The Green Wallet – Why Invest In Fair Trade Foods?

Editor’s Note: Happy Monday! This morning we have Investment Advisor Anthony Edwards discussing why we should invest in fair trade foods. Very interesting and insightful. Here he is:
In the ragged hills of Andalucia, by whitewashed villages and ancient trails that wind from Africa to Spain, old Tomás was known as the ‘cabrero’, which roughly translates [...]

The Cultural Value of Garbage

Editor’s Note: Good morning. Today we have Gayle Bates with us discussing cultural perspectives on things that are headed for the trash can and how different societies deal with it. Here she is:
How waste is a part of culture is a huge and fascinating topic. There are a number of cultural and traditional forms of development and sustainability across [...]

Creating A Sustainable Wardrobe, One Item At A Time

I love clothes. I love textiles. I love all things fashion. This has been a lifelong fascination that stretches as far back as elementary school when a friend and I started our own fashion design firm in her basement. It was serious business.
Back then my closet was stacked with issues of Vogue and Elle and [...]

The Green Wallet – Making Sense of Green Investment Funds

Editor’s Note: If you missed Robin’s morning post about some very cute, eco-friendly toys that teach environmental sustainability, you can check it out HERE. This afternoon we have Anthony Edwards on site making sense out of the different types of socially responsible investment funds.

These are fascinating times for those of us working in the field of [...]

Product Review – Idbids, the Eco-friendly Alternative to Webkins

I’m all good with pop culture and understand that kids will be into what kids will be into – made clear to me this year when my science kid went major girl with a castle, a ballerina and unicorns from every direction on her list to Santa this year.
But, one thing I’ve never really been into [...]

Holiday Recycling – Shrinking the Mountain of Merry Waste

Out of bed at the crack of dawn, my brother and I would eagerly creep our way towards the living room where Santa had left his mark, the stockings were stuffed full and the space beneath the tree was piled high with presents. We were always astounded by the sight.
Santa’s gifts were almost always unwrapped [...]

Holiday Traditions Around the World & Global Giving

Editor’s Note: This morning Gayle Bates of the Comox Valley Regional District’s 5Rs fame talks a bit about looking at caring for the planet by getting to know the Winter traditions of people from different cultures all across the globe. Then, you can check out a few great spots to give gifts of planetary stewardship [...]

A Mom’s Guide to Greener Holidays

Tis the season to consume. The holidays are all about stuff. Why is it that this time of year brings out the worst in spending? People go crazy with trend and forget all about tradition. The season is supposed to be about joy, gratitude, family and friends. But this appears to be lacking, at least [...]

The Green Wallet – Where Money Grows On Trees

Editor’s Note: Good afternoon. If you missed this morning’s post on BC-made eco-friendly cleaning products you can read it HERE. Now we have local Investment Advisor Anthony Edwards back with more on socially responsible investments. Today he’s talking about investing in trees. Here he is:
The investment landscape of the 21st century has become increasingly inhabited [...]

Product Review – BC-Made Household Cleaners

When it comes to household cleaners and laundry soap, I’ve never really thought much about shopping for locally-made products. I totally admit that I’m a fussy-butt about germs and – while I definitely wanted to make sure that we didn’t throw a huge whack of chemicals, that come with non-ecofriendly options, into the mix – I wanted [...]

Green Learning – Reinvent by Reusing

Editor’s Note: Good afternoon. If you missed us this morning, you can check out Pauline Rae’s informative story on Montessori education HERE. Now we have Gayle Bates with some highly creative tips on reinventing old household items. Here she is:
Aaaah November – the month between the crazy consumption potential of Halloween and the even crazier [...]

Green-e-ology – Conserving The Heat

Old Man Winter is sneaking up on us – making his way through fallen leaves, rain puddles and dark skies. The days are shorter and the nights are colder. I’ve officially been moved out of flip-flops and tank-tops and pushed towards a cold weather wardrobe.
I love the seasonal change – the falling leaves, cold winds, [...]

Creating An Idle-Free Zone

It began with a pet peeve and some serious evaluation. Oh, that drive-thru line-up with its length of vehicles and thick haze of exhaust. Oh, the strong smell of exhaust as you and your child walk beside a parked car, its engine running and the driver nowhere in sight. What’s the point of unnecessary idling?
Honestly, [...]