Earth

In honour of David Suzuki, I've decided to do a little "Four Elements" eco-impact. As a pagan, this paradigm just makes sense. Considering all four elements plus spirit is essential as part of our practice as yogi(ni)s. As biological beings we are inseparable from our planet and it's elements.

Remember Captain Planet? I feel like raising my fist in the air and shouting "EARTH"!!!

Earth, soil, dirt... life. When we think of earth, we typically think of dirt, something inert and non-essential. It's not like we go around waxing poetic about mud and earth worms. What we've forgotten in our uber clean, anti-bacterial, dirt-fearing culture, is that all earth-bound life forms get their nourishment directly or indirectly from soil. The food that we eat requires soil (for the most part). Every single one of our cells in our bodies require "sugars" and enzymes to keep their little selves moving and our brains thinking. Our source...food.

The soil we depend on to grow our food is in what is called "topsoil" and is an extremely thin part of what makes up our planet. David Suzuki reports that if we shrunk our planet to the size of a baseball, topsoil would be the size of an atom. Such a relatively thin layer of substance contains an extremely complex and bio-diverse profile. Each cubic centimetre moves with billions of microorganisms. "...the soil produces life because it is itself alive" (A Sacred Balance, 2007). Earth is our source of nourishment, a home for essential bacterial lifeforms and is a main filter for our water systems.

Topsoil has taken millions of years to create and we are destroying it within a few generations.

 

According to David Suzuki, each year an estimated 24 billion tons of topsoil is lost on our planet, in large part because of agricultural practices and desertification (The Legacy, 2010). Modern agricultural farming has allowed us to increase in our food productivity, but with the direct result in soil erosion, loss and decreased richness. Modern farming methods now deplete topsoil about 30 times faster than it can be replaced (David Pimentel as quoted in A Sacred Balance 2007).

Despite our use of pesticides and monocrop farming to increase productivity of food, we still lose a third of crops to weeds and pests, which is a rate on par with crop loss before the chemical pesticide "revolution" (David Suzuki Foundation). 30 registered pesticides in Canada are known to kill wild birds, fish or important insects, and every bite means a dozen or more chemical combos being absorbed into the very cells of our bodies. Bioaccumulation of chemicals; a higher concentration in top predators of chemicals; has been shown for scary chemicals like DDT and other currently banned pesticides.


So how do we protect the foundation of life, our earth? We need to remember it's there, bring our awareness to just how alive and essential our soil is to life on our planet.

I invite you, yogi(ni)s and non-yogi(ni)s alike to practice a short sequence or moment of mindfulness with our earth. For the next few weeks take an extra moment during your practice to visualize and consider the connection between your toes. Poses like "tadasana" or mountain pose are excellent to focus your mind while all strong standing postures allow us to feel the energy spiraling up through our earth into our bones, muscles and life.

Choose certified organic foods whenever possible, either by budget or availability. The best certified organic food sources come close to home and are local by the province or state. Certified organic foods are grown using safe pest-control methods and products, which means little to no chemical absorption in our soil. Certification is rigid and requires years of commitment and soil prepping and is taken seriously by the industry.


Growing your own food, even if that means a starting with a small urban food containers on your balcony, will not only provide food that you control the soil's health, but forge a connection between yourself and Earth.


Support sustainable forestry by purchasing post-consumer recycled paper, forest stewardship council certified wood products and voice your concerns about clear cutting.


Compost your food, contributing to nourished soil. A common misconception is that food breaks down in the landfill. In reality, organic matter can stay the same for decades when in a plastic bag with minimal to no oxygen to allow food to break down.


Decrease your carbon footprint. The carbon emissions released in the air don't simply float away. The soil isn't separated from the air by an invisible force-field. A really concrete example, while living in Montreal our floors were coated each week in a layer of black carbon tar from the trucks and cars driving past (on Papineau street). 


"The Power is YOURS! Go Planet!" :)


article copyright of EcoYogini at ecoyogini.blogspot.com

How Much is Enough? David Suzuki and the Next Step

Have you noticed a certain lull in the presence of "eco-ness" around you? I sure have. The "newest green trend" has definitely peaked in consumer markets from my very scientific observations (ahem) and I'm saddened to hear less discussion on the radio, less excitement from businesses and readers. 

