Spiritual Revolution: Occupation Meditation

http://youtu.be/xRvDkGu0NzU

Bloody Beet Root, Apple & Kale Salad

Bloody Beet Root, Apple & Kale Salad

baked garden kale spiced with paprika, sea salt & pepper, cayenne, thyme & grapeseed oil

roasted beets & bok choy

freshly chopped apple

add sunflower seeds, balsamic vinegar, touch of veg oil with one drop of oregano oil for a blast of immune health as the Canadian winter begins!

For those of you who love beets as much as I think you do, check out Tom Robbins' novel Jitterbug Perfume!

Occupation Meditation Invitation for Nov17 Mass Day of Action

Greetings to Everyone! Attention to who it interests including those in the local yoga/meditation community and those involved with Occupy London! ALL ARE INVITED & WELCOME!

WHAT: MEDITATION SIT-IN FOR PEACE: in support of those affected by occupations being raided/evicted, specifically the recent events of attack upon Occupy London ON, Occupy Wall St. and beyond.

WHEN: THURSDAY NOVEMBER 17th. Feel free to drop by anytime between 5 and 6PM! Afterwards there is a scheduled General Assembly for 6pm.

WHERE: the middle of VICTORIA PARK, LONDON, ONTARIO, CANADA!

HOW: circle in a peaceful demonstration of solidarity. send strong positive vibrations of peace and support to stop human rights violations and to help heal those affected immediately via invisible yet powerful energy!

WHY: Since November 17th is the two month OWS anniversary and INTERNATIONAL DAY OF MASS NON VIOLENT DIRECT ACTION , let us gather together to honour the power of peaceful frequencies to send them exactly where they are most needed. Please spread the word about this and any other plans being put together for this monumental day.

PLEASE DISTRIBUTE THIS INFO ASAP!

Fracking Workshop at Occupy London

WORKSHOP ON HYDRAULIC FRACTURING AT OCCUPY LONDON ONTARIO SITE

What is fracking?
- process of extracting natural gas from shale rock formations deep underground
-drilling method that injects water and chemicals into our ground water supply

Who would profit from fracking around our water sources? What can we do to prevent health impacts? Fracking could be coming to the London area - bringing major threats to our drinking water. Fracking is a more intense form of 'natural' gas extraction, and there are a lot of other problems with the process. Fracking is a big business agenda that few community members have been talking about, so far. That's why we've arranged this workshop at the Occupy London site on SUNDAY NOVEMBER 6th AT 3PM!

This page has some background about fracking - http://stopfrackingontario.wordpress.com/2011/09/25/fracking-backgrounder/

“the chromosomes and genes in the nucleus of every cell are identical…these identical genes, depending on where they are located,

give their instructions as if they are perfectly aware of not what is going on all over the body but also what is needed from them in relationship to it all”
-Energy Medicine for Women by Donna Eden

hydraulic fracturing i.e.“fracking”
= contaminates groundwater
= threatens drinking water
= depletes water resources
= poses serious health risks
=compromises world wide water security for corporate profits
= is currently unmonitored and unregulated
= endangers 1/5 of the world’s fresh surface water; THE GREAT LAKES, which we (especially as the people of Southern Ontario) have an international responsibility to enjoy and protect

Celebrate & Protect Water Commons!

"A Commons narrative asserts that no one owns water. Rather it is a common heritage that belongs to the Earth, other species and future generations as well as our own. Because it is a flow resource necessary for life and ecosystem health, and because there is no substitute for it, water must be regarded as a public Commons and a public good and preserved as such for all time in law and practice. " - Maude Barlow

stopfrackingontario.wordpress
frackfocus.org
ecojusticeeducation.org
canadians.org
wateronthetable.com/humanright
fluoridealert.org
great-lakes.net
occupylondon.tk
occupylondonontario.blogspot

FNB Occupation Soup: Creamy Vegan Pumpkin!

Vegan Pumpkin Soup: A Food Not Bombs Autumn/Halloween Recipe:

1. Bake pumpkin guts, seeds and squash content in oven at 350F.

2. Fry with oil or veg margarine, fry onions, garlic, ginger and any other desired veggies such as carrot, mushroom or zucchini! Combine results in saucepan/soup pot with 1/2 or more veg broth and 1/2 or more almond milk or substitute.

