My Future, My Climate

"Children are one third of our population and all of our future." - Select Panel for the Promotion of Child Health, 1981

I love kids. Kids have such an interesting take on the world. I was giving tours this past weekend where I work and one little boy said, "Oh, I hope I work here one day!" That is not a typical response when you work in the waste industry.

I came across the "My Future, My Climate" contest from the World Wildlife Fund. Kids between the ages 6-14 were asked to create a postcard that shows their solution to climate change on the front and a message to the Prime Minister on the back. You can vote for your favourites at http://wwf.ca/earthhour/toolkits/postcardvoting.cfm I was so moved by some of the entries that I just had to share them with you.

One of my favourites came from a girl in the 12-14 category. She wrote, "Our National anthem says "We'll stand on guard for thee". Today, we need to guard Canada not only from foreign armies, but from ourselves!" I just think that is incredibly insightful and so smart. Check out the cards and be sure to vote! I am so excited these kids are our future!

Garlic, schmarlic!

"Shipping is a terrible thing to do to vegetables. They probably get jet-lagged, just like people." - Elizabeth Berry

I went to buy fresh garlic, something my kitchen feels empty without, and the garlic available at all groceries stores around me was from China. This got me thinking again about eating locally. It just seemed crazy to me to import something that can be grown in my home garden from the other side of the world - especially something I eat as often as garlic. In trying to learn a little more about the garlic growing season in Ontario, I came across a surprising number of resources. My favourite was the Garlic Growers Association of Ontario (http://www.garlicgrowers.on.ca/), because I learned about a garlic festival coming up in September that I am so excited for!

Beyond garlic, there are tons of resources for eating locally available online. One popular site is www.100milediet.org . The concept being that you eat foods that have come from within a 100 mile radius from where you live. There is a really cool feature that allows you to type in your address and produces a map that shows your 100 mile radius. The best tip on this site is to start small, which I learning I need to more of. I always try to do an 'all or nothing' type approach to things, but that approach to trying something new is difficult to maintain.

Foodland Ontario http://www.foodland.gov.on.ca/english/index.html is a government initiative to promote Ontario agricultural products. There are food facts, recipes and a list of fruits, vegetables, and products seasonally available.

For those who prefer to go out to eat, check out the restaurant finder from Savour Ontario http://www.distinctivegetaways.ca/general/sav-planner.cfm where you can find restaurants that use primarily local ingredients. The 360' restaurant at the CN Tower in Toronto is one of those restaurants.

Farmer's markets are a great place to find local products (I will always miss the Farmer's Market in Halifax that got me through university). Looking for a farmer's market in Ontario? check out: http://www.farmersmarketsontario.com/ I am also a big fan of roadside stands.

Not motivated enough to find a farmer's market yet? If you take a little time at the grocery store, it is not that hard to find products that are grown closer to home, particularly the basics like produce, eggs, bread and dairy. Do a little label reading.

I guess what I am getting at is that there are a ton of resources out there to help you eat locally. My first step is helping to plant a vegetable garden in my yard, what's yours?

Global Warming Myth Buster!

"Man seeks to escape himself in myth, and does so by any means at his disposal. Drugs, alcohol, or lies. Unable to withdraw into himself, he disguises himself. Lies and inaccuracy give him a few moments of comfort." - Jean Cocteau

Check out this radio interview with Zoe Caron, coauthor of 'Global Warming for Dummies' (and fellow 2007 Dalhousie University graduate). She discusses some of the myths surrounding global warming. Enjoy!

http://ow.ly/5fus

Disneynature's "Earth" - A Brief Review

"How soon 'not now' becomes 'never'." - Martin Luther

Happy Belated Earth Day! I am suffering hugely this morning after eating way too much oh so healthy movie theatre food last night, which included my first movie theatre hot dog and of course that nacho cheese that I am pretty sure comes from another planet. In retrospect that was not the best way to celebrate Earth Day since the food is loaded with additives and had way too much packaging, but I did get to watch the Disneynature film called 'Earth' that I was super excited about. I have to admit that I was worried it would only be myself and the friend I dragged with me, so I was pleasantly surprised to find the theatre absolutely packed (except that it meant I had to sit in the front row).

