Blog Action Day

Today is Blog Action Day!

Today thousands of bloggers around the world are blogging about the environment.

I know issues surrounding our little green planet can be contentious to say the least. I am sure many people find the concept of global warming confusing and insurmountable.

What can we do? Is there anything TO do? Is this all one colossal conspiracy to get Al Gore in office?

So today...the lights are going off and the veggies are coming out at the Acting Responsible household. We area going to work on minimum electrical power, turn down the heat and eat a low footprint meal containing organically grown local produce for dinner! YAY US!

Here are a few fabulous resources that not only help you make your OWN decision on climate change and global warming, but will help you to do YOUR part to keep our planet happy, healthy and here for a long long time...

What are YOU going to do???

We Can Live Green
A fantastic portal for all things you may need to go and live green. From cosmetics to food to travel, the folks at We Can Live Green have put together an amazing list of resources!

Greentech Media
Have some money burning a hole in your pocket that you need to invest RIGHT NOW? The folks at Greentech Media have your back!

DeSmogBlog
The folks at DeSmogBlog are aiming to clear the PR Pollution that clouds climate science. Not really sure what to believe? The pr pundits at DeSmogBlog can help you find all the information you may need on BOTH sides of the debate!!!

Greening the planet-Links to love

In honour of Valentine's week, lets LOVE OUR PLANET!

Here are some great links and resources to help you be more responsible, sustainable, Gore-able, and earth friendly!

Alternative Consumer
The Alternative Consumer is for the next wave of smart consumers … chic, savvy shoppers who want to integrate more “green” into their shopping lives. Promoting cutting-edge design, progressive initiatives and wise alternatives that stimulate a positive impact on the environment — one purchase at a time! This site is great for those who want to make informed buying decisions, and pursue more responsible, eco-conscious lifestyles.

Ready Made Magazine
I love this magazine. All about repurposing those items in your home you just don't know WHAT to do with. One of this month's project is making a coat rack out of wooden hangers. It looks fab and is a great space saver. They provide excellent green resources and really encourage a recycled living attitude. AND encourage you too look hip, fab and stylish while doing it!

Green Communities Canada
Green Communities Canada is a national network of community-based non-profit organizations that deliver innovative environmental programs and services, with a focus on household and community action. Green Communities Canada supports member organizations in working together to achieve environmental sustainability, including healthy ecosystems and communities, sustainable resource use, and clean air, water, and soil.

Green Options
Green Options provides great tips, tools and options for Greening the Good Life. With a blog, discussion forum, Green Life Guide and all the cool swag you can get your hands on that are green, useful and practical! They are an excellent guide through all the green websites and items that have popped up over the years.

David Suzuki Foundation
You can't beat the Doc when it comes to environmental responsibility. This guy ROCKS! This website provides some great tips and tools for being more green in your life. And seriously, if you can EVER go see him speak DO IT! He is a fantastically enigmatic speaker-there is a reason he is in the top ten as the GREATEST CANADIAN (and I still can't believe Don Cherry was on that list...Terry Fox, Tommy Douglas and DON CHERRY? Canadians have some serious hockey issues)!

One Day Vancouver
One Day is a web portal about taking small steps to reduce energy use, at home and on the road, to make Vancouver the cleanest, greenest, healthiest city in the world.

HR MacMillan Space Centre
Okay...I know what you are thinking. HUH? The Space Centre? Thats right...the Space Centre. The Space Centre is moving in a new direction and is looking at how to better "our space in space". The Sustainable Spring Break Event promises to be very cool...I hear rumours of great prizes!

Enjoy! Explore! And give a little bit o' love to that big old globe we call home!

First there was Intelligent Design...

Props to Defective Yeti...

Barenaked Ladies are Men who care about our planet!

On Saturday night, the affianced, one of the bridesmaids (who may be the world's biggest BNL fan) and I went to the Barenaked Ladies concert promoting their new albums "Barenaked Ladies are Me" and "Barenaked Ladies are Men" at GM place.

As expected, a FANTASTIC show

In my humble opinion, the BNL put on one of the best shows out there. I realize that at this present time, Hot Lunch is hyperventilating and screaming... WHAT ABOUT MADONNA??? Fine...I know Madonna puts on a mean show, but for me, the Ladies rock the house.

What's not to love? Humour, FAB Canadian band, good music, and a rap about bald roadies. How fun is that???

One of the best things about this fab show was learning about Barenaked Planet, which is not a place to hang out with naked rock stars as I first suspected (which would TOTALLY rock, especially if Jon Bon Jovi was there. Go on...deny that he's sexy. I dare you.)
ANYHOW...Barenaked Planet is the Barenaked Ladies' way of communicating to the general public about environmental and social issues that have become increasingly important to them.

On this tour, the BNL were committed to several different "greening the tour" mechanisms including:

• Tour buses are fueled with biodiesel
• Offsetting the energy used at each show with wind power
• Recycling and using compostable materials backstage
• Inviting local and national groups to be a part of Barenaked Planet so that fans at each venue can learn about issues in their area and get engaged

At work the other day, I was discussing with a few coworkers about how people can lessen their environmental impact. The recent report from the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has gotten people talking about what they can do to help prevent climate change, which is great! Their argument was that it costs money to be more responsible (ie recycled paper is more, hybrid vehicles are more etc etc). I'm not so sure about that argument-there are ways to adapt if you are truly serious about making a positive impact that can SAVE you money (ie. Public Transit if accessible)-but to each their own.

In honour of that, I am going post the David Suzuki Foundation's 10 most effective ways to help conserve nature and improve our quality of life. Some of these are SUPER easy and hey...we only have one planet!!!

1. Reduce home energy by 10%
2. Eat meat-free meals once a week
3. Buy a fuel efficient, low-polluting car
4. Choose an energy efficient home and appliances
5. Stop using pesticides
6. Walk, bike or take transit to regular destinations
7. Prepare your meals with locally produced food
8. Choose a home close to regular destinations
9. Support alternatives to the car
10. Get involved, stay informed

So get out there and GO GREEN! Make the Barenaked Ladies proud!!!!