Lisa Borden2013-05-21T06:28:38-04:00Lisa Bordenhttp://www.huffingtonpost.ca/author/index.php?author=lisa-bordenCopyright 2008, HuffingtonPost.com, Inc.HuffingtonPost Blogger Feed for Lisa BordenGood old fashioned elbow grease.50 Simple Things I Do To Reducetag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2013:/theblog//3.32553162013-05-15T17:28:09-04:002013-05-15T17:28:19-04:00Lisa Bordenhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/lisa-borden/
1. No buying of gum (especially those plastic blister packs with claims of being natural or not).
2. No buying single-use stuff (although gauze pads and bandages were recently required for a major boo-boo -- I was bothered by the purchase and each day of required use).
5. Cancelled my magazine subscriptions (and resist my children's pleas to support their schools by ordering more magazines through fundraisers).
6. Call companies that still send their catalogues to my address to cancel them. Frustratingly, repeat requests are required. I'm looking at you, Restoration Hardware!
7. No purchasing of gift wrap -- reusing what's around, including kids artwork, magazines, catalogues, junk mail or using a reusable bag or a dishcloth, scarf or towels so the wrap is part of the gift.
10. No beverages from disposable cups (bonus: I make tea at home and don't wait in line ups -- plus my counters and appliances weren't cleaned with bleach or other toxins -- so not going into my system, and a Styrofoam cup isn't leaching into my drink ).
11. No takeout containers (I even pass up buying something that I want if I don't have a bag or container with me -- after all, I did start the TakeOutWithOut Campaign).
12. Buying bread and chocolate from the farmers' markets with my own bags -- they love it, and so do I (bonus: they smile, I smile, the whole world smiles...plus my bread bags are pretty awesome and my food bags are made in the USA!).
13. Shopping for produce at the Farmers' Markets, which is incredible for so many reasons, but also means NO pesky stickers on each piece!
14. Returning egg, fruit, berries and veggie containers and cartons to the farmers at the markets for reuse.
15. Using neither paper nor plastic bags and bringing own bags when grocery shopping.
16. Using neither paper nor plastic and bringing own produce bags when shopping for fruits and veggies in stores.
17. Using neither paper nor plastic bags, refusing tissue or stickers and boxes and bringing own bags when shopping for clothes, books, and personal care items.
18. Choosing products that have less packaging, and safer packaging (glass over plastic, just tube over tube AND a box etc.).
19. Carrying my awesome reusable bottles with me everywhere -- usually a Reflect (no paint, NO plastic!) and an insulated bottle to keep my cold drinks cold, and my hot drinks WAY hot no matter how cold it is out).
20. Carrying People Towels for drying my hands, wiping my kids' hands and occasionally using as a carrier/place mat for food too.
21. Wiping my hands on myself and letting my kids wipe their hands on me if I forget my cloths instead of paper towels (it takes a while to get in the habit of remembering to wash them and put them back in your purse!).
23. Asking waiters/hosts at restaurants to not give paper and plastic disposables -- napkins, place mats, straws, cups, ketchup and soy sauce packets (don't get me started on that green plastic sushi grass!).
24. Making my own household cleaners (bonus: no heavy jars and jugs to lug home from the store).
33. Printing as little as possible and always using both sides.
34. Taking kids art and remodelling into other art, or making it into gift tags (after taking digital pictures to preserve the memory, of course).
35. Not printing all pictures of my family (no matter how cute they are) and sharing with others electronically.
36. Packing litterless lunches and snacks for my three kids, and husband too -- I work at home, so no packing required (bonus: eating real food from home costs less than junk and takeout, and I'm saving my money, my health, and my time too!).
37. Using organic cloth napkins for all meals, always.
38. Using Berryplus to wash laundry and saving more heat by hanging to dry when the weather allows.
40. Buying less of everything. But buying better quality from ethical and sustainable sources so it lasts longer and I value it more.
41. Remembering to unplug chargers, and refusing to use energy when it's not working for me. (Bonus: lower bills, right lowfoot?)
42. Refusing copies of receipts when possible (thanks Patagonia and other retailers for emailing receipts now).
43. Buying loose leaf teas instead of individual bags -- no string, staples, packet and box! (bonus -- no chlorine bleach or other toxins being steeped into my cup).
44. Constant reconsideration of my habits, knowing that I can always do better.
45. Choosing organic/ethical clothing as much as possible (bonus: reducing chems, formaldehyde, and phthalates coming into my home or my family's bodies).
46. Using unpackaged, or lightly packaged bar soap instead of liquid, except in powder room, for many reasons where I refill a pump from a large container of concentrate. It's not only less packaging, but you can use it all, and nothing is left at the end.
47. Volunteering where I can, to inform, inspire and educate others on reducing.
49. Teaching my kids to be proud of their refusing and reducing, and inspire them to share with their friends.
50. Living and working by this African Proverb ~ "If you think you're too small to make a difference, try sleeping in a room with a mosquito."
Let's keep the list growing together!
]]>Why Your Business Should Coin Its Own Termtag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2013:/theblog//3.32375212013-05-08T11:32:03-04:002013-05-08T12:13:28-04:00Lisa Bordenhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/lisa-borden/Meghan Telpner is a client of mine, but what you might not have the pleasure of knowing, is how incredible she is to work with on an ongoing basis. For those of you who don't know Meghan personally, she is EXACTLY as she seems to be. And, that is precisely what makes my job of helping her market herself and develop her business, super easy -- and colourfully fun. It doesn't hurt that I live and eat in a very similar way to Meghan, minus the flowers and yellow tights, plus three kids.
Meghan has coined the term UnDiet -- you've seen her book, right? And yes, I believe that it is good business to coin a term -- it's not easy, but it is worth it. Want to know how Meghan is able to "own" her term, UnDiet, and make it stick?
Here are 10 (of the many) reasons:
1. UnDiet is a fuchsia coloured lens in which to imagine and picture a healthier self and world. Meghan's audience can focus on this simple, happy idea and make new connections -- this makes it a lot easier for them to understand her persuasive argument for living life according to her creed.
2. Meghan has lead with her term, UnDiet. It's the first thing you see. It's big, it's bold, and she is letting it define her, as well as defining it clearly for her audience.