It was speculated that environmental priorities would get put aside once the recession hit and it's becoming a bit concerning that it's not a temporary lull...


David Suzuki is doing his "Legacy" book tour and stopping in Halifax this Sunday. I'm extremely excited to have the opportunity to meet this Canadian Environmental Legend and listening to what many are considering his final stage of lectures. One aspect that is amazing about Dr. Suzuki is his seemingly never-ending energy and commitment to changing our world and to advocating for our Planet and the human race.


After decades of lobbying, lecturing, protesting and rallying David Suzuki has witnessed the obvious disconnect between the urgency of the climate/ecological mess we've gotten ourselves into and the acceptance and willingness to change our lifestyles in the population. 


A wonderful forward by Margaret Atwood eloquently sums up why he is so awe inspiring:

"It seems that David Suzuki has always been with us. He's lived in the tradition of the great prophets- those whose messages go unheeded because they tell us things we find uncomfortable. Time after time he's gone up the sacred mountain, listened to the voice, understood that it is what it is, and brought the hard but true words back down, only to find us cavorting around shiny gods of our own devising...
It's a wonder he never gave up on us. But he didn't: after each potato flung his way, he trudged up the mountain again, rearranged the words to make them more understandable, and gave us another try." 

(Foreword by Margaret Atwood, The Legacy, An Elder's Vision For Our Sustainable Future by David Suzuki, 2010).

What I find so inspiring, is that no matter the fact that being "doom and gloom" is considered uncool, non-popular at this time, David Suzuki hasn't given up on us. Although I agree that a balance must be given, I think we've dallied quite long enough on the comfortable middle steps without really *seeing* the urgent changes we all need to make for our children and for our planet.


What are your next steps on sustainable choices? What beyond changing your light bulbs, using reusable bags or recycling your plastic have you taken?


Some next steps for those "middle" people:
- instead of recycling plastic, purchase items that have no-plastic packaging. 
- Let the manager of your local grocery store know that you want broccoli that isn't wrapped in plastic.
- stop driving your car. Seriously look into investing in non-exhaust carbon inducing transportation- such as bicycling, walking or at least public transit.
- Stop buying new things. It's time we reduce our consumption and relish in what we do have. 
- Enjoy the moment. Spend time away from your television, computer etc and communicate with family and friends. Take a walk outside, your local park or have a games night with friends.
- Use your power as a voter to let your government know that your planet matters to you. Write a letter, give them a call and vote for representatives that have the environment as their priority. And let them know that this is why you're voting for them.
- Inform businesses why you're not purchasing products from their company anymore. Whether it's because of their packaging policies, lack of local or fair trade labour or wasteful energy uses.


What are some other next steps we can take together?

Body-Mind Connection=Yoga

A huge part of yoga for me is stress management. Us Type A's need yoga to avoid spontaneously combusting in a wigged out bomb of stress and anxiety. Seriously.

 Our attempt at photographing a circle Warrior III at Yoga in the Park last Saturday!

Often we don't really "see" the connection between brain-body interaction. For some reason humans have fabricated this theory that our brain and thoughts are separate from our bodies... even though our brain is the central operating mechanism for the rest of our bodily functions.

Nothing shouts brain-body connection though, like hives. Let me tell you a story about hives and stress (woohoo!).

Four years ago, when I flew across the country to British Colombia, by myself with two suitcases and my guitar (which was swabbed at the airport btw... ya know for drugs and STUFF, it was really fun), I landed at the airport and was greeted by my now-MOH (wedding lingo for Maid of Honour... seriously). To which I immediately burst into tears of exhaustion and anxiety. What the eff was I doing?

Between the cab ride from the Vancouver airport and her apartment in East Van (yep, Commercial Drive... she lived on the edge of sketch town) I had started absent-mindedly, between sobs, scratching my legs. Sat down on her couch and took a look at my legs- they were covered in hives. Holy crap, I had never had hives before in my life and here I was, 24 years old, stressed to the max and covered in itchy white bumps. Great.

They ended up spreading all over my body, including my arms and lasted for three weeks. I had to wear long skirts and cover my arms for therapy while living and working in Vernon... in 40 degree celcius weather (100F). Basically, they only went away when I started to adjust and de-stress.

