The Bag Battle

Earlier this week San Francisco passed a law which prohibits large grocery stores and drugstores from using non-recyclable and non-biodegradable plastic bags made from petroleum products. They will be the first US city to pass such legislation.

The environmental impact of such legislation could be significant. San Francisco which has a population of about 740,000 uses approximately 200 million bags per year. It is estimated that by decreasing usage by 100 million plastic bags a year the city will save 1.5 million litres of oil, and eliminate 4.2 million kilograms of carbon dioxide.

Not to be out done, the community of Leaf Rapids in Northern Manitoba is going to be the first community in Canada to have similar legislation when their by law preventing retailers from selling or distributing single use bags goes into effect this Monday April 2nd. [For more information check out the article on CBC.ca.] Apart from the fact I am not sure what 'single use' bags would pertain to, and it could be a convenient loophole, this is still a step in the right direction.

By the way, although it got little mention in the North American media, European countries have had bag restriction legislation in place for many years. A good place to start for more information about this, check out this BBC article.

All of this anti bag talk started me wondering if it would be possible for my family to go 'bag free'. I expect like most people we try to re use grocery bags where ever possible as garbage liners and dog pooh receptacles. Those bags that have holes in them, or for some other reason cannot be reused, we save and take to the local grocery store which has a recycle bin for plastic bags.

At the end of the day, I think my family has pretty much maximized what we can on the reuse and recycle side of the environmental action items. As for the more important reduce action item, apart from remembering to bring a cloth bag more frequently when doing grocery shopping, I am a little bit stumped. Unfortunately, it appears to be a reality that bags of some sort are needed for the garbage, and more importantly, dog pooh.

One consideration is to try to start using bio-degradable bags. However, according to Reusablebags.com, the energy used to produce biodegradable bags is comparable to plastic bags. Furthermore, unless the municipal garbage program already has a process in place to maximise the benefits of biodegradable bags rather then just treating them like plastic bags, then most, if not all of the benefit is lost!...sigh...

The good news is that I am confident there is a good win/win solution to this problem. I just have to figure out what it is! Will let you know.

What Moves You?

The other day I was speaking with someone who upon hearing that I am knowledgeable about green issues asked me "What can I do to be more environmentally friendly?" My response to them was "Why?" Understandably there was a stunned silence at my rather unexpected retort. After giving them a few seconds to contemplate an answer, and finish swallowing a sip wine, I expanded upon the abrupt turn in the conversation.

There are hundreds if not thousands of books, articles and other bits of information available providing answers to their question. However, what is not often considered is the motivation behind the interest in leading a greener lifestyle. This motivation is key, because it will determine which tips or suggestions will make the most sense and be the most workable for someone.

From where I sit there are two main motivators for someone interested in a greener lifestyle: economics, specifically saving money or a more emotional based desire to leave the planet a better place then when they arrived. Both are very valid motivators, and one is not better then the other, they are simply different. Furthermore, these motivators are not exclusive as it is entirely possible that someone decides to buy a hybrid car because it will both save money as well as help the planet. However, one of these motivators is usually the more influential in the final decision and it is important to be aware of your individual motivator when seeking or ways to be more green because it will enable you to find and implement changes that are the best individual fit, and therefore have the greatest chance of success.

For example, if economics is the main motivator then considering installing solar panels as an alternative energy source might not be a good fit. While solar may be a great alternative energy option, the cost of materials and installation to capture this energy is often greater then the potential savings. Perhaps a better energy conservation solution would be something as simple as using compact fluorescent bulbs or purchasing energy efficient appliances. These types of solutions might not have as big an impact on decreasing CO2, but they will have a big impact on your pocketbook.

So, before you try to answer the question: "What can I do to be more environmentally friendly", first answer the question "Why". In the end, the answers to both questions will make more sense.

What's New with Native Flowers

One of the characteristics is that they have a favourite source of plants and gardening supplies. This is a place that they trust for quality, information and a good chance to find something new. A favourite spot of mine is Wildflower Farm. I found this nursery several years ago when I first embarked upon using native plants in my garden.

Like a bee to pollen, I was first attracted to them because their website is a great source of information about different types of native plants and how to care for them. I then had the opportunity to visit their farm and see first hand the wonderful selection and quality of plants they have, not to mention knowledgeable staff who helped me choose those plants that would have the most chance of survival in my garden. The plants that I picked up on that first visit still thrive all these years later!

A few weeks ago at the Canada Blooms Show I had the opportunity to speak with Miriam Goldberger, one of the owners of Wildflower Farm. She filled me in on what native plants she is most excited about this year. In our brief conversation she identified four that were at the top of her list. They are:

Purple Poppy Mallow: sun loving plant that grows less then 1', that produces non-stop show of bright cup-shaped violet flowers from July to October.