3. Puree baked pumpkin contents and add to soup.

4. Spice generously with cinnamon, cardamom, paprika, nutmeg, and curry. Flavour with additional garlic, onion and ginger seasoning and add salt and pepper to taste. A handful of shredded coconut and a pinch of quality sugar is nice!

Props to these blogged recipes that gave me direction and inspiration:

http://www.ofthekittenkind.com/2010/08/creamy-vegan-pumpkin-soup.html

http://thehealthyadvocate.com/2010/10/12/healthy-simple-pumpkin-soup-recipe-dairy-free-vegan/

OCCUPATION TRANSFORMATION: food not bombs

Occupy Wall Street: The Most Important Thing in the World Now by Naomi Klein

@OccupyLdnOnt
http://occupylondonontario.blogspot.com/

http://occupylondon.tk/

londonfoodnotbombs@gmail.com

Have you ever heard of Food Not Bombs? Below is a copy of a letter of appeal to food outlets that may be able to make donations. Please distribute to people and places that you think could contribute to feeding the occupiers in Victoria Park, London, Ontario.

To Who it May Concern,

We are writing to you on behalf of the London Food Not Bombs (FNB). FNB is a non-profit transnational group that strives to provide free vegan and/or vegetarian meals for community members. The mission of FNB is to address the growing issues of hunger, poverty, homelessness, and sustainability within our community. The London FNB chapter has been active for over six years and serves a hot meal on the last Sunday of each month in rotating locations. On occasion FNB will also serve for larger community-run events. As FNB is a non-profit initiative we run solely off of community volunteers, donations, and our community garden. We are looking to build a relationship with you in order to sustain this wonderful initiative. With this, if you were able to donate any resources to FNB it would be greatly appreciated by all of the individuals who run FNB, as well as the people who it serves. Food wastage is very prevalent in our society and FNB would gladly accept donations that would otherwise be disposed of after your business closes for the evening. We do pick ups for food donations typically on Saturdays, but other arrangements can be made. All donations are joyously welcomed.FNB is an image of community members caring for community members.

Thank you for your time,

Sincerely,

FOOD COMMITTEE - OCCUPY LONDON ONTARIO: feeding campers in Victoria park and the wider London community

There are several things we need to address and several tasks to issue to people who are available and willing to volunteer:-donations-collections-who we are getting donations from I suggest we talk to individuals, the markets around town, farmers, grocery stores, religious organizations, social organizations to donate (I understand many people are at conflict with religion but they have a lot of money generally speaking and should be willing to support us with food, we are all in this together)-cooking, where can we do this-pots, pans, resources for feeding and distributing-water supply-if reusable washing stations, this will be hard first off-what time-how frequent-number of people we will be feeding-getting gloves and serving people to keep sanitation to a max-trying to get a person who has a permit for cooking (if it's even applicable in a park)REMEMBER FNB IS VEGETARIAN AND OR VEGAN ALL MEAT DONATIONS WILL NEED TO BE SPECIFIED AND SEPARATED Ideally it would be great to have ingredient lists for all prepared food

"Educate and inform the whole mass of the people. They are the only sure reliance for the preservation of our liberty." -Thomas Jefferson

"Fascism should more appropriately be called Corporatism because it is a merger of state and corporate power." -Benito Mussolini

Upcoming Anti-Fracking Workshop: Wed Oct. 19th - EVAC - 6pm

FRACK ATTACK!

Our anti-fracking station at September's Car Free Fest via OurStreet in London, ON, was a success! It was great to share information and have productive conversations - local Londerns even helped to make large water themed collages to celebrate H20! To follow up, we are hosting an upcoming anti-fracking workshop on this Wednesday Oct 19th. Please make an appearance at 6pm to attend an orientation and discussion of the dangers of hydraulic fracturing i.e. "fracking". It will occur in the open community of the East Village Arts Co-Op space in London, ON at 757 Dundas St. E. We can't let profit frack around Southern Ontario and the Great Lakes now can we!? Look forward to seeing your caring and questioning faces and concerns in action.

What is fracking?

NOT A "NATURAL ENERGY DRILLING TECHNIQUE" - THAT'S WHAT!

“As conventional natural gas supplies diminish, energy corporations are looking for new ways to get at trapped reserves. Hydraulic fracturing – more commonly known as ‘fracking’ – is a process where sand, water and chemicals are blasted into rock formations such as shale, coal beds and ‘tight’ sands to gain access to trapped natural gas deposits. This injection process creates cracks in the rock formations and allows the gas to flow up the well.” This shale gas extraction is a problem because of “its high carbon emissions, its high water use, and the dangers it poses to polluting groundwater and local drinking water. People living in communities where fracking projects are underway have reported water pollution, ‘burning water,’ where water from household taps catches fire due to residual methane gas from fracking operations, and health concerns.”- The Council of Canadians

What is wrong with fracking?

