Hoop House 2010

When we built our hoop house in 2008, our plan was to see if we could extend the growing season of some basic greens into the fall and early winter. For us, it would be judged a success if we could pick some spinach for Christmas dinner from our own garden.

Our first year surpassed all expectation, yielding food well into March, and our second winter was no different (except we learned the hard way we had planted our spinach too deep).

Unfortunately, our home-made design, though effective, has proven to be problematic and worrisome; the central braces, required to support the snow load, make it difficult and unpleasant to navigate the path; the planting area isn't sufficient; there is no place for tools, pots, or even a watering can.

Something we hadn't considered, our little garden is producing 365 days a year, as the warmth of Spring sunshine triggers new growth and the garden rejuvenates each year with little attention from us.

Yes the sun can be wonderful, but by late May, my glasses fog-up when I enter, even with the door and window open. Ventilation is now a necessity, as cooling becomes as important in summer as warming is in winter.

Our goal for 2010 will be to locate or construct a better, more user-friendly hoop house. Like a wish list for a new home, we need;
- more space (including storage)
- more windows (which would allow for better air flow in the summer)
- a structure which would withstand weather of all four seasons.

In the meantime, our Kale, Chard, Basil, and Tarragon will do their best to tolerate the extreme heat while we find them, and our future goodies, a new home.

Let the planning begin!

Co-operative living, in the UK

The model on which our major food retail is based in Canada is neither historic nor cutting edge. Rather, our food chain stores are like an old machine clunking along, it's business plan rooted in a brief moment in consumerism, somewhere between Leave it to Beaver and the Beach Boys. The stores are bigger every year, boasting more selection and more services. Ironically, these shops are now so big you often cannot find what you are looking for (why is some rice considered "international cuisine" and why isn't Ribena stocked with the juice?).

As Indigo/Chapters have smaller Coles and Smithbooks stores, why can't we have Loblaws Lite? Actually, what I really want is what folks in the UK enjoy; The Co-Operative.

UK's The Co-operative has been in operation in some form since 1844 and a leader in retail for most of that time. The shops have been a fixture in village life for decades, and our friends in the UK remember quoting their mums co-op membership number when sent to the store for a bottle of milk or a bag of crisps. Back in those days, shopping at the Co-op was more about saving a few cents on weekly necessities than it was about business ethics, but the organization has always stayed true to their values and principles.

For me it's a dream store; competitive prices on a wide selection of products, this profitable business is more concerned about the environment and ethics than most governments. As stated on their website ... "with over 2,500 food stores and supermarkets around the UK, the Co-operative's own-brand food range comprises great quality with honest and ethically sourced products. We are the only retailer to sell food grown on our own farms, and we are the biggest supporter of Fairtrade with over 200 lines, which is why we are proud to be ranked the top ethical supermarket in the UK – proof of our commitment to responsible retailing. That’s why we’re good with food." In October 2008, the Co-op was awarded the first ever Lifetime Achievement Award by the RSPCA for leadership position on animal welfare. Among other initiatives, the Co-op has created Walking Bus programs to reduce carbon emission, Recycling Education Centres, and 160 schools have now been fitted with roof-mounted solar panel systems worth £20,000 each, and 20 schools across the UK now have a Biomass Boilers - all creating clean green renewable energy.

As well, their own product labels contain more relevant information clearly printed on the packaging that one can usually find from digging around a manufacturer's website, including food source and how to recycle the container. And what is that I feel - could that be braille? They have programs around global poverty, engaging young people, community investment, and each year a charity is chosen to support. "This year, The Co-operative is aiming to raise over £2million to transform RNID’s ‘Hear to Help’ service from a successful pilot into a national service with 22 projects, serving over 18,000 vulnerable deaf and hard of hearing people throughout the UK. And we have made a great start with thousands of our staff and customers helping raise over £750,000."

And the punch line is, because it is a co-operative, members get dividends!

"In most cases you receive one point for each pound you spend. When we know how much profit we have made, we will change your points into pounds and pence. You will receive your share twice a year: in June and November; in November our members receive an interim payment which values at a point equating to 1p for trading in the first half of the year. The actual amount you receive in June depends on our profitability and the frequency of the share of the profits each year. For instance in June 2009 each point was worth 2p." Members meetings are available on-line to watch, questions can be submitted to the CEO and there is a calendar of member events.

Apart from having shops, some large and some quite small, in every village we visited on holiday (even in the remote village town of Stromness, on the northern tip of the Orkney Islands, where we were chatting with a woman working at the Piers Art Centre who told us she buys her holiday liquor every year with her dividends), the Co-op has a variety of non-food businesses with which to earn points;

The also have the co-operative motor group, electrical group, a communications division and a magazine.

And we have 7 Elevens, Macs Milks and all things biggey-sized.


