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On Black Friday, we are all encouraged to over-consume. This intense promotion continues right through the holidays (and then there are clearance specials, Boxing Day promotions and New Year kick-off deals). But what happens if we stop, think and don't react impulsively? What do we really need?
11/19/2015 06:22 EST
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Despite the lovely pink ribbon, toxic ingredients are polluting us. Maybe it's just the cynic in me, but I think it should be common sense that we can't shop our way to a cure -- especially by listening to companies who claim to be supporting us and fighting breast cancer, while selling products that can contribute to causing the very disease.
10/07/2015 08:25 EDT
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As a business, dealing with assholes can be annoying. As a small business, dealing with assholes can be derailing -- if we let them. And we know firsthand that they will try. It's taken me years of practice, and sadly, much too much experience to even feel like I have enough expertise in this department to write this "how to" post.
08/18/2015 12:46 EDT
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There is no shortage of "gurus" or "experts" in an exploding social media field, but do they really have the experience, skills and understanding to support your business and boost your social capital? If you are looking to hire someone as your internal community manager, or to outsource your social media, please consider the following.
06/09/2015 08:39 EDT
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We make, serve and share organic food -- and as much locally grown and made as possible -- and we make sure to take everyone around our table into consideration: allergies, lifestyle, beliefs (in our home that means nut-free and plant-based, so thank goodness for quinoa!).
03/24/2015 08:32 EDT
It's not like I want to give credit to huge retailers and big food for making change, and I'm certainly not advocating for anyone to start eating fast food, or shopping big box before local indie. But...
03/16/2015 04:41 EDT
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In reality, Halloween produces more boos, eeks, screeches and ding dongs than we should tolerate. From the toxic candy, to the phthalate-laced costumes and the insane amount of waste generated, it's challenging to consider it good, clean fun. Thankfully there are a few things we can do to make sure our kids don't hate us, and our neighbours, family and friends don't ridicule us.
10/01/2014 05:37 EDT
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Travel is an indulgence that adds weight to my family's grand efforts at living lightly. I make sure that my conscious habits travel with us no matter where we venture. Keeping strong environmental values is even more challenging when on the go, but everything is better when you've planned ahead. Remember, as a green community, we aren't about easy and convenient.
07/29/2014 09:12 EDT
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There's nothing better than shopping at a farmers' market. The benefits are endless. But, as anywhere, buyers beware! Take the opportunity to buy the freshest, most local organic goods, and make sure you know what you are buying, who your money is going to, and what you are supporting. Just a few questions we all need to be asking our farmers (before we say "thank you").
07/07/2014 05:48 EDT
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Sure, we all work hard, but why are all of those office building lights still on at 3 am? Your cell phone charger that is plugged in (that is warm even when not charging), the wireless printer that is always on (we see the glowing light) and that computer you never shut down are all offenders in the perpetual energy (and bank account) drain. Unplug, people!
04/02/2014 05:39 EDT
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I avoid GMOs and those who promote and serve GMOs. There is no way that I knowingly want to put those ingredients into my body, my friends or family's bodies, and I certainly do not want to support Monsanto. I trace my food back to where it came from. This makes me feel good, and also makes me feel confident in all other principles I have listed as above.
02/26/2014 05:41 EST
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Starting a business is easy. You can do it in a couple hours. Starting a business that will last and grow is far more challenging, but, it's absolutely worth it -- if you are up for the job. Here are 25 thoughts meant to make you think a little more.
01/08/2014 05:11 EST
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Stay home when you are sick. It's the right thing to do for everyone, including you, because when your immunity is low you can pick up other germs more easily... yuck. Steep some tea, pour a bowl of soup, crank up the vitamins and rest, allowing your body to heal. Don't let stress undermine a quick recovery and try and enjoy your forced time out.
11/11/2013 05:09 EST
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Halloween produces more boos, eeks, screeches and ding dongs than we should tolerate. In an attempt to make sure our kids don't hate us, and our neighbours, family and friends don't ridicule us, this list provides useful suggestions and inspires others to have a less scary Halloween (since, boycotting the holiday altogether is a little ambitious and un-spirited -- for this year anyway).
10/07/2013 05:18 EDT
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Gearing up for school (literally and figuratively) can be stressful and expensive. By being smart, a.k.a. "green," you can take away a lot of the running around stress and certainly save plenty of your hard earned dollars and your health, too, now and throughout the year.
08/16/2013 05:21 EDT
Ah, summer has arrived and we get to experience blossoming flowers, sunny skies, and the hot hot heat, so go on and plan a day (or 10) of uninterrupted family time fun! Play, picnic or just hang out and enjoy the summer sun together and when you enter your "home sweet home," don't let the day end before a good eco-healthy recharge!
06/22/2013 02:17 EDT
It amazes me how we will work so much harder at convincing ourselves that our current toxic habits are ok, or are ok in moderation, rather than accepting the reality that we've maybe made mistakes, an...
06/14/2013 06:12 EDT
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I must admit, I would have never guessed that reducing would have been a hobby of mine, but, once I started, I realized that I was good at it, and it felt good too. I hope that what I've done (so far, because it's a work in progress) inspires you on your own path of living a little bit lighter.
05/15/2013 05:28 EDT
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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.
05/08/2013 12:13 EDT
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It's amazing to me that people argue organic vs. local when it comes to their food. Is organic only for those who don't want toxins in their bodies, and local is reserved only for environmentalists who weigh their food miles? It's actually best that we all strive to be eating local AND organic food. Our grandparents ate "organically" and locally.
05/02/2013 05:25 EDT