Tap water for drinking is ignited in a residential home as a result of hydro fracking (above) as depicted in the 2010 award winning documentary on fracking the U.S. called Gasland by American filmmaker Josh Fox.

IT IS A HEALTH AND CANCEROUS HAZARD!

Water contamination threats- Wasted water supplies- Methane greenhouse gas releases- Wasted energy supplies (used in fracking)- Air pollution- Possible radon contamination in extracted shale gas- Deforestation- Increased truck traffic- Explosion and earthquake risks- Monitoring it would be expensive and inadequate- Industrialization of rural areas- These impacts will cross property lines- Losing opportunities to invest in alternatives

HERE IS A LINK TO AN ANTI-FRACKING ZINE I MADE!

For more information, see http://stopfrackingontario.wordpress.com/

Eco Zine to Celebrate & Protect Clean Water

WE ARE GOING TO FACE A FUTURE THAT IS DIFFERENT FROM THE PAST!

Below is a link where my anti-fracking zine can be found.

http://stopfrackingontario.wordpress.com/2011/09/25/anti-fracking-zine/

CELEBRATE & PROTECT CLEAN WATER!

Thanks to all of those who interacted with us at Car Free this month. You can still SIGN THE PETITION here!

kale chips part of autumnal equinox feast!

kale cut/torn into chip or palm sized pieces

bake at 250F with olive or grapeseed oil, sea salt, paprika, cayenne pepper, very small amount of (apple cider) vinegar and ground pepper to taste

ready in 15-20 mins! (20-25 for extra crispy)

Reclaim The Streets in London - Sept 17th & 18th!

BE THERE TO SUPPORT, SHARE AND CELEBRATE IN LONDON, ONTARIO'S CONTRIBUTION TO THE CAR FREE MOVEMENT!

Car Free Festival: REIMAGINE PUBLIC SPACE ON SEPT 17th & 18th

"Car Free Festival is a unique opportunity to promote the environment, health, local economy, culture, community, and above all have fun! The idea is not new, as many street festivals have taken place in our city in the past. What is new, however, is the approach. Collaborating with over 20 events and organizations will allow Car Free Festival to bring its important message and celebration to the people of this city up to 10 times this year in Downtown and other London neighbourhoods. With collaboration as our cornerstone value, Car Free Festival will be the collective creation of the London community. Community ownership, above all else, is critical to the success of Car Free Festival. "

Who is OurStreet?
"Our Street London acts as a catalyst to help the people of London envision a sustainable future for our community. Through a collaborative relationship with community members, local and provincial governments, business owners, and non‐profit groups we work to inspire a united vision of London in which people‐based street and urban design are at the forefront of our future."

Mission
"To promote the equality of all street users including pedestrians, cyclists, transit riders, and motorists of all ages and abilities in order to maximize our city's economic and cultural potential by fostering a safe, healthy, and environmentally sustainable community.
Walking, cycling and taking public transit benefits our environment, our health and our community: and it all takes place on our street. Car Free Sunday strives to encourage a city that is strong, vibrant and full of healthy people and happy communities. "

Our Environment
"The most effective way to address global climate change is through local action. In London, the greatest local source of greenhouse gas emissions is personal vehicle use. Beyond climate change, automobiles also represent a significant contribution to air quality issues effecting our health and quality of life. Getting more Londoners to walk, bicycle, and take public transit is an important step toward local environmental health and global environmental sustainability.
Prioritizing pedestrians and bicycles in the transportation network creates a more aesthetically pleasing urban environment for everyone. Planters that act as buffers between walkers and speeding cars add much needed beauty to a city landscape. People‐based street design also helps to reduce noise pollution, further improving the urban environment and quality of life."

vegan detox smoothie

baby spinach

organic urban garden fresh arugula!
strawberries
cherries
water
ice

Whole Lotta Vegan Protien Shakin Goin On...

SUMMER HEALTH!

