Concerned about the chemicals in store-bought cosmetics? Looking for some natural alternatives? Join us for Kitchen Cosmetics, a workshop hosted by Green TEA and the Caledon Library. Have fun while learning how to create lovely skin, body and bath care products with ingredients found in your kitchen. Workshop facilitator Carrole Blakeman is a certified aromatherapy practitioner with a background in alternative health including studies in homeopathy. You'll learn the basics of scrubs, masks, lip balms, and salves and see demonstrations of techniques and ideas, plus get samples to take home! This exciting three-hour workshop will be held at the Bolton Branch of the Caledon Library.
Workshop Fee: $25 for Green TEA members; $30 for non-members. Your material costs are included in the workshop fee. Light refreshments will be served. Only 20 seats available so PRE-Registration is necessary. To register contact Patti Foley at (905) 951-0625 or patti@greentcaledon.ca
Note: Our first workshop (scheduled for June 6th) was a speedy sell-out and the second workshop (June 27th) is already 50% booked - so RSVP quickly to reserve your seat!
Friday, May 8, 2009
Kick Your Greening Up a Notch!
Looking to go greener, at home or at work? Green T Environmental Awareness (Green TEA) now collects used inkjet and laser printer cartridges, as well as old cell phones.
Working with a reverse logistics company we are participating in a program that processes and recycles these items, diverting them from our landfills. As a non-profit organization, Green TEA even receives a small donation on select items.
It is estimated that over 300,000,000 empty printer cartridges are generated in North America every year. Add all of the “previously enjoyed” cell phones to that number and it’s easy to see how tons of electronic waste could potentially head to our landfill sites.
So give us a shout! We’ll be happy to arrange for pick ups (within Caledon) and can even provide you a collection box to get started. And why not ask around at work; many employers are eager to show their green community spirit!
Contact Patti Foley (905) 951-0625 or patti@greentcaledon.ca
Working with a reverse logistics company we are participating in a program that processes and recycles these items, diverting them from our landfills. As a non-profit organization, Green TEA even receives a small donation on select items.
It is estimated that over 300,000,000 empty printer cartridges are generated in North America every year. Add all of the “previously enjoyed” cell phones to that number and it’s easy to see how tons of electronic waste could potentially head to our landfill sites.
So give us a shout! We’ll be happy to arrange for pick ups (within Caledon) and can even provide you a collection box to get started. And why not ask around at work; many employers are eager to show their green community spirit!
Contact Patti Foley (905) 951-0625 or patti@greentcaledon.ca
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Earth Day Caledon 2009 - Thank you ANDREW WELCH and company!
Local resident Andrew Welch teamed up with his friend Jay Mowat from Erin Radio and together brainstormed an idea for Earth Day 2009.
Caledon Library, Orangeville's Booklore, and others sponsored the event to cover advertising costs and Caledon's historic Claude Church offered up the venue.
Billed as "a fabulous evening of entertainment to benefit the environment" Earth Day Payback was a big success and proceeds raised will be soon forwarded to 2 local environemental non-profits, Green T Environmental Awareness (Green TEA) and Caledon Countryside Alliance (CCA).
Our thanks goes out to Andrew and Jay and all the musicians and other area celebs who made this special Earth Day evening one that we'll remember for years to come. You folks are stars of the best kind!
April's Green TEA Night
After a long and REALLY cold winter an awesome display of new life is just what makes April the perfect month for Earth Month! And here in Caledon we celebrated it in appropriate style. We experienced an amazing Green TEA Environmental Speakers Night on the 16th that drew almost 70 people.
Guest speaker Kate Agosta gave a down-to-earth (pun intended) presentation about alternatives to the traditional grass lawns for those of us who are no longer enthused with watering, fertilizing, aerating, spraying, weeding, overseeding, and then FINALLY mowing down GRASS! Carrole Blakeman gave a real eye-opener of a talk about chemical-ridden cosmetics and, at audience-demand, agreed to do a workshop for us in early June on how to make your own cosmetics with natural ingredients. Take note ladies - this workshop will fill up fast so when you hear the word....register fast!