3. UnDiet is a strongly persuasive term and a "tool" that is convincing people to think about concepts and ideas differently. We are being inspired by Meghan to come up with new ways to live life in our own best way. There's nothing like empowerment to spark a revolution.
4. UnDiet focuses Meghan's audience. People are automatically associating what Meghan talks about with UnDiet -- their own version of it, not just hers.
5. Meghan has literally framed her way of life and as such, it is all packaged up and is ready to be appreciated and shared...easily.
6. Meghan identified challenges in our world, and didn't just talk about the problems, she created the solution.
7. The term Meghan has coined is simple to understand -- Un + Diet -- two concepts that someone walking by a huge stack of her books (selling quickly!) at stores, will automatically process individually and together as "We don't need to diet," or "This is not a diet," or "I don't like diets either"...and so on. It's something most of us can buy into...including many other "experts" in the field.
8. Meghan has made her term a noun, a verb and an adjective. She uses the hashtag widely on Twitter and Instagram, but, more impressively, others are too. It's catchy, it's easy to use, and simple to explain and share. Cheers for a healthy trend in social media.
9. UnDiet stems from Meghan's own life story, and her important work over the years -- it's authentic. She has not lucked into anything, she has worked hard for this, continuously, and continues to evolve, so this is just the beginning for UnDiet.
I encourage you to coin your own term or phrase -- it's a lot of work, but it's of immense value, and it's meaningful. Let Meghan Telpner inspire you, and let UnDiet push you (nicely) to lead your own best life.
Here's to UnDiet meaning the world to our health, and to our healthier world, and to it bringing a new level of success to Meghan's business and brand.
Today is the day. Make it happen. ]]>Our Grandparents Knew Better About Foodtag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2013:/theblog//3.31956552013-05-02T17:25:10-04:002013-05-02T17:25:22-04:00Lisa Bordenhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/lisa-borden/"organically" and locally, and they cleaned without chemicals too. Wow, that makes sense! I always got along famously with my grandparents, so as they are amazed with the "progress" of our world, I am interested in some regression back to how they lived as kids. It's great that we have a lot to share and learn from each other.
Now, let's nip this argument in the locally grown, organically cultivated bud and move forward (or was that backwards?).
WHY LOCAL? It's fresher -- shorter time from farm to table (especially if it's from your own garden!) It's tastier -- do your own taste test...as an aside, if your food needs to travel far, it's bred to withstand a longer shelf life and is usually picked before it's fully ripe It's healthier -- retains more nutrients and has less preservatives and additives because long distance travel is not required It's environmentally sound -- long distance travel requires more packaging, refrigeration, fuel to get to table, and generates more waste and pollution (did you ever wonder how produce arrives from Mexico without bruises and without being rotten?) It's cheaper -- less middlemen, less marketing and less transportation costs It's neighbourly -- money stays in your community, creates jobs and supports local farmers
WHY ORGANIC? It's tastier -- again, I suggest doing your own taste test...but without all of the synthetics, it's just pure unaltered delicious food It's healthier -- higher levels of vitamins and minerals and less exposure to chemicals and synthetics It's environmentally sound -- my farmer friends (meet one of them here!) have given me lots of reasons, but simply, crops grown without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers and GMOs mean fewer of these items are being produced and fewer are being released into our soil and water
Keep in mind, your money is your voice. With every dollar you spend, you are telling that farmer, or that restaurant, or that supermarket, or that company to make more of the same. YOUR wise choices are a benefit to us all!
]]>Can Travel Ever Really Be "Eco"? Try These Tipstag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2013:/theblog//3.26975462013-02-15T17:49:42-05:002013-04-17T05:12:01-04:00Lisa Bordenhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/lisa-borden/
For me, a vacation away is a much needed break from my everyday routine (and my desk). It lends me unstructured time with my family, it is a time of adventure and sleep, sunshine in the winter months, a refreshing opportunity to experience other places in our great world, find new inspiration, and if I'm lucky, hopefully even inspire someone or something along my journey.
Consider the following seven tips before you travel in order to be kind to your health, your travel companions, and our planet:
1. Know before you go. Some surprises are not fun, so be prepared. (Example, take your own safe, triclosan-free hand sanitizer to avoid the nasty chems and soap supplied.)
2. Waste not, want not. Even before you board, air travellers throw away all sorts of trash including paper, plastic and food waste and airports and airlines recycle only a small portion of it, if any at all. A flight attendant told us that they fill one large bag of garbage per 60 people on a direct three hour flight alone!
3. Eat before you leave the house. And pack lots of snacks...why choose from the small selection of overpriced, fake food, when you can take your favourite real food from home in reusables? Eat well, create less garbage and don't wait for a flight attendant to serve you, who might be busy -- cleaning up someone else's mess.
4. Stay hydrated. Bring your own bottle. No spills, it's waste-free, and your reusable bottle holds more water than those toxic plastic/Styrofoam ones. Just make sure to keep it empty when you go through security.
5. Travel lightly, it saves energy. Every pound you pack, takes more of your energy, more jet fuel, and more carbon emissions to get from one place to another. Doesn't it sound more appealing to travel somewhere you can relax, and not worry about 20 changes of clothes and shoes per day? Plus, taking only a carry on has a lot of bonuses.
6. Don't wear perfume. Fragrance is the new second hand smoke. You can quote me on that.
7. Sharing is Caring. Unread or partially read newspapers are not even used for the next flight; they are thrown out, or recycled without a second thought. Share with your travel neighbour, or refrain from taking one in the first place and read a great book (on your e-reader) instead.
For more information, perspective, tips, tricks, and must-have travel products to keep your time away as eco-happy as possible, flip through Your Guide to Traveling Consciously.
]]>15 Ways to Spend Time -- Not Money -- This Valentine's Daytag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2013:/theblog//3.25516282013-01-28T11:06:40-05:002013-03-30T05:12:01-04:00Lisa Bordenhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/lisa-borden/
This Valentine's Day, let's take a few extra moments to consider the activities we do together, and the things we buy for one another, and how they'll mean the world...to the world. Consider trying one (or more) of the following 15 ideas:
1. Greetings of Love. Make cards for one another from what you have in your home...old magazines, scrap paper, how about that artwork brought home from school that you are not keeping? (Seriously, if you have school aged-children, you will know that I'm not an evil mother...there is only so much space we have and so many things that we can classify as precious!). Or, of course, send your love via email.
