Random acts of GREEN…

Soooo on a couple different occasion, I have been out and about and encounter various "Random acts of GREEN"…

The other day I was heading out of Wal-Mart, when I encountered a cute older couple on their way in. Upon reaching the door the couple stopped, the man turned to his wife, kissed her and said, “I am going to pick- up while you shop!”…. aaah, pick-up, pardon me?.. I was confused and the thought of him trying to pick-up some young chickas in the parking lot flashed through my head? However, this was NOT the case, (dang, he was cute, JJ), as I walked in parallel to him out into the parking lot I watched as he began picking up garbage! Aaah, picking-up, I see… Bravo, bravo, BRAVO!

I was floored, really!

The only other time I have seen this random act was when I was walking to the farmers market one morning and a couple in front of me picked up garbage as they walked. However, for some reason (in my mind anyhow), it suited then, perhaps bc. we were on the way to the farmers market and not in a random parking lot? I don’t know, anyhow Bravo to you ALL! Keep it up!

I am going to try and follow in their footsteps, their "fighting footprints" actually, and if I see some garbage and am near a trash can, I’ll grab it and through it away (then grab my hand sanitizer in my purse, lol)! Try it, let’s see what happens!

What other Random acts of green have you encountered or do you do yourself? Let us know your stories!

Garbage fighting machine!

Heather

“Yaaaaaa let’s shop”… responsibly!

When we were looking at thing’s WE DON’T buy green etc. we mentioned Clothing... but upon closer look we realized we really are going "somewhat green" with clothing …. the fact is I (Heather) buy more than half of my clothes from thrift stores! I love the hunt! Ask any of my friends and family, they will vouch for me... and when I go to Value Village and the workers notice I was not in last week, well… you get the picture!

Clothing really is one of the only things I can think of that MOST people really don’t just throw away, they donate it to the salvation army or other charities where someone can re-use them. THIS IS GREAT!

I know, I know… some people don’t have the time or patience to go through all the thrift stores to find the hidden treasures, so here are some other "somewhat green" ways for clothing alteration, preservation and things to think about when we're going clothing shopping.

1. When buying your everyday, “never go out of style” clothing ex. Jeans, black t-shirts etc. buy clothing that is built to last. In many cases quality really does outweigh quantity… Ex.I have a pant problem… I have a LOT, but the ones that I realllly love are the ones I have had FOREVER that are indestructible, don’t fade, fit great etc. And last even LONGEr if you are washing them in green detergents!

2. Before you throw something away or send it to Sally Anne's (salvation army) think about if there is any way you can change it up, modernize it or otherwise revamp it. DIY chic is definitely in!

3. Learn to sew, or find a great tailor, even if you just know the basics being able to sew can save you a lot of money and waste.

4. Clothing parties are GREAT, there are many different types but the way I’ve done them in the past is gather a group of friends, plan to get together monthly, quarterly, seasonally, whatever… and hit your closet, take all your old “I’ll never wear this” clothes to the party and swap with your friends, it doesn’t have to be a permanent trade'zzy if you don’t want but you can update your wardrobe and get rid of unwanted clothing at the same time

5. Current street fashion trends can be oooh so fun and tempting, but it’s best to try and limit your throw away (one season) fashion purchases to a minimum. Here's a idea, when you walk into a store and you "WANT IT ALL"… think about what you have (at home) and what few new trendy pieces you can add to you wardrobe which will have some staying power for more then one season, but will still satisfy your clothing craving.

6. Many well known brands (Billabong, Patagonia, Gap etc.) are switching to the organic cotton’s or all natural linens etc., so when you see it, and if you need it, all the better.

7. If you can do it… buying locally made clothing is a bonus! The fact is almost allll of our clothing is made somewhere overseas, in you know what kind of shops, so when you see, made in Canada, JUMP ON THAT!

8. If that look just isn’t workin' for ya any more, or it doesn’t fit, as mentioned above, donate them!

So by shopping sensibly we are helping to conserve our planet's natural resources and reduce our energy and raw material consumption. YES!!!!

What are some of the things you do with clothing?

"No one said shopping is BAD"... tee hee hee, if we do it responsibly!

Heather and Chanel

For the love of Fernie...

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!! We are here together with coffee in hand and using the mountains as a source of abundant inspiration!! It seems as though when we are here, all of the trials and tribulations that everyday life brings are dissipated into thin air and we are able to breathe again! We are truly Blessed to have such an incredible outlet to look forward to from year to year.

The relaxed mountain air and the efforts made to preserve this beautiful space is important to the culture here in Fernie. People hitch hike to and from the mountain, there is an abundant source of organic foods and clothing stores in the town, and people choose to walk and bask in the glory of the mountains (we know it's a little more difficult to do that in Saskatchewan where the centres are larger and the air is MUCH colder).

We packed food in our vehicles when making the trek out here, used stainless steel water bottles, and filled our reusable mugs with coffee (more than a few times :P). Now that we are here, we will be making minimal trips into town using the great concept of carpooling. It seems as though the atmosphere makes us want to live better lives for ourselves and for the environment, and although many (including us) do not feel that degree of motivation when we return home, we will be trying to observe the little details that creates this incredible atmosphere in Fernie, B.C. and apply them to our lives in Saskatoon, SK.

Fernie has a variety of accomodations and entertainment venues from hostels to 5-star resorts. We have an "in" with one of the managers at Island Lake Lodge (a cat-skiing resort) who has also been involved in the community for over 15 years. We have asked him to give us some insight into the initiatives that Island Lake Lodge has been doing to fight the footprint.

Today... we are packing our lunches and heading out on our snowshoes into the woods... the deep dark woods (shout out to you guys...). We will be making BIG footprints, but not permanent ones :P Stay tuned for stories and adventures... for we are sure there will be many!

P.S. giving a little love to my husband who proposed to me on this very hill 2 years ago today... love love love, all you need is love!! :P

Lots of love on this cupidous hallmark holiday.... Heather and Chanel