Plastic Free July 2025 is just around the corner. As I thought about participating in Plastic Free July for the 6th time, I considered ways to take our efforts one step further this year. This is especially important in 2025 because of the blatant disregard for the environment shown by governments in recent months.
The Sunday Spark – Survivor guilt and life’s big questions
Have you ever experienced survivor guilt? Hearing about the lone survivor of the recent Air India crash was a reminder of the fragility of life and the need to keep seeking answers to life’s big questions. Learn more in this week’s Sunday Spark, along with bioswales, compostable meat packaging, and the powerful 2-minute tidy.
Can the gift economy slow down the consumption treadmill?
Today’s post explores capitalism’s impact on society and the planet, questioning consumerism’s role in happiness. It suggests the gift economy, as advocated by Robin Wall Kimmerer, offers an alternative rooted in reciprocity and gratitude. Emphasizing sharing rather than hoarding, the piece presents examples of gift economies to inspire a shift towards sustainable living.
The Sunday Spark – Create or consume? What’s your thing?
An inspiring sign recently prompted some thought about the positive impact of creative endeavours as opposed to passive consumption. This week’s edition of The Sunday Spark explores this create or consume question, along with foods that protect us from microplastics, a new YouTube channel to educate kids about climate change, and degrowth as an alternative to consumption.
The big lie of convenience culture
Convenience. On the surface, it sounds so appealing. But have the things that promised to simplify life delivered on their pledges? Or has convenience culture just complicated our lives and put our happiness, our relationships, and ultimately our lives, at risk?
Today’s post has 10 ways you can reject convenience culture and regain control of your life, your health, and your time.
Throwback Thursday – Planting an urban microforest
Today’s Throwback Thursday post from June 2023 discusses the history and benefits of urban microforest initiatives, and my experience with planting a memorial microforest in a local park.
It’s National Iced Tea Day – Sweet or unsweet?
Here in North America, we love iced tea. June 10 is National Iced Tea Day — part of National Iced Tea Month in the United States and Canada. To celebrate, today’s post looks at the history of this refreshing summer drink. And, as a bonus, I share my simple iced tea recipe.
How sustainable living helps in uncertain economic times
Economic uncertainty is shaping up to be the financial theme of 2025. Inflation, unemployment, tariffs and unpredictable interest rates make it difficult to plan with any confidence. Today’s post features 10 ways sustainable living can help you weather uncertain economic times.
The Sunday Spark – Oops! AI did it again!
Earlier this week, a news report highlighted the perils of blindly relying on artificial intelligence. In this week’s edition of The Sunday Spark, I consider the impact of AI on our future. Plus: a big birthday for the metric system, taxing low-value Chinese goods, the cost of an American-made iPhone, and simplifying healthy snacking.
12 ways to make your wardrobe more sustainable
The post discusses the sustainable practices necessary for reducing the environmental impact of the fashion industry, which generates significant carbon emissions and waste. It offers 12 actionable tips to cultivate a sustainable wardrobe, including buying less, choosing quality over quantity, supporting ethical brands, and extending the life of clothing through care and repairs.