What does it mean to grow vegetables organically? Scott Meyer, editor of Organic Gardening magazine shows how to plant and nurture an organic vegetable garden.

If you’re in the Ottawa area, be sure to check out some of the organic gardening supplies (seeds, etc.) at Topia Greenstop (1621 Woodward at Clyde)!

I wonder, does Kermit struggle with recycling too?

So, as most of you already know, I spent most of the day at Topia Greenstop yesterday and got a chance to watch the goings-on. There were lots of regular customers and, despite my previous misconceptions, a lot of them were people just like me — aware that eco-friendly alternatives exist to many mainstream products but aren’t necessarily ‘dark green’ or even know what that means — but they’re exploring their options. Many of them, though regulars, still had plenty of questions about various products and I was glad to hear that the staff was really knowledgeable and super helpful. I learned a lot by just listening to the interactions with the customers. Maybe next time I’ll have some questions of my own. The fact that no questions came to mind made me realize something — don’t feel like I know enough to even formulate a proper question. The whole thing reminds me of high school math, you know? When math teachers ask “well if you didn’t understand, why didn’t you ask more questions?” My answer now is the same as it was then: I didn’t know the answer, but I definitely didn’t even know the question.

Are there any of you out there that are like me? Does talk of organics, biodegradables, composts, natural foods, recycling, etc. make your head spin? Tell me about it. Let’s figure out what kind of information you’d like to see on the site. I’m all ears!

In my pursuit for green knowledge, I found some helpful hints to making your car a little more green friendly — and saving some money at the same time! Great bonus and a wonderful motivator.

Here are a few helpful tips:

1. Remove all bike racks, roof racks and roof boxes.
The wind resistance is wasting fuel and costing you money. Remove them now!

2. Lighten the load.
What’s in the trunk of your car — a set of golf clubs? A four man tent? Why waste fuel using your car as a shed? Get them out and save more money. Hey, maybe you’ll remember why they’re in there in the first place and use them! Just remember to take them out when you’re done. Those things are heavy and a big factor in your gas consumption.

3. Check your tire pressure.
Reduce the rolling resistance of your tires. It really does save you money on gas! Don’t know how to check your tire pressure? Check out this helpful video link.

4. Share your car.
Cut your fuel bill in half by ride sharing/car pooling. Plus, wouldn’t it be nice to have someone else do the driving once in a while?

Now that the beautiful weather is here, why not walk or bike? Think about it. Is it entirely impossible? Even though I don’t drive, myself (I bus quite often), I’m considering walking more often simply to enjoy being outdoors more — get some fresh air!

Green Suzuki

Time to go green, folks!

It’s Monday. I promised myself, and all of you, that I would really start this project today and I’m ready – and actually a bit excited – to give it a go!

What comes first? Well, I was thinking that doing some research. I’d like to start by learning a bit about the efforts being made around the world right now would help me feel motivated. Motivation is a real factor here, for me;  how can I — just me – make a difference? Reading about others who have made a difference will drive me to keep going.

Who are your Green heroes? Do you know of any?

If you’re anything like me, the first thing that popped into your head was Green Lantern. I can assure you, Green Lantern never turned off his faucet when brushing his teeth or planted a tree to help create some green space. Also, wasn’t he afraid of wood? I digress…

I don’t think I can name any one but David Suzuki… so I’m going to start there and see where my learning takes me.

I’m going to do some research on some places to start in my effort to go green and I’ll let you know of all of the interesting tips, tricks, and motivating stories that I find.  Stay tuned!