In his bestselling book on climate change, Hot Flat and Crowded, Tom Friedman includes a chapter on what he refers to as “global weirding”. What he is referring to with this phrase is “increased variability” in the climate, as opposed to a uniform, linear increase in temperature that many have come to expect as the earth’s average daily temperature increases.

This is because the laws of nature do not behave in ways that are wholly predictable. Have you heard of the butterfly effect? Or chaos theory? Or the idea of logarithmic feedback loops?  There are so many factors interacting with each other to create the experience of a snowstorm, or a drought, or a flood, or a hurricane, that it becomes increasingly difficult to predict exactly how or when climate change will show up in our day or our year or even in this century. What we do know is that we should expect the unexpected.

That means that a typical fall may be followed by daffodils in January, followed by a typical spring and a summer that is much colder than usual, and then the complete absence of fall and then a winter with record low temperatures and blizzards. In other words, all sort of extremes with a lack of predictability built-in.

This is why our weather reporters have been so rarely on the mark this last year or two. The carefully built predictive meteorology models that scientists have traditionally used to tell us what to expect the next day or next week are falling apart in the face of this “increased variability”.

I’m a sailor, and I can tell you that the difficulty in predicting the future weather had big implications for me when I took our family sailboat out this last August for a month-long trip along the north shore of Lake Ontario. A lighting storm that hit the lake on August 9 was not predicted, inspiring an article in the Toronto Star about “meteorologist-bashing” that pointed out that the public was getting increasingly irate with inexact predictions. For my part, I was stranded on my boat that night outside a harbour with a badly marked channel. Had I known about the lightning storm I would not have been on the lake. On the other hand, if I were to not set out at all every time the forecast said there was a “chance of thundershowers”, I would not have set out on my boat at all.

When our friends and neighbors who are skeptical about global warming, pointing out that the current summer has never been colder or that the current winter has never been as severe,  you can lean towards them and say “climate change means increased variability” with a knowing look.

What does all this mean for us in our daily lives? It means that we should stay flexible and low-to-the-ground when it comes to planning our gardens, our outdoor activities, our wardrobes, our home renovations.  Be ready for anything, expect the unexpected, and then you can enjoy the beauty an intense lightning stormin the summer or a long hike on a mild winter Saturday.

A lightning bolt strikes over Highway 404 South as a major thunderstorm rolls through the GTA Aug. 9, 2009, as seen from the Finch Ave. overpass. ADRIEN VECZAN/TORONTO STAR

Just when we thought that bamboo was the perfect eco-fabric: sustainable, green and a wonderfully soft, we hear some disturbing contrary opinions. It is often the case that things seem too good to be true or things look good on the surface but can be misleading.

We haven’t given up on bamboo – but it does require a careful look because as is often said, “the devil is in the details”.

Bamboo crop:

Did you know that there are more than 1000 species of bamboo? It happens to be one of the most renewable resources on earth and one of the fastest growing - it grows at a remarkable rate of four feet a day. Practically all the bamboo comes from China. It is a renewable and sustainable resource that requires low amounts of water, and does not require artificial pesticides or fertilizers … It is also fully biodegradable. A great feature is that bamboo is abundant in many rural areas where economic development is limited, so it can provide significant social benefit.

The bamboo fibres, correctly described as “rayon from bamboo” produce clothing which is soft and durable especially when combined with organic cotton. The hollow fibres of bamboo give it remarkable breathing properties and so it is able to absorb moisture for greater comfort.

The Concerns:

From forest to closet it is all about supply chain…one needs to be concerned not only with the links in the chain but also the process at each step.

Farming - Bamboo is grown in plantations and in general is free from concerns but we might want to ensure the farming processes used are organic.

Processing - Harsh chemicals, such as caustic soda, may be used to break down the bamboo fibres. It is important to know how carefully the process is controlled and whether the harmful compounds are allowed to escape into the environment. Caustic soda is approved for use in textiles under the Global Organic Textile Standard. The key issue is whether the chemicals are recycled or disposed of appropriately.

Fabrication - Although the bamboo fibres are acceptable and “green”, the blending fabric may not be (such is cotton or synthetics that are not organic).

The Mark - Check for a certification mark that signifies material sourcing, process details and testing completeness.

Along the way companies make choices in how to do things. As a consumer you have a choice too. Don’t be afraid to ask questions!

Editors note (Trevor Smith):

Green Cricket bamboo products from our supplier Guats are made from “Tenbro” fibres. Tenbro fibre is certified to the Oeko-Tex Standard 100 which guarantees thorough testing throughout the supply chain, from raw material through intermediate processes to end product fabrication. The testing is for substances and chemicals, regulated by law and known to be harmful to health.

All process parameters are carefully controlled and 100% of the caustic soda is recycled.

As earth’s population continues to grow, more people are beginning to understand the impact of feeding six-billion hungry mouths. Harmful pesticides and modern farming methods contribute to both global warming and the overuse of natural resources, meaning it’s increasingly important to wonder about the future of this planet. Part of the solution lies in choosing eco-friendly products. This will reduce the impact of your carbon footprint and help sustain earth’s resources.

Best of all, Green Cricket (www.greencricket.ca) has you covered. Regular cotton is one of the world’s most important crops and accounts for 16% of global pesticide use. On the other hand, our adult and baby clothing is made from organically grown cotton, leading to healthier soil and cleaner air. It’s the same with our coffee which we import from various organic suppliers around the world. The flavour is superb and there is far less damage to the soil than with conventional methods.