Paddy Running Horan was on hand to offer up some pesticide and herbicide alternatives now that the Ontario-wide Pesticide Ban is taking effect (as of April 22nd) and 3 wonderful ladies from the Town of Caledon gave us updates about the Ban plus the Bolton Farmers Market and the Town's own Environmental Progress Report. Thank you Noreen Knight, Sandra Dolson and Sara Peckford!
Lastly I want to thank the folks that came out and participated on the Green T-eam for the April 19th MS Walk - we did great! Final figures yet to come but I know we raised somewhere in the vicinity of $600 - not too shabby for a first-time team!
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Exciting legislation can mean a greener future!
On Thursday March 5th Green TEA had the pleasure of co-sponsoring a Green Energy Act (GEA) information night, along with Windy Hills Caledon and the Ontario Sustainable Energy Association (OSEA).
This proposed piece of legislation has the ability to put Ontario on an exciting course for a cleaner, greener future; not to mention the creation of an estimated 50,000 jobs in the first 3 years. If you support this legislation, and would like to see it pass, then THIS is the time to speak up and express that support. I encourage all of you to read up, ask questions, offer comments, and use this opportunity to be part of the democratic process.
As Kay MacDuffee, in her weekend column, quoted OSEA Executive Director Kris Stevens saying “the GEA is like the pizza crust, now it’s all about the toppings”. So if, after reading the GEA, you have concerns, for example about the size of standard setbacks, or have other input you’d like to see considered, this is also your chance to voice your opinion on those issues.
Deadline for submissions to the Ontario Environmental Registry is March 26th. So as my dear grandmother use to say “Speak up now or forever hold your peace!” (and I’ll include links at the end of today’s blog so you can do just that.)
Lastly, a great big thank-you to the guest panel, including Kris Stevens, Emil Kolb, and Mayor Marolyn Morrison – for recognizing the significance of this legislation and showing up to offer your opinions and to answer questions for Caledon residents. Your participation was very much appreciated!
Background:
OSEA is a member of the GEA Alliance, an alliance that includes the David Suzuki Foundation, Environmental Defence, the Ontario Federation of Agriculture, the Pembina Institute, the Ivey Foundation, the First Nations Energy Alliance and the Community Power Fund.
Main objectives of the proposed GEA legislation are:
1) to expedite growth of clean, renewable sources of energy, like wind, solar, hydro, biomass and biogas, helping Ontario become North America’s leader in renewable energy.
2) to build a stronger, greener economy (an estimated 50,000 jobs for Ontarians in its first three years)
3) to create the potential for savings and better managed household energy expenditures through a series of conservation measures
"There exists today a global race to establish the policies, attract the investment and build the foundation for the green economy that is sure to sustain future prosperity and progress," said George Smitherman, Deputy Premier and Minister of Energy and Infrastructure. "It is a race Ontario is determined to win. This proposed legislation would help Ontario become the preferred destination for green jobs, green investment and green energy."
Links:
Environmental Registry
Green Energy Act Alliance
This proposed piece of legislation has the ability to put Ontario on an exciting course for a cleaner, greener future; not to mention the creation of an estimated 50,000 jobs in the first 3 years. If you support this legislation, and would like to see it pass, then THIS is the time to speak up and express that support. I encourage all of you to read up, ask questions, offer comments, and use this opportunity to be part of the democratic process.
As Kay MacDuffee, in her weekend column, quoted OSEA Executive Director Kris Stevens saying “the GEA is like the pizza crust, now it’s all about the toppings”. So if, after reading the GEA, you have concerns, for example about the size of standard setbacks, or have other input you’d like to see considered, this is also your chance to voice your opinion on those issues.