1/4 of a whole papaya

2 tbsp hemp protien powder

2 - 3 tsp macha green tea powder

2 tsp Udos oil

1 tbsp freshly chopped ginger root

1 tsp agave nectar

1tsp fresh oregano

1 tsp fresh cilantro

1 - 3 mint leaves

1 - 2 zucchini flowers (yes they are edible - thank you urban organic garden!)

blend with 1/2 soy milk adding water for consistency

5 Easy Steps: Lower Your Eco Footprint!

"EVERY GOOD DEED IS ITS OWN ADVERTISEMENT"

-Gandhi

Our ecological footprint accounts for all of the things we do that use energy. Any action or factor that impacts the interconnected system of which we are apart - from home-base to community to country to globe - is included to calculate how much we are taking. Here are 5 things you can do to lessen what you take and increase what you give back!

1. Urban Garden

Urban gardening is largely about using the space you have to create a highly sustainable turnout with limited resources. While supporting a food justice ethic, it also aesthetically beautifies the community while bringing people together!

-volunteer at community garden. Check out the London Community Resource Centre for locations, how to get involved and tips for your own plot!

-plant a front yard urban garden - it’s easier than you think! Our veggies have already started to grow! Such a raw green space puts smiles on passers-by. Check out my blog Eco Veg Footprint for photos and suggestions! If you have limited space, use as many planters possible and think vertical gardening!

2. Compost

The composting process is a regenerative one! Watch nature’s cycle of decay and rebirth as new healthy soil emerges.

-year round way to make kitchen waste sustainable
-cuts down drastically on the amount of household garbage!
-creates nutrient rich soil that can be used in planters and in the garden
-if you cant make use of what is regenerated, chances are there is someone close by who can make use of your dirty deeds!
-see Thames Region Ecological Assoc (TREA) for composting advice!

3. Water Ways

Need Less, Use Less!

-shower less! It is entirely UNsustainable for an individual to take a shower daily…can you imagine how much water would be used up in everyone in the world stood under a showerhead everyday?
-remember fun folk trio Sharon, Lois and Bram? Take their advice: turn the water off when your brushing your teeth!
-yes its easier to let the kitchen sink run through the course of a dish washing session! It may even be a soothing comfort we are used to - hearing the sound of running water during this chore. Fill up the sink half way, breath deeply and wash in the silence
-put a bucket in the shower with you, see how much collects that is usually wasted! This can be used afterwards for any purpose.

4. Ride Your Bike!

Take Back The Streets

-practice safety rules of the road such as wearing a helmet and signalling to traffic
-ride in the lanes and become a road vehicle! Take back the streets and foster sharing transportation space
-Save money and the air from being polluted! Oil is not sustainable. Public or independent transit is the sustainable way to go - and don’t forget about those feet!

5. Swap Meet!

Gather with friends and family to exchange unwanted items! Since our healthy survival depends on reducing and eliminating consumer habits, get a whole new wardrobe without having to spend a cent. A fun way to do this is to gather at someone’s place and make a big pile of your old stuff! With five to fifteen people, diving into a giant mound of things that are new to you is fun and environmentally friendly. Don’t limit exchanges to clothing, bring along anything you don’t use - someone else will! Walking away with a bunch of new stuff for free. Sounds good doesn’t it? Don’t forget to donate the rest to one of the many formidable charity organizations in London.

Organic Urban Garden Photos!

ECO GARDEN ART FROM RECYCLED MATERIALS

THIS IS AN URBAN GARDEN

MARIGOLDS PREVENT CERTAIN TYPES OF INSECTS FROM VISITING

HONOUR YOUR FAVOUTIRE SACRED PLANTS WITH SPECIAL ATTENTION! WORDWOOD (left) & HYSSOP (right)

RE USE FOUND MATERIALS TO CREATE WALKWAYS AND DECOR

GARDEN IS HOSE WATERED DAILY - TWICE AT LEAST IN THIS CRAZY HEAT!

INFUSE PLANTING TIME AND LOCATION WITH SPECIAl INTENTION & LOVE!

Vegan Dinner Delight

Carrot Zucchini Curry - Vegan Poutine Style Dinner

3-4 carrots sliced into sticks/fries
1-2 garlic clove(s), minced
rosemary, thyme, pepper to season
pan roast in oil at 300 degrees

3/4 zucchini, shredded

peas from approx 8 fresh pods

green onion, chopped

arugula, chopped

splash of balsamic vinegar

apple cider vinegar to taste

small portion of freshly chopped ginger root

veganaise (as the base)

rise milk

1 tsp hummous

curry powder

1-2 fresh radishe(s), chopped

fresh coriander, chopped

1/4 tsp mustard

1/2 tsp mustard oil

COMBINE!