2. Pack a Loveable Lunch. Whether you're sending the kids off to school, or planning a picnic away from home, packing your healthy homemade meal in a safe (and irresistibly cute) lunch bag means less waste, and happy, smiling kids.
3. Build a Snowman. What better way to spend time with the family over this loveable holiday than to come together for some good ol' fashioned team work? I bet you didn't think a snowman could be local and organic did you?
4. Coco Loco. You can never go wrong with chocolate treats. Well, actually, you sort of can. Make sure to look for organic and fair-trade labels. When labeled "organic" you can be assured that your chocolate hasn't been sprayed with synthetic ick. When labeled "Fair trade", it means that farmers were given a fair price for their cocoa. The absolute best chocolate in the world? Live on Chocolate, Chocosol or Giddy Yoyo available at markets and healthy retailers. I could write an entire article on why it's the best, but you'll have to check out at the market or select fine retailers and try it for yourself.
5. Buy the whole bush! Most cut flowers are grown in South America, Africa and Southeast Asia, and can be heavily sprayed with pesticides, fungicides and herbicides (with toxins that are banned in fields in Canada!). And we thought flowers were supposed to signify beauty and purity?! When buying flowers make sure to source local and organic ones, you'd be surprised to find out what's growing in your own backyard. I love My Luscious Backyard's organic selection. You can also go out with your family and buy a plant, a sprouting kit, or an indoor herb garden (organic, of course). You can have fun planting them as a family and it can be a reminder of something you did all together. However, if you aren't blessed with a green thumb (mine is actually black), hire a farmer. They make it easy and fun to pick the freshest, most local and organic veggies, and you can plan an entire meal around what's growing right outside in your very own backyard.
6. Create a holiday cocktail. I'm referring to one the entire family can enjoy. Choose fresh, local, organic and colourful fruits and veggies and create a delicious smoothie or juice to enjoy. We have plenty of great drink ideas in our Drinking Guide. Get each family member to create their own "signature" drink (and have their own signature reusable glass straw too).
7. Screen something. Choose a delicious (and healthy) snack - here are some of my favourites- and cuddle up under a comfy organic throw to watch a movie as a family. Choose the latest release or go with old family footage. They can be great for laughs and good memories. (Combine this activity with #8 too!)
8. Pop it up. Pop local organic popcorn (our family favourite is Nature's Way Organics). If you are curious why you shouldn't ever eat microwave popcorn, then you should be screening (see #7 above) King Corn, but maybe not with the kids!
9. Experience it all. Experience something new or old together. Go to the museum or other attractions. Go mini-golfing or bowling. Get tickets to a concert or play. Just Google some key words- you won't believe how much fun is going on in your city! If you combine your outing with a meal, choose a restaurant with a local and sustainable menu. You cannot believe how many exist, are affordable and offer favourites like pizza or burgers if your kids are picky eaters...however, make it an opportunity to find a new food to love...something colourful perhaps?!
10. Dress up or dress down. Dress up your table and yourselves or, dress down and get down on the floor. Spread out a blanket and have an indoor picnic and prepare a local family dinner together. I know, this is a stretch for some to imagine, but trying to plan it (and stick to it) could become a fun project.
11. Light it up. While enjoying a special family meal (see #10 above), set a calm mood (what family doesn't need more of that?) with 100% beeswax candles with cotton wicks. Rest assured knowing you'll be dining without the black soot and fumes (think diesel exhaust while you eat and drink, ick) from standard paraffin, lead-wicked candles. Keep your indoor air clean, and your family-time moments pure!
12. Read a Good Book. Well I'm bias since I wrote the Alphabet of Avoidance, but it's a fun, inspiring, and perspective changing read that not only identifies what we should be avoiding in order to live healthier lives, but also includes simple (and not overbearing) solutions to immediately replace the "bad" with someone better, or even, nothing at all. As a family, you can read one page a day and make a simple change (or if you're ambitious, you can read the entire short book in an hour!).
13. Have a pillow fight. As you're tossing your pillows around (and resting your head on them at night) make sure your pillows are safe and are not made from synthetic materials. Your family could be sleeping on toluene, formaldehyde, and other nasty chems. As Annie Leonard from The Story of Stuff exclaims - "there's got to be a better way to stop your head from catching on fire while you sleep than dousing your pillow in flame retardants". Although replacing your favourite worked-in pillow may seem challenging, swap it in for one that's made from organic wool or organic rubber. It's a better change for your loved ones.
14. Be playful. Play that doesn't harm the earth, provides fun and games for the whole family, and learning a thing or two is what family time is all about. Our family has always loved Anouk's Ark board games and puzzles. Each one is designed in Toronto with passion, and made with FSC certified paper and veggie based inks.
15. Take another shot. Take tons of digital pictures throughout the day (use as many cameras as your family has - no, not an encouragement to go out and buy more), and make a collage, an online album, or a screensaver from it. There is nothing like my family's smiling faces to brighten a moment.
However you decide to celebrate this day with those you love, make it memorable and get to the heart of the matter. Even when caught up in the hustle, bustle, routines and chaos on every other day, may your days together be full of fun, laughter, kindness and love...for your loved ones and our world.
]]>Are You Living Without a Conscience?tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog//3.23394692012-12-23T13:23:15-05:002013-02-22T05:12:01-05:00Lisa Bordenhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/lisa-borden/
We seem, as a culture, so willing to deny and rationalize the very things that we inherently know are not good for us now, and certainly pose problems for our future. I'll admit easily that change is hard, especially in our busy lives, but what's the alternative?
I wish that I had learned how to appreciate meditation and yoga when I was younger, I wish I hadn't eaten countless slices of processed cheese in individual plastic wrappers, and wish I knew that when I invested my hard earned dollars on a new mattress for my apartment, I was investing in the flame retardant industry and harming my health. Although I was absolutely horrified to find out the dangers of each of these things and more, hindsight screams "HOW did you not know that?"
