Green Poppies

Cool way to store plastic bags!!

2012-01-13T08:21:00.000-08:00

I just found this cute little thing. You can reuse your desinfecting towels dispenser and decorate it!
A great idea, a usefull one and of course a green detail for your green way of living.

Photo from: http://pinterest.com/pin/125045327123400527/

30 story sustainable building

2012-01-07T16:20:00.000-08:00

This 30 story sustainable building was built in China in only 360hrs. It is resistanto to a 9 degree magnitude earthquake. But is not only impressive that it was built in such a short period of time, but that it is in fact a sustainable building: 5 times more energy efficient, with external solar shading, heat recovery and purer air. You may watch the video in the following link.

http://youtu.be/Hdpf-MQM9vY

And what about our weather?

2012-01-07T15:21:00.000-08:00

From St. John's to Victoria, Canadians love to brag about the weather that they endure (or enjoy!). Surely their community must get the most in the entire country!
But which Canadian city really is the rainiest, the snowiest or the windiest? And where is the sunshine capital?To find the answers, David Phillips, Environment Canada's Senior Climatologist, and the nation's favourite weather guru, has analyzed 30 years of recent weather data for Canada's 100 largest cities.
His results will not only provide for entertaining conversations around the dinner table, but will also be of assistance to local governments, Chambers of Commerce, tourism and recreation businesses and those seeking weather havens for retirement or health purposes.

http://www.climate.weatheroffice.gc.ca/winners/intro_e.html

Sustainable way of living

2012-01-03T11:33:00.000-08:00

Solar energy, Biogas, Ground heat, Wind power generation and Rain Water use...What an example!!!

Sustainable way of living

Global Warning

2012-01-01T09:24:00.000-08:00

We can help by consuming less

How to identify Eco-friendly products

2011-12-31T09:46:00.000-08:00

I found this video on You tube and I'd love to share it with you. It explains quite well how to start identifying eco-friendly products. Not all of us are experts, right? but we want to participate, so here you are, enjoy it!

http://youtu.be/Tq2uk40r9SI

10 tips for the day

2011-12-16T08:07:00.001-08:00

10 tipsfor the day:

1. Preheating your oven is oftenunnecessary for any food requiring more than a full hour of cooking time, saysthe Chicago Solar Partnership. Check your recipe instructions. Don't open theoven door when cooking; it will let heat escape and cause your oven to workharder. And thaw meat before you cook it. Roasting time will be shortened,energy will be saved and the meat will be more uniformly cooked.

2. Boiling water for tea in a pot onyour gas stove uses one-third the energy of a plug-in kettle, according to GodoStoyke's The Carbon Buster’s Home EnergyHandbook.

3. Don’t fill up your kettle. Onlypour in as much water as you need right now. If every Canadian did this, we’dsave enough electricity to power every street light across the country,according to Change The World for Ten Bucks: 50 Ways To Make A Difference.

4. To cut heating energy and costsin winter, on sunny days open your south-facing drapes and let the sun in, saysSaskEnergy. It's a natural source of heat. If you have large windows that don'treceive direct sun, keep the drapes closed. And close your drapes and blindsduring the night.

5. Buying a new computer? Choose alaptop - it uses about six times less electricity than a desktop, according to The Carbon Buster’s Home Energy Handbook.

6. Screen savers don’t saveelectricity. Instead, set your computer to go into sleep mode when you aren’tactively using it. That can cut your power consumption by five times, cuttingyour electricity bills by more than 500 kilowatt hours per year, according to The Carbon Buster’s Home Energy Handbook.

7. Two large power plants have torun constantly to supply enough electricity to run North American televisionsets WHILE THEY ARE TURNED OFF. They’re called power vampires, as they suckenergy to stay in a constant state of standby. Plug your television into apower bar and turn that off when you aren’t watching. That will save about 40kilowatt hours over a year.

8. 9Get rid of that old fridge inyour basement that chills a few lonely bottles of beer. A 1975 fridge sucks upfour times as much electricity as new Energy Star model, according to the Ontario Power Authority. It will even pick up your oldfridge for you.

9. Wash your clothes in cold water.Since 80 per cent of the electricity in washing your clothes comes from heatingthe water, using cold rather than hot water will save you as much as 2,500kilowatt-hours of power a year - more than twice the average household’smonthly energy bill. (Source: The Canadian Energy EfficiencyCentre)

10. Set the photocopier to printdouble-sided only. It takes ten times as much energy to make a piece of paperthan it takes to copy onto it, according to Godo Stoyke's The Carbon Buster’s Home Energy Handbook

2011-12-01T07:40:00.001-08:00

Are you on of those Christmas lovers for whom anartificial tree may automatically seem like the most ecological solution forthe season?. Well, not really, let’stalk about that:

The reality is more complicated. In fact, a naturaltree is a good alternative to take pride of your foyer. However, if you alreadyown an artificial tree, don't hesitate to reuse it! Reuse it as many time asyou can, please. It is already been produced, so, just try no to dump it I thefirst minute you find a newer on sale.

Asfor the natural Christmas tree, I am sure you know that it does not come right from the forest, right? Be sure that you choose one that comes from atree farm specifically dedicated to growing trees forthe holiday season. You can reach the Canadian Christmas Tree Association at: http://www.canadianchristmastrees.ca/

Treegrowers work closely with the soil and trees, manyspecies of evergreens are grown in Canada to be sold specifically as Christmastrees. The most popular Christmas trees are balsam fir and Fraser fir. Otherspecies include the Scots pine, white spruce, white pine and blue spruce. Whilethey are growing, these trees capture CO₂, which they turn intowood, water and oxygen.

