Eco Zine to Celebrate & Protect Clean Water

WE ARE GOING TO FACE A FUTURE THAT IS DIFFERENT FROM THE PAST!

Below is a link where my anti-fracking zine can be found.

http://stopfrackingontario.wordpress.com/2011/09/25/anti-fracking-zine/

CELEBRATE & PROTECT CLEAN WATER!

Thanks to all of those who interacted with us at Car Free this month. You can still SIGN THE PETITION here!

kale chips part of autumnal equinox feast!

kale cut/torn into chip or palm sized pieces

bake at 250F with olive or grapeseed oil, sea salt, paprika, cayenne pepper, very small amount of (apple cider) vinegar and ground pepper to taste

ready in 15-20 mins! (20-25 for extra crispy)

Reclaim The Streets in London - Sept 17th & 18th!

BE THERE TO SUPPORT, SHARE AND CELEBRATE IN LONDON, ONTARIO'S CONTRIBUTION TO THE CAR FREE MOVEMENT!

Car Free Festival: REIMAGINE PUBLIC SPACE ON SEPT 17th & 18th

"Car Free Festival is a unique opportunity to promote the environment, health, local economy, culture, community, and above all have fun! The idea is not new, as many street festivals have taken place in our city in the past. What is new, however, is the approach. Collaborating with over 20 events and organizations will allow Car Free Festival to bring its important message and celebration to the people of this city up to 10 times this year in Downtown and other London neighbourhoods. With collaboration as our cornerstone value, Car Free Festival will be the collective creation of the London community. Community ownership, above all else, is critical to the success of Car Free Festival. "

Who is OurStreet?
"Our Street London acts as a catalyst to help the people of London envision a sustainable future for our community. Through a collaborative relationship with community members, local and provincial governments, business owners, and non‐profit groups we work to inspire a united vision of London in which people‐based street and urban design are at the forefront of our future."

Mission
"To promote the equality of all street users including pedestrians, cyclists, transit riders, and motorists of all ages and abilities in order to maximize our city's economic and cultural potential by fostering a safe, healthy, and environmentally sustainable community.
Walking, cycling and taking public transit benefits our environment, our health and our community: and it all takes place on our street. Car Free Sunday strives to encourage a city that is strong, vibrant and full of healthy people and happy communities. "

Our Environment
"The most effective way to address global climate change is through local action. In London, the greatest local source of greenhouse gas emissions is personal vehicle use. Beyond climate change, automobiles also represent a significant contribution to air quality issues effecting our health and quality of life. Getting more Londoners to walk, bicycle, and take public transit is an important step toward local environmental health and global environmental sustainability.
Prioritizing pedestrians and bicycles in the transportation network creates a more aesthetically pleasing urban environment for everyone. Planters that act as buffers between walkers and speeding cars add much needed beauty to a city landscape. People‐based street design also helps to reduce noise pollution, further improving the urban environment and quality of life."

vegan detox smoothie

baby spinach

organic urban garden fresh arugula!
strawberries
cherries
water
ice

Whole Lotta Vegan Protien Shakin Goin On...

SUMMER HEALTH!

1/4 of a whole papaya

2 tbsp hemp protien powder

2 - 3 tsp macha green tea powder

2 tsp Udos oil

1 tbsp freshly chopped ginger root

1 tsp agave nectar

1tsp fresh oregano

1 tsp fresh cilantro

1 - 3 mint leaves

1 - 2 zucchini flowers (yes they are edible - thank you urban organic garden!)

blend with 1/2 soy milk adding water for consistency

5 Easy Steps: Lower Your Eco Footprint!

"EVERY GOOD DEED IS ITS OWN ADVERTISEMENT"

-Gandhi

Our ecological footprint accounts for all of the things we do that use energy. Any action or factor that impacts the interconnected system of which we are apart - from home-base to community to country to globe - is included to calculate how much we are taking. Here are 5 things you can do to lessen what you take and increase what you give back!