But, the key is that once I knew, I made the conscious decision to change...relentlessly. It is too bad that we can't have do-overs once we learn, grow and know. However, one thing that we can do is to simply keep moving forward and actually use what we learn, when we learn it, to improve (like when I learned what really went into hot dogs- never again purchased or eaten!)
There are many reasons that we shop, eat, and live without a conscience -- perhaps it's the fear of change, maybe it's about the cost of change, it could even be that we are overwhelmed with the thought of how much we need to change and do not know where to start, and maybe we don't even really know some of the things that we need to be outraged about. The sin of unknowing affects us all, and one of the best ways that we can repair the world, and take care of each other is to continue to educate and inspire...and if we listen to each other, and act on what we know, and share it widely and kindly, imagine what a better life we can lead now, plus how it might benefit our future generations.
It's not denial. I'm just selective about the reality I accept.
~ Bill Watterson
http://huff.to/12ESP0x]]>Changing the Present: Choosing Eco-Gifts This Holiday Seasontag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog//3.20880612012-11-13T00:00:15-05:002013-01-12T05:12:01-05:00Lisa Bordenhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/lisa-borden/change the present this year!
The "new" present is one that inspires people to live healthier lives, makes the world a better place, supports good people and companies, doesn't create excess waste... and of course, makes your getters really, truly, very happy! Remember that your money is your power and every penny you spend is a vote for something. Buying made-in-China, lead-laced toys or buying an organic piece of clothing made in Canada tells the maker to make more... what do you want more of in our world? Spend wisely, and buy from your own local businesses that support good values.
It's obviously important to take your "receiver" into account. Your eco-freak friend will appreciate that you adopted a snowman (who lost their family at sea due to global warming) in her honour, but your colleague who takes a plastic bottle to the gym everyday and upgrades his cellphone and computers perpetually will probably appreciate concert tickets more.
Aside from the many wonderful online eco-focused stores, there are many local retailers featuring smarter products these days -- so think outside of the giftbox and wrap it up the conscious way!
You can find gift ideas for everyone on your list in the Borden Communications, Good Gift Guide -- hopefully it inspires you in your quest to give the perfect eco-happy present.
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Some gift inspiration:
SHARE YOUR OWN GIFTS If you have great taste and talent (or are just creative), have a good time putting these gifts together -- they will be truly appreciated.
• cook or bake something and deliver it once a month
• knit mitts (scarves sound much easier though)
• offer up what you're good at (babysitting? handywork?)
• put together a photo album or make a video
• collect your favourite recipes and put them into books or boxes
• create a masterpiece -- photography or art
GIVE A GIFT THAT ISN'T A THING These are our favourite to receive (and if you are a really good friend, you can tag along, too!) It's also a great way to support the businesses you already appreciate.
• a membership -- art gallery, zoo, gym
• a night out at the movies, tickets to a show or concert
• an experience (a weekend away, spa services, day trip)
• a session with an "eco coach" or green cleaning service
• a donation to a favourite charity
• downloadable music certificates
• cooking class or go out to dinner (local and organic, of course!)
GIVE GIFTS THAT ARE INDULGENT (BUT NOT REALLY!) Items in this category can soothe the soul and be luxurious yet not take a huge toll on our world.
• fair-trade chocolate, coffee or tea
• organic, toxin-free cosmetics and personal care products
• organic bedding or bathrobe
• local, organic wine
GIVE GIFTS THAT KEEP ON GIVING We know these do not seem as indulgent or as romantic as some other gifts may be, but they are useful and will save time, money, health and the planet, so consider them!
• reusable (safe) water bottle or mug
• stuff to make a home really clean & chemical-free
• safe toys -- no plastic!
• non-petroleum crayons -- beeswax or organic soy
• tree-free paper goods
• Local, weekly fruit and vegetable boxes
• books for inspiration + enjoyment
• set of organic cloth napkins
• reusable bags (foldable AND washable)
• litterless lunch products
• eco-fied first aid/emergency kit
• solar or crank powered gadgets
• a tree to plant
BE CREATIVE! The last time we checked, wrapping gifts was not on people's fun things to-do list (We personally use unwrapped gifts as an opportunity to be both lazy and eco-responsible...see how it all works out?)
• use reusable containers or bags to package
• use old newspapers, magazines or comics to wrap did you know that newspaper strips curl like ribbon?
• use tea towels, microfibre cloths or clothing to envelop
• use scarves, bandanas, belts or shoelaces to tie
• use fresh herbs, old buttons or cut up textiles to adorn
• use tree-free cards or make your own (even from other cards!)
"Two kinds of gratitude: The sudden kind we feel for what we take; the larger kind we feel for what we give." -Edwin Arlington Robinson]]>Tips For Breaking Your Bag Habittag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog//3.16074892012-06-19T12:17:10-04:002012-08-19T05:12:08-04:00Lisa Bordenhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/lisa-borden/
Toronto City Council has taken a firm stand on the issue and just voted to ban plastic bags outright by 2013. Rather than wasting your time getting your plastic bags in a knot, just look at it as the catalyst you need to bring about much needed change. And, keep this in mind: having a huge collection of $1 reusable bags is worse than hoarding plastic bags. Just think of the resources used to make them, how they got onto your arm, and the landfill space they take up when they break or wear out.
How to break your bag habits (start today):
STEP 1 - ADMIT/UNDERSTAND THERE IS A BAD HABIT TO BREAK.
Every choice you make has an impact, whether positive or negative. Take the time to pause and realize that our consumption is a problem...no matter how small, it all adds up.
STEP 2 - IDENTIFY THE TRADEOFFS + PAYOFFS.
Everyone has different pros and cons. What are yours? Maybe you are concerned about what to use for garbage bags, or maybe you are excited to gain the space in your cupboard where your bags collected.
STEP 3 - MAKE YOUR CHOICE.
This step is easy. Because of "step 2" above, your eyes are now wide open; it's no longer an involuntary behaviour. You will be not only making a choice to not do the old action (hurray!), but you will also be making a choice to replace it with a better, more responsible, alternative action (hurray again!).