Deadline for submissions to the Ontario Environmental Registry is March 26th. So as my dear grandmother use to say “Speak up now or forever hold your peace!” (and I’ll include links at the end of today’s blog so you can do just that.)
Lastly, a great big thank-you to the guest panel, including Kris Stevens, Emil Kolb, and Mayor Marolyn Morrison – for recognizing the significance of this legislation and showing up to offer your opinions and to answer questions for Caledon residents. Your participation was very much appreciated!
Background:
OSEA is a member of the GEA Alliance, an alliance that includes the David Suzuki Foundation, Environmental Defence, the Ontario Federation of Agriculture, the Pembina Institute, the Ivey Foundation, the First Nations Energy Alliance and the Community Power Fund.
Main objectives of the proposed GEA legislation are:
1) to expedite growth of clean, renewable sources of energy, like wind, solar, hydro, biomass and biogas, helping Ontario become North America’s leader in renewable energy.
2) to build a stronger, greener economy (an estimated 50,000 jobs for Ontarians in its first three years)
3) to create the potential for savings and better managed household energy expenditures through a series of conservation measures
"There exists today a global race to establish the policies, attract the investment and build the foundation for the green economy that is sure to sustain future prosperity and progress," said George Smitherman, Deputy Premier and Minister of Energy and Infrastructure. "It is a race Ontario is determined to win. This proposed legislation would help Ontario become the preferred destination for green jobs, green investment and green energy."
Links:
Environmental Registry
Green Energy Act Alliance
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
You're invited! To the next exciting evening in our environmental speakers series (on Feb. 12, 2009)
Toronto’s JO COOMBE is an accomplished classical pianist, an equestrian and a happily married mother of two. She also happens to be Vice President of Strategic Accounts at Bullfrog Power. Jo will tell us how this leading Canadian provider of 100% green electricity makes it easy and convenient for us to choose green, carbon-free power, such as wind power and low-impact water power, so we can help fight climate change and create a healthier environment for future generations.
Alton’s ANDREW WELCH wears many hats, from actor to mountain climber to software creator to management consultant and more. However, he is most widely known for WattPlot, a software product sold around the globe for monitoring renewable energy systems. Andrew will talk about his experience with creating power for his own home using a wind turbine. With no special background in electricity or engineering, Andrew approaches his topic from a layperson’s perspective, making the content accessible to all, while his reputation as a professional actor promises to make it an engaging presentation.
Palgrave’s BARB IMRIE is an Environmentalist with a capital “E”. A key player in the Palgrave Environmental Watch and the Palgrave United Church’s Turkey Task Force this outdoor educator for the Toronto District School Board is also proprietor of Buckstown Beans, the perfect local supplier for your fair trade coffee and……chocolate!
With Valentine’s Day right on the heels of this particular speakers night Barb is sure to have some of the yummy stuff available for sale following her talk about everyone’s favourite mouth-watering confection.
LOCATION: Caledon Community Complex, 6215 Old Church Road, Caledon EastRoom: Lower Level “The Lions Den”
DATE and TIME: Thursday February 12, 2009 Doors open: 6:30 p.m.; Registration; Music by Michelle Woodhouse, 2008 Caledon IdolSpeakers Presentations: 7:00 p.m. to 9:15 p.m.
Coffee, tea and refreshments served, BYOM (Bring Your Own Mug)
ADMISSION: $4.00 per person; seniors and students 18 and under admitted free.Green T members are admitted free. For Green T membership information go to http://www.greentcaledon.ca/
We hope you'll join us! RSVP to reserve your seat (905) 951-0625 or patti@greentcaledon.ca
Alton’s ANDREW WELCH wears many hats, from actor to mountain climber to software creator to management consultant and more. However, he is most widely known for WattPlot, a software product sold around the globe for monitoring renewable energy systems. Andrew will talk about his experience with creating power for his own home using a wind turbine. With no special background in electricity or engineering, Andrew approaches his topic from a layperson’s perspective, making the content accessible to all, while his reputation as a professional actor promises to make it an engaging presentation.