VOILA!

VEGAN DELICIOUSNESS!

CELEBRATE SUMMER SOLSTICE!

Lady Fest London EVAC Launch!

It's time for LadyFestLondon 2011! I'll be there this evening at the launch party vending as Eco Veg Footprint! The Ironically Feminist Bakesale and Lady Fest London Launch Party will be hosted at EVAC : East Village Arts Co-Op located at 757 Dundas St. Support and enjoy womyn's DIY, music, art and more!

Max Stretch: Sustainable Fest Success

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU

to the organizers and supporters of London, ON's 2011 Grickle Grass Sustainable Living Festival! Special kudos to the 379 Collective and London Fuse along with the very rad Children's Museum who received fundraising from the event along with Growing Chefs Ontario. I was able to conduct very successful sustainable workshops for most of the day time programming with the kids! Yoga and eco games were enjoyed by all who participated. Great energy - an interesting and enjoyable festival to the max! Elfin Saddle was a huge treat - played their previous vinyl release the week before on Maximum Joy 94.9FM CHRW during a gearing up show featuring festival performers! Thanks for all the opportunities and celebration!

Grickle Grass Sustainability Festival 2011

The Grickle Grass Festival of London, ON is back for a second year of sustainability in action! Taking place in the dynamic and creative atmosphere of Londons Childrens Museum, the daytime programming will be from 10am to 5pm. On the second floor located at the "On The Street Where You Live" station, I will be offering a yoga workshop tht incorporates environmental education."Sustainable Stretches with Nicole: introduce free flowing movements and energy tapping yoga to kids and parents alike. Enjoy fun and interactive games centred around sustainability and environmental topics such as transportation, waste, food, water and energy. Learn how to reduce YOUR ecological foot print."

379 & LondonFUSE present: The Grickle Grass Festival Saturday May 28, 2011
LONDON, ON

The Grickle Grass Festival is an innovative, sustainable living festival and fundraiser for Growing Chefs Ontario and The London Regional Children’s Museum. The event takes place at The Children’s Museum and offers both daytime and evening programming.
From 10am to 5pm children and their caretakers will be able to take part in a variety of special workshops and activities. There will be bike workshops, magic, drama and yoga. Live entertainment will include Marty Kolls and her Kids’ Dance Party and Traditional Inuit throat singing with Jessica Athlueetuk. Kids will also be able to take part in the planting of the Museum’s Grickle Grass Vegetable Garden.

In the evening kids at heart will have the exclusive chance to listen to live music and explore in the rooms and corridors of their cherished childhood memories with a fully licensed music festival.

“The sounds of the evening are new and progressive with a local flare,” says Savanah Sewell, Director of Programming for The Grickle Grass Festival. “We are bringing in people from across the musical communities. You will hear everything from hip hop to instrumental. We can also expect a lot of multimedia projects with sound installations to projections.”

We have a plethora of artists whose sweet sounds will be filling every nook and cranny of The Children’s Museum. Elfin Saddle is joining us from Montreal bringing their brand of acoustic folk and also will be screening their film WURLD charting the entire rise and fall of a civilization.
From Toronto we welcome D-Sisive. Indie hip-hop artist, D-Sisive is taking break a from his tour with Shad to join us at The Grickle Grass Festival.

Polydactyl Hearts hails from Guelph and are and eight piece multimedia collective that are known for their talents of intersecting sight and sound.

The evening will include an array of local talent, including Olenka, of Olenka and The Autumn Lovers. Olenka mingles a strong Eastern European influence with element of North American country and folk music to create unforgettable melodies.

The Grickle Grass Festival will also play host to: DJThor (Windsor), Motem (Guelph), Wild Domestic (LND), Lonnie in the Garden (LND), Dave Ussleman (LND).

Steam Whistle Brewing has come aboard as the official beer sponsors of the evening. Their local and green mind-set makes the brewers a perfect partner for The Grickle Grass Festival. Drinks will be served in compostable cup made of corn to meet our goal of a waste free event.
Do not miss this exciting and innovative event in support of The London Children’s Museum and Growing Chefs Ontario on May 28. As a wise man once said, “Unless someone like you care a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better, it’s not.”

The Grickle Grass Festival: Saturday May 28, 2011Day: 10am to 5pm – regular museum admissionEvening: 8pm to 1am – tickets $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Evening is a 19+ concert.

