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

Peer Pressure

"Peer pressure has many redeeming qualities. It is the pressure of our peers, after all, that gives us the support to try things we otherwise wouldn't have." - Bill Treasurer, Right Risk

Often peer pressure is considered a negative influence in people's lives, but I believe peer pressure can be a positive thing if your peers are pressuring you to better your life. Last weekend, I had a little run in with some peer pressure. I will let you be the judge as to whether or not it was positive.

With a low key night of wine and board games in mind, two friends and I ventured to the local LCBO to pick up our wine. As we came out of the liquor store, wine in hand, I noticed a guy going into the store had left his old pickup truck running. I commented about how much this annoys me and how I have always wanted to be brave enough to just open the door of running vehicles and turn off the ignition. We got into my friend's car and they did their best to convince me that this was a good idea. I kept saying no, but then my friend pulled out of her space and parked in the middle of the road beside the truck and said I just had to do it (the other friend would be on the look out). My stomach flip-flopped, but the peer pressure got to me and I hopped out of the car, left the door open, and bravely opened the truck door. With my hand on the ignition, I realized in horror that there is a girl in the passenger seat! She looked as shocked as I was! Instead of thinking of something clever to say to explain the crazy behaviour, I let out a little scream, slammed the door, jumped back in my friends car and thankfully she sped away.

Ah, the adrenaline rush...I can see how people get addicted to that feeling. It's been a week and I haven't repeated the experience, but I have to admit that I plan to! Thanks ladies!

One chopstick at a time...

"Direction is more important than speed. We are so busy looking at our speedometers that we forget the milestone." - Unknown

You may have noticed that I did not comment on my progress regarding making a lunch in my last post and that's because there was no progress. I am so embarrassed. Why is this so difficult for me? I will tell you why - its because I love sushi and I work way to close to a fabulous sushi restaurant. I went to Mac Sushi today and I was so happy that they asked whether or not I needed napkins, soy sauce, and chopsticks and I proudly denied. This may be only a small step, but it's a step in the right direction.

Twilight Earth

"What is the small things I/you can do that will make the biggest difference?" - Natalie Shell

I have officially finished the Twilight series, which has consumed my life since I began reading it and is almost entirely responsible for my hiatus from writing this blog. There is something to be said for novels that can consume you in this way. I have always felt a similar draw to environmental issues, but sometimes these issues become too real and a little scary, which is why I think its much easier to immerse myself in the fictitious world of vampires and werewolves than in this very real world of rapidly degrading natural resources.

That being said, I have not lost sight of my goal for this year and that is to learn to live as greenly as possible one step at a time. Which is why I am a little embarrassed to admit that when I read my Go Green tip for yesterday, I thought, "Are you kidding me?" The general idea being that loose tea is a more environmentally friendly alternative to bagged tea because you do not waste a bag, string, or tag. I rolled my eyes and felt like this is why people think environmentalists are crazy (which I always want to prove is not the case, but I do have a little crazy in me). Plus - I am very fortunate to live in an area with a compost program, so my tea bags are easily composted.


I then started to over think the world of the tea bag and wondered, "how much energy is required to produce a tea bag?" and "what percentage of the waste stream is made up of tea bag components?" I attempted to find the answers to these questions through a series of Google searches, but I am sorry to report that I was unsuccessful. I did however come across a funny blog entry titled "The Ethics of the Tetley tea bag" written by Robert Sharp in 2005. There is some seriousness to the entry and comments below, but what I found humorous was how a simple "moment of idleness" can spark the mind to think about the strangest things.

http://www.robertsharp.co.uk/2005/11/19/the-ethics-of-tetley-tea-bags/

In a recent moment of idleness (these moments typically occur while driving in my car), I started to think about the changes that need to occur in the world, especially with respect to the environment. I realized that while the tea bag thing seems a little ridiculous to me, there are other things I think are important that some people (my brother in particular) think are ridiculous, such as turning off the lights when you leave a room for only a few minutes (which can add up to major energy savings). I guess what I am getting at is that we are not all going to feel as strongly about all of the different changes there are out there to make, but what is going to be important is that the sum of all these little changes. While some of these changes seem silly, if they better the environment even in a small way, that change will add up tot he major change that needs to and is starting to happen in the world. I am so excited to be a part of it.

To Compost or Not to Compost...There is No Question

"My whole life has been spent waiting for an epiphany, a manifestation of God's presence, the kind of transcendent, magical experience that let's you see your place in the big picture. And that is what I had with my first compost heap." - Bette Midler

I missed my journal entry for last week, but I am so glad that I waited because I came across something today that I wanted to discuss. I found another blog with an environmental theme (from the UK):

http://resource-efficiency.blogspot.com/

There was an entry from last March titled "Compost - A Rotten Idea". I was intrigued and not just because I work as a compost technician, but because I am always curious about different perspectives on things. I love when something makes me go, "Wow, I never thought about it like that." I feel like having this kind of epiphany in the past has allowed me to broaden my horizons and learn so much more; there is such power in open-mindedness. Unfortunately, this article did not make feel more open, it did however make me want to pull my hair out and scream in frustration (a very mature reaction if I do say so myself). As the title suggests, the entry is about why composting is a bad idea. It pains me to know that there are people out there who feel that way and I honestly feel it is because they are misinformed, but who am I to judge?

Composting is such a great way to keep organics out of landfills (due to the anaerobic conditions in landfills organics produce the very potent greenhouse gas methane) and it is just a really amazing process. It fascinates me that there are billions of microorganisms at work (completely invisible to the human eye without a microscope) in a compost pile and they can turn my apple core into earthy soil that I can use in my garden. If you have a garden that has poor quality, compost can be used to to help rejuvenate it (just google composting for tips on how to actually do this and why it works). Large scale compost operations can handle organic wastes and their contaminants very easily, plus they produce compost on a much larger scale. Compost operations are subject to certain regulations to ensure their compost is good quality, so it can be used in community betterment projects, for erosion control, and for farmland regeneration. I am trying to be unbiased here, but I am just not convinced there is a better (more environmentally friendly or efficient) way to handle this type of waste.