I am sad to report I was a little disappointed by the movie. Visually the movie was stunning - the planet has some truly remarkable beauty. I was mainly disappointed because I didn't feel the movie made the connection between our daily actions and what we can do to protect these beautiful places.

My biggest pet peeve about nature films is that they always show some baby animal getting attacked and killed by some larger predator. I realize that this is a part of life, but I find it more depressing than motivating. I think what we really need is motivation. I think most people are aware of the environmental issues, but they get overwhelmed by them - I know I do. I probably had too high of expectations for the film, but I guess I just wanted something that would break the mould for this genre of film. I will let you know when I find it!

Pre-Earth Day Pump Up

"Everyday is Earth Day." - Unknown origin

Happy early Earth Day! I am so excited that it is that time of year again that we are reminded how precious our planet is. I am also very excited for the first Disneynature film, "Earth" that has its big release in theatres tomorrow. I plan to enjoy the film tomorrow night and hope you will too, but if you can't - expect my full review of the film later in the week. The co-director and co-writer of the film, Mark Linfield had this to say, "The movie offers a portrait of what we have and what we stand to lose"(this quote was taken from Liz Braun's article in the April 19th Toronto Sun). I think this is a very powerful quotation. So often environmental news is bad news and I think that if we are not reminded of what we have and what we really do stand to lose, we just become overwhelmed. It has been my fear that when people become overwhelmed, they become complacent. I am so excited that this film highlights the beauty of the Earth and cannot wait to be given more reasons to protect the Earth.

To help remind others, send them an ecard. I love the Earth Day ecards from hallmark.com. There is one called "Mother Nature Voicemail" that has a cartoon Earth checking its voicemail messages...so funny! Make sure you listen to them all - they are quite clever!

Enjoy your Earth Day celebrations! Send me an email with what you do, have done, or are doing to celebrate Earth Day tomorrow and everyday: kristybreanne@gmail.com

Bikini or Bust!

"Sustainable eating is not just about what you eat, but also how much." - Unknown

I think I have commitment issues. I made the commitment to write this blog weekly and so far...well, it has not been weekly. I have decided to focus more on developing habits rather than making commitments or trying to stick to a schedule (because I am horrible at it!) - subtle distinction I know, but it helps me! As far as this blog goes, I am going to try and get in the habit of writing shorter entries more frequently. Let's get to it:

So it is that time of year again - that time of year when all the really cute bikinis are hanging in the windows taunting women (or is it just me?) for their lack of commitment to the gym and for idulging in the finest of comfort foods over the winter. I had never consider a weight loss challenge to be an environmental challenge as well, but when I came across the quote above in a 'Body & Soul' magazine (it's a Martha Stewart publication about whole living and my favourite magazine ever!) and it got me thinking. All of our environmental problems seem to come to consumption - we humans just consume more than we need of everything including food. So ladies, next time you want to grab that extra bag of potato chips or can of pop - think of the environment. How is that for some motivation to look cute in your bikini (or your Speedo) this summer?

Hands

I put my iPod on random today and came to the song "Hands" from singer Jewel's Spirit album. I had forgotten how much I love that song, so I thought I would share it here. I particularly like the line "I won't be idle with despair".

"If I could tell the world just one thing
It would be that we're all OK
And not to worry 'cause worry is wasteful
And useless in times like these
I won't be made useless
I won't be idle with despair
I will gather myself around my faith
For light does the darkness most fear
My hands are small, I know
But they're not yours, they are my own
But they're not yours, they are my own
And I am never broken

Poverty stole your golden shoes
It didn't steal your laughter
And heartache came to visit me
But I knew it wasn't ever after
We'll fight, not out of spite
For someone must stand up for what's right'
Cause where there's a man who has no voice
There ours shall go singing
My hands are small I know
But they're not yours, they are my own
But they're not yours, they are my own
I am never broken

In the end only kindness matters
In the end only kindness matters
I will get down on my knees, and I will pray
I will get down on my knees, and I will pray
I will get down on my knees, and I will pray
My hands are small I know
But they're not yours, they are my own
But they're not yours, they are my own
And I am never broken
My hands are small I know
But they're not yours, they are my own
But they're not yours, they are my own
And I am never broken

We are never broken
We are God's eyes
God's hands
God's mind
We are God's eyes
God's hands
God's heart
We are God's eyes
God's hands
God's eyes
We are God's hands
We are God's hands