A great article about sustainable development and urban sprawl in New Brunswick, from the Telegraph Journal, Monday, August 23, 2010.

Protect N.B.'s rural appeal

Over the past several months I have be having a sensitivity to milk. I couldn't quite figure out whether it was an allergy or just lactose intolerance, but I knew that it was making me sick.

I heard about Anew Start Allergy Clinic here in Fredericton, and the amazing things that Lori, the Doctor of Natural Medicine, does for people there.

So, skeptically, knowing only that the process of diagnosis would include muscle testing and viles full of water, I ventured over. And what transpired amazed me.

Lori's techniques are based on NAET, or Nambudripad's Allergy Elimination Techniques, as indicated on their website, are "a non-invasive, drug free, natural solution to eliminate allergies of all types and intensities using a blend of selective energy balancing, testing and treatment procedures from acupuncture/acupressure, allopathy, chiropractic, nutritional, and kinesiological disciplines of medicine"

When I arrived, I held a series of viles in my hand, while Lori tested the muscles in my opposite arm, by pushing down, while I resisted up. Each of the viles were charged with a different electromagnetic charged, base on a binary code. I never thought it would actually work, honestly. But, lo and behold, not knowing what was in each of the viles, my suspicions were validated. I indeed have a milk allergy. Casein, a milk protein, in particular. My arm dropped like I was holding a tonne of bricks. Too see how the testing works, click here.

I do have a sensitivity to a few other things, but right now, I am going to be treated for my milk allergy. And from what Lori says, after a few treatments, I should be able to tolerate milk again. And boy, would I seriously love to stop reading each and every ingredient on labels! The treatment consists of holding on to the viles, while nerves in your back are stimulated at the pressure points, or by acupuncture. This releases energy through the body, and 12 meridians, and trains the body that what in in the viles (in this case milk and casein)  are not a threat. Sounds a little witch doctor-ish I know, but people have been cured in the past! I will reserve judgement until I can sit down in front of a bowl of Peanut Butter Fudge Crunch.

What does all of this have to do with the environment? It's all natural! I am so happy not to have to be filling my body full of medication to try and solve my milk issue. The testing was non-invasive, as is the treatment. Which makes me happy. No needles, no pills, no poking, prodding, dermal scratching, or anything!

If you have allergy problems, or a sensitivity, check for a NAET certified practitioner near you! You don't have anything to lose, except for your allergies!

BPA - or bisphenol-A - has been exposed! I have always know that it's bad, very bad, but alas, knowing that 91% of all Canadian are walking around with some BPA in their bodies at all time, it's difficult not to continue to be discouraged about it's prevalence.

Health Effects of BPA (www.ewg.org)

StatsCan came out yesterday with new data from the Canadian Health Measures Survey, with new information about the levels of toxins like BPA, lead and mercury in the bodies of Canadians. And the data is disturbing. It actually makes me want to vomit! Check out the table to the right, published by the Environmental Working Group in the US, as to the effects of BPA.

After reading Slow Death by Rubber Duck, written by Environmental Defense's Rick Smith, and his compatriot Bruce Lourie, my whole world changed! As I have mentioned in the past, I have done a complete overhaul of my bathroom vanity, and ditched anything and everything toxic I could find. Cold turkey. At least I felt better about what I was putting on my body, but was still largely unphased about the plastic that loomed in my kitchen!

I always do my best to use as little plastic as possible when cooking or storing food, and NEVER heat food in plastic. That is like the epitome evil in the BPA world! Almost 100% of my food storage containers are glass and I choose stainless steel water bottles, a good old fashioned glass tumbler, or ceramic mug for my water. I even have an insulated stainless mug for my coffee! As of yesterday, I voided my life of plastic cooking utensils, and have begun to replace them with stainless or renewable wood products. I refuse to be held captive by plastics anymore!!

And on another note, I have always paid strict attention when gifting to others, especially my friends who are with child. No more plastic toys and/or sippy cups (which I don't normally gift anyhow), but I will pay even more attention moving forward.

