Monday, March 31, 2008
ecomama.ca Kiosk
I know I promised a kiosk update, and it's now long overdue. So no more messing around, here it is:
As of this morning at 10am, the ecomama.ca kiosk located at 2675 Old Innes Road, Unit 3, inside Precious One's mum and kids consignment store, in Ottawa, is officially open for business!! The phone number there is (613) 845-0017. Melissa will be very to happy to welcome you, as I will (on most Sunday afternoons). Our grand opening is scheduled for Sunday, April 7, and that day we will be offering 10% on all purchases to those who bring a reusable shopping bag to carry home their purchase (although we encourage you to do that all the time ;)) The kiosk has all the same great lines which are available on our site and a few more little surprises! For now though our selection of Klean Kanteens is limited (sippies only). As soon as our next shipment of Klean Kanteens is in (by mid-April hopefully), we will be stocking the kiosk with every style we carry.
We are still working on stocking the kiosk to meet every one's needs, and we're always open to special orders or suggestions of new products. If there's anything special that we don't have in store or on our site that you'd like in Druide, Ecover, Bravado or ImagiPlay, remember, they can always be ordered. Drop us a line at info@ecomama.ca and we'll find it for you.
Come on over, we can't wait to meet you!
As of this morning at 10am, the ecomama.ca kiosk located at 2675 Old Innes Road, Unit 3, inside Precious One's mum and kids consignment store, in Ottawa, is officially open for business!! The phone number there is (613) 845-0017. Melissa will be very to happy to welcome you, as I will (on most Sunday afternoons). Our grand opening is scheduled for Sunday, April 7, and that day we will be offering 10% on all purchases to those who bring a reusable shopping bag to carry home their purchase (although we encourage you to do that all the time ;)) The kiosk has all the same great lines which are available on our site and a few more little surprises! For now though our selection of Klean Kanteens is limited (sippies only). As soon as our next shipment of Klean Kanteens is in (by mid-April hopefully), we will be stocking the kiosk with every style we carry.
We are still working on stocking the kiosk to meet every one's needs, and we're always open to special orders or suggestions of new products. If there's anything special that we don't have in store or on our site that you'd like in Druide, Ecover, Bravado or ImagiPlay, remember, they can always be ordered. Drop us a line at info@ecomama.ca and we'll find it for you.
Come on over, we can't wait to meet you!
ecomama.ca Kiosk
I know I promised a kiosk update, and it's now long overdue. So no more messing around, here it is:
As of this morning at 10am, the ecomama.ca kiosk located at 2675 Old Innes Road, Unit 3, inside Precious One's mum and kids consignment store, in Ottawa, is officially open for business!! The phone number there is (613) 845-0017. Melissa will be very to happy to welcome you, as I will (on most Sunday afternoons). Our grand opening is scheduled for Sunday, April 7, and that day we will be offering 10% on all purchases to those who bring a reusable shopping bag to carry home their purchase (although we encourage you to do that all the time ;)) The kiosk has all the same great lines which are available on our site and a few more little surprises! For now though our selection of Klean Kanteens is limited (sippies only). As soon as our next shipment of Klean Kanteens is in (by mid-April hopefully), we will be stocking the kiosk with every style we carry.
We are still working on stocking the kiosk to meet every one's needs, and we're always open to special orders or suggestions of new products. If there's anything special that we don't have in store or on our site that you'd like in Druide, Ecover, Bravado or ImagiPlay, remember, they can always be ordered. Drop us a line at info@ecomama.ca and we'll find it for you.
Come on over, we can't wait to meet you!
As of this morning at 10am, the ecomama.ca kiosk located at 2675 Old Innes Road, Unit 3, inside Precious One's mum and kids consignment store, in Ottawa, is officially open for business!! The phone number there is (613) 845-0017. Melissa will be very to happy to welcome you, as I will (on most Sunday afternoons). Our grand opening is scheduled for Sunday, April 7, and that day we will be offering 10% on all purchases to those who bring a reusable shopping bag to carry home their purchase (although we encourage you to do that all the time ;)) The kiosk has all the same great lines which are available on our site and a few more little surprises! For now though our selection of Klean Kanteens is limited (sippies only). As soon as our next shipment of Klean Kanteens is in (by mid-April hopefully), we will be stocking the kiosk with every style we carry.
We are still working on stocking the kiosk to meet every one's needs, and we're always open to special orders or suggestions of new products. If there's anything special that we don't have in store or on our site that you'd like in Druide, Ecover, Bravado or ImagiPlay, remember, they can always be ordered. Drop us a line at info@ecomama.ca and we'll find it for you.
Come on over, we can't wait to meet you!
Sunday, March 30, 2008
The Big 4%
After all my going on about glasses of wine, comfies, darkness and peaceful silence, turns out my Earth Hour was quite anti-climactic. I never even made it as far as uncorking the wine (and not for the reason you may be thinking!). You see, Ecopapa decided at the last minute that in protest, he would go out for a beer with a buddy. He felt as many did, that Earth Hour was just a marketing gimmick where politicians blow a whole lot of hot air around, make themselves look good, and at the end of the day, make very few significant changes. While I think that that was a completely valid point and I don't begrudge his opinion (in fact, I partly agreed), I think that raising awareness through this type of event can only be a good thing. So off he went for his beer and I happily settled in for a quiet night. Well, by the time the lights were off and my jammies were on, I decided our bed looked way too inviting. Resistance was futile and by 8:02pm, I was in bed, snug as a bug. By 8:05, I was soundly asleep. How's that for excitement?! I woke up this morning at 6am, quite ironically, to a power outage. It was 8am before our power was restored.
This afternoon I spoke to Thulasi Srikanthan, a reporter with The Ottawa Citizen, and she told me that in Ottawa, between 8 and 9pm last night, there was a reduction in demand for power of almost 4% compared to the night before at the same time. It may not seem like such a large number, but when you think about it, if you add this rate to those of other cities, it's huge. And over time, if this exercise was to be repeated - WOW.
So, all in all, I'd call Earth Hour 2008 a success. Raised awareness, decreased power consumption, and on a much smaller level, a tired mom of triplets getting to catch up on her sleep.
This afternoon I spoke to Thulasi Srikanthan, a reporter with The Ottawa Citizen, and she told me that in Ottawa, between 8 and 9pm last night, there was a reduction in demand for power of almost 4% compared to the night before at the same time. It may not seem like such a large number, but when you think about it, if you add this rate to those of other cities, it's huge. And over time, if this exercise was to be repeated - WOW.
So, all in all, I'd call Earth Hour 2008 a success. Raised awareness, decreased power consumption, and on a much smaller level, a tired mom of triplets getting to catch up on her sleep.
