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How The Climate Emergency Affects Your Money

money can't save their future

The climate crisis has put the world`s leaders on center stage. Their passive inaction on climate issues has created a movement. This social unrest has cast them into the public spotlight. To cope with the stress caused by the scrutinization from the public eye leaders have declared a CLIMATE EMERGENCY!

In 2016, the world declared the first climate emergency. Since then 25 countries have taken up the challenge. They`ve accepted and are now willing to mitigate the damage done. In 1979, Scientists held the first climate change summit. It then took 36 years for Governments to come together and prepare an agreement.

194 parties agreed to take action that would reduce threats related to global warming. For instance, rise in sea levels, drought, intense fires, and so on. So it’s no wonder why people are wondering what do we do now? What does this mean for me? How will the government`s actions prevent a catastrophe?

The Climate Emergency

Climate Projections

In the past 12,000 years, Earth’s temperatures adjusted plus or minus one degree. Yet, in the past 100 years, our planet’s atmosphere is on track for a projected four-degree warming trend. Scientists believe the earth had experienced this temperature 4 million years ago. But we don’t know what the world looked like back then.

The Intergovernmental Panel of Climate change states that any temperature rise over 4 degrees will lead to “substantial species extinction”. By 2100, they expect to hit the 3 or 4-degree target. At that point, they believe the world’s agriculture system will collapse. The projected population is 11 billion people by 2100. So the threat of no food is why more people should be worried about the climate crisis.

Drought and Social Unrest

Inaction is not an option, it will only make matters worse. The destruction of ecosystems and species is not just our doing. The heat caused by global warming will not be stopped. There is no switch that can be flicked or dial that can be turned. We will watch helplessly and hope for rain. Like children in a war zone, we’ll slowly die. Not because of bullets, but because of heat, food and water scarcity.

Today the hotter regions of the Earth have politics governed by food and water scarcity. The land is protected by force, and walls are built by hatred and anger. For example, Nasa measured the groundwater in the Tigris and Euphrates rivers between 2003 and 2009. They found it had lost water faster than any other place in the world. While the Scientists were watching water levels drop political experts noticed tensions rising in the region. Drought caused thousands to become angry and together they began a revolution in Syria.

Canadian Contributions

Every time we go to the mall and buy something we’re taking from the supply chain. Think about all the energy it took to get there. The raw materials mined or created in a laboratory take energy to produce.

Then we ship raw materials and manufacture them into goods overseas. Next, they`re shipped back, trucked, flown or put on a train to locations across Canada. The chemicals and gases it takes to create these man-made products eventually get released into the environment.

So when we make a purchase it directly affects the CO2 in the atmosphere. We`re burning Fossil fuels to mine, log, process, ship, and ship again. In the past, this logistically has worked. But we`ve had fewer people on Earth. So, our economy can`t work without dire consequences.

Carbon Taxing

If people are not willing to change their ways then the government has no choice. They must step in and do it for us. The Canadian government implemented a Carbon tax to Ontario, British Columbia, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. What are they doing with our Carbon tax dollars?

From the government`s perspective, the best way to address the cost of climate change is to tax us. Like taxing cigarettes it nudges people to make a change if it costs them more. Once the government taxed cigarettes people vowed to quit and sales decreased. A collaborative government agreement was signed to keep climate change in check. However, they can’t change the GHG emissions without the support of the public.

Environment Canada states, by 2020 the Climate tax will have removed 50-60 Megatonnes of Carbon from the air annually. If their calculations are correct it is effective. This effectively reduces emissions by 12% each year. British Columbia introduced the Carbon tax in 2008. According to a 2018 report B.C. has the fastest growing economy in Canada! Coincidence?

Canadian Industry

The Federal government’s website shows the most significant reduction will come from Industry. Corporations haven`t spent money on innovative technologies on their own accord. They’re lured with a carrot to get them to think and act differently. Therefore, through taxation, the government enforces methane reduction in the oil and gas industry. 

