"In the New Year, may your right hand always be
stretched out in friendship, never in want."
~Irish Toast

More and more Canadians are applying a defined ‘green’ approach to their renovation projects these days, turning to alternatives to traditional methods and materials that are less demanding of our precious natural resources. For many, when kitchens and bathrooms are involved, eco-friendly countertops are part of that strategy.

There are three main types of environmentally friendly countertop materials that save resources and divert materials that would otherwise be designated for landfills:

1) sustainable woods harvested from responsibly managed forests
2) recycled glass and/or aluminum mixed with concrete composites
3) paper and resin composites

In addition, all of these green options avoid varnishes and sealants containing volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) in the manufacturing process and are applied using adhesives that do not contain formaldehyde.

Bamboo Countertops
Bamboo countertops are made by gluing multiple sheets of thin bamboo plywood together to form a suitably thick surface.  This countertop is considered environmentally friendly because bamboo, actually a grass, is a renewable and sustainable resource, because it is fast growing, requires no pesticides or fertilizers, takes only 3 to 6 years to mature (compared to 30+ years for hardwoods) and because the plant continually regenerates.

Other pluses include selection (wide variety of sizes and different grain patterns are available), matching bamboo back splashes are also available, and upkeep (can be resanded if scratched). This material does require special care when finishing and cleaning though, and can mark or stain if chemicals, soap or water is left for too long on its surface.

Recycled Glass Countertops
Recycled glass countertops are made from a blend of primarily recycled glass mixed with concrete/cement pigments, other recycled materials and environmentally friendly resins. This countertop is considered eco-friendly because 70% to 85% of the product (by weight) is recycled content.

Other pluses include a similar look, durability, strength and scratch resistance to highly polished granite, and the wide variety of colours.

Recycled Paper Countertops
Recycled Paper Countertops are made by applying heat and heavy pressure to a mixture of recycled papers, some post consumer waste and a petroleum free resin. This countertop is considered environmentally friendly because the primary material is recycled paper, water based resins are utilized, finishes are formaldehyde free, and the manufacturing process uses less energy than traditional countertops

Other pluses include their high strength and the wide variety of colours available.

Do you crave fresh greens in your salads, soups and sandwiches during the winter? Hate to pay the outrageous prices for imported or greenhouse greens in the grocery store? Then check out this simple and convenient way to add taste, nutrition, and colour to your winter meals with microgreens.

Microgreens are tiny yet incredibly flavourful salad greens produced from the seeds of vegetables, herbs or other plants. They are an ideal way to add impact to fancy toppings and garnishes. Growing them is easy. Enjoying them is even easier.

Growing microgreens is similar to growing sprouts, except that microgreens are grown in soil, not just water. The soil allows tiny roots to take hold, feed the plants, and gets them to grow upright.

Plant seeds in a shallow tray with just an inch (2.5 cm) or so of good clean soil. Cover seeds lightly. Place the tray on a window sill or near a window that receives a good amount of sunlight. Keep the soil moist but not wet.

Within 10 – 20 days, you should have shoots with 1 or 2 true leaves – ready to harvest. To do so, simply trim off the seedlings just above the soil line with a pair of sharp scissors. It is best to harvest microgreens and add them to your meal right away – to capture their freshness.

A couple of microgreen growing tips;

• Don’t over water and allow air to circulate around the seedlings.
• The plants will not re-grow once harvested, so you will need to start a new batch each time. Try a mini crop-rotation plan by planting different trays a few days or a week apart so you have a constant supply of greens.
• After harvesting, throw used soil in the composter or on the lawn or garden – don’t reuse it -  as mould and pests can develop. It is best to use fresh soil each time.
• Commonly grown varieties of microgreens include Amaranth, Arugula, Beets, Basil, Cabbage, Celery, Chard, Chervil, Cilantro, Cress, Fennel, Kale, Mustard, Parsley, Radish, and Sorrel. Mix together to create combinations of tastes, textures and colours.