After the festivities of the holiday season, anatural tree is of course completely recyclable. Check with your municipalityif they are offering the services needed for collecting them. However, toensure that the tree remains recyclable, it is preferable to avoid usingspray-on artificial snow. This synthetic foam is non-biodegradable. As in any other eco-activity, you have to beaware that decorating a Christmas tree is going to be done with as less chemicalsand plastic as possible.

Butmy favorite alternative, also ecological, would be to decorate an indoor plantor tree. This solution creates a unique tree and calls upon creativity,originality and imagination. A solution available to everyone! In somecountries you may even find that some companies are renting trees!! They do itfor special events too!

Yourmain concerns these Holidays should be:

Choose a natural tree from a local farm or even decorate an indoor tree.
Inquire to ensure that the tree you choose has not been treated with pesticides.
Dispose of your tree properly after the holiday season.

Merry Christmas to you all!

The green wave.

2011-11-14T10:04:00.001-08:00

I just got a similar message in my inbox and couldn’t help to run, translate and complement it to share it with you! I don't mean to plagiarize, but the original text didn't have a signature. I am just translating and sharing.
In line at the local supermarket, the cashier told a lady that she should be bringing her own shopping bag as the plastic bags were not good for the environment.
The lady apologized and said: "There was not this green wave in my time."
The young employee replied, "That's our problem now. Your generation did not care enough to preserve our environment."
He was right – previous generations did not have that green wave at that time.At that time, milk bottles, soda bottles and beer were returned to the store. The store sent them back to the plant to be washed and sterilized before filling it again. Bottles could be used over and over again, so actually, recycled.But we had no green wave in past times.
We climbed the stairs, because there were no escalators on each office building. We walked to the store instead of riding in our vehicle 300 horsepower every time we needed go two blocks.But the young guy was right. We didn’t have the green wave as today.By then, we washed the diapers of babies because disposable one didn’t exist. Clothes on clotheslines dried with no need of an energy-shaking machine at 220 volts - solar energy and wind dried our clothes really. The boys wore the clothes of her older brothers, not always new outfits. But that lady is right: we have a green wave today.
At that time we had one television or radio in the house, a small one, not a huge screen of the size of a stadium and of course not a TV in every room.In the kitchen, we ground and beat by hand, because we then had no electrical machines doing everything for us.
When we packed something fragile to mail, we used crumpled newspaper to protect it, not plastic or pellets or styrofoam.He worked out at work, so we did not need to go to a gym to run on tracks that run on electricity mechanical. We used a mower that ran on muscle to cut the grass instead of a gasoline engine.But he is right: there wasn’t, at that time, a green wave.
We drank from a water fountain when we were thirsty, instead of using plastic cups or bottles every time we had to satisfy our thirst.And people recharged the fountain pen with ink, instead of buying a new one. We changed the razor blade instead of throwing away the complete plastic razor and blade just because it lost the edge.But we have a green wave now.
In those days, people took the tram or bus and the boys were on their bikes or walked to school, instead of using the mother as a taxi service 24 hours, and gas tanks burning all day long.We had an outlet in every room, not a bank of sockets to power a dozen artifacts. And we did not need an electronic device to receive signals from satellites miles away in space to find the nearest pizza parlor.
The current generation is lamenting how the old generations wasted the world resources?, but I am optimistic because I see a new generation that is getting into the new wave as natural as it should be.

Can we all generations get in to the green wave in our time?

PEVs

2011-08-30T05:16:00.000-07:00

It is the year of 2011 and the electric vehicle market seems still unborn. If you consider that the goal for the year is of 1 million PEVs (plug-in electric vehicle) on the road and that we are about to start the 9th month of the year, then you will agree with me. I still don’t see many electric vehicles parked outside my home. And when I get to Ikea, I really can say for far away that the non-taken parking spots are exactly those reserved for electric cars.
Should we shake this market? I guess so, but should we change completely to electric vehicles? Why are governments so anxious to make one type of energy the prevailing one? Meaning oil, or electricity or natural gas. Can we afford having all 3 different sources and stop the monopoly on oil? I don’t know.

Photo from netcarshow.com

Primatologist Jane Goodall

2011-02-21T09:21:00.000-08:00

“The best way to create the kind of change that we need if we care about our great-great-grandchildren is for everybody to spend just a few minutes each day thinking about the consequences of the choices they make,” Goodall said.

ORLANDO, Fla. - At 76, famed primatologist Jane Goodall has no thoughts of slowing down.

Still traveling more than 300 days a year, she marshals her personal experiences, her expertise and her rock star status as a world renowned scientist to influence decision makers and inspire young people.

But Saturday she was happy to stop and pause to mark the 20th anniversary of Roots and Shoots, the worldwide youth service movement she founded in 1991 in Tanzania.

“You bet. We’ll have a little toast,” Goodall told Reuters in an interview.

The British scientist, best known for her study of chimps in Tanzania and for founding the Jane Goodall Institute, reflected on her hopes for a future shaped by the hands of youth like those in Roots and Shoots.

“These are young people who will not capitulate. They are really passionate,” Goodall said.

Roots and Shoots aims at “empowering young people to take action through service projects, creating positive change for people, animals and the environment,” according to its website http://www.rootsandshoots.org/.

