The kitchen garden - by far, the biggest challenge of the 30 days...aside from the whole not flushing thing that I'm still working on

Day 30 – where do I go from here?

Officially my 30 sustainable habits challenge was over last week, but I’ve fallen behind on writing about it. Thirty posts in thirty days turned out to be a bit too ambitious after my daughter decided she hated naps, however, adopting thirty new sustainable habits has proven anything but. The whole family has been enjoying a lot…

Day 29 – Bicycle, bicycle

I’ve been holding off on this post because I was hoping to do a more detailed post about my trip to the Re-cycle shop to pick up a new bike, but the weather and our schedule haven’t been cooperating. I still intend to do a more in depth post over the next few weeks, but…

failed foot stamp #2...the cornstarch experiment

Day 28 – Gifts

I know I’ve already discussed cutting out most of my shopping, but since Mother’s Day is coming up, I was thinking specifically about gifts. I’ve come to the decision that there are probably still some gifts that I’m going to have to purchase…but Mother’s Day gifts do NOT fall into that category. After all, what…

dandelion greens and wintercress

Day 27 – Urban Foraging

Jane’s Walks started in Toronto, following the 2006 death of the urbanist, Jane Jacobs. The idea was for members of the community, politicians, planners, designers and leaders to provide free walking tours of neighbourhoods to present information on planning, design, history and community engagement. Since its inaugural event in 2007, the idea has spread across Canada and to cities…

Here's a photo of a waterfall...I thought I'd be classy and not put a photo of a pile of poo

Day 26 – Speaking of horse &$#%!

My 26th sustainable activity was to realize that I know where to get horse manure for my garden so I should probably go and bag some up. I don’t know why I didn’t think of this sooner. It’s going to be a stinky drive (I’m going to have to pick it up first thing Sunday…

checking the fridge seal

Day 24 – Sweat the small stuff

I am sometimes disheartened by the enormity of climate change and how insignificant the impact of one person can seem when considered on a global scale.  Last night I was doing some research into green building practices and I came across the Climate CoLab and I was reminded why my actions matter – because it’s not just me.…

A rainbow of lentils from a tour of the University of Saskatchewan's Crop Development Centre with the Saskatchewan Pulse Growers, May 2013

Day 23 – Meatless Monday

It’s been a busy week, so I’m a little behind on writing about my sustainable habits. The week started with Meatless Monday. I’m not a really big meat eater, but to save time planning and preparing balanced meals I’ve been using a lot of ground beef and other meat lately. Well no more laziness. It’s time…

our new rain barrel

Day 22 – My rain barrel’s here!!

I hate the idea of watering the lawn. We wouldn’t do it if our landlord didn’t ask us to (and it’s her house and property value, so we oblige). It’s a waste of water, just to keep up appearances. So this year, we’re going to do everything we can to avoid watering the lawn, without…

Out shopping in Old Quebec City

Day 21 – Stop the shopping?

Since I started this challenge, I’ve had a list of possible activities and habits that I’ve been adding to as I think of things and removing items as I adopt new habits and write about them. At the top of the list is the one habit that I knew I would have to do, but…