Even if a big family getaway isn’t in the plans this winter, it doesn’t mean you have to miss out on making memories together, getting pampered or relieving stress. Creating your own spa staycation can bring you all of those benefits (without the hassles of travel, may I mention!). So stay in your robes and slippers, dim the lights, turn on some relaxing tunes, and set the mood for a day of relaxation with your loved ones.

Mini Manis - There are few luxuries more relaxing than a great mani-pedi, but it’s even more relaxing when you don’t have to worry about winter driving, toxic fumes, or ruing your polish when you step into your winter boots to leave the spa.  Take turns giving each other great hand and foot massages, and painting each other’s nails- just make sure that what you’re putting on your nails is safe. Dazzle your digits with cruelty free polishes that are made without harsh chems, like HopScotch and Scotch.

Bend and Stretch - Get your zen on with some yoga on a family of Affirmats. Line up these beautiful, non-slip mats in your home, and yogis of all ages can reach for another level of awareness, or simply work out on a really sweet mat. They’re made from high quality, eco-friendly materials, and the inspiring messages on them will bring positivity into your consciousness and your home.

Smell great, don’t stink! - I try to keep synthetic fragrances as far away from my family as possible, but that doesn’t mean we don’t enjoy a beautiful scent as much as the next family. A subtle hint of a great natural scent made with safe ingredients can leave a long lasting impression, without any long lasting health concerns. Making your own is as simple as adding a couple drops of your favourite blend of pure essential oils to miniOrganics Superfine Jojoba Oil, and you have an instant (and easy!) custom, homemade perfume that is great for you and those closest to you. Or rub worldCANDY all over for a citrus blast!

Massage Train - Rub away each other’s tension or stress with a silky smooth body oil that leaves you all feeling peaceful, and your skin hydrated (but not greasy!). Graydon’s Clinical Luxury by Nature All over Body Oil is perfect for massages, treating dry skin, and calming you with a pure blend of lavender, chamomile, and sandalwood.

Spa Lunch - What’s a spa day without some fresh organic fruits and vegetables, lemon water, and herbal teas? Ask everyone to choose their favourite healthy ingredients, and enjoy preparing a meal together that’s sure to nourish everyone’s body, mind, and soul. 

“There is nothing like staying at home, for real comfort.� ― Jane Austen

Lisa Borden, owner of marketing firm, Borden Communications, offers a holistic approach to consciously marketing responsible brands and services. She encourages everyone to be their own expert by offering new perspectives, and helping them find the clarity to uncover simple solutions to daily challenges. She claims that she is not a coach, a consultant, or a concierge, but rather a strategic blend of all of these roles - working to increase efficiencies, revenue, health and happiness. As a consultant to small businesses, corporations, non-profit organizations, school groups and individuals as well as a dynamic campaign and brand ambassador and motivational speaker, her message is always clear. Every action and every dollar matters and has an impact - so we’d better take each step wisely. Together. Follow Lisa on twitter @LisaBorden.

(c) Lisa Borden 2013

Dear Want-To-Stay-Healthy Readers,

I don’t want to (nor am I qualified to) give medical advice, although I’m asked constantly what I do for myself and my kids.

So, what’s a flu-fearing, germ-wary, busy person supposed to do during cold and flu season? As always, eat well and eat real, exercise and take good care.  It’s not medical advice, just common sense.

Give your immune system a boost so it’s up for the daily battles of life. Washing your hands, taking cover, warming up and cooling down, eating right, detoxing and recovery are all things that I recommend and have considered in The Get Well Stay Well Guide from Borden Communications. These are all things that I incorporate into my own life, so know that they are tried, tested and true.  And remember, if you are hit with the flu, this too shall pass.

Lisa Borden, owner of marketing firm, Borden Communications, offers a holistic approach to consciously marketing responsible brands and services. She encourages everyone to be their own expert by offering new perspectives, and helping them find the clarity to uncover simple solutions to daily challenges. She claims that she is not a coach, a consultant, or a concierge, but rather a strategic blend of all of these roles - working to increase efficiencies, revenue, health and happiness. As a consultant to small businesses, corporations, non-profit organizations, school groups and individuals as well as a dynamic campaign and brand ambassador and motivational speaker, her message is always clear. Every action and every dollar matters and has an impact - so we’d better take each step wisely. Together. Follow Lisa on twitter @LisaBorden.