Palgrave’s BARB IMRIE is an Environmentalist with a capital “E”. A key player in the Palgrave Environmental Watch and the Palgrave United Church’s Turkey Task Force this outdoor educator for the Toronto District School Board is also proprietor of Buckstown Beans, the perfect local supplier for your fair trade coffee and……chocolate!
With Valentine’s Day right on the heels of this particular speakers night Barb is sure to have some of the yummy stuff available for sale following her talk about everyone’s favourite mouth-watering confection.
LOCATION: Caledon Community Complex, 6215 Old Church Road, Caledon EastRoom: Lower Level “The Lions Den”
DATE and TIME: Thursday February 12, 2009 Doors open: 6:30 p.m.; Registration; Music by Michelle Woodhouse, 2008 Caledon IdolSpeakers Presentations: 7:00 p.m. to 9:15 p.m.
Coffee, tea and refreshments served, BYOM (Bring Your Own Mug)
ADMISSION: $4.00 per person; seniors and students 18 and under admitted free.Green T members are admitted free. For Green T membership information go to http://www.greentcaledon.ca/
We hope you'll join us! RSVP to reserve your seat (905) 951-0625 or patti@greentcaledon.ca
Monday, November 17, 2008
Conserving, Cleaning, Commuting
Last Thursday Green Tea fans gathered at the Caledon Community Centre in Caledon East to hear a terrific slate of guest speakers.
First in line was Rae Horst, CAO of the Credit Valley Conservation Authority, a community-based environmental organization dedicated to conserving, restoring, developing and managing our natural resources on a watershed basis. Ms. Horst delivered an impressive presentation that really hit the mark as she spoke about how our natural environment is deteriorating as a result of urban growth. The CVC Stewardship and Restoration Program is committed to the continued growth and promotion of ecological management, by means of partnerships with NGOs, private landowners and other agencies, through on-the-ground projects, education and stewardship. For more information contact Heather Yates at stewardship@creditvalleyca.ca
Next up was Michelle Fruendt from Eco-Friendly Home Cleaning Services sharing her experience in environmentally-friendly cleaning. Michelle demonstrated that a simple regiment that uses only water and a couple of special items is an efficient and cost-effective way to clean without using endless quantities of chemical-based products. By the way, we’ve had several enquiries about the items she uses and Michelle welcomes anyone interested to give her a shout at michelle@wholevillage.org
Mark Carr, the dynamic Executive Director of Smart Commute Brampton Caledon, finished up the evening with a dynamic presentation and an armload of door prizes for us. Smart Commute Brampton-Caledon is a Transportation Management Association (TMA) that provides transportation options, programs, and services to assist commuters in finding more convenient and less stressful means of travelling to and from work. Learn more at www.smartcommute.ca/brampton_caledon or contact info@SmartCommuteBramptonCaledon.ca
Once again we were lucky to have Michelle Woodhouse, winner of Caledon Idol, using her beautiful voice to entertain us on the break. Barb Imrie, of Buckstown Beans, supplied delicious Fair Trade coffee and Lena Valliquette, of The Tea Boutique, offered up a wonderful array of teas. Rosemarie DuPont was double-booked but the chef extraordinaire still managed to drop off taste-tempting fare that, of course, disappeared down to the last crumb!
Lastly, just a reminder that, if you’re a Zehr’s shopper, we hope you’ll save us loads of receipts over the upcoming holidays. Kay MacDuffee has offered to be our interim Zehr’s tape collector but we’ll need a new volunteer for 2009. If you’re up to the task please let me know patti@greentcaledon.ca
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Workshops were a hit!
