Springtime Flowers

Jim Dubois, one of our online supporters, recently sent us a beautiful array of spingtime flowers that can be found along the Quinsam river in British Columbia. Thanks for sharing Jim. If you like Jim's work make sure to visit his website at http://www.theineleganteagle.com/.

Pink Fawn Lily

Swamp Lantern (also known as skunk cabbage)

Salmonberry

Lady's Smock

Yellow Wood Violet

Climate Change Bill Faces Imminent Vote: Tell Your MP to Support It!

Remember Bill C-311, the bill that many of us were hoping would set a scientific target for Canada's commitments in Copenhagen? Well, we know how sadly Copenhagen turned out. But the Bill might still make a difference. That is, if we all contact our MPs before April 14th and ask them to support it! The situation the Bill is under is urgent and complex; best explained by the MP who introduced the Bill:

"An urgent message from Bruce Hyer, MP Thunder Bay - Superior North who introduced Bill C-311 - The Climate Change Accountability Act:

Because of a surprise procedural motion foisted upon the House of Commons by the Conservatives just as the debate on Bill C-311 was about to begin, things are drastically different from what was originally expected. The debate on the bill was cancelled, and there will now be a crucial vote in the House on April 14 that will determine its fate. It will be a simple vote: support the Climate Change Accountability Act going forward to Third Reading, or not. If the vote fails, the bill dies. Our fear is that with a procedural vote coming with so little notice, many MPs won't realize the significance of the vote...

We know the NDP and Bloc caucuses will be there on April 14 to vote in support of C-311. But many years of work on the only climate change bill in Parliament will come to an end, in obscurity, if Liberal MPs are not there in force to support it too."

For the Bill to survive, Liberal MPs must be made aware of the significance of this vote for climate change action in Canada. If this bill is defeated on April 14, the legislative process would have to start from scratch for any new legislation to ensure Canada takes significant action to reduce green house gas emissions and does its fair share to mitigate climate change. You can help Canada become part of the solution to climate change.

Top Tips for Nature-friendly Spring Cleaning

It's the time of year when we want to start fresh, shake off the chill of the past winter, and brighten up our surroundings. It's time for spring cleaning!

It's important to think about the effects on the environment as we clean our homes. Commercial cleaners that end up running down the drain with our wash water can end up in rivers and lakes. Harsh chemicals and artificial scents can become airborne, harming our own health and that of wildlife in our neighbourhoods. One-time use solutions clutter landfill sites.

It's easy to clean your home using items you already have in your kitchen cupboard. These solutions should start to tackle cleaning jobs around the house, leaving both you and nature happier this season.

All-purpose cleaner
A 1:1 mix of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle will tackle most household cleaning chores. If you don't like the smell of vinegar, add a few drops of your favourite essential oil (choose tea tree oil if you're looking for a natural disinfectant). Also use vinegar to clean stainless steel appliances, chrome fixtures, and to remove rust.

Wood that shines
Traditional wood polishing sprays leave a cloud of chemicals in the air rather than treating your furniture. Mix up your own polish with 1 cup of olive oil and a squirt of lemon. Rub on to your treasured pieces with a soft cloth to restore their glow.

One of our eNews readers, Patricia, prefers to use pure coconut oil instead of olive oil for polishing wood surfaces. Let us know if you have any other natural alternatives to these tips!

Skip the disposables
Dedicate some reusable cloths to cleaning, and run them through the washing machine (cold water, line dry!) when they get a bit grubby. If you're looking for added cleaning power, microfiber cloths have a natural charge that attracts dust and can be used dry or damp. Even better, make your own cloths from old towels and keep even more waste out of the landfill.

You can check out more nature-friendly cleaning tips here, and don't forget to leave your favourite suggestions in the comments below!

Sources:
1,001 Ways to Save the Earth by Joanna Yarrow
Ecoholic by Adria Vasil