Fast forward four years and wouldn't you know it, my arrival from NYC in Halifax at 3am last week resulted in lots of itching. A quick look confirmed that yes indeed, the dreaded H-Monsters were back. I'm pretty sure I dropped an F-bomb or two.

I thought I was managing my stress, but these white itchy annoying things have made me realize that really I was ignoring the stress. Barreling through busy weeks and even busier weekends, neglecting my Yoga practice. I just have so.much.todo for the wedding. Three weeks... makes my hyperventilating button start up.

But I frigging HATE hives and having itchy legs 24hrs a day.

So. I need to re-evaluate my plan of attack. Events have been delegated, bedtime has been earlier (I need lots of sleep just to function regularly) and I made a conscious (failed) effort to attend a yoga class this week. Didn't happen, but I'm hoping for next week. I'll actually choose a day and Andrew will come with so I'm more likely to follow through. I've also decided to play and sing a few evenings next week.

I let yoga pass since I have so much on my agenda, but I really cannot be the "scratching bride". Just because I have a lot to do each evening in order for this wedding to be ready doesn't mean that I should sacrifice something that helps me refocus, ground and centre during this time of bonkersness. Having the wedding all ready won't help one bit if I'm a blubbering mess of stress-ballity.

This Harvest Moon, Fall Equinox, I am taking a moment to announce publicly that I have let yoga slide and I am taking my yoga back.

Have you made some resolves this Harvest Moon?

article and photograph copyright of EcoYogini at ecoyogini.blogspot.com

ToeSox the Superfluousness of Yoga Accessories

(info-merical voice): Do you slip in your practice? Do you wish you could just *stay* in your posture? Than why not try the ultimate yoga necessity... ToeSox.

Yoga has become such a commodity to sell, the challenge being convincing a cohort of individuals who practice a discipline that encourages non-attachment and internal validation instead of external consumerism, to be consumers. That in order to be a "better" yogi(ni) you *need* _______ (insert product here).

Of course it helps that these products be "eco-friendly", helping to soothe probable consumer-guilt. Cuz we all know that buying more "stuff" really is the problem that has brought us to a world filled with garbage and pollution. We know this, but sometimes companies are pretty good at convincing us that having something "extra" to help with our practice really isn't all that bad. Especially since they're made of organic cotton!

Nevermind that special socks for yoga are completely superfluous.

Let's consider the true ramifications of purchasing "extras" on the environment first.

Regardless of whether they are made from sustainable materials (Organic cotton), these socks aren't something that will last forever. How long do your regular socks last? My socks that I wear once a week will last about six months, and I'm really easy on my socks. Special yoga socks I'd have to wear three, four times a week where I would be putting higher amounts of pressure, sliding along and I can assume increased wear.

As a result, these "eco" socks will wear out earlier than regular socks. So I'll have to purchase new ones. In the course of my lifetime yoga practice that is hundreds of socks. Wow, *that* doesn't sound wasteful...

As consumers, we know these socks are completely wasteful and unnecessary. But sometimes we just get caught up in the marketing of it all. We need to remember to take a deep breath and step back.

From a necessary aspect to yoga practice, I find it a little silly. I understand being slippery during the practice. Usually this happens when we sweat a lot, our mats aren't very sticky and most importantly when we are pushing outwards when we should be pulling inwards.

Sweating a lot isn't something that will go away if you're like me and sweat a lot anyways (removing your sweat glands, although I considered it, isn't really ideal lol). Things like bringing a towel from home really do help with that and is free.

Investing in a non-pvc sticky mat, such as a rubber mat (Jade, Manduka and prAna make really nice eco-rubber mats) will also go a long way in decreasing sweat-caused slippage. As opposed to purchasing a few new ones each year, your mat should last years-plural and can be reused a million ways after it has met it's maker. (click here for some fantastic ideas by Jade).

I think the most essential bit of advice I've received about slippage has been about the *how* I do my asanas. Instead of constantly pushing outwards, muscling through the postures (no pain no gain type), I need to bring the energy inwards and up. This essentially means using more of my core energy, bringing muscle energy inwards (very Anusara, but it works).

Finally, yoga really isn't about achieving the most beautiful posture and the accessories that you can collect to get them. And well, I didn't really get into their ad campaign. I think we've already discussed all that...

