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9 Feb 2010

Top 10 eco mistakes stupid boyfriends make!

Posted by UrbanGreenGirl. 4 Comments

Letting the water run while doing the dishes

Letting the water run while doing the dishes drives me mad

Of course, women make these mistakes too, but since I am a woman and well, this is my blog, I’m talking about my experience!  And before you “stupid boyfriends” get mad at me, I don’t actually think you’re stupid, I just think you need a little whip in the green direction. ;-)

Let’s face it, relationships are hard. When things can already seem tumultuous, having a partner that’s not as “green” as you can drive you over the edge for something as menial as letting the water run. It shouldn’t be a deal breaker but rather a chance to teach someone about your values and how they can make a difference in the world.

So I’ve rallied up my past experience and that of my girlfriends to compile this list of 10 things partners do that drive us mad.

  1. Boiling water on a stove without a lid – I’ve never understood why people do that. Besides waste energy, it simply takes more time to cook your food.
  2. Throwing away recyclables – The last thing I want to see when I come home from work is pasta sauce jars, cat food tin cans and toilet paper rolls in the garbage. These things are so easily recyclable. They just need a quick little rinse and they’re good to go into the recycling bin.
  3. Buying non environmentally-friendly cleaning products – I’ve been trying so hard over the past 2 years to use up all my old cleaners and replace them with eco-friendly versions. So although I appreciate the effort of someone picking up dish soap when I’m out, it’d be nice if they could pick up an eco-friendly one so I don’t have to stare at Mr. Clean for another year!
  4. Leaving the lights on -Plain and simple; if you’re not in the room, turn the lights off. Not only will you reduce your monthly energy consumption but you’ll also lower your energy bill. Every little bit helps to reduce our demand so we don’t have to build more dams.
  5. Leaving the heat on (or air-conditioner) – I unfortunately don’t have an automatic thermostat so I make sure that when i leave for work in the morning, I turn the heat off in every room. Otherwise, it’ll keep heating, regardless if the room needs it or not and that’s a real waste. And if it gets too hot in one room, please turn down the heat as opposed to opening the window while the heat is still on. Oh yes, I’ve seen this happen. It aggravates me like nails down a chalk board, nails down a chalkboard!
  6. Letting the water run while they brush their teeth or wash dishes – Ooh this one drives me mad. Seeing someone foam up their mouth with toothpaste while the water just pours down the drain makes me want to pull my hair put. Same thing for dishes. A quick solution is either to soak all dishes then rinse one by one or to turn the water off while you scrub the dishes. The goal is not to have water going down the drain for nothing. Water is a precious resource, people who have been to Africa or heck, gone camping, understand this very well.
  7. Running the dishwasher or washing machine with half empty loads – This is a big no-no! I’ve gone 2 or 3 days before turning on a dishwasher just because I was waiting to fill it up. If you need some dishes right away but don’t have enough for a full load, try washing the necessary ones right away in the sink so you can at least wait to turn on the dishwasher when it finally fills up. Same thing for washing machines and dryers, try to wait for full loads, and don’t forget to wash in cold water.
  8. Leaving the TV or radio on in an empty room – I get leaving them on for background noise if you’re in the same room, but if you’ve left the room, please turn your electronic devices off. This can especially be a problem with children so make sure to teach them young so they don’t grow up with this bad habit.
  9. Buying water bottles instead of using a water filter – Ok, once in a while it happens that we buy bottled water, but please, at least recycle the bottle after. If you find yourself continually buying them for transportation purposes, invest in a $15 BPA-free sports bottle that you can cart around. Don’t forget to fill it up with filtered water from home or TapIt while out and about.
  10. Letting the car idle while stopped – This is more of a new initiative we’re starting to see implemented throughout cities. Municipal by-laws are being passed whereby taxis and motor coaches must turn off their engines while waiting. Idling wastes fuel, degrades local air quality and contributes to climate change.  I’ve known men that while waiting for me outside, would literally idle in their car with the music on for up to 20 minutes.  So, I’ll do my best to leave the house quicker but men you have got to turn that engine off while waiting for anything over 1 minute and run the radio off your battery. According to the government of British Columbia, idling over 10 seconds will waste more gas then turning your engine off and on. So save gas and the environment by turning your car off. For all you non-believers, check out idlefreebc for more information.

Reality check - If you’re the greeny in a relationship, you can’t just assume that your partner will do exactly as you would, as not everyone has green values. The solution? Communication, pure and simple.

When you move in together or even you’ve been living together for years, you have to let them know what you expect from them and show them how they can do it. I know this sounds more like training a dog but seriously, if you catch them improving on the green front, reward them for it and tell them you’re proud.

Everything above is simple, if not, common sense. So don’t let my getting sued for using a picture of my ex go to waste, communicate your wishes to your partner so you can live in peace and harmony!

Oh and while we’re at it, do let them know you’re also open to changing something you do that drives them insane. Just because we’re green doesn’t mean we’re saints, although I’d sometimes like to believe we are!

