Life in the Green Lane

As much as owner of Sew Be It Studio, Dilys Tong, loves to teach students how to give a new life to their wardrobe, she also believes in giving a new life to the animals at the Toronto Humane Society.

After taking in regular donations of damaged clothes and unsold fabrics from Fabricland, Dilys has gone one step further from revamping vintage t-shirts into clutch bags to repurposing old and scrap fabrics into pet beds and stuffed chew toys for the animals at Toronto Humane Society. Isn’t that amazing? Dilys has become a hero in my eyes. Once a month she holds a volunteer sew party where people can drop in and help make doggie and kittie beds. I attended one of these parties; there were over twenty volunteers all working together to help unwanted and abandoned animals.

A few days later, Dilys and I took a trip to the THS to drop off about fifty plus beds. I have to say it’s probably one of the best things I have ever done.

Currently, the THS has almost 900 animals up for adoption and most of them sleep on a cold hard floor, these beds make their stay at the humane society a little more comfortable.

However, the fact that they are made from scrap fabrics makes them even better. In an age when we recycle everything, it’s great to see an initiate like this where reducing and reusing are put first. That’s “sew conscious”.

The studio is located at 2156 Yonge Street, one block south of Eglinton. When you arrive you greeted by Betty, the dog. She is the quality control office and she is adorable. She oversees the studio and makes sure all the beds are well crafted before they are sent out. Too Cute!!

If you’d like to help Sew Be It Studio would like to invite beginner and professional sewers and crafters alike to sew and celebrate with them as they make a difference in the lives of some wonderful animals. For more information please contact Diane Marangoly at diane.marangoly@persway.ca. Or visit them on line at www.sewbeitstudio.com.

The Toronto Humane Socitey is gearing up for an adoption blitz, please visit their website for more information. www.torontohumanesociety.com.

Changing your bathroom into a beautiful green oasis is both good for you and the planet.

By choosing the right products your saving the environment and helping your family cut the risk from harmful chemicals.

Let’s start with the good stuff, the creams, moisturizers, shampoos, lotions and cosmetics we use play a big role in our overall health.

The average adult uses 9 cosmetic products a day. That adds up to about 120 chemicals. Some of these chemicals are not tested, so it’s important to read the ingredients.

Also, look for chemicals you can’t identify, and be aware of labels that claim to be natural or organic. These are chemicals you should avoid:

Antibacterials, Coal tar colors: FD&C Blue 1, Green 3, Diethanolamine (DEA)
1& 4-Dioxane, Formaldehyde from quaternium 15, Fragrance, Hydroquinone, Mercury and lead, Nanoparticles, Methyl-, propyl-, butyl- and ethyl parabens, Petroleum distillates and Phenylenediamine or PPD.

Now onto a product that we all use, in fact, we here in Canada over use it. Did you know the average Canadian uses about 22kg of disposable tissue paper products each year, including about 100 rolls of toilet paper?

So, always use recycled tissues and toilet paper and make sure they are 100% post consumer recycled.

Also look for the TCF label that means its “totally chlorine free”, PCF will work as well, that stands for “Processed chlorine free”.

When it comes to your towels go for Organic or Bamboo, these alternatives are usually grown without pesticides. Bamboo is also very soft.

Shower curtain liners are made with PVC or Polyvinyl Chloride which contains phalates. Phalates have been linked to asthma and can also act as hormone disruptors. Go for PEVA instead, its vinyl, but has no phalates.

One step up from that would be hemp, it’ll cost you a little more, but it also naturally resists mildew.

Looking to unwind at the end of a hard day with a bubble bath and some candles, try ones made from bee’s wax or soy and avoid room fragrances, they are usually petroleum based.

Finally, get rid of the harsh chemicals you use to clean tubs and toilets. Pay attention to the government-mandated warning labels on cleaning products; the terms used, from least to most toxic, are “caution,” “warning” and “poison or danger.”

Aim for products that say “caution” only. Or even better use environmentally conscious brands like Shaklee or Bond’s.

Following these simple tips with ensure a cleaner greener you.

The health of Canadians and their social and economic well-being are highly dependent on the quality of their environment. That’s why Environment Canada releases The Canadian Environmental Sustainability Index, it’s a system that uses indicators to measure water quality, air quality etc.