I think each of us can pay a little more heed to the plastics that surround us and that we use everyday. There is lots of information out there, and since yesterday, there will undoubtedly be more and more research done on BPA and its effects. Check out the stories that CBC has done on BPA over the past couple of days.

I encourage everyone reading this to take a pledge to reduce the amount of plastic in their lives, and make one or two small changes to reduce the amount of BPA you are ingesting. After all, the silver lining in all of this, is that BPA has a short half-life of 6 hours, so the more we limit our exposure, the less of the harmful chemical we will be harbouring.

What are you doing to limit your exposure? Let me know!

One of my most favorite places in the world is St. Andrews-by-the-Sea. I was fortunate enough to have spent my childhood summers there; and now, I appreciate my weekends there even more as an adult!

My grandfather was born there, and it has always been a part of my family, and hopefully it always will be! I cannot pinpoint why it is I feel so much better when I am there - more rested and relaxed - but it undoubtedly has to do with the fresh, salt air, crisp summer nights, and laid back way of life.

I have been thinking a lot lately about the sustainability of this small town. And it's the same story with so many small, coastal towns. Can tourism still create a vibrant economy that is needed for the community to thrive? Will the aquaculture industry adapt to climate change enough to still be an economic driver in the region? And on the social side, are communities of this size able to maintain services enough to support its residents, and keep them from moving to big cities?

Perhaps what frightens me the most though, is the environmental impacts that climate change will inevitably have on beautiful St. Andrews. We all know that the water is warming, there are fewer fish species surviving, and the water levels are rising. They have already had to move the original lighthouse back from the shore, and build a new support for it, because of erosion. And the signs of this are everywhere. New rock walls being built by homeowners, and more support structures being put in place. It scares me to think of what might happen to the gorgeous waterfront homes in the next 50 or so years.

Visting St. Andrews and revelling in it's beauty really makes me think about how we are treating our planet, and the significant effects it is causing. I feel so lucky to have a place like that to go, and I hate taking it for granted. I hope that other people are having the same experience that I am having - whether in St. Andrews, Peggy's Cove, Bar Harbor or any other coastal town like them.

Please, breath in the air, feel the cool salt water on your toes, and think about our earth. Sustainability. And what it means for future generations being able to enjoy these places like we are able to now.

I am a huge fan of this message, and the messenger for that matter!

And not only does the US need a good Clean Energy Policy, so does Canada. Beacause drill, baby, drill, is just not a good option. Not now. Not ever.

Or at least that's what it felt like anyway.

Dennis and I spent the morning, last Saturday, at Treego Mactaquac, just outside Fredericton. It is a crazy course of zip lines, tightropes, suspension bridges, and other difficult, hard to manoeuvre moving targets! It is a challenge of balance, agility and core strength, and of course, a test of mental tenacity.

There were no pictures, as we wanted to focus entirely on the experience and not worry about clicking shots along the way. And besides, I am glad I didn't document the occasional fear in my eyes from being a hundred feet off the ground, hung from a carabeener. Not to mention my one short stumble, which cost me the skin on my shins, and a little bit of dignity!

Here is a shot that I got off the web of one of the challenges!

All and all, it was a most excellent and fun experience and we can't wait to do it again! It was great to be soaring between the trees, and taking in nature at it's finest! It's what summer is all about - getting out and enjoying what our awesome environment has to offer! And the challenge was certainly one for the books.

If you want to try out Treego, aside from the one in Mactaquac, there is another location in Moncton, NB, Quebec, BC and in New York State.

Just another one of the many reasons I love Annie Leonard. Her latest mini-docu-movie in her 'Story' series, The Story of Cosmetics is another brilliant visual of our obsession goods that aren't good for us, or the environment.

Take a look and let me know what you think! I am a huge fan of Annie and her message, and have already taken the pledge to use safe cosmetics.

Check out some of the coolest Green Blogs on the web!

I know that this type of thing has been going on in other communities for years, but I was happy to find out this morning about a new local company called Real Food Connections.

