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This week:

Thanks to the risks the COVID-19 pandemic has brought to indoor dining and socializing, patio heaters have been flying off store shelves as the weather has become cooler.

But many of them burn fossil fuels to essentially heat the outdoors. The French energy think-tank Negawatt estimates that using five propane heaters to heat a roughly 800-square-foot patio from November to March will emit as much CO2 as a car circling the Earth three times.

With the increase in outdoor heater sales, the impact can add up. In 2006, when British MP Desmond Turner campaigned to have patio heaters banned in his country, he estimated that the one million tonnes of annual emissions from patio heaters in the U.K. cancelled out the emissions reductions made a few years earlier by starting to tax vehicles based on how polluting they were.

There have been numerous calls to ban patio heaters in Europe and some successful bans. For example, France banned all outdoor heaters (including electric ones) in July, although the ban doesn't go into effect until 2021.

While patio heaters make up only a small fraction of emissions, those who want them banned argue that they're wasteful and unnecessary. "What's at stake is ending ecologically aberrant practices that lead to totally unjustified energy consumption," French Ecology Minister Barbara Pompili said this summer.

But as people seek ways to socialize during the colder months of a pandemic, is there a greener way to keep everyone warm outside?

Tomas Syskakis, a master's of applied science student at the University of British Columbia, looked into that question a few years ago. At the time, he was taking a course in which engineering students try to solve problems for local businesses in his case, Koerner's pub on campus.

"They wanted to be able to use their patio year-round, but they were also concerned about sustainability," Syskakis recalled.

Syskakis and his team surveyed other local Vancouver restaurants and bars and compared costs and emissions for different options. They found that most local businesses used portable propane heaters as a "quick and dirty solution," since they were fast to install, easy to move around and didn't require any infrastructure, such as plugs or gas lines. The team found natural gas heaters were a little less polluting.

The team ended up recommendingelectricinfrared heaters, which were not just greener but cheaper and easier in the long run, as the costs of new propane tanks and the hassle of changing them added up over time.

"You're obviously making the better decision for your carbon footprint," Syskakis said at least in provinces with a cleaner grid, such as B.C., Manitoba, Ontario or Quebec. His report also flagged the fact that propane and gas heaters emit other pollutants, such as nitrogen oxides. (Safety can also be an issue, since the fuel is explosive.)

In the end, Syskakis said, the pub bought some electric infrared and some natural gas infrared heaters and left part of its patio unheated (though he wasn't sure if it was because of his report).

His engineering team wasn't the only one looking at a greener alternative. Some classmates were trying to solve a similar problem for the on-campus Perch restaurant (which closed in 2017). Their solution? Microwaveable cushions that contain a warming gel (like foot and hand warmers), which they found to be more sustainable, cheaper and more comfortable for customers than electric or propane heaters. Heated cushions are already used in some cafs and restaurants in Europe.

In fact, research by the California-based Center for the Built Environment shows that heating the body directly allows people to be comfortable at cooler ambient temperatures and can save energy. Syskakis suggested that heated jackets could also work.

There's also a super low-tech option popular in Europe that some Canadian restaurants are now offering blankets.

Emily Chung

Last week, Emily Chung wrote about the safety and environmental benefits of taking the stairs rather than an escalator.

K. Braun wrote, "Thank you for the article on taking the stairs. In the midrise condo building where I live, I was not in the habit of taking the stairs because they are so ridiculously inconvenient. During the pandemic, however, I've been willing to do the extra walking to avoid being trapped in an elevator with people. It's great to read about a move to ensure stairwells are useful and appealing, unlike in my building, where I need to navigate multiple locked doors, transit through the laundry room (which has limited hours), use two completely separate stairwells and wander up and down hallways."

Some readers also pointed out that the photo accompanying the story was confusing, as it showed that people were being instructed to walk on the left side going up, rather than on the right. That's because the photo was taken in Sydney, Australia, where the rules of the road are reversed. We didn't mean to complicate matters we're just always looking for the most eye-catching photos.

There's also a radio show! What on Earth airs Sunday at 12:30 p.m., 1 p.m. in Newfoundland, and is available any time on podcast or CBC Listen.