What are your thoughts on the eco-aspect of yoga accessories?

article copyright of EcoYogini at ecoyogini.blogspot.com 

New York City! Living the Fast Life

Canadians and Americans. It's been 10 years since I've traveled to the states (Florida for a month when I was 19) and I was reminded just how different we can be. Although, I have a funny feeling that New York is a pretty special case.

Andrew at Time Square- with his Canadian Beaver shirt... :)

The trip really was amazing. Some quick things I noticed....

Canadian & American differences:

• The accent. Really I can't get over it. No matter how "neutral" the American accent, it's still there. Very cool :)
• The food portions are bigger. Julia from Color Me Green met us on our first evening and was our guide to a fabulous restaurant in the East Village called "Back Forty". Local food and beer it was yummy, but my "chicken" dish actually had TWO whole chicken breasts and two potatoes! 
• You can order your burger to "done-ness"... which Andrew was surprised. In Canada restaurants are required to cook all ground beef to "well-done" by law.
• "American vs Canadian" cheese. In Canada, cheddar cheese is just that. But I had forgotten that for some reason in the states it's classified as "American vs Canadian". I'm pretty sure there isn't really a difference, cheddar cheese is the same here as in the states. hehe.
• We know a LOT about the states... but the opposite isn't necessarily true (lol). I can name about 50% of the states, which I gotta say is pretty darn impressive :) Must be all the american tv and media we get up here.
• Spelling. I just assumed that my American readers would recognize that my "our" (colour) and "re" (centre) words were British spelling and not misspelled. It was pointed out during training though with some confusion as to why it was wrongly spelled... hah.
• American flags are everywhere. Even on non-government buildings.

We both really enjoyed our trip to New York City and it was neat seeing the ginormous buildings and Time Square. It didn't take long, however, for both of us to start feeling anxious and overwhelmed. Functioning around so many busy and rushed people just imbued a sense of urgency 24-7. Plus, for some reason everyone smokes in NYC. Is that just because of the sheer mass of people, or are there actually more smokers?

At our first ever broadway play- "Wicked" (awesome btw), supposedly they are "greener than ever"... exactly how I'm not sure. 

 

As a quick aside, I had such a difficult time ordering food. Picture this- happy boppy me walking into a yummy looking hip "Food Exchange" store with buffet pasta and salads. I think to myself: "I know how to work this, I can do this!". People are milling about shouting their requests to the salad artist-dudes and the workers are shouting out to customers "Who's next?? NEXT???"


I stand in line for a few minutes in the cacophony of sound and realize eventually that I was supposed to have grabbed a plastic container with my "greens". Lose my place in line to choose spinach. Stand back in line and notice a sign with instructions on building your own salad. The instructions are pretty specific, with steps and specific required choices per option. I look over to see what other New Yorkers are doing... annnd they seem to just be ordering whatever the heck they want from random ingredients. The ingredient buffet seriously does *not* match the specific sign instructions.


Holy crap. I just want to ask the salad dude what is the deal... but everyone is shouting out orders and demanding the next person "hurry up!!!". 


When he looks over at me and starts "NEXT!!!!" I freeze... panic... "uhhhhh" spin around with a frantic "nevermind!" and quickly place the plastic spinach bowl back. LMAO. I am so not a New Yorker!


In any case, it's nice getting back to Halifax with celcius and centimetres.  Strangely we both left NYC completely empty handed. No new purchases at all.


That is a feat of restraint :)

New York City... near my training and our hotel...

 

If you live in a big city, how do you find ways to connect?

article and photos copyright of EcoYogini at ecoyogini.blogspot.com

How to have an Eco-Conscious Bachelorette

Quick Quick, post before we take flight, our first flying trip to the states (we even have american cash, which looks like monopoly money! hehe).

My bachelorette was environmentally conscious... and still pretty darn bachelorette identifiable. This is because I have amazing friends who planned the heck out of the entire thing and thought of everything. I feel so incredibly blessed.

Don't think it's possible? Here's a quick synopsis:

Saturday morning included yoga in the park. Although not specifically bachelorette, it was something I stuck with and was well worth it.

I had made some pretty firm statements about not wanting penis plates, balloons or ridiculous pink sashes so I was very laid back in what I wore- a going out shirt and jeans that I already wore. Good enough. My one goal was to hang out with my fantastic girl friends, not hanging condoms on my shirt.

 doesn't that look amazing??