(c) Lisa Borden 2012

Candles are often an overlooked cause of poor indoor air quality and can affect our health. Paraffin candles are unfortunately the predominant ones on our shelves. Why? (argh!) Paraffin is very inexpensive – it’s basically the final byproduct in the petroleum refining chain…petroleum sludge, if you will. When paraffin candles are burned, they spew toxins and soot that is harmful to our health (think second-hand tobacco smoke). Many of these conventional candles also have wicks with metal cores that contain lead. Why would you want that in your birthday cake as everyone important to you gathers around with healthy wishes for the guest of honour? Instead, opt for safe birthday candles so your birthday wishes stay just as pure as the air you breathe.

When we buy and burn chemical candles, we are harming ourselves and our world. When we make better choices and buy, for example, beeswax candles, we support beekeepers and bees, and, we help save the world. Pretty simple. Beeswax candles leave your air fresher and cleaner - they are a true air purifier and they are the only candle for those with chemical sensitivities or allergies. Also, make sure to select 100% pure beeswax like Orb Candles (candles can be labeled as beeswax candles even with only 10% beeswax and many are blended with cheap paraffin to cut costs). Orb Shabbat Candles can be used for holidays, or as classical tapers used for any occasion. They smell beautiful, they look beautiful, and they bring you and your family light, health and happiness.

 

Beeswax may be more expensive, but they have a much slower burn rate, so you’ll be able to use them over and over again.

 

Light, burn safely, blow out. And repeat often.

 

 

(c) Lisa Borden 2012

I think as a society, we’ve been underplaying the possible dangers from cell phones for too long.  The entire industry is currently (and has been) hard at work, manipulating science to stave off being regulated and having to issue warnings.

Cell phones are even more dangerous for our kids – think of how much smaller they are and how much they absorb relative to us! Israel now requires WARNINGS on Cell Phones – you can read more about it, and lots more about the dangers on the Environmental Health Trust website.

And, the dangers are not limited to cell phones…it’s from our laptops, microwaves, iPads, and all Wi-Fi everywhere. There are precautions you can take while the industry tries to shield you from the truth rather than the radiation…and that’s what we all need to focus on for our families. Right now.

To minimize the risks and dangers for you and your kids, please start by:

Not letting your kids use your cell phone if at all possible.

Never attaching your cell phone to your body or carry it around in your pocket (even when it’s not in use, it emits radiation).

Using a case from Pong Research for your Blackberry, iPhone and iPad.

Using speakers or earphones to minimize your distance and exposure. I use the earphones from Thinksound as they are PVC free and have many other eco-factors.

Turning off your Wi-Fi at night if you have it in your home – you might be sleeping, but your devices are still emitting radiation.

Not working with your laptop, iPad or other devices on your body. Consider Belly Armor (designed for pregnancy, but great for kids too in my opinion).

Googling, reading and researching the studies that are out there – being informed is the best thing you can do to make the best decision for you and your family! You can also read my book The Alphabet of Avoidance, which includes information about the above, as well as examples of what to avoid for every letter of the alphabet, solutions and take-action recommendations for campaigns to join, websites to visits, and suggested product.

Please remember, precaution IS prevention.

Lisa Borden , owner of marketing firm, Borden Communications , offers a holistic approach to consciously marketing responsible brands and services. She encourages everyone to be their own expert by offering new perspectives, and helping them find the clarity to uncover simple solutions to daily challenges. She claims that she is not a coach, a consultant, or a concierge, but rather a strategic blend of all of these roles - working to increase efficiencies, revenue, health and happiness. As a consultant to small businesses, corporations, non-profit organizations, school groups and individuals as well as a dynamic campaign and brand ambassador and motivational speaker, her message is always clear. Every action and every dollar matters and has an impact - so we’d better take each step wisely. Together. Follow Lisa on twitter @LisaBorden.

(c) Lisa Borden 2012

 

 

 

 

 

It’s amazing to me that people argue organic vs. local when it comes to their food. Is organic only for those who don’t want toxins in their bodies and local is reserved only for environmentalists who weigh their food miles? It’s actually best that we all strive to be eating local AND organic food, by choosing what’s in season. Our grandparents ate “organically� and locally and they cleaned without chemicals too. I always got along famously with my grandparents – so, as they are amazed with the “progress� of our world, I am interested in some regression back to how they lived as kids – it’s great that we have a lot to share and learn from each other.

