Rochelle's Glorious Garbage Journey- Guest post

Changing the World One Piece at a Time

When I think back to a year ago, I certainly didn’t expect my life to have turned out the way it is today. I pick up litter almost on a daily basis and it is the most rewarding thing I’ve done with my life so far. 

After graduating from an environmental science program I leapt around from contract to contract without finding any solid work, which is the case for many graduates in my field. I felt the need to have something more stable in my life, but what? I started doing litter cleanups everywhere I went and documented the results through social media, my friends and followers loved this. There’s something very gratifying about seeing a mess, cleaning it up, and leaving the space better than it was before. After a few weeks of litter cleanups I was hooked. I couldn’t wait to see what I’d find the next time I went out. I travelled around from place to place with a garbage bag and a clipboard, taking note of each item collected. It’s been a year now and this glorious garbage journey has flourished into a non-profit organization that focuses on raising awareness about the issues surrounding litter around the globe.

When people ask me what I do and I tell them about “A Greener Future” they’re usually surprised that I started and run the organization all on my own. It wasn’t very long after I started picking up litter that I realized that I was doing something that I loved and cared about and I decided why not take it to the next level? It is a lot of work but even if A Greener Future hadn’t come to be I’d probably still be out there picking up litter. Is it worth it to put so much time into something without being paid? Yes, if it’s something you love. I couldn’t imagine my life without A Greener Future. It’s my voice, my inspiration, my community, and a way to help improve the future by bringing like-minded people together. 

Once you’ve taken part in litter cleanups regularly your eyes become more focused on seeing every little piece. You wouldn’t believe how much litter you pass on a daily basis and probably don’t notice, especially cigarette butts. It’s literally everywhere, even in places you wouldn’t think it could end up. While the issue of litter can be depressing I do my best to keep posts positive, lighthearted, educational, and even mix a bit of humour in there should I pick up something particularly interesting. Being an advocate for the environment definitely has it’s ups and downs. I love making an impact and seeing positive change, but you would not believe the number of people who actually stand up for litter. I’ve heard every excuse in the book: there aren’t enough trash bins around, my litter creates employment, or it’s just going back to nature. The thing is litter affects everyone in one way or another. It has negative health impacts especially when it contaminates our water sources, it depreciates property values, increases pest infestations, reduces tourism, harms wildlife, imbalances ecosystems, destroys natural beauty, and even promotes crime.…..You know littering is a crime, right?

I am completely overwhelmed with the amount of support I have received over the past year from friends and strangers alike. After a full year of collecting trashy treasures on my own and with the help of some fabulous volunteers the litter total has reached over 150,000 pieces. I have cleaned up litter in Canada, the US, The Bahamas, Spain and Portugal. And I have reached millions through social media. I couldn’t be happier with the way things have turned out and I encourage others to follow their hearts and do what matters to them. I hope if I put in enough time and passion I can grow this non-profit into a global movement that is sustainable and gives people something to talk about. The environment affects everyone, and I’m going to do my part to help create A Greener Future for generations to come, even if it is just one piece at a time.

Rochelle Archibald
Founder/Executive Director
A Greener Future 

David Suzuki's Queen of Green program comes to Kawartha Lakes again, but with a twist...

Last spring with David Suzuki's Queen of Green I green coached 8 families in their homes- this fall I'm taking it to the class room...


Please join me for this FREE course and challenge at the new Free University of Kawartha Lakes





Green Living 101

Starting Tuesday's on September 22 at 6pm for 6 weeks

At the Free U (Lindsay Public Library)

“We stuck with everything that we tried out in this challenge because it saved us money and it’s good for the lakes- the city’s biggest asset. That makes sense. I encourage anybody that wants to discover easy at home ways to ‘go green’ to join Julia for the Green Living Challenge”

- Tammy and Andy Letham

Week 1- Chemical Free House (Sept 22)
Discover how to reduce your exposure to toxins in your household in a simple, inexpensive way that will improve your health. Try out new green habits with the rest of the class and learn what works for you.

Week 2- Chemical Free Body (Sept 29)

Gain valuable insights into eliminating chemicals in self care practices. Master label reading and attempt a toxic free living challenge alongside the whole class.