The goal is to reduce emissions between 40-45% below 2012 levels by the year 2025. They’re allowing flexibilities while encouraging innovation of methane reductions. Canadian taxpayers have collectively reduced the potential compliance costs for the oil and gas industry. By more than 1 billion dollars…

One of the ways companies uses this money is by using cost-effective technology. For instance, they`re using drone planes with infrared cameras to detect gas leaks. If they know where the leak is then they’re able to fix it thus saving time and money. The Carbon tax is hotly debated because it`s misunderstood. But in the end, the Canadian government gives 90% of the tax dollars back to the public. They do this in the form of rebates to those that use transit, electric cars or smart home technology.

Change Matters

The Climate crisis is a term that politicians, activists, and scientists use to get our attention! If we wait we’ll struggle to cope with the warming atmosphere. Fortunately, there is still time. Feel a sense of relief knowing that you can make a difference.

Support a circular economy, drive alternative vehicles, eat a 100-mile diet. There are so many ways to live a more meaningful life. Small changes in everyday decisions will help the climate emergency. It is the betterment of those living in hot arid climates. Plus, it will promote a better life now and for the future. What will you do today that will make a difference for tomorrow?

Read more about this topic in these great resources below

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36 Easy Ways To Live A Better Life

A Reason to live a better life

Climbing a mountain seems like madness and once you’ve reached the top of the summit all that’s heard is silence. The metaphor of climbing a mountain is often described when searching for a better life.  But those who climb mountains are often faced with tough decisions, not beauty. Why do people search out and conquer such extreme goals? Yet when they’re faced with changing simple daily habits find it so hard to commit to them? Dreams and desires are mountains of the mind that drive us to be.

After all, isn’t life complete once you reach the highest goal? Life is good and should there be any reason to seek out more? No, not really. But, countless people who have reached their goals will tell you the idea is misleading. Most that achieve their dreams and ultimate desires find they quickly become bored.

Moreover, the time has come where we’re forced to face the issues created by our desires. Where fascination and obsessions have worn out our planet. Our need for the planet’s resources is far and wide. Demand has risen and will further rise in the future.

Now Scientists are telling us temperatures and sea levels are rising. Consequently, World Leaders in different countries are asked to rise in the face of this new challenge. So, many have declared a climate change emergency. But what can one person do to make a difference? 

Here are thirty-six good deeds to live a better life.

Unplug your devices.

It’s often the little things all together that add up to savings. If you get into the habit of pulling the plug it will help swell your pocketbook.

Plant wildflowers

Planting wildflowers in public areas beautify the grounds. It gives beneficial insects food and gives grassy areas more attractive.

Buy post-consumer paper

Cascades prides its brand on using post-consumer cardboard to make their tissue.

Plant a vegetable garden and donate the vegetables to the food bank.

Food donated to the food bank is often filled with white flour, sugar, and salt. The fruits and veggies are canned and fresh produce isn’t a popular hand out. You can change that by giving fresh fruit and vegetables from your garden.

Turn off the lights before bed.

Lights that blaze through the night are not their to protect. That’s why they made security systems! Turn off your porch or hallway light and save money.

Turn the tap off

The natural thing to do is keep the water running while brushing teeth or washing the odd dish. Water is the most precious resource on the planet, next to air. Treat water with the respect it deserves and conserve as much as you can!

Take public transport instead of driving

For those people that wouldn’t take a bus even if it meant they’d save money. It’s not that bad! Bring your earbuds, listen to a good podcast, research a hobby, interest or read a book. This is downtime and often reflecting on life happens on the bus.

Stop Plastic

Remembering your plastic bag is hard at first but eventually, you get better at it! It’s exactly like conditioning your muscles when you work out! They get stronger and so do you! The same goes for looking for ways to reduce packaging waste.

Hold the door open for a stranger

The lovely thing about this action is that you’ll find people randomly reciprocate. If you open the door first your efforts will not be lost. Just like anything you put effort into you start to see results. Plus it makes you feel good inside!

Write a letter to your local MLA

I have written a letter for you! Copy and paste it from How to stop using plastic bags effectively. I provide a link so you can find their email with one click (Canada only). Even since the climate emergency was declared people are still reaching for a plastic bag.