 

Those awesome girlfriends had brought a beautiful food spread, all local and from the farmers market. Including grapes, strawberries, cheeses and bread. We drank local wine. 

 me getting the crown tied on!

Oh I am so happy... lol

And... in a cute small paper bag tied with ribbon was a beautiful hand made tiara made by my friend Jen (from Funenployment DIY). It was perfect and will function as a really cool necklace (or a crown whenever I feel like wearing one).

 yum yum!

 There were actually TWO plates of fruit rinds left over...

 

A while later Heather surprised me with these phenomenal, no plastic, shooters. Yep, they were these delicious fruit wedge shooters that she had created. More on how to make these in another co-Heather and Lisa post.

oh man, they should not let me near that cake

Top that with my friends sweet talking a local bakery into making my absolutely favourite cake of all time, the Chocolate Hazelnut Torte from Jane's Next Door (which they actually don't make anymore...). Made from local ingredients this cake is absolutely delicious and only found at Jane's on the Common in Halifax, our favourite local restaurant.

 chillin' out while we waited for the next fantastic maritime-pub song :)

 

When we were warmed up enough from wine and shooters, we walked down to the Split Crow, a local pub, drank beer and danced (well, jumped up and down) to the local band. 

It was an absolute blast.

I am so lucky and thankful for such wonderful and awesome friends. :)


article and photographs copyright of EcoYogini at ecoyogini.blogspot.com

27 Things to Know About Yoga Winner!

After a hectic weekend with the most fantastic "eco-bachelorette" (more to come later) I'm excited to be packing up our bags and heading down to New York City... for the very first time!

I'm also excited to announce the "yoga-noob" winner!

........duh duh duuuuuuuh: DIANA! :)

Thank you all for commenting and sharing your stories of how you are still a "yoga noob". Which like one commenter said: "Isn't that what it's all about?"

Discovering yoga, discovering life.

Much Light!

Yoga Noobs; 27 Things to Know About Yoga Blog Tour + Book Giveaway!

Although yoga has been a part of my life for about 5-6 years now, I still feel like a yoga-noob all the time. I very much feel like my practice is growing and still so young and wide-eyed.

Which is why I was quite interested in the recent email I received from Victoria Klein regarding her book- "27 Things to Know About Yoga". Kinda like a primer for yoga, her book is a great starter giving the essentials without the fluff or hippie intimidation (yep, I think hippies can be intimidating... lol).


I was especially interested in her focus on environmental living. As a writer, photographer and eco-consultant she's interested in knitting, sewing, reading and of course, practicing yoga. I'm very pleased that she was willing to answer a few questions, not all of which are yoga-centric. 


Even better, Victoria sent me a reading copy of her book "27 Things to Know About Yoga", which I enjoyed. As I think this book would give a nice lift for those other yoga-noobs out there I'd really like to share the book-love... which means Book Giveaway!! After the fabulous interview, please read instructions on how to win a copy of "27 Things to Know About Yoga" by Victoria Klein!!

 Atreyu inspecting the book. No worries, it's safe from kitten mayhem :)

1. Writing a book about yoga is a pretty big deal. How did you and yoga "meet"? Was it love at first sight, or was there a progression with some bumps along the way?
I met yoga nearly 10 years ago & loved it after my first class. Since then, my practice has had some bumps, including finding the right teachers, relocating to new cities, and simply maintaining my commitment to practice regularly at home. No matter where my life has taken me, I always end up coming back to yoga. Yoga is what you make of it – it does not judge or grade you – it just is what it is. As humans, we assign meaning to things & yoga means the world to me.

  2. With the recent drama regarding Yoga's image in advertising what are your thoughts on the "business" and image of yoga? As a fashion model and photographer does this shift your perspective?

The whole “drama” was a long time coming. Yoga is at a very transformative point in its awareness in Western culture. Yoga is still very much a physical & spiritual practice, but it also has a business side to it. You can’t have an effective yoga studio if you don’t manage the business correctly; the same goes for brands that focus on selling to yoga practitioners.

As someone who is personally & professionally interested in visual arts, especially photography (both in front of & behind the camera), I think I do have a different perspective on yoga’s business and image. Should we use sex or sexy-ness to sell yoga or yoga products? No. Should we use sex to sell anything? No – but we do anyway, because it works. Advertising is another business altogether & I don’t claim to know it well.