Week 3- Clean Eating (Oct 6)

Pick up healthy eating habits and help the environment after learning about whole foods, ingredient reading, and food waste prevention. Save green and eat green in this clean eating class challenge.

Week 4- Clean Environment (Oct 13)

Get the hang of lowering your carbon footprint by learning how to manage energy and water consumption to reduce pollution. Pick easy real life goals with your classmates and discover what works your shade of green.

Week 5- Recycle Reduce Reuse (Oct 20)

Major in recycling and minor in zero waste living with this goal oriented waste reduction course and challenge designed to have a huge impact on your wallet and our landfill.

Week 6- Creating Community (Oct 27)

Learn how to create a green community and get involved at a level that suites you. Find purpose in bettering your community by being your true self. This final chapter will also include hands on tutorial chosen by students.


A message from the Queen of Green herself...


Welcome to the David Suzuki’s Queen of Green Coaches project.
Your dedicated coach is a David Suzuki Foundation volunteer who will work closely with the Queen of Green, to help you tackle green living themes.

Each course will help fire up your commitment to green living practices you already have in place and establish new ones, too. Not only is it easy and fun, what's certain is that once you've taken that first step, you're going to take another.

To date more than 250 families across the country have participated and it works. For example, last session 75 per cent of families felt that having a coach helped inspire change their home. Plus it’s free of judgment and guilt.

To begin this journey, consider:

• What are you already doing to lower your footprint on the planet?
• What are some of the biggest obstacles to a greener lifestyle?
• How can your coach help you reach those goals?

Please share stories throughout your adventure—challenges and successes— with your coach AND your networks, too.

What can you do today?
Join the Queen of Green Coaches Facebook Group

• Subscribe to the Queen of Green monthly digest
• Follow @QueenofGreen on Twitter
• Tell your coach you’re ready to become a Queen (or King) of Green in your own right!

Warning: be prepared to become an inspiration!
Lindsay Coulter
David Suzuki's Queen of Green

Spaces are limited so please register in advance by calling 

705-201-1120 

or emailing 

kawarthalakesfreeu@gmail.com

Look forward to meeting you, and as always thanks for reading my blog- I appreciate your support!

Julia Taylor
@sogreenithurts
Facebook

How to Write a Letter to a Company or Politician

If something pisses you off don't just bitch and moan about it- do something about it!

But you better be sweet about it

if you want people to listen...

First paragraph- Spread it on

Start off by thanking them for what they do and how the service they provide is important. Dig deep if you need to and be earnest, you may even have to research them. They key here is if you want to be respected- show respect.

Second Paragraph- Tell your story

Without being overly dramatic tell your story of why their decision/product/service has directly effected you and how it did whatever it did to piss you off. Finish this paragraph with some understanding "I can relate to having a bad day a work..."

Third Paragrpaph- The solution

Offer a solution or two, or ask for one- and make sure you offer help in achieving this new policy or target.

Closing Paragraph- Ask for closure

Say your thank you's and ask for a response/decision/or some sort of follow through.

Writing this type of letter is going to be way more productive than putting someone down and telling them how much they suck, it might not get you what you want but I guarantee your chances of getting a response are far better. Don't forget to make sure you are sending the letter or having the conversation with the right person, and keep it as short as you can.

If this doesn't work- just take care of it your self (if applicable) like the Fenelon Falls Take Back The Beach group is doing. They are sick of the bird crap so they are going to organize people to clean it up! Brilliant!

Has this ever worked for you? Would you add anything to it?

Let me know on Facebook

or twitter @sogreenithurts

Thanks for reading my blog! To view my older blogs like 'How to Clean with Vinegar' or 'How to Green your Grocery Shop on a Budget in Lindsay' please scroll through the archives under the months tabs on the lower right hand side of the screen.

Julia Taylor

I am a selfish volunteer!

Volunteering is a way to give back to the community...blah blah blah!  Guess what- I do it for me, myself, and I !



I'm pretty sure I get way more out of volunteering than the organizations I'm helping here is why;

I get to help the organizations that I think are doing great things achieve their goals and it make ME feel like I did something good for the community/world. It gives ME purpose and meaning.