Solar power has been with us for many years, but it has had a long way to go in unseating more conventional and emissions-rich energy sources such as coal or gas. That's mainly because of the cost. But according to the International Energy Agency's latest World Energy Outlook report, power generated through solar panels (also known as solar photovoltaic) has reached an important milestone: in several jurisdictions around the world, it is now cheaper per megawatt hour to build a new solar installation than it is to build a new coal or gas plant. (In India, for example, it could cost as little as $20 US per megawatt hour.) This led the IEA to declare that in sun-rich areas with low-cost financing, "solar PV is now the cheapest source of electricity in history." The graphic below shows the price ranges for coal and gas plants and solar power in different jurisdictions. Not only does this news vindicate renewable-energy advocates, but given the prestige of IEA's data, this new information is also likely to influence decisions around the world as countries seek to transition to low-carbon power.

There's a line of thinking that the move to a low-carbon world will greatly disadvantage countries with economies that have relied heavily on oil and gas production, such as Saudi Arabia and Russia. But this essay in Foreign Policy suggests that during this transition, these countries might be just fine.

What On Earth27:00Hope vs. fear in the language of climate change

Emma Lim was in her mid-teens when she began to feel a sense of frustration that slowly shifted into near despair. Industry, government and in fact most adults seemed unwilling to do what she believed was necessary to confront a changing climate.

Not seeing or hearing the promises or calls to action she wanted, Lim, now 19, began an attention-grabbing campaign called No Children, No Future, in which she vowed not to have kids until and unless she saw progress on fighting climate change.

"I've always wanted to be a mom," the McGill University student told Laura Lynch, host of CBC Radio's What on Earth. "So the idea of living a life without children is really depressing, to be honest. But then I guess also if I were to have children, I wouldn't want to expose them to what I think the future might hold."

While her pledge may be exceptional, Lim isn't alone in her frustration. Experts who study communications and climate say the language we use to talk about the environment especially in terms of hope and fear could play an important role in motivating people to listen and act.

Emotion is key to how people receive and act on messages, according to Robin Nabi, a professor who specializes in health communication and persuasion at the University of California, Santa Barbara.

Nabi conducted a study of students in which she employed messages about climate change and its consequences. Each message had the same content, but one was framed negatively (for example, if you don't stop driving a car and ride a bike instead, there will be trouble) and the other was positive (riding your bike instead of driving will help fight climate change).

Nabi said the result was striking. The positive message was more likely to lead people to take action.

Fear, said Nabi, can be critical in getting attention, but if it becomes overwhelming, the listener may dismiss or deny the message as a way of protecting themselves from the threat.

Frank Luntz, a pollster and adviser for the Republican Party in the U.S., considers himself a master of the message. Two decades ago, he wrote a memo advising politicians to stop using the phrase "global warming" in favour of the less scary-sounding "climate change."

"'While global warming has catastrophic communications attached to it, climate change sounds like a more controllable and less emotional challenge," he wrote.

In the years since, however, Luntz had an epiphany prompted by an evacuation from his home in California as a wildfire raced toward it. The house survived, but Luntz's view of climate change did not.

"I'm here before you to say that I was wrong in 2001," Luntz told a panel of U.S. senators in Washington last year. Now, he is offering his help to develop messages that will motivate people to take action on climate change.

For example, Luntz believes politicians and activists should tell people that there are new careers awaiting them when climate change shuts down fossil-fuel-dependent businesses, because "careers" connotes something far more meaningful than the word "jobs."

Instead of issuing threats about the future, Luntz advises something else.

"A threat or a problem is negative," Luntz told the senators. "A consequence is something that personalizes this issue. If you talk about the consequences of climate change, people will pay far more attention to you than if we refer to it as a climate crisis."

That idea is in line with a point made by Nabi that people are much more responsive when they believe they have a direct, personal connection to what they are being told.

"Fear and hope are very closely related, in that fear and hope are both about uncertainty. But the value of hope is that it inspires us, and when we're inspired, we're more likely to take action."

Laura Lynch

Are there issues you'd like us to cover? Questions you want answered? Do you just want to share a kind word? We'd love to hear from you. Email us atwhatonearth@cbc.ca.