The Big 4%
After all my going on about glasses of wine, comfies, darkness and peaceful silence, turns out my Earth Hour was quite anti-climactic. I never even made it as far as uncorking the wine (and not for the reason you may be thinking!). You see, Ecopapa decided at the last minute that in protest, he would go out for a beer with a buddy. He felt as many did, that Earth Hour was just a marketing gimmick where politicians blow a whole lot of hot air around, make themselves look good, and at the end of the day, make very few significant changes. While I think that that was a completely valid point and I don't begrudge his opinion (in fact, I partly agreed), I think that raising awareness through this type of event can only be a good thing. So off he went for his beer and I happily settled in for a quiet night. Well, by the time the lights were off and my jammies were on, I decided our bed looked way too inviting. Resistance was futile and by 8:02pm, I was in bed, snug as a bug. By 8:05, I was soundly asleep. How's that for excitement?! I woke up this morning at 6am, quite ironically, to a power outage. It was 8am before our power was restored.
This afternoon I spoke to Thulasi Srikanthan, a reporter with The Ottawa Citizen, and she told me that in Ottawa, between 8 and 9pm last night, there was a reduction in demand for power of almost 4% compared to the night before at the same time. It may not seem like such a large number, but when you think about it, if you add this rate to those of other cities, it's huge. And over time, if this exercise was to be repeated - WOW.
So, all in all, I'd call Earth Hour 2008 a success. Raised awareness, decreased power consumption, and on a much smaller level, a tired mom of triplets getting to catch up on her sleep.
This afternoon I spoke to Thulasi Srikanthan, a reporter with The Ottawa Citizen, and she told me that in Ottawa, between 8 and 9pm last night, there was a reduction in demand for power of almost 4% compared to the night before at the same time. It may not seem like such a large number, but when you think about it, if you add this rate to those of other cities, it's huge. And over time, if this exercise was to be repeated - WOW.
So, all in all, I'd call Earth Hour 2008 a success. Raised awareness, decreased power consumption, and on a much smaller level, a tired mom of triplets getting to catch up on her sleep.
Friday, March 28, 2008
Goods 4 Girls and ecomama.ca
ecomama.ca is proud to partner with Goods 4 Girls and Lunapads 
to help bring sanitary pads to girls in Africa and help them stay in school.
to help bring sanitary pads to girls in Africa and help them stay in school.Goods 4 Girls is the brainchild of Deanna Duke, a Seattle, WA mom of two and fellow crunchy greenie, and was born of her concern after seeing the Tampax and Always commercials describing the problems girls in South Africa face where the lack of menstrual products is keeping them out of the classroom. Realizing that cloth pads are a much more ecological, and sustainable option, and that many others shared her view, she set out to contact aid organizations to see what could be done. And the rest as they say, is history. Goods 4 Girls has gained much momentum in the last weeks and ecomama.ca is excited to be hopping on board to contribute to such a worthy cause.
Here's how it will work with ecomama.ca:
Once the special kits are up on our site, you'll be able to purchase them at a discounted price (we will make no profit on them), and they will be sent directly to girls in Africa.
Or, if you are in Ottawa, we will have a sample kit on display in our kiosk (more on the kiosk later I promise) and you will be able to make a cash donation which will be used towards the purchase of kits. Again, the kits will be sent directly to Goods 4 Girls for delivery to girls in Africa. By not stocking any of the kits, ecomama.ca is cutting a leg out of the shipping trip and working towards minimizing greenhouse gas emissions.
Keep checking back - I am hoping the kits will be up on the site this week (sorry Sam, I know, another rush job). And, if you'd like more information, please feel free to e-mail me or, Goods 4 Girls has a great FAQ which outlines the issue in detail, the aid organizations it is currently working with and addresses concerns such as the risk of AIDS.
Goods 4 Girls and ecomama.ca
ecomama.ca is proud to partner with Goods 4 Girls and Lunapads to help bring sanitary pads to girls in Africa and help them stay in school.
to help bring sanitary pads to girls in Africa and help them stay in school.Goods 4 Girls is the brainchild of Deanna Duke, a Seattle, WA mom of two and fellow crunchy greenie, and was born of her concern after seeing the Tampax and Always commercials describing the problems girls in South Africa face where the lack of menstrual products is keeping them out of the classroom. Realizing that cloth pads are a much more ecological, and sustainable option, and that many others shared her view, she set out to contact aid organizations to see what could be done. And the rest as they say, is history. Goods 4 Girls has gained much momentum in the last weeks and ecomama.ca is excited to be hopping on board to contribute to such a worthy cause.
Here's how it will work with ecomama.ca:
Once the special kits are up on our site, you'll be able to purchase them at a discounted price (we will make no profit on them), and they will be sent directly to girls in Africa.
Or, if you are in Ottawa, we will have a sample kit on display in our kiosk (more on the kiosk later I promise) and you will be able to make a cash donation which will be used towards the purchase of kits. Again, the kits will be sent directly to Goods 4 Girls for delivery to girls in Africa. By not stocking any of the kits, ecomama.ca is cutting a leg out of the shipping trip and working towards minimizing greenhouse gas emissions.
Keep checking back - I am hoping the kits will be up on the site this week (sorry Sam, I know, another rush job). And, if you'd like more information, please feel free to e-mail me or, Goods 4 Girls has a great FAQ which outlines the issue in detail, the aid organizations it is currently working with and addresses concerns such as the risk of AIDS.
Earth Hour
I just realized with a jolt that tomorrow is March 29th - EARTH HOUR! Sadly, I have become all to reliant on modern technology to tell me whether I am coming or going these days, but at least, thanks to it, I won't be missing this important event. We were invited by some friends for an Earth Hour "Love In" but I think I've mentioned previously that triplets do kinda complicate things a little. So dear Mad, while I wish I was there in person, I'll be there in spirit for sure.
My second best way to spend Earth Hour you ask? Kick back with a gorgeous bottle of (organic) wine, and enjoy it with Ecopapa by candlelight. The kids should be in bed by 7:30pm which will leave plenty of time to turn off everything in the house, get in my comfies (no I didn't say friskies ;)), and light the candles. Ahhh, I feel more relaxed (and green!) just thinking about it.
Zerofootprint has a very cool carbon calculator that enables Earth Hour participants to measure their carbon footprint and make ongoing changes to their individual lifestyles in a bid to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Through Zerofootprint you can also purchase some ISO certified carbon offset credits. Hmmmm, something to ponder while I'll be having that glass of wine.
So what are you doing during Earth Hour?
Earth Hour
I just realized with a jolt that tomorrow is March 29th - EARTH HOUR! Sadly, I have become all to reliant on modern technology to tell me whether I am coming or going these days, but at least, thanks to it, I won't be missing this important event. We were invited by some friends for an Earth Hour "Love In" but I think I've mentioned previously that triplets do kinda complicate things a little. So dear Mad, while I wish I was there in person, I'll be there in spirit for sure.
My second best way to spend Earth Hour you ask? Kick back with a gorgeous bottle of (organic) wine, and enjoy it with Ecopapa by candlelight. The kids should be in bed by 7:30pm which will leave plenty of time to turn off everything in the house, get in my comfies (no I didn't say friskies ;)), and light the candles. Ahhh, I feel more relaxed (and green!) just thinking about it.
