Did you know that even when cell phones and chargers are turned off they still use energy?? I just found out! I always leave my charger plugged into the outlet until the next time I charge my cell phone, but it’s actually using energy. Same thing with microwaves - the clock on it that beams brightly at night uses energy! Take a walk around your home to check out what items are sucking energy without you really noticing - electric alarm clocks, computers, TVs, DVD players, stereos, ipods… Check out David Suzuki’s Small Steps for more info on reducing your footprint one step at a time http://www.davidsuzuki.org/Small_Steps/

So, I went to get a take-out coffee at my favorite coffee shop this morning and wondered what people are doing these days with their plastic and paper cups, especially when they’re on their way somewhere…? In this city, they used to have recycling bins every few blocks, but I’ve noticed their disappearance as of late. So, now I try to remember that if I throw my cup in a public garbage can, that cup is on its way to a landfill somewhere to decompose slowly over the next 100 years… or I could make sure that I take it home and throw it in my recycling bin!

There are natural alternatives to both nail polish and remover! Award-winning Canadian company SunCoat is one such brand using water as its base instead of solvent. http://www.suncoatproducts.com/  Similarly, their remover is all natural using a corn/soy base. Products can be found at locations across Canada or just order online.

I heard once that plants in your bedroom is bad because of the carbon dioxide they emit at night. But let’s face it, unless you’re in an air-tight box, the CO2 won’t be causing you harm. And seriously, how much can one plant emit anyway?! I think the air filtration outweighs the CO2 scare anyday. Not to mention the fact that it looks great! I’ve traded in my bedroom TV for a few plants.

Apparently we don’t need to spray the dandelions to get rid of them! You can use an all-natural method on your lawn instead. The idea is not to kill anything, but to promote the growth of another plant to discourage the propegation of dandelions. Follow this link for more info: http://www.naturechallenge.org/dmg09/david_suzuki_foundation/q_my_friend_wants_to_get_rid_of_the_dandelions_on.html

Remember this year, when you’re planting your gardens, flowers, grass, whatever, not to use pesticides! You can go to this link on the David Suzuki Foundation website to check out tips and stories about gardening pesticide free:

 http://www.naturechallenge.org/dmg09/

So, I decided some months ago to not only switch to a natural brand of laundry detergent, but also to one that is packaged in unbleached carton made from 100% recycled material. I’m sure there are lots of brands but this one happens to be Nature Clean. it’s hypoallergenic, you can use it in front loaders, it’s septic safe, biodegrades within 28 days and is the only laundry powder to be certified by Environment Canada’s EcoLogo program. Non of the ingredients are toxic and it actually washes the same as regular brands, if not better! And I think, for the amount of washes you get out of it - 58 loads per 7.5 lbs - it’s even cheaper in the long run. Let me know if you’ve tried something along these lines!

The more I become environmentally and socially aware, the more I see the things around me for what they are. Here’s a link to a great documentary by CBC that you can watch online for free! take the time, it’s worth it: http://www.cbc.ca/documentaries/doczone/2008/disappearingmale/

the documentary is about the chemical revolution, plastics, how they have affected us over the last 50 years, what we’re learning about them today. In essence, we’ve become our own guinea pigs! It’s scary, especially when you think about our children.

What can we do to make a difference. Watch the documentary and let’s talk!

Thanks for visiting my blog! I hope we can share info and thoughts about the environment and our place in it, as women. Let’s talk!