Well our Alternative Lawn Workshops are over and the feedback from our audience was wonderful. Landscape design expert Deborah May Forbes left no stone unturned (pun intended) and delivered a fun, informative set of workshops that were chock full of tips and creative ideas. It was Green T’s first foray into something other than our usual environmental speakers’ nights and we’re giving it an “E” for effort, excellence and environmental inspiration. Our sincere thanks to the Town of Caledon Community Green Fund for helping us make it happen!
Speaking of inspiration, I had a few moments to speak to some of the Green T members in the audience too and their personal stories never cease to motivate and encourage me. I actually spoke to a new member who commutes to work, from Bolton to Toronto, by bicycle. I believe his perspective on the environment would be amazing insight for a feature story in a future Green Thoughts newsletter. I’ll see if he agrees so stay tuned!
Speaking of inspiration, I had a few moments to speak to some of the Green T members in the audience too and their personal stories never cease to motivate and encourage me. I actually spoke to a new member who commutes to work, from Bolton to Toronto, by bicycle. I believe his perspective on the environment would be amazing insight for a feature story in a future Green Thoughts newsletter. I’ll see if he agrees so stay tuned!
Monday, October 20, 2008
Options Galore!
On Saturday close to 30 people turned up to listen to local landscape design expert Deborah May-Forbes at our first Alternative Lawn Workshop. With a wealth of experience and knowledge at her disposal Deborah shared wonderful insights into alternatives to the traditional grass lawn.
Requiring less time, water, and products than the conventional grass lawn homeowners are increasingly looking at these eco-friendly options and trading in their mowers for items like a bench to relax on in their newly-formed gardens. Indeed, although slightly money and labour intensive at the outset, an alternative lawn ends up giving you a low-cost, low-maintenance, wildlife-friendly space to enjoy for years to come.
So if you missed workshop number one don’t despair. You can join us on October 25th for workshop number two. Deborah will be giving a review of what was covered last week plus additional information and concluding with a question and answer segment so you can get the answers you need. Want to join us? Just give me a shout and I’ll save you a seat patti@greentcaledon.ca
Requiring less time, water, and products than the conventional grass lawn homeowners are increasingly looking at these eco-friendly options and trading in their mowers for items like a bench to relax on in their newly-formed gardens. Indeed, although slightly money and labour intensive at the outset, an alternative lawn ends up giving you a low-cost, low-maintenance, wildlife-friendly space to enjoy for years to come.
So if you missed workshop number one don’t despair. You can join us on October 25th for workshop number two. Deborah will be giving a review of what was covered last week plus additional information and concluding with a question and answer segment so you can get the answers you need. Want to join us? Just give me a shout and I’ll save you a seat patti@greentcaledon.ca
Sunday, October 5, 2008
I'm a Green Granny (again)!
This week marked a special occasion in our family as our oldest son Jason and his wife Jacquie bestowed upon us our second grandchild. Jayden Alexander Foley was born on Wednesday October 1st, a bouncing baby brother for 3-year old Julia and a nephew for our youngest son Mike.
To my husband Len and I it’s indeed what life is really all about…..family.
Our children and grandchildren will witness even more of the impending changes to planet Earth than we will. The air we pollute today will be the air they breathe tomorrow. The finite amount of drinkable water on our blue planet will be of an even greater concern than it is now. And the ability to feed ourselves with safe, locally-produced crops will be an issue that they will have to meet head on.
To us Jayden represents more than a beautiful addition to our family. He’s one more reason why we’ll keep fighting the good fight for a clean, healthy planet for him to call home.
To my husband Len and I it’s indeed what life is really all about…..family.
Our children and grandchildren will witness even more of the impending changes to planet Earth than we will. The air we pollute today will be the air they breathe tomorrow. The finite amount of drinkable water on our blue planet will be of an even greater concern than it is now. And the ability to feed ourselves with safe, locally-produced crops will be an issue that they will have to meet head on.
To us Jayden represents more than a beautiful addition to our family. He’s one more reason why we’ll keep fighting the good fight for a clean, healthy planet for him to call home.
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