Perhaps, The Co-op would care to cross the pond?

My Remembrance

I feel I don't know enough about politics or world history to easily form an opinion on "war". On one hand, I wouldn't choose to fight as a first course of action, unless I was being attacked at which time I expect I'd defend myself. Yet, if I was being attacked in response to my own act of invasion, then my attacker would also just be defending themselves. At the back of my mind (where I archive things like my lottery winings to-do list, and my preparedness plan for off-world living) I always expect when faced with a fight-or-flight situation, I'd make a balanced, moral decision. But is that just me being naive? Seldom are all sides of tough decisions clearly defined.

Still, no matter if a person makes a right or wrong decision, I feel that all life has value. And it's with that perspective that I found the Hiroshima Day of Peace and our visit to the Orkney Islands equally moving.

Hiroshima Day
At 1:45 a.m. on August 6, 1945, a US B-29 bomber, named Enola Gay , took off from Tinian Island in the Mariana Islands. It carried the world's second atomic bomb, the first having been detonated three weeks earlier at a US test site in Alamogordo, New Mexico. About 140,000 +/- 10, 2000 (including 20,000 soldiers) were dead by the end of December 1945; 90% of these are thought to have been killed within 2 weeks after the bombing.


And so, every year on August 6, the mayor of Hiroshima issues a Peace Declaration, a plea for harmony, asking all world leaders to never let an event such as Hiroshima ever happen again. And all around the world, every year on August 6, groups gather to offer a visual petition of support for this appeal.
In St. Thomas, led by the Quaker community, folks of all ages gather at Pinefore Park to make paper laterns. The candles are lit and the little peace beacons are gently set adrift in the lake. The petitioners sit quietly, reflecting and possibly praying, as the glowing paper lights find their way to the current. Sometimes the loudest cry is silence.

Scapa Flow in the Orkney Islands

A highlight of our recent trip to Scotland was a journey to the Orkney islands, which are clustered off the northern shore.



I knew very little of that part of the country, except that it was the last land to the north. Other than the Shetland Islands, the next stop is the North Pole.

Prior to our departure from Canada, I spent considerable time reflecting on what it might be like to travel to a location which, to me, could feel very remote. I thought the feeling of seclusion might weigh heavy on me as I've had times of isolation in my life which became periods of sadness.
What I didn't consider was how it might feel visiting a region, such as the Orkneys, which had been entrenched in war, and how fresh the memories could still be.


As bad as my baddest day has been, I've never been in a war, never had my home invaded and have never been imprisoned. I've never been told to kill anyone or witnessed anyone being killed. Being in Britain, particularly on the Orkney's, reminded me how fortunate I am that I've never been faced with those moments.

The North Sea crossing was rough, with alarms sounding from several cars on our catamaran ferry, indicating the choppier areas. The small islands we passed were desolate for trees, and now inhabited only by sea birds and sheep.

Approaching the harbour of Saint Margaret's Hope, I was surprised to see gun turrets flanking the shoreline. Seeing these images, digitally frozen in my camera, gave me an unexpected chill.

We wandered fields which for years were prisoner-of-war camps, the remnants of bunkers now sheltering grazing cows.

Rusted carcases of ships, purposely sunken to prevent passage through several of the waterways, emerge as the tide recedes.



I know war has a profound impact on both the victors and victims, but how do you begin living a normal life again after that kind of experience.

Maybe you can't.

I wonder, who would I be if I'd lived through a war?

I know I wouldn't want to forget everything that happened, and yet I wouldn't want to live in a shrine; to hold onto history, but not to live immersed in it.

I hope, whether in agreement with the purpose of the conflict or not, I'd appreciate life even more after having survived it.

Can I recycle this plastic?

I took a brief audit of the packaging which I was throwing out just because its one and only task, which was to contain other items, had been completed.

I've decided I'd try not to throw out any plastic just because I can't tell what recycling number it is. Instead, I'll contact the manufacturer ...

I started with an email request ...
My municipality requires that I sort my garbage into WASTE or RECYCLING. The packaging for your ...blah blah blah... does not indicate which number of plastic it is, which I require to sort. Can you please tell me which number of plastic the wrapping is? Also, do you have any plans in the future to begin labeling your packaging, as they do in Europe, so that people can decide if it can be recycled or not? Thanks for your help.

from Pepsi Canada
A) Thank you for taking the time to contact us. The plastic carriers for the 710mL bottles are made of polyethylene film (likely #1) which is recyclable. I hope that this information is helpful.

