Community Engagement
Going Green at 70: An Environmentally Friendly Christmas
Happy Holdays green beans,
"Bake them a cake, write them a poem, give them a kiss, tell them a joke, but for God's sake stop trashing the planet to tell someone you care. All it shows is that you don't." - George Monbiot.
Truthfully, I think that’s a tad bit harsh however his point is on the money. And speaking of money, how about we think of ways to save some money this holiday season, while keeping the environment in mind.
There is a lot of pressure around the holidays and gift giving, and it’s time to sit down with your family, your friends, your colleagues and tell them what’s important to you and why. And I’m assuming if you are reading this then the environmental issue is important to you.
If you possibly can – buy local. There are so many cool items that I’m sure people would love. Try the Farmer’s Market and you will find lots of ideas. Holiday Flea Markets will be starting soon, if not already. Instead of gifts consider treating someone to a nice dinner out or a weekend away. I’m sure they will be grateful. If that is a bit pricey, cook them a meal and deliver it over the holidays so they get to enjoy one night out of the kitchen. Buy somebody a theatre membership or tickets to a specific play you think they might like. I’m sure a massage, facial or mani pedi would be appreciated. Buying local strengthens our economy. It saves energy because everything isn’t shipped from away.
Give a gift that doesn’t take 2 minutes to open, waste a lot of wrapping paper and cards and ribbon. And if you have children buy them one toy and then take them to a charity and allow them to give one old toy away. What a great teaching to give a child.
If you have a big family try drawing names and putting a limit on the gift. Make it gag gifts. I bet that will bring much laughter to Christmas morning
People usually remember being with family and enjoying a big dinner together. That’s a nice Holiday. I hope you and your loved ones have a wonderful happy celebration.
Going Green at 70 - Small Changes, Big Benefits
Hi there green beans,
I follow the David Suzuki Foundation and their newsletters are full of great information but the following was a brutal reminder:
Canada is the top per-capita energy consumer in the world! By becoming more energy-efficient, you pollute less and save money.
I get the per-capita reference but still I found it very startling. Canada is making improvements but we can all make a difference, even a small difference.
I’m going back to the basics and ask that we all consider making some or all of these small changes. Some can be costly but there are government programs that you could investigate.
The first few are pricey:
- Swap out your dependency on your furnace for a heat pump. You need an alternate heat source but heat pumps do a great job in winter and summer.
- Replace your gas water heater with a heat pump water heater. I haven’t done that one yet.
- Install a programmable or smart thermostat.
- Buy an induction stove which will lower indoor air pollution.
- It’s hard to beat the ambience of a log fireplace but think about replacing it or your gas fireplace with an electric one. They are looking better than ever.
- Look for the ENERGY STAR label when buying new appliances.
- Repair improperly sealed doors and windows and upgrade your insulation. Winterizing your home will prevent heat from escaping.
- Probably a good idea to get a home or workplace energy audit to identify where you can save the most and then do what you can.
Helping to save the environment helps you save money in the long run – WIN-WIN.
These ones are easier:
- This is a simple one, unplug computers, TVs and other electronics when you’re not using them.
- Wash clothes in cold water. Hang your clothes outside if you can or even inside on a rack. Also use wool dryer balls to avoid fabric softener and dryer sheets; I’ve been using mine for over 2 years.
- Switch to LED bulbs, they will last forever.
- I try to make enough food to last for a couple of days, just a quick re-heat and it keeps me from throwing out food, which is something we all should try and avoid.
Every small step is a step in the right direction and it’s never too late to start…..
Each morning we are born again. What we do today matters most. The Buddha
Going Green at 70 - Get Ready for Autumn
Hi there green beans!
There is no question that Fall is my favourite season. I love trees all year but when they change and treat us to their beautiful picturesque landscape full of reds, oranges, and yellows it humbles me. I will be enjoying many long drives in the country this fall and taking lots of pictures, Have I told you how much I love Pictou County; less than 4 minutes and you are in the woods.
Today I want to offer a few ways we can get ready for the Fall in an eco-friendly way. As we think about the kids off to school, getting ready for Halloween, and dare I say Christmas, we need to start thinking about trying out the second-hand stores. They don't just sell clothes, you can find all sorts of treasures. When people downsize, as lots of our aging population is doing, they donate some pretty good stuff to thrift stores. You might find lunch boxes, school supplies, and art supplies. school clothes, backpacks, and fall or winter jackets.
