin – ‘Omar Khadr Settlement: Questions & Misconceptions’
Recording of lecture at Noor Cultural Centre – answering common questions about the Canadian government’s financial settlement with Omar Khadr.

John Packer – ‘Addressing the Rohingya Genocide: What We Can and Must Do’
Recording of lecture at Noor Cultural Centre – about the Rohingya genocide and, specifically, Canada’s obligations under international law.

divider-bar2

General/Integrated

Websites

The Broadbent Institute: http://www.broadbentinstitute.ca/
The Broadbent Institute is an independent organization advocating for progressive change through the promotion of democracy, equality, sustainability and the training of a new generation of leaders. 

The Council of Canadians: http://www.canadians.org/
Founded in 1985, the Council of Canadians is Canada’s largest citizens’ organization, with members and chapters across the country. They work to protect Canadian independence by promoting progressive policies on fair trade, clean water, energy security, public health care, and other issues of social and economic concern to Canadians.

KAIROS: https://www.kairoscanada.org/
KAIROS: Canadian Ecumenical Justice Initiatives is a web of people and partnerships dedicated to a faithful and decisive response to God’s call for respect for the earth and justice for its people.

Food Forward: http://pushfoodforward.com/
Food Forward advocates for a food system in Ontario that is healthy, local, sustainable, ethically produced and accessible for all.

Avaaz: http://www.avaaz.org/en/
Avaaz is a worldwide movement using the power of the web to bring people together to advocate for social justice around the globe.

Local Food News: http://relocalizedfood.wordpress.com/
Information about local and sustainable food movements in Ontario and around the world.

Articles

UN Report on Food Security in Canada
This report summarizes the findings of Olivier DeSchutter, the UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food, on his visit to Canada in May 2012

Books

The Story of Stuff, by Annie Leonard

Stuffed and Starved, by Raj Patel

Blue Covenant: The Global Water Crisis and the Fight for the Right to Water, by Maude Barlow

Earth Democracy: Justice, Sustainability, and Peace, by Vandana Shiva

An Illustrated Short History of Progress, by Ronald Wright

The World As It Is, by Chris Hedges

Video

The Story of Stuff
Narrated by Annie Leonard (July 2008)

The Story of Bottled Water
Narrated by Annie Leonard (March 2010)

divider-bar2

Some Recommended News Sources

Environment News Service: http://www.ens-newswire.com/

Democracy Now!: http://www.democracynow.org/

The Real News: http://therealnews.com/

The Guardian: http://www.theguardian.pe.ca/ 

The Independent: http://www.independent.co.uk/

The Intercept: https://theintercept.com/ 

Rabble: http://rabble.ca

Straight Goods: http://sgnews.ca/

Truth Dig: http://www.truthdig.com/

Al Jazeera : http://www.aljazeera.com/news/ 

Jamhoor : https://www.jamhoor.org/

divider-bar2

Examples of Noor Events and Initiatives on Social Justice Issues

Awakening the Dreamer, Changing the Dream

Islam and the Environmental Crisis: Faith, Eco-Responsibility, Sustainability, and Leadership Through Exemplary Action

Interfaith Dinner to Challenge the G8

The Animals’ Complaint Against Humanity

The Role of Religion in Shaping our Views on the Three E’s: Economy, Environment, and Ethics

Focus on Food

“Toxic Trespass”: Film Screening & Discussion with Producer

Ontario Pre-Election Information Session

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)

Discussion on Social Enterprise & Housing

Discussion on Food Justice in Theory & in Practice

Ramadan Lecture on “The Holy Month of Ramadan & The Ethics of Food”

Reading & Discussion of “The Story of Stuff” by Annie Leonard

Multifaith Climate Action Iftar

Multifaith Action Against Poverty  

‘Tree for Me’ Campaign






MOST RECENT