December 31, 2010

It seems we never quite learn the basic lesson that we cannot predict the future. The CBC radio program As It Happens has an interview with a scientist who is leading a team tasked with creating a Living Earth Simulator that will collect data on topics as wide ranging as climate change, crime rate, transportation issues, and population trends, create models with them, then output simulations in real-time so that we have a blow-by-blow account of where things are heading on planet Earth. Or maybe we could just pay attention and get to the same place with fewer dollars spent.

December 24, 2010

In honour of Christmas, I'm posting a link to the New York Times website where the Great Christmas Tree Debate rages on. You know the debate I mean. It's the one where we endlessly argue about whether artificial trees are better for the environment than cut trees. According to the experts quoted in this article, you would have to own your artificial tree for 20 years before it would be more environmentally kind than cutting down a live tree each year. Having owned mine for 21 years, I'm glad to find out that I am finally joining the environmental movement. Merry Christmas!

December 17, 2010

For me, outdoor decorating at Christmas is limited to slinging some lights over the porch railing and ignoring them. However, if you are interested in something a little more festive and – let's be honest here – a little more artful, this article in the Calgary Herald has some excellent suggestions for creating outdoor pots using branches clipped from your garden or the nearby woods. As an added bonus, there are some tips about forcing bulbs at the end of the piece.

December 10, 2010

There is an article on Reuters about the growing popularity of green roofs in North America. There are some interesting facts in here about just how prevalent green roofs are becoming in cities like Chicago and New York and some figures about the savings in water runoff and energy conferred by these roofs. Also, it seems that Toronto has become the first city on the continent to mandate green roofs for any new structure over a certain square footage. Now that's progress.

December 3, 2010

I had native goldenrod growing behind my home in Ontario and I can't say enough positive things about this plant. It puts on a fine display of profuse yellow flowers late in the year and I never had to do anything to maintain it. It seems I'm not the only goldenrod admirer out there. This article in the Globe and Mail showcases one of the compact varieties now available in garden centres. If you've always considered goldenrod a weed, the cultivated varieties may change your mind.