Happy Earth Day!

I know I have not posted anything in a while. I have been busily studying (read: cramming) for my final exam tomorrow for the course: "Ecological Principles of Sustainability" at the Ontario College of Art and Design. This course was such an eye-opener and I learned a good deal about what I can do as a citizen to assist in the quest for sustainable living. The bulk of the course readings and discussions included articles promoting alternative energy sources like solar, wind and geothermal powered homes and products, energy efficiency/renewable energy, ecosystems and human interferences, natural selection/evolution and modern day sustainability in our city.

Coincidentally, it is also Earth Day today and although I don't have any special celebrations planned for the day, I wanted to share something super cool with you readers.

A few weeks ago I purchased this from Etsy.com:


It's a wooden cuff made from reclaimed wood with a screenprinted image of a honeycomb pattern. I love the whole idea behind this bracelet cuff. 1) It's mahogany wood. 2) The wood is reclaimed. 3) It's biodegradable. 4) It is lightweight and fits snugly on my wrist. 4) I love the image of the honeycomb on the surface. Insects are my thing and I find them so fascinating especially how they build their homes and habitats.

The brains behind this wooden cuff is the creative and talented Industrial Designer - Sara Schalliol. She also has some colourful, geometric necklaces on her Etsy shop made from wood, which I have been coveting for some time. And that is not all. Sara also designs and creates some funky jewellery trees for displaying your jewellery collectables.

So if you want to make an eco-conscious purchase today to commemorate Earth Day look no further than here.

Why couldn't I have thought of this idea when I was a student studying Industrial Design and had access to an abundance of wood scraps from the wood shop...doh!

Green Coupons Galore

My little green book of BIG savings arrived today in the mail. I am so excited. It is full of local, Toronto-based 'green' businesses that are offering products and services for the aspiring ecoholic.

I can't wait to use the coupons to get a discount on a bicycle tune up or to purchase some new accessories for my bike like a wire basket. I'm so excited...Ohhhhh yeah!

I tend to be a coupon hound. I have the Entertainment coupon book for Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area. I have used a dozen or so of these coupons/vouchers for discounts on restaurant meals and blockbuster movies.

I also go on-line and do a Google search for coupon sites that offer coupons to use in my city. I use coupons for groceries (Europe's Best frozen berries) and for entertainment (Cineplex theatres) and other necessities such razors and Tylenol.

This book offers some great deals! My husband couldn't even believe it . He thought it was a typo when one of the coupons indicated receive $20 off your groceries when you shop at "Organics on Bloor" (Street) ...can you believe that?

Some vegetarian/vegan/organic restaurants offer free appetizers. Others offer 10% off the bill. You can also find coupons to get you discounts (or one free class) for yoga or Pilates or a massage or a facial discount at an organic spa called Elixir. There are even services offered for your furry buddy like a nail clipping for Fido or Morris. It's also a great way to try out new restaurants and visit local businesses.

I think (for now) this little green book is only offered in Toronto. But you just never know, perhaps later 'the little green book' will become so popular that it will be available in other provinces. Spread the word.

Here is the site if you want to find out more about this little green gem!

Will you be switching off your lights?

Did you know that North Americans consume more energy than any other country? Even countries that have a vastly higher population like China and India, use significantly less electricity than the United States and Canada.

Did you know that light pollution can effect the environment?

Did you know that lighting can also affect human health? "Research has been being done on the subject for years and it is well known that indoor fluorescent lighting can cause many health problems such as migraine headaches, fatigue, irritability and many other health conditions."(www.earthaffairs.com)

Did you know that continuous lighting may destroy crops, trees and even wildlife?
"Light pollution is defined as the lightening of the night sky due to artificial light being scattered about, it is also known as sky glow. Unnecessary light not only wastes massive amounts of electricity, but it adversely affects wildlife as well." (www.earthaffairs.com)

Do you want to know what you can do to make a positive change? Read this.

For further information, here is the link to the World Wildlife Federation Fund (WWF).

Lights out!!


A lot will be happening in Canada on March 29th!

Canada has one of the highest participation rates around the globe with over 150 cities participating! Check below for a list of some events and some of the iconic buildings and landmarks that will be turning off their lights Saturday. Check your local news for more events near you or host your own Earth Hour Celebration for your friends and neighbours.

HALIFAX:
The MacDonald Bridge, City Hall, Parade Square, Halifax Water Commission's main building and Nova Scotia Community College

OTTAWA:
The Parliament Buildings

NIAGARA:
Niagara Falls

TORONTO:
CN Tower, Toronto Eaton Centre, Fairmont Royal York Hotel and Honest Ed's

Nathan Phillips Square - 6:45pm free concert featuring Nelly Furtado!

Toula Restaurant, Westin Harbour Castle - special "$60 Earth Hour" Dinner Menu

Library Bar, Fairmont Royal York - special "cocktail hour", including specially mixed drinks in honour of Earth Hour

David Dunlop Observatory, Richmond Hill - at dusk, star gazing

Murphy's Law Pub, The Beach - special candle light dinner with menu prepared by chef Shayne Legassie, featuring unique cold foods! 1702 Queen Street East

Public Pot Luck Dinner - 5:30 to 7:30pm, with candle light parade around the park and along the Danforth @ 7:30pm. Bring food reusable dishes and cutlery. All welcome.