I’m not against using sexy concepts to get folks interested in yoga. I personally believe that once folks actually try yoga, whether their reasons are sex-related or not, they will grow to love yoga for other reasons – the practice has an unwavering ability to constantly surprise people. In actuality, yoga has little to do with sex at all, and that needs to be reinforced in classes, but advertisers are advertisers & removing the “sex sells” mantra will be a long uphill battle.

3. Although 27 Things to Know About Yoga is obviously about yoga, you have many other passions in your life including a pretty intense focus on environmentally friendly living. How do you see Yoga meshing with eco-friendly living? 
Yoga meshes seamlessly with living a sustainable life. As I highlight in 27 Things to Know About Yoga, the spiritual side of yoga includes commandment-esque values like non-harming, truthfulness, non-stealing, and non-possessiveness. All of these values can be related to our treatment of ourselves, each other, animals, natural resources, and our overall environment.

I often use practicing yoga & food as an example. As you practice yoga, your diet naturally changes – you want to keep your body healthy and strong, so you start to gravitate towards fresh fruits and vegetables instead of processed and packaged foods. The same can be said for practicing yoga & living sustainably.
There is both a wonderful organization & book (not related) on the subject. California-based Green Yoga Association helps yoga studios run their operations more sustainably, get their students interested in green living, and be an active part of their community. Canada’s Georg & Brenda Feuerstein wrote Green Yoga, a frank connection between environmental preservation and the ethical concepts of yoga.

4. I've read that you're married (and had an "eco-wedding blog" but I can't find it anymore... :(- I'm getting married in October and it would have been a fun read). Does your husband share your eco and yoga views? Do you practice together and if so, did you introduce him to yoga? If not, has it been difficult to mesh eco-living with someone of a different perspective?

Yes and no. He is an eco-yogi, but not nearly as committed as I am. I was the one who introduced him to yoga & we have taken a few classes together, but he doesn’t maintain a regular practice. Whenever he is sore from a workout or military event, the first thing I do is recommend a few yoga poses. Though he has only taken a few classes, he vividly remembers how great they made him feel, so he usually takes my advice. When it comes to living sustainably, we do see eye-to-eye on just about everything, though sometimes I do have to remind him of our environmental impacts. 

5. Why did you write the book, 27 Things to Know About Yoga? 

To dispel the ever-present myths about yoga. From coffee shops and airports to restaurants and local streets, I meet folks that think yoga is nothing but funny-looking poses for flexible people. It’s these myths that are keeping millions of people from experiencing the fantastic possibilities of a yoga practice. I wanted to write a book that could explain yoga to anyone.

6. If you only had one "Thing" you could tell someone about Yoga, what would it be?

You can do yoga – yes, you, behind that computer, smart phone or iPad. No ifs, ands, or buts.

******

Wow! Thank you very much Victoria for answering so thoughtfully.

Now for the extra fun bit- Win the book!

How: In the comment section tell me how you are a "yoga-noob". I'll need some way to identify you, so a name at least would be ideal. :) You have until this Sunday, September 12th to enter. I'll put all the names in a hat and announce the winner!

Good luck!

A Ferry Ride instead of a Car Ride

Since January 2010, I have been mostly car-free for work. This was an essential step in decreasing my dependence on petroleum in a big way. With climate change happening and the point of no return approaching like a freight train, the point isn't to replace our disposable lifestyle with an eco-friendly version but to adjust to a reusable life.

All through winter and spring I walked 35 minutes to and from our apartment to work. A few days were particularly memorable... including the snowstorm that involved walking in two feet of snow (sidewalks weren't plowed), and a rainstorm that left me soaked to my drawers.


In July we moved into our new place which meant I was only a 15 min walk from work! Which was so fantastical, especially in the 40 degree humid heat we had (celcius).

Now I can say that I've been granted a new three year contract and actually have my own office! With a window overlooking the harbour!! Yay office plants!!! The catch... it's across the harbour in Dartmouth. Walking all the way around on the bridge isn't really an option, so I decided that I would bite a small fee and take the ferry.

waterfront warf

view of the street up to Citadel Hill this morning

Unlike Halifax's terrible bus system (seriously, catastrophically unreliable and non-user friendly. And they wonder why more people don't use it), the ferries are a well-run, consistent and reliable transportation option. Never late and rarely canceled you can depend on the ferry really being there on schedule.