The organization works through local chapters and includes tens of thousands of young people in almost 100 countries.

Youths are encouraged to identify and tackle problems in their own backyards: from the 2.8 million wooden chopsticks discarded daily in Taiwan, to the litter on a mountain in Kyrgyzstan or the carbon footprint of a school in Europe.

Many chapters operate through schools and other civic and religious organizations. Surprising even to Goodall are the 800 chapters on mainland China and two in North Korea.

“It didn’t seem that the Chinese administration would be very amenable to young people choosing what they want to do to make the world a better place themselves,” Goodall said.

“In fact, it just took off and the government actually asked me to introduce it to the schools,” she said.

A TALK AT A TANZANIAN SCHOOL

Roots and Shoots was born when Goodall, wanting to thank Tanzania for hosting her decades of research among the chimpanzees in the Gombe Stream National Park, offered to give talks at local schools.

She found a huge interest in the environment, along with a lack of environmental education, among the students.

Twelve students, selected by their classmates, later went to Goodall’s home where they talked on her veranda about their environmental concerns. This was the start of Roots and Shoots.

Encouraged by Goodall, the original 12 then tried to stop the export of live birds from Tanzania and dynamite fishing, in which explosives tossed in the water kill the fish so they can be easily collected. But, Goodall noted, the political system in Tanzania at the time thwarted those early efforts.

However, of those original 12, one went on to serve as minister of environment for Tanzania, another became Roots & Shoots’ national director in Tanzania, and others are active in careers such as journalism and education, Goodall said.

The scientist thoroughly enjoys recounting the store of anecdotes about young people working for a more humane and “green” world in Roots and Shoots chapters around the world.

Recently, she said, a teacher on the Isle of Man created a chapter and introduced his students to climate change.

Inspired, the students calculated that they would need to plant 2 million trees to offset the carbon dioxide released by all their travel to and from school. So they began a tree-planting campaign.

“What they eat, what they wear, how they get from A to B, how they interact with people, animals, the environment. You start going off on all sorts of fascinating trails when you think about life in those terms,” she said.

Looking back at her own experiences, Goodall said she can appreciate the energy and idealism of the young people.

“Lots of disappointment. I mean, people who are really enthusiastic to protect some kind of species or environment and then it all gets pushed aside in the name of progress or economic benefits,” she said of her own experiences.

“It gets very, very sad when you know how many people care, and yet somehow, however much they care, they fail. The main thing there, is to encourage people. OK, you failed this time. Don’t give up. We’ve still got to go on fighting these things if we care about the future,” Goodall said.

Say It With Flowers

2011-01-17T08:40:00.000-08:00

Save as Draft

Responsible Consumers

2011-01-06T05:48:00.000-08:00

We all consume something everyday. But individuals contribute to local and global sustainability when they adopt more responsible patterns of buying and consumption, thereby consuming less energy and fewer resources. It is our responsibility as consumers to search for goods and services, produced by companies with good environmental records. The information is becoming more and more available and there is always a way to assess and reduce resource consumption.

Consumerism has hoodwinked us into gorging on material things because we suffer from social, psychological, and spiritual hungers. The wildfire advance of the consumer lifestyle around the globe marks the most rapid and fundamental change in day-to-day existence the human species has ever experienced. The irony is that while the consumer society has been stunningly effective in harming the environment, it has failed to provide us with a sense of fulfillment.

What level of consumption can the planet support? If the Earth suffers when people have either too little or too much, the questions arise: How much is enough?

Ultimately, the fates of the planet and humanity depend on us, the consumers. Maybe we can start thinking about cultivating the deeper, non-material sources of fulfillment that bring happiness: family and social relationships, meaningful work, and leisure.

Skepticism about natural products continues.

2010-12-22T06:12:00.000-08:00

Skepticism about ‘natural’ products continues, finds survey:

"Consumers on the lookout for eco-friendly claims are skeptical about the term ‘natural’, and two-thirds would favor a uniform standard to certify natural claims, according to a new survey."

By Caroline Scott-Thomas, 22-Dec-2010

The poll, from natural and organic marketing firm Mango Sprouts Marketing, asked 1,000 natural product consumers about their organic shopping habits in an effort to get an idea of upcoming trends for the sector in 2011.

Currently, although manufacturers of organic foods and beverages must adhere to strict standards in order to be allowed to use the term, the Food and Drug Administration has declined to define the word ‘natural’. Nevertheless, its use on food packaging is rapidly increasing as consumers are seeking products that are free from artificial additives.

The market research found that one in three consumers surveyed (34 percent) were ‘not very’ or ‘not at all’ confident in natural labeling, while two in three (65 percent) said they would like to see the term certified, for both processes and ingredients. Another 25 percent of those surveyed said they were ‘somewhat interested’ in natural certification.

However, the way in which a certification scheme would be monitored was also important to those polled. A third (33 percent) said they would favor natural labeling certification by an independent non-profit organization and/or a government standard. Fewer than one in four supported an industry-sponsored standard (23 percent), while 18 percent said they would prefer retailer certification, the research found.

The findings are in line with the results of other market research in this area, which has suggested that many consumers are confused about the precise definition of ‘natural’. A survey conducted last year by market research organization the Shelton Group, for example, found that more consumers favored natural product claims (31 percent) over organic claims (14 percent) as evidence of a product’s eco-credentials, despite the strict regulation of the term ‘organic’ and none for ‘natural’.