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7 Feb 2010

Upcycling; the new trend in fashion and home décor is strong in Montreal

Posted by UrbanGreenGirl. 3 Comments

Me with clutch purse

Me with clutch purse made from recycled pop-can pull-tabs

According to Wikipedia, Upcycling is the process of converting waste materials or useless products into new materials or products of better quality or a higher environmental value.

I recently learned about upcycling after a Sunday morning brunch with a friend at Aux Vivres, a favourite Montreal vegan restaurant, when we discovered a hip, little, eco shop while walking down St Laurent blvd.  Il était deux fois (Once upon two times) is the newest boutique to have opened up by an American transplant that saw a market for recycled items at a premium price.

Candy wrapper and pop-can purses

Purses made from discarded candy wrappers and pop-can pull tabs

Decisions, decisions; so many purses to choose from. These chic and unique purses are definite art pieces. What I really like the most about them, besides being made from what would otherwise be discarded, is that they are all fair-trade. Each purse is signed by the maker themselves from a shop in Brazil.  I won’t lie, these purses cost a pretty penny, i believe the clutches start around $50 or so, but at least you know the money is going to a good cause.

Back in April 2009, I bought an Ecoist purse at the airport in DC, that was made with misprinted magazine papers from Mexico. I’ve also seen them made form New York subway tickets and Wrigley gum wrappers. And if you think this sounds junky, don’t be fooled, these purses are showing up in the latest fashion magazines like Vogue and on runways across Europe!  Green fashion is so hot right now!

Cork board and hockey mirror

Cork boards made from reused wine corks and hockey stick mirrors

Do you like to drink wine? I sure do! This wine cork board is the perfect way to reuse corks and who doesn’t need an extra place to pin important pieces of paper or concert tickets to a wall? And talk about these mirrors made from broken hockey sticks! With such a vintage look, they would be the perfect decoration for any boys’ bedroom wall.

Pop-can ring bracelets

Escama Studio pop-can pull-tab bracelets and necklaces

These jewellery pieces were the best. Necklaces and bracelets made from pop-can pull-tabs. These ones were made from the Brazilian company Escama Studio. Whoever would have thought that something so cheap could produce something so glamourous.

I bought a bracelet for myself. It cost me around $25 but I feel good knowing that my money is going to a fair-trade company helping to get Brazilians off the street.

The next time you go to throw something away in the trash, just ask yourself if there’s a better way. Could you reuse it in some way shape or form to create a masterpiece? Could it become the next art project for your kids perhaps?

If visiting Montréal, check out  this 3-block strech of St Laurent boulevard between Mont-Royal and Villeneuve which is now being dubbed the Green Mile full of eco-boutiques, veggy restaurants and high-end consignment stores.

Il était deux fois is located at 4539 St-Laurent Boulevard in Montreal (1 block north of Mont-Royal).

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11 Jan 2010

Terriens film premiere proves to be a smashing success in Montreal

Posted by UrbanGreenGirl. No Comments

George opening speech at the World premiere of Terriens

George's opening speech at the World premiere of Terriens in Montréal

The world premiere of Earthlings in French, “Terriens”, was a smashing success last Friday night with more than 750 people squeezing into the theatre at UQAM. The ambiance was definitely full of love and excitement. Besides Georges Laraque, special guests included 2 other Montreal Canadiens; Maxim Lapierre and Michael Cammalleri. Read the rest of this entry »

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5 Jan 2010

Meet Georges Laraque at the World Premiere screening of Earthlings in Montreal on Jan 8

Posted by UrbanGreenGirl. No Comments

Georges Laraque turns vegan

NHL superstar, Georges Laraque, turns vegan

(Film info below)

Barely 7 months ago, this NHL hockey superstar, Georges Laraque, shocked fans across North America with his decision to become vegan after watching the award-winning film Earthlings. As if he didn’t get enough flack for being a “black hockey player”, he took media criticism to another level with his decision to defend the animals and the environment. Despite it all, he continues to make a huge difference in the world and for that – he truly rocks!

I recently had the pleasure of meeting this true hockey hero this past month for his birthday at Chu Chai, Montreal’s best Read the rest of this entry »

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12 Dec 2009

How to dispose of your old computer?

Posted by UrbanGreenGirl. 1 Comment

Recycling my desktop computer

Dropping off my desktop computer at PC Recycle in Montreal

To me, throwing your old computer out on the street is absolutely unacceptable. But let’s be honest, what’s the alternative? It’s not like there’s a company that comes to our mind when we want to get rid of our computer? Read the rest of this entry »

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25 Nov 2009

Make Forests Count in Copenhagen through couch activism

Posted by UrbanGreenGirl. No Comments

A low-fat diet where potato chips don’t count is about as absurd as world leaders talking about climate change but not addressing deforestation. Yet, that’s exactly what happened at the last summit on climate change.