Tennessee Coneflower: this is a long blooming pink flower that grows 1'-2' and likes full sun. It was thought to be extinct for half a century and is still listed on the endangered species list of the US Fish and Wildlife Service. All the plants provided by Wildflower Farm are come from seed produced on the farm

Wild Petunia: the trumpet shaped violet coloured Wild Petunia grows about 1' high in dry soil conditions with full sun. Because of it's size and water requirements it is a good choice for rock gardens.

Hairy Beardtongue: This plant has lavender coloured trumpet shaped flowers has a height of 1' - 3', happy in full sun to part shade, moderately dry soil conditions. For the most impact it is recommended to plant this flower in groups.

Happily, these are just a few of the hundreds of native plants available!

If you have the chance to visit their farm just north of Barrie in Coldwater, Ontario I highly recommend it!

Where Have All the Entries Gone?

Some of my dedicated readers, yes both of you, might be wondering why there has been such a drought of new entries recently. The reason is that I have been feverishly working on building the content on GreenYourLife.com. This is a project I have been involved with for the past few months and due to the tireless efforts of some exceptional people, the site is really starting take shape and will hopefully soon become a key resource for anyone interested in leading a greener lifestyle.

When you have the chance, be sure to check out the GreenYourLife site, and particularly the Learn Green section! Then, be sure to bookmark it and return in a few days time as new content and features are being added everyday.

As for this site, please don't forget about me! I promise to begin posting new stuff and dedicating more time to this site in the next few days. After all, it is either do that or housework - yuck!

Mark Your Calendars!

If you live within range of Toronto I strongly recommend you mark your calendar to attend The Green Living Show on April 27th - 29th being held at the Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place. This show will be the first of hopefully many more consumer shows dedicated to everything green!

Among many other things, this show will feature:

• Over 200 exhibitors with simple, practical greenovations
• Opportunity to find out about hundreds of new products
• Get advice on earth friendly issues
• A host of celebrity speakers including: Margaret Atwood; Gil Deacon; Jamie Kennedy and David Suzuki [via the LongPen] just to name a few

If you have any interest in green products this show cannot be missed!

For more details check out their website at: Green Living Show

Container Gardening with a Twist!

Yesterday I had the pleasure of attending the 11th annual Canada Blooms show. One of the reasons why I look forward to this show every year is because I always come home with new and interesting ideas. This year was no exception.

One idea that impressed me were the entries for "the Garden Club of Toronto Back to Earth Class 36 - Herb[s] growing in an organic recyclable container[s]" competition . My imagination was particularly piqued by the third place winner, an entry by Ellen Clark. What a wonderful way of reusing tetra pak containers that also would add a spark of interest and uniqueness to any container garden setting!

Other interesting ideas included Marg Tamaki's first place entry using an asparagus, yellow and red peppers as the containers which were then placed in a 'bowl' made from lettuce leaves. The entry that garnished the most touches was by Marjorie Lenz who hollowed out a cabbage and put a miniature yellow rose in it. Almost every passer by just had to find out if the cabbage was real or not!

I might never use a clay pot again!

For Your Viewing Pleasure

Take a break and enjoy this short video from England about a bunch of kids and their take on education and energy conservation!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CivLKzRo48Y

Canada Blooms - A Sure Sign of Spring

It is understandable if, after looking out the window yesterday, the average Torontonian gave up hope of ever seeing spring. However, do not despair, for next week is the annual arrival of Canada Blooms ! It will be held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, South Building from March 7th - 11th

For those of you not aware, Canada Blooms is the largest flower and garden show in Canada. Started in 1997, it is a volunteer run, not for profit event designed to promote both horticultural awareness and to showcase floral and landscaping products and services. This year the 30 feature gardens, host of special speakers and Gardeners' Fare and Toronto Star Marketplace is expecting to attract over 100,000 visitors from across Canada and the US

Proceeds from the event go to the founding partners - The Garden Club of Toronto and Landscape Ontario to fund a wide range of projects projects such as:

• The Tree Conservancy Fund
• Humber Arboretum
• Black Creek Pioneer Village
• Scugog Shores Historical Museum in Port Perry
• and many, many others

In addition to being an opportunity to trade the dreary pre-spring streets of Toronto for a glorious day surrounded by lush plants and vibrant colours; Canada Blooms is one of the best ways to find out about new gardening trends and get lots of great ideas for your own patch of green.

If you can make it down to the show it is well worth the price of admission !