I did an appearance on London’s A Channel this morning to talk about toy shopping for the upcoming holiday season. After last year’s staggering 25 million toys recalled for various hazards — lead in the paint or vinyl, the “date-rape drug”, batteries that were small enough to cause choking — the U.S. Congress passed a law on July 30, 2008 that promised to clean up the toy aisles of America…and Canada since most companies sell toys on both sides of the border. The catch?? The law doesn’t go into effect until February 10, 2009, leaving a potentially dangerous window of opportunity for any unscrupulous toy companies to unload their toxic toys. My advice? Make sure you’re on top of recalls so that you don’t fall prey to any auction sites or “second-hand” sites passing off dangerous toys (visit Health Canada’s site at hc-sc.g.ca/cps-spc/advisories-avis/child-enfant/index_e.html or go to www.notinmycart.org). Look for toys that are simple: unpainted wooden blocks, LEGO (which has a long history of being safe), puzzles and so on. If you’re unsure about a toy’s safety, check it out with www.healthytoys.org. Just key in the brand name and get a report card. If the site doesn’t have one on the brand you’re curious about, let them know.
With due diligence on the part of all of us parents, we can ensure that our kids’ toys are not only fun, but safe.

I’ve always been very clear that I’m no expert on the environment. I pretty much glazed over during high school chemistry class, was mildly entertained by the notion of genetics in biology and remain convinced that much of my life defies the laws of physics. That, however, was then. I was recently quoted by The Sierra Club in its “The Green Life” daily tip that arrives in my in-box so that I may learn from them. Instead, they offered up my advice on buying less. It seems I have “arrived”…on a green horse.
So…from now on, just do as I say and we’ll all be fine.
To read my words of wisdom, visit this link: http://sierraclub.typepad.com/greenlife/2008/09/green-your-sh-2.html

While I try to approach eco-living with a smile and a giggle — and encourage my readers to do the same — the latest research from climate scientists is anything but amusing. I hate to be the messenger of bad news…but read this (click on link below) before you head to the voting booths. Strong leadership by someone who recognizes that the environment is THE most important issue on the agenda (and, of course, affects healthcare, the economy, poverty, etc. etc.) is critical.
http://www.organicconsumers.org/articles/article_14872.cfm

Kim Wiley of Larga Vista Ranch & Dairy (www.largavistaranch.com) recently read my blog and had this to say about “Give Peas a Chance”. There is much wisdom in her words:

Unfortunately, the UN data on meat eating is based on stats from confined animal feeding operations (CAFOs) aka feedlots and confinement barns. Have you ever seen photos on PETA’s site of confinement hog and chicken operations? They are abhorrent!!!! There is a whole other world of grass-based animal husbandry that is actually good for the environment. Have you read “The Omnivore’s Dilemma” by Michael Pollan? It is an excellent eye-opening account of food production in this country and the difference between CAFO meat and grass-fed/finished meat. Pollan profiles farmer-advocate Joel Salatin (Google Polyface Farm) who explains just how amazing grass-based farming is in terms of large amount of food raised on a small amount of land (careful rotational grazing of many species,) how it builds soil, and is the best carbon sink there is! Also, Allan Savory and Holistic Management International are recovering thousands and thousands of acres (improving vegetative cover/carbon sink and effective rainfall) in dessicated areas of Africa with CATTLE properly grazed in a rotational pattern. They have great photos on this site.
Soy is now being grown on slashed and burned land in the Amazon. National Geographic put out an article on this about two years ago. Additionally, if non-organic soy is being consumed, it is most likely genetically modified soy grown in huge monoculture. This is not good for the land for many reasons. Furthermore, soy is packed full of anti-digestive nutrients (phytates) that block mineral absorption in the colon (see www.westonaprice.org). Fermented soy (tempeh, miso, natto) does not pose this problem.
As a grass farmer, I become frustrated that there isn’t often a differentiation made between feedlot meat animals and meat animals that come from a farm like ours that eat grass their entire lives. The UN stats are so prevalent in the dialogue of the green movement. I feel as though we who know about the vast difference between the feedlot and the grass farm, should try to do what we can to further understanding of a different way with other people who care about the environment. There are more choices than being a vegetarian and downing all of that soy or consuming CAFO meat. That subtle difference is what, I think, is the cutting edge of the conservation/environmental movement.

