they're young, they're urban, and they're farmers

Too busy to tend to veggies in your backyard garden? Young Urban Farmers is your answer to fresh eggplant from your own backyard, according to an article in Toronto Life's DIY Gourmet section.

Three recent Queen's business grads started the company, recognizing the need for a service that could give busy urbanites produce from their own backyards. For $155, YUF plants a vegetable garden (beans, cabbage, pumpkins, tomatoes, even strawberries), then builds a shelter to keep out raccoons. For $495, they’ll weed, water and harvest the bounty.

A smart idea, with the explosion of the local food movement, not to mention the various urban agriculture initiatives popping up in cities across North America, such as these outlaw chickens.

P.S. Live in Toronto and looking for work? YUF is hiring young farmers to help out. Send your resume and a short paragraph about your favourite food to jobs@youngurbanfarmers.com

pets count too

Fido and Fluffy may not care about stepping lighter on the earth, but you do, so are 6 simple ways to 'green' your pet:

1) biodegradable poop bags - we like Scoopies the best

2) natural cat litter - try World's Best Cat litter, made from whole-kernel corn

3) already destined for the bin 'toys' - tinfoil balls, old rope and tennis balls, milk cap rings, torn socks, wine corks

4) natural foods, made from real ingredients, not fillers - pets say Innova is yummy

5) spay or neuter - pet overpopulation is a serious environmental and economic problem, not to mention sad as hell when pups and kittens end up paying the price

6) grow organic catnip or cat grass - easy, and she'll love you more than ever!

For more tips, check out Eco Dog by Corbett Marshall
and Jim Deskevich!

9 things people do...

...to feel less-guilty on Earth Day:

1. take public transit (and ask the driver how much it costs)

2. use a travel coffee mug (and ask if there's a discount)

3. plant a tree (with the help of local kids who know what to do)

4. buy organic produce (and balk at the cost and vibrant colors)

5. pick up litter (as long as it's not too dirty)

6. put batteries aside for disposal (instead of in the garbage)

7. wear green (st. paddy's day was last month?)

8. whip out the credit card and donate to an eco-charity online

9. drive the fam to an earth-day event (if the irony is lost...)

whole life expo this weekend in toronto

On November 14, 15 and 16, Whole Life Expo is back at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, with 200 exhibitors and 60 speakers showcasing the best of natural health and green living.

Exhibitors include superfoods, organic products, natural approaches to anti-aging, and holistic treatments - from shiatsu to craniosacral therapy to spiritual healing. And don't miss the Whole Foods and Organic Market!

Friday 4 - 9pm, Saturday 11am - 8pm, Sunday 10 am - 6pm
Admission $8 (3-day Exhibit Pass), $15 (3-day Lecture/Exhibit Pass)

Visit wholelifecanada.com

green spring market: toronto

Mark your calendars - Saturday, May 31st is GreenMom's Spring Market, bringing eco-conscious shoppers together with ethical, green companies in a community shopping event.

The event features local artisans, organic cafe, and free babysitting. Check out the details at GreenMom.

green dates for 2008

Here's what's happening across Canada this year...

27th Guelph Organic Conference, Expo & Sampling Fair
Jan 24-27, Guelph, ON

Calgary Home & Garden Show 'Green with Envy'
Feb 28-Mar 2, Calgary, AB

GLOBE 2008
Mar 12-14, Vancouver BC

EPIC - The Vancouver Sun Sustainable Living Expo
Apr 18 - 20, Vancouver, BC

Earth Day Canada
Apr 22, across Canada

2008 Green Toronto Festival
May 23-24, Toronto, ON

International Conference on the Environment
Jun 30-Jul 3, Edmonton, AB

Organic Islands Festival and Sustainability Expo 2008
Jul 5-6, Victoria, BC

Parks Day 2008
Jul 19, across Canada

Winnipeg Folk Festival
Jul 10-13, Winnipeg, MB

10th World Leisure Congress and Canada's 2008 National Parks and Recreation
Oct 6-10, Québec, QC

from freecycling to curbside organics...

...Kat Tancock shares eight amazing things Canadians have done for the planet, plus suggestions for what we can do better.

Canadian Living>>