Looking for another idea to save money and energy? Take advantage of this beautiful breezy spring weather to hang your clothes outside to dry.
WWF Canada reports that, next to your refrigerator, your clothes dryer is the top energy-using appliance in your home. Need more convincing?
Using an outside clothes line to dry your clothes:
- makes your clothes smell fresh without adding chemical fragrances to them
- can make your fabrics last longer (need proof? no lint)
- will get you outside and into the fresh air and sunshine
- eliminate dryer noise
- reduce your greenhouse gas emissions
- reduce adding heat to your home in warm months
- eliminate static cling without the expense of dryer sheets
If yard space is restrictive consider a rotary (spinner-style) clothesline. For rainy days or winter weather you can use an indoor drying rack. These sturdy collapsible racks have come a long way and you can find everything from the tried and true wooden clotheshorse to large stainless steel models that easily hold a full load of clothes. In winter, drying clothes this way will add moisture to dry indoor air. If you find clothes too “crunchy” for your liking you can throw them in the dryer for 3-5 minutes once they are dry.
So…. let’s hang out!
Note: this article also appeared in the May 27th edition of Caledon Today e-Magazine. You can read and subscribe to this terrific (and free) online Caledon magazine at http://www.caledonmedia.com/
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Fresh, organic, Caledon-grown - a win/win/win!
Thinking about going organic? Or about supporting Caledon farmers? Or visiting the new Bolton Farmers Market this summer? Did you know that you could create a win/win/win and combine all three?
Whole Village, a biodynamic farm nestled in the northwest corner of Caledon, supplies residents with fresh vegetables, herbs and fruit grown without the use of artificial fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, or fungicides. You can buy a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) share of this delicious produce and conveniently pick it up each Thursday at their booth at the Bolton Farmers Market. If you live in northern Caledon you may wish to arrange to pick it up at the farm or at the Orangeville Farmers Market (Saturdays).
Your CSA share will provide you with nutritious, fresh, organic, Caledon-grown produce for the season, from approximately mid-June to the last week of October. You have the choice of purchasing a small or large share. The small share is $500 so over a 20-week growing season that would equate to a cost of $25 per week for your farm-fresh veggies. The large share is $700 and can feed a family of four or two vegetarians. The small share provides a bit more than half of the large share and is suitable for a small family, a couple or a single vegetarian.
Crops will include greens such as lettuce, spinach, chard, kale, herbs and green onions, plus carrots, tomatoes, peppers, squash, beets, onions, parsnips, potatoes and corn, all harvested fresh as they come into season.
Last week my family and I visited Whole Village and tasted yummy samplings of mustard greens, kale, and arugula, as greens are one of the first things ready for harvest. We were very impressed with the farm and the knowledge and dedication of the people working the fields. We purchased a small CSA-share and look forward to picking it up fresh each Thursday at the Bolton Farmers Market and “topping up” with other locally-produced food and treats.
For more information, or to purchase a Whole Village CSA-share, contact Graham Corbett at (519) 942-0168 or email him at csagarden@wholevillage.org
For more information about the Bolton Farmers Market contact Sandra Dolson at the Town of Caledon at (905) 584-2272 or email her at sandra.dolson@caledon.ca
Whole Village, a biodynamic farm nestled in the northwest corner of Caledon, supplies residents with fresh vegetables, herbs and fruit grown without the use of artificial fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, or fungicides. You can buy a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) share of this delicious produce and conveniently pick it up each Thursday at their booth at the Bolton Farmers Market. If you live in northern Caledon you may wish to arrange to pick it up at the farm or at the Orangeville Farmers Market (Saturdays).
Your CSA share will provide you with nutritious, fresh, organic, Caledon-grown produce for the season, from approximately mid-June to the last week of October. You have the choice of purchasing a small or large share. The small share is $500 so over a 20-week growing season that would equate to a cost of $25 per week for your farm-fresh veggies. The large share is $700 and can feed a family of four or two vegetarians. The small share provides a bit more than half of the large share and is suitable for a small family, a couple or a single vegetarian.
Crops will include greens such as lettuce, spinach, chard, kale, herbs and green onions, plus carrots, tomatoes, peppers, squash, beets, onions, parsnips, potatoes and corn, all harvested fresh as they come into season.
Last week my family and I visited Whole Village and tasted yummy samplings of mustard greens, kale, and arugula, as greens are one of the first things ready for harvest. We were very impressed with the farm and the knowledge and dedication of the people working the fields. We purchased a small CSA-share and look forward to picking it up fresh each Thursday at the Bolton Farmers Market and “topping up” with other locally-produced food and treats.
For more information, or to purchase a Whole Village CSA-share, contact Graham Corbett at (519) 942-0168 or email him at csagarden@wholevillage.org
For more information about the Bolton Farmers Market contact Sandra Dolson at the Town of Caledon at (905) 584-2272 or email her at sandra.dolson@caledon.ca
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Friday, May 8, 2009
June 27th 2009 "Kitchen Cosmetics" Workshop
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!
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!
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
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