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Living Greener
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Written by Gregg McLachlan
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Monday, 28 December 2009 |
The following article may be reprinted as long as the author's name and tagline are left intact
Stuck on what to do for resolutions in 2010? Here are some not-so-familiar pledges you can make:
1. I will not be as obsessed about what I can get for a buck
Don't try to tell a fib. You probably have gone in a dollar store. Most of us do, and, yes, there are some good deals if you stop to think about your purchase first. But there's a reason many plastic goods, for example, in these stores are a buck and not recyclable: they are churned out on assembly lines, in far away places with low-paid workers, with no attention to environmental concerns. It's one reason that a year never goes by without another health warning about dollar-store toys containing harmful levels of lead.
2. I will help animals in need
Don't wait for a TV informercial and images of animals in distress to spur you into action. Make a donation to an animal rescue shelter. The overwhelming majority of these facilities manage to sustain themselves solely on donations from the public. Everything from medical supplies to food is needed from caring people like you.
3. I will donate or plant at least 10 tree seedlings
Find a seedling grower in your area (seedlings, such as pine, usually cost less than $3 each) and either plant them yourself, or donate them to a school or girl guide or boy scout troop for Earth Day.
4. I will visit at least one farm and tell the grower how much they are appreciated
We've all heard that message about getting closer to where our food is grown. Usually that typical message involves visiting a farmers' market. Here's a twist: actually visit a farm. Many farmers are now selling directly from their farms. You can't get any closer than that, to where your food is grown. Your visit will be appreciated, and it's a great way to tell a farmer how much they are appreciated. Plus, you can eliminate the middeman (the grocery store) and ensure all your money for a product goes to the true source.
5. Yep, I will really think seriously about wearing Dad's old jacket
Relax. We're not telling you to start wearing a leisure suit. We're talking sports jacket or winter jacket or (yikes) dinner jacket. Remember, no matter how funny the plaid pattern looks (hey, it will be in style again!), part of reducing waste is recycling and reusing. That includes clothes. And if you really can't stand the sight of dad's old jacket, consider visiting a store selling gently used clothing.
6. I will not build a single Inukshuk this year
OK, we know that sounds a little extreme, but we're noticing a lot of makeshift Inukshuks these days built by people who aren't Inuit. These makeshift Inukshuks dot the edges of major highways across the land. They are usually made by motorists and their occupants who feel the need to disturb and remove rocks from their natural place. Every rock on the ground represents a habitat. When you remove rocks for activities such as 'Inukshuk' building, you destroy a potential home for an amphibian, reptile, mammal or insect.
7. I will speak out when I see a grocery store or restaurant selling items it shouldn't
Spot frog legs at your local grocery store? What about Chilean sea bass on the menu at a restaurant? Just don't stand there with your shopping cart, or sit there in your chair. Speak out. Ask to see the grocery store or restaurant manager so you can tell them why it's not socially responsible (always use the term 'socially responsible' -- it hits a nerve in a more positive but yet impactful way than saying 'irresponsible') to sell endangered or threatened species. And don't always assume you'll be setting yourself up for a confrontation. You may in fact be educating someone which is often appreciated.
8. I will drive less like Mario Andretti
That means taking your foot off the gas and coasting if a traffic light ahead is red, and accelerating gradually from a stop. If you hear the engine rev, you're acting like Mario again. It's time to cool your engines.
9. For my next project I will choose my wood carefully
It's pretty much a given that in 2010 you will make something out of wood, or buy something made of wood. This is where you can educate yourself about making the right choice. Forest Stewardship Council is an international certification and labeling system that guarantees that the forest products you purchase come from responsibly managed forests and verified recycled sources. Usually, products made of solid wood are best, but look for the FSC label. Be aware that many composite, veneers, wood strawn products are made through processes that typically include 1) toxic volatile organic compounds (also known as VOCs, which are carbon-containing gases and vapors such as gasoline fumes and solvents); 2) particulate matter (PM) which consists of airborne particles in solid or liquid form. These can often produce a haze in the air. PMs can be a health concern and may aggravate asthma and respiratory diseases; 3) Nitrogen oxides (NOx) which is forned by the gases nitrogen oxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) can cause acid rain and other ecosystem-damaging impacts such as vegetation and crop loss; 4) Carbon monoxide; 4) Acelatdehyde, acrolein, formaldehyde, and methanol.
