Green Tips of the Week - Jan 31

1. Insulate everywhere. By making sure that your entire house is insulated including but not limited to the roof, attic, floors, walls and basements this will help keep you warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Plus it with save some money on heating too!

2. Battle germs and mold with a green disinfectant. You can buy some in stores or even make your own with common household products. Mix a solution of 3% hydrogen peroxide with two parts water in a spray bottle and use on areas to be disinfected.

3. Go for a walk. Instead of watching TV or booting up the computer every time you're bored take a walk outside! It will also be good for you and the planet.

4. Cut down on dish-washing. Designate yourself a glass for your drinking water or other beverages each day or use a refillable water bottle.
5. Shorten your shower. If you shorten your shower by a couple minutes you could save over 500 L of water/month. Showers use half the water a bath does!

6. Test your Toilet. Put food colouring in your toilet tank. If it seeps into the toilet bowl without flushing, you have yourself a leak! If you fix it, you can save over 4,000 L a month!

Did you know?
Fossil fuels for example coal, oil and natural gas are "non-renewable" because they took million of years to form. Hydroelectricity, wind, solar, tidal and wood-biomass energy are "renewable" forms of energy.


Check back next week for some more Green Tips!

Yummy Spaghetti and Meat-sauce

Something I think is important is a good spaghetti recipe. Who does like spaghetti? I mean I can understand why some people are sick of it, after growing up and having spaghetti every Wednesday night. But once you get past that spaghetti is a quick and easy meal. You can make it the day of, or ahead of time and freeze the sauce! I've done both with the following recipe and it works out great! :) Hope you enjoy.

Ingredients:
1/2 pound lean ground beef
1/2 cup yellow onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 can beef broth
3 cups tomato sauce
1 tomato, chopped
1/2 red pepper, chopped
1/2 yellow or orange pepper, chopped
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1/4 tsp sugar
1/8 tsp fresh ground pepper (or to taste)

1 package of dry spaghetti, cooked and drained

Preperation:
1. Brown the beef with onion and garlic in a medium skillet over medium heat.
2. Drain excess fat.
3. Add beef broth. Simmer.
4. Add the next eight ingredients (switch to a deep pot).
5. Mix well.
6. Simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Serve over hot spaghetti with garlic bread.
** Optional - If someone doesn't like chunks in their sauce, blend the tomato and peppers to make a paste.

Green Tips of the Week - Jan 24

Here's this week's list of sustainability tips!  Go and make your life more green!

1. Eat meat-free meals once a week. Meat makes a person's eco-footprint much bigger as it takes more resources. However, chicken makes the smallest eco-footprint of all meats.

2. Reuse water. Collect the water used to rinse food like fruits and veggies, then re-use that water to houseplants! You can easily collect water in the summertime - just get some buckets to collect rain water.

3. Try to be "carbon neutral". Air traveling and driving all have GHG effects.  "Here's how it works: if you add polluting emissions to the atmosphere, you can effectively subtract them by purchasing carbon offsets. Carbon offsets are simply credits for emission reductions achieved by projects such as wind farms, solar installations, or energy efficiency retrofits. You can purchase these credits and apply them to your own emissions to reduce your net climate impact." - Check out more from www.davidsuzuki.org.

4. Install a water-efficient showerhead. If your shower fills a 4L bucket in less than 20 seconds, replace the shower head with a water efficient model. At Canadian Tire you can get a "low-flow showerhead" for as low as $5.99.

5. Plastic #2, #4 and #5. These are the safest kinds of plastic to reuse. Then you can check and see if #1, #3, #6 and #7 are recycled in your province! Check out About.com's information about recycling plastics.

One last fact: Canadians and Americans are the heaviest users of energy in the WORLD, on a per capita basis.

Now head back into your daily life and go green :)

Green tips of the week- Jan 15

Here are some Green Tips for this week!

1. Host a clothing-swap. My sister and I do this a lot, as do my best friend and I. If you are sick of some of your clothes, go through your closet and put the ones you don't want anymore aside. Tell some of your friends to do the same, then get together and swap clothes! It's a great way to get new clothes (new-to-you) and be sustainable. Any leftovers can be donated to Big Brothers and Big Sisters!