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Editor: Andre Mayer | Logo design: Skdt McNalty

Read the original:
How to keep warm on a patio without heating the planet - CBC.ca

Halloween was set to be the final day for the on-street patio seating of the Penny Farthing pub.

Instead, Oak Bay council extended the use of public spaces until Oct. 31 of 2021, and as a result there could be more.

The on-street seating of the Penny Farthing and Vis a Vis on Oak Bay Avenue and the expanded sidewalk seating of Ruth and Dean restaurant in Estevan Village are the only businesses to take advantage of the space. There were some businesses in Oak Bay, such as The Oaks, that wanted to but were handcuffed in terms of options.

However, there are more businesses interested, said Dan Horan, director of engineering and public works, responding to Coun. Hazel Braithwaites question regarding overall demand.

One business has wanted to make a more permanent patio, and a couple of others have talked about it but didnt put their plans in place, Horan said. I anticipate interest will be higher once its [extended].

READ ALSO: Pub seeks 55-seat patio on Oak Bay Avenue

The bylaw amendment is a temporary pilot project by the province called the Temporary Expanded Services Area which allows licensed liquor and food services to expand their operating footprints. Businesses can use sidewalk and on-street parking to stay open while supporting social distancing. The province recently extended the pilot into Oct. 31, 2021.

Victoria will also vote on extending the same bylaw amendment on Oct. 14 as it has more than a dozen businesses that took advantage including sections of Broad and Government streets, which are fully and partially closed to auto traffic.

READ ALSO: Oak Bay restaurant seeks use of public space for patios

With rainfall from the first big fall storm still drying, Coun. Esther Paterson questioned the safety and financial demands of weather-proofing for businesses that want to use public space in the winter, given that its outdoors.

Those concerns will be addressed, Horan said.

Its not just for seating, Mayor Kevin Murdoch said on Wednesday. Theres at least one restaurant that wants to set up shelter for those lining up [safely] to pick up food without getting soaked. Saying that, the business owner has to consider if the tent, or whatever structure it is, can be snow-loaded. Or, can heaters go inside a plastic dome.

For Coun. Andrew Appleton, the extension was a slam dunk.

The ability [for the public] to perceive public space [roads] differently is a huge win, he said.

reporter@oakbaynews.com

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See the article here:
Oak Bay extends on-street patio use into 2021 Vancouver Island Free Daily - vancouverislandfreedaily.com

Just in time for perfect weather in Las Vegas, CraftHaus Brewery & Tap Room in the Arts District opens its new extended patio for beers, al fresco dining, and cool nights.

The brewery teamed up with neighboring Garagiste Wine Room & Merchant on the 1,500-square-foot patio that plans to remain open through January 5. Patrons from both venues can use the patio.

Customers can find picnic tables and benches that seat up to six that sit on top of a wood deck with ample social distancing between tables with ambient music playing. CraftHaus placed wood barrels from their barrel-aged program to give the space more of a beer garden vibe.

Those who want to eat can find curated cheese and charcuterie boards as well as soft CraftHaus pretzels paired with beer cheese or beer bacon jam or prosciutto-wrapped dates stuffed with goat cheese. A vegan deli board and pretzel option also make the menu.

The tap room from owners Wyndee and Dave Forrest features 22 CraftHaus brew taps, cider, Vesta Cold Brew coffee on nitrogen, and white wine.

The Arts District Now Has a Taproom from CraftHaus [ELV]

All The New Bars, Restaurants, and Breweries Headed to the Arts District [ELV]

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Read more from the original source:
CraftHaus opens a new patio for beer drinking in the Arts District - Eater Vegas

Fall is certainly here in Toronto, and we just got a hidden harvest patio behind a bar and art gallery.

Cry Baby Gallery is itself hidden behind an art gallery, and now has another secret behind that: a patio complete with hay bales, pumpkins and cozy fall cocktails.

"When the weather started to get colder we knew that we wanted to provide something seasonal and comfortable for our guests that would allow them to continue to enjoy our offerings and outdoor space," says Rob Granicoloof Cry Baby.

"The heated harvest patio just made sense. We developed a menu of hot and cold fall cocktails, set up straw bale seating and pumpkin displays and built rustic furniture to transport our guests to a rural pumpkin patch."