Did you know that 20% of all CO2 released into the air “from humans” comes from the clearing of forests? That’s right, cutting them down results in more carbon being released into the air then cars, trucks, trains and planes combined. That’s huge!

This December, global leaders, including Obama, will be meeting in Copenhagen to discuss climate change. They must address deforestation if they want to make a difference. In order to make this happen, CPAWS (Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society) just launched a great campaign called MakeForestsCount which includes a petition to Canada and United States asking them to:

  • Protect intact forests and wetlands;
  • Account fully for the carbon lost by cutting forests and destroying wetlands — accounting must be based on actual changes in emissions from the past.
  • Help developing countries to reduce deforestation and forest degradation while protecting Indigenous Peoples’ rights.

So if YOU want to make a difference against climate change, go to MakeForestsCount.org and sign the petition today!

Watch the video:

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18 Nov 2009

How to get the benefits of a car while staying eco

Posted by UrbanGreenGirl. 2 Comments

Benefits of car in an eco fashion

Car sharing gives you the benefits of a car in an eco-friendly fashion

Lets face it, in an urban world, there are just some times where we need to have a car. From  picking up friends or family at the airport and transporting furniture or big purchases to simply wanting to get out of town for the week-end, the use of a car is imminent.

In my day to day life, I fortunately do not need a car.  I use the metro (subway) to get to work and can walk to all necessary stores and services. This is one of the reasons I believe living in a urban centre is actually quite eco. However, there are times where I legitimately need a car. So here’s what I did, I became one of 20,000 Canadians that signed up for car-sharing. I did it with Communauto.

About car sharing:

Car sharing is one of the coolest trends in the “eco” movement and is practiced around the world, especially in Europe. It started in Switzerland in 1987 and made its way to North America via Quebec in 1993. It entails sharing a car with others through an organisation, only when you need it. It is the perfect compliment to someone like me who uses public transport but needs a car from time to time. It has apparently become so popular in the urban eco movement that new condo developments are being built with parking spaces available for cars from car-sharing companies only.

My experience with car sharing: Read the rest of this entry »

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30 Oct 2009

Cat owners rejoice – how to reuse pet food bags to reduce litter waste

Posted by UrbanGreenGirl. 2 Comments

How to reduce litter waste with cat food bags

Reduce plastic bag and litter waste by reusing resealable pet food bags

If you’re like me, you hate cleaning the cat’s litter box. On top of that, you probably use your grocery store bags, but now that you’re using reusable grocery store bags, you have fewer of these left and they’re reserved mainly for your garbage can. Am I right?

Here’s a tip i discovered. Nowadays, a lot of dry pet food comes in these resealable zip lock type bags. So, rather than throwing them out, I reuse them for litter waste.  One 9lb bag reduces the need for 10 grocery store bags.  This bag will last 1-2 weeks and I can clean out the litter box more frequently. This makes my cats happier too.

Smart? I think so. Just another way of implementing the 4 R’s of waste management.

Rethink -> Reduce -> Reuse -> Recycle

Putting the litter in the resealable cat food bag

Putting the litter in the resealable cat food bag

Not only can you clean the litter out more frequently by using this same bag, there’s also less odor since i can easily store this bag on my balcony.

Clean litter box

Clean litter box thanks to reused pet food bag

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27 Oct 2009

Delicious eco lip balms and glosses that are actually good for you

Posted by UrbanGreenGirl. 7 Comments

In all the fashionable colours you desire

All natural lip glosses in colours you desire like Ruby red and Pearl

Do you feel guilty buying make-up because you feel the act is not “green”? Or worse, you’re worried about the chemical ingredients?

Well, I just found the greatest discovery this past week-end while visiting a new health food store; a line of completely eco lip balms and glosses by Kiss my Face. They’re 100% natural and 91% organic. It’s part of their shimmers & shines collection. Read the rest of this entry »

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21 Oct 2009

The Results of the Master Cleanse

Posted by UrbanGreenGirl. 3 Comments

Urban Green Girl's Master Cleanse Results

Urban Green Girl's Master Cleanse Results

Three weeks have passed since I finished my master cleanse and I am ready to give you the results.

My skin didn’t clear up like I was hoping, so this just proves that it is, indeed, hormonal and stress related. Asides from having a huge feeling  of self accomplishment and pride, I did lose 7lbs overall, and this wasn’t even a goal. It has been 3 weeks since I finished, and this weight hasn’t come back. I have, however, been careful to not over eat since this was a good starting over point for me.

Pros:

  • Sense of accomplishment
  • Stable weight loss, 7lbs overall
  • Toxin removal
  • Better appreciation for food
  • Eat better (eat more grains)

Cons:

  • Did not clear my acne
  • Took 2-3 weeks to get my digestive system back to normal
  • Went on a food binge afterwards
  • No difference in energy levels or fatigue (but other facts explain this, like going to bed at 1am) Read the rest of this entry »
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