Is cleaning my home with vinegar enough to kill germs? -Natalia of Vancouver Yes. Acetic acid or white vinegar is a great disinfectant. It also acts as a deodorizer and cuts grease. And you can tackle household bacteria like salmonella, … Continue Reading
At what point should I consider car-sharing? - Stephanie of Vancouver Car-sharing is a suitable transportation option to complement eco-friendlier alternatives like walking, busing and biking. It’s not just a viable choice when assessing your need for a second family … Continue Reading
What’s a natural playground? And who builds them? -Jodi of Toronto Natural playgrounds bring children back to nature! Imagine a schoolyard, daycare or public park with fallen logs, tree stumps to sit on, vertical log forts and a slide built … Continue Reading
How can I avoid toxic flame retardants in my home? – Karen of Ottawa If you don’t plan to get rid of your TV and furniture, the simple answer is to dust. Studies have shown that consumer products, not industrial … Continue Reading
What’s the eco-friendliest way to get rid of ants in my house? -Kent of Montreal As a temporary fix, try diatomaceous earth. Say that three times fast! It said to be safer than using borax (sodium borate), especially if you … Continue Reading
What’s the eco-friendliest shower curtain? Andrea of Ottawa I’ll tell you what’s not: PVC or plastic number 3. If you have a shower curtain made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), you should recycle it. Polyvinyl chloride is known to give off … Continue Reading
I have a problem with wasps in my yard. What can I do? Nick of Regina As we head into fall, insect populations in general will start to decline. And wasps will begin to bother bumblebees and honeybees — especially … Continue Reading
Rain barrels can be purchased from your local hardware or garden store. In fact, the Capital Regional District’s website has a complete list of rain barrel retailers in the Victoria, B.C., area under the Water Services section. You can also … Continue Reading
Is peat moss an eco-friendly option for my yard and garden? -Lesley of Edmonton Not really. In nature, peat accumulates at a rate of half to one millimetre per year! And harvesting peat moss is like mining — a top … Continue Reading
You’ll want to choose eggs from happy chickens! Eating a planet-friendly diet includes consuming less meat, eggs and dairy products. But if you buy eggs, consume those that are humanely raised. These days, egg cartons make claims like “cage-free,” “free-run” … Continue Reading