The cocktail menu consists of treats like the Coco Caliente with house spicy hot chocolate mix,Herradura Blanco,Briottet Cacoa Blanc,Amaro del Capo, torched marshmallows, and everyone's favourite: oat milk. There's also the Live Free or Chai Hard with rum, house chai, star anise and Punch Abbruzzo, and a New Wave 75 with cranberry-infused gin.

This isn't the first time something exciting has popped up at the Cry Baby patio.

"Since we created the patio this summer, we have been constantly evolving the concept to offer one of a kind experiences for our guests," says Granicolo."

"In July we began a live art series in the alley behind the bar, where we invited local artists to participate in large scale live paintings and featured the pieces in the gallery. In August we hosted our first PinaColooza,a celebration of all things pina colada, featuring multiple variations of the classic summertime drink."

Safety measures includesanitization stations, contact tracing for each guest, tables spaced six feet apart and masks for all staff, and you have until it starts to get really chilly to experience the harvest patio and grab one of those boozy hot chocolates.

"We are planning on keeping the harvest patio around until mid to late November, when we will be ready to launch the next experience," say Granicolo. Do I hear jingle bells? We'll just have to wait and see.

See the original post here:
Toronto just got a hidden outdoor patio with hay bales and fall cocktails - blogTO

The architects deliberately positioned the house on the western side of the site to keep it from overheating

Theres nothing better than a home that helps you connect with nature at all times. A dwelling that through its design, is able to induce serenity, rest and peace. With these ideas in mind, Jannina Cabal & Arquitectos designed a house in Samborondon, Ecuador for a family of five. The owners wanted a simple home that would seamlessly merge with the green landscape around, as the site is also bordered by a picturesque park and lake.

The architects built a minimalist, two-tier structure made of textured stone, lined with black iron. The structure stands right at the ground level, so during the warm season, the owners open up the glass partitions, connecting the house with the garden.

The house has two floors, but the second, smaller one, is used only as a utility room with a laundry area. The main living room is on the first level with direct access to the pool and patio. The architects deliberately positioned the house on the western side of the site to keep it from overheating, and left the rest of the area for open living spaces.

In addition, to create a private area for the residents of the house, the architects did not use typical partitions and walls, but natural elements. They used a green hill as a barrier, which hides the courtyard from prying eyes.

The house can be accessed via a concrete corridor, which the owners use as a gallery for their art collection. A large foyer flows into the open-plan dining area and living room. This space is the heart of the house and is linked to a cozy patio. All the bedrooms are in the western part of the buildingone can access them via the recreation area and the kitchen.

This article first appeared in AD Russia

This Vadodara home explores the versatility and vibrance of grey

More here:
A home in Ecuador with the most dreamy patio - Architectural Digest India

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Merwins Wharf will open Thursday for patio dining, carryout and walk up window service, the Cleveland Metroparks said in a news release Monday.

The restaurant will be open 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays, when the weather allows. The inside of the restaurant will remain closed.

Reservations are strongly recommended, and they can be made by calling the restaurant at 216-664-5696 or online. Parties cannot exceed six people, and face coverings must be worn, except when seated.

Face coverings arent required for people with a medical condition, mental health condition, developmental disability or anyone whos unable to take off the mask without help. Children under 6 also dont need to wear face coverings.

The restaurant has implemented optional contactless ordering, as well as a contactless menu to help keep customers safe. Patio seating has been adjusted for social distancing and designed so customers also have nice views of the Cuyahoga River and different wildlife in the area.

Located in The Flats, Merwins Wharf serves dishes such as polish boys, the crispy walleye sandwich and the park district Burger. The restaurant also serves an assortment of beers, wines and various specialty drinks.

Read more:
Cleveland Metroparks opening Merwins Wharf for patio dining, carryout, walk up window service select days - cleveland.com

When is patio season over? It depends on who you ask.

While restaurants in Calgary aren't banking on a mild and forgiving winter, some will pull out all the stops to keep patios bustling as long as possible.

On 17th AvenueS.W., Douglas Crossman is seated outside, but ready to leave the cafe patiodark clouds are looming and the wind has picked up. Open to the elements, he'd only last a few minutes outside.