 

I get to meet people who are like me, that care about the things I care about- I get to make friends. ME!

 

I get to fill up my resume with skills that I never would have had before, for example If I tried to apply for an environmental job my business experience would probably never get me an interview, but now that I have experience working on environmental initiatives I just might get a chance- another win for ME!

 

I meet people in the industry, thus getting me closer to that interview for that job I want- a career doing something I love, that sounds like something that only benefits ME! (you might also get to get up close and personal with a celebrity like I did with David Suzuki's Queen of Green) 

 

I have fun at these community events- ME!

 

I get insider access to places and I get to hang out at these places with my kids- so more fun for my family and ME.

 

I get free shirts and hats with the graphics of the organizations I love- free clothing for ME!

 

I have never had more purpose and meaning in my life since I decided I wanted to get out there and volunteer, meet my peeps, and make a difference- I hope you will consider how much volunteering can add to your life and set out to find out how you can help yourself to all of these awesome things!

Here is a list of Kawartha Lakes environmental organizations.

Thanks for reading my blog!
Julia Taylor
@sogreenithurts
Facebook

To check out my other blog posts like- How to Clean with Vinegar, How to Reduce Your waste, How to Green a Birthday Party ect...please scroll down and click on the months to see titles:)

Living with an 'over the top' environmental steward

Am I a crazy person?? Does my husband roll his eyes and poke fun at me about my eco ways when I'm not around??

One of my friends made a comment the other day that I must be hard to live with, you know because I make my husband use homemade toothpaste- it made me wonder...am I?? So I asked. This could have gone south pretty fast-surprisingly it went very well. What I loved the most is that he answered without hesitation and with confidence, he knew the answers and had no doubts. He also asked if he would be paid for his interview- I told him he could have all the proceeds from this blog post, haha zero dollars; I'm not in this for the money!

So here is q&a with my husband who has to live with me...the green avenger...an eco freak... or my favorite- an environmental steward.

Q; What is life like living with a person who is over the top committed to the environment?
A; It is my life. It doesn't inconvenience me and I'm glad that you find happiness in something your so passionate about.

Q; Would you do anything different if I was away for 6 months?
A; Probably not. Possibly cleaning with chemicals but than I would probably realize that I cant stand inhaling the stuff and switchback.

Q; So you would make homemade laundry soap and toothpaste?
A; Yes, to save the money. Laundry soap for sure, don't know about the toothpaste.

Q; Would you keep up on the clean eating?
A; That is probably where I would slip, for myself- but not the kids. I know the importance of eating real food and that junk is only ok once and a while.

Q: Has my green ways spread into your thought process outside of the house..at work? (he is a carpenter)
A; Not as much when it comes to materials for a job, but I definitely try not to drive around if I don't have to- I can call places or search online instead of heading over to the store.

Q; So you don't think I'm crazy?
A; No, your smart, you save us money- and stuff. Sometimes it can be frustrating but it is right. At the end of the day it is the right choice and although sometimes it can be inconvenient it is not a huge inconvenience.

Q; Hard question to answer, but do you think you would be the same without my influence?
A; I would be a very different person, I would still be a little conscious like I would not litter and I would recycle but in the garage I had some bad habits.

Q; Could you ever go back?
A; No I couldn't not be conscious of the importance of protecting the environment now, I have kids and I want to protect them, I might flex a bit, but over all, no.

Phew!! He doesn't hate me, well I guess I knew that, but he doesn't hate that we live a little different than the average family, he thinks what we are doing is right, and I don't drive him crazy. So in conclusion, Il keep up the good work of reducing our families footprint because it is not a huge inconvenience but makes a huge difference.

So there you have it green avengers- keep up the good work, it is appreciated by those around you!




Our family on Canada Day in Fenelon Falls checking out the hydro electric generating station.

Thanks for reading my blog!
Julia Taylor
@sogreenithurts
Facebook

Look how small changes make a big difference!

I tried allot of new things in the past three months, did you?

