Inspiration for this lead post in the Climate Change Collective series came from a program right here in my own community. Read on to learn about Sustainable Waterloo Region’s Microforest Planting Program, and how I got involved in the planting of one of these tiny forests.
The Sunday Spark – Dolly Parton – A true class act
Like many people, I was saddened to hear of the death of Dolly Parton. She was truly a class act whose impact extended beyond music. Along with a tribute to Dolly, this week’s edition of The Sunday Spark looks at the origins of zed and zee, the Royal Mail’s progress electrifying its fleet, and California’s legalization of balcony solar.
The Sunday Spark – The scourge of door-to-door salespeople
Do you answer your door to strangers? Find out why I don’t in this week’s edition of The Sunday Spark, along with the next frontier of sustainable aviation fuel, the importance of leg strength in reducing falls, and the mystery of double-yolk eggs.
The Sunday Spark – Let’s just enjoy the moment
When our local newscasters declared summer to be over earlier this week, I had to wonder why it’s so hard for us to simply enjoy the moment we’re in. Read my thoughts in this week’s edition of The Sunday Spark, along with subway cooling innovations, cougars returning to Minnesota, and the health benefits of jumping.
The Sunday Spark – 15-minute cities are a good thing
In this week’s edition of The Sunday Spark, I explore the concept of 15-minute cities. Plus, a look at Canada’s most expensive cities, pollinator week, microforests, and travel snacks and drinks.
The Sunday Spark – The power of music to unite people
This week in The Sunday Spark, a reflection on the power of music to bring people together. Plus: Earth Overshoot Day, reducing your refrigerator’s energy use, Alberta’s moratorium on renewable energy, and ways to cut back your school shopping list.
Cool summer reads in my July 2026 blog roundup
August is here so it’s time for my July 2026 blog roundup. Along with a summary of my writing activity for the month, my monthly roundup has terrific posts on U.S. tax rules impacting Canadian snowbirds, poetry for a planet in peril, and the importance of memoirs.
An update on my spring capsule wardrobe project
In March, I decided to give a capsule wardrobe a try. Now that we’re well into summer, it’s time to recap what I learned from my spring capsule wardrobe project.
The Sunday Spark – It’s the final countdown
This is it. The final countdown to Laura’s move to Australia is on. In this week’s edition of The Sunday Spark, I share my thoughts as the big day approaches. Plus: a Wordle word of the week, research on the benefits of bilingualism, and food innovation in Canada’s north.
The Sunday Spark – The lazy, hazy, smoky days of summer
When smoky days made breathing difficult this week, I realized summer is quickly becoming my least favourite season. Learn more in this week’s edition of The Sunday Spark, along with good news about innovations in urban farming, better management of donated goods, and the positive impact of bike lanes on local business.