2. Reduce your carbon footprint. There are many ways to reduce your carbon footprint - this includes using your car less or buying a more fuel efficient vehicle.  You can calculate your carbon footprint here: http://tiny.cc/49cd1

3.  Always carry reusable bags. This is one I really want to start working on, because Scott and I always forget our reusable bags at home! Some reusable bags fold up and fit in any size purse great. Invest in a few of those and you'll always have a bag on hand! Plastic bags can take from 50 to 1,000 years to decompose!!

4. Use biodegradable detergents for your laundry and dishes. Many chemicals used to make detergents "more powerful" cause damage to our Earth. By using biodegradable detergents we are helping out the Earth! It's also a good idea to use vinegar and water to clean the kitchen and bathroom. Vinegar acts as a cleaner for pipes, so not only will it clean those spaces but it will help clean your pipes also!

5. When printing documents - use recycled, non-bleached paper.  The number of trees cut down can be reduced and the chemicals used to making paper so white can also be reduced. Staples sells recycled paper, check it out: http://tiny.cc/qv7jj.

6. Buy local! For all of you who had Mrs. MacDonald for grade 12 geography can't you remember her telling us, "Local, local, local". She always tried to drill in our head how fantastic it was to buy local. Now I totally understand this reduces the shipping because it is not coming from far away! And we are able to support our local farmers.

Here are your tips for the week! Try them out and let me know how they're working out for you.

Green Tips of the Week

I have a new desk calendar in my living room which gives daily sustainability tips. So I have decided to share some of the best tips weekly!

1. Make a resolution to 'go green'. Read books about going green, follow blogs, or research information about being sustainable.

2. Stay fit by jogging, biking, walking or skating outdoors. By spending time outdoors you will develop an appreciation for nature. Since it is winter one often finds it harder to get outdoors, so skating, skiing or sledding are great ways to keep fit while spending time outdoors.

3. Wash your clothes in cold water. Not only will this save money but, lower energy consumption reduces greenhouse gases going into the atmosphere. However, things like dishcloths and towels should still be washed in hot or warm/cold water.

4. Repair your clothes. Instead of throwing out clothes that have gotten a hole etc., repair those clothes. Extending the life of your clothes makes it so you "buy less, save money and put less demand on the environment". If you can't sew, try and learn or find someone who can help you out.

5. Drink tap water, not bottled water. In North America most cities have water that is just as good - or better than - bottled water. This also reduces the plastic waste that is filling up our landfills. If you are on a well and do not want to consume your water - try buying a filter to attach to your tap.

6. Use baking soda as a cleaner. Not only can baking soda help your fridge stay fresh, but it can clean the tub, the toilet or even your carpet and rugs! By using baking soda instead of harsh chemical cleaners it is better to send those down the drain. Also, by sprinkling baking soda on carpet, rugs or your fabric couches and letting it sit can help clean it!

7. Compost! Composting naturally breaks down organic matter, not only does composting reduce what goes in our landfills but it also can provide soil for a garden!

Try these out and next week I will post more tips to make your life more sustainable!

Videos that make me smile

I often spend time watching videos friends post on facebook and twitter. I thought I'd share some of my favorites and then ask you to share in the comments below some of your own favorite videos I may have not seen or forgotten about.


Recently my sister showed me this video and it makes me happy every time I watch it!

 

If you are like me and love animals - especially elephants you'll appreciate this next video.

For holiday/ animal lovers!

Someday this kid may hate his Dad for this - but really I think he should embrace it.

This next one is amazing, but I wonder if the elephants enjoy painting - or if it is something they HAVE to do.

The biggest regret about my life is that I'll never have a dog.

Baby monkey. That is all. Now watch.

Here's a classic:

Makes my heart melt <3

Now I've shared some of my favorite videos, do you have any that I may like? Hope this made your day a little bit brighter :)

Airplane Ediquette

I am torn between how I feel about airplanes.

They are great because instead of having to drive 17 hours to see my boyfriend I can take a 2 hour flight. And be there to visit. It saves me a lot of time.

But I have to be cramped up in a small space with, sometimes smelly, strangers who

often lack knowledge of proper Airplane Etiquette…

Since this time of year many people are flying to get to and from holiday destinations and home I thought it would be appropriate to post this reminder.

*Throughout these rules I am assuming you do not know the people you are sitting by or around.

