This bit of text came to me via the Green Peace mailing list. I'm not a member, but whatever your politics, I think this is a good reminder of things that we can all do to reduce our dependence on oil.

In the wake of the ongoing catastrophe of the Gulf oil spill, lots of people have been asking us how they can reduce their oil consumption in their daily lives. Here's our top ten:
1. Carpool, cycle or use public transport to go to work.
2. Choose when possible products packaged without plastic and recycle or re-use containers.

3. Buy organic fruits and vegetables (fertilisers and pesticides are based on oil more often than not).
4. Buy beauty products (shampoo, soap, make-up) based on natural ingredients, not oil.
5. Choose when possible locally produced products (less transport involved).
6. Buy clothes made out of organic cotton or hemp - not from oil derivatives.
7. Use non-disposable items in picnics and summer festivals.
8. Quit bottled water.
9. Fly less.
10. Demand that your government encourage renewable energy instead of oil.
(11. Register at our new website and add to this list, then forward it to a friend.)
-Juliette

p.s. Did someone forward this mail to you? Sign up for action alerts and ways you can help here.

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President Obama's Oval Office Address on BP Oil Spill & Energy

I'm not one for hyperbole, but last night's speech from the Oval Office may represent an actual turning point for the environmental movement. Have a watch for yourself.

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Halifax Curbside Giveaway Weekend

This weekend is Halifax's first go at the Curbside Giveaway Weekend. Your good, well-used and recyclable items can be placed curbside from now until Sunday at dusk. They should be marked "free" and with any luck, a new home will find them. Just watch out for the rain that is coming!

Follow the link for the rules and remember that everything has to be brought back in by Sunday at dusk. Avoid putting out things that you won't want to bring back in after Sunday's rain...

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Energy Use Update

Just a really quick update. Another power bill arrived and the period for March 15th to May 14th was 25% lower than the same period last year. It takes a while to see a complete ROI (return on investment) for insulation and window purchases, but I think it's pretty reassuring to see some savings every month, even when the weather and outside temperature was improving!

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The Story of Bottled Water

Well worth a few minutes of your time! Please watch this before your next bottle!

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Halifax's Dump and Run 2010

Halifax's largest community garage sale is happening tomorrow, May 2nd from 8am to 4pm! Items of all shapes and sizes will be available and the proceeds fund all kinds of interesting charities both local and international!

Check out the website for any last minute details!

Halifax Dump and Run

This is a great event and an opportunity to repurpose and recycle some interesting things for your new apartment or your home!

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Happy Earth Day

How are you celebrating Earth Day 2010?

I decided to end my illicit affair with Roll Up the Rim coffee cups and started the day with my new ReThink re-usable mug. I also made a point to get out for a walk at lunchtime, taking in the sweet spring air and did a little bit of geocaching as well.

Tonight, I will be out walking the dog and thinking about what is next in my plans to lower my own footprint in the coming weeks! Stay tuned!

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