Brummet's Conscious Blog

-- Composting 101 -- The information below was produced for a composting workshop that Dave and I have done in the past - this explains what is meant by "greens" and "browns" when discussing layering. Layering materials in a compost will allow it to break down in the most efficient manner.   Greens : Fruit and vegetable scraps Tea bags and coffee grounds including filter paper Grass cuttings Vegetable peelings Old flowers Nettles Spent bedding plants Comfrey leaves Young annual weeds (e.g. chickweed and speedwell), avoid perennial weeds such as dandelions and thistle and weeds with seed heads Pond algae and seaweed Browns: Dry leaves, twigs Hedge trimmings Shredded or torn paper Egg shells and egg boxes Cardboard and newspaper (scrunched up) Straw and hay Bedding from vegetarian pets Wool and feathers Ashes from wood, paper or charcoal Corn cobs & stalks Things to Avoid: No meat scraps  No nappies No dairy p...

-- Quote of the Day --  “ The changes that I have seen since the early 60’s have really been mind-blowing – It is a great privilege to me to have lived to see these changes. They are way beyond what those of us who started expected. At that time we were basically improving the conditions for women… and getting equal pay for equal work. But we did not contemplate that equality would enter every sphere of our lives the way it has happened, and the way it continues to. …There is still a tremendous amount to be done. We haven’t done anything really in regards to childcare… we still have tremendous problems with poverty… violence against women and children… and women over seas – much has to be done to improve their status. Work remains – but a tremendous amount has been accomplished. …Men are increasingly becoming more involved in the home and the raising of their children. …Sweden is {leading the way and} has paternity leave for men, and men take it and use it and play muc...

 -- Conscious Discussions Radio -- Join us live on the Conscious Discussions Radio show at 10 AM (pacific) for a discussion on Conscious Marketing with Shel Horowitz – this man has long-been an advocate for green and ethical business, and is well known for his guerrilla marketing techniques. Shel also founded the Business Ethics Pledge , the former host of Principled Profit radio, founder of the Down to Business E-zine , and author of quite a number of published books. Today's episode will also be archived for your convenience - Access it by clicking the links above, or look to the sidebars on this blog for upcoming and recently aired Conscious Discussions Radio episodes.   -- Positive Eco - News -- I'd like to send a shout out to the community of Oceanside (California, USA) for becoming a Zero Waste Community ! Kudos to the citizens for pooling their efforts and making this inspiring, positive action towards a healthier planet. California has a numbe...

 -- Quote of the Day -- “ We have violence within ourselves and I think violence occurs because we lack communication skills, we lack creative problem solving skills, cooperation skills. …We have to begin with ourselves. …So many of us adults forget the child within, we have to learn how to play again. …Learning new techniques in communication like using surprise and humor in a situation that can be a little bit tense… And you have to make friends with conflict. …It might be difficult and painful when we are experiencing it, but conflict could turn out to be a real gift. A world without conflict probably isn’t possible and it probably wouldn’t even be a good one since conflict encourages us to change and grow .”  ~ Chloe Jon Paul, July 1 2010   Today's quote was derived from a Conscious Discussions Radio interview that aired back in July titled: Volunteering & Conflict Resolution . Click on the hyper-linked show title here, to access this interview, ...

-- Conscious Discussions Radio -- The last Sunday Gardening segment of the year airs today... these particular segments of the Conscious Discussions Talk Radio show have been airing every 2 or 3 weeks, on Sundays, since May 2008; they run between April and September. Today I'll be highlighting things that happened this year, offering eco-tips you might want to consider, harvests that are going on in my garden and things that should be started for your cold frames and green house crops. If you have questions or new techniques you've learned or comments, you are welcome to join the live chat room - or call in to the show during the live broadcast. Alternatively gardeners can contact me via my site: www.brummet.ca ; their questions will be shared during the next episode as well.  As always, Conscious Discussions airs at 10-11 AM (Pacific), a live chat room will be available - and the shows are also archived within 15 min after each episode airs.  -- Be Late For Something --...

-- Quote of the Day -- " I open my eyes and again, I wonder: Will this day bring forth joy Or blunder? My mind fills itself without Making a sound; I make a decision before my feet  Hit the ground; Today... I say... Is Brilliant ." ~ Danielle Pierre -- Conscious Event -- I just learned that it is Newspaper Carrier Day ! I didn't know they had a day of their own. Well, it is true that newspapers are a vital communication medium for people to know what is happening in their area. Our local paper has a section in the front listing regular events that groups and organizations host, and this is very helpful for those looking for volunteer opportunities, meetings and networking opportunities.  The local newspaper played a role in helping us find owners to some items we happened upon... This summer we have been cleaning up a section of the Kettle River called the Oxbow by locals, where a wildlife sanctuary can be found as well. We found a wallet, empty ex...

-- Conscious Living Events -- Did you know that today is Shri Krishna Janmaashtami Day? A special day for Hindu's. We are also celebrating - Merchant Navy Veterans Day , which according to Veterans Affairs Canada ( www.vac-acc.gc.ca ): " This is the 7 th annual Merchant Navy Veterans Day which recognizes the individuals who, on behalf of Canada, made great personal sacrifice for the overall gain of the Allies during the Second World War ."  -- Baseball!!! -- Well, the Grand Forks International Baseball tournament is now in full swing - you can hear the announcers' voices reverberating down the streets in the quiet of the early afternoons - This is a time of celebrations in our area, as this event is taking place based entirely on volunteer efforts and business supporters... as it has every single year. Kudos to all who make events like these happen! -- Eco-Travel Tips -- As many of you know I am a great fan of the Recycling Product News magazine ( rec...