Miscellany – Environment

by Benoît Bleau, translation Sheila Lord  (October 2011)

Part-time Farmers Club
As announced in the last edition, we had our first meeting at the end of August. The five people present agreed that there was sufficient interest to create a forum for exchange and discussion on topics concerning small-scale farming. The first definite project was launched, dealing with the organic cultivation of garlic, and three farmers will plant this fall. If this project interests you and you would like to be advised of the next meeting of the club, please let me know.

Small Steps to Change the World : Green Weddings
The citizens of Hemmingford are constantly innovating when it comes to the environment. In September, two of the weddings which took place in our community were held with the specific purpose of reducing greenhouse gases. Special attention was focused on serving local drinks and food: wines, ciders, vegetables, cheeses, cakes which were all locally produced. For one of the weddings even the bride’s limousine was traded for a boat; the reception hall was a large tent erected in a field and batteries were used to supply electricity for lighting, etc. Real china was used and waste including table left-overs was recycled, composted or given to animals who got to share in the feast too. Credit is due for this splendid initiative, which proves that there is no limit to practices respectful of the environment.

R two is Reuse
If we cannot avoid using packaging, we can still choose one which is reusable. This has become a good habit and storeowners have largely accepted it as we bring our own reusable bags for grocery shopping. This perfectly simple practice allows the diversion from garbage dumps of tons of plastic bags (about 350 bags per person per year in Quebec) which would otherwise take up to 400 years to degrade naturally. What else can we do? Why not extend this practice to purchases at, for example, our hardware store or bookstore and select items such as razors, utensils, china, pencils, mayonnaise jars or yogurt containers which can be reused rather than thrown out? Reusing is also economical. Why not visit the Comptoir Familial St-Romain when you next need clothing items, dishes, household appliances or tools? You would be surprised at what you might find and the savings you would make. It would also give a second life to things which otherwise would go the dump and also money would stay in our community. If you have any other ideas to share, Please let me have your suggestions and comments by telephone at 450-247-0137 or by email at benoit.bleau@gmail.com