Archive for October, 2009

Say yes to reusable produce bags

I just got word that Metro will be selling reusable produce bags come the end of November. These will be available as an alternative to the rolls of plastic bags offered in the produce section. A package of four bags will be sold for $4.99. This is a steal, considering you'll have them forever.

I find this pretty cool. Metro is the first major grocery chain to be selling these, and hopefully other ones will soon follow suit.

Here's another alternative to plastic produce bags, sold at Grassroots stores.

Don't forget to enter my giveaway, I'm announcing the winner on November 6.

I always find that it's a bit harder to buy local foods during our colder months. There's something about the lack of berries, peaches and tender lettuce that just gets me down about grocery shopping. Oh, don't get me wrong, I love my sweet potatoes and apples just as much as the next gal, but I think spring and summer bounty is my absolute fave.

Luckily I came across WWF's Canada's Sustainable Food Buying Guide. The Guide has a handy list of what's available in specific provinces in different seasons. It also has some information about sustainable food, food-buying tips and yummy menu ideas. You can download your free copy here!

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Organic Living

Also, I have great news. I'm giving away one copy of The Complete Idiot's Guide to Organic Living, written by Eliza Sarasohn and Sonia Weiss. This is a guide that provides step-by-step solutions for going organic in most aspects of your day-to-day life. It's useful for anyone wanting to make sustainable changes to their lifestyle.

All you have to do is subscribe to my blog and leave a comment here telling me what your favourite fall and winter dish is (showcasing local bounty, of course)!

I'll announce a winner here on Friday, November 6.

Tomorrow is International Day of Climate Action, and people all over the world will gather in groups to take a stand against climate change. Photos from events all over the world will be submitted to 350.org, who will put together a giant, visual petition (in time to use at the UN Climate meeting in Copenhagen, taking place in December).

During tomorrow's many events, the focus will be on the number 350 - representing 350 parts per million, which is the safe limit for atmospheric c02.

Search 350.org to find a group gathering in your area.

Have a great weekend!

Do you think this kitchen actually gets any use?

When I asked you all last week what part of your house you would green, many of you mentioned your kitchens. Well, I have good news: greening doesn't always mean spending lots of money. There are lots of little things we can do in our kitchens to help reduce our ecological footprint.

• What are you cooking with? Make sure your staple fry or sauce pans are made of stainless steel or cast iron. These options are free of toxins.

• Say no to plastic baggies and wrap. Though little resealable bags are darned convenient, they cause unnecessary waste. You can find glass and BPA-free plastic alternatives to house odds, ends,  snacks and lunches!

• Close the door. Your oven door, that is. Taking a look at your apple pie before it's finished will allow lots of heat to escape from that oven, which will then have to work extra hard to climb back up to the appropriate temperature (I get scolded for this one all the time ... but it's really hard not to peek!).

• Go ahead and put the kettle on, just don't fill it up all the way. If you're only having one cuppa, put the required amount of water in the kettle. If you fill it all the way up, you're wasting more energy getting water that you're not even using to a boil.

For all of you who dream of a nicer, cleaner and greener kitchen, I have great news. You can enter Canadian Living's Ugliest Kitchen contest for your chance to win a $25,000 kitchen makeover from The Home Depot. All you have to do is submit a photo or video of your kitchen here. Find more information on the Ugly Kitchen Contest here!

I hope you all had a nice weekend!

I'd like to congratulate ... (more...)

If anyone is looking for some entertainment next week, they should consider catching some shows at the 10th Planet In Focus International Environmental Film & Video Festival. Taking place from October 21-25 at various venues in downtown Toronto, the event celebrates environmental cinema. People seem to be getting excited about Finding Farley, a movie about a family taking an off-the-beaten road journey to visit famous Canadian author Farley Mowat.

There are close to 100 enticing films to check out, so browse around the website to find a few films that appeals to you. Also, the films are very affordable, even when you chose to donate a small amount to PIF. I'll be checking out A Blooming Business and The Toxins Return on Saturday and can't wait.

Don't forget to enter my giveaway, as I'll be announcing four winners on Monday!

Will you use your whole pumpkin?

With Thanksgiving behind us, we are now able to fully focus on Halloween. How can you not be all about Halloween when those tempting mini chocolate bars are lining the aisles at the grocery store?

I bet you all have your pumpkin, sitting out there on your porch ready to be carved. When you carve your pumpkin sometime in the coming weeks, I challenge you to use the entire thing. Think of how many things you can do with the seeds? They'll be no good sitting in a landfill, anyway!

Salvage all the seeds and give our Jack-Be-Spicy Pumpkin Seeds a try.

And when your done with your uncarved pumpkins you use for decor, use them for a Honey Pumpkin Pie.

Looking for more Halloween ideas? Check out Canadian Living's Complete guide to ultimate Halloween fun!

Also, don't forget to enter my contest for your chance to win a copy of Almost Green. I'll be announcing four winners on Monday, October 19!

What local delectable will you be cooking up this weekend?

Well, it's here. There's no denying that summer is totally gone, and fall has reared its chilly, yet spectacularly colourful, head. I forgot about all the delicious bounty that's available this time of year. Apples, squash, potatoes, Brussels sprouts, kale, cranberries, cabbage, carrots ... you catch my drift.

Tonight, I'll be knee deep in the apples I picked last weekend. I'll bake my mother's apple pie (I watched her cook pies for years, and it's amazing what one remembers) and Canadian Living's Apple Cardamom Cake. Then I'll be heading up to the cottage - pie in tow - with my family, and who knows what yummy treats will be served!

What special treat, made with your local ingredients, will you be cooking up this Thanksgiving?

If you need any tips, head to our everything Thanksgiving page for great ideas.

Don't forget to enter my giveaway!

Happy Thanksgiving to all!!

Are you almost green?

James Glave, author of Almost Green, would build a green writing shed. In fact, he did build one in the front yard of his home in B.C. In his book, Glave writes about the trials and tribulations (and constant scorn from his father-in-law) he faces while on his mission. Along the way, Glave makes many other environmental changes.

If you could green one part of your home, what would it be and why?

Just subscribe to my blog and post a reply here for your chance to win one of four copies of Almost Green. I'll randomly select a winner on Monday, October 19.

Good luck!

A full and happy crowd.

On Sunday afternoon, I joined a happy crowd of people at the Picnic at the Brick Works at Toronto's historical Don Valley Brick Works. Hosted by Evergreen and Toronto Slow Food, the event was overflowing with many-a-talented chef creating delectable dishes which showcased local bounty. I think I must have sampled everything there (including plenty of local wines and beers), which had me heading home very satiated and very happy.

I highly recommend putting this event on your to-do list for 2010.

Just some of the tasty snacks at this year's Picnic at the Brick Works!