It has never been more urgent for people to contribute to community & planetary health. One simple way this can be done is to create a habitat garden that contains native plants & natural features such as fallen leaves & dry stems that support insects & birds at all their life stages. It also provides essential ecological services including pollination, stormwater storage & relief from the urban heat island effect. Habitat gardens can be one local tool in addressing the global challenges of climate change & biodiversity loss. Municipal property standards & bylaws need to be updated to support the full potential of habitat gardens to improve local quality of life for all. Submit this letter to your municipality. Learn more.

The choice is ours to make but the antibacterial & antimicrobial properties that inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi in wood are an advantage worth consideration. If you are concerned about ingesting less microplastic, then plastic boards should be avoided. Whichever you choose, a good scrubbing with oxy bleach, soap and vinegar will keep the surfaces germ free. Check out the pros & cons here.

Learn why when you choose organic you ensure the eating of healthier, more nutritious foods. Organic agriculture promotes & protects all ecosystems that are rooted in organic principles & practices. Joyfully Organic Farm is a good example. Besides, if you are truly concerned about doing your part to mitigate climate change, organic agriculture releases 40% fewer carbon emissions & uses 45% less energy.

Metro removed plastic drop off bins saying they no longer have plastic, which is simply untrue. What about the plastic toilet paper, diaper, bread, celery, apple and carrot bags? York Region will not be accepting plastic in the blue box until Jan. 1, 2026. Use bins at Longo's and Loblaw in the meantime. Cellophane could replace plastic in many cases. Compostable, it can be obtained from biomass harvesting such as the invasive Phragmites. No need to poison our ecosystems by eradicating with pesticides. We can put this resource to good use instead. 

Author Fred Pearce's scrupulous research outlines views from all sides, calling out biased scientific mythmaking and documenting issues that effect our world. 'Experts' very often make drastic mistakes that impact our environment at great cost - be it altering wetlands & watercourses; building dams or nuclear facilities; or trying to rectify ecological restoration debacles. Yet we often do not learn by our mistakes but keep repeating them. Essential reading for environmental proponents and civic leaders everywhere.