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

news

A Tyee Series

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.

By Colleen Kimmett, 7 Jul 2010

news

A Tyee Series

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?

By Colleen Kimmett, 19 May 2010

news

A Tyee Series

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.

By Colleen Kimmett, 13 May 2010

news

A Tyee Series

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.

By Colleen Kimmett, 4 May 2010

news

He's Paving the Way for Electric Cars

Vancouver-raised Ron Chung is readying Hong Kong for a new revolution.

By Colleen Kimmett, 26 Feb 2010

artsculture

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.

By Colleen Kimmett, 12 Feb 2010

opinion

A Tyee Series

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.

By Colleen Kimmett, 31 Dec 2009

news

A Tyee Series

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.

By Colleen Kimmett, 25 Dec 2009

news

How Science Blew the 'Climategate' Attack

Global warming is still fact, but a bumbling response helped deniers cloud the public's understanding.

By Colleen Kimmett, 14 Dec 2009

news

A Tyee Series

Sustainable, but Too Small?

Demand for eco-certified wood is growing worldwide. Small-scale foresters want in, but need to be creative.

By Colleen Kimmett, 15 Sep 2009

news

First Nation Takes Lead on Solar Power

T'Sou-ke project models energy autonomy for other BC Aboriginal communities.

By Colleen Kimmett, 24 Jul 2009

news

Pricing Nature to Save It

Just some of what Canada's Boreal Forest does is said to be worth $77 billion.

By Colleen Kimmett, 18 Jun 2009

news

Oceans of Challenges

How BC's enviro groups are working to save sea life.

By Colleen Kimmett, 8 Jun 2009

books

'Slow Death by Rubber Duck'

Co-author Bruce Lourie on the chemical 'marinade' we share, his experiment in self-poisoning, and more.

By Colleen Kimmett, 21 May 2009

news

Libs' River Power Push: Dangers, but Little Data

Experts, local officials want brakes put on big Bute Inlet run of river project.

By Colleen Kimmett, 11 May 2009

news

Hanging out with Greens in Suits

Candidate Kettlewell's pitch to a rising class of young, urban, sustainability-techies.

By Colleen Kimmett, 8 May 2009

news

Which Party Is More Green? Grades Aren't Posted

Sierra Club, Suzuki, others haven't issued platform report cards, so we asked.

By Colleen Kimmett, 1 May 2009

artsculture

Can the 100-Mile Diet Reach a Million TV Viewers?

Co-creator Alisa Smith on the new show, and what's next.

By Colleen Kimmett, 24 Apr 2009

news

BC's Surge of Female Candidates

'We're behind Iraq and Afghanistan in elected women': NDP's McNabb.

By Colleen Kimmett, 21 Apr 2009

news

BC's Clashing Shades of Green

How 'run of river' and global warming are splitting enviros this election.

By Colleen Kimmett, 7 Apr 2009

news

A Tyee Series

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.

By Colleen Kimmett, 2 Apr 2009

news

How an Alberta Economist Counsels Victims of Bernie Madoff

Mark Anielski's guide to 'genuine wealth' gains a new audience.

By Colleen Kimmett, 24 Mar 2009

opinion

A Tyee Series

Thanks for Your Big Ideas!

We asked you for bold new thinking, and here's what you shared.

By Colleen Kimmett, 18 Mar 2009

news

Map Scopes Region's Power Future

Plans for BC, Alberta and eleven states to produce and export renewable energy.

By Colleen Kimmett, 26 Feb 2009

news

War over River Power Escalates

Industry, foes clash over massive private Bute Inlet project.

By Colleen Kimmett, 13 Feb 2009

news

Should You Stop Eating Salmon?

Yes, says a top UBC scientist. 'Smart shopping' isn't saving wild stocks.

By Colleen Kimmett, 13 Jan 2009

news

A Tyee Series

'Heart and Soul of the Province'

Paddling into the Lower Fraser, a magnet for wildlife and humans. Last in a series.

By Colleen Kimmett, 10 Dec 2008

news

A Tyee 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.

By Colleen Kimmett, 3 Dec 2008

news

A Tyee 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.

By Colleen Kimmett, 26 Nov 2008

news

A Tyee Series

The Fate of the Fraser

Exploring BC's future by journeying the length of its mightiest river. First in a series.

By Colleen Kimmett, 19 Nov 2008

news

Do Salmon Hatcheries Work?

Millions of eggs plus so much human good will. Does it add up to more fish?

By Colleen Kimmett, 13 Nov 2008

news

Voting for Lights and Heat

High energy costs, tightening family budgets. Who's making the election connection?

By Colleen Kimmett, 10 Oct 2008

books

James Glave, Green Guy Next Door

Author of 'Almost Green' on why DIY skills, dense communities, and maybe women, are kinder to the planet.