1. Urban Garden

Urban gardening is largely about using the space you have to create a highly sustainable turnout with limited resources. While supporting a food justice ethic, it also aesthetically beautifies the community while bringing people together!

-volunteer at community garden. Check out the London Community Resource Centre for locations, how to get involved and tips for your own plot!

-plant a front yard urban garden - it’s easier than you think! Our veggies have already started to grow! Such a raw green space puts smiles on passers-by. Check out my blog Eco Veg Footprint for photos and suggestions! If you have limited space, use as many planters possible and think vertical gardening!

2. Compost

The composting process is a regenerative one! Watch nature’s cycle of decay and rebirth as new healthy soil emerges.

-year round way to make kitchen waste sustainable
-cuts down drastically on the amount of household garbage!
-creates nutrient rich soil that can be used in planters and in the garden
-if you cant make use of what is regenerated, chances are there is someone close by who can make use of your dirty deeds!
-see Thames Region Ecological Assoc (TREA) for composting advice!

3. Water Ways

Need Less, Use Less!

-shower less! It is entirely UNsustainable for an individual to take a shower daily…can you imagine how much water would be used up in everyone in the world stood under a showerhead everyday?
-remember fun folk trio Sharon, Lois and Bram? Take their advice: turn the water off when your brushing your teeth!
-yes its easier to let the kitchen sink run through the course of a dish washing session! It may even be a soothing comfort we are used to - hearing the sound of running water during this chore. Fill up the sink half way, breath deeply and wash in the silence
-put a bucket in the shower with you, see how much collects that is usually wasted! This can be used afterwards for any purpose.

4. Ride Your Bike!

Take Back The Streets

-practice safety rules of the road such as wearing a helmet and signalling to traffic
-ride in the lanes and become a road vehicle! Take back the streets and foster sharing transportation space
-Save money and the air from being polluted! Oil is not sustainable. Public or independent transit is the sustainable way to go - and don’t forget about those feet!

5. Swap Meet!

Gather with friends and family to exchange unwanted items! Since our healthy survival depends on reducing and eliminating consumer habits, get a whole new wardrobe without having to spend a cent. A fun way to do this is to gather at someone’s place and make a big pile of your old stuff! With five to fifteen people, diving into a giant mound of things that are new to you is fun and environmentally friendly. Don’t limit exchanges to clothing, bring along anything you don’t use - someone else will! Walking away with a bunch of new stuff for free. Sounds good doesn’t it? Don’t forget to donate the rest to one of the many formidable charity organizations in London.

Organic Urban Garden Photos!

ECO GARDEN ART FROM RECYCLED MATERIALS

THIS IS AN URBAN GARDEN

MARIGOLDS PREVENT CERTAIN TYPES OF INSECTS FROM VISITING

HONOUR YOUR FAVOUTIRE SACRED PLANTS WITH SPECIAL ATTENTION! WORDWOOD (left) & HYSSOP (right)

RE USE FOUND MATERIALS TO CREATE WALKWAYS AND DECOR

GARDEN IS HOSE WATERED DAILY - TWICE AT LEAST IN THIS CRAZY HEAT!

INFUSE PLANTING TIME AND LOCATION WITH SPECIAl INTENTION & LOVE!

Vegan Dinner Delight

Carrot Zucchini Curry - Vegan Poutine Style Dinner

3-4 carrots sliced into sticks/fries
1-2 garlic clove(s), minced
rosemary, thyme, pepper to season
pan roast in oil at 300 degrees

3/4 zucchini, shredded

peas from approx 8 fresh pods

green onion, chopped

arugula, chopped

splash of balsamic vinegar

apple cider vinegar to taste

small portion of freshly chopped ginger root

veganaise (as the base)

rise milk

1 tsp hummous

curry powder

1-2 fresh radishe(s), chopped

fresh coriander, chopped

1/4 tsp mustard

1/2 tsp mustard oil

COMBINE!

VOILA!

VEGAN DELICIOUSNESS!