If you are interested in media accreditation for May 28 please contact Deanne Kondrat by Thursday May 26 at 5pm. Phone: 519.691.5430 Email: deanne@379collective.com
More information can be found at gricklegrassfest.com.

Maximum Joy

Max Joy Radio is a corresponding blog to a new music variety show called Maximum Joy on CHRW 94.9FM! I now host a 2 hour program on London, ON's campus community station 94.9FM CHRW.

Listen online or even download the show if you missed it! Helping to provide "the cure for corporate radio", I am extremely thrilled to officially join the on air team at CHRW after having left my home station CJAM 99.1FM and CJAMmer family in Windsor(/Detroit). This format of this page will somewhat model the radio blog for the Washing Machine - an hour and a half indie rock and punk program I used to co-host with current CJAM DJ Clara Musca...one I will always consider a sister show to my own! Music videos, album reviews and featured artists will also occasionally make an appearance my other blog. I feel very fortuneate towards CHRW for welcoming me to project information, opinion, expression and sound across your air waves! Streaming online is always available wherever you are at http://www.chrwradio.com/

Handmade Festival Sat. May 7th 2011!

What: Handmade Festival Saturday May 7th!

http://twitter.com/#!/handmadefest

Where: London (Central) Public Library

http://twitter.com/#!/londonlibrary

Who: Local DIY Artisans

When: 10am-4pm

Why: sustainability & creativity!

How? with your support!

Bezanson Dezigns twitter.com/bezanernaner and I will be showcasing DIY recycled eco art! While you are on the journey of supporting local creative efforts, on't forget to stop by The Metropolitan Market aswell as Heroes for Free Comic Book Day!

Met Opening Photos!

The Metropolitan Market opening weekend was a huge success! A constant flow of support and intrigue, leaving all with an uplifted and refreshed perspective of London, Ontario and its creative arts core. It was a pleasure talking with community members and fellow art vendors - my vending partner and friend Michelle Bezanson of Bezanson Dezigns and I spent the exhilerating days in awe of the diversity of art mediums and forms of expression. Thanks 379 Collective for all the hard work! It was an additional pleasure getting to share the space with the likes of City Lights Bookshop and Alchemy Recycling & Trade Co. to name a few! You can catch our table again next weekend except the difference is we will be featuring recycled DIY art of various forms at The Handmade Festival! See you next Saturday at the Central London Public Library - and don't forget to stop into The Met for a day of local creations!

Artisan's Market: The Met opens in London, ON April 30th!

A very exciting new edition to the city of London, Ontario celebrates the grand opening of The Metropolitan Market this weekend! Come and explore the newly renovated space of 140 Dundas St. courtesy of the 379 Collective. OPEN EVERY WEEKEND, vendors of various art forms and expressions will be available Saturdays 9-5pm and Sundays 12-5pm. This diverse DIY art showing and sale at The Met is surely going to enrich London's creativity core. You can catch Michelle Bezanson of Bezanson Dezign's creations there this weekend as well as that of myself, Eco Veg Footprint's recycled eco projects! You can read more about this and other local socio-cultural happenings at the most excellent indie media source London Fuse!

its EASY being green (pancakes)!

Earth Day is on it's way - http://www.earthday.ca/pub/

Green Pancakes

buckwheat pancake mix

water

one smushed banana

handful of strawberries

carob chips

walnut crumble

green food colouring

1 to 2 tsp hemp protien

agave nectar

shredded coconut

1 to 2 tsp macha green tea powder

Serve with vegan butter and syrups!

Compost Fun, Literally!

So even though winter composting is a go here in snowy Canada (there is currently spring snow here in London, ON!?!!!!), its not the easiest time to install one! We have had some very sunny and mild days and as soon as the ground thawed I installed a composter as pictured below. It gave me great pleasure to know that so much of the kitchen waste was no longer garbage but instead a way to eliminate the number of trash bags and fertilize the world!



Composting is basically a necessary action, whether situated in an urban or rural location. Since it does not include animal products and byproducts being broken down, there should not be significant trouble with critters wanting their share. A few select items are alright like eggshells but dairy and meat products are a no-no as they throw off the most ideal soil nutrient content and composting process. Animal feces (i.e. from your pets or farm animals) are of course great fertiizer but from what I understand are best to keep separately from your decomposing organic materials. Think about where this eventually rich soil will end up - for many the answer is in the garden - in your piece of earth - in your produce - and in you!

