SGC Admin Eco News

FYI: Queen of Green Lindsay Coulter tips and news for 2012

From the Editor: From our Inbox to You: 

Lindsay Coulter is passionate about finding green solutions for our everyday needs.. Please view her latest tips, news and views… 

David Suzuki's Queen of Green headerDavid Suzuki’s Queen of Green

Monthly Digest – December

Donate your craft supplies — even that bra you never wear — to an organization that will find them new homes. Many also accept new, unopened cosmetics. And nix the paraffin wax scented candles. Touted as mood enhancers and emotional soothers, they could be ruining your indoor air quality.

Green a family tradition
Some family traditions are already “green”. Others need tweaking. Is sustainable seafood a part of your heritage? We have tasty recipes from famous chefs and how-to videos to make it easy! Read the full story.
Three things you didn’t know you could donate
Much of what you’re not using is needed by someone else. And it’s easy to give stuff away. Seriously, will you ever scrapbook again? Find an agency in your community that accepts craft supplies, towels, blankets — even bras! Read the full story.
Make non-toxic candles
Paraffin scented candles — apple cinnamon, french vanilla, etc. — are popular gifts. But beneath the smells may lurk substances that when burned, can emit small amounts of harmful toxins such as acetone, benzene, lead and mercury, polluting the air in your home (and the world). Read the full story.

Sincerely,

Lindsay Coulter, Queen of Green

SGC Admin Moon Phase: Current Sun Sign:

Full Moon (January 9) and New Moon (January 23) For January 2012

The New Moon visits with us on …..  January 23 at approximately 7:32 am. 

She visits with us in the sign of Aquarius.

The new moon traditionally relates to new beginnings,  Aquarius is future orientated, loves the freedom to roam and explore and is concerned about the whole world… (or so it seems sometimes)… It is likely this New Moon will find us making changes or coming up with new ideas related to our personal world…  

The Full Moon  Our wonderful lady becomes full on January 09 at approximately 7:09 am. 

She will be sitting in the sign of  Cancer moving into Leo: 

Traditionally the full moon relates to things coming to a close or reaching full circle. Because Cancer is mostly concerned with domestic and family issues it is likely most of us will be doing something to improve our domestic situation or have dealings with family members. 


For the zodiacal sign of Cancer, family is family and that can mean the traditional sense of the word and it can also mean people who come into our lives who aren’t blood related but whom we feel may as well be. This can include close friends, co-workers and employers… 

SGC Admin Moon Phase: Current Sun Sign:

Sun moves into Capricorn, December 22

December 22 see’s the Winter Solstice and the sun moves into the sign of Capricorn.

Capricorn: Earth: Feminine: Cardinal: 

Capricorn people are hard-working and can usually be relied upon to what is required of them as they are duty bound. The career can be the focus of the Capricorn person and they will work long hours to put their best foot forward or to climb the corporate ladder. That’s because their ruling planet Saturn is all about boundaries and restrictions. 

Capricorn people can be strong willed and sometimes may be viewed as being uncaring or harsh towards those who appear to be less hard working or who may display (in the mind of the capricorn) foolish behaviour, or who repeatedly make irrisponsible decisions. Yet Capricorn people will also go above and beyond to help those they believe warrant their help or expertise. 

Thanks to all the hard working, sensible, duty bound Capricorns out there for keeping things running and on track….

A very Happy Birthday to some very special Capricorns: Michelle, Gitta and Natalie and to you if you are celebrating your Capricorn birthday.  

 

SGC Admin Bits and Pieces, Views and Tips...

FYI: Healthy Living Tips from ivillage.com

From the Editor: From our Inbox to you….. ☺Please click on the link that interests you to go to the ivillage website to view the rest of the article. 

 

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SGC Admin "thoughts", News and views

FYI: Durham Region Council: Water/Sewer Rates to go up?

Will our water/sewer rates raise because of our efficiency? 

sparks of blue water Stock Photo - 8350670

FYI: Regional Council (Durham Region) were to meet December 14 to deal with a proposal to raise water/sewer rates by a combined 6.4% in 2012 (although I am not sure about the math as you will see in the breakdown). The increase is broken into an 8.3 per cent increase in water rates and 4.6 for sewer rates. The total works out to be about $47:00 a year. And it won’t stop there, as the Region is anticipating increases between 7 and 9 % a year until 2016. 

According to a Whitby this week staff report, it has been noted that water consumption has been dropping steadily since the year 2000. The reason for the decline is largely due to water efficient fixtures and appliances. 

Interesting that our efficiency is going to cost us in the long run… will the same be said for our efficiency in our use of electricity? 

I am unversed as to how much it costs to take care of a population, so it really is not my place to say how this situation should be handled. But I do hope that costs have first been cut in area’s that are not needed before they have been passed on to the general public. 

We welcome your thoughts on this post, along with any updated information you may wish to add. 

Source: Whitby this week: December 9 Edition.