Almost four months after Toronto’s bag tax began, the bylaw remains controversial. While some citizens are opposed to the 5-cent cost, others are thrilled to be eliminating unnecessary waste within the city.  It’s understandable that people will worry about their wallets during a recession, but the overuse of plastic had become a major problem. Studies showed Toronto residents using about 460 million plastic bags each year, with most ending up in landfills. Knowing that, it’s tough to argue with the bylaw, which encourages the use of reusable bags and should significantly cut down on waste. Here at Green Cricket, we have you covered, with affordable bags made from recycled paper and rice. Stylish, comfortable and durable, they can be used again and again, while eliminating the need for plastic.

Even so, accurate results will be crucial to measuring the success of Toronto’s bag tax, something the city’s politicians are worried about. Despite a fine for retailers who don’t charge, Councillor Michael Walker openly questioned their commitment. “There’s not enforcement, just a twice a year blitz,” he said yesterday. “It’s not a very enviable record for a politician if they pass all this stuff and then they don’t carry through.”

Still, private companies have come forward with very encouraging statistics. Loblaw, which began charging for plastic in April, has seen a 75% reduction in the use of those bags. Along with Sobeys, Shoppers Drug Mart and IKEA, Loblaw has committed portions of the tax income to various environmental groups.

Grab a reusable bag. Save yourself the tax, and help save the environment.

[written by Dan Levine]

For individuals, transitioning to a green lifestyle can be a difficult choice. Many people worry about spending extra cash or the inconvenience of searching for eco-friendly products.

It’s understandable, but it also ignores the long-term benefits of going green. Positive lifestyle choices contribute our wellbeing, while saving money down the road.

For example, filling up a water bottle each day beats buying cases of the plastic stuff, while eco-friendly cleaners allow families to breath easier and avoid health risks.

It’s not just individuals who face these tough decisions, as governments and businesses now understand the advantages of becoming eco-friendly. The McGuinty government recently announced a $600-milllion project to green 1,000 Ontario public schools by installing energy efficient windows. Indeed it’s costly, but the plan will save money in the future, while lowering greenhouse gas emissions.

Students and parents should take a cue from the government and consider the years ahead when deciding what to buy. We all want a clean planet and Green Cricket makes these choices easier by offering free Toronto deliveries (over $50.00) in cars powered by natural gas. Going green is an individual choice and one that we can all afford to make.

(written by Dan Levine)

We always associate fall with back to school.

For some of us, our child is beginning school, for others a student has left to begin college or university, some are experiencing an empty nest for the first time, others are returning to take courses as mature students.

But it’s back to school for all of us as we learn more about the impact our choices are having on the environment and in turn, the effects the environment has on us.

THIS YEAR why not take another step or two more in a green direction!

For school and office there are increasingly green options: paper, pens, pencils, markers, backpacks, drinking bottles, lunch boxes.

And, if a student you know has gone off to college or university, consider sending them a care package! Fairtrade organic coffee and chocolate are good companions on those essay-writing “all nighters”!

But watch out! Greenwashing* is all around us….  Greenwash (verb): the act of misleading consumers regarding the environmental practices of a company or the environmental benefits of a product or service

Have you seen examples of Greenwashing? Tell us about them. What specific topics are on your mind? How can companies like Green Cricket help consumers make better choices? We try to help with our Green Cricket Rating System for each product we sell.

Don’t be shy - reply to this blog - we appreciate your feedback.

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*TerraChoice Environmental Marketing, a leading environmental consulting group and developer of the EcoLogo third-party certification program has developed The Six (now seven) Sins of Greenwashing.