Canadian Living – Go Green Issue

Further to my rant about how we respond to, react to, and respect each other, I've had my share of applications that were sent off with my best intentions, to which I never received a response. Off they went, on a one-way journey accompanied by a succinct cover letter, leaving me to wonder if my email or fax went to the right place. Ironically, many of these were to apply for positions in the touchy-feely social science field. Maybe not so much ironic as revealing.
I experienced this recently when I contacted Canadian Living Magazine which, upon reflection, likely has more to do with how we view criticism and responsiveness than with business etiquette.

I can't help but be a bit annoyed when reading any publication containing the word Canada or Canadian, when I feel the point-of-view being cultivated is more regional than national, speaking only to a select few. And so, after much thought, I sent an email to Canadian Living Magazine (I'm still waiting for a response) ...

May 1, 2008 - Canadian Living Magazine

Your Go Green Issue accomplished one of its goals without even the use of good content. A fan of the magazine and a pretty “green” guy, I almost bought the issue without even looking inside, based simply on the cover.

Fortunately I was able to borrow my neighbour's copy because, sadly, I was disappointed.

I’m sure I’m not the only person who’s beginning to feel “green” is becoming just another marketing program – I don’t need to be told to change my light bulbs or buy an Energystar appliance. It’s time for some remarkable leadership, and Canadian Living could certainly be a strong leader.

I appreciate you are trying to “do your bit” by greening an issue, and of course there are some really good bits (particularly the green communities and green warriors features), but you do seem to be living in a mythical, perhaps kinder, world where shopping more carefully is going to make enough of a difference.

To me, the magazine reads like Canadian Living Magazine is in the wake of a movement, rather than cresting the wave. And I know you can do much, much better.

I think people are preparing to make bigger changes, but are lost as to how to start or are overwhelmed with the pressure to adopt new technology.

May I suggest some ideas for your next green issue, based on my own attempts to do my bit;

1) follow a typical home in each province as the owners convert from fossil fuel to solar or turbine power. Perhaps include a condo or apartment which used roof-top solar panels to power the exterior lighting, partial hallway lighting and laundry machines.

2) show how a typical Canadian can convert their grass lawn to a drought resistant, dog friendly, mow free carpet of clover or indigenous fescue. Include a bit about push mowers for die-hard grass lovers

3) advise how a home can be retrofitted with a grey water recovery system; using shower water to fill the toilet tank, sink rinse water to hydrate potted plants or your veggie garden, and water from the rinse cycle of your clothes washer to water your trees and shrubs (a bit of soap can help roots to absorb!)

4) follow a family as they enjoy a normal work and play week, utilizing their power assist, Canadian made electric bikes

5) show where to buy and how to install a simple solar panels which can be used to power exterior lights, charge your electric mower or bike, perhaps even run your grey water recovery landscape irrigation system (now that’s efficient!)

6) have a tankless water heater installed in a home and compare it’s efficiency with a traditional tank heater.

7) profile a house / kitchen / bathroom as it is renovated without using any new materials or appliance or paint (accommodating a reconditioned gas stove, installing a 50’s bathroom using fixtures from a Habitat Re-Store or salvage yard, utilize re-tinted paint, use flooring ends or reclaimed linoleum)

8) compare the various types of heating stoves (wood, pellet, corn, gas) and analyse the results based on self-sufficiency, sustainability, pollution etc.

9) profile a “green” office (I worked for a property management company which used recycled copy paper, had banned bottled water, got Autoshare on-site and generally set a good example to tenants and the industry)

As well, we have enough home-grown talent and Canadian made products to keep it a mostly Canadian, greening the red and white, kind of issue.

Please accept my criticism and suggestions in the spirit in which they are intended; living in Canada is a wonderful, remarkable, progressive experience and Canadian Living has the talent and vision to spread that experience around.

Keep producing beautiful, inspiring magazines!

Best Regards