‘Natural’ was the number one claim on new product packaging last year, appearing on 23 percent of newly launched food and beverage products, according to Mintel’s Global New Products Database.

FACT:

2010-12-06T06:10:00.000-08:00

Sales of Fairtrade certified products increased 15 per cent in 2009, according to the global Fairtrade body, Fairtrade Labelling Organizations International (FLO).

FLO said that sales of Fairtrade-certified sugar and cocoa saw the biggest sales increases last year, as several major confectionery manufacturers made commitments to source fairly traded ingredients, including Cadbury Dairy Milk, Nestlé’s Kit Kat, and Green & Black’s, as well as the ice cream maker Ben & Jerry’s.

Fairtrade cocoa sales were up 35 per cent in 2009, while Fairtrade sugar sales grew by 57 per cent.

Chez le fleuriste

2010-11-01T06:22:00.000-07:00

Chez le fleuriste, seules les plus belles fleurs seront choisies par les consommateurs. Nous les voulons fraîches, colorées, symétriques et durables, bref, c’est la perfection que nous cherchons.

En 2007, près de 16 millions de fleurs de toutes sortes ont été importées au Québec, dont plus de 65 % provenaient de l’Équateur et de la Colombie, où elles sont produites dans d’immenses villages de serres.

Cette production de masse a un impact social, mais surtout environnemental très lourd, notamment à cause de l’usage abondant de pesticides. Cependant, il est maintenant possible d’acheter plusieurs variétés de fleurs équitables et écologiques au Québec.

Impossible de voir la différence entre une fleur certifiée équitable et une fleur conventionnelle. Les fleurs équitables sont aussi belles sinon plus que les fleurs non-certifiées. Elles durent aussi longtemps et ne coûtent que quelques sous de plus. Mais ce qui compte beaucoup, c’est de savoir qu’en achetant une fleur certifiée, on achète non seulement une fleur dont l’impact environnemental est moindre, mais également une fleur qui a permis à un employé de serres d’Amérique du Sud de travailler dans des conditions favorables.

Stefano Mancuso: The roots of plant intelligence | Video on TED.com

2010-10-14T07:06:00.000-07:00

Plants behave in some oddly intelligent ways: fighting predators, maximizing food opportunities ...

But can we think of them as actually having a form of intelligence of their own?

Italian botanist Stefano Mancuso presents intriguing evidence.

Stefano Mancuso: The roots of plant intelligence | Video on TED.com

Company's efforts

2010-09-01T06:19:00.000-07:00

Eventhough no existing company is perfectly environmentally responsible, here, at L’atelier de Fleurs Green Poppies we do our best efforts to become one. We created this small business in Quebec and is managed by individual proprietors.

Our flowers are either fair trade, local or organic and therefore its production minimizes the release of toxic chemicals into the environment

We are trying to get known by consumers and getting them to buy fair trade flowers not only for their green events, but also in their day-to-day life.

Some efforts are being done such as using all the packaging of recycled materials and reuse all the materials that come from the original vendor.

Environmental considerations as production, distribution and disposal are always integrated on our daily sales and floral creations. Our flowers are certified fair trade and we try to buy all other products sold in our shop from local artists, products that are locally made or that have a social impact.

We open our doors to clients, students and people in general to our volunteer program, for people to get in touch with nature and with the fair trade concept. And our workshops are fully loaded with information not only regarding the floral arranging, but the importance of buying fair trade products.

Roses May Contain Risky Levels of Pesticides

2010-08-27T06:49:00.001-07:00

...But not the ones that are Fair Traded.

A 1997 report by the Environmental Working Group found that commercially grown roses contained 1,000 times the amount of cancer causing pesticides when compared with food products.

The real concern for many environmental groups is for the people that grow and handle flowers that are drenched in pesticide.

But the news should not prevent you from appreciating the newly arrived flowers on your desk, at least one environmentalist claims.

Florists sell millions of roses along with countless other cut flowers over the year. Many of those flowers will be grown in poor countries where pesticide regulations are not as stringent as they are in the United States. Since flower crops can earn five times the amount of fruit crops, they have an increasing presence in the developing world.

The United States receives about 64 percent of its imported cut flowers from Colombia. Canada’s numbers are similar. In some of those farms where pesticides are not regulated, workers -most of whom are women- suffer the most from the industry's heavy pesticide use. Flower workers experience headaches, nausea, impairedvision, rashes and asthma, according to the Pesticide Action Network of North America.

Eventhough there is much more serious exposure to workers than people who buy the flowers, environmentalists are urging people to consider buying organic bouquets.

Atelier de Fleurs Green Poppies has been in the business for three years, relying on local organic growers and certified fair trade farms in South America.

"Unlike conventionally grown flowers, our flowers are grown the way nature likes."

Flower arranging Workshops

2010-08-18T09:11:00.000-07:00

Basic Floral Workshop. Upon completion of this workshop the participant to better understand the nature, understand the environmental trends and meet the flowers more thoroughly.
Also be able to make floral arrangements taking into account the shape, color, texture.
It will give the most common tips and know the tools used for this type of activity.
The participant will take home an approach to a new environmental culture and a floral arrangement valued at $ 25.00.

Given at your venue.
For groups of 4 people and up.
Length: 1.5 hours
Price: $40.00 per person, fresh flowers included. And any other material needed for the workshop of the day
10% discount to groups of 10 people or more.

Objective:
You will be able to prepare a floral arrangement according to your own taste, but with the experienced guidance to avoid any flower waste.