STEP 4 - INVEST IN GOOD REUSABLE BAGS.
If you don't trust it, you won't use it to its full potential. Big ones with durable handles and large gussets -- especially ones you can put over your shoulder -- are best. Ones that are washable and foldable are ideal. Think about where it was made, and who made it. The more ways in which your bag is better for the planet, the better you'll feel about using it.
STEP 5 - REMEMBER TO TAKE THEM WITH YOU.
This is crucial. If you don't have them, you can't use them. Perhaps your best technique will be to leave them by the door, or in your purse, or in both. You'll figure out what works best for you. (Yes, I believe this is the hardest part of the habit to develop for all of us). You don't leave home without your wallet do you?
STEP 6 - STASH A FEW.
Keep a compact, foldable bag stashed away in various places. Tuck one into your purse, knapsack, glove compartment, briefcase, diaper bag -- you never know when you might shop. This practice was pivotal to my success and avoided many awkward having-to-carry-it-all-out-in-my-arms occasions.
STEP 7 - LEARN TO SAY "NO BAG PLEASE."
If you're somewhere that still offers them. And make sure you proclaim this right away, loud and proud. Some retailers and restaurants will quickly "bag you" -- but it's never too late! Tell them that you don't need it. And, if they claim the bag is biodegradable, still refuse. I know it might be less evil, but it is still evil...and a waste of precious resources.
STEP 8 - KEEP IT GOING.
You now own some great looking, hopefully sustainable, long-lasting bags that you finally remember, and, as you use them you will feel like your own mini eco-hero. Now, convince a few of your friends, family or colleagues to break a few of their bag habits.
By replacing bad habits with positive ones that can save a little money, save a little time and save our little planet, you'll wonder why you didn't do it all sooner...and you'll quickly be considering your next habit to break.
Quoting Aristotle, "We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.]]>Trade Your Lawn for a Gardentag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog//3.15508212012-05-31T17:00:33-04:002012-07-31T05:12:17-04:00Lisa Bordenhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/lisa-borden/
A single-day harvest from my garden.
Besides peer pressure and popularity, here are nine reasons that you should get planning and planting your urban farm (or even a simple herb garden) today:
How could you possibly get fresher and more local than food grown in your own front or backyard, your windowsills, fire escapes, patios, in pots, or even eavestroughs?
Save money on food, and during the height of the harvest skip a few shopping trips. Who doesn't want to do all of that?
Get healthier! Not only will you be eating the freshest and most local produce packed full of amazing nutrients, but I bet you'd eat a lot more of them all if they were within arms reach. Plus, gardening reduces stress, makes you excited to be outside and can burn as many calories in 45 minutes as you can in 30 minutes of aerobics.
Growing your own vegetables and fruit means that you know exactly where your food comes from. You know what they say: know thy farmer, know thy food!
Choose from so many more varieties of each veggie or fruit -- and you can grow the things you like the best, and the things that cost a lot at the market. (When you are choosing seeds, check out this list to see if the brand is Monsanto-owned as the company produces genetically engineered seeds.)
Teach your children well. When you teach your kids where their food comes from (NOT the supermarket, but from the earth) and how much time it takes (tons of fun to watch), they will appreciate what they eat much more.
Have fun together! It's a great activity to bring friends and family together, and connect with neighbours too. Who wouldn't love juicy tomatoes right off the vine as a gift?
Preserve. It may sound like even more work, but freezing and/or canning and/or dehydrating your harvest means you'll be enjoying the seeds you sow through the entire year. I plant garlic in the fall, harvest it in the summer then enjoy it through the spring of the following year. No imports necessary!
Nothing is more satisfying than growing your own food. It might even make you smile like this!
Two great resources for less-than-green-thumbs (myself included!) Follow them on Twitter and read their websites for lots of urban farming ideas and inspiration: Young Urban Farmers Urban Organic Gardener
Get sprouting, sharing and savouring!]]>Water: It Should Make You Thirsty for Changetag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog//3.13370862012-03-22T09:01:15-04:002012-05-22T05:12:01-04:00Lisa Bordenhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/lisa-borden/
It's certainly crucial that we conserve, like turning the tap off while you brush (do you flush the toilet the whole time you are sitting down?). However, I'm writing this piece to splash attention on the stuff we send down our drains because it's coming back up into our lives. Everything poured down our kitchen sinks, bathroom drains, and flushed down our toilets may be out of sight, but unfortunately, it's not out of our world. None of us should be taking a swig of things like rocket fuel, weed killer or Teflon.
As with the most successful recovery programs, if we admit we have a problem and follow these 12 steps, together we'll be setting a course of action for reform.
1. DITCH ALL DIRTY CLEANING PRODUCTS. Many hazardous wastes have labels that say flammable, caustic, corrosive, caution, danger, toxic, volatile, warning or poison -- doesn't that make it clear that you shouldn't be buying these products in the first place? You'll protect drinking water sources. You'll avoid the health risks associated with exposure. Your home will be cleaner than ever. Win. Win. Win.
2. SING THE ABCs. Avoid antibacterial soaps (many contain Triclosan, which is a known pesticide). Wash your hands with warm water and soap for at least as long as one ABC song. It's proven to be just as effective!
3. POOP + SCOOP. Think about waste from pets being washed into our storm drains after a storm and end up in our lakes and rivers. Gross.
4. REALIZE THAT THE GRASS IS NOT ALWAYS GREENER. A report titled "Tap Water Blues" (EWG), claims that millions of Americans are routinely exposed to one or more pesticides in a single glass of tap water.
5. TRY NATURAL TREATMENTS. Prozac in my tap water? That is depressing news. Try natural remedies before resorting to medication, if possible. Some filtration plant methods, they don't remove the drugs, hormones, viruses and other synthetic compounds floating through our water.
6. COMPOST. Recycling organic waste from your kitchen and yard and turning it into compost cuts down on garbage you contribute to landfills, is great for your garden and prevents synthetic pesticides and fertilizers from reaching our water.