Again, as we look towards the future, it is imperative to choose products that will help sustain our natural resources. Green Cricket has plenty of eco-friendly options, including chemical-free cleaners, biodegradable leaf bags and stainless steel water bottles. Each is designed to keep our world clean, while recycling material whenever possible. With Green Cricket, it’s easy to make these choices and keep earth healthy for generations to come.

[written by Dan Levine]

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.

As a Canadian living in America, I have learned many things about the differences in our cultures. There are many. Americans say that Canadians have so many more long weekends. I count 12 if you include Family Day in three provinces. In fact, Americans are correct – there are nine official holidays in America. With Civic Day and Labour Day right around the corner, you need an appropriate host(ess) gift, right?

Long weekends in Canada are precious. They usually involve family, friends, and travelling. And Canadian summers can seem so short sometimes. So when you receive the invitation to your friend’s cottage, a visit to your kid’s camp, a brunch on the beach, baby shower, wedding, or a barbeque on the back deck in the city, you want to bring a gift for the host(ess). And you know you want to make a difference and make your gift “green”. Here are my top picks from www.greencricket.ca.

1. Check out the Cottage Weekender Gift Basket. This is a perfect gift for your host(ess). Tea, reusable water bottles, chocolate, a cookbook, and Green Cricket hand lotion, hand soap and dish soap.

2. A selection of coffee and tea. Everyone needs a jolt after a big barbeque, a soothing cup of tea after a long swim or hot tub. And as the dew dries on the lawn in the early morning sunlight, nothing beats a hot cup of joe. Sweet nectar of the morning!

3. Summer brings out two nasty things – our desire for a tan (usually ends up as a burn), and bugs. Chances are that your host(ess) has a collection of preventative balms and lotions, but they may not be totally “green”. Green Cricket has screened them all. A bit of sunscreen and bug repellent will make you and your host(ess) very happy.

Have a safe and happy long weekend!

(written by David Greene)

It seems like summer will never come – but let’s hope August will be better! Make your day in the country special AND GREEN. Choose from Green Cricket’s selection of green picnic-friendly items that reflect the 3 R’s: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. (We often instinctively go to the recycle option when reuse may in fact be the better choice.)

Start by grabbing one of our tote bags, a blanket, steel water bottle and reusable cutlery and plastic plates that don’t break and are not like paper plates that bend and drop your salad on the ground!

Brew yourself a mug of organic coffee or tea at home to take with you in the insulated “not a paper cup” mug complete with non-spill cover. Napkins made from recycled fibres are always handy too. Select your picnic food but don’t forget the snacks: mints, organic chocolate and gummy bears!

Outside means you will need sunscreen and insect repellent and it wouldn’t hurt to pack a hoodie, just in case the bugs get really bad!

And finally choose a fun book, like “Sleeping Naked is Green”, to take with you that will show you the homourous side of becoming green one step, or one picnic, at a time.

…Enjoy!

The following individuals deserve a special place in every greenie’s heart. All are compelling figures whose work and works have the ability to delight and inspire those of us who count stewardship for the earth among our key values.

Bob Hunter (Canadian) The first President of Greenpeace, Bob was a long-time campaigner for environmental causes. He lead the first on-sea anti-whaling campaigns in the world, and campaigned against nuclear testing, the Canadian seal hunt and later, climate change.

Al Gore (American)  In 2007, he shared the Nobel Peace Prize with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Gore also starred in the 2006 documentary An Inconvenient Truth, which made climate change a household concern in the United States.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (American) An outspoken activist and mesmerizing speaker on behalf of the environment, Kennedy founded The Waterkeeper Alliance, which connects and supports local waterkeeper groups. Today there are 191 waterkeeper programs worldwide.

Arnold Schwarzenegger (American) Republican politician who signed a bill creating North America’s first cap on greenhouse gas emissions and signed a second global warming bill that prohibits large utilities and corporations in California from making long-term contracts with suppliers who do not meet the state’s greenhouse gas emission standards.

Frances Moore Lappé (American) Her book Diet for a Small Planet argued that world hunger is caused not by the lack of food but rather by the inability of hungry people to gain access to the abundant amount of food that exists in the world and/or food-producing resources because they are simply too poor.

Farley Mowat (Canadian) is a fabled conservationist and one of Canada’s most widely-read authors. Many of his most popular works have been memoirs of his childhood, his war service, and his work as a naturalist.

E.F. Shumacher (German) His book Small is Beautiful, a collection of essays, brought his ideas to a wider audience. One of his main arguments in Small is Beautiful is that we cannot consider the problem of technological production solved if it requires that we recklessly erode our finite natural capital and deprive future generations of its benefits. Schumacher’s work coincided with the growth of ecological concerns and  he became a hero to many in the environmental movement.

Wangari Matthai (Kenyan) in the 1970s, Maathai founded the Green Belt Movement, an environmental non-governmental organization focused on the planting of trees, environmental conservation, and women’s rights. In 2004 she became the first African woman, and the first environmentalist, to receive the Nobel Peace Prize.

Petra Kelly (German)  Kelly was instrumental in founding Die Grünen, the German Green Party in 1979. Between 1983 and 1990, she was a member of the Bundestag (German Parliament). Kelly received the Right Livelihood Award (also known as the Alternative Nobel Prize) in 1982 “…for forging and implementing a new vision uniting ecological concerns with disarmament, social justice, and human rights.”

Paul Hawken (American) author of The Ecology of Commerce, dedicated his life to changing the relationship between business and the environment, and between human and living systems in order to create a more just and sustainable world. His work includes starting and running ecological businesses, writing and teaching about the impact of commerce upon the environment.