Proper Airplane Etiquette

1. Please, check your ticket before sitting down. If you are in Row 15 Seat B, you are in the middle. No one likes the middle seat on an airplane full of strangers. Most people book their seat early so they can secure an aisle or window seat. If you sit in another person’s seat, expect to be asked to move. And when someone politely tells you “that’s my seat”, apologize profusely and just move!
2. If traveling with children – please remind them to use their indoor voices. There’s nothing worse than a child screaming at their brother or sister etc, on a plane while you’re trying to relax or get some shut eye. A plane is “indoors” therefore reminding your children to use their indoor voices will make the plane ride better for everyone on board!
3.  Again, when traveling with children you have to remember they may not be aware of who they might annoy. Often children get restless on a plane – they might start swinging their legs. If you notice that it is hitting the seat in front of them please, tell them to stop. There’s nothing more annoying than a thump – thump – thump on the back of your seat during an eight hour flight.
4.  Flights can be very boring and if you decide to bring your laptop, remember – bring your headphones! If you choose to watch a movie, play loud computer games with sound effects – no one else wants to hear your game or listen to your movie. Be courteous and bring your headphones. If you’ve forgotten them buy a pair for $3 from the flight attendant, read your book or find something else to do.
5. I’m not a person who has to pee often, but if you are one of those people who often use the bathroom and are flying by yourself (especially on a long flight) try to get an outside seat. Often, people decide they want the window seat so they can see the landscape during the taking off and landing, but if you’re a frequent bathroom user, and you know this, make the right decision and try for an aisle seat. There’s nothing more annoying than being asked to move several times during your flight so the stranger sitting next to you can go to the john – again.
6. But – perhaps the most important time to make an exception and decide to go to the lavatory during a flight is if you have to break-wind, fluff, make a stinky – you know, fart. NO ONE wants to smell your lingering gas after you let one go. Just be courteous, hold it as long as you can or get up and head to the bathroom.
7. Getting comfortable on a plane can be difficult (especially when you’re trying to catch up on some sleep or are on the red-eye), so if getting comfortable means getting in the personal space of the stranger next to you, that’s fine, right? WRONG. Don’t put your feet under my butt, or any other stranger’s for that matter. They’re not going to like it! And if you’re traveling with someone who you notice is invading a strangers personal space – let them know it and ask them to stop, or put themselves in the strangers shoes.
8. The armrest. This is a touchy subject because EVERYONE wants to use their armrest. Therefore I have made a rule. Right arm gets the back half; left arm gets the front half. Spread the word (I was inspired by escalator rules (left is for walking, right is for standing, in Vancouver there are signs to remind you of this). Therefore I think this is acceptable, left to the front, right to the back. If you can’t deal with sharing an arm rest then maybe you should either: pay for a first class ticket, take a bus or give up on travel altogether.

Although I know my blog post will not reach the entire world, let alone the frequent flyers who frequently forget their etiquette, but I am hoping the few people who do read this pass it on. When you have to be stuck in a plane with strangers anywhere from a half hour to 20 hours it can get brutal. So, let’s think about our Mom’s favourite quote “treat people the way you want to be treated” the next time we step foot on a plane.

What are some other inappropriate things that happen on plane rides which I've forgotten?

2010 Christmas List

I realized today that I have yet to write an official letter to Santa. So I thought it would be appropriate to write one and publish it here. This might be a good place to get gift ideas for your loved ones!

Dear Santa,

I have been a very good girl this year. I have worked hard at school, tried my best to be a good friend, sister and daughter. Here are some of the things I would like for Christmas. I really like surprises, so please, surprise me!

• Really really soft sheets (purple in colour would be preferred)
• The Glee Christmas CD 
• Loose tea leaves in a fruit flavour
• Knit mittens, and a new knit hat
• Christmas ornament (a cat or an elephant?)
• A str8 against h8 purple t-shirt
• Bubble fishbowl
• Lastly, a live elephant

The day of my last exam my friends and I put on holiday sweaters and celebrated. Below is a picture of us for tour enjoyment. I hope you and the elves are having a successful Christmas season. See you Christmas eve (if I can stay awake long enough)!

Love Jillian

8 Favorite Commercials

How Men Screw Up Romance

Haha, I thought this was funny, and that my boyfriend would totally do this (sorry Scott) but you know you would (:


Singing Baby


Got Milk
I've told so many people about this commercial, now they can see it for themselves!

I Am Canadian
This one's a great one, and I think we've all seen it before.
 