Zerofootprint has a very cool carbon calculator that enables Earth Hour participants to measure their carbon footprint and make ongoing changes to their individual lifestyles in a bid to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Through Zerofootprint you can also purchase some ISO certified carbon offset credits. Hmmmm, something to ponder while I'll be having that glass of wine.
So what are you doing during Earth Hour?
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Running Green
Spring has sprung (or it will any day now!) and it was now or never. So I chose now, and I've started running again (thank you Andrew for inspiring me!). I was an avid runner before the kids came along, and I've been tossing around the idea of starting up again since, well, the minute the kids were born. But as you can imagine, life with infant triplets doesn't lend itself well to extracurricular activities - but I digress.
So back to running. In my ongoing quest to green every aspect of my life, I've been wondering, how can make my favorite activity more green. I mean, running to begin with is a pretty green sport compared to many others. You're not using any equipment, and you're having a minimal impact on your surroundings, unless you're running on trails where endangered species of flora or delicate ecosystems are found, but most of us stick to road running or indoor running (aha! Lucky for me, I don't have one of those power sucking treadmills). One way to minimize my impact on the environment will be to give up those oh-so-convenient, but very, very eco-sinful, single-packaged carb gel packs we long distance runners rely on to provide extra fuel for the long hauls. Honey provides a great alternative (but may pose a logistical carrying problem, unless I get a gel flask) or else dried fruit are great and easy to carry.
My biggest concern with running is the number of pairs of shoes I go through in a year. Long distance runners can go through as many as 3 to 7 pairs . OK, I am not so elite that I need 7, but you catch my drift, it all adds up over the years. So, what I will be doing with my running shoes is a) keeping a used pair for yard work and dirty jobs etc. and b) donating the rest to Sole Responsibility (love the name!!), an Ottawa not-for-profit organization which collects shoes and send them to Chad, Africa for Sudanese refugees have fled to Chad from violence in their home region of Darfur.
With a quick Google search, I came up with these other organizations which also collect used shoes and donate them to various causes:
Shoe 4 Africa
And finally, no more plastic bottles on my runs - my Klean Kanteen will be my new running companion.
How's that for running green?
So back to running. In my ongoing quest to green every aspect of my life, I've been wondering, how can make my favorite activity more green. I mean, running to begin with is a pretty green sport compared to many others. You're not using any equipment, and you're having a minimal impact on your surroundings, unless you're running on trails where endangered species of flora or delicate ecosystems are found, but most of us stick to road running or indoor running (aha! Lucky for me, I don't have one of those power sucking treadmills). One way to minimize my impact on the environment will be to give up those oh-so-convenient, but very, very eco-sinful, single-packaged carb gel packs we long distance runners rely on to provide extra fuel for the long hauls. Honey provides a great alternative (but may pose a logistical carrying problem, unless I get a gel flask) or else dried fruit are great and easy to carry.
My biggest concern with running is the number of pairs of shoes I go through in a year. Long distance runners can go through as many as 3 to 7 pairs . OK, I am not so elite that I need 7, but you catch my drift, it all adds up over the years. So, what I will be doing with my running shoes is a) keeping a used pair for yard work and dirty jobs etc. and b) donating the rest to Sole Responsibility (love the name!!), an Ottawa not-for-profit organization which collects shoes and send them to Chad, Africa for Sudanese refugees have fled to Chad from violence in their home region of Darfur.
With a quick Google search, I came up with these other organizations which also collect used shoes and donate them to various causes:
Shoe 4 Africa
And finally, no more plastic bottles on my runs - my Klean Kanteen will be my new running companion.
How's that for running green?
Running Green
Spring has sprung (or it will any day now!) and it was now or never. So I chose now, and I've started running again (thank you Andrew for inspiring me!). I was an avid runner before the kids came along, and I've been tossing around the idea of starting up again since, well, the minute the kids were born. But as you can imagine, life with infant triplets doesn't lend itself well to extracurricular activities - but I digress.
So back to running. In my ongoing quest to green every aspect of my life, I've been wondering, how can make my favorite activity more green. I mean, running to begin with is a pretty green sport compared to many others. You're not using any equipment, and you're having a minimal impact on your surroundings, unless you're running on trails where endangered species of flora or delicate ecosystems are found, but most of us stick to road running or indoor running (aha! Lucky for me, I don't have one of those power sucking treadmills). One way to minimize my impact on the environment will be to give up those oh-so-convenient, but very, very eco-sinful, single-packaged carb gel packs we long distance runners rely on to provide extra fuel for the long hauls. Honey provides a great alternative (but may pose a logistical carrying problem, unless I get a gel flask) or else dried fruit are great and easy to carry.
My biggest concern with running is the number of pairs of shoes I go through in a year. Long distance runners can go through as many as 3 to 7 pairs . OK, I am not so elite that I need 7, but you catch my drift, it all adds up over the years. So, what I will be doing with my running shoes is a) keeping a used pair for yard work and dirty jobs etc. and b) donating the rest to Sole Responsibility (love the name!!), an Ottawa not-for-profit organization which collects shoes and send them to Chad, Africa for Sudanese refugees have fled to Chad from violence in their home region of Darfur.
With a quick Google search, I came up with these other organizations which also collect used shoes and donate them to various causes:
Shoe 4 Africa
And finally, no more plastic bottles on my runs - my Klean Kanteen will be my new running companion.
How's that for running green?
So back to running. In my ongoing quest to green every aspect of my life, I've been wondering, how can make my favorite activity more green. I mean, running to begin with is a pretty green sport compared to many others. You're not using any equipment, and you're having a minimal impact on your surroundings, unless you're running on trails where endangered species of flora or delicate ecosystems are found, but most of us stick to road running or indoor running (aha! Lucky for me, I don't have one of those power sucking treadmills). One way to minimize my impact on the environment will be to give up those oh-so-convenient, but very, very eco-sinful, single-packaged carb gel packs we long distance runners rely on to provide extra fuel for the long hauls. Honey provides a great alternative (but may pose a logistical carrying problem, unless I get a gel flask) or else dried fruit are great and easy to carry.
My biggest concern with running is the number of pairs of shoes I go through in a year. Long distance runners can go through as many as 3 to 7 pairs . OK, I am not so elite that I need 7, but you catch my drift, it all adds up over the years. So, what I will be doing with my running shoes is a) keeping a used pair for yard work and dirty jobs etc. and b) donating the rest to Sole Responsibility (love the name!!), an Ottawa not-for-profit organization which collects shoes and send them to Chad, Africa for Sudanese refugees have fled to Chad from violence in their home region of Darfur.
With a quick Google search, I came up with these other organizations which also collect used shoes and donate them to various causes:
Shoe 4 Africa
And finally, no more plastic bottles on my runs - my Klean Kanteen will be my new running companion.
How's that for running green?
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Ecomama Kiosk Update
As you may have noticed, mid-March has come and gone and we're still working on setting up our ecomama kiosk. We're just about ready to go and very keen for a grand opening. All that's missing is our debit machine (a very crucial piece of equipment!) - who knew it could take so long in this age of technology?! Darn bank (don't get me started on banks!!). As soon as we've got a firm date, we will be posting details. Once more, please stay tuned!