Sign up to change.org

Support petitions that help to end climate change and plastic. People that have a passion for social causes are creating them in the hope to change the world. Help let their dedication take them to the next level. It is their dream to have your support and it could make a profound difference.

Buy an electric car

Keep in mind that electric cars are best when your power comes from hydro, solar, or wind energy. If the powerplant down the street is using fossil fuels to generate electricity than it defeats the purpose.

Attend an event that supports earth-friendly ways.

A farmers market is such a good way to find products made close to home. I like this idea since it’s here you find new ideas, attractive organic produce.

Read a book

Justine Mckeen’s Bottle Throttle is a good book for the children in your family. The book is about a child’s worries about what plastic is doing to the environment and how it might affect her friends. Reading books like these ones can give you another perspective. It offers some insight and inspiration for those that need it.

Spend more time outside

The International Journal of Environmental Health research shows that you just need 20 minutes in Nature. Even if you don’t spend it exercising it still improves your wellbeing!

Families can help each other by holding one another accountable. Set a goal and try to reduce it by twenty percent. finding ways to reduce waste with your family will all be life-changing. If you can reduce your carbon footprint you’ll save time and money.

Volunteer your time.

Volunteering can be so much fun! It is a way to see new places, meet new people, and have a great experience. Don’t just volunteer for just one cause. Make sure you volunteer for multiple causes to keep things interesting.

Buy soap bars.

Plastic bottles are a nightmare! Everything these days is held in plastic. However, the variety you can find in a soap bar for all hair types is really good. Quite often they don’t have the chemicals you can’t pronounce. Plus, they’re often made by local soap makers. So, help out a local small business owner while using less plastic. It’s worth it.

Skip eating beef.

The book OMD is written to show you that plant-based diets are good for your mind, body and the planet too. Suzi Amis Cameron offers tips and recipes for this one life-changing idea. Just cooking one meal a day differently can make life better.

Pick up trash at the park or the beach.

Train yourself to pick up other people’s trash. That’s a concept that is actually quite hard to grasp. It’s not an easy task and it may not be your trash but it’s your planet.

Be a part of or organize a market for local consumers

Let your inner ecobabe out! If you’re feeling entrepreneurial than now is the time to invent, discover, and distribute eco-friendly products. Network with other people that have other good ideas and find a way to get it to the consumer. Set up a pop-up shop or join the local Farmer’s market.

Reuse take out containers

The smaller containers are great for packing lunches or organize your craft drawer. Store leftovers or bake and give your goods away. Be as bold as to save them up and give them away again. Who knows! Another person’s trash is another person’s treasure. Get creative. These takeout containers are built to last for the next five generations…at least.

Talk to someone

Practice incorporating climate change or plastic pollution into small talk. If you share your worries with another it could change their perspective. Talk to a friend or family member about rising temperatures and sea levels. Talk to a stranger about the trash in our oceans.

Buy Organic

Organic food supports the healthy lifestyle of Farmers. Traditional farming supports the natural ecosystem and if done right will change the world. Organic farming involves crop diversity, harmony with nature without pesticides. All the good things we want for our planet.

Let a child write a letter

A child’s letter comes from an innocent place that can melt hearts. It’s often more powerful than a letter coming from an adult. It also gives the child a sense of accomplishment and gives them purpose.

Support ethical companies

We buy products with attractive packaging or good taste. We don’t take into account who we’re supporting when we buy it. What is their environmental and social impact? It’s not easy to tell unless you stop and do some research. Not many people have time for it. Stop supporting companies that don’t take their environmental impact seriously.

Eat fruits and vegetables grown locally

When you choose fruits and vegetables do you look to see where it’s grown? Quite often apples grown in your local region will sit next to the apple grown 100 miles away. Make sure you’re aware of which one to choose. Go with fruit or vegge with the smallest carbon footprint and help a local Farmer out.

Bake

When you pick up a six-pack of muffins, a box of cookies or a bag of bread you’re not just getting the food. Reduce your reliance on prepackaged baking and try doing it at home. #Tip: When you bake only bake half the dough, freeze the other half. A brilliant way to reduce reliance on the packaging and Palm Oil.