Water quality in Canada is under pressure from a range of sources, including human settlement, agriculture and industrial activities, and household behaviour. Degraded water quality can affect both aquatic life and human uses of water for industry, recreation, and agriculture, and as a source of drinking water. The Don River recently scored a lowly 34.8 out of 100 in the Canadian Environmental Sustainability Index. Tune into A Greener Toronto to learn about the problems and some of the solutions.

We go from water quality to a fight between one woman and the city. When Franke James got rid of her SUV she wanted to transform he driveway to a green one, “it’s illegal” she was told. That did not stop her! She took on the city and won. www.frankejames.com

Did you guys know that one of the first community gardens to sprout up in Toronto was at the historic Fort York site? The area has gone back to its roots with a green oasis placed in the centre of our urban jungle.

The City of Toronto recently launched their Live Green Toronto Campaign, the website is amazing, check it out for tips on greening your life. http://www.toronto.ca/livegreen/index.html

In eco tip, I am showing you how to get more from your cosmetics and finally a visit to 889 Yonge street, where eastern and western philosophy come together. This holistic spa is impressive, owners Emily and Christine have really put a lot of thought into every aspect of their business. It’s impressive. I suggest the Shanti Peace Body Treatment. Visit then at www.889yonge.com.

Watch A Greener Toronto Thursday night at 9:30pm.

The Kitchen is the one area in the house where we spend most of our time; it’s also the place where we use the most energy. Here are a few ingredients to cook up a green kitchen.

Lets start with the fridge, these appliances last forever, and if yours is over 10 year old its most likely using up to 60 percent more energy than a newer model.

Side by side fridges can use up to 20 per cent more power than the freezer top ones. To get maximum efficiently from your fridge, set the temperature of the freezer to -17 degrees and the fridge to 5 degrees.

Vacuum the fridge coils, this will help the fridge work more efficiently as well. If spend a lot of time cooking and baking, you’ll want to use your stove efficiently.

Matching pots and pans to the right sized heating element makes a big difference.

If you are baking check whether pre-heating is necessary. Double up, cook more than one dish and Keep the door closed. Use a toaster oven instead of your oven to preheat leftovers even better use the microwave. Keep in mind though that there are two sides to the microwave story, one that its okay to use and one that its not. If you own a microwave its the better option where saving energy is concerned. If you are worried about the health risks of using a microwave, don’t use it. The choice is ultimately yours.

Use a dishwasher only when it has a full load and let the dishes dry naturally. Also look for energy efficiently models, they will save you up to 15 percent in energy costs. And save about 1,200 gallons of water.

To get the best bang for your buck, replace all your old appliances with energy star rated ones. They are usually about 20 per cent more efficient. This can be expensive up front, but keep in mind energy star appliances save you money. If you are getting rid of your old appliances, don’t just leave them on the curb. We don’t want them to land up in landfill. The City of Toronto holds community environment days, where you can drop off anything and I mean anything…from harmful chemicals to glass plates, they will take it for free. Appliances too.

http://www.toronto.ca/environment_days/index.htm

Look at the energy guide label, it lists the yearly power consumption and operating costs.

Stoves are not energy rated, if you must go for gas, then choose one that has an electronic ignition. And make sure there is enough ventilation.

Electric stoves are great, especially the induction cook tops, they are 50 percent more efficient than conventional gas and electric

One of the biggest environmental challenges in Toronto is improving existing houses. Retrofitting is the only truly sustainable way to go. This week on A Greener Toronto, we take you behind the scenes of a World War II home that has been transformed into a near zero energy home. This 1200 square foot house is a dream. It has so much character; I absolutely fell in love with it. What I love about this house is its message that you can take anything, no matter the size, and turn it into a home that produces almost as much energy as it uses. Tune in to learn more. www.nowhouseproject.com

Have you read Ecoholic by Adria Vasil? Buy it today if you have not! A warning though, don’t get freaked out. You’ll read about chemicals in the foods we eat, the cosmetics we buy, the clothes we wear and so on. It’s a tough read and it may leave you feeling a little hopeless. But it’s an important book with an import message: Buyer Beware! I sit down this week and talk to that author. www.ecoholic.ca

Vegetarian delis are growing in demand and one of the best in the city in the one at The Big Carrot. The food is scrumptious. If you are thinking of cutting meat out, there are nutritionist on site that can help you choose a balanced meal of carbs, fats and most important, protein. www.thebigcarrot.ca

This week on the show I am talking to Kristopher Stevens from the Ontario Sustainable Energy Association about the Green Energy Act and greening Ontario’s grid. Can it be done? Tune in to find out. www.ontario-sea.org

Farmer’s markets are sprouting up all over the city. In eco tips learn about the benefits certain foods as you shop for a rainbow in your plate.