Below are a few tips on how to choose foods that are both local AND organic.

Go to your neighbourhood store:
Ask supermarkets and stores that you frequent where they source their meat, produce and dairy from. Demand (nicely) that they use local and organic foods.  Don’t be afraid to ask questions, it is your right to know where your food comes from (and they should know the answers!). Your show of genuine interest is crucial since each of us who asks makes owners and buyers consider change. My neighbourhood choice in Toronto is The Healthy Butcher who provides all of the above – not only do they know their food and where it comes from, but they like to know who you are too! Get personal with your food, and find a store who will work with you to get the best in local and organic.

Get it delivered:
I love a delivery service that has relationships with farmers instead of food terminals! I look forward to my Thursday deliveries from Mama Earth Organics who have exactly what we should all be looking for – excellent customer service and exceptional produce. This service is more expensive, but you are paying for someone to curate the best for you and deliver it to your door.  It’s great for the busy, working people. Get home to inspiration for many meals. 

Shop a farmers’ market:
Rather than going through a middleman (retailer/distributor), go directly to the source! By shopping the farmers’ market, the farmer takes home more money and you get to connect with the person growing and harvesting your food.  Make sure to ask if they are certified organic, but support farms if they are “transitional� also since it could take years to be certified.  Getting seasonal produce means I get to try new things every week. When you buy fresh and simple, the dishes you prepare can be also. Sometimes we just enjoy a “market meal� – a help-yourself-to-all-of-the-goodness-we-just-got-meal (browse online or ask a friend for some great new recipes!).  The farmers will also give you great ideas – what do you think they are eating? Find a farmers’ market that is convenient for you and works around your schedule and start making it a routine. You are going to love it and wonder what you did without it.

Grow your own:
We aren’t all blessed with a green thumb (mine is black), so hire a farmer (I use Young Urban Farmers). With a little expert help (or a lot!) you can yield the best organic crops the season has to offer. Your family will love getting involved (I promise) and eating right form your yard. And if you decide having your own little farm in your backyard is too much, try growing one herb or vegetable. It will open your eyes and change your relationship with food forever. When you grow it yourself, you will certainly appreciate what must happen and how long it takes for that carrot to get into your lunchbox. I know that I started using every little bit of food before it went to waste. Fresh and local and organic is so much fun!

Joining a CSA:
I love buying an entire season of my produce directly from the farmer (at an incredible price). Not only do I like to support small-scale organic farmers, but it’s a wonderful “club� to be part of weekly. Membership has its benefits too – not only are CSA-ers benefitting from the grower-eater connection and getting the freshest produce, but most often you’ll be invited to the farm for special events. The sharing between CSA members is incredible – more recipes than you can imagine! 

Together we can strive for higher standards. Keep in mind your money is your voice. With every dollar you spend, you are telling that farmer, store, or the supermarket to grow more of the same. So, make your choices wisely and we will all benefit. Share the organic, local movement, and your great real food.

Lisa Borden is an eco-advocate and mother of three, whose business is a direct reflection of her commitment to better, more responsible living. She is a dedicated workaholic, admitting that it takes a lot of time and effort to change the world, especially in her non-preachy, fun, engaging and inspiring ways. Lisa consults, writes, engages the media, runs private workshops, and enjoys speaking to large and small groups. Her full-service marketing firm, Borden Communications + Design Inc. is based in Toronto and takes great pride in being an ethical business providing exceptional ideas. You can sign up for Lisa’s rants and raves at www.bordencom.com or reach her directly at lisa@bordencom.com.

© Lisa Borden 2011

They hold us up all day long, they get us everywhere we need to go, they are the roots of our body and they connect us to the earth. Yet for all that our feet do for us, we don’t do much for them in return. We cram them into tight shoes, pound on them all day long, and generally ignore them if we can.

Run Straight for the Right Pair

The dirt of the shoe industry is on every sole - the majority of our shoes are mass-produced by Chinese factory workers at a huge cost to our health and environment. During the manufacturing process, workers are exposed to toxic chemicals and our water and air is horridly polluted. Great strides have been made by some companies to be more “green� and others have always been responsible (you’ll find a few of our favourites below). Always try and reward the efforts of the responsible companies, it’s worth it for all of us. (Pay attention to packaging also - it’s great to see post consumer waste being used to make smaller shoe boxes without toxic inks, and get creative and reuse them!)