Tools are provided by the organizer as well as the flowers to work with. Nevertheless, some containers might be either brought by the student or bought at our store.

Topics:
1. How to choose a container
2. Preparing the saturated foam
3. How to choose your flowers according to the season
4. Do it yourself!
5. Flower care

list of tools for floral designing (included)
Foam, waterproof tape, floral wires and stem wires, wooden sticks, candle cups, moss, special theme deco, etc.

Containers for Arrangements (not included)
Bowls, Dishes, Spherical Vases, Tall Vases,

514-2791120
www.greenpoppies.com
We are proud to present our
Floral arrangement workshops

Floral Arrangements Spring basket Bunny Baskets 1.5Hrs
Valentine’s arrangements Give away a piece of earth 1.5Hrs
ArrangementsWith plants Summer outdoor plants 1.5Hrs
Floral ArrangementsPumpkins Halloween doesn’t have to be scary 1.5Hrs
Floral ArrangementsAutomn Colours of automn in your vase 1.5Hrs
Floral ArrangementsChristmas deco Christmas table arrangement 1.5Hrs

Price: $40.00 per person.
Fresh flowers included. And any other material needed for the workshop theme of the day
Tools are provided by the organizer as well as the flowers to work with. Nevertheless, some containers might be either brought by the student or bought at our store.

Objective:
You will be able to prepare a floral arrangement acording to your own taste, but with the experienced guidance to avoid any flower waste.

List of tools for floral designing (included)
Foam, waterproof tape, floral wires and stem wires, wooden sticks, candle cups, moss, special theme deco, etc.

Containers for Arrangements (not included)
Bowls, Dishes, Spherical Vases, Tall Vases,

Please contact us to schedule a specific date.
514-2791120

Green Your Wedding

2010-07-24T08:25:00.000-07:00

By: Trent Edwards—Friday, July 16, 2010
Publication: Calgary Herald
It's the biggest day of your life. But does it really have to leave the biggest eco-footprint?

Couples such as Calgary's Candace Birch and Ryan Bjornsen are determined not to succumb to the popular notion that the more lavish the wedding, the more important the occasion.

"It makes sense that the biggest day of our lives should reflect how we live every day," Birch says. "I don't think it's people's intention to use so much resources, but it's so easy to get carried away."

Guests might not even notice the subtle ways that Birch and Bjornsen are making their wedding more Earth-friendly. Their elegant wedding invites? Made from recycled paper. The couple's beautiful wedding rings? Recycled gold. And while it still sparkles, Birch's engagement diamond was made in a laboratory instead of being carved out of a strip mine.

The couple, both in their mid-20s, plan to hold their marriage ceremony in a Calgary backyard. Most of the flowers at the ceremony will be of the planted variety, rather than cut and transported long distances for a one-day celebration. And all the food at the reception will come from sustainable sources.

Birch and Bjornsen aren't alone in wanting to reduce their wedding's impact: SmartBride Boutique reports that the average wedding in the U.S. produces 180 kilograms of garbage and 63 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions -- but that eco-friendly weddings are becoming increasingly popular. Read on for the website's 10 "eco-chic" wedding tips (smartbrideboutique. com):

1. The Planning -- Ecoinspiration. Tired of ripping out pages in magazines and bookmarking a zillion wedding websites in search of inspiration? Check out TheBridalBoard.com, an online tool that helps you keep track of wedding tips, trends and inspirations.

2. The Venue -- Minimize venue changes. Energy experts say carbon dioxide emissions from guest travel are the single biggest environmental impact of a wedding. Reduce these emissions by planning your event at one venue to reduce the driving for guests, and visit terrapass. com/ wedding to calculate your wedding's carbon footprint.

3. The Dress -- Buying a previously owned wedding dress reduces the energy and fabric needed to produce a new gown and gives brides-to-be and past brides an opportunity to save about half the cost of their dress while staying true to green ideals. Consider online shopping -- or visit local consignment stores or meet other brides to try on and buy their gown and/ or accessories (which saves the cost and expanded eco-footprint of shipping). And when your big day is over, consider selling your dress to an eco-conscious bride-to-be, either in person, through a consignment store or online.

4. The Invites -- Reduce paper use. Consider an electronic save the date notice and set up a wedding website that lists all the details of your big day, from accommodation and registry to the story of how you met. You can even manage your RSVPs online, removing the need for reply cards.

5. The Flowers -- Think green flower power. Look for seasonal flowers that are fair trade, locally and/or organically grown and free of chemical preservatives. Potted plants are nice centrepieces, cost less than cut flowers and last months or years instead of days.

6. The Food -- Use caterers that source local and organic foods and drinks wherever possible. This minimizes the distance food has to travel from farm to table, lowering emissions and supporting your community.

7. The Cake -- Get your wedding cake made with organic, fair trade or even vegan ingredients. And yes, it should still taste great.

8. The Decor -- Try to find a venue that already fits with your theme. This reduces the amount of items (and dollars) used to create your atmosphere. Then, add a few soy candles to the mix. They burn longer, are toxin-free and biodegradable, and provide natural mood lighting at minimal expense.

9. The Favours -- Replace traditional wedding favours with tree seedlings, flower seeds or bulbs. Send guests home with green treats such as fair trade chocolate, coffee or soaps. Better yet, get rid of physical favours and instead set aside money to cover the carbon footprint of your wedding, or make a donation to a green charity on behalf of guests.

