Happy Almost Earth Day

While we are about twenty minutes away from the beginning of Earth Day on the West coast and I see many fellow organic minded, eco-conscious stores offering "Earth Day Sales" high and low but I think the point is going to be missed if we turn Earth Day into the boxing day equivalent for eco-friendly stores and shops around.

Instead of a 40% off water bottle sale or bakers dozen special, let's reflect on simple changes we can make today and continue with throughout the year. 

I don't think it's any big secret that consumerism is not going to save the planet but here's my list of what changes you can make easily.

• Stop buying bottled water
• Find a fave beverage bottle and use it
• Cloth diaper your baby (at least some of the time!)
• Compost in your backyard OR
• We use community composting to pick ours up
• Reuse, Repurpose
• Eat Organic on Earth Day (or everyday)
• Recycle your coffee bags, Styrofoam etc
• Plant something (1 herb pot or a whole veggie garden)
• Stop buying new plastic
• Eat less meat
• Consider your carbon footprint
• Shop your local farmers market- the season is upon us!
• Talk to your kids about their planet and our effects
• Never forget our children inherit the world from us
• Read stories
• Make natural play dough (no toxic dyes or scents needed)
• Use vinegar, tea tree oil and baking soda to clean
• Enjoy the day
• Get a cloth diaper demo
• Talk to your friends/family about the environment

What are your thoughts about Earth Day and how are you spending your day? Is it educational, eventful, or just another day on the calendar?

Bottled Water Vs. Tap Water

While 1 billion people lack access to clean, safe drinking water we are choosing to drink it from plastic bottles and pay a ridiculous price for what is nearly free in our own kitchen. 

Watch this short video 

The link will take you to the story of stuff website which is a fabulous resource for understanding the effects we as consumers can have on the planet. Don't worry, it's not all doom and gloom. Annie, the woman in the video provides reasonable and easy to implement solutions for "taking back the tap" water as she puts it. 

If you don't already have a stainless steel water bottle to ensure you're not grabbing for plastic bottles while you're out. Get one. Stainless steel comes in variable grades depending on nickel content. Most of the major brands use 18/8 but with that knowledge you can choose any bottle on the market while stll getting the same quality of stainless steel. 

I'm not perfect. The odd occasion I end up with a plastic bottle after working out because my trainer has them all sitting there.

What do you find the hardest about remembering to bring your own tap water? What about the kids?

Support Smoke Free Playgrounds in Victoria's CRD

One local mom who's the host of CFAX 1070 Real Parenting Show has taken the initiative to go to the CRD and ask for a CRD Wide Ban on smoking on Victoria's public playgrounds.

Find more info on the Real Parenting Blog: http://www.realparentingradio.blogspot.com 

Support this important causes by joining the Facebook group and inviting your friends too. Join now!

Sign the Petition to Save Our Ocean!

Save our Oceans

On Friday March 5, the UK government closes a public consultation on whether or not to create the world’s largest Marine Protected Area around the Chagos Islands.

Commercial fishing companies have voiced their opposition and are trying to keep these reefs open for business as usual. We can’t let that happen -- coral reefs are dying, and fish are fast disappearing from the oceans. This week's decision could be the catalyst that saves our oceans.

Together, let’s send the UK government a tidal wave of global public support and urge them to protect oceans for future generations.

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The above is courtesy of AVAAZ.org

This takes literally seconds to submit and has the potential to have a real earth changing effect. Let your voice be heard if you support saving our oceans!

In ten years I can see the major changes taken place in our ocean and it is certainly alarming. I can only imagine the devastation caused below the surface. Coral reefs are some of the most beautiful living scenery that acts as landscapes in our oceans.

Simple enter a few details: your name, email address and country here to sign the petition.

Let's Make BC Pesticide Free

The Canadian Cancer Society is advocating to support the ban of sale and use of cosmetic pesticide in BC due to the cancer causing chemicals. Carcinogens in these pesticides are even more threatening to children. The worse part is these chemicals are unnecessary!

Is a golf course lawn really worth infecting our children and our planet? I think not.

Feel powerless? Don't!

You can email your MLA and Environment Minister Barry Penner to support the ban of sale and use of cosmetic pesticides in BC.

Join the Canadian Cancer Society Facebook page

Sign the petition

Read more and find even more actions steps at Pesticide Free BC.org

Take a step further than eliminating toxins in your own backyard and help to minimize these carcinogens in our entire province!

This is a short less than 4 minute video (worth watching)!