Post on social media

Share your experience doing something good for someone. Post stories of how you overcame a challenge and figured a good solution. It will give others the motivation to do the same!

Make homemade soup

Chicken soup for the soul! Why would making soup give you a better life? It’s is a healthier option to canned soups. You get fresh vegetables and fewer preservatives. Store-bought soup also comes with an aluminum can! Aluminum cans are not as bad as plastic. But it’s still considered a single-use product. It is recyclable however in our trashy pandemic state it should be avoided. In this case, less is more! *Freeze leftovers

Plant a fruit tree

Fresh fruits such as Cherry, Pear, Apple, Plum or Peach sound so good! Plant one in your yard amongst the wildflowers. The grass is a popular choice for most lawns but it’s not the best choice. A Fruit tree will bring wildlife to your home and fresh fruit to your table.

Invest in solar panels

If your power comes from coal-fired plants maybe it’s time to cut the chord!

Bring your own Coffee cup

I asked the Barista at the local Starbucks how many people bring their own cup. Her guesstimate was 1 in 10. I don’t know about you but I drink a lot of coffee and hardly ever see anyone with their own cup. Lead by example. Tell the person waiting beside you your wish. A wish that more people would remember their own cup.

Say no to straws

We lived without straws before and managed to get by! Who taught us that we need a straw to suck back our favorite beverage anyway? Plastic straws are unnecessary. So next time your handed one give it back and tell them why!

Materialism costs consumers their futures

If we practice these new habits we will find fulfillment. Fulfillment in the sense where we practice good deeds while keeping money in our pockets. Like a mountain climber, we have to remain present. Every decision must be done consciously with the knowledge that if we don’t change now life will be very different in the future.

These 36 changes you make to your life will affect the economy. However, in the long run, it will adjust and be better off. It’s not natural to have continual growth without consequences. Continuous corporate profits are not sustainable.

Lead the way

Therefore, it’s time to support those invested in the community. Overall it’s important to support companies defined by their environmental policies. Find out which 12 companies lead the way to a circular economy. You still have some time to do what is right for our planet!

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4 Ways To Get Rid Of Your Plastic Problem

A typical day may inevitably end up at the grocery store to pick up last-minute items. Browsing the options are vast and when comparison shopping the plastic problem isn’t top of mind! Most people will look at the price or condition of the product.

For Instance, If you have two heads of lettuce which look-alike sitting next to one another. One wrapped in foil the other lettuce wrapped with a rubber band. Would you think twice and pick up the right one? Some would just look at the Lettuce and decide which one looks most delicious and wouldn’t notice its packaging.

I maneuver through the aisles of the grocery store on autopilot while searching for ingredients. However, I’m usually distracted by thoughts of what needs to be done before dinner and work-related annoyances! Chances are if you’re like I was then you might not even think twice either!

So the big question is how do we keep the plastic problem in our thoughts? How can I remember to stop and analyze what to do at the right moment?  What will it take to reach for the product with the least packaging? If we question ourselves once a day then we can make an impact! If just 100 people said no when asked if they’d like a plastic bag the world would be better off!

How to avoid a plastic problem

There are ways that we can pressure our local supermarket to provide biodegradable bags in the produce section. Talk to the Store Manager, drop a note in their comment box. If they don’t have one write them a short letter and mail it. Social media is a hot spot for retailers and they’re super sensitive about reviews. Create a google review and ask them why they don’t supply biodegradable bags.

Another way to avoid unnecessary plastic is to avoid picking up the over-packaged produce. Let it rot at the store and eventually, the Manager will realize what’s going on! They’ll either notify the grower or just stop bringing the product in altogether. Retailers are watching our trends, and analyzing our every move. They’re always looking to make money on trends in order to capitalize on our basic desires. They make it their business to know what the customer cares about.

Use your own bags

Even though we’re busy and the last thing we think about is reusable bags. As a conscious shopper, we’ve got to remember them on the way out the door. I found 100% Biodegradable Produce Bags which are nylon, bleach, pesticide, and polyester free. and contain no chemical dyes. Above all, they won’t last 400 years!! Throw a dozen apples, oranges, potatoes in or whatever your heart desires. When large chain supermarkets are not changing their ways we have to take it upon ourselves to start the change. However, we must let the Store know about the inconvenience or else action won’t happen and the Manager won’t think it’s a problem. Squeaky wheels get the grease!