10. The Rings -- Use recycled bling. Infuse your rings with love by getting family and friends to recycle their unwanted gold to make wedding rings for you and your hubby. Check out sites such as greenkarat. com or speak to a local jewelry store.

Bonus Tip -- The Honeymoon. Eco-tourism is a blossoming industry. Why not spend your honeymoon at a romantic eco-friendly resort, hotel or spa? This way you get to show your love for your new spouse and the planet.

Weekly flower delivery

2010-06-14T17:40:00.000-07:00

Making the ordering process even easier.
When it comes to ways to brighten up the home, or to make someone's day, weekly flower delivery is the perfect option. This makes for a great gift, where the recipient will be sent new flowers every week or you may choose to order for yourself to keep your home looking bright and beautiful with new flowers each week.
Weekly deliveries of flowers are especially setup to ensure that you (or your loved one) get a new bouquet of flowers each and every week. They will often come in a decorated box or basket, and can even come with baskets of food or fruit to make a luxurious gift. These weekly flowers are usually sent as a surprise gift, and the type of flowers can be different for each week as an added surprise.
Your deliveries can last for as long as you want, but there will be a minimum terms such as one month. They will keep being sent as long as you keep your subscription open, and you will usually need to pay for the flowers either weekly or monthly. It's up to you whether you wish to set an end point in mind or keep a standing order.
Weekly flower deliveries can include a number of different flowers, and you can either choose a theme or leave it as a complete surprise. This is a great gift for anyone who loves flowers, and you can always make sure they have a weekly surprise to look forward to.

Fair Trade Campaign

2010-05-04T07:54:00.000-07:00

The Laundry Ball

2010-04-06T10:47:00.000-07:00

Laundry Ball Facts
By Veronica Davis
eHow Contributing Writer

The laundry ball is a new alternative to the way that most of us have been doing laundry for ages. The laundry ball will allow you to clean your clothes naturally and will also save you money. If you have been looking for a way to save money and still wear the cleanest clothes possible, the laundry ball is worth considering.

Inside the Laundry Ball
1. The laundry ball is different from any other laundry item you may buy. What makes it special are the pellets with minerals that are inside of the laundry ball. The minerals that are inside of the ball naturally remove dirt and grime. The result is that when you use the laundry ball, you get cleaner and whiter clothes than if you used a traditional laundry detergent.
Savings
2. Using a laundry ball is beneficial because it saves you money. You may not think about how much your laundry detergent costs you because you feel like you have to buy it. The fact is that most people are paying quite a bit for laundry detergent, but they don’t have to be. When you use one laundry ball, you are getting the same cleaning power as 41 bottles of laundry detergent. Even if you spend $10 per bottle of laundry detergent, which is easy to do, one laundry ball would save you $410. It has been estimated that through the savings of power, water and laundry detergent, you could easily save $2,000 per year by using a laundry ball.
Eco-Friendly Benefits
3. The laundry ball is eco friendly in addition to saving you time and money. The laundry ball is filled with natural minerals that do not leave any residue and are allergen-free, which means they won’t irritate skin or release toxins into the air. In addition, because you are not using laundry detergent, you can set the machine on the rinse cycle, saving time and electricity in the process of getting whiter, brighter, and fresher clothes right out of the washer.
Washing Instructions
4. The laundry ball is very easy to use. You simply need to place your dirty clothing in the washing machine as you usually would. Set your washer to a short or rinse cycle, and then throw in the laundry ball. This is all that needs to be done; when the washer is done, your clothes will be chemical- and residue-free and you will have saved time and money.
Extends the Life of Clothing
5. The laundry ball is beneficial because it extends the life of your clothing. Most clothing becomes discolored and faded when washed normally in a full cycle with laundry detergent. This is a natural process that happens during the oxidization of the fabrics through the use of water, which contains chloride. In addition, the detergent leaves a soapy residue on the clothes, changing the color over time. The laundry ball will allow for the clothes to be in the water for a shorter amount of time, reducing fading through oxidization and eliminating the soapy residue altogether.

Laundry Ball

2010-03-12T13:59:00.000-08:00

Are you thinking quitting the detergent, cleaning your clothes and the environment and have a green conscious all at the same time?

This Laundry ball is designed by making full use of the scientific characteristics of excluding powder.
It includes four types of ceramics balls. It sends out a remote infrared ray that activates the water molecule and quickly cleans the dirt of clothing. The magnetization of hexagon water strengthens the washing and sterilization effect. In conclusion the clothing is clean, pure, and aseptic after washing.

You can place your order at info@greenpoppies.com
Canada's Authorized Distributor

Children's workshop, crafts with flowers!

2010-03-08T11:27:00.000-08:00

Have you thought about giving your child a "green education"?

We teach children about flowers, about land conservation and about crafting!

Your child, boy or girl will enjoy our workshops, and will be in touch with nature while having fun.

You may ask for more information at info@greenpoppies.com

Eco passport

2010-02-17T08:49:00.000-08:00

Will you like to care about the environment and at the same time save?

Go to:

http://www.passeporteco.com/content.asp?node=15&lang=en&mid=25

Gestes responsables chez Green Poppies :

2010-01-05T09:10:00.000-08:00

Prémierement on offre de produits locales, biologiques, équitables.