A young local couple came to Fredericton, and were always looking for locally-sourced food. When it didn't happen as readily as they had hoped, their entrepreneurial spirits came through, and Real Food Fredericton was born! To explain how it works, here is an excerpt fromt he locao newspaper this morning:

"[Real Food] delivers food from no farther away than 75 kilometres from the Fredericton area. Through partnerships with local farmers, they can deliver anything from meat and peanut butter, to dairy products and vegetables. They meet the farmers and visit each location where the food is grown."  (The Daily Gleaner, July 20, 2010)

BRILLIANT!

So basically, you go to their website, pick the local food  - that's in season - that you would like, and then they deliver it to your door! Not only does this promote local food and sustain local farmers, but it helps promote season diets, and the popular 100-mile theory, that teaches us to enjoy what is availabl to us, in close proximity.

What Levi and Kim have done is to be commended! They are teaching us all great things through their Real Food message. I can't wait to order my first box of goodies!

Literally!

Until now, I thought that they were only a myth! Recycled/recyclable razors made out of old Stoneyfield yogurt containers.

I was in Maine on the weekend, and was psyched when I saw the Preserve razors! I picked some up, with some extra blades. Also really cool, the handles can be used with Gilette blades as well!

Preserve products are so cool, and you can get everything from toothbrushes to plates! This makes being 'eco' easy! :-)

Ah yes...it's that time of year! Bring on the vacation! 

Last weekend I had my first round of time off, spending it on Prince Edward Island. There are so many neat adventures to be had over there!

We went back to the Great Canadian Soap Company for more of their fabulous products! We were just in time to feed some super cute 5-week old baby goats! They were very loveable and couldn't wait for their milk! It was so neat!

We also visited Rossignol's Winery, in Little Sands, near Wood Islands (where you catch the ferry to Caribou, Nova Scotia). They grow their own grapes to make red and white wines, but also use local fruit for their delicious varieties of fruit wines! My favorites are the strawberry and blackberry, but the raspberry, cranberry, and rosehip are all yummy too! Rossignol's is laid out on a beautiful piece of property overlooking the Northumberland Strait, and the grounds were pristine! A great testament to the quality of the local vineyard!

Strawberry season is underway in PEI, and so I lended a hand in some berry harvesting. The 'wendy' variety is out and is VERY good, and soon the others will be ready to pick. There I was, crawling through the drills, for the best berries! And eventually, got to try the "fruits" of my labour! They were so good, and as I have said before, the local berries are so much better, juicier, and more tasteful than any berries you could bring in from elsewhere! I cannot wait to get some more!, because before we know it the season will be over!

I must say, there are some many great places to vist, and many adventures to be had, that don't cost a lot of money. It's also interesting to talk to local proprietors who sell their goods, and live off the land, and use local supplies. It makes me very happy to see that this type of buinsess is still alive and well in the Maritimes!

Until the next vacation.....

After a brief hiatus, and a very relaxing vacation, I am back to the blogging world! What a great 6 days I spent in PEI, doing some very cool things, and having some neat adventures. (More about those coming in another post....)

This one is all about something I talked about in my last post....my quest to become a better bulk buyer, and start to streamline my culinary purchases. As I mentioned before, one of my goals was to make a new spice rack, and fill it with all of my favorite flavours. I am happy to report, I was successful!! But, the spice rack that my boyfriend and I built, is actually a great waste diversion story too! One of reuse and of making something new out of something old.

So I have finally caught on to the trend - a relatively old one really.

I am joining the ranks of the bulk food junkies, and am vowing that by the fall, I will have re-invented my purchasing patterns, and my cupboards! It all started when I read an article baout a womean who is trying to becoming zero-waste; a tuly admirable, and difficult feat! (You can check out the article by clicking here.)

I don't clain for a second, to be able to go as far as becoming zero-waste, but with my avid recycling, and my new composter, I have already drastically reduced the amount of garbage that leaves my home. Still, I would like to even reduce the amount I recycle, because afterall, REDUCE comes first in the reduce, reuse, recycle triad!