"We give up on patio season a little bit early," Crossman said. "I hope [restaurants keep patios going] because there are people who are uncomfortable eating inside and in a small, confined space, which I completely understand."

Ashley Popko said she usually says goodbye to patios at the end of September. But because of the pandemic, she's willing to don a puffy jacket and get cozy with friends.

"I'm a fairweather patio person," Popko said. "Even today it's a little bit chilly for me. But I think right now it's changed a lot and people are wanting to be outside more."

To keep him outside for the winter,Crossmansaidrestaurants might need to invest in winterizing patios.

"The problem with milking the patio season if you haven't bought heaters and you haven't bought, like, the extra tables or the, you know, the enclosures, then it's going to be a little bit more expensive," Crossman said.

"Otherwise, let's be honest, if it's minus 15, even if you're wearing a puffy jacket, it's hard to eat with mittens."

Mayor Naheed Nenshi encouraged restaurants to invest in heaters, lamps andeven blankets. He told reporters at a press conference last week that he's concerned if patios close, Calgary's COVID-19 numbers may rise.

"Keep those patios open as far into the season as we can," Nenshi said. "I am a little bit nervous that even though restaurants are doing a terrific job of managing physical distancing by and large in the restaurant, as the restaurant gets colder there's always a concern that more indoor gatherings will lead to more spread."

Mark Petros owns Nick's Steakhouse and Pizza near McMahon Stadium. He said typically their patio season can last as long as the CFL season so, November or December, depending on the year.

Depends on the snow

"We'll see what happens. Depends on the snow," Petros said.

Ernie Tsu owns the Trolley 5 Community Brewpub and is on the Alberta Hospitality Association board. He said the group is hoping the province considers easing indoor physical distancing rules so that restaurants have more of a fighting chance.

"After the high school announcements, we would like to see a little bit of an easement, but again, only if that keeps the public safe at the same time," he said.

While patios have been a help, he added they are not a saving grace. Restaurants, especially small footprint businesses, are going to need support through the pandemic because they have an extremely limited indoor capacity.

"They can only operate at 35 per cent capacity once, you know, once the patio is closed. Those are the restaurants that we really, truly worry about," Tsu said.

"The number one issue is full rent, right? Restaurants that are operating at 30, 40 per cent, 50 per cent capacity. You know, how are they to pay for rent? And that's the largest issue right now."

Read more here:
Patios could give restaurants a fighting chance, but they aren't a silver bullet - Yahoo News Canada

Gary Dzen, Deputy Digital Sports Editor

September 4, 2020

As of 4 p.m. Friday, Lord Hobos new Seaport brewery patio will be open for business.

Lord Hobo founder Daniel Lanigan confirmed that the 240-person patio will open for the first time Friday. Lanigan signed a lease on the space at Two Drydock last October, promising at the time to open The Taj Mahal of breweries there.

The COVID 19 pandemic halted the Woburn-based brewerys plans to build out the space inside, but starting this weekend, patrons will be able to enjoy beer, wine, and canned cocktails on the patio seven days a week.

We decided to shift gears and get our patio up and running, says Lanigan. Originally our patio called for a capacity of 550, which is pretty serious. Now with COVID, and our tables being six feet apart, its 240.

Lord Hobo Seaport will feature six beers (think flagships like Boom Sauce double IPA and Freebird golden ale) on tap and another 10 in cans. Limited-edition beers like Blackberry Milkshake IPA, usually available only at the brewerys tap room in Woburn, will also be available at the Seaport. In addition to selling brews to consume on-site, Lord Hobo will also sell its beers to-go. A Bon Me truck will be a permanent, seven-day-a-week fixture on the premises.

Were gonna run the patio every day until it gets too cold, Lanigan said. Its a short season, well probably get two months out of it.

This is the safest place to have fun, have drinks, sit outside. Probably the safest place is on your couch, but after six months were all tired of that.

Lord Hobo Seaports patio hours are extensive 3 p.m. to midnight on weekdays, and noon to midnight on weekends at least for now.

I think we have the latest patio, says Lanigan. A lot of patios close at 9 or 10. Were hoping to grab those folks on their way home, and also the industry folks.