Ecomama Kiosk Update
As you may have noticed, mid-March has come and gone and we're still working on setting up our ecomama kiosk. We're just about ready to go and very keen for a grand opening. All that's missing is our debit machine (a very crucial piece of equipment!) - who knew it could take so long in this age of technology?! Darn bank (don't get me started on banks!!). As soon as we've got a firm date, we will be posting details. Once more, please stay tuned!
Did You Know?
Did you know that Druide's Baby Protecting Balm, commonly used on baby bottoms to heal and prevent diaper rash, can also be used on the face? We use it on our kids' little raw cheeks when they are teething or have been playing outside. And throughout this winter and cold season, we have even used it on our poor noses to relieve the raw, burning sensation. For hygiene purposes, we have two jars, one labelled "For Use on Face Only". This protecting balm really works wonders to soothe and heal all skin in need of TLC.
Did You Know?
Did you know that Druide's Baby Protecting Balm, commonly used on baby bottoms to heal and prevent diaper rash, can also be used on the face? We use it on our kids' little raw cheeks when they are teething or have been playing outside. And throughout this winter and cold season, we have even used it on our poor noses to relieve the raw, burning sensation. For hygiene purposes, we have two jars, one labelled "For Use on Face Only". This protecting balm really works wonders to soothe and heal all skin in need of TLC.
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Ecomama is Moving!
We've done it. We've put a deposit on a new house. But it seems that our excitement about this move is being met by a few raised eyebrows. "You're moving where?" To a smaller house. "With three kids?" Yes. "Oh, do you need to save money?" Not really (in fact, the house we bought is pretty much the same price as the one we're selling) . "So why then?" Well, because it makes sense, to us anyway. "Huh?"
I have to admit that at first glance it may seem like a completely counterintuitive decision. After all, couples who are at a similar stage in their lives as we are, are usually thinking of moving away from the city, to a larger house, on a larger lot. But ever since we've started greening our ways, this little voice in our heads has been urging us to take a good look at how we live, and where we live. We currently live in the suburbs, in a fairly large house that more than accomodates our family. When we look at our footprint, we realize that even though we're factoring a family of five in our calculation, we still have a large carbon footprint. We commute to work every day (granted it is usually by bus), we heat and light a big house, we have a pool (which completely freaks me out with small children) and two cars (a smaller car - remnant from our life as a DINK couple - which my husbands uses for work when he needs to make business calls, and for when we are running errands, and an SUV crossover to accommodate our growing family when we need to go out together).
So we've done some thinking about how we can reduce our footprint. And that's when moving to a smaller house in the city started making perfect sense. Right now the space we "live" in in our current house - the family room, playroom, kitchen, bedrooms - is equivalent to the space we will be using in the new house. Which means that there is a pretty significant amount of space that we can probably cut out and not be any worse for the wear. And by moving to the city, we'll eliminate our commute (in fact Ecopapa will walk to work, and I will be able to bike or run), we'll get rid of our second car, we'll be reducing the amount of hours in a week when we need childcare (a bonus!) and our caregiver will live nearby and be able to walk to our place everyday (great, we can even "green" our caregiver!). Finally, we'll be reducing our overall energy needs by a ) purchasing a smaller house and b) purchasing a smaller house which is being built to meet the Energy Star rating (you can find out more about this program here: http://www.energystar.gov/).
This wasn't necessarily an easy decision to make and to be honest, we're viewing it as a bit of an experiment. We struggled with concerns about our kids' safety in the city, which schools they would eventually go to and accommodating our (big golden retriever) dog's needs. It took a careful analysis of finances, family needs and location. I have to admit, the decision was easier for me than it was for Ecopapa, although he's getting quite excited now about being so close to the Ottawa river and being able to go canoeing at the drop of a hat (for those of you in Ottawa, the house we've bought is in Edinburgh Common, along the Vanier Parkway, at the edge of Beechwood Avenue). In the end, by trading space we don't currently use, we'll be gaining time, money, and the satisfaction of knowing that we're embracing a lifestyle that truly meshes with our inner convictions.
I have to admit that at first glance it may seem like a completely counterintuitive decision. After all, couples who are at a similar stage in their lives as we are, are usually thinking of moving away from the city, to a larger house, on a larger lot. But ever since we've started greening our ways, this little voice in our heads has been urging us to take a good look at how we live, and where we live. We currently live in the suburbs, in a fairly large house that more than accomodates our family. When we look at our footprint, we realize that even though we're factoring a family of five in our calculation, we still have a large carbon footprint. We commute to work every day (granted it is usually by bus), we heat and light a big house, we have a pool (which completely freaks me out with small children) and two cars (a smaller car - remnant from our life as a DINK couple - which my husbands uses for work when he needs to make business calls, and for when we are running errands, and an SUV crossover to accommodate our growing family when we need to go out together).
So we've done some thinking about how we can reduce our footprint. And that's when moving to a smaller house in the city started making perfect sense. Right now the space we "live" in in our current house - the family room, playroom, kitchen, bedrooms - is equivalent to the space we will be using in the new house. Which means that there is a pretty significant amount of space that we can probably cut out and not be any worse for the wear. And by moving to the city, we'll eliminate our commute (in fact Ecopapa will walk to work, and I will be able to bike or run), we'll get rid of our second car, we'll be reducing the amount of hours in a week when we need childcare (a bonus!) and our caregiver will live nearby and be able to walk to our place everyday (great, we can even "green" our caregiver!). Finally, we'll be reducing our overall energy needs by a ) purchasing a smaller house and b) purchasing a smaller house which is being built to meet the Energy Star rating (you can find out more about this program here: http://www.energystar.gov/).
This wasn't necessarily an easy decision to make and to be honest, we're viewing it as a bit of an experiment. We struggled with concerns about our kids' safety in the city, which schools they would eventually go to and accommodating our (big golden retriever) dog's needs. It took a careful analysis of finances, family needs and location. I have to admit, the decision was easier for me than it was for Ecopapa, although he's getting quite excited now about being so close to the Ottawa river and being able to go canoeing at the drop of a hat (for those of you in Ottawa, the house we've bought is in Edinburgh Common, along the Vanier Parkway, at the edge of Beechwood Avenue). In the end, by trading space we don't currently use, we'll be gaining time, money, and the satisfaction of knowing that we're embracing a lifestyle that truly meshes with our inner convictions.
Ecomama is Moving!
We've done it. We've put a deposit on a new house. But it seems that our excitement about this move is being met by a few raised eyebrows. "You're moving where?" To a smaller house. "With three kids?" Yes. "Oh, do you need to save money?" Not really (in fact, the house we bought is pretty much the same price as the one we're selling) . "So why then?" Well, because it makes sense, to us anyway. "Huh?"