After reading the article, and because I am a little OCD when it comes to organization, I decided to take up the challenge and start the process of converting to bulk, and reducing waste along the way. This means:

a) anything that I can buy in bulk, I will . This includes rices, pasta, spcies, oats, baking supplies, and once I get more familiar with the Bulk Barn, anything else that I can!

b) Using my own bags for bulk and produce buiying (See more about that below)

c) Sustainable storage - storing non-perishable items in glass containers, with glass or stainless tops whenever possible.


To continue to lead the pack in providing the best quality, Canadian made, re-useable produce and bulk food bags. To support a local community in our business, to provide food storage education, and to give assistance to entities working toward similar sustainable eco goals. To operate ethically and morally.


I have used them already and I love them. Plus, they are Canadian!!
 
But what about spices? I went online, and found an Etsy store called Kootsac. They are reuseable bulk bags made in the Kootenays in British Columbia. Handmade by a textile articst and clothing designer, these cute little bags - I ordered the spice ones - comes in a variety of colours and sizes! They will be very helpful when I go to replenish my spice rack! I haven't recieved them yet, but I am super excited to give them a try. They come in silk and ripstop nlon, and like the Carebags, you can throw them in the washing machine to clean! I am sure there are other varieties of bags out there, but I am going to try these two for now.
 
 

This may be more of a rant than a blog. I am a little bit ticked at my cell phone company right now.

You see, here is what happened. I have - rather HAD - a Blackberry Bold that I absolutely loved. As much as I hate to admit it, it was a bit of an attachment to my arm. My home phone, my cell phone, my computer, alarm clock - EVERYTHING! I have only had it for less than 19 months, and everything appeared to be going smoothly. Until BOOM!

First thing Monday morning, which is already hard enough, the darned thing wouldn't turn on. I had charged it all night too. Called the lovely customer service people, who were of little to no help - and they decided it was a software issue, and to uprgade on my computer. Easier said that done. Tried and tried and tried, until 11pm Monday night, to no avail. My precious Blackberry had met an untimely death.

So, after a bit of pleading with my service provider, they are going to send me some pink, flip, refurbished Blackberry that I hope will hold up until I am at least eligible for an upgrade, which isn't until November.

But that's not what makes me the most upset. It's the fact that these cell phone companies and distributers are so wasteful! First of all, they come out with a new model, what seems like practically everyday, so only as to encourage the ridding of one, and purchasing of another.

Secondly, you think for all of these smart, technologically saavy people, they would be able to make a phone that would last, or be able to fix a phone. How many phones do we all have laying around the house, that are now obsolete, or 'unfixable'. GRRRR!!! At least there are some places to take your old electronics now, to be recycled, rather that going to a landfill. That's a topic that opens up a whole new can of worms, but to put it into perspective, watch this E-Wasteland video.


All of this wastefulness, and creating "throwaway products' does not help our society move away from commercialism, or becoming more sustainable or thoughtful with purchase decisions.  These companies make it easy for us to do that, by not giving us options. I guess a bit of a silver lining is that I am getting a refurbished phone, so it's not like I am starting all over again. I will just be adopting an old phone. And I am going to try and make this one last, beyond my upgrade threshold, mainly so as not to waste, and secondly, because I don't want to give the provider any extra money than I have to!

So, that's my rant for today.  In any case, just think about e-waste next time you go to upgrade your phone or other piece of technology. It might make you think twice!

In Irish, Inishkeen comes from the word 'inniskeen', meaning peaceful island. I couldn't agree with that definition more!

I just got back from another great weekend on Prince Edward Island, and my boyfriend's family farm - McNally's Inishkeen Farm. What a beautiful place to spend time, and I always leave feeling more rejuvanated that when I arrived.

The weather is getting nicer and the trees and flowers are in bloom! The strawberries are already in the ground, and they should be ripe for the picking come July, and then it's on to raspberries! What a yummy place to be! And it's also planting time for the vegetable gardens!  They plant a wide variety of veggies to use themsleves, which has to be the best way to eat!