Candle Light Yoga - with proceeds going to WWF-Canada.

• The Big Stretch, 1560 Bayview Avenue Suite 303, 416-486-4448
• Fireflow Yoga, 172 Eglinton Avenue East 2nd floor (3 blocks east of Yonge & Eglinton), 416-839-6621
• Moksha Yoga Downtown, 860 Richmond Street, 416-737-8936

VANCOUVER:
Science World of British Columbia, Olympic Flag, City Hall Clock, VanCity, BC Hydro, City of Vancouver, Lions Gate Bridge, Cambie Street Bridge, Burrard Street Bridge and Harbour Tower

HARTLEY BAY, BC:
Whole community!

I'm an Ecoholic.

I've been reading this book for a couple of days and I highly recommend it. I borrowed the book from the library but I am actually considering getting my own copy. It's a great reference book. If you haven't yet become aware of the many environmental issues surrounding our daily lives as well as the impact it has to our health - I suggest you have a peek into this book by Canadian writer Adria Vasil.

This book is chock full of tips and suggestions on alternative products that replace the harsh chemical based and environmentally destructive ones, found on the shelves of our local drug stores and supermarkets.

From cosmetics (my weakness) to household cleaners (I use vinegar to mop my floors) to food and clothing and everything in-between. This book addresses ways to make the switch from using for instance, an antiperspirant that is full of cancer-causing chemicals to an alternative and safer deodorant from 'Green Beaver Company' (a Canadian company, naturally).

Case in point, for the past 6 months I had been using a roll-on deodorant that clearly stated "No Aluminum Chlorohydrate" right on the cap. This week I made the switch to a deodorant from 'Green Beaver Company' when I discovered (by reading 'Ecoholic') that my regular deodorant's ingredients (listed right on the package in uber tiny font), actually contained formaldehyde. Yup, that's right - a cancer causing agent, that I was strategically applying to my armpits day after day, right next to my lymph nodes. Disgusting and scary!

So basically, the villain deodorant is from a company that makes OMBRA bath and hygiene products. They were touting their products as being "alternative" by removing the agent that is known for causing Alzheimer's - yet they added a slew of other harmful agents thus creating a misleading product for people concerned about what they put on their skin.

If you are ready to stop supporting companies that only care about making millions by selling their toxic chemical laden products, get your hands on a copy of this book.

Even if you only make one change in your daily regime, it's a positive change that will help you and the environment around you.

Disclaimer: I do not work for the 'Green Beaver Company' nor am I related to Adria Vasil. I am not pitching these products for any other reason other than to talk about my health and yours.

Comedic Relief

Since I'm making good progress on my biological succession research report, I thought that I would take a break and post this YouTube clip:



A very serious issue yet spoken about in funny way (read: tongue in cheek). This is a clip of Ellen DeGeneres on a recent episode of her daytime talk show addressing a homophobic politician's comments about homosexuality.

I also think that Ellen's response ties in nicely with my "keep it simple" approach on this blog.

You're awesome Ellen!!!

Enjoy folks!

Life

It has been a month since I last posted. I have been extremely busy and don't have much time for blogging these days. Between working all day, going to night school, doing the required weekly readings, studying for quizzes and tests and writing essay reports, plus trying to make it to the gym once or twice a week and spending my weekends house hunting...as you can see - I'm pooped!!

I will be back to my weekly postings soon but right now I do need to return to the essay on ecological succession, which I am currently writing.

I love Mary Janes.

CYDWOQ

Women love shoes and I am no exception. My dream job is to one day work at a shoe company designing shoes. In my world, shoes have to have the following qualities: snazzy/aesthetic/stylish/funky design, comfort, durability and all at reasonable price. Tall order - I know. Mind you, I know that a good pair of shoes can set you back a few hundred. I have been known on occasion to dish out up to $200 for a pair of shoes without batting an eye...no regrets. If you're going to invest in a stylish and comfortable pair of shoes - I say, you get what you pay for.

I love mary janes. That's right, timeless, classic mary janes. I have several pairs and variations of the classic mary jane in a slew of colours. There's a bronze pair (purchased 5 years ago and stlll ticking) with a slight kitten heel (Kenneth Cole) and a red pair of Chinese flats (China town) and several black pair - one of which is a partial shiny patent leather (Bandolino). I even have a two-toned spectator mary jane shoe with a kitten heel...a style right out of the 1940's (Franco Sarto).

Mary Janes are so cute! They can be worn with both pants and skirts. They make my feet look good and feel even better. No pinched toes or bony outgrowths as a result of wearing pointy stiletto shoes. Don't get me wrong, high heels make ones legs appear longer, more streamlined, they emphasize the muscles on a woman's legs, men find them sexy and they complete the look of a sophisticated business suit or a dress for a formal black tie event. They are also very uncomfortable and throw your posture out of alignment and over the years can create irreversible damage to your feet. I really am amazed when I see women wear them everyday to work. Ouch!





















Every season there is a new take on the classic mary jane and I'm right there in the shoe stores, mulling over the new seasons selection...which pair do I buy this year?

John Fluevog