“Whether you think you can or whether you think you can't, you're right.”
~ Henry Ford

Every year, 350 million disposable lighters are added to landfills in the US alone. With their casings made of petroleum-based plastic, and the butane fuel itself a petroleum product, they are obviously not good for the environment or the eventual reclamation and reuse of our dumps years down the road.

Even if you use a refillable lighter, you still need to buy – and dispose of - cans of fuel.

The best solution is to use paper matches, made from recycled paper. Or as a second option, wooden matches.

Radon is a colourless, odourless, radioactive gas that occurs naturally in the environment. It is present in nearly all air. Everyone breathes in radon every day, most at very low levels. However, inhaling high levels of radon increases the chance of developing lung cancer. (Radon exposure is the 2nd leading cause of lung cancer in the US – albeit a distant second to cigarette smoke)

Radon can enter homes through cracks in floors, walls, or foundations, and collect indoors. It can also be released from building materials, or from water obtained from wells that contain radon. Radon levels can be higher in homes that are well insulated, tightly sealed, and/or built on soil rich in the elements uranium, thorium, and radium. Basement and first floors typically have the highest radon levels simply because they are closer to the ground.

A survey conducted by Health Canada showed that radon levels in certain Canadian cities were higher than in others, but that it is impossible to predict whether any one house will have a high level of radon. Factors such as interior ventilation, the location of the house and its relation to the prevailing wind can also impact levels.

You can't see, smell or taste radon - the only way to know if you have a problem is to test your home. Because there is some risk at any level, homeowners may want to reduce their exposure to radon by:

• Renovating existing basement floors - eliminate earth floors.
• Sealing cracks and openings in basement walls and floors, and around pipes and drains.
• Ventilating the basement sub-floor.

Ever wonder where they got the names for some of the chocolate bars and candy available today? Some relate to the company or the owner, while others are pure marketing-based monikers.

Did j’a know the origin of the name of these sugary goodies;

• Company owner Frank Mars’ last name apparently influenced his choice for the name of the MilkyWay bar they created in 1923.
• The Butterfinger name was chosen by contest, with winner Mr. Nikola Jovanovic cleverly submitted his own nickname, butterfinger.
• The Snickers bar was named after a beloved horse of the Mars family.
• PEZ, first marketed in Vienna, Austria as a compressed peppermint candy over 70 years ago, was derived from the German word for peppermint...PfeffErminZ.
• The brand name M&Ms stands for their founders, Mars and Murrie.
• In 1896 New York confectioner Leo Hirshfield introduced Tootsie Rolls, named after his daughter's nickname, "Tootsie"
• Life Savers were reportedly named because of their resemblance to life preservers.
• The 3 Musketeers bar was so named because it originally was made with vanilla, chocolate and strawberry-flavoured nougat centre (the three musketeers). It was changed to all chocolate nougat in 1945, but kept the catchy name.

Mould growth in a house may cause respiratory problems and allergic reactions in some people. If you find visible signs of mould in your home, find the cause and fix it. Once the source is eliminated, simply clean up the mould with soap and water. You don't need bleach.

Sure it's cold outside. But that doesn’t mean you can’t get outdoor chores done at this time of year. You just have to choose carefully and dress warmly.

I find that when the ground is frozen and snow’s not too deep, it is a perfect time to clear away unwanted brush and shrubs, clean out that pile of junk behind the shed or garage, cut and stack firewood (for use next year), make simple home repairs (work on the sunny side of the house), and for deconstruction/removal of that unused or dilapidated shed, swing set, etc.

So get out there and blow the stink off ya - no excuses.

“A guy walked into a bar. He was treated for minor injuries.” ~Unknown

“There are truths of which I have an inkling, but of most I have only a penciling.” ~Robert Brault

“Just because you're not paranoid doesn't mean they're not out to get you.” ~Colin Sautar

“A man's got to do what a man's got to do. A woman must do what he can't.” ~ Rhonda Hansome