For the first time, I tried my hand at planting a garden. I must say, that growing up in a city, I haven't had a lot of experience in farming. But there I was, on Friday, pushing a tiller through the red dirt, and transplanting greenhouse cucumbers, and planting seeds for beans and cucumbers. These accompanied the potatoes and pumpkins already planted.

In the other, smaller garden, you will find many more veggies -everything from asparagus, to beans, peppers, potatoes, peas, corn, cukes - and that doesnt include greenhouse tomoatoes and spinach!

I am so exctied to test the produce of my labour when it's all ready! It is such a great feeling to cultivate the earth and grow the food that will end up gracing your dinner plate. It has to be one of the best , most economical and environmental friendly ways to eat, and I find you enjoy food more knowing that you helped grow it!

I learned a lot this weekend about farming, planting and what it takes to grow, and sell produce, and cultivate your own. I certainly appreciate it far more than I ever have before!

An interesting story came out in the Ottawa Sun a couple of weeks ago, and it is shocking!!

Would you believe, that there are drinking water conditioners, similar to that of third world countries, right here in New Brunswick. Now, I absolutely do not believe that we are in such dire conditions as those countries, but certainly, some things have to change!

The Ottawa Sun story, entitled There's s--- in the water...literally. talkes a most interesting look at some of Canada's cities and how they compare when it comes to water. Take a look, it will really open your eyes! Well, now I know I shouldn't be too boastful, but Fredericton got some good PR here! We have a most excellent Water and Sewer Department, anmd some of the best ground sourced drinking water in Canada! (And I know I am partial, but we have actually won awards for our water!) On the other hand, just down the road, another community is pumping millions of gallons of waste into the harbour each year. Gross. Me. Out. Take a look at the pictures in the story...they speak for themseleves!

Mind you, each community has their own challenges, and everyone gets caught at times, when water isn't as good as it should be. But, in this day and age, with our resources and technology in Canada, should we really even have to be talking about this? Why should any community be pumping feces into waterways. Why shouldn't there be more accountability on this front? It costs money, yes, but think about this, isn't water a precious enough resource that it should be revered more highly.

This is just my opinion, and I am sure there are many more views that could be taken on this subject. However, we need to start paying more attention and treat our water as it should. Perhaps if we were experiencing mass shortages similar to third world countires, we would be more diligent. But, we aren't experiencing those conditions, and we still pay far less for our water as a commodity compared to say, gas.

I am always proud to say that I don't buy bottled water, because we are lucky to have lots of tap water at our disposal. Mind you though, next time I venture out of town on vacation, for a visit or a meeting, I might be a little hesitant to drink from the tap.

I know I have ranted about the oil spill - or major catastrophe in my books - before, but it's getting so out of hand that it deserves another post. Here are some of my opinions:

Leave President Obama alone! The poor man is doing his best to clean up someone else's mess. LITERALLY! I know he was once behind increasing the amount of oil drilling, but he has totally retracted that and is now trying to pick up the pieces of the lives of hisconstituents that have been so radically altered. (PS. I just heard that the Prez is sending BP a bill for $36 million plus. Good on ya!)

Why, oh why, wasn't there a plan in place BEFORE this happened to mitigate the chance of the spill, or at least to be prepared if it happened! I know people are talking about this ad nauseum, but it's true. It would have saved a lot of time, money and extreme environmental harm!

The BP President made a quote saying that he 'wants his life back'. You have got to be kidding me. I am sure that it's tough for you right now buddy, but please, try to consider the lifes of the fisherman in the Gulf that this this spill has ruined, the environmental affects and the time and money that so many people have put into clean up. You might have to wait awhile to 'get your life back', until others are able to get one with there's in light of the disaster.

A little bit of a silver lining in all of this, is that people may start to see that green energy options aren't so bad, even if they do cost a little bit more. After all, would it be better to pay up front for clean energy, rather than have to clean up the mess left by dirty oil. Something to think about.