"gotham city" or the oil refinery across the harbour in Dartmouth. I get to watch the flames all day from my office window

About a 20 minute walk from our new apartment and five minutes away from my work at the Dartmouth side, the ferry was a doable option. My very first day I was pretty nervous. I mean, I've never taken the ferry before, I had no idea how to pay or what the social etiquette for ferrying was.

The walk to the terminal was picturesque and peaceful. I'm so looking forward to beginning my mornings with a walk along the waterfront. It's almost empty of tourists, quite and smells like the Atlantic ocean (no poo-smell which is ideal).

As per my usual awkward self, since I had no idea what I was doing I just marched up to the first official looking dude and announced that "This is my first time on the ferry and I have no idea what to do". Thank goodness the dude was an older man who reminded me of an older version of my dad. He even announced that I better locate the paddles on the boat. 


It was so peaceful. I took my earbuds out (I always listen to French cbc podcasts on the way to work) and just breathed. 

The mouth of the harbour into the Atlantic ocean

the MacDonald Bridge and part of Halifax "skyline"

As it gently took me across the harbour I was surprised by just how peaceful and quiet the trip was. Compared to driving or hurriedly walking and avoiding being hit by terrible Haligonian drivers, this was paradise. Listening to the waves against the boat, the smell of the salty ocean and the seagulls cawing away it was instant meditation.  Even on the ride home people were quieter, were hushed.

The other ferry, identical to mine!

As the editorial in Grist points out: we are running out of time. Instead of waiting for sweeping governmental changes, together we can make a difference and protect our planet. As Peak Oil has most likely come and gone, we'll be forced to deal with a fuel shortage in a few short years. It's time to make the change.


How will you take (or are taking) the steps to decrease your transportation use?


article and photographs copyright of EcoYogini at ecoyogini.blogspot.com

From Dr. Horrible to EcoToes

What I did this weekend:

Survived an entire day without power. Yep, no internet, television or stove. We ate hotdogs on our friend's BBQ and hung out. Cleaned the 20-odd wine bottles with the help of JenP and our scrubbing power. Note for all those future wine bottle cleaners- soaking them in hot water for three hours in the tub is not enough to remove glue. Unfortunately, in order to save our sanity, WD40 was used.

A lot of really terrible wine was drank as for a while I kept choosing wine for the perfect green bottles...

Went to Dr. Horrible Sing along Blog- stage adaptation at the Fringe Festival with friends. The only musical I have ever liked. Ever. Haven't seen it? Neil Patrick Harris in a comedic musical tragedy. Need I say more?

Yay my cute shoes! I heart them.

 

Received my extremely cute and environmentally friendly eco-toes wedding shoes/slippers from Infusion Fibres (etsy store, website). The insides are lined with certified organic cotton and the soles are recycled twill. I love that Abby, the textile artist was so willing to work with me on selecting fabric and colour choices. It was easy and they are beautifully made. I cannot wait to have comfy, cute shoes on my wedding day! She also makes gorgeous clutches and purses.

The finished product, two hours of work later. 

Free-hand penciled and then painted our Guest Book "Tree". Idea stolen from this wedding, I thought it would be a shame to buy a print of a tree and decided that I would paint ours. Umm. Since I am not really an artist, I forgot just how difficult painting a tree can be. My wonderful, genius Maid of Honour suggested that I take the trees on our bedspread as a guide. I couldn't trace them, but my free hand turned out pretty d*mn nice if I do say so myself.

Small, non toxic water based paint gouache circles in different fall colours (green, yellow, orange, red, brown) will be placed in small value village tea cup plates. Heather, my BTA (Bridal Team of Awesomeness) will act as guide for all those confused guests, helping them find their inner child, squish their thumb in the colour of their choice and make a leaf on our "Loved Ones" tree. After a quick wash with a cloth and water, a small signature finishes the deal and voila, we have a framable guest book.


Now if I can only figure out how I'm going to write "Andrew and Lisa,  October 16th 2010". I have terrible paint-font skills.