I have to admit that at first glance it may seem like a completely counterintuitive decision. After all, couples who are at a similar stage in their lives as we are, are usually thinking of moving away from the city, to a larger house, on a larger lot. But ever since we've started greening our ways, this little voice in our heads has been urging us to take a good look at how we live, and where we live. We currently live in the suburbs, in a fairly large house that more than accomodates our family. When we look at our footprint, we realize that even though we're factoring a family of five in our calculation, we still have a large carbon footprint. We commute to work every day (granted it is usually by bus), we heat and light a big house, we have a pool (which completely freaks me out with small children) and two cars (a smaller car - remnant from our life as a DINK couple - which my husbands uses for work when he needs to make business calls, and for when we are running errands, and an SUV crossover to accommodate our growing family when we need to go out together).
So we've done some thinking about how we can reduce our footprint. And that's when moving to a smaller house in the city started making perfect sense. Right now the space we "live" in in our current house - the family room, playroom, kitchen, bedrooms - is equivalent to the space we will be using in the new house. Which means that there is a pretty significant amount of space that we can probably cut out and not be any worse for the wear. And by moving to the city, we'll eliminate our commute (in fact Ecopapa will walk to work, and I will be able to bike or run), we'll get rid of our second car, we'll be reducing the amount of hours in a week when we need childcare (a bonus!) and our caregiver will live nearby and be able to walk to our place everyday (great, we can even "green" our caregiver!). Finally, we'll be reducing our overall energy needs by a ) purchasing a smaller house and b) purchasing a smaller house which is being built to meet the Energy Star rating (you can find out more about this program here: http://www.energystar.gov/).
This wasn't necessarily an easy decision to make and to be honest, we're viewing it as a bit of an experiment. We struggled with concerns about our kids' safety in the city, which schools they would eventually go to and accommodating our (big golden retriever) dog's needs. It took a careful analysis of finances, family needs and location. I have to admit, the decision was easier for me than it was for Ecopapa, although he's getting quite excited now about being so close to the Ottawa river and being able to go canoeing at the drop of a hat (for those of you in Ottawa, the house we've bought is in Edinburgh Common, along the Vanier Parkway, at the edge of Beechwood Avenue). In the end, by trading space we don't currently use, we'll be gaining time, money, and the satisfaction of knowing that we're embracing a lifestyle that truly meshes with our inner convictions.
I have to admit that at first glance it may seem like a completely counterintuitive decision. After all, couples who are at a similar stage in their lives as we are, are usually thinking of moving away from the city, to a larger house, on a larger lot. But ever since we've started greening our ways, this little voice in our heads has been urging us to take a good look at how we live, and where we live. We currently live in the suburbs, in a fairly large house that more than accomodates our family. When we look at our footprint, we realize that even though we're factoring a family of five in our calculation, we still have a large carbon footprint. We commute to work every day (granted it is usually by bus), we heat and light a big house, we have a pool (which completely freaks me out with small children) and two cars (a smaller car - remnant from our life as a DINK couple - which my husbands uses for work when he needs to make business calls, and for when we are running errands, and an SUV crossover to accommodate our growing family when we need to go out together).
So we've done some thinking about how we can reduce our footprint. And that's when moving to a smaller house in the city started making perfect sense. Right now the space we "live" in in our current house - the family room, playroom, kitchen, bedrooms - is equivalent to the space we will be using in the new house. Which means that there is a pretty significant amount of space that we can probably cut out and not be any worse for the wear. And by moving to the city, we'll eliminate our commute (in fact Ecopapa will walk to work, and I will be able to bike or run), we'll get rid of our second car, we'll be reducing the amount of hours in a week when we need childcare (a bonus!) and our caregiver will live nearby and be able to walk to our place everyday (great, we can even "green" our caregiver!). Finally, we'll be reducing our overall energy needs by a ) purchasing a smaller house and b) purchasing a smaller house which is being built to meet the Energy Star rating (you can find out more about this program here: http://www.energystar.gov/).
This wasn't necessarily an easy decision to make and to be honest, we're viewing it as a bit of an experiment. We struggled with concerns about our kids' safety in the city, which schools they would eventually go to and accommodating our (big golden retriever) dog's needs. It took a careful analysis of finances, family needs and location. I have to admit, the decision was easier for me than it was for Ecopapa, although he's getting quite excited now about being so close to the Ottawa river and being able to go canoeing at the drop of a hat (for those of you in Ottawa, the house we've bought is in Edinburgh Common, along the Vanier Parkway, at the edge of Beechwood Avenue). In the end, by trading space we don't currently use, we'll be gaining time, money, and the satisfaction of knowing that we're embracing a lifestyle that truly meshes with our inner convictions.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Bunching Onions CSA
This year, our family is getting serious about produce. One of my best friends, Dava, has been telling us about the Bunching Onions CSA in our end of town for years now and we've decided to hop on board and buy a share for our family. CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture. In Ottawa East, we are blessed to have Tucker House (tuckerhouse.ca) and its plentiful gardens. In a CSA, a family or group of four people buys a “share” in a farmer's crop in the early spring, and picks up (or has delivered) their box of fresh seasonal produce once a week from mid-June to the end of September.
In this cooperative community venture, the farmer gains by getting the money when it is most needed – at planting time – and is assured of an income during the growing season. The consumer gains by getting an affordable, ever-changing abundance of fresh, safe, healthy vegetables and herbs throughout the growing season. The environment benefits too, because organic food is grown in a manner that prioritizes the health of the land, the community and your family. No insecticides, herbicides, fungicides or artificial fertilizers are used. Wasteful packaging and transportation pollution are also reduced.
Adds my friend Dava about Tucker House gardens:
The Tucker House Organic gardens were started in 1999 by Colin and Isobel McGregor originally to provide fresh organic snacks to the children who were attending the summer Country Fun Nature Camp at Tucker House. It also gave city kids a chance to learn that food comes from the Earth and not plastic containers in supermarkets. The gardens grew from these humble beginnings into our present day bustling CSA! We now staff a full-time head gardener as well as an assistant, who are supported by many tireless and dedicated volunteers. We still provide organic goodies to the children who attend the summer camps, and they learn all about composting, bugs and nature!
If you are interested in learning more about Organic gardening, and would like to help out in the gardens, please contact the Volunteer Coordinator Dava McKay at volunteers@tuckerhouse.ca or visit our website for more details http://tuckerhouse.ca/programs-gardens.php
So go on, if you're local, join the Bunching Onions CSA! Or, if you're not, dig a bit, and you will find a similar program near you (or if you're the ambitious kind, start your own!!). The earth will thank you for it and so will your tummies (and wallets) !
In this cooperative community venture, the farmer gains by getting the money when it is most needed – at planting time – and is assured of an income during the growing season. The consumer gains by getting an affordable, ever-changing abundance of fresh, safe, healthy vegetables and herbs throughout the growing season. The environment benefits too, because organic food is grown in a manner that prioritizes the health of the land, the community and your family. No insecticides, herbicides, fungicides or artificial fertilizers are used. Wasteful packaging and transportation pollution are also reduced.