The Vivo Barefoot line has all the protection of normal shoes, yet all the health benefits of going barefoot. Just by wearing, you’ll strengthen the muscles in your feet, realign your posture, stimulate sensory perception and get compliments. Good deal.
http://www.terraplana.com/us/ladies.html/?type_product=37

Did you know shoes can be vegan and veggie friendly? Well, these are.  Made from recycled and organic materials - fun styles for the entire family too!
www.simpleshoes.com

The slip-on booties made from wool tweed and wool felt are warm and stylish enough to sport on cold winter days, but cozy enough to lounge in around the house.   It’s time this amazing shoe line walks itself into North America - so if we all start asking (or begging), hopefully we can slide our feet into these eco shoes soon. 
www.po-zu.com

These runners are easy on the eyes, easy on the feet, and easy on Mother Nature. And, when your first pair of Virgins are ready for retirement and you need a new pair, you can bury these fully biodegradable shoes in your garden, water regularly, and grow your favourite flowers in your old kicks! 
www.oatshoes.com

Run, walk, or hike outside completely barefoot! (well…almost!). These lightweight, breathable, strong, and foldable shoes offer strong support for any serious sports enthusiast, while also proving the comfort for any lazy lounger (and really nice and conscious people own it!).
www.kigofootwear.com

Made with natural rubber, the unique, yogi-inspired footwear with a toe plug and a support strap allow you to walk relaxed and flip-flop free! You will be enlightened just by wearing these!
www.swamisz.com 
 
With cushioned heals and toxin free materials these Little Solesâ„¢ are healthier for our precious kids and better for the earth on which we all tread!
www.littlesoles.ca

Naot now offers an eco friendly line that’s made from all natural resources in an eco friendly production process. The Be Collection is made from vegetable tanned leathers, and biodegradable latex soles, and backed by the same great brand we all know and love for their stylish and comfortable footwear. www.naot.com

Feel good about your flops. When you buy your new pair of 100% natural rubber flip flops from Feelgoodz, recycle your old ones (all brands welcome) to Feelgoodz Recycle Your unFlop campaign. They donate the shoes to Kenyan artisans who reuse them and make new ones.
www.feelgoodz.com

Colourful Grass Shoes are made in Canada and use only the best eco friendly and recycled materials. With tons of designs, styles and colours to choose from, you’ll be sure to find a shoe that fits your inner eco-fashionista.
www.colourfulgrass.com

As you run around (we know that you do!), make sure you have healthy soles, so you can have a healthy soul too!

Lisa Borden is an eco-advocate and mother of three, whose business is a direct reflection of her commitment to better, more responsible living. She is a dedicated workaholic, admitting that it takes a lot of time and effort to change the world, especially in her non-preachy, fun, engaging and inspiring ways. Lisa consults, writes, engages the media, runs private workshops, and enjoys speaking to large and small groups. Her full-service marketing firm, Borden Communications + Design Inc. is based in Toronto and takes great pride in being an ethical business providing exceptional ideas. You can sign up for Lisa’s rants and raves at www.bordencom.com or reach her directly at lisa@bordencom.com.

© Lisa Borden 2011

… Most look forward to Spring, not Spring Cleaning.

In order to Spring Clean, we are supposed to clean up our lives, straighten out our acts and find (literally and figuratively) ourselves. No small feat, right? Right. So, let’s get rid of Spring Cleaning Madness as we know it, because…

1. we have too much stuff anyways (and we can’t find what we need when we are looking for it!)
2. it will make your life easier throughout the entire year
3. it will make your home healthier
4. it’s fun to get rid of things (and others can use them) and you might even get something back ie. garage sale, ebay, a thank you
5. you shouldn’t be waiting a full year to find out it’s old or expired anyways

 

Now for the Dirty Talk - getting your home to be truly clean. Here are a handful of simple steps for Green Spring Cleaning; they will give you a great start toward a healthier home. Follow them and you’ll save time, save money, save your health, save the planet…..and, triumphantly, you will never have to Spring Clean the same way again.