Finding the right location was a question I needed answers for. What I discovered through research about the topic enabled me to choose a convenient (near the kitchen) and ideal spot!

So what makes an ideal composting location so ideal?

-good drainage -medium sunlight exposure -close to kitchen -away from wind

-away from wooden structures as it causes rotting

The links below should provide you with what you need to know including a list of compost friendly materials! Get ready to fertilize and produce rich garden material the organic and sustainable way.

Organic Garden Info

Thames Regional Ecological Association

Recycled Art Projects at the Handmade Festival May 7th 2011 in London, ON

http://handmadefest.blogspot.com/

Eco-Veg Footprint will be at London's Handmade Festival along with Bezanson Dezign on Saturday May 7th! Come and see us along with other creative folk at London Central Public Library from 10am-4pm. This event is part of a program series offering various DIY workshops throughout the months of April and May. Experience personal creative ability and celebrate that of others in the main hall vendors area.

"The Library is proud to cosponsor the Second Annual Handmade Festival with the London Arts Council and the Handmade Collective. After a series of free workshops dedicated to sharing the art of craft and the cottage industry leading up to this event, this one day Festival will allow selected crafters to display their art and craft for the public. For more information please contact the Community Outreach and Program Services dept. at 519-661-5122"

My graphic designer friend Michelle will be along side me, hopefully with some of the other talented ladies and their creations at our booth! Since London's 6th Annual Indie Media Fair was so successful, we are even more excited and motivated for this upcoming artisan fair. I will be featuring this blog, cook books and poetry books once again! Instead of collaged postcards I will have collaged bookmarks available along with some hand sewn aprons for all that vegan cooking and baking you do! We will both have mixed media art pieces available along with Michelle's amazing and eye-catching clothing, independently printed.

SUPPORT THE CREATIVE USE OF RECYCLED MATERIALS! ! ALL ECO-ART TO BE FEATURED!

Flavourfull Roasted Squash Soup

I'd like to start this post by giving kudos to the most excellent blog Reduce Footprints! Having just finished dinner my belly is happy and full of flavour. The roasted butternut squash recipe I found on this eco blog was the basis of inspiration for my kitchen this evening. This is one of the best soups I've ever made even though I'm not a seasoned chef in that department. Impress yourself with this healthy hearty dish! Vegan Health Yum Wow!

Parsnips (above)

You may need: oil, salt& pepper, carrots, parsnips, sweet potato, squash, leeks, garlic, ginger, zucchini, spices Begin by heating veggie broth on the stove. Great option is to add previously prepared wild rice! Spice with various to taste. Suggested: cayenne, paprika, rosemary, thyme, nutritional yeast (to get this vegan some B12!) Simultaneously - Dice carrots, parsnips, sweet potato and squash into cubes/disks. Roast at 400 degrees and drizzle with oil, salt & pepper. Cook for 10 minutes. Add garlic, chopped leeks and mushrooms and cook for another 10 minutes. Puree veggies with veg stock and water as needed for consistency. I just used a little smoothie blender! Add to broth mix, leaving mushrooms whole if preferred. Stew the soup until ingredients are well blended and desired heat and consistency is reached. Garnish with shredded zuchini and shredded ginger!

Vegan Poppyseed Dressing

Tried out this dressing the other day with quinoa salad - excellent! Modification of a great recipe I found on the vegan Lunch Box Bunch blog.

2 tbsp veganaise

2 tsp spicy dijon mustard

1 1/2 tsp mustard oil

2 tsp apple cider vinegar

1 tbsp agave nectar

2 tbsp poppy seeds

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp nutritional yeast

salt & pepper

add water and almond milk for desired consistency!

Carrot & Ginger Bean Salad

Easy peasy stuff, this dish is full of protien, flavour and colour! Also impresses easily making a great item to serve at a potluck, though is delicious as a side dish to your main course as well. Upon experiencing the shredded carrot and caper salad with the Vegan Coconut BLT wrap (WOW) at Au Vivres in Montreal, friend and I returned to Ontario only too excited to embark on a veg cooking adventure. This particular recipe is usually how we prepare the dish - enjoy and frankly, get your tastebuds ready! WARNING: cautionary note - if fed to non-vegans, may induce conversion! Mmmmmm and would go awesome with ginger beer...................................