Adds my friend Dava about Tucker House gardens:
The Tucker House Organic gardens were started in 1999 by Colin and Isobel McGregor originally to provide fresh organic snacks to the children who were attending the summer Country Fun Nature Camp at Tucker House. It also gave city kids a chance to learn that food comes from the Earth and not plastic containers in supermarkets. The gardens grew from these humble beginnings into our present day bustling CSA! We now staff a full-time head gardener as well as an assistant, who are supported by many tireless and dedicated volunteers. We still provide organic goodies to the children who attend the summer camps, and they learn all about composting, bugs and nature!
If you are interested in learning more about Organic gardening, and would like to help out in the gardens, please contact the Volunteer Coordinator Dava McKay at volunteers@tuckerhouse.ca or visit our website for more details http://tuckerhouse.ca/programs-gardens.php
So go on, if you're local, join the Bunching Onions CSA! Or, if you're not, dig a bit, and you will find a similar program near you (or if you're the ambitious kind, start your own!!). The earth will thank you for it and so will your tummies (and wallets) !
Bunching Onions CSA
This year, our family is getting serious about produce. One of my best friends, Dava, has been telling us about the Bunching Onions CSA in our end of town for years now and we've decided to hop on board and buy a share for our family. CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture. In Ottawa East, we are blessed to have Tucker House (tuckerhouse.ca) and its plentiful gardens. In a CSA, a family or group of four people buys a “share” in a farmer's crop in the early spring, and picks up (or has delivered) their box of fresh seasonal produce once a week from mid-June to the end of September.
In this cooperative community venture, the farmer gains by getting the money when it is most needed – at planting time – and is assured of an income during the growing season. The consumer gains by getting an affordable, ever-changing abundance of fresh, safe, healthy vegetables and herbs throughout the growing season. The environment benefits too, because organic food is grown in a manner that prioritizes the health of the land, the community and your family. No insecticides, herbicides, fungicides or artificial fertilizers are used. Wasteful packaging and transportation pollution are also reduced.
Adds my friend Dava about Tucker House gardens:
The Tucker House Organic gardens were started in 1999 by Colin and Isobel McGregor originally to provide fresh organic snacks to the children who were attending the summer Country Fun Nature Camp at Tucker House. It also gave city kids a chance to learn that food comes from the Earth and not plastic containers in supermarkets. The gardens grew from these humble beginnings into our present day bustling CSA! We now staff a full-time head gardener as well as an assistant, who are supported by many tireless and dedicated volunteers. We still provide organic goodies to the children who attend the summer camps, and they learn all about composting, bugs and nature!
If you are interested in learning more about Organic gardening, and would like to help out in the gardens, please contact the Volunteer Coordinator Dava McKay at volunteers@tuckerhouse.ca or visit our website for more details http://tuckerhouse.ca/programs-gardens.php
So go on, if you're local, join the Bunching Onions CSA! Or, if you're not, dig a bit, and you will find a similar program near you (or if you're the ambitious kind, start your own!!). The earth will thank you for it and so will your tummies (and wallets) !
In this cooperative community venture, the farmer gains by getting the money when it is most needed – at planting time – and is assured of an income during the growing season. The consumer gains by getting an affordable, ever-changing abundance of fresh, safe, healthy vegetables and herbs throughout the growing season. The environment benefits too, because organic food is grown in a manner that prioritizes the health of the land, the community and your family. No insecticides, herbicides, fungicides or artificial fertilizers are used. Wasteful packaging and transportation pollution are also reduced.
Adds my friend Dava about Tucker House gardens:
The Tucker House Organic gardens were started in 1999 by Colin and Isobel McGregor originally to provide fresh organic snacks to the children who were attending the summer Country Fun Nature Camp at Tucker House. It also gave city kids a chance to learn that food comes from the Earth and not plastic containers in supermarkets. The gardens grew from these humble beginnings into our present day bustling CSA! We now staff a full-time head gardener as well as an assistant, who are supported by many tireless and dedicated volunteers. We still provide organic goodies to the children who attend the summer camps, and they learn all about composting, bugs and nature!
If you are interested in learning more about Organic gardening, and would like to help out in the gardens, please contact the Volunteer Coordinator Dava McKay at volunteers@tuckerhouse.ca or visit our website for more details http://tuckerhouse.ca/programs-gardens.php
So go on, if you're local, join the Bunching Onions CSA! Or, if you're not, dig a bit, and you will find a similar program near you (or if you're the ambitious kind, start your own!!). The earth will thank you for it and so will your tummies (and wallets) !
Friday, March 7, 2008
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
ecomama.ca Kiosk
You've asked for it, and we're very happy to oblige! A brand new ecomama.ca kiosk is coming soon in Ottawa . It will be located at 2675 Innes Road, Unit 3, inside Precious One's, a mum and kids consignment shop. Both Melissa (the owner) and me (Natalie) are very excited about this partnership! Precious One's and ecomama.ca fit together like a pair of green gloves on two hands. On the one hand we have re-using and recycling (very green!) and on the other we have earth-friendly products for your parenting needs that won't break the bank (just as green!). The same great lineup featured on our web site will be available at the kiosk. And, while you're there, it will be the perfect place to shop for great bargain clothing for your kids or even drop off items no longer used and make a few dollars in the process (to drop off items for consignment, please book an appointment by calling Melissa at (613) 845-0017 - she'd love to hear from you!). We're targetting mid-March for a grand opening. Details of an exact date (and specials!) will follow shortly. Stay tuned!
ecomama.ca Kiosk
You've asked for it, and we're very happy to oblige! A brand new ecomama.ca kiosk is coming soon in Ottawa . It will be located at 2675 Innes Road, Unit 3, inside Precious One's, a mum and kids consignment shop. Both Melissa (the owner) and me (Natalie) are very excited about this partnership! Precious One's and ecomama.ca fit together like a pair of green gloves on two hands. On the one hand we have re-using and recycling (very green!) and on the other we have earth-friendly products for your parenting needs that won't break the bank (just as green!). The same great lineup featured on our web site will be available at the kiosk. And, while you're there, it will be the perfect place to shop for great bargain clothing for your kids or even drop off items no longer used and make a few dollars in the process (to drop off items for consignment, please book an appointment by calling Melissa at (613) 845-0017 - she'd love to hear from you!). We're targetting mid-March for a grand opening. Details of an exact date (and specials!) will follow shortly. Stay tuned!
Monday, March 3, 2008
March Newsletter
For those of you not yet signed up to receive it, here it is:
Dear friends of ecomama.ca™,
Thank you for your continued support. I always look forward to communicating updates and promotions. March is a special month for me. It signals the beginning of Spring and the re-greening of nature (at least here in Canada, where the sap will start to flow in trees and later buds will appear) and it is also my birthday. And this year, March is all the more welcome since it comes after two especially challenging months. Though they were filled with blessings too, we are not sad to see January and February relegated to the annals of our history. ecomama.ca has enjoyed more steady growth (a blessing for sure!) but on a personal note, one of our sons, John, was diagnosed with a serious spinal infection. We spent much time at CHEO, as in- and out-patients, and for a while John sported a very cool, but quite cumbersome PICC line (IV) through which he received his regular doses of antibiotics. He gave us quite a scare, and in the end, it could have been much worse, so we are very grateful that he is expected to make a full recovery (our most cherished blessing).