+Produits à emballage réduit. Et on reutilise tout le material d’emballage qu’arrive chez nous avec la merchandise.
+Nous faisons le recyclage de papiers et cartons, verre et plastique
+On n’utilise pas de frigo pour conserver les fleurs.
+Réduire le nombre de lampes fluorescentes en ajoutant des réflecteurs efficaces
+Régler l'éclairage extérieur grâce à un système de commande central
+Utilisation et vente de sacs réutilisables.

+Impression de cartes d'affaires en papier recyclé.
+Impression recto/verso a fin deconomiser papier.

Si vous avez d’autres idées, s.v.p. envoyez nous en couriel. info@greenpoppies.com

Fair trade and flowers

2009-11-12T09:41:00.000-08:00

The fair trade movement is an alternative way of doing business all over the world. Is based on economic justice. Consumers pay more attention to the products they buy, and the consecuences of purchasing it. The results of the current free and global market are seen really in exploitation, declining environment, destruction of communities and enlargement of poverty.

Fair trade involves the producers and the consumers. Producers get the fair pay for their products, consumers pay a fair price for the commodities. Is based mainly in long term relationships, where the buyer really gets involved with the producer, worker or artisan. Health and overall living conditions are improved with joint activities.

Equal employment opportunities are provided for all and all aspects of trade and production usually are open to the public.

Lots of products all over the world are fair traded, and some of them have to do also with environmental issues. An example are flowers grown with as little as possible impact to the environment.

Fair trade flowers are produced, bought and sold with a human resposability.
Organic flowers, avoid chemicals with an environmental responsability.
Local flowers are grown and sold with more benefits tot he same community and less polution when shipped abroad.

In Montreal, Qc. Sierra Eco certifies these fair trade standards, and www.greenpoppies.com sells these flowers and creates great flower arrangements.

2009-10-30T11:02:00.001-07:00

http://www.blogcatalog.com/directory/society/beliefs-and-causes/activism/environmental-activism

Workshops for flower lovers!!

2009-10-30T09:57:00.000-07:00

We are proud to present our Floral arrangement workshops

Floral Arrangements, Pumpkins
Sunday November 1st. 12:00Hrs

Floral Arrangements Automn basket
Wednesday November 4th 12:00Hrs

Floral Arrangements, Automn
Sunday November 8, 11:00Hrs

Floral Arrangements, Christmas deco
Saturdays, November21 and 28 10:00Hrs

For groups of 2 to 4 people
Length: 1 to 1.5 hours
Price: $40.00 per person.
Fresh flowers included. And any other material needed for the workshop theme of the day
Tools are provided by the organizer as well as the flowers to work with. Nevertheless, some containers might be either brought by the student or bought at our store.

Objective:
You will be able to prepare a floral arrangement acording to your own taste, but with the experienced guidance to avoid any flower waste.

List of tools for floral designing (included)
Foam, waterproof tape, floral wires and stem wires, wooden sticks, candle cups, moss, special theme deco, etc.

Containers for Arrangements (not included)
Bowls, Dishes, Spherical Vases, Tall Vases,

Please contact us, to have specific schedule and themes for the already programmed courses in our shop. Or you may ask for a specific date.

514-2791120
http://www.greenpoppies.com/
5658-A Av. Du Parc
Outremont/Mile End

Eco-friendly greeting cards

2009-10-17T09:02:00.000-07:00

Have you ever thought of sending a greeting and a bloom at tghe same time? Well, now you can do it with these sensational greeting cards. The are made out of recycled linen or cotton paper, and then transform into flowers.

It’s true! This is because flower seeds are embedded in the paper during its production process. You simply place the paper under a thin layer of fine moist soil, water well and it will bloom! The seeds are a mixed variety such as clarkia, corn poppy, bird's eyes, catchfly and marigolds.

This product is respectful of the environment, symbolic and memorable.
You can choose from a variety of models at Atelier de fleurs Green Poppies.
514-2791120
5658-A Ave du Parc, H2V 4H1
Montreal, Qc.
www.greenpoppies.com

Fair Trade Flowers creating Beautiful Bouquets

2009-10-09T14:49:00.000-07:00

Strong Red:

The joy of Orange:

Pretty in Pink:

Fair Trade

2009-10-09T12:06:00.001-07:00

I just found this document on the web, and I guess it will help a lot of people to understand more about Fair Trade.

http://www.videa.ca/resources/videa_fairflowers.pdf

Eco friendly reusable grocery bags

2009-10-09T09:59:00.000-07:00

Eco friendly reusable grocery bags have seen their popularity surge in the past few years. They have a dramatically reduced environmental impact. So far this year over 375 billion disposable paper and plastic bags have been wasted and are piling up in landfills.

Many countries across the globe are passing laws to tax or ban plastic bag usage and people are starting to act on the Earth's behalf. Together we can help save this planet with every bag we reuse.

Communities need to continue to strive towards a solution and be proactive about setting an example for others.
When you use Recycled bag you save around 20 diposable plastic bags per shopping trip! Think about how many shopping trips you make a year? Disposable bags also are endangering marine life who mistake them for food. By using reusable bags consistently we are taking a stand to help this planet and it's animals.

Choices in fair Trade Flowers

2009-10-02T11:19:00.001-07:00

Lots of choices are now available in Fair Trade Flowers:
Roses,
Aster,
Alstromelias,
Agapanthus,
Hypericum,
Lillies,
Molucella,
Calla,
Campanulla,
Ornothogalum,
Carnations,
Sunflowers, etc.

What's Fair Trade Flowers?