I do obtain my family’s meat from a farmer – Angela Wisnoski – who raises grassfed cows and pasture-raised pigs. As well, her eggs are from truly free-range hens (I recall one memorable day when she couldn’t deliver me any eggs because her hens had all flown the coop, so to speak, and were nesting in nearby trees). Animals that are raised on their natural feed are also more nutrient rich for us and more easily digested by us. However, for many people just getting their feet wet in the “green” waters, the distinctions can be confusing. However, it’s worth noting that there are alternatives to becoming a vegetarian for those carnivores loath to give up their burgers…even one day a week.

I recently appeared on an episode of BNN’s MoneyTalk.

You can watch the segment here.

We might not be famous. Or rich. Or even particularly interesting. But that doesn’t mean we don’t want to be in rehab, just like so many of those Hollywood (sorta) stars. Our rehab, however, involves a consumer detox. As in, no spending money on useless crap. As in, no buying anything that isn’t vital to our survival. If necessary, we can barter, beg or borrow for anything we need (which I already did – thank-you to those who answered my SOS for glue sticks for my children’s back-to-school arsenal). So far, I’ve gone 9 days without aspartame (I haven’t bought any Diet Pepsi) and ju jubes (nary a one has passed my lips) – both of which I rely on to get me through the lonely, nap-inducing days of a freelance writer. My husband has used up all the remaining money on his Starbucks gift card and has resorted to brewing his own. My five-year-old is taking matters into her own hands and has requested her own credit card. And I, noting that our wine cellar in suspiciously devoid of red, am seriously considering stomping my own grapes.
Why are we doing this? It’s one of those “seemed like a good idea at the time” notions that I frequently enthuse about. I get so disgusted with the mindless consumerism and despairing for the toll it’s taking on the planet. I pitched the idea to editors at Canadian Living magazine, who succumbed to my enthusiasm and have asked me to write about it for an upcoming issue.
So far, I’ve learned that even I, who take great pride in NOT buying whole heaps of Made in China stuff that I don’t need, purchase more than I realize. I’ve learned that there’s a HUGE difference between needing something and wanting something. But, with 20 days left in our detox, I’ve learned mostly that I don’t like white wine…even with nothing else in the house.

When the UN released stats in 2006 that indicated meat-eating shared a larger share of the blame for global greenhouse gas emissions than all forms of transport combined, there was undoubtedly a cheer from the Hummer-driving vegetarians in the world (hmmm — wonder if there actually are any). Now the UN has gone even further by actively encouraging us to eat less meat. UN Climate Chief Rajenda Pachauri has asked people to go meatless one day a week – for starters. It’s surprisingly easy…and tasty. Not to mention a good idea to give your old heart (and colon) a bit of a break. Just remember, though that eating tofurkey doesn’t give you licence to take a joyride in your Escalade…

On Saturday, July 19, I’ll be talking about how to maximize your cool while minimizing your AC use on my weekly CFRB Green Tip on Mark Cullen’s Garden Show (AM1010).
For those do-it-yourselfers who want to keep your AC in tip-top shape and thereby ensure its efficiency, here’s a great site, complete with diagrams and step-by-step instructions to walk you through maintenance.
http://www.howstuffworks.com/how-to-maintain-an-air-conditioner.htm

It’s the latest buzz word in the green world. With gas prices soaring along with our stress levels regarding climate change, more of us are assessing our impact — with vacations high up on the list.
While I’m a firm believer in the need to take time away from work and just play — and a stay-at-home holiday can sometimes mean more work than your paying job — becoming a tourist in your hometown (or a nearby community) can be the best of both worlds. You remove yourself from evidence of all the nagging jobs that need doing at home…and you extricate yourself from your desk.
Unplug the cell phone, disable the work e-mail and truly relax. Take in a local museum or art gallery, bike to a farmer’s market and pick up the ingredients for a picnic. Take the kids to an organic farm in the country or a pick-your-own strawberry patch.
Whatever you do, tread lightly…and leave the gas guzzler at home.

If you’ve ever wondered where your trash winds up (and even if you haven’t), give this a look. You’ll never toss with abandon again…at least I hope not.
http://www.vbs.tv/video.php?id=1485308505