7. BE A CAR BUFF. Never wash a car on a paved surface using conventional car washing methods. Better alternatives include going to a car wash that at the very least recycles its wastewater. If you prefer to wash it at home, drive it onto your grass... you'll be sure to use something safe, and you'll water your lawn at the same time!
8. READ YOUR TAGS, YOUR STICKERS AND YOUR LABELS. Wear organic, eat organic and shop smart. It takes a lot less water to produce organic foods and clothing. We'll avoid yucky runoff in production, toxic dyes from fabrics that "bleed", and shocking things like lead paint on toys from going into our system.
10. CONSIDER THE CYCLE (if you have one). Since the average woman will use on average 11,000 tampons in her life, choosing organic will have a huge impact. It'll keep harmful dioxins from the bleaching process out of our water systems and obviously, out of us, too.
11. CALL A TAXI. Where do those solvents from washing paint brushes and wood polish go? Dumping hazardous chemicals into a storm sewer means you are virtually pouring them directly into our waterways. And, you wouldn't do that, would you?! If you have them (oops!) and need to get rid of them, simply google "how to dispose of household hazardous waste" in your area and ensure you take care of it properly (but next time, make sure not to buy them in the first place).
12. LET CLEAN WATER FLOW THROUGH. Baking soda, vinegar and water will clear your drains safely. Simple tricks can be found online. It may even bring back memories of elementary science class!
You need to thank your lucky stars if you live in one of the few countries in the world where you can usually drink water straight from the tap... it's as safe or even safer than bottled water. But it's not free, and we shouldn't count on it to flow freely. We all share the same water, and we need to protect it together. Contemplate the changes you can make over a big tall glass of tap water, and remember to go with your own flow.]]>A Longer Lasting Spring Cleantag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog//3.13370552012-03-12T11:35:25-04:002012-05-12T05:12:01-04:00Lisa Bordenhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/lisa-borden/
This year, think about spring cleaning your mind rather than simply cleaning your home. Revitalizing your hibernating home by reshaping your mind will take dedicated effort, but the result of embracing a more conscious lifestyle will make the effort well worth it. You'll be freeing up space (that's both mental and physical space) for new opportunities, challenges and healthier habits. Following the suggestions below might just reshape the way you lead your daily life, but most certainly, each will save you money, save you time, save your health and will have you taking better care of our planet:
Become a mix master.
You know that you can clean every bit of your home with ingredients from your kitchen, right? By making your own products, you reduce waste using reusable containers and not re-purchasing products on a regular basis. Consider the label, the glue, the packaging and the shipping you avoid! This trumps any "green" cleaner on the market and stops you from guessing if it's really "eco" or is just marketed that way. And what about disposing of the conventional, toxic stuff? Toronto offers a remarkable service -- free pickup of your household hazardous waste (cleaning chemicals qualify) via the Toxic Taxi (consider this -- stores can sell this stuff for cleaning and homes, but it's too toxic to throw out). Please check your local municipalities for the safest disposal options.
Just say no.
Kick your disposable habit. Even if it says biodegradable or compostable, a reusable is still much better to swap in for the trashy one. Invest in a few great reusables that you trust, and you'll wonder why you didn't do this sooner!
Develop picky eating habits.
If farmers spray their crops with toxic stuff to keep pests and rodents away, why would you want to eat it? Shop your local farmers' markets, local neighbourhood markets with a commitment to a sustainable food culture, and if you are in a grocery store, shop the outer perimeter (where the fresh stuff is) and buy local organics. Look at the cost of a large container of something organic versus individually portioned conventional ones before deciding that organic is too expensive. Most certainly avoid products with refined sugars, and products that contain high-fructose corn syrup, msg, hydrogenated fats and preservatives. Better for you, and better for all of us.
Realize that if it's on you, it's in you.
Not to freak you out or anything, but we apparently absorb 60 per cent of what we put onto our skin. Think about all of the ingredients in all of the products you slather on each day. It's like your own personal laboratory, and there is no reason your body should be the test tube! Also, realize that the products wash down our drains into our shared water system and inevitably back up our food chain. Given that there are many easily accessible options on the market now, buy something responsible. Just make sure to read the label first. If you can't pronounce it, or don't know what it is, avoid it.
Become the biggest snob you can be.
Proclaim "Not in my cart." It's good to be very discriminating because labels can be deceiving, especially since claims such as organic, natural, eco and green are not regulated. Bright toys with lead paints, toothpaste with pesticides, plastics with hormone disruptors and foods with toxic chemicals are all reminders that items that we consider to be ordinary can be unsafe. With everything you purchase, you are voting with your dollars, so please make the right choice and you'll be sending the manufacturers and retailers a clear message about what we want on our store shelves.
Our minds are much like our homes. They can both be easily cluttered with our ideas, attitudes and influences. Our minds need a routine cleaning out of the stuff that we are holding onto out of habit, laziness, or just uncertainty. They also need an infusion of new, exciting and inspiring ideas and attitudes. So, get reshaping in addition to reducing, reusing and recycling... and then help to remind others they can do the same.]]>Singles Hurt the Environmenttag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog//3.12753392012-02-14T00:39:58-05:002012-04-14T05:12:01-04:00Lisa Bordenhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/lisa-borden/
Singles are littering our world at mind boggling rates, and our collective goal should be to get rid of them all! Singles have no long term purpose -- they are not admired, considered, or respected. They are not well taken care of, they do not share in experiences with their partners, and they are disposed of repeatedly and constantly for the next best "thing." You would never tolerate that in life, why would you stand for it with your products? It's time to meet your perfect match and stay faithful before it's too late.
If you open yourself up to all of the possibility that a reusable has to offer, you'll find yourself saving money, time, your health and our world.
Here are my four basic single categories to avoid when obliterating singlehood from your life: Always remember that if you don't buy it, they won't make it...simple supply and demand, and we control the demand collectively!
Single-Use Disposables
Reducing and reusing are the more important "R"s - recycling does not justify using or buying single-use disposables. Most of the following examples (there are so many more than listed below!) of unacceptable waste products have phenomenal (and accessible) reusable counterparts to suit everyone and every lifestyle. Other single-use items are just plain ridiculous and shouldn't exist, like, um, that green plastic piece of sushi grass in your plastic takeout container with the individual packet of soy sauce.