4 Modules 8 Families and 12 weeks later- the world is a little greener. All thanks to David Suzuki's Queen of Green (Lindsay Coulter). She started green coaching 1 family and a few years later 2times a year she is leads 65 coaches who each green 5 families. Next up she will be recruiting coaches to recruit coaches who recruit families!! Talk about making a difference in Canada and to our environment.

She taught us to encourage people to make small green changes through listening, compassion, and understanding. She taught us that being who we are meant to be improves ours, and our whole communities lives. The better we are the better everyone is, and some times fulfilling that can be scary- but she gave us courage. Courage to stand up for what we believe in and show others that they can do the same. She taught us that every little change makes a difference. She developed us into environmental leaders with a purpose. Purpose in our community, in our home, and on this very important place we call home; Earth.

So a big thanks to Lindsey for exploding green all over this country, and a big thank you to my families who enthusiastically participated in the Green Living Challenge. I learned so much and I hope you did too!

Here are all those small changes my families made in their lives that equal a big difference...

 

Module 1 Waste
Buy products made from recycled products (toilette paper, paper towel, garbage bags) x4
Use less single use/disposable products
Stop using produce bags x2

Compost x4

Recycle better x4

Switch to Diva Cup x2
Bring reusable containers grocery shopping for counter/bulk
Refuse extra waste

Go paperless
Stop using K cups
Use cloth grocery bags
Up-cycle more

Module 2 Food
Meatless Mondays x2

Grow organic food x2

Preserve food x2

Eat more organic/avoid dirty dozen x3

Buy happy eggs

Eating more seasonal x2

Meal plan x2

Eat more local x2

Plant flowers for bees x2

Buy sustainable seafood
Eat less dairy

Module 3 Toxics
Switch to vinegar for cleaning x4
Replacing frying pans with out PFOA when time comes up x3
Make own candles
Try out eco or DIY soaps/detergents/beauty products x7
Buy glass instead of cans

Module 4 Community
Participate in or host a litter clean up

Find women’s circle

Find local green spaces

Volunteer

Host a DIY beauty product party

Here is the goals I picked...

DIY Toothpaste- love it

DIY Dish soap-huge fail

‘No Poo’ shampoo- 50/50 on this still

Switched to the Diva Cup- love it

Hosted a litter clean up/adopted my road

Buy a yogurt maker-future goal

Maybe you would like to be a Queen of Green Coach in the next Green Living Challenge? Stay tuned this fall for your opportunity!!

Cheers to The Queen of Green and The David Suzuki Foundation for the important work they do in our national community, be sure to follow them and support them in any way you can!



Thanks for reading my blog! I have been at it for a few months now and would love to hear your feedback, or maybe there is something you want me to post about??

Julia Taylor
@sogreenithurts
Facebook

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Why I FUCKING LOVE Gamiing Nature Centre

Do you like to feel healthy, happy, and smart? All it takes is some time at Gamiing Nature Centre!





Excuse my language, I think Im still high on forest! Since the start of May I have been going out to Gamiing weekly and let me tell you I cannot get enough of this place. Every time I discover a new trail, a different feature, or learn some interesting fact about the land or the wildlife from the staff- I love it even more.

Gamiing has all different types and intensity levels of trails that are very accessible; and endless things to discover- plus listening to Steve geek out on turtles and frogs is very educational. (you can find him kickin around most days)

It also hosts some wicked events. Last Saturday I attended the Summer Lakeshore Festival with Birds of Prey by Matt the Birdman. It was awesome! Matt the Birdman had the birds perched in the field so we could get an up close look before the show, and during the show we got an even closer look as he flew them around our heads, landed on our heads,  and even let us pet them. Every person and child there had a chance to 'fly' the falcon, including my 2.5 year old! He was very knowledgeable and humorous and really had all of or attention, yes even my 2.5 year old sat still and paid attention the whole time- that's how good this guy was. An educational, interactive, and awe inspiring show- you don't want to miss it the next time it is in town.

Trails for your health, the discovery shack, events, and other educational info on the trails for your brain, and forest vibes for your happiness - Gamiing improves your life. Guaranteed!

Thanks for reading my blog, and feel free to join me in the woods at Gamiing, Im there once a week at least!
@sogreenithurts
Facebook