How will you celebrate?

Canadians have been celebrating Environment Week for 39 years. Taking place annually during the first week in June, to coincide with World Environment Day on June 5th, Canadian Environment Week is designed to educated people about the value of our environment and to talk about what we can do to help preserve our earth's beauty and make our plaent sustainable.

Clean Air Day, celebrated on June 2nd, raises awareness and encourages action on clean air and climate change issues. Canadians can show their commitment by participating in activities that contribute to cleaner air, healthier communities and a better quality of life for all. Along that same vein, the National Commuter Challenge also takes place during this time of the year, to encourage commuters to get out of their cars, and use alternative transportation to get to work. Why not try walking, biking or taking the bus? Even carpooling is a good option.

Here in Federicton, we have a bit of encouragement when it comes to alternative transportation. For 2 months this summer, one of the bridges that crosses the river separating our City is going to be closed to traffic. 20,000 vehicles will have to be diverted, and it will increase traffic on our second bridge by 40-50%. Fredericton residents have never had to deal with congestion before, but they will now! In an effort to encourgae alternative transportation - which in fact is also a sound environment choice, and depending on what you choose, a healthy and active one too - we are launching Freddy's Commuter Challenge. We want people to challenge their old commuting habits and start alternatively commuting! By allieviating traffic congestion caused by the bridge closure, it will make for a much more pleasant summer.

There are many ways to celebrate Environment Week in Fredericton! Check out the Green Matters Website for a complete list of all the great activities!

Environment Canada also has some tips about how to celebrate Environment Week.

Here are a couple challenges I urge you to consider:

• Drink your coffee or tea only from a reusable mug this week
• Walk or bike or take the bus to work rather than driving
• Take a walk on one of Fredericton's beautiful tree-lined trails, and enjoy the beauty that our natural surrounding possess
• Teach someone else about Environment Week
• Join Freddy's Commuter Challenge!

Happy Canadian Environment Week! Let's show our planet a little love!

An old Native American Proverb cites "We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children". If you have been trapped under a rock for the last few years, and haven't seen some of the horrible changes our earth has been sustaining - over the next few decades you will be forced to start noticing. Not to mention what our children and  grandchildren will have to deal with after we are gone.

I often think of this, and the fact that the decisions we make today will affect the planet of tomorrow. I have had the opportunity to speak to a number of classes and groups of students and I find that they are always very excited and interested in helping the environment. They have great ideas about changes they need to make, and are often the ones to encourage their parents to make changes.

I read a news article today with the heading Importance of the environment lost on kids. It sort of bothered me. Kids these days spend a lot of time in front of the computer or the television, and much less time outdoors enjoying nature. When I was a child, my siblings and I were always outside, playing in the yard, walking, and building forts in the woods across the street. We spent time on the beach - and still do - exploring our great environment. That being said, children and youth are much more astute than they once were. They use technology to research about the environment, and use Facebook, Twitter, blogging and other social medium to encourage peers to make a difference. Not only do they encourage people to make a difference, they are leading the charge themselves.  A local high school student here in town just recieved a national Toyota Earth Day Scholarship for his efforts to protect the environment, and in particular his work in the education on the value of the bur oak tree.

And he is only one example of exemplary youth in the area. One university student was trained by Al Gore to give his Inconvenient Truth presentation when she was only in high school, and has been to UN Climate Change meetings as part of the youth delegations. One girl started a recycling program at her high school and used the money from the returnables to purchase equipment for the local hospital. Students of all ages have Green Teams at their schools, and even elementary students have garbage pick-up clubs to keep their playgrounds clean and green. We hold an annual essay contest where students are encouraged to share their environmental hopes and dreams, and their writing and ideas are always very impressive.

So, while one headline about youth concern about the environment may be a little disconcerting, I have the utmost confidence that if we work hard to reduce our impact on the environment, and clean up our act and the earth the meantime, the planet will be in good hand with future generations!

Not So Sexy: Hidden Chemicals in Perfume and Cologne | Environmental Working Group

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