Take Out Containers: Join the campaign to reduce restaurant waste for free. The US population alone tosses out paper bags & plastic cups, forks & spoons every year to circle the equator 300 times.
Cameras: The Flip video and your cell phone take better shots than their expensive cardboard counterparts that require your shots to be processed and printed.
Batteries: Rechargeables are better (and single-use need to be disposed of in hazardous waste)
Diapers: Cloth may be an option, but otherwise a fully compostable, toxic-free alternative will do.
Ice Packs: Is it so difficult to put an ice pack (or better yet a bag of frozen organic peas) back in the freezer for re-use instead of the crack-and-cool-then-chuck options?
Single Servings
This category really appears to be convenient. Until of course, you pay attention to what you are doing, spending and supporting (and using!). We could all do with a little (or a lot) less plastic packaging in our lives and in our bodies. I've even spotted plastic glasses of wine in single servings! Stop the madness!
Snack Packs of cookies, yogurt, and even, carrot sticks?! - Buy "full" size bags or make your own and throw a handful or two into a reusable container, or reusable snack bag (gets rid of single use plastic zipper bags too!) You CAN afford the organic version if you stop paying for all of that extra packaging!
Kraft Cheese Slices: why are they even allowed to be made and sold?! I think many parents actually refer to this as "plastic" chesse! (can't believe how many of these I ate once upon a time!)
Tea Bags: try steeping some loose leaf. As healthy as tea can be, those individual bags can be grossly overpackaged, plus did you want to add the chems that the string, staple and bleached bag add to your cup?
Travel and trial size personal care items: leave hotel room items untouched. If you don't use them, they will stop needing to order them. Imagine how many of those soaps and shampoos are gone through (not even fully used) each day, without care, worldwide?
Single Purpose Gadgets
You know that drawer in your kitchen filled with utensils that serve one single purpose that aggravate you more than serve you? Simplify your purchases. And it'll be easier to find everything you are looking for when you need it.
Kitchen stuff: seems to be the worst offenders - pickle grabber, banana saver, banana slicer, banana hanger?! If you want to cut the crusts off a sandwich, use a knife, you don't need a separate appliance to accomplish it, right?!
Vegetable and fruit savers: these are ridiculous - you can use any container you have in your kitchen. I hardly believe that you need a container for your lemon that is yellow and looks like a lemon!
Gift Wrap Cutter: are your scissors not special enough to cut that wasteful paper?
Diaper Genie: a big plastic container that encourages incessant plastic bag use and fragrance to allow you to keep dirty diapers IN your baby's room? Really?!
Single Moment Thrills
Please do not purchase or accept (even if free!) anything that breaks after a few minutes or that offers but a few moments of (often toxic) happiness/use. Main offenders include:
Loot Bags: small choking hazards, mini sized junk food, made in china crap are over-packaged are no way to celebrate a child's birthday Treat of the week: these should be easy to avoid, if you avoid going anywhere they give these out Napkins + Paper Towels To make one ton of paper towels, 17 trees and 20,000 gallons of water are polluted. I think it's time you invested in a set of cloth napkins and some microfiber cloths.
When you've found your eco-responsible products to help obliterate singles, celebrate! Connecting with your "mate" is an exciting, and wonderful occurrence! If you've found "The One", be glad! You can be an inspiration to others, and just remember to hold on tight and never let that good thing go.
The purpose of life is a life of purpose. ~Robert Byrne
]]>12 Easy Ways to Please Your Lovertag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog//3.12178622012-01-19T22:20:13-05:002012-03-20T05:12:01-04:00Lisa Bordenhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/lisa-borden/
Here are a few ideas that allow you to honour and celebrate your sweetie without breaking the earth's heart:
1. Shower Together. Good news -- this is the perfect activity on every front. Did you know that showers account for 22 per cent of individual water use in North America? It's the gift of an experience with nothing to purchase. However, should you want to show a little extra love, add a few great organic soaps, shampoo, a low-flow showerhead, an FSC certified hairbrush, and wrap it all up in a luxurious organic bathrobe.
2. Engage in Pillow Talk. A gift of new healthy pillows, without flame retardants or other synthetics, is a wonderful gift, and one that will give you nightly sweet dreams. Add a homemade organic Body Scrub (coconut sugar, coconut oil and a few drops of your favourite essential oil) for a relaxing organic spa package at home.
3. Light it up. 100 per cent manuka beeswax candles with cotton wicks set the mood, without the black soot and fumes (think diesel exhaust while you eat and drink and play, ick) from standard paraffin, lead-wicked candles. Keep your indoor air clean, and your intimate moments pure!
4. Raise a glass. But first, fill it with something conscious. Look for organic labels, read the ingredients and care about what you are drinking...it matters, just like your food choices do. Toasting to good health and happiness without pesticides makes the sentiments much more wholesome!
5. Freeze the moment. Have your pictures taken. Or take pictures on your own, and have fun with it. Think of all of the time you spend online or on your smartphone...you can carry those digital shots of your time together everywhere!
6. Screen something. Brew your favourite loose leaf tea in a french press (no tea bags mean no bleach, strings, or staples in your drink & in our landfill later), or a fair-trade, dark, hot cocoa and cuddle up under a comfy organic throw to watch a movie -- maybe even a documentary. I am fully aware that this doesn't seem like a romantic theme, but I promise, it's inspiring and empowering, which leads to all good things.
7. Indulge. Studies have shown that dark chocolate helps prevent heart disease and cancer. It has also been shown to increase blood flow and improve mood by boosting the brain chemical, serotonin, which is similar to Prozac and its many mood-enhancing clones. But, when it comes down to it, a little dark, organic, fair-trade chocolate tastes good, soothes the soul and is fun to share.
8. Dress up or dress down. Dress up your table and yourselves, or, dress down and get down on the floor. Spread out a blanket and have an indoor picnic! Prepare a dinner together with local ingredients -- even the planning and shopping can be fun.
9. Experience it all. Together. Take a cooking class. Go to the theatre. Go mini-golfing or bowling. Get tickets to a concert. If you combine your outing with a meal, choose a restaurant with a local and sustainable menu.