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Excerpt from:
Lord Hobos new Seaport brewery patio opens this weekend - Boston.com

BOSTON (CBS) With colder temperatures around the corner, many restaurants are hoping to have their patios stay open for business as long as possible.

Michael Seznec, Senior VP of Operations at Harvest, shared, Its critical. People really, really like the patio of course these days, they want to sit outside.

Were hoping to keep it open forever outside, frankly, Seznec said. Even in the middle of winter, people can be out here dining if they want to be.

Harvests patio has been operating for 45 years and is equipped well for times like this, with a fireplace, partial roof, and heat lamps. This year, they are especially grateful to have the space.

Seznec added, this is always a very popular spot. Now Id say even on marginal weather days people really want to be outside.

Over in the Seaport, this is Woods Hill Pier 4s first patio season. Owner Kristin Canty notes, its been completely imperative that we have this outdoor area. Not that many people want to sit inside, everybody calls and says they would prefer to be outside.

They decided to keep it going into the winter by adding 12 igloos, which, when finished, will accommodate up to 6 guests. Canty adds, we just jumped at the idea because they are see-through so people can still take advantage of the views and be in a cozy setting with people that they trust and their families but not near other people at all.

Even though shes investing in glass dividers for the inside this winter, shes expecting that people will want to bundle up and is even looking into having single-use blankets.

Canty adds, Were just really happy to be reinventing ourselves and think of creative ways for people to still enjoy eating out.

See original here:
Restaurants Getting Creative To Keep Patio Season Going - CBS Boston

CHICAGO (CBS) This has been a summer of highs and lows for Chicagos restaurant industry, as diners have seen new places open and others close because of the coronavirus pandemic.

We wondered about the spots that are hanging on.

As CBS 2s Lauren Victory reported, the patio at Wood, at 3335 N. Halsted St. in Boystown, was empty Monday because the restaurant was closed for Labor Day. So why give up revenue when the industry has already taken such a hit because of COVID-19?

The general manager said staff usually get the holiday, and especially deserved it after a rollercoaster of a summer.

Meanwhile at Chicagos Home of Chicken & Waffles, at 3947 S. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. in Bronzeville, the syrup is still sticky. The situation is sticky too.

We usually have a full house, mostly every day, said manager Emma Hester.

A return of business is a beautiful sight, said Hester and general manager Brian Mills. But it has been quite the season keeping up with customers, and dealing with the citys constantly changing restaurant rules.

Were rolling with the punches right now, Mills said.

They and other Chicago restaurants gone from carry-out-only restrictions through Memorial Day to outdoor seating only until July 4th.

And after that, getting back to normal hit a rocky start for many including the staff back at Wood.

There were major protests in the area. We had to board up our windows on the 2nd of June, the day before we were going to first be allowed to have people at the restaurant again, said Wood general manager Jeremiah Duncan.

Before that, Wood was attempting to make ends meet through takeout orders. In April and May, the patio was going unused because of COVID-19 rules, so owners lent it to another struggling industry events design.

A popup fundraising flower shop outside Wood drew interest from sidewalk traffic that occasionally was hungry too.

There were so many question marks, but once we were able to open up the patio, the response was incredible, Duncan said.

It was a triumphant feeling, but will it continue? Labor Day will give way to Halloween and Thanksgiving and beyond, and when the cold sets in, the patios will be gone.

How can restaurants weather the cold when Chicago rules still cap indoor dining at 25 percent?

Well just have to see what happens, you know? Mills said. We dont know if well be able to open up fully or if well still have to keep our social distancing.

The Illinois Restaurant Association said its top priority right now is fighting to increase Chicagos 25 percent capacity rule. At the same time, the group is partnering with the City of Chicago to offer $5,000 cash to people who come up with the best ideas for eating in the indoors and outdoors when the weather turns.

The Winter Design Challenge ends at 1:30 a.m. Tuesday. Winners will be announced at the end of the month.

Corporate sponsors will likely fund pilot programs of the chosen ideas after that.

 

Read more from the original source:
Restaurants That Have Hung On Through Pandemic Brace For Turn Of Weather - CBS Chicago