 

1.      Clean up your act. Replace every conventional cleaner under the kitchen sink and in the laundry room with NOTHING (well, maybe not nothing, but as close to it as possible. There is a true, clear, easy and immediate fix – you can buy good, trustworthy brands of eco-friendly cleaners or even smarter… use microfibre cloths with water, and if you are inclined, it’s so easy (and inexpensive) – just make your own (look at the brilliant www.eco-me.com kits or www.fullcirclehome.com cleaning products). You do NOT have to sacrifice the cleanliness of your home (trust me, I’m a completely neurotic mother of 3!). Visualize not only how much space you have just “won� in your home, but what routines you have just changed.

2.      Make your mat more welcoming. Think of your kids crawling around in your home on pesticides, road oil and assorted outdoor gunk. The professional cleaning industry believes that 85% of indoor dirt is tracked in from the outdoors on our shoes and pet paws. And, in a recent warning about lead exposure, the EPA specifically recommends that shoes remain outside the house. So, have your carpets eco-cleaned and remove your shoes at the door - your house will stay cleaner, toxics won’t come in, and you have an excuse to buy new eco slippers!

3.      Bottle your own water and get the plastics out. Forget the coolers, the disposable bottles, sippy cups and the juice and pop (think of all of that space saved already). Did you know that some bottled water is treated more than tap water, while some is treated less or not at all? Have you seen the new Reflect reusable bottle? (by Klean Kanteen of course).  The first of its kind with no paint, no plastic and a sustainably harvested bamboo lid, and fill it up with Toronto Tap. To sip it all up, no plastic straws – you can now get Strawesome Glass Straws that are beautiful, so durable that they offer a lifetime guarantee at www.strawesome.com . And, while you are in the kitchen, recycle all of those plastic containers, especially the ones without matching lids. Instead, invest in glass containers with lids.

4.      Just say no.  Kick your disposable habit. Even if it says biodegradable or compostable, a reusable is still probably better to swap in for the trashy one. Water bottles to reusable bottles and plastic straws to glass ones as above in #3. Take Out containers and utensils for Take-Your-Own containers and utensils – try www.laptoplunches.com. Plastic or paper shoppers to quality reusable bags – and ones that fold up and can be stashed in your purse or briefcase so you don’t forget them – try www.rumebags.com.

5.      Do it in the Bathroom too. Check all of your personal care and cosmetics at www.cosmeticsdatabase.com. The bathroom can be a chemical cocktail between the cleaners, the make-up, the fragrance and the finishing sprays! Again, by simplifying, you’ll save money moving forward and your drawers and cupboards will almost automatically become organized! Safer make-up lines, toothpastes, shampoos and indulgent products are becoming more mainstream everyday (www.greenbeauty.ca and www.lilou-organics.com) and again, you will compromise nothing and gain everything.

6.      If it stinks….it stinks! Far from freshening air, chemical-based air fresheners and deodorizers add dangerous chemicals to the air we breathe. The best air freshener is of course…fresh air! Open your windows! So many people tell me that they love the smell of clean (relating to their bottled cleaners) - remember, clean air is the air you DON’T smell! And, if you need, buy an essential oil and add a few drops into a dark spray bottle of water. Just shake and spray.

7.      Be a snobby shopper. Proclaim “not in my cart�. It’s good to be very discriminating because labels are deceiving, claims such as organic, natural, eco and green are not regulated and greenwashing is rampant. Bright toys with lead paints, toothpaste with pesticides, plastics with hormone disruptors and foods with toxic chemicals are all reminders that items that we consider to be ordinary can be unsafe. With everything you purchase, you are voting with your dollars, so make the right choice and you’ll be sending the manufacturers and retailers a clear message about what we want on our store shelves.

 

© Lisa Borden 2011

Baby Basics refer to the stuff you really need. Like, um, almost nothing! So many Baby “necessities� are useless and destined for landfill while in production!

I see the four main problems with useless crap being:

1. They squander natural resources (energy, raw materials – many that are toxic in use and for the duration of their life, and everyone’s time, and products needed convince us that they are in fact critical to our lives)

2. Chances are they are chem-laden – refer to www.slowdeathbyrubberduck.com

3. They clog up landfills – watch  www.garbagerevolution.com for Andrew Nisker’s documentary that will never have to take your garbage to the curb the same way again!