from Ikea
Q1) I recently purchased a bag of potato chips from your store and noticed the Der Grune Punkat logo on the bag when I was searching for info regarding recylability. Does this mean I can take the bag back to the store and you'll find a way to recycle it?
A)Thank you for your interest in IKEA. Please note that IKEA does not recycle, but collects paper, bulbs, etc. The IKEA stores have contracts with firms specialized in recycling.
Q2) Hello and thanks for the reply.
I am a bit confused. The logo on the bag of chips I bought at your store indicates I am to return the bag to you for disposal. Is this a program in which you participate? Here is the link to Der Grune Punkat site ....
A) Thank you for your reply. The recycling program you mentioned in your e-mail is applicable in Europe not in North America. As we explained in our previous e-mail, the IKEA Canada stores have their own recycling programs and subcontractors. The subcontractors are specialized in recycling and usually they service large number of companies collecting used packaging and other materials in your municipality. You will be probably able to find the name and the facilities address of your local recycling company. Should you like to recycle your chip bag at IKEA, there are bins in store and in the restaurant.

from Fruit of the Loom
Q) ... the packaging for briefs, socks etc ...
A) Thanks you for your question and I hope I can help with your answer. The package resin code for the bag is Type 5 which is Polypropylene(PP). We currently do not put the type on polybags at this time because several areas do not recycle polybags. Because our product is sent to so many places all over the world we are considering adding this information in the future.

from Shoppers Drug Mart
Q) ... your packaging for Life Brand Epson Salts ...
A) Thank you for your patience. Please be advised the Life Brand Epson salts is a Poly-ethelene bag and the number is unavailable. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Q) Could you please ask if it is high or low density polyethylene, as one is recyclable and one isn’t.
A) Please be advised Corporate Brands has advised that the plastic is LDPE (#4).

from Maxwell House / Kraft Foods
Q) Your Maxwell House 925g can has a silver plastic flap which is removed to access the coffee ...
A) two email requests (April 26 and July 1) and still nothing ..

from National Hardware / Stanley
Q) Your Ceiling Hooks, N120-626 / V2040 are sold in a hanger pack, the plastic of which doesn't indicate the plastic code ...
A) Our PVC material is recyclable.

from Ridata
Q) Can you please tell me which number of plastic your Ridata Silver Blue CD-R 80min packaging and clear disco are?
A) I've given up on this one - I'll try not to buy their products in the future.

from M&Ms
Q) Can you please tell me which number of plastic the packaging for your M&Ms 230g bag is?
A) Thank you for your enquiry regarding our M&M's® Chocolate Candies.
At the present, none of our M&Ms candy wrappers are recyclable.

We appreciate your concern for the environment and for the time you have taking to tell us about it. We too are concerned with product sustainability and it is for this reason we are constantly working at finding new ways of manufacturing packages that are environmentally friendly while ensuring that the product arrives on store shelves in optimal condition and quality for our consumers.

from Hershey Canada
Q) Twizzlers, Strawberry, in the 250g package?
A) Thank you for contacting Hershey Canada Inc.
Hershey Canada Inc is proud of its record of conducting business in a manner that reflects our social responsibility to protect our resources. Our corporation has developed and implemented a philosophy and a set of environmental principles under which our business is conducted:

"We believe that we have an obligation to protect and preserve the environment for ourselves, our children and for future generations. We will continue to conduct our business activities in a manner which does not adversely affect the environment and which protects the health and safety of our employees, our consumers and the communities in which we operate."

The laminated plastic wrapper is a combination of different packaging materials. Because it is a combination of materials, it cannot be easily recycled. When possible we try to find single structure materials that are recyclable, such as paper, metal and plastic. However, there are exceptions when we have selected packaging which is a combination of materials to assure product quality, freshness and safety, and to reduce the weight of the packaging materials. By choosing lighter-weight packaging materials, we’ve saved significant amounts of fuel and emissions involved in transporting packaging and products, which benefits the environment. Our Marketing Department will continue to look at new packaging that may be suitable for use with this product, and which would have an improved environmental impact.

from Loblaws / Superstore
Q1) Your President Choice Tofu, 454g 06038376178 is sold in a 100% recycled #2 plastic tub which I can recycle (fantastic!) I would also like to recycle the rest of the packaging (blue printed outer sleeve and clear plastic sealing the tub) ... ?
A) Thank you for taking the time to contact us. We apologize for the delay in responding back to you. We have had more than normal volume of e-mail activity in the past two months. Here is the information you were looking for: The tray (tub) is made of HDPE plastic (Recycling symbol #2). The clear film (lid) is made of LDPE plastic (Recycling symbol #4). Thne Overwrap (blue colored outer sleeve) is made of PET plastic (Recycling symbol #1). We hope it answers your question. Should there be anything else we can help you with, please contact us again. It will be our pleasure to help you. Regards, Sr. Customer Relations Representative.

