The Mindful Merchant

I am excited about the new Green Bin composting program that began yesterday in Ottawa. It will be interesting to see how many homes will participate since it got off to a bumpy start with complaints, opposition from residents living near the composting facility and other issues.  I think it is a positive thing for the environment and the city.  It is about time since many other municipalities have been composting for years.

The last few weeks we use the small kitchen container to collect organics and empty it into the big green bin at night. I am surprised at how quickly our family of 4 is filling it.   My frugal side is reluctant to spend almost $6.00 for 10 small food paper waste bags, (the City will not allow biobags/plastics in the compost) but  I am not willing to use the small bin without some type of liner. Green Bin Ottawa provides an economical alternative. Here is a short video on how to make easy origami bin liners out of old newspaper.  Do not worry the urge to wear it around as a hat wears off quickly.

I find the origami liners work only if you monitor the contents. The more liquid, the quicker it requires a dump and lock. No one wants to scrape up chicken chilli, dryer lint and coffee grounds off the garage floor. Trust.  I have a few friends experimenting with newspaper liners and the results are mixed. If you would like to compost with a liner this might be worth trying, especially if you want to save some money.

For more information visit the Green Bin Website where you will find instructions, teacher and parent guide and video, children’s activities and other helpful tips.  Click here for the 2010 pick-up schedule.

Have to be honest…I am not excited about cleaning and maintaining the green bin in the humid Ottawa summer. I look forward to reducing the garbage we set out on the curb and helping the planet. We all have a responsibility for our garbage. I hope the new composting program is a success.

How is your composting experience going?

Eventually I had to talk Prairie talk…it was only a matter of time.

I discover through years of friendship (and sometimes-red wine) that I know many people who grew up watching Little House on the Prairie and are closeted fans. This kinship runs deep, not obvious by our wearing of bonnets, lemon verbena perfume, or our distain for the name Nelly. It is our ability to quote verbatim Charles Ingalls and an odd yearning to write with chalk. We also share fears of falling down a well or waking up yelling, “I can’t see Pa!” If you did not grow up wishing you lived in Walnut Grove then you probably will not appreciate this post.

Planning my New Year’s resolutions for 2010, I decided to turn to the Little House for my inspiration and ask the question “What would Ma or Pa Ingalls do in our home?” Here is what I have come up with….

• I am going to use a broom and sweep more instead of hauling out the vacuum for every little mess.
• I will use cloths to clean and wipe up spills. I think I can fashion some out of old clothing too worn to donate.
• I will try to cook and bake things from scratch and move away from buying processed stuff.
• We are going to plant a vegetable garden this spring and live off the land. Actually…from whatever we can grow in containers on the patio.
• We will try to eat seasonally and support local farmers and merchants.
• We will make more effort to help in our community.
• Lastly, I want to learn to “air fiddle” just like Charles. By golly, that man could play a mean fake fiddle! I hope my family will dance around and clap while I air fiddle after dinner on Fridays. 

  Well those are my thoughts as this year ends. All silliness aside, I do want to live a simpler, greener life in 2010. Who is with me?

I wish you a very happy and healthy New Year!

                             I wish you all a peaceful and joyful holiday.

                               And a healthy and prosperous New Year!

                       Looking forward to making 2010 a little greener…together.