You will certainly find decorations for Halloween, Another great idea is to go out to the forest and find the beautiful leaves and cones that nature has left behind for us; they make excellent table decorations, You can fill a vase with gorgeous coloured branches, and if you're crafty, you can make a wreath for your door or press leaves into homemade candles. The ideas are endless, and the great part is you haven't spent a cent!
Fall is also the time when I get into reading. There is no better place to get books than the thrift shops or the library. Don't buy new when you have free options; you can even check out DVDs (for those, like me, who still use them) or magazines, I find it shocking how expensive magazines are now.
There are so many wondergul thrift shops, but be careful because I often come home with more than I need. But like a friend of mine, she buys a bunch of new clothes, returns her used-used ones and still spends very little money.
Please give thrift shops a try and look out for more details on or Nu 2 U sale this month! I hope to see you there!
Going Green at 70 : New to You
Hi there green beans,
The Town of New Glasgow's Climate Committee is getting ready for their second used clothing sale, but this time we're adding some pizzazz....a fashion show!
Members of our committee and maybe some members of the Town Council will don some gently used clothing and walk the runway, proudly displaying their finery, We are also going to offer small household items; items that you can easily carry, so kitchen items, ornaments, jewlery, handbags, wallets rtc. The only criteria - is it easy to pick up?
We will be setting up a table at the Farmers Market and people can drop off their treasures, and we will be able to drop off at Glasgow Square at certain times. Stay tuned to social media. we will be advertising a lot.
The actual event will be at Glasgow Square on September 28th. Please join us, proceeds will go toward tree planting, keeping New Glasgow beautiful!
There are so many reasons to buy used clothing or share clothing with friends but some just shy away. The reason people used to go to second hand stores was because they couldn't afford the high prices in the shops but thay's not the case now. Now we encourage shopping at second hamd stores to change the trajectory we are on; now we simply don't want to spendthe high prices in the shops. There is no stigma to shopping in used stores, it is now trendy to do so. So come out and help us circulate and have some fun as well.
Going Green at 70 - Getting Rid of Plastic
Hi there green beans,
We’re gearing up for July “Be Plastic Free”, which of course can’t really happen because we use plastic in everything - our clothes, furniture, packaging, toothpaste tubes, actual toothbrushes, combs, brushes, shavers, even our pantyhose, unless you buy eco-friendly brands – the list is endless but we can’t throw in the towel any more than we can throw out all these products. So, we start small.
The biggies to get rid of are: bottles of water (you can do it); store your food in glass, silicone, or foil and never heat up food in the microwave in a plastic container NEVER, you are truly inviting bits of plastic into your system.
Invest in a few of those veggie bags so you can avoid tossing your pears into those wretched little plastic bags that are harder to get into than breaking into a safe. Also, you can buy silicone baggies at the Great Canadian Dollar Store and they are great. Use them, wash them, reuse them. And buy milk bags, freeze 2 and when they are empty wash them and reuse them.I know it’s not easy. I found it easier to give up paper towels than to get off plastic because it is just so darn convenient and we are a culture who loves convenience.
We need to change our mindset. When I am out and about in stores or even yard sales and I spy glass containers I grab them. I also try to buy condiments in glass as opposed to plastic and then I wash them out; they are perfect to store and they go into the microwave. And hey, maybe you can consider volunteering at the New Glasgow Net Zero Volunteer Group; you’ll be doing your bit, meeting new people, and having some fun. Until next time…
The most powerful weapon on earth is the human soul on fire. FERDINAND FOCH
Going Green at 70: It's All About Summer
Hi there green beans,
World Environment Day is June 5th and the 3rd week of June is Pollinator week and some of you are going to be very busy mowing! Plus, Father’s Day is June 16th. What can we do in June to acknowledge these events?
I’m going to start by copying verbatim what I saw on the internet when I googled ‘gifts for dad’:
Personalized digital greeting cards. Sustainable fashion clothing and accessories. Unique experiences like cooking classes, outdoor adventures, or subscriptions to streaming services or online learning. Gift cards for local stores or dining experiences.