And finally, we visit Chopper Couture. An eco chic line of clothing that is pure rock n’ roll. www.choppercouture.com

Watch “A Greener Toronto” Thursday nights at 9:30pm, only on Rogers TV.

http://www.rogerstv.com/option.asp?lid=12&rid=16&sid=2778

There’s no bones about it, those of us who have pets, love them dearly, but can we lighten the eco-pawprint of our pets? The answer is a resounding woof, or meow. There are ways to green your pet without hurting the planet.

Adopt your furry friend from a shelter, it’s the best way to muzzle the mills. Why buy an animal when you can adopt one of the thousands that are abandoned every year in Toronto.

Spay it forward. Thousands of animal give birth each and every year, leading to an over population crisis in many cases. That takes a huge toll on our planet. So snip this population crisis in the bud by spaying or neutering you pets. They’ll live longer, healthier lives.

Also, keep your canine on a leash, feral or unleashed dogs have been know to kill other wildlife and outdoor cats kills birds at alarming rates, keep house cats inside because of the dangers of cars, predators, disease, and other hazards. If your kitty really needs to break free, try an outdoor cat enclosure.

When it come to the food, go organic. Most pet foods contain pesticides, herbicides, hormones, antibiotics. On many labels you’ll see the words meat or poultry byproducts, this usually means that the food contains waste materials culled from “4D” animals: the dead, diseased, dying, or disabled. You wouldn’t eat that so why should you pet. Look for certified organic pet food.

Now, when washing your pet, use products that do not contain chemicals. Animals, like humans can have sensitive skin, the only difference they can’t tell you it stings.

And probably the most impotst aspect of grrening your pet is the poop…use a compostable poop bag. You can find these at The Big Carrot in Toronto.

Keep these simple thing in minds and your pet’s eco-paw print will be less.

As you probably know by now, each week on A Greener Toronto, I feature really interesting people doing really interesting things in the city. All green of course. This week on the show we go behind the scenes at FILMPORT.

FILMPORT is Canada’s newest and largest convergence district for film, TV and digital media companies. What stood out to me is the facilities focus on sustainable development and environmental stewardship. They have done a great job at greening the area. Tune in to learn more.

Have you ever heard of the International organization BALLE (Business Alliance for Local Living Economies). It seeks to build community wealth by catalyzing, connecting, and strengthening local business networks dedicated to building Living Economies. Here is Toronto we have GET (Green Enterprise Toronto). I sit down for a candid interview with the organization’s network director, Chris Lowry. See what he has to say.

Farmers markets are sprouting up all over the city. There is no doubt they are growing in popularity. That’s probably why the folks at Evergreen launched a pilot project at the Don Valley Brickworks that brings Toronto chef’s and Greenbelt farmers together. This is a wonderful initiative and I hope its here to stay.

In researching topics for the show I stumbled upon RiverSides, a non-profit organization dedicated to creating RiverSafe communities. They protect rivers by reducing runoff pollution from individual properties through education and providing the tools people need to make the connection between personal action and healthy rivers. Tune into A Greener Toronto to learn 5 things you can do to help conserve water.

This week is Halloween Mayhem; it’s a scary time for kids and parents too. But it doesn’t have to be! I talk to Julie Daniluk from The Big Carrot about greening your kids candy.

And finally, a synagogue where greenliness is close to Godliness. Join me for a tour of Darchei Noam.

A Greener Toronto can be seen on channel 10 in Toronto, Thursday’s at 9:30pm. Or watch online at www.rogerstv.com.

There’s no better place to enjoy green living than in your own living room. By following these easy steps you can turn your living room into a prime-time example of eco-living.