One of my goals for the year, is to reduce the amount of waste I produce and that includes compostable waste. I am very happy though that there is an environmentally friendly way to deal with the organic waste I do produce.

Here are a couple of things I will be doing (and hope you will too!):

1) Reducing organic wastes by using as many of my food scraps as possible
- I use the material produced in my juicer to make muffins. Have you ever had a lemon,
cucumber, apple, carrot, orange muffin? So yummy!
- I save the scraps from chopping vegetables, like carrot greens and celery tops (I just
put them in a bowl in the freezer) and use them to make soup stock

2) Purchasing soil blends for my garden and potted plants that contain compost

The Litter Bug

"There aren't many things that are universally cool, and it's cool not to litter. I'd never do it." - Matthew McConaughey

(this was seriously the only quote that I could find regarding littering. It may not have been said in the most eloquent way, but it is true nonetheless)

I witnessed the most horrifying act today (perhaps I am being a little dramatic, but still!) - I was driving behind a silver Buick on my way home from work and as we pulled up to a stop sign I saw the driver roll down the window and throw out a Tim Horton's cup! I was so mad that I made a mental note of the time and licence plate number as if I could report it to someone. There is some sort of bylaw against littering in Halifax (not that I ever saw it enforced), but I wonder if a similar law exists in rural Ontario? It just makes me so sad to see garbage lining the edges of rural roads that navigate between beautiful farmers' fields. And do people seriously still litter? I think I learned not to litter before I could talk. It is just so disrespectful to the environment and to your community. It actually disgusts me to see someone litter. A note to my future boyfriends - do not let me catch you littering (or being rude to waitstaff ;) ) because it will be over very quickly!

Another thing that horrifies me is the amount of oil that goes into producing plastic bottles (not to mention the amount that is consumed to transport these bottles around the globe). To quote my Go Green calendar directly, "The Earth Policy Institute estimates that it takes 1.5 million barrels of oil to make the plastic water bottles Americans use each year, 77 percent of which end up in the landfill." (Check out http://www.earth-policy.org/ for more information). There is a lot of controversy surrounding plastic bottles - some say that plastic bottles leach harmful chemicals into the water and some say that bottled water is just tap water. I do not know if these statements are true, but what I can say is that in my house plastic water bottles make up a large proportion of our recyclables and I would guess this is true for many other families. One of my goals for the year is to reduce the amount of waste I produce and that includes reducing the amount of recyclables. The ultimate goal would be to produce zero waste. I usually have a reusuable bottle with me, but I have to admit that I am guilty of using the odd plastic water bottle. No more plastic water bottles for me - I will let you know how it goes.

I want to end with a thank you note to a former lab partner from Dalhousie. He offered me some grocery store advice via email, which I used this week with great success. He suggested bringing resusuable containers to the grocery store for meat products to avoid the excess packaging. The people may give you a weird look at first, but it is totally worth it. Great tip, thanks!

The Train

"If I keep a green bough in my heart, the singing bird will come." - Chinese Proverb

I am not exactly sure how this quote fits in with my entry for today, but it was Tuesday's thought on my Go Green calendar, so I felt it necessary to share.

I made some progress with preparing a lunch and thus reducing the amount of garbage produced from all my takeout containers. I made one out of five lunches this week. Okay, so that was a pathetic attempt and I can definitely do better. I am going to start by resisting the attempt to justify my bad behaviour, something I have realized I have become a pro at.

Something I had better success at this week, was using public transit. I took the train to visit a friend in Hamilton this weekend rather than drive my car, which I have put way too many kilometres on since I bought her in June (yes, I am one of those people who names inanimate objects. My metallic slate G5 is known as Miss Monroe or Marilyn for short). In the last year I have driven from Ontario to Newfoundland, where I spent eight months before making the long drive back to Ontario and I now drive more than 500 kilometres per week for work alone, so needless to say I have grown very tired of driving. This all led me back to public transit that I used so often in my university days. The best part about taking the train beyond the environmental benefit is the lack of focus it requires. I was able to close my eyes, get lost in the world of Bella from the Twilight saga, and people watch at my leisure. I could also safely eat my yogurt on route, although I am not entirely positive it is acceptable to eat on the Go train. I figured it was okay considering the fact that a rowdy group of 30 something year old men were drinking beer (which I am pretty sure is illegal) to prepare for the sporting event they were about to see. The funny part was seeing the face of the lady sitting next to the washroom as each of the men failed to close the door after they finished. They were oblivious to her disgust even as she slammed the door after each one of them. This is something I would have missed had I driven my car.

We went for sushi in Hamilton and I felt a slight twinge of regret when I overheard one of the sushi chefs telling another patron that the delicious salmon sushi I enjoyed had come all the way from Scotland. I plan to explore the issue of responsible seafood eating as the year progresses. For anyone who wants to get started now, go to http://www.oceansalive.org/ (you can print out a handy wallet card that helps you decide which seafood choices are the most sustainable).

Other than the sushi incident, I was so elated by the travel experience that I have resolved to take the train or bus whenever possible. I will try to keep track of the amount of emissions I reduce this year by using public transit.

In addition to using public transit, I also used only reusable bags for groceries and shopping and brought a travel mug everywhere I went. I begin this new week on a green high and I will try to carry that with me as I once continue to reduce packaging waste by preparing lunches and follow the suggestions of my Go Green calendar. My personal goal for the week is to read the first step in the Gorgeously Green plan. Wish me luck.