10. Give a Rose Bush instead of Roses! This really does make sense. Why buy flowers that were grown with toxic chemicals, transported for thousands of miles and wrapped in plastic, when you can give a real living thing that lasts. Although it might not be the perfect climate for roses year round, think local, think organic and think about buying the whole plant, tree or herb that will keep on giving and can be enjoyed all year round. It will act as a constant reminder of your love for each other.
11. KISS (something goodbye). Consider kissing your plastics or all of those nasty cleaning chemicals goodbye? Clean out a cupboard or a room and replace it with all things healthier - or nothing at all! Go through your clothes or books and donate anything you have not needed or used for one year or longer. Now how is this not romantic? Giving makes your heart even more full. It can also be considered a walk down memory lane if you go through it all together.
12. Do what's right for you. Don't use the above ideas if it's not going to celebrate your relationship to your liking. But remember, each time you buy something, you are telling that store, or the company to buy more and make more. Blood diamonds, phthalates in sex toys, and pesticides and petroleum in lingerie is anything but sexy for you or our planet.
Remember, "less" in no way needs to mean "less special" for Valentine's Day. Get to the true heart of the matter, keep the twinkle in your sweetheart's eye and show love and respect for our planet. Repeat everyday rather than annually.
]]>Carbon Footprint: Why Should I Calculate it?tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog//3.11982952012-01-11T10:16:42-05:002012-03-12T05:12:01-04:00Lisa Bordenhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/lisa-borden/ titles) and I like to believe that I live an eco-conscious life. Where I fail, I'm at least conscious of it and am prepared to do better. I grow my own produce as the seasons in Canada allow, I don't eat meat and I also don't eat fake meat. I read all product labels and make sure I understand ingredients before purchasing anything. I cook with my kids and eat family meals with them, even with my crazy work schedule. I teach people to be "greener" and how to try and avoid "greenwashing." "pinkwashing" and "healthwashing." I support products and companies and people and programs that make our world a better, safer place.
And, I care. I care a whole lot.
So then why have I never calculated my carbon footprint? I'm going to be as direct as I always am... I don't get it. My common sense -- and being a working mother of three propels -- me to a life filled with as much efficiency as possible (out of necessity!). I have not been able to figure out why I should spend my time calculating my carbon footprint when I can actually spend that same time lessening my carbon footprint on my own. Of course, my lack of interest has led me to believe that measuring my carbon footprint translates to measuring my harsh impact on our world. I also have noticed that once we are encouraged to calculate our footprint, then we are asked to offset it with dollars instead of actions.
I don't understand how, for example, my paying $40 to offset my airline flight is incentive to live healthier or lighter on the planet. Isn't that $40 then allowing us to pay to damage things or justify our less than desirable actions? Isn't it better for us to be aware of our impact and do as much good to offset our own actions? Like by planting a tree in our own yard. I am concerned that part of my hard-earned $40 now goes to a business operating to offset my carbon footprint. Oh, my head hurts and I must admit, I've turned off at this point. And I am aware that makes me a hypocrite, since I should be taking the time to understand this concept of calculating carbon footprints and offsetting, just like I tell people that they can't ignore the studies and reasons for eating organic, or less (or no) meat, right?
Despite all of my efforts, I'm aware my daily actions -- such as driving carpool in my minivan or taking a hot shower to unwind, being wired to electronic equipment for too many hours a day, or having three kids and breathing -- have an impact on our fragile world. And although I am proud of the many changes I have made and of my commitment to continually to do better, I have yet to see the value of calculating something over just trying to do better everyday. But, since I care and care to listen -- plus I know that being informed is really the key to change -- I hope someone (or many of you), can inspire me and explain in common sense terms the value of this process.
]]>Ways to Keep Warm in Wintertag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog//3.11807692012-01-04T01:23:14-05:002012-03-04T05:12:01-05:00Lisa Bordenhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/lisa-borden/
You don't have to freeze, but wouldn't it be nice to melt away a little of your heating bill while keeping the world cooler? Think about the following suggestions, add your own (more conventional ones perhaps) and stay warmer this winter!
1. Get up! Since I'm going to assume that you are sitting in front of your computer right now, I'll take the opportunity to remind you that moving keeps you a lot warmer (I am aware that this suggestion is overly hypocritical). Clean something, organize something else... you'll stay warm and feel great that you've accomplished something away from your monitor!
2. Convince someone in your home to cuddle with you. Hopefully it doesn't take that much convincing! Cuddling is WAY better than a blanket and a person's body gives off enough heat to almost immediately stop the shivers.
3. Make a big mug of organic tea or your favourite hot beverage. Get addicted to loose-leaf teas this winter, real hot chocolate, or make your organic, fair trade coffee with a French press. Just think of all of the garbage created from tea bags and coffee filters over a year... small things add up, as always.
4. Cook something. You'll not only be happy eating comfort food (yum), you can share the experience with your family (fun), avoid take-out (less waste, less cost, healthier) and a working kitchen adds heat (ahhh).
5. Open your blinds. And then close them. Open blinds on south-facing windows during the day to let in the sun. Close them in the evening to help insulate and to maintain your privacy, too (not that there is much to see when wearing multiple layers of clothes -- see the next point).
6. Bundle up! My mother always told me that shorts and T-shirts were not appropriate indoor wear in winter. Why does it take us so long to listen? Put on your coziest clothes and a pair of slippers. The slippers also come in handy at the front door... always take your outdoor footwear off to keep that outdoor gunk from being tracked inside for a healthier home.
7. Ditch the diet. Remember, you can justify your winter weight by stating that it's for the environment's sake... a little extra insulation goes a long way. (But a nutrition tip that will definitely help you ditch pounds/inches: avoid all corn, except corn itself... read your labels and you'll be amazed!)
8. Sit down -- and make a list. (I am aware that this contradicts my first point.) Do some research on the Internet, book an energy audit, get the fixes done throughout your home to stop drafts, minimize heat going to rooms you do not use and add a few carpets to your bare floors.
Remember, no matter how chilly it is inside, if you are outdoors making the most of this winter with your family, you won't notice as much! Laughing together and thinking happy, warm thoughts helps too.
