Bios
Colleen Kimmett
Colleen Kimmett is a Vancouver-based journalist who writes about science and the environment. She is an associate editor at Briarpatch magazine.
Stories by Colleen Kimmett
King of Poop Power
A farmer in Abbotsford will turn manure, lots of it, into a natural gas substitute. It's a first in BC, and the pioneer smells Canada-wide success.
Is BC Ready for Smart Meters?
BC Hydro is preparing to roll out smart meters in every home. The tech industry is ready to jump on board, but are government and citizens prepared?
Here Comes the 'Smart Grid' Way to Save Power
The US is investing billions in a wired feedback loop telling consumers how to be electricity misers. A BC firm is on the cutting edge.
BC Charts a 'Clean Tech' Future, but Is the Map Right?
Too many mega-projects, say some experts, who see big gains from lower-impact, local community projects.
He's Paving the Way for Electric Cars
Vancouver-raised Ron Chung is readying Hong Kong for a new revolution.
Inside the 'Phantom Galleries' of the Downtown Eastside
Behind unmarked storefronts lies a vibrant art scene. How to find what's on display during the Olympics.
Idea #9: Love the Rain
Or, at least learn to appreciate it. As demand increases, municipalities across the province are looking for ways to conserve our clean water supply. A big part of that is making better use of what falls from the sky.
Idea #5: Living Christmas Trees
How two B.C. companies are giving trees a life after Christmas (and turning a profit, too) renting potted evergreens.
How Science Blew the 'Climategate' Attack
Global warming is still fact, but a bumbling response helped deniers cloud the public's understanding.
Sustainable, but Too Small?
Demand for eco-certified wood is growing worldwide. Small-scale foresters want in, but need to be creative.
First Nation Takes Lead on Solar Power
T'Sou-ke project models energy autonomy for other BC Aboriginal communities.
Pricing Nature to Save It
Just some of what Canada's Boreal Forest does is said to be worth $77 billion.
Oceans of Challenges
How BC's enviro groups are working to save sea life.
'Slow Death by Rubber Duck'
Co-author Bruce Lourie on the chemical 'marinade' we share, his experiment in self-poisoning, and more.
Libs' River Power Push: Dangers, but Little Data
Experts, local officials want brakes put on big Bute Inlet run of river project.
Hanging out with Greens in Suits
Candidate Kettlewell's pitch to a rising class of young, urban, sustainability-techies.
Which Party Is More Green? Grades Aren't Posted
Sierra Club, Suzuki, others haven't issued platform report cards, so we asked.
Can the 100-Mile Diet Reach a Million TV Viewers?
Co-creator Alisa Smith on the new show, and what's next.
BC's Surge of Female Candidates
'We're behind Iraq and Afghanistan in elected women': NDP's McNabb.
BC's Clashing Shades of Green
How 'run of river' and global warming are splitting enviros this election.
The Coming Co-op Crunch
As funds dry up and buildings run down, residents don't want to give up on their affordable way of living.
How an Alberta Economist Counsels Victims of Bernie Madoff
Mark Anielski's guide to 'genuine wealth' gains a new audience.
Map Scopes Region's Power Future
Plans for BC, Alberta and eleven states to produce and export renewable energy.
War over River Power Escalates
Industry, foes clash over massive private Bute Inlet project.
Should You Stop Eating Salmon?
Yes, says a top UBC scientist. 'Smart shopping' isn't saving wild stocks.
'Heart and Soul of the Province'
Paddling into the Lower Fraser, a magnet for wildlife and humans. Last in a series.
A Fraser Full of Fish No More?
All of BC has a stake in better managing once massive salmon runs. Third in a series.
The Fraser's Fragile Forests
Near the headwaters of BC's vast watershed, how to place a value on ancient trees? Second in a series.
The Fate of the Fraser
Exploring BC's future by journeying the length of its mightiest river. First in a series.
Do Salmon Hatcheries Work?
Millions of eggs plus so much human good will. Does it add up to more fish?
Voting for Lights and Heat
High energy costs, tightening family budgets. Who's making the election connection?
James Glave, Green Guy Next Door
Author of 'Almost Green' on why DIY skills, dense communities, and maybe women, are kinder to the planet.
Dump the New Garbage Plans?
Finding the greenest way to deal with trash.
Can BC Make Solar Bloom?
Ontario pays far more to small generators who tap the sun.
BC's Blind Eye to Sun, Wind Power
Province lags as other places pay top dollar to promote range of renewable power.
'Green Your Campbell Cash' Draws Big Response
More than 50 'cool' projects seek votes, support, with weeks still to go.
Natives Face Salmon Food Shortage
Fraser River bands hard pressed to share dwindling sockeye catch.
Let Us Control Our Fates Say Timber Towns
'Community forests' vie with big firms for BC's wood profits.
Who Will Revive BC's Forests?
World relies on our 'lungs,' but replanting is lowest in 20 years.
Skimpier Schools to Replace Heritage Buildings?
Wrong approach to quake-proofing say Vancouver parents.
Another Side to Private Power
First Nations, municipalities explore controversial energy source.
Burn Trees to Light Homes?
Europe imports BC wood pellets to create 'bioenergy.' Here, it's not so easy.
The New Green Classroom
How teachers are turning kids on to ecology.
Private River Power Draws Diverse Foes
'Green' claims disputed.
Making Schools 'Carbon Neutral'
School officials scramble to meet BC emissions goal.
Cousteau's Deep Vision
Parting words from the great inventor, ecologist, film star.
Paths to Fame for Young Native Artists
Craft, culture and business skills all part of the picture.
A Whale of a Love Affair
The irresistible, but blinding, charm of cetaceans.
Using Genes to Fight Pine Beetle
Scientists probe genetic workings of pests, trees.
Strong Bonds in Telegraph Creek
A photographer soaks up some Tahltan hospitality.
Big Power of Small Loans
Microcredit plus Internet yields good returns.
Raising a Brand-Free Kid
From day one, you've got to fight Winnie the Pooh.
'BC's Hinterlands Are Opened Up for Business'
River power projects bring roads, people, wildlife threats.
Local Power Key to Fighting Global Warming: Poll
Municipal officials have citizens' trust, but lack money.
As Killings by Police Mount, a Call for Independent Probes
Ontario's unit needed in BC say advocates.
Birth of EcoDensity Backlash
Angry residents demand voice in upped growth plans.
Tsawwassen Treaty 'Fraud' Say Gulf Island First Nations
Will ask BC Supreme Court to halt signing.
Goodbye Spotted Owl
Seventeen left in BC; habitat plan slammed as failure.