I was very impressed with all these great ideas that do not deplete any of our natural resources. I think commercial based paper cards are on the way out and if you don’t like the digital idea, you can always make one using re-cycled paper. If you want to know more about the eco cost of paper, read Janet Wallace’s new book “It is Time – A Time to Change”; a very informative piece on, what I still refer to as, Scott Paper. I bought my copy on Amazon and it is an excellent read.
Look for sustainable clothing or even better, hit the thrift shops. Keep your gifts as local as possible and we have so many wonderful options. This applies to Father’s Day but adopt these ideas any time you feel the desire to treat somebody to a gift.
Now for Pollinator Week - https://www.pollinator.org/pollinator.org/assets/generalFiles/Canada-2024-Official-Pollinator-Week-Toolkit_2024-01-23-204805_gqdl.pdf is the Pollinator Week Toolkit and it covers everything from the history to ideas that we can celebrate. It includes wonderful ways to get children involved so patents and teachers will love this site. And we must keep sharing that New Glasgow is an official Bee City!
For me as soon as the weather stays warm, I will be planting as many herbs and flowers as I can to attract as many bees, butterflies and maybe hummingbirds as I can.
See how you can learn more and get involved in helping New Glasgow celebrate Pollinator Week.
Each person, group or organization working toward a different world may seem powerless and insignificant, but all of them can add up to a force that can become irresistible. David Suzuki
Enjoy your summer!
Going Green at 70: Its All About The Bees
Hi there green beans,
Hard to believe another year has gone by and here we are again – No Mow May! Firstly, the good news is that summer is coming and secondly, we need to get into the commitment of not mowing our lawns. If you adhere to No Mow May, excellent; you are setting an example for others. And every time you have an opportunity, tell people why you do it!
When the grass begins to grow in early spring, hungry bees start to look for nectar and pollen. By reducing how often you mow, you are letting the flowers bloom, and you are providing a natural habitat for your buzzy friends. We need these little guys not just for their honey, but bees also play an important role in promoting food security. The reality is they are in decline because of all the pesticides being used and urban sprawl. So, what can we do? If I had a huge yard and were 20 years younger, I would follow the lead of Marian Whitcomb from Baddeck. I was reading about her online and how she changed her one-acre yard from a lawn to a native garden. It is gorgeous. But a small yard doesn’t mean that I can’t do my part. I will plant what will attract bees and butterflies and at the same time, not invite the deer to share in the feast. First up is lavender. I’m told it’s easy to grow in pots and bees love it. You can’t beat that fragrance. I love using fresh herbs so lemon balm, mint, rosemary, sage, tarragon, and thyme will attract bees and mint and oregano will also attract butterflies. Then I can sit out this summer with my tea and enjoy the aroma, the beauty, and I will know that I am doing my small part.
Lastly, please brag that New Glasgow is Nova Scotia’s first Bee City; we were given that honour in November 2021. New Glasgow is very serious about being a Bee City. They are planting more native plants and flowers. They are installing four bee hives around the town, adding four bee water drinking baths, installing hummingbird feeders, and making a wildflower garden. One of the many reasons I love calling New Glasgow my home.
In the words of B.B. King - We are here because there are things that need our help. Like the planet. Like each other. Like animals. The world is like a garden, and we are its protectors.
Going Green at 70: How Wi-Fi Affects the Environment
Hi there green beans,
Today I want to focus on the Internet. Did you know that internet pollution seriously affects the environment? It accounts for 4% of global greenhouse emissions. According to my research on the internet (a bit of irony here), it generates about one billion tons of greenhouse gases a year. At worst, it is expected to double by 2025. It increased substantially during and since COVID. However, had it not been for the Internet, I would not have gotten so involved in the climate crisis. We don’t want to give it up but what changes can we make to reduce our technical footprint?
One of the most challenging things for me is when I can’t remember something. A simple example, I am watching a movie and I think ‘Hmmm, where did I see that person before’. Without a second hesitation, I grab my phone. The reality is the information is there in my brain, I just don’t have the patience to try to remember it. The Internet has become too easy and it has affected our ability to use our memory. It’s almost like - use it or lose it. I am training myself to pause and work on remembering. And learning to survive perhaps not knowing where I saw a particular actor before. Simply, I will use the Internet for more important things like…. learning about the environment.