By Colleen Kimmett, 24 Sep 2008

news

A Tyee Series

New Thermal-Energy Solutions Heating Up

How BC could clean its hands of dirty energy.

By Colleen Kimmett, 23 Jul 2008

news

Dump the New Garbage Plans?

Finding the greenest way to deal with trash.

By Colleen Kimmett, 22 Jul 2008

news

Can BC Make Solar Bloom?

Ontario pays far more to small generators who tap the sun.

By Colleen Kimmett, 15 Jul 2008

news

A Tyee Series

BC's Blind Eye to Sun, Wind Power

Province lags as other places pay top dollar to promote range of renewable power.

By Colleen Kimmett, 8 Jul 2008

news

'Green Your Campbell Cash' Draws Big Response

More than 50 'cool' projects seek votes, support, with weeks still to go.

By Colleen Kimmett, 25 Jun 2008

news

Natives Face Salmon Food Shortage

Fraser River bands hard pressed to share dwindling sockeye catch.

By Colleen Kimmett, 21 May 2008

news

Let Us Control Our Fates Say Timber Towns

'Community forests' vie with big firms for BC's wood profits.

By Colleen Kimmett, 13 May 2008

news

Who Will Revive BC's Forests?

World relies on our 'lungs,' but replanting is lowest in 20 years.

By Colleen Kimmett, 28 Apr 2008

news

Skimpier Schools to Replace Heritage Buildings?

Wrong approach to quake-proofing say Vancouver parents.

By Colleen Kimmett, 21 Apr 2008

news

Another Side to Private Power

First Nations, municipalities explore controversial energy source.

By Colleen Kimmett, 11 Apr 2008

news

Burn Trees to Light Homes?

Europe imports BC wood pellets to create 'bioenergy.' Here, it's not so easy.

By Colleen Kimmett, 1 Apr 2008

news

The New Green Classroom

How teachers are turning kids on to ecology.

By Colleen Kimmett, 10 Mar 2008

news

Private River Power Draws Diverse Foes

'Green' claims disputed.

By Colleen Kimmett, 19 Feb 2008

news

Making Schools 'Carbon Neutral'

School officials scramble to meet BC emissions goal.

By Colleen Kimmett, 6 Feb 2008

books

Cousteau's Deep Vision

Parting words from the great inventor, ecologist, film star.

By Colleen Kimmett, 5 Feb 2008

news

Paths to Fame for Young Native Artists

Craft, culture and business skills all part of the picture.

By Colleen Kimmett, 31 Jan 2008

A Whale of a Love Affair

The irresistible, but blinding, charm of cetaceans.

By Colleen Kimmett, 21 Jan 2008

news

Using Genes to Fight Pine Beetle

Scientists probe genetic workings of pests, trees.

By Colleen Kimmett, 16 Jan 2008

news

A Tyee Series

Idea #9: Public Funds for Home Renos

The case for loans to pay for solar heating.

By Colleen Kimmett, 27 Dec 2007

news

A Tyee Series

Idea #4: Fruit Trees on City Streets

Ruben Anderson sees both the cultural and the culinary appeal.

By Colleen Kimmett, 20 Dec 2007

Strong Bonds in Telegraph Creek

A photographer soaks up some Tahltan hospitality.

By Colleen Kimmett, 23 Nov 2007

news

Big Power of Small Loans

Microcredit plus Internet yields good returns.

By Colleen Kimmett, 15 Nov 2007

life

Raising a Brand-Free Kid

From day one, you've got to fight Winnie the Pooh.

By Colleen Kimmett, 30 Oct 2007

news

'BC's Hinterlands Are Opened Up for Business'

River power projects bring roads, people, wildlife threats.

By Colleen Kimmett, 17 Oct 2007

news

Local Power Key to Fighting Global Warming: Poll

Municipal officials have citizens' trust, but lack money.

By Colleen Kimmett, 27 Sep 2007

news

As Killings by Police Mount, a Call for Independent Probes

Ontario's unit needed in BC say advocates.

By Colleen Kimmett, 25 Sep 2007

news

Birth of EcoDensity Backlash

Angry residents demand voice in upped growth plans.

By Colleen Kimmett, 21 Sep 2007

books

A Tyee Series

Down with Closet Cleaning

Gail Anderson-Dargatz on why letters and old pans matter.

By Colleen Kimmett, 19 Sep 2007

news

Tsawwassen Treaty 'Fraud' Say Gulf Island First Nations

Will ask BC Supreme Court to halt signing.

By Colleen Kimmett, 14 Sep 2007

news

Goodbye Spotted Owl

Seventeen left in BC; habitat plan slammed as failure.

By Colleen Kimmett, 14 Sep 2007