Carrot & Ginger Bean Salada

three med/large carrots, shredded

1/2 can (or 1 cup of cooked) assorted beans

1 clove garlic, chopped

1/4 spanish onion, chopped

1 tsp ginger paste

1/4 tsp ginger powder

1 tsp poppyseeds

juice of 1/4 lemon

To taste: salt & pepper, white vinegar, apple cider vinegar, sesame or olive oil

garnish with chives, chopped

Bon Appetit! Buen Provecho! Enjoy Your Meal Veggies!

Vegan Ceasar Dressing

Vegan food is delicious. Vegan food is nutritious. Vegan food can replicate and taste even better than non-veg food! There is a replacement for everything - if you've eaten it or heard of it, there is a yummy vegan answer! Glad I tried this one out as I was beginning to miss the taste of ceasar salad dressing!

Vegan Ceasar Dressing

mustard oil

mustard

dijon mustard

chopped walnuts

almond milk

water

tofu

salt & pepper

cucumber

chives

Spring Air Vegan Detox

Well I suppose that St. Patty's Day is probably not the most ideal occasion to make detoxing efforts! Despite this, the need for at least a mini cleanse, somewhat of my own creation, is underway. The day began with a double shot of wheatgrass and dried apricots. For lunch, an apple and a green smoothie blend - a common detox cleansing tool and raw foodism transition item. It is apparently really easy to care for and grow plants from the grass family! Though, a juicer is needed for substances such as wheatgrass since it is impossible for our human stomachs to process it - or else I'm sure you'll end up on the toilet all day (which is also what can happen if artichoke leaves are injested)! Anyhow, during any cleanse your body is going to want to expel toxins so make sure a washroom is nearby regardless! Give this a try and experiment with other healthy ingredients like ginger, hemp seeds or preferred protien infusion.

Green Day Blend! Smoothie Recipe

1 tsp frozen chopped lemongrass

1 1/2 tsp macha powder

200ml rice milk

blueberries

small lemon wedge

Overcoming a recent bout of sickness, holiday cuisine, consumption of animal products, substance intake as well as excessive exposure to and/or injestion of various harmful chemicals are some of the many reasons for detox. Different plans to fit your individual needs and preferences can be found on line, especially on vegan blogs! Vegan Around the World Network is a helpful fusion of veg individuals and their ideas from around the globe. Recently just got some detox ideas from Your Daily Vegan. Yoga, sweat, exercise, sauna if you can! Drinking lemon water constantly throughout the day paired with fresh fruits and veggies, whole foods, non-processed selections and taking a break from soy as much as possible!

Happy Spring Cleaning!

100th International Womyns Day

Happy International Womyns Day to all! It's the 100th anniversary - what are you doing to celebrate? Here are just a few things you can do, any other suggestions? Enjoy the day! Recognize the fabulousness of the females around you and in the world. Honour yourself! Make a list of reasons why you are or should be appreciated. Meditate on the global community of womyn! Hug a feminist. Spread peace! Nuture yourself and please do no cleaning on this day.

CONGRATULATIONS FOR BEING IN TUNE WITH THE CYCLES OF NATURE

Blogging Tweeting Email & Messaging Calling Mail

Campus/Community Radio Special Broadcasting Community Events Potluck Gathering Donating Flowers Planting Yoga Visiting Eating & Treating Educating Protesting Talking Organizing Films Music Theatre

Singing Crafting Writing Sharing Research Resting Party Express

Find out more about the day and what you can do to recognize it!

http://www.internationalwomensday.com/

Eco Art! Mixed Media Postcards (to be featured at upcoming London Indie Media Fair!)

A friend of mine is graphic designer, can ya tell!? This is some of the stuff - postcard collage art, cut and pasted into the night! We stayed up until dawn riding the wave of a serious art attack. Ill bring our creations to the 6th Annual London Indie Media Fair this upcoming Saturday March 26 from 11am-4pm!

London Indie Media Fair on Saturday, March 26!

This alternative local event needs your support! Visit the Centre Branch of the London Public Library from 11am-4pm for the 2011 6th Annual London Indie Media Fair. The art of independent and alternative forms of media receives a showcase in the central hall. I look forward to sharing this blog, Eco-Veg Footprint, along with a independently printed vegan cookbook, book of poetry and sustainability zine! Also, my friend and I have gotten eco-crafting crazy and made a bunch of postcard collages from recycled materials and images - to be featured soon! Was thinking of bring them along aswell as mixed media creations. Hope to see you there on Saturday, March 26th!