4. They throw us into an out-of-control cycle of never ending consumption

Below you will find a few of my picks to buy for your baby or that you can purchase as gifts – but, it’s important to have one, good, reliable source for all things safe and healthy to do with your pregnancy and beyond. I strongly recommend you get your hands on Alexandra Zissu’s The Complete Organic Pregnancy. This book preps you for the “before, during and after� of pregnancy and guides parents-to-be through everything from the safest laundry detergent to safe household cleaners, to organic baby food recipes. I promise you won’t let this book stray far from your nightstand.

Once upon a time, things were made to serve a purpose. Consider the simple stroller or the highchair against the Wipes Warmer or Disposable Bottles. No doubt necessity was once the mother of invention. And - don’t just blame the people who make this stuff. Blame the people who buy I (that’s us parents!). Every dollar you spend is a vote for something…simple supply and demand. So, demand the right “stuffâ€� and not too much of it!

Pamper, don’t pollute
I know many people have their doubts when it comes to cloth diapers, but pins, rubber pants and messy wet pails are all things of the past. There are many choices today when it comes to cloth diapers, covers and accessories, and Bynature.ca carries over 20 different brands that really bridges the gap between cloth and disposables. Don’t knock it till you try it (and they are incredible at education and supporting you too!)

 

If you aren’t swayed and you’re sticking with your disposables, Ecobotts carries many lines of disposable diapers that are 100% chlorine free, have a biodegradable outer layer  to prevent leaks (instead of oil based plastic), and use breathable materials to protect your baby’s bottom from rashes. Now there’s something you can feel good and snuggly about.

Sleep soundly (I know it’s our dream!)
Chances are, before your baby is born, you are going to shop around for the “best� mattress out there. But, what you probably won’t know is that most conventional mattresses are doused in flame retardants – a toxin that has been banned from some countries because of its harmful effects and studies show it can cause childhood disorders.  Buy a mattress that is made from safe, organic ingredients without compromising on quality, and know your baby is really sleeping safely. 

Soft as a baby’s bum!
With the growing market of eco-friendly skincare lines, it’s hard to keep up and know what’s safe. We love miniOrganics, a drool worthy product line new from Australia that’s about to hit the shelves, that has everything a mom-to-be, a new mom, and a newborn baby would need (and with a 10, 8, and 3 year old, I’m still using it!). It’s both natural and organic and 100% safe! No hard choices to make here!

Share your love, not your germs
Being a new mom, you’ll probably be more worried about killing germs and keeping them away, and yet, it seems we should be a little more concerned about the horrid stuff being used on our hands. Most hand sanitizers are loaded with triclosan (it will kill germs but can also make your children sick). Clean George Hand Purifier is a moisturizer that actually cleans your hands. No alcohol. No synthetic antibacterials. No harsh chemicals. It’s 100% safe and we are 100% thrilled.

Carry it all but leave the lead and gunk behind

Think about where your baby bag has been. On the floor, in the washroom, on public sinks (the list goes on). What’s really cringe-worthy is that researchers have constantly found that purses are like a subway for germs, and carry more bacteria than many toilets do! Don’t bring it inside your home – think of why you take your shoes off at the door – same concept! The RuMe ALL is not only great looking, but it’s washable and foldable and you can afford to have two on hand!

Lisa Borden is an eco-advocate and mother of three, whose business is a direct reflection of her commitment to better, more responsible living. She is a dedicated workaholic, admitting that it takes a lot of time and effort to change the world, especially in her non-preachy, fun, engaging and inspiring ways. Lisa consults, writes, engages the media, runs private workshops, and enjoys speaking to large and small groups. Her full-service marketing firm, Borden Communications + Design Inc. is based in Toronto and takes great pride in being an ethical business providing exceptional ideas. You can sign up for Lisa’s rants and raves at www.bordencom.com or reach her directly at lisa@bordencom.com.

© Lisa Borden 2011

Desperately Seeking Long Term Usables

 

Like with any relationship, it takes time and effort to develop a good one. How do you “meet� the perfect reusable for your lifestyle or the more intelligent multi-purpose products? Like with any hook up, ask your friends, colleagues and family to be “set up� or browse websites and visit stores that offer reusables and eco-intelligent products.

 

Singles are littering our world at mind boggling rates, and our collective goal should be to get rid of them all! Singles have no long term purpose - they are not admired, considered, or respected. They are not well taken care of, they do not share in experiences with their partners, and they are disposed of repeatedly and constantly for the next best “thing�. You would never tolerate that in life, why would you stand for it with your products? It’s time to meet your perfect match and stay faithful before it’s too late.

