Manitoba Bans Cosmetic Lawn Pesticides!

Yahoo!  On June 28, 2013 the Manitoba Government decided to take a big step forward in helping create better health for all of us, particularly Manitoba Children by banning synthetic cosmetic lawn pesticides!  This will not take effect until December 2014, so there are still 2 summer seasons of pesticides.  Too bad it is not earlier but I guess this is to ease current lawn pesticide users into a new routine.  We are closer to breathing cleaner air all summer long!

Click here for more details in their press release.

Go to the Manitoba Eco-Network Contact info above if you want a Pesticide Free Zone sign too!

Ban Pesticides, Not “Yellow Flowers”

  In Manitoba we still need to rally to get lawns off drugs!   The “yellow flowers” a.k.a the dandelion is still being sprayed off yards.  Look how beautiful they look in this picture behind the lilacs!!  (amazing how many items can be made from dandelions like salad or wine!)

Want an awesome Organic Lawn Care Tip Sheet? The Manitoba Eco Network has a great one with 10 tips. They even run FREE Organic Lawn care workshops too.  Click here.

Want to get involved in helping move the Pesticide Ban to reality here in Manitoba? Write to your MLA to let her/him know you support this Ban. Click here. 

Summer Splash Giveaway!

Yahoo!  It is summertime!  What is your favorite green tip for a healthy summer?   Post it below for your chance to win!!  Draw date is June 25th.

Check out this awesome prize: a Summer Splash pack filled with a 3 pack of raw rubber bathing or beach toys; 35 SPF Sport healthy sunscreen (only 5 ingredients, non-nano, biodegradable and it works); a pocket-disc (flies like a frisbee but soft & made of 100% cotton, so no one gets hurt!  It is so easy to throw and catch so my 4 year old can play as well.)

CONGRATS CATHERINE!  (Yes, the sun is awesome at getting out stains!)  Your name/blog post was randomly chosen as the winner of this awesome Splash Pack!  Contact us to come pick up your prize!

Crazy Cleaning Vinegar: 17 uses!

This Spring, swap in some healthier, simple, green cleaners found right in your kitchen pantry!  In my house, vinegar has helped disinfect toilets, unclog my kitchen sink, remove stains from mattresses & patio cushions and even polish my silver earrings!!

In one of the Mother Earth Living magazines, I found a great summary of 17 cleaning recipes with vinegar.  Check it out below…

Healthy Schools Day Canada

Healthy Schools don’t just happen!  They need your help!

Check out the list of ideas for a healthy school.  Suggest one to your kids’ school principle.

 

Family Fun Fair! Visit us!

This Sunday, May 5th, between 10am and 4 pm, Greenplease will be in the large Gym at Booth #6 with our green living items stocked and ready for you to take home!  Fill all your “greenista” needs!!   Do you need litterless lunch containers for the kids or yourself?  How about health-friendly pillows for a great sleep?  Are you looking for great, birthday gifts?

Come play with our eco-friendly toys too!

Swap It Earth Day Contest!

Thank you for sharing all the fantastic SWAP It ideas below!

Lia you are the winner!  (My son pulled your name out of the hat.)

Interestingly, in correspondence with your SWAP suggestion, look at the info I found from the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center about the damage styrofoam cups/plates, etc. do to our environment and us…50 years to break-down and listed as a possible human carcinogen.

 

Imagine if we all made just one health sake swap this Earth Day!

Here are a few ideas to get you started…

•  stinky synthetic wax crayons  ➡  SWAP IT  ➡ real soy & beeswax crayons
  
•  sweaty synthetic pillow  ➡ SWAP IT ➡ breathable eco wool/cotton pillow
•  polluting plastic toy  ➡  SWAP IT  ➡  non-toxic wood toy
•  throw away plastic baggies ➡  SWAP IT  ➡ litterless lunch containers
•  chemical-laden lip balm  ➡ SWAP IT  ➡ organic lip balm
•  toxic BPA baby teether➡  SWAP IT➡  organic cotton/real rubber teether

    The list is endless…share your swap!

On Earth Day 2013, we will randomly pick a winner from the list of ideas shared below.  One lucky person will be on their way to many green changes with our Greenplease Swap It Green Goodie Bag!

Chocolate Sweet Tooth Satisfaction Recipe

  Do you get Chocolate Overload during Easter weekend??          I have made our favorite Raw Shortbread Chocolate Squares!!  AHHH!  Satisfaction for my sweet tooth from this healthy dessert by “The Rawtarian” (with a few of my changes to make it kid-friendly).  This will likely be part of Easter breakfast this year!  Why not given it is filled with nuts, dates and cocoa!

Raw Shortbread Chocolate square!

Shortbread ingredients:

1 cup cashews

1 cup dried, unsweetened coconut

1/2 cup dates

1/4 teaspoon sea salt

Chocolate ingredients:

1 cup cashews

1/3 cup coconut oil  (I use Coconut spread which is thicker but does not get as smooth)

1/3 cup maple syrup, honey or agave nectar

1/4 cup lemon juice  (I use 1/8 cup or a bit less as I like the zingy kick but do not like lemon chocolate taste, nor do the kids)

3 tablespoons raw cocoa powder

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 tablespoon water

1/8 teaspoon salt

1. Process: Grind just cashews first in the food processor.  Then mix in the remaining shortbread ingredients.  Process until the mixture sticks together and the dates are well processed.

2. Dump shortbread mixture into your pan. Press the crust down firmly in your dish with your hands. (Shortbread base is now done.)

3. Blend: Place all chocolate mixture ingredients into food processor. Blend until very smooth.  (If you want is smoother you could blend in a high-speed blender.  Too many extra dishes to clean for me though!)

4. Pour/deposit chocolate mixture on top of shortbread, similar to pouring icing on brownies. Smooth with the back of a spoon.

5. Freeze: Cover and freeze for at least 1 hour. Always store these in the freezer.

6. Eat! I like to slice a frozen piece, then let the slice thaw out on the counter for 15 minutes or so.

Easter Eggs: Fruit & Veggie Dye Recipe!

I hope the Easter Bunny hides health-friendly goodies this year!  I found this awesome recipe in Natural Home & Garden to make beautiful colored eggs without toxic chemicals…just blueberries, coffee grounds and beets!  (Makes sense as those stains do not come out of our clothes!)

 

Ban Chemicals, not Dandelions!

Signs of Spring are here!  I loved the warmth of that sun yesterday!

This Spring, I also would love to see a Manitoba Cosmetic Pesticide Ban too!

Why is the Provincial Government stalling on this one when 6 other Provinces already have a ban?

Why are they considering a “Phased In Approach” only with “newer biological or organic lawn treatments coming onto the marketplace.”?

Does that mean all existing cosmetic pesticides are still fine to use and available and it will only be the new ones in the pipeline trying to enter store shelves that will be halted?  What about all the current chemicals that are harming our children?

Get our Manitoba nature off drugs!!!  So far as I understand, dandelions are not poisonous. They should be considered or “re-branded” a “yellow flower” instead.   I have not seen any studies stating links between dandelions and the major potential illnesses listed below that have been linked to pesticide and herbicide exposure.  The science is there, not just the precautionary principle!   As per the article:  “Some research has shown links between pesticide and herbicide exposure and childhood cancer, birth defects, neurological problems and respiratory illness.

– Click here to see Winnipeg Free Press Article quoting the Manitoba Minister of Conservation and Water Stewardship.