I am also very excited about March because our g-diapers are finally here. Stock up early, they are already going fast! g-Diapers are new in Canada (we are among the first to carry the line!) and in case you’re still wondering what they’re all about, let me explain. They are really the best of both worlds: the convenience of a disposable diaper in a cloth diaper. The great thing about them is that you need fewer of the actual diapers since they don't need to be washed with every use. I use them with our kids. I flush out the disposable absorbent liners (which are completely biodegradable) at every diaper change (in the summer I will compost them) and change the inner liner as needed (each g-pant has an extra two). At the end of the day, I launder the g-pants and inner liners, hang to dry, and reuse again the next day. Right now we carry the kits (which contain 2 `little g' pants, 10 plastic-free, flushable refills, a swishstick and a H.U.G. (handy user's guide)) in small, medium and large, and the refill packs. The kits are $38.50 and refill packs $18.75. Our g-diapers page should be up very shortly, but in the meantime, to place your order, please e-mail us directly at customerservice@ecomama.ca.
Also new this month at ecomama.ca (well since mid-February, but they’re still new really) are Druide’s Shea Butter Lip Balms which come in Vanilla or Citrus. They are made of 36% pure shea butter, with 100% of their ingredients from natural origin. They go on smoothly and protect for hours. And, as I mentioned in our blog, they don’t smell like you would want to eat them (why would you want to anyway). They truly are a refreshing change from all of those drugstore lip balms which smell and taste like chemical candies.
New as well since my last newsletter are our blog and Facebook groups!! Many of you have checked them out already and shared them with friends. If you haven’t yet, please feel free to do so. We are really hoping to make ecomama.ca more than just an online retailer; we want to make it a meeting place of like-minded individuals. And with our blog and Facebook groups, we’re working on getting there.
And, last but not least, another reason to be excited this Spring: we are introducing a real live ecomama.ca kiosk in a local mum and baby consignment store!! We’re aiming to have it up and running by the end of March, so please stay tuned. I will be posting regular updates on our blog, and sending out an announcement as we get closer to the launch! This kiosk will be perfect for those of you who are local – it will be a great place to pick up your order and avoid shipping fees. It will also be the place to find nice clothes for your kids at bargain prices (and reuse and recycle!). And, I will be there for a few hours each week and be looking forward to meeting you in person.
In the meantime, take care, and stay green.
Sincerely,
Natalie Carriere McGowan
ecomama.ca
Dear friends of ecomama.ca™,
Thank you for your continued support. I always look forward to communicating updates and promotions. March is a special month for me. It signals the beginning of Spring and the re-greening of nature (at least here in Canada, where the sap will start to flow in trees and later buds will appear) and it is also my birthday. And this year, March is all the more welcome since it comes after two especially challenging months. Though they were filled with blessings too, we are not sad to see January and February relegated to the annals of our history. ecomama.ca has enjoyed more steady growth (a blessing for sure!) but on a personal note, one of our sons, John, was diagnosed with a serious spinal infection. We spent much time at CHEO, as in- and out-patients, and for a while John sported a very cool, but quite cumbersome PICC line (IV) through which he received his regular doses of antibiotics. He gave us quite a scare, and in the end, it could have been much worse, so we are very grateful that he is expected to make a full recovery (our most cherished blessing).
I am also very excited about March because our g-diapers are finally here. Stock up early, they are already going fast! g-Diapers are new in Canada (we are among the first to carry the line!) and in case you’re still wondering what they’re all about, let me explain. They are really the best of both worlds: the convenience of a disposable diaper in a cloth diaper. The great thing about them is that you need fewer of the actual diapers since they don't need to be washed with every use. I use them with our kids. I flush out the disposable absorbent liners (which are completely biodegradable) at every diaper change (in the summer I will compost them) and change the inner liner as needed (each g-pant has an extra two). At the end of the day, I launder the g-pants and inner liners, hang to dry, and reuse again the next day. Right now we carry the kits (which contain 2 `little g' pants, 10 plastic-free, flushable refills, a swishstick and a H.U.G. (handy user's guide)) in small, medium and large, and the refill packs. The kits are $38.50 and refill packs $18.75. Our g-diapers page should be up very shortly, but in the meantime, to place your order, please e-mail us directly at customerservice@ecomama.ca.
Also new this month at ecomama.ca (well since mid-February, but they’re still new really) are Druide’s Shea Butter Lip Balms which come in Vanilla or Citrus. They are made of 36% pure shea butter, with 100% of their ingredients from natural origin. They go on smoothly and protect for hours. And, as I mentioned in our blog, they don’t smell like you would want to eat them (why would you want to anyway). They truly are a refreshing change from all of those drugstore lip balms which smell and taste like chemical candies.
New as well since my last newsletter are our blog and Facebook groups!! Many of you have checked them out already and shared them with friends. If you haven’t yet, please feel free to do so. We are really hoping to make ecomama.ca more than just an online retailer; we want to make it a meeting place of like-minded individuals. And with our blog and Facebook groups, we’re working on getting there.
And, last but not least, another reason to be excited this Spring: we are introducing a real live ecomama.ca kiosk in a local mum and baby consignment store!! We’re aiming to have it up and running by the end of March, so please stay tuned. I will be posting regular updates on our blog, and sending out an announcement as we get closer to the launch! This kiosk will be perfect for those of you who are local – it will be a great place to pick up your order and avoid shipping fees. It will also be the place to find nice clothes for your kids at bargain prices (and reuse and recycle!). And, I will be there for a few hours each week and be looking forward to meeting you in person.
In the meantime, take care, and stay green.
Sincerely,
Natalie Carriere McGowan
ecomama.ca
March Newsletter
For those of you not yet signed up to receive it, here it is:
Dear friends of ecomama.ca™,
Thank you for your continued support. I always look forward to communicating updates and promotions. March is a special month for me. It signals the beginning of Spring and the re-greening of nature (at least here in Canada, where the sap will start to flow in trees and later buds will appear) and it is also my birthday. And this year, March is all the more welcome since it comes after two especially challenging months. Though they were filled with blessings too, we are not sad to see January and February relegated to the annals of our history. ecomama.ca has enjoyed more steady growth (a blessing for sure!) but on a personal note, one of our sons, John, was diagnosed with a serious spinal infection. We spent much time at CHEO, as in- and out-patients, and for a while John sported a very cool, but quite cumbersome PICC line (IV) through which he received his regular doses of antibiotics. He gave us quite a scare, and in the end, it could have been much worse, so we are very grateful that he is expected to make a full recovery (our most cherished blessing).