The other thing I will work on is not using my phone when I am out. Seriously, can we not at least have a nice meal and not be checking our phones? Our parents didn’t have them and they survived. They went shopping without a phone, they went to a movie, they even went out to dinner. Honestly, if somebody is calling you to let you know you won the lottery, they can leave a message.
We need to get a handle on technology. As great as it is, let’s try and give it an occasional break.
Each morning we are born again. What we do today matters most. – The Buddha
Going Green at 70 : World Wildlife Day
Facebook: Going Green at 70 March 1, 2024
Hi again Green Beans,
March 3rd is the United Nations' World Wildlife Day, It is a day to celebrate wild animals and plants. It's an opportunity to learn more about the role and contribution that wildlife offers to people and our beloved planet.
This has got to be the best quote and it truly sums it up: This is the message of World Wildlife Day that really hit home for me. - "It will not change the world if you will save one animal but it will certainly change the world for that one animal."
Living in New Glasgow has so many benefits but the biggest one for me is I can get in my car and within a few minutes I will be in the country. That used to take several hours when i lived in Ontario. There is still such beauty to be enjoyed that we have to commit to doing our part to keep it that way.
It's about getting rid of chemicals in the house and reducing our reliance on fossil fuels. It's about trying to reduce our waste; trying to stop the never-ending cycle of shopping, and trying to reduce meat in our diet. And that's just a wee start.
I have written a lot about how to rid ourselves of chemicals by using household-safe ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, eco-friendly detergents, peroxide, and eco-friendly scrubbers.
it's been a cold winter and I have embraced the idea of layering and wearing socks. In fact, I just bought the clunkiest pair of slippers I have ever seen but they keep my feet toasty so they are a keeper. I turn the thermostat lower than I would like but again if the waste of electricity on the planet doesn't get me, the high cost of electricity will.
I have been very good at making meals and storing and using leftovers. I am incorporating more meatless meals into my diet and next week, black bean burgers are on the menu!
We can all work together to keep the planet a little cleaner for all.
"I wish it need not have happened in my time," said Frodo. "So do I," said Gandalf, "and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us." - J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring
Going Green at 70 : Rethinking Valentine's Day
Email: Facebook: Going Green at 70 by Nancy MacRae
Hi there Green Beans,
Valentine's Day is approaching and although it’s tempting to buy cards, roses, and chocolates – let’s see if we can try something different this year.
You can make Valentine’s Day cards with recycled paper or you can look for re-cycled cards. Or maybe it’s time we try to get away from this card-giving business altogether. Here is a stat that made my head spin:
How big is the greeting card market in Canada? $369.1 M for 2023
Seriously that is a lot of hard-earned dollars being given to people who read and toss. Unless you are one of those people who save cards, although I still think it’s a crazy amount of money.
See if your florist offers organic flowers. Organic flowers use less artificial chemicals such as fertilizers and pesticides. Even if they don’t carry them, it might get them thinking that It’s time to start offering alternatives. Another option is a plant; something that hopefully will survive. Even if it makes it to the spring where it can be planted, better than smell and toss.
Sometimes I wish I had never started down this path. Did you know that cocoa production is linked to child labour, slavery, deforestation, and low wages? Now before we all swear off chocolate, realistically that could be pretty daunting for a lot of us – there are ways to get chocolate without the negative effects. We can check out labels for Fairtrade, Rainforest Alliance, or UTZ certifications. Words like sustainable and eco-friendly can be green-washing; meaning not accurate. I hate green-washing because the bottom line - it is just taking advantage of our ignorance; we need to start getting educated on this stuff. Buying dark chocolate is a better alternative; it at least gives more money to the cocoa farmers because dark chocolate contains more cocoa.
I think the best gifts are cooking a nice meal for your loved one, treating them to a massage gift certificate, a spa day, or telling them to put their feet up and all chores are off limits for the day. Now how romantic is all that!
“Love does not consist in words or feelings, but in deeds. It is an act of the will; it is a gift; that is to say, a giving.” — Maria Faustyna Kowalska