Happy Labour Day!


article and photographs copyright of EcoYogini at ecoyogini.blogspot.com

Pre-Hurricane cooling thoughts. Why A/C's just aren't cool (pun intended)

I started writing this post, sitting on our building stoop, escaping the heat of our apartment. We watched as for the first time all week clouds marred the sky and a nice cool breeze soothed our skin. We even brought Atreyu (kitten) out in his cat carrier to enjoy the cool(er) air.

 view from our stoop earlier this evening

Of course, this breeze will tonight turn into hurricane force winds as Hurricane Earl comes blustering through Nova Scotia, first of the many hurricane season storms.

Wind was something I missed while living in Vernon BC. Nothing sounds the same as the wind passing through leaves, or the feeling of home when the wind makes the window panes whine and howl.

It's the heat that I cannot stand. This summer has had periods of hot, unusual for coastal Nova Scotia and this week gave us humidity of 40+ (celcius). Andrew and I do not have an air conditioner, only one lonely fan and three windows. Although tempting, we won't be getting one anytime soon.

Air conditioners are catastrophic polluters. Everywhere you look in the city you see the ugly boxes and huge contraptions suck huge amounts of energy as they give you the privilege of having cooler skin. Although most a/c's no longer have icky CFC's in them, their replacement isn't all that better. Many pump HCFCs into our air, which deplete the ozone layer and contribute to climate change through their coils. The "greener" alternative, HFCs are still considered a greenhouse gas.

A fan moving air across your skin will allow the sweat on your skin to dry and the body to cool itself. We've become so accustomed as a nation to feel cold all day, that coping in mid-twenties weather and using alternative means to cool our systems seems impossible. I'm not saying that a certain level of heat isn't dangerous, when you're elderly or a young child... or walking directly under the sun. But simply dealing with a week of heat a few times a year isn't worth the energy suckage and carbon emissions produced.


Sure, "cranky children" and "a bad night's sleep" aren't ideal... but then the reality is that neither of these things compare to destroying our climate. Sorry.


So, how to decrease you're addiction to the a/c?


1. Buy a fan. Fans use 90% less energy than a/c's and like I mentioned above, cool your body naturally. A few fans well placed can really make a huge difference. Especially at night.


2. Keep the window's wide open at night, allowing cool(er) air to flow through your home and shut your blinds and windows during the day. I was flabbergasted at how much cooler our apartment was the days this week that we kept the blinds and windows closed.


3. Drink a LOT of water. Seriously. Cool brita filtered water will immediately help cool off your body while hydrating your system with healing water. We really don't drink enough of it.


4. Make home made popsicles. We use smoothie juice with less sugar, but you can make your own smoothie mix from local fruits and berries. Now is the season!


5. Freeze your magic bag. Every night Andrew went to the freezer, took out his magic bag (cloth bag filled with beans) and used it to help fall asleep at night. Works like a charm.


6. Can't go cold turkey? For home systems turn your thermostat up to at least 26 degrees (celcius). Every half a degree below 25 degrees ups your energy consumption by 8%. Program your thermostat to start cooling only an hour before you get home from work.


7. Box a/c: try slowly adjusting the temperature each day to gradually get used to warmer indoor settings. Introduce a fan and start trying some of the alternative cooling strategies (like popsicles, yum!).


8. Reversible window fans are amazing at pulling the air and creating a much better cooling breeze!

9. Invest in non-hcfc air conditioners that are energy star- at least they use significantly less energy that conventional a/c's.

10. Check your coils- make sure that your a/c isn't leaking harmful ozone depleting chemicals into your home and planet's air.


For more fantastic tips check out "Ecoholic"; her website, or look into ordering her books (Ecoholic and Ecoholic Home).


Although Andrew would tell you right now that he would kill for an a/c, two weeks a year really isn't worth it for us. Even for the two years we lived in semi-arid Vernon BC, no a/c was had and we survived just fine.

Atreyu chillin' out on our floor- he might be warm but he still had the energy to go all "kitten" on me and attack my fingers. thank goodness he drinks about a cup of water a day. I heart that cat fountain.

Now, my yoga practice and productivity (ahem, wedding is t-minus 5 weeks) definitely suffered this week. But then, Yoga will always welcome me "home" when I return :)


Safe wishes to all my Atlantic Eco-Yogi(ni)s out there! I'll be enjoying the powerful beauty of the Atlantic Wind.


article and photograph copyright of ecoyogini.blogspot.com