House Hippo

Cat Heard

Should Be Sick
I love this one, its genius. Take a look.


Je veux les bonbons
(Sorry about the bad quality on this one)
This is by far my favourite commercial of all time.

I'm sure there are a lot of other great/funny commercials out there, but these are some of my favourites. Since it's Superbowl Sunday I thought it would be appropriate to post these now! If you have any funny ones for me, leave them in a comment!

15 Rules for Proper Bus Etiquitte

Don't you just hate when you get on the bus and there are those ANNOYING people who think they are in their own car, or are the only person on the bus? Just like there are things you don't do at a table or on a plane, there are things you just don't do on a bus!

(These are in no particular order)

15. The bus is not a playground, so don't let your kids act like it is one - Don't you just hate those parents who let their kids run around like they're in their own home or on the school's playground? Why? It's a MOVING vehicle!!! Come on now.

14. Don't yell 'INDOOR VOICES' at your kids (especially when they aren't even being that loud) - Set an example for your child. By yelling indoor voices, you totally defeat the purpose of them using their indoor voices. If mommy can yell, so can we!

13. Don't pay with 100 coins - Now I understand if you have a bunch of coins and thats it. But come on... Jamming up the coin taker? Pleaseee. Put them in a few at a time if you have 100 coins!

12. Don't stare at others - This one goes for ALL the time, not just on the bus. But seriously, it is so uncomfortable when you are sitting on the bus and you can feel the person across the isle just staring you down. So you look over at them and then they look away.... two seconds later they're at it again!!

11. You can listen to your music, but the rest of us DO NOT want to hear it - It's been a long day at school or work, you have a headache and you're getting on the bus to go home. You sit down and at the next stop this guy (or girl) gets on the bus and sits behind you, 3 seats back. S/he has headphones on, but might as well have speakers, because everyone on the bus can hear the words perfectly!! I don't mind if people listen to music, I do it myself sometimes, but if I don't want to listen to YOUR music!

10. Don't sing aloud to your music - There is a time and a place for everything. You may think a bus is a great place to display your musical talents (or lack of) but its not. Just that plain and simple, if we wanted to hear you sing, we would ask you.

9. Move to the back of the bus - When the bus is getting full and you are standing up, don't stay at the front of the bus, move to the back! The people in the back don't bite! I was on the bus the other day (luckily I had snagged a seat) but I noticed these people who were standing right before the step up to the back of the bus and they just wouldn't go to the VERY back. More people were getting on and it was getting extremely squished near the front. The back of the bus had all that space! Just be courteous and move back! Its not that difficult.

8. Give up your seat for the elderly - Yeah, you may be tired, but when an older lady or man get on the bus everyone should start to get up to give him/her a seat. It's just not right to have an elderly person standing. I was on a bus one day (standing) and this older man got on the bus and NO ONE got up to give him a seat at first. I was mortified. There were all these people in their 20's sitting and no one offered him a seat.

7. Talk to your friends not at them - I don't want to hear your conversation and I don't think anyone else does either, so don't talk to your friend who is on the opposite end of the bus. Enough said.

6. Wear deodorant please - Deodorant or soap, it's not too expensive. If you can afford to ride the bus, you can afford you cleanse. I was on the bust one day and this guy about my age got on. He was standing near the back door, and I was sitting near it. He lifted his arm to hold onto the bar and I almost puked. I think the person next to me was feeling a bit queasy too! I hope he didn't think that raunchy smell was me!

5. When you cough, cover your mouth - Like, we learn this in primary! Don't spread germs, we're already too close to each other. If you have to cough just be polite and cover your mouth!

4. If the bus is full, don't take up two seats - It's just that simple! Put your bag on your lap or on the floor. Not so hard to do.

3. Talking on cell phones - It's okay to talk on your cell, we all do it. But no one wants to hear your conversation about the guy you slept with last night or how you just found out you can fit your entire fist (including most of your wrist) in your mouth.

2. If there are a lot of empty seats, don't sit by a random person - There are empty seats everywhere but you get on the bus and just have to sit by me! Why????

1. If I'm listening to music, I don't want to talk to you - I have my earphones in for a reason. A) I want to listen to my music. B) I am tired and had a long day. C) To avoid weird people who like to make small talk with me on the bus.

If you follow these rules I think everyone would enjoy their bus ride just a little bit more! Thanks for everyone who gave me ideas on facebook!