 

If you open yourself up to all of the possibility that a reusable has to offer, you’ll find yourself saving money, time, your health and our world.

 

Here are my four basic single categories to avoid when obliterating singlehood from your life: Always remember that if you don’t buy it, they won’t make it…simple supply and demand, and we control the demand collectively!

 

Single-Use Disposables

Reducing and reusing are the more important “R�s – recycling does not justify using or buying single-use disposables. Most of the following examples (there are so many more than listed below!) of unacceptable waste products have phenomenal (and accessible) reusable counterparts to suit everyone and every lifestyle. Other single-use items are just plain ridiculous and shouldn’t exist, like, um, that green plastic piece of sushi grass in your plastic takeout container with the individual packet of soy sauce.

 

Take Out Containers: Join the campaign to reduce restaurant waste for free at www.takeoutwithout.org - The US population alone tosses out paper bags & plastic cups, forks & spoons every year to circle the equator 300 times (www.cleanair.org).
Cameras: The Flip video and your cell phone take better shots than their expensive cardboard counterparts that require your shots to be processed and printed.

Batteries: Rechargeables are better (and single-use need to be disposed of in hazardous waste – call Toronto Toxics Taxi for info)

Diapers: Cloth may be an option, but otherwise a fully compostable, toxic-free alternative will do - www.ecobotts.ca is a great source.

Ice Packs: Is it so difficult to put an ice pack (or better yet a bag of frozen organic peas) back in the freezer for re-use instead of the crack-and-cool-then-chuck options?

 

Single Servings

This category really appears to be convenient. Until of course, you pay attention to what you are doing, spending and supporting (and using!). We could all do with a little (or a lot) less plastic packaging in our lives and in our bodies. I’ve even spotted plastic glasses of wine in single servings! Stop the madness!

 

Snack Packs of cookies, yogurt, and even, carrot sticks?! - Buy “full� size bags or make your own and throw a handful or two into a reusable container, or reusable snack bag (gets rid of single use plastic zipper bags too!) You CAN afford the organic version if you stop paying for all of that extra packaging!

Kraft Cheese Slices: why are they even allowed to be made and sold?! I think many parents actually refer to this as “plastic� chesse! (can’t believe how many of these I ate once upon a time!)

Tea Bags: try steeping some loose leaf. As healthy as tea can be, those individual bags can be grossly overpackaged, plus did you want to add the chems that the string, staple and bleached bag add to your cup? Try www.nourishtea.ca – my favourite leaf!

Travel and trial size personal care items: leave hotel room items untouched. If you don’t use them, they will stop needing to order them. Imagine how many of those soaps and shampoos are gone through (not even fully used) each day, without care, worldwide?

 

Single Purpose Gadgets

You know that drawer in your kitchen filled with utensils that serve one single purpose that aggravate you more than serve you? Simplify your purchases. And it’ll be easier to find everything you are looking for when you need it.

 

Kitchen stuff: seems to be the worst offenders – pickle grabber, banana saver, banana slicer, banana hanger?! If you want to cut the crusts off a sandwich, use a knife, you don’t need a separate appliance to accomplish it, right?!

Vegetable and fruit savers: these are ridiculous – you can use any container you have in your kitchen. I hardly believe that you need a container for your lemon that is yellow and looks like a lemon!

Gift Wrap Cutter: are your scissors not special enough to cut that wasteful paper?

Diaper Genie: a big plastic container that encourages incessant plastic bag use and fragrance to allow you to keep dirty diapers IN your baby’s room? Really?!

 

Single Moment Thrills

Please do not purchase or accept (even if free!) anything that breaks after a few minutes or that offers but a few moments of (often toxic) happiness/use. Main offenders include:

 

Loot Bags: small choking hazards, mini sized junk food, made in china crap are over-packaged are no way to celebrate a child’s birthday

Treat of the week: these should be easy to avoid, if you avoid going anywhere they give these out

Napkins + Paper Towels To make one ton of paper towels, 17 trees and 20,000 gallons of water are polluted. I think it’s time you invested in a set of cloth napkins and some microfiber cloths.