First, almost everything we use in the living rooms draws power and wastes energy. Your TV, DVD player, stereo system, cable boxes and so on, suck energy even when they are not being used and considered to be off.

They all have standby functions that allow them to keep drawing energy as long as they are plugged in. Standby power accounts for 5 to 10 percent of all electricity used in the typical Canadian home.

So, what to do is simple: when you are done using something, just pull out the plug. For areas home entertainment units where there is usually more than one plug, use a power bar and turn it off when you are out or before you go to bed. By doing these simple things, you are standing by your environment.

Get rid of the toxins in your living room. Carpets do make the room warm and cozy, but are also not good for your health.

Carpets are made up of tiny fibers, these fibers trap mold, dust, pesticides and even dust mite droppings. Gross isn’t it? That combination of yuckiness is a perfect trigger for allergy sufferers.

Fibers, backings and glue made from synthetic petroleum products are known to give off volatile organic compounds and can cause irritation in the lungs.

To avoid build up, the key is to clean your carpet often and properly. Vacuum it often and use a hepa filter, which can remove dust particles and clean the air too. Hepa filters can remove 99% of allergen particles.

Go with wood if you can, wood floors made from renewable resources are a great alternative. Look for wood with the FSC (forest stewardship council) label. Bamboo or cork also work well.

Following these simple tips will help you make this room an eco-living one.

Greening our minds begins with clearing away the mental trash that clutters our thinking. A few simple breaths and movements are the key to being mindful.

The easiest way to quiet and relax the mind is to give it an object of internal focus to divert its attention from the stresses of everyday life.

First, find a quiet place to sit down, close your eyes and direct your attention to your breath. By focusing your attention on your inhalation and exhalation, your mind will naturally quiet down as the rhythmic nature of your breathing focuses and relaxes your thoughts. This is the basis of seated meditation. Breath is the foundation of life and relaxation. Relaxed deep breathing will oxygenate the blood, lower blood pressure, and decrease mental stress levels.

Using moving meditation such as Qi Gong allows the mind, body and breath to move as one. For 5000 years Qi Gong has been used in Eastern traditions to turn the focus on the mind internally and away from the stresses of the outside world.

Qi Gong exercises serve to twist, stretch and stimulate the muscles, tendons and joints of the body while focusing the mind on the breath and movements being made. Through the practice of Qi Gong the mind and body can once again achieve a relaxed balanced state, free from stress and strain.

Just as garbage congests and pollutes our planet, mental and emotional stress congests and pollutes our mind.

So, change your mind set and take a moment to return to the basis of life….your breath.

www.qigongmedicine.com

 I LOVE my job. I get to meet the most interesting people and I get to introduce those wonderful people to you. This week on A Greener Toronto, I go behind the scenes of Planet in Focus’ Youth Camera Action! program. Unique to the city of Toronto, YCA is an environmental video production camp specifically designed for youth between the ages of 14 – 18 years. The program also provides kids with a unique and creative opportunity to learn about the environment, get practical, hands-on video making experience and create a short environmental video projects. Completed projects premiere as part of the Green Sprouts Youth Filmmakers Showcase at the Planet in Focus International Environmental Film & Video Festival each fall. Wow, I wish I knew about this when I was a kid!

I’ll also introduce you to Monica and Rhea Dhar, a mother and daughter who use art to express their concerns about global warming, check out their cool stuff at www.3six5green.com.

I take you behind the scenes at The Healthy Butcher, if you eat meat but would like to know more about where that meat is coming from then this place is for you. They know the farmers and ensure me that the animals are treated humanely.

This week is waste reduction week. It’s the perfect opportunity to be mindful of the choices you make when you shop. Look for things have less packaging and give your blue box a break, instead of recycling, try reducing and reusing (but recycle if you have too). Not sure what kind of plastic is the most recyclable or want to know the difference between post consumer recycled material and recycled material tune in as I go to the Recycling Council of Ontario for the answers.

Finally, a visit to Fertile Ground, the only bookstore in the city that carries over 500 books, all on the environment. These guys really know their stuff and can offer advice on some of the best books. Both fiction and non fiction.

Tune in Thursdays at 9:30pm only on RogersTV. (Cable 10 in Toronto) Don’t have cable, watch online at www.rogerstv.com.