I am also very excited about March because our g-diapers are finally here. Stock up early, they are already going fast! g-Diapers are new in Canada (we are among the first to carry the line!) and in case you’re still wondering what they’re all about, let me explain. They are really the best of both worlds: the convenience of a disposable diaper in a cloth diaper. The great thing about them is that you need fewer of the actual diapers since they don't need to be washed with every use. I use them with our kids. I flush out the disposable absorbent liners (which are completely biodegradable) at every diaper change (in the summer I will compost them) and change the inner liner as needed (each g-pant has an extra two). At the end of the day, I launder the g-pants and inner liners, hang to dry, and reuse again the next day. Right now we carry the kits (which contain 2 `little g' pants, 10 plastic-free, flushable refills, a swishstick and a H.U.G. (handy user's guide)) in small, medium and large, and the refill packs. The kits are $38.50 and refill packs $18.75. Our g-diapers page should be up very shortly, but in the meantime, to place your order, please e-mail us directly at customerservice@ecomama.ca.
Also new this month at ecomama.ca (well since mid-February, but they’re still new really) are Druide’s Shea Butter Lip Balms which come in Vanilla or Citrus. They are made of 36% pure shea butter, with 100% of their ingredients from natural origin. They go on smoothly and protect for hours. And, as I mentioned in our blog, they don’t smell like you would want to eat them (why would you want to anyway). They truly are a refreshing change from all of those drugstore lip balms which smell and taste like chemical candies.
New as well since my last newsletter are our blog and Facebook groups!! Many of you have checked them out already and shared them with friends. If you haven’t yet, please feel free to do so. We are really hoping to make ecomama.ca more than just an online retailer; we want to make it a meeting place of like-minded individuals. And with our blog and Facebook groups, we’re working on getting there.
And, last but not least, another reason to be excited this Spring: we are introducing a real live ecomama.ca kiosk in a local mum and baby consignment store!! We’re aiming to have it up and running by the end of March, so please stay tuned. I will be posting regular updates on our blog, and sending out an announcement as we get closer to the launch! This kiosk will be perfect for those of you who are local – it will be a great place to pick up your order and avoid shipping fees. It will also be the place to find nice clothes for your kids at bargain prices (and reuse and recycle!). And, I will be there for a few hours each week and be looking forward to meeting you in person.
In the meantime, take care, and stay green.
Sincerely,
Natalie Carriere McGowan
ecomama.ca
Dear friends of ecomama.ca™,
Thank you for your continued support. I always look forward to communicating updates and promotions. March is a special month for me. It signals the beginning of Spring and the re-greening of nature (at least here in Canada, where the sap will start to flow in trees and later buds will appear) and it is also my birthday. And this year, March is all the more welcome since it comes after two especially challenging months. Though they were filled with blessings too, we are not sad to see January and February relegated to the annals of our history. ecomama.ca has enjoyed more steady growth (a blessing for sure!) but on a personal note, one of our sons, John, was diagnosed with a serious spinal infection. We spent much time at CHEO, as in- and out-patients, and for a while John sported a very cool, but quite cumbersome PICC line (IV) through which he received his regular doses of antibiotics. He gave us quite a scare, and in the end, it could have been much worse, so we are very grateful that he is expected to make a full recovery (our most cherished blessing).
I am also very excited about March because our g-diapers are finally here. Stock up early, they are already going fast! g-Diapers are new in Canada (we are among the first to carry the line!) and in case you’re still wondering what they’re all about, let me explain. They are really the best of both worlds: the convenience of a disposable diaper in a cloth diaper. The great thing about them is that you need fewer of the actual diapers since they don't need to be washed with every use. I use them with our kids. I flush out the disposable absorbent liners (which are completely biodegradable) at every diaper change (in the summer I will compost them) and change the inner liner as needed (each g-pant has an extra two). At the end of the day, I launder the g-pants and inner liners, hang to dry, and reuse again the next day. Right now we carry the kits (which contain 2 `little g' pants, 10 plastic-free, flushable refills, a swishstick and a H.U.G. (handy user's guide)) in small, medium and large, and the refill packs. The kits are $38.50 and refill packs $18.75. Our g-diapers page should be up very shortly, but in the meantime, to place your order, please e-mail us directly at customerservice@ecomama.ca.
Also new this month at ecomama.ca (well since mid-February, but they’re still new really) are Druide’s Shea Butter Lip Balms which come in Vanilla or Citrus. They are made of 36% pure shea butter, with 100% of their ingredients from natural origin. They go on smoothly and protect for hours. And, as I mentioned in our blog, they don’t smell like you would want to eat them (why would you want to anyway). They truly are a refreshing change from all of those drugstore lip balms which smell and taste like chemical candies.
New as well since my last newsletter are our blog and Facebook groups!! Many of you have checked them out already and shared them with friends. If you haven’t yet, please feel free to do so. We are really hoping to make ecomama.ca more than just an online retailer; we want to make it a meeting place of like-minded individuals. And with our blog and Facebook groups, we’re working on getting there.
And, last but not least, another reason to be excited this Spring: we are introducing a real live ecomama.ca kiosk in a local mum and baby consignment store!! We’re aiming to have it up and running by the end of March, so please stay tuned. I will be posting regular updates on our blog, and sending out an announcement as we get closer to the launch! This kiosk will be perfect for those of you who are local – it will be a great place to pick up your order and avoid shipping fees. It will also be the place to find nice clothes for your kids at bargain prices (and reuse and recycle!). And, I will be there for a few hours each week and be looking forward to meeting you in person.
In the meantime, take care, and stay green.
Sincerely,
Natalie Carriere McGowan
ecomama.ca
Saturday, March 1, 2008
g-Diapers
I can't contain my excitement so I'm going the spill the beans! We loooooove the g-diapers so much that we've decided to bring them in for our customers! In fact, I know I am getting ahead of myself here because our g-diapers page is still under construction (sorry Sam!) but we've even received our first shipment yesterday! For now we carry the kits (which contain 2 `little g' pants, 10 plastic-free, flushable refills, a swishstick and a H.U.G (handy user's guide)) in small, medium and large, and the refill packs. The kits are $38.50 and refill packs $18.75. If you'd like to place an advance order, please e-mail us directly at customerservice@ecomama.ca. Some of you have already been in touch about them and your orders are being filled. Our g-diapers page should be up very soon, keep checking back often.
Try them, and I know you will fall in love with them!
Try them, and I know you will fall in love with them!
g-Diapers
I can't contain my excitement so I'm going the spill the beans! We loooooove the g-diapers so much that we've decided to bring them in for our customers! In fact, I know I am getting ahead of myself here because our g-diapers page is still under construction (sorry Sam!) but we've even received our first shipment yesterday! For now we carry the kits (which contain 2 `little g' pants, 10 plastic-free, flushable refills, a swishstick and a H.U.G (handy user's guide)) in small, medium and large, and the refill packs. The kits are $38.50 and refill packs $18.75. If you'd like to place an advance order, please e-mail us directly at customerservice@ecomama.ca. Some of you have already been in touch about them and your orders are being filled. Our g-diapers page should be up very soon, keep checking back often.
Try them, and I know you will fall in love with them!
Try them, and I know you will fall in love with them!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