Q2) Your PC Herbal Tea is sold in a 100% recycled paperboard carton which I can recycle (fantastic!) I would also like to recycle the rest of the packaging (clear and silver plastic, I think) ... A) Upon further review, we have confirmed that the clear and silver plastic packaging used for this tea is not recyclable.

from Shoppers Drug Mart
Q) Can you please tell me which type or number of plastic this wrapping Life brand jumbo Virginia peanuts, in the 600g resealable package
A) We have confirmed with our Corporate Brands department that the packaging for this product is made from SUR Polyester (huh?)

Potato chip bags are not recyclable, CD/DVD disc jewel cases are polystyrine, which is a number 6, and greeting card sleeves are polypropylene #5.

What I've been up to ...

Who ever thought too much blogging would result in no blogging, but that's what's happened to me.

Apart from working on a new blog for the Horton Farmer's Market here in St. Thomas, and planning the design of one for our friends at McSmith's Organic Farm, I've given myself a blog challenge;

I wont throw out a piece of plastic until I know I can't recycle it.
And then post a list so I'll never have to research that item again.

Like the thing that holds a 6 pack together, or a potato chip bag. Or how about the plastic my new underwear is sold in, or all the wrapping containing my PC tea, other than the box? My tofu container, coffee tin seal, resealable bag of peanuts, and the bag containing my cereal in the box.
Seems simple, but it wasn't until I starting looking for it did I realize most of the plastic leaving our home isn't labeled with a recycling code which is another disappointing realization, hot on the footsteps of "most blue box items go to landfill".

So it's better to be informed and a little disappointed, than to be naive and in ignorant bliss. I've begun asking manufacturers to provide me with either the plastic code, or the plastic type. I'm also asking why, with so much labeling, promotion and information on packaging, they aren't provide consumers with the info we need to properly dispose of their often excessive packaging.

Oh, and did I mention a group of us at work are creating a long-overdue Environmental Committee?

Being Fruit (ful)

What is it about apple trees?

Is it some deep DNA-linked force, that their mere presence reassures me?

Knowing birds have a home and bees have a meal certainly works for me on a tree-hugger level, but I wont be sitting under them for shade or climbing them to hide from seekers.
I guess they kind of seem wise to me, once they get old and wizened.

Robin loves the knarriness of a fruit tree that's seen a few years, largely from a painterly point of view, but my connection seems stronger than a visual.
Whatever it is, we've planted three beautiful young apple trees on our west property border, in a spot unencumbered by wires and blessed with full access to sunshine.

We decided on three trees, purchased from our local nursey, Canadale, once we learned we needed more than one cultivar for cross-pollination (Mustsu apple trees require TWO other varieties). A piece of information which will not only help ensure fruitful trees, but also eliminated the need for an embarrassing arm-wrestle in the middle of the nursery (a challenge I would've been forced to win by cheating).


Mutsu - a bakers fav, was chosen by/for Laura for obvious reasons, some of which will by pies and sauce, freshly prepared by mom and daughter (hint hint)

Cox's Orange Pippen - which Robin chose largely due to a nostalgic connection to the UK and partly due to the fact he can now more easily work the word "cox" into a dinner conversation.

Honeycrisp - my choice for it's sharp sweetness and durability (bouncing around in my sweater pocket, it's still firm when I finally decide to bite in)


Thanks to Lisa who provided the supports our saplings will need to survive our increasingly aggressive storms, and to Mom who was our "investor". I guess we owe them both a few pies!

We've been careful to keep their mulched mounds watered during these early days and with luck (and careful pruning) our three trees, snuggled securely into the ground, will give us lots of blossoms, nests and fruit in return.

I expect I'll look back on this post, years from now, with our freezer filled with sauce and our cupboard with jars of sun-dried slices.

Energy Retrofit Masterplan Results

When we bought our house in spring of 2007 we had only ever rented, or owned the "inside" of a house. I know that sounds odd, but the closest we'd been to ownership was our condominium of which we owned only the space up to and including the inside of the outer walls, doors and windows. So armed with only our interior knowledge we started a journey to make a greener home and, hopefully, qualify for some government money.
The time-line was this; an initial inspection; 18 months to complete whatever improvements we considered most valuable; and a final audit inspection which would determine our success, which would then translate into grant money.
In the end, we spent $1,552.64 to insulate our attic and the crawl space under the dining room, install a low-flush toilet, replaced our water heater with tankless and seal our drafty doors and windows (this amount also includes $325.40 for the two inspections).
April of this year we received $805.00 from Natural Resource Canada and last week we received $805.00 from the Ontario Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure.

So apart from covering our costs, the big plus from this experience for me is I now feel very familiar to, and connected to, our house. We've examined interior walls, pressure-tested everything for drafts, had pipes scraped for lead and the water tested for toxins. The foundation has been examined for weakness, our rickety chimney was removed (made redundant by the tankless water heater) and our attic is snug as a bug. So, in this particular case, breaking even is pretty good.
Now if only I could find an energy audit that will give me grant money for installing solar panels and a wind turbine ...