Write a Letter to your MLA

These folks have their seats because of you. Let them hear consumer complaints, they work for us and we are their clients. Pass on consumer sentiment to their office using the link above copy and paste this template into an email and hit send.

Dear  (First name) (Last name)

As a proud B.C. resident and your constituent, one of the biggest concerns is the excessive use of non-biodegradable plastic in local grocery stores.  Controlling how plastic is disposed of is a problem and the government has taken strides to remedy trash through an extensive recycling program. However, the global issue of plastics has increasingly become an extreme environmental issue and the government has the responsibility to take people’s efforts to the next level. Sorting plastics does not reduce the amount of plastic that is used unnecessarily on a daily basis. If there is one thing the governments can do to make a change it’s by banning single-use plastic in grocery stores. Over packaging and single-use plastics can be found in the following:

  1. Roles of Plastic bags in the produce section
  2. Cashier Plastic bags
  3. Plastic packaging used for fruit and vegetables
  4. Salad Containers
  5. Pre-Bagged produce (plastic mesh)

The Government has the ability to reduce the amount of single-use plastics in local grocery stores and it’s time we take a stand against companies that use plastics to bag or cover produce. There are biodegradable options that should be used to implement current packaging practices. Guidelines must be established to limit plastic use and encourage hemp plastic in mainstream packaging. I strongly encourage you to remind Premier John Horgan the BC government has an obligation to be an environmental steward.

I look forward to your response.

Sincerely,

(Insert name), (City/Town)

petitions chamber (24)

The trick to cleaning up our environment quicker is finding ways of reducing the number of plastics in local stores. I think the government has done a good job to ensure we recycle our products but the hard part is reducing over-packaged items at the grocery store. Plastics are man-made; they do not occur in nature.  Soooo if it’s not naturally occurring it really shouldn’t even exist. We’re quickly moving up the creek without a plug or a paddle! 

It’s not easy to fix the plastic problem. But, if we ask ourselves one question at the right time it can make the difference. Plastic is a huge part of our lives it can be shaped into any form, it protects, encases, becomes tools, and is an integral part of so many gadgets. Our society has come to depend on them! This rudimentary thought should be labeled “Plastic Psychology.” Seriously I think I’m going to need a shrink to get me through a shopping trip!

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Save Money And Don’t Buy Wet Wipes


I’ll admit it. I’m that person who flushed one too many poopy papers down the toilet. How many new Moms have flushed a few of these gooey little-wet wipes down the drain? In this article, I will show you that by undoing this one deed will save you money.

A brief history of napkins

A New Yorker first produced sanitary napkins in 1963. The first sales were from Colonel Sanders. These napkins helped to clean greasy fingers while dining at Kentucky Fried Chicken.

The napkins didn`t begin to take off as baby wipes until 1990 when Proctor and Gamble picked them up as pamper wipes. Since their invention city workers have cursed them. They’re clogging the pits of the local pump station. Plus, the massive globs of tissue are clogging pipes across Canada.

Why taxpayers will save money

The report from the Vancouver Sun states it’s costing taxpayers millions of dollars a year to clean up! The combined costs are massive and adding up across the country. In Ontario alone, the Canadian Taxpayer spent 250 million dollars a year to clean up the sewers.

The waste authorities have asked us to throw them in the garbage! But, this advice is still not a responsible way to handle an epidemic!

These handy wipes consist of plastic fibers which last longer than the lives of our children. Take this statement to heart. We have to stop using them.

They’re man-made material and the reason it’s not biodegradable. Material such as cotton. rayon, plastic resins like polyester, polyethylene, and polypropylene. What is the responsible way to deal with wet wipes? It’s best to use an alternative because it cannot be recycled and will save you money.

The effects of production

The problems of plastic run deeper then baby wipes. The creation has cost taxpayers massive amounts of money to cope. But can we clean up a worldwide environmental disaster?

Annual world production of Polyethylene is approximately 80 million metric tonnes. Since 1950 the world has made the weight equal to one billion Elephants!

Many Polyethylene products such as wet wipes are floating in our oceans. Washing up on beaches and there’s a guarantee they’ve only used They’re washing up on beaches around the world and only used once!

The solution

They’re super handy and there’s no way demand for them will slow down.
In the future governments must address the issue by banning these kinds of products. Forcing manufacturers to come up with a biodegradable solution. Babo Botanicals 3-in-1 Calming Wipes, French Lavender & Meadowsweet, shouldn’t be a product that’s an alternative to a wet wipe. It should be the only available wet wipe!!

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A Plan To Clean Up Our World Faster Than You Think.

If five hundred and fifty people pick up just five pieces of plastic each day. Together they can pick up one million pieces in a year. Sounds easy enough plus, it’s the decent thing to do! I wonder how I’d fit that simple task into the day. A simple task that is one deed in a plan to help clean up the world quickly.

Clean up our world??

I rise at 7 am, and begin the day with breakfast. Afterward, I chase my son around get him ready for school. After work, I make dinner, put my son to bed and then finally rest at 9 pm. This schedule actually feels like picking up five pieces of plastic would be a huge achievement!

If most people have a day like mine then I understand. I get why we’re not working too hard to make a difference. I must admit cleaning up at home is a big job and I don’t often look for garbage to pick up anywhere else. If you’re anything like myself I’ve created this sense of entitlement, if it’s not in the vicinity of home or work, forget it!

Government Intervention

Luckily, the government plays an integral part in keeping beaches, streets, parks, and rivers clean. Our American neighbors just had an issue with government shutdowns and it effectively crippled the municipal services for a record period of time. Essential services stopped like the collection of garbage in local parks and garbage began to pile up quickly!

Without the government getting involved our garbage would be out of control. Everywhere we turn items are over-packaged and products are manufactured with single-use packaging. Therefore, in an effort to fight the tsunami of trash the government created a system to deal with it.

The Plan

Recycling statistics show that Vancouver can clean up our world pretty well in comparison to other cities in Canada. We’re washing out containers and sorting our plastics from paper to cardboard! However, there’s always room for improvement! The government takes these items and sorts them further so they can sell paper fiber to companies that handle post-consumer packaging. 

The recycling plant works through some crippling problem from material contamination. If there is so much as a coffee stain on a piece of paper, food residue in a plastic bag, blood, grease or juice left inside a container it will cross contaminate tonnes of perfectly recycled recyclables. When this happens what could’ve been sold is sent to the garbage dump forever.

Canadian Products are not recycled properly. One in three pounds, of material, is dirty and this dampens the recycling efforts. Our intentions are costing Canadian taxpayers millions of dollars a year. It’s expensive to manage garbage in the recycling program. Canadians need to follow the guidelines and they’re found in a Wizard link. This link is located on my Twitter account or Facebook page Ridetheecowave.

Recycling is not enough

The world is dumping 8,300 million metric tonnes of garbage into the Ocean each year. This is equal to one truckload of garbage dumped every minute! This problem of dumping, littering, exploiting our environment is not going to go away. If we`re to continue on living, in the same way, we will regret it!. Recycling is not enough. We have to take our inner environmental steward to the next level and clean up our world.

Firstly, the Ocean cleanup needs our help and they’re accepting donations. There’s a huge set back in the attempt to clean up trash in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. The buoy and skirt design nicknamed Wilson has broken from the force of the Ocean and unfortunately. They may have to go back to the drawing board and analyze the problem associated with their design.

Donate today for tomorrow

Furthermore, this critical development in their concerted effort to clean up our Oceans is important to support. We get caught up in our day to day activities and time is not something we can afford to give. Money is the best opportunity to make up the difference in our collective goal to help clean up our environment.

The hard part is keeping this in the forefront of our thoughts. We spend our days trying so hard to get through the day with just our sanity! This is a good start in awakening the spirit of an inner steward. The single act of doing one good deed a day creates a vision. One person can make a difference. If we plan a change in our lives or donate to a worthy cause our efforts will be rewarded. The environmental movement will continue to grow.