 

When you’ve found your eco-responsible products to help obliterate singles, celebrate! Connecting with your “mateâ€� is an exciting, and wonderful occurrence! If you’ve found “The Oneâ€�, be glad! You can be an inspiration to others, and just remember to hold on tight and never let that good thing go.

The purpose of life is a life of purpose.  ~Robert Byrne

Lisa Borden is an eco-advocate and mother of three, whose business is a direct reflection of her commitment to better, more responsible living. She is a dedicated workaholic, admitting that it takes a lot of time and effort to change the world, especially in her non-preachy, fun, engaging and inspiring ways. Lisa consults, writes, engages the media, runs private workshops, and enjoys speaking to large and small groups. Her full-service marketing firm, Borden Communications + Design Inc. is based in Toronto and takes great pride in being an ethical business providing exceptional ideas. You can sign up for Lisa’s rants and raves at www.bordencom.com or reach her directly at lisa@bordencom.com.

© Lisa Borden 2011

Knock the following off your list to stay healthy and happy, so you can knock a few back with your friends and family rather than getting knocked off your feet first!

Sharing is Caring? Not for everything. While sharing is one of those first “kind� lessons we learn as kids, there are many exceptions. It goes without saying that there should be no sharing of eating utensils, drinking glasses, towels or other personal care items. Community food is, um, gross. Dishes of peanuts, pretzels or candies that people reach into for a nibble are germier than you can imagine (don’t ask for more details). Put utensils with each dish so people can spoon out or fork over the food instead of reaching their hands in. And certainly, no double dipping!

Be Anti-Anti-Bacterial.  Our culture’s obsession with germs has encouraged the flood of products with anti-bacterial, or anti-microbial claims. These chems are dangerous to our health, not helpful! They aren’t just in sanitizers, soaps, medicine, toothpaste, cosmetics and deodorant, watch out for them in clothes, socks, shoes, and underwear too!

Something to have on hand…pun intended.

For when you can’t get to soap and water, try safe solutions like Clean George or Quash.

Wash your hands CLEAN. The three crucial components to a good hand washing: warm water, soap, and friction (nothing beats this!). It decreases your likelihood of spreading a virus to your nose, mouth or other people. Wet your hands with warm water, lather well by rubbing hands together (be sure to cover all surfaces and in between fingers) while you sing the ABC’s (in your head if you are tone deaf like me), or feel free to choose your favourite song. Rinse thoroughly and dry well. A cloth hand towel is the eco-friendly choice, but we’re going for health-friendly at holiday parties, so recycled paper towels will do the trick (unless you have lots of cloth napkins and lots of laundry. Wash your hands before eating, before AND after going to the bathroom (your hands should be clean before you handle!), after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose, before preparing food and after handling any raw meat/poultry/egg, and certainly a good wash is called for as soon as you come home.

Take cover. Stay home when you are sick. It’s the right thing to do for everyone else including you since when your immunity is low you can pick up other germs easier too…yuck. Steep some tea, pour a bowl of soup, crank up the vitamins and rest, allowing your body to heal. Don’t let stress undermine a quick recovery and try and enjoy your forced time out. If you are hosting, and someone in your home comes down with a bad cold or the flu, it’s best to cancel. Even if you confine a sick child to his room for the party, it doesn’t confine the germs all around the house from even earlier in the day. It’s of course a disappointment, but your guests will be much more disappointed if they catch something and spend the rest of their holidays in bed.

Take cover, again. Cover your mouth when you sneeze (with your arm, not your hand), and avoid anyone who doesn’t (teach your kids!). Even the kids learn this in class. Basics work!

Here’s wishing that you share great times with your friends, colleagues and families without sharing your germs. Raise a glass a toast good cheer and good health! Happy Holidays!

Lisa Borden is an eco-advocate and mother of three, whose business is a direct reflection of her commitment to better, more responsible living. She is a dedicated workaholic, admitting that it takes a lot of time and effort to change the world, especially in her non-preachy, fun, engaging and inspiring ways. Lisa consults, writes, engages the media, runs private workshops, and enjoys speaking to large and small groups. Her full-service marketing firm, Borden Communications + Design Inc. is based in Toronto and takes great pride in being an ethical business providing exceptional ideas. You can sign up for Lisa’s rants and raves at www.bordencom.com or reach her directly at lisa@bordencom.com.

© Lisa Borden 2010