2009-10-02T11:11:00.000-07:00

Fair trade signifies a better world far from chemicals and far from unfair treat to the people working in the industry.
Under fair trade flower arrangements, less money goes to "middlemen" and more goes to the producer.

Atelier de Fleurs Green Poppies has been combining for the past year the best of contemporary and traditional floral design with flowers, containers and packaging that are both ecologically sensitive and socially conscious.

We search mainly for locally grown flowers and sometimes both local and international fresh quality organic and fair trade flowers.

While buying fair trade flowers you help the people that works in the fields collecting the flowers, these are fair treated people, and the flowers have no fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, fungicides or any other kind of chemicals. These chemicals are not only affecting the people working in the fields, but the florists arranging them in a spectacular bouquet and also affects the clients trying to enjoy great flowers at home.

Come and visit us for a personalised bouquet or a quote on your next event, with the knowledge that we and yourself are helping people halfway around the world and helping preserve the environment in Canada. The world will love your decision to buy fair trade flowers.

Qué es el comercio equitable?

2009-09-27T10:50:00.000-07:00

Comercio equitable significa el respeto a las personas que trabajan en la industria floral. Ya sean, los trabajadores del campo, los distribuidores, los floristas, y todas aquellas personas que tienen contacto con las flores.

Atelier de Fleurs Green Poppies ha combinado desde el 2008, lo mejor del diseño floral, ya sea tradicional o contemporáneo, con el comercio equitable.

Nuestra misión está en encontrar flores, plantas, recipientes y hasta empaque ecológicamente responsable. Principalmente encontramos productores locales, a quien se les paga un precio justo por su labor.

Igualmente se buscan flores y plantas que no hayan estado en contacto con ferilizantes, insecticidas o cualquier otro tipo de químico. De esta manera se cuida la salud de quienes trabajamos en el campo floral, pero también la salud de quien goza las flores en su hogar.

Atelier de Fleurs Green Poppies es un amigo del medio ambiente, pero eso no limita la creatividad y no afecta el precio de nuestras creaciones.

Funcionamos como artesanos, los bouquets y arreglos que realizamos están hechos de forma personalizada, buscando la satisfacción del ciente y apegándonos a la cultura equitable lo más posible.

Venga a visitarnos, el mundo le agradecerá su decisión de comprar flores equitables.
info@greenpoppies.com
514-279112
Montreal, Qc.

Meaning of Roses

2009-09-27T10:26:00.000-07:00

RED ROSE
Love, Beauty, Courage and Respect, Romantic Love, Congratulations, "I Love You", "Job Well Done", Sincere Love, Respect, Courage & Passion

DARK RED ROSE
Unconscious beauty

RED SINGLE ROSE
"I Love You"

WHITE
Purity, Innocence, Silence, Secrecy, Reverence, Humility, Youthfulness, "I am worthy of you", Heavenly.

PINK
Appreciation, "Thank you", Grace, Perfect Happiness, Admiration, Gentleness, "Please Believe Me"

DARK PINK
Appreciation, Gratitude, "Thank You"

YELLOW
Joy, Gladness, Friendship, Delight, Promise of a new beginning, Welcome Back, Remember Me, Jealousy, "I care”.

ORANGE
Desire, Enthusiasm

BLUE
The unattainable, the impossible.

PEACH

Appreciation, Closing the deal, Let's get together, Sincerity, Gratitude.

#1 Wedding Flowers

2009-08-28T13:47:00.000-07:00

Roses:
Mainly the white Vendela, These are the classic roses that you see in the florist's shop. A perennial wedding choice, their petals can be plucked to carpet the ceremony aisle.
Meaning: love and passion

Hydrangeas:
Flower Gardens burst into life with these poufs in late summer and fall; Mainy used because of thir size, but they are quite delicate.
Meaning: devotion

Peonies
This voluptuous, famous ultrafragrant flower has a very short season—late spring to early summer.
Meaning: bashful.

Mini Calla Lilies
A sophisticated favorite in Art Deco days as well as this millennium, this trumpet-shaped beauty is easy to carry in a bouquet, a boutonniere and also makes a glamorous centerpiece, grouped in a series of petite vases. You may also choose the open calla (bigger)
Meaning: beauty

Gardenias
With a scent to swoon for, this stemless flower can be floated in water or wired into a bouquet; though edges turn brown when handled roughly, it's a stunningly retro-glam hair ornament.
Meaning: joy

Healthy Fertilizers

2009-08-20T09:35:00.000-07:00

Fertilizers are chemical compounds applied to promote plant and fruit growth. Fertilizers are usually applied either through the soil or through leaves.

Good fertilizers help ensure that your soil stays healthy. Yet applying too much, especially at the wrong time of year, will cause runoff, leading to groundwater pollution.

Fertilizers can be placed into the categories of organic fertilizers (composed of decayed plant/animal matter), or inorganic fertilizers (composed of simple chemicals and minerals).

Nitrate-based fertilizers (which are synthetic) often contain a high salt index that can cause root burning and dehydration.

The alternative is to use organic gardening products judiciously. (To gardeners, the terms "organic" and "natural" mean products derived from a plant, animal, or mineral source, not those containing USDA-certified organic materials.)

Organic fertilizers won't dry or burn your soil; they will rehabilitate soil quality and improve the general health of your garden.

Buy natural fertilizers with ingredients such as bonemeal, kelp meal, and alfalfa meal. Natural fertilizers break down in the soil slowly, which is more beneficial to plants. Avoid natural fertilizers with peat moss, which is harvested from swiftly disappearing bