Opening lines: We dig it. How about you?

From the April 2009 issue of Canadian Living. Subscribe to Canadian Living today and never miss an issue!

How did friendly chitchat with a coworker in the coffee lineup one morning end up with me agreeing to plant 400 trees? My colleague Phil Goodwin, when not wearing his custom publishing hat here at Transcontinental Media, is a key figure with the East Don Parkland Partners, which has garnered much respect in the Greater Toronto Area for its dedication to preserving the meadows and wetlands along the Don River, which flows not too far from our magazine offices. Since 1999, this organization has planted more than 10,000 trees and 5,000 plants. Phil was telling me about a tree-planting initiative his team coordinates, whereby private citizens and corporate groups head out to the parklands and devote a few hours of their time – not to mention sweat and tears – to digging and planting: a sort of green-friendly teambuilding exercise, if you will.

The seed was planted – no pun intended – in my mind. The Canadian Living group, many of whom are ardent environmentalists in their own right, jumped at the opportunity. We headed out one sunny fall afternoon with buckets and shovels, and extra helpers from our sister publications Outdoor Canada and Homemakers. A few colleagues invited their kids to tag along, which made the outing extra-special. I remember thinking to myself: these youngsters are going to benefit from – and have to protect – what we’re creating today.

Though we include green-friendly content every month, we traditionally consider April our "green issue," coinciding with Earth Day. We've identified relevant stories with the green leaf symbol.

In this issue you'll find ecofriendly cosmetics, fashions and household products that will help you bring more green into your life – in very practical ways. You’ll also read about eco-heroes such as Bob Sandford from Canmore, Alta., who has devoted his career to saving one of the planet's most precious resources – water. You'll want to pass the article along after you've read it. And be sure to read about writer Leslie Garrett's experiences as she and her family dared to go off the shopping grid (only buying the absolute bare essentials) for 30 days. You'll be surprised and entertained.

Until next time.
– Susan Antonacci

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