10. I will convert at least one paper newspaper or magazine subscription to online digital edition
Let's be realistic: Many people still like to 'hold' a newspaper or magazine. But many newspapers and magazines also now provide digital editions. Not sure if you will like it? Ask for a trial edition. Even if it's only for one issue, or one month, you've helped reduce paper use.
Gregg McLachlan is the founder of WorkCabin.ca, Canada's leading online outpost for environmental jobs
Looking for more suggestions? See Barbara Matthiessen's great ideas
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Living Greener
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Written by By Thalia Bock
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Monday, 14 December 2009 |
With all the excitement that the holidays bring, it can be easy to forget about the environment. Unfortunately, the holidays generate a lot of waste (both money and environmental). Here are some great tips that can help you get into the environmental holiday spirit and save some money while you’re at it!
 Tip: Local, consumable, reusable gifting
Support your local economy and reduce your gift carbon footprints by remembering “local, consumable or reusable”. Each of these cut down on carbon emissions or landfill waste. Take a trip to your local farmer’s market- they’ve got something for everyone on your list! You can even ask your recipient to find out what they really need in their life. That way, you’re giving them something they will actually use rather than an item that would go to the landfill. It’s that easy!
Tip: Carpool or take transit for holiday shopping
For the adventurous, walking and biking are still great ways to get places without having an impact on the planet. In the winter, it’s especially important to go slow and dress warmly! If that’s not an option, sharing a ride with friends and family is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and save on gas money. You also get to hang out with friends and relax. Don’t feel like driving? Try taking transit for all your shopping destinations!
Tip: Idling gets you zero miles to the gallon!
Idling your car doesn’t warm it up; the only thing that fully warms your car up is driving it! To save on wear and tear, make sure that you drive gently for the first few minutes to get your car going, especially in cold weather. If you are waiting for someone in your car, keep in mind that you use more fuel after thirty seconds of idling than simply restarting your engine.
Tip: Give an experience as a gift!
Why not try giving tickets to a friend for a concert that they’ve always wanted to see? It’s a great way to spend time with them, which is much more memorable than something they probably don’t need. What about a membership to a local art gallery or gym? Or what about a ticket book with chores that you’d do for a stressed loved one? They’d appreciate it! Even gift certificates
Tip: Use natural decorations instead of buying new ones!
If you’re in the market for new decorations, natural decorations can easily be composted after the holiday season is over. Or check second hand stores or newspapers for decorations that are no longer wanted. Keep and reuse already purchased decorations instead of throwing them away to cut back on waste!
Tip: Use a timer for your holiday lights!
Turn off your Christmas lights before you go to bed, or install a timer that will shut them off at an appropriate hour. Not too many people are going to be seeing your outdoor lights (or tree lights, for that matter) at 3am. By turning lights off daily, you can show your festive spirit and save yourself a lot of energy this year!
Tip: Calculate your carbon footprint!
Your carbon footprint is a measurement of how much carbon dioxide you produce per year. Why not try to reduce your carbon footprint as your New Years Resolution? The planet will thank you!
These are just a few tips on how to make your Christmas a bit greener! Happy Holidays, everyone!
Thalia Bock works at Peterborough Green-Up with the Carbon CountDOWN. This program focuses on providing Peterborough residents with tips on how to reduce their carbon footprint! The Carbon CountDOWN also has a carbon calculator for Peterborough residents at www.peterborough.zerofootprint.net. Feel free to sign in and check it out! You can also follow her at www.twitter.com/zfptbo.
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Living Greener
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Written by WorkCabin.ca Staff
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Wednesday, 09 December 2009 |
As public attention focuses on world leaders meeting in Copenhagen, how are you raising awareness about the urgent need for a global cimate agreement?
 Across Canada, citizens are preparing events and actions on Dec. 12 to mark Global Day of Action and send a clear message: We want a real climate deal.
So far there more than 100 events planned in 70 different towns and cities. How will the call for action be marked in this country? You may hear church bells ringing 350 times on Sunday, Dec. 13. It's just one action being promoted by the Canadian Ecumenical Justice Initiatives. Elsewhere, across Canada, vigils will be held everywhere from Smithers, British Columbia, to Middle Cove, Newfoundland.
To learn more about you can get involved, visit the Climate Action Network Canada website.
What's another way you can personally get involved? On Dec. 11 and Dec. 14, visit your local MP's constituency office and demand that he/she support Canada's participation and leadership for a fair, ambitious and binding global climate change agreement in Copenhagen.
By the way, don't know where your local MP stands on reaching a fair and ambitious global climate change deal? Check out Greenpeace's comprehensive MP-by-MP list. Every Canadian should read this list.
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Living Greener
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Written by WorkCabin.ca Staff
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Wednesday, 02 December 2009 |
If your community is looking for inspiration at greening up, look no further than Peterborough Green-Up. The community-based non-profit, incorporated in 1992, is leading the way in Peterborough and the City of Kawartha Lakes region by helping citizens take measurable steps toward living a more sustainable life. It's accomplished through education in water conservation, waste reduction, greenspace enhancement, energy  conservation and much more. Peterborough Green-Up can easily serve as a model for other communities considering similar action plans. The organization has received both provincial and national accolades for its programs. Peterborough Green-Up also operates a five-acre "Ecology Park" which has been described as "Peterborough's Crown Jewel" by judges with the national Communities in Bloom program.
This month has also started on an exciting note for Peterborough Green-Up. This week the organization officially opened its newly renovated office on Aylmer Street. The store features locally-sourced green products including compost canes, eco-friendly cleaners and locally roasted coffee among a wide array of helpful goods.
"The store will be an extension to the centre, in that we will use it to educate people about what truly green products are available, both in the store and other local retail outlets. We will be providing information on how to determine if a product is green. We want this to be a learning opportunity so we encourage the public to come and ask questions about products," said Peterborough Green-Up Executive Director Sue McGregor-Hunter in a press release.
The new outlet is much more than just a retail space, though. It's the place to go for anyone interested in learning more about
current environmental issues or products will have access to a resource library, as well as two computers available for public use.
The new space is uber-green featuring low VOC paint, ultra conservative low-flush toilets, energy efficient lighting, and innovative carpeting tiles that can be individually replaced if damaged (no need to rip up and replace an entire carpet). The special carpet tiles are manufactured in nearby Belleville and can be recycled up to 10 times into new carpeting.
Peterborough Green-Up was created as a result of the 1989 Peterborough Roundtable on the Environment which included included representatives of: City of Peterborough; County of Peterborough and Townships; Peterborough Utilities; businesses (Quaker Oats, General Electric, Greer-Galloway); Consumers Gas; Ontario Hydro; Peterborough Economic Council; Peterborough Real Estate Board; Trent University; Peterborough County-City Health Unit and environmental groups. A report from the roundtable recommended the creation of an environmental group that would focus on helping residents live more sustainably. At that time, it was an innovative concept, considering most approaches back then focused on telling people which they should not be doing.
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Living Greener
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Written by WorkCabin.ca Staff
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Wednesday, 11 November 2009 |
If you live in the Halton and Niagara regions of Ontario, you've probably heard about POWER Halton. POWER (Protect Our Water and Environmental Resources) is a not-for-profit organization that has been making a big difference for more than a decade. It's an example of how one cause can involve into a greater overall effort to promote  environmental awareness. What started it all was citizens rallying to fight a plan to convert a quarry into a dump. Today, POWER is about much more. We particularly love the organization's efforts to educate today's younger generations about good environmental stewardship. POWER's award-winning Future Forests program has educated more than 13,000 students from various school boards about the need to care, protect and restore forests. And POWER doesn't stop there. Its EYES program is another terrific example of helping teens to know more about our natural world. Components of this program include forest habitat, soil studies, pond and stream studies, stream microinvertebrates and biological monitoring.
Another reason why POWER's work is so special? The organization's home base is Halton Hills, which sits atop a major wellhead -- or groundwater source. In Ontario, as well as the rest of Canada, source water protection is becoming a major issue. In fact, across Ontario, conservation authorities are actively developing source water protection plans to ensure these vital sources of water are protected. To learn more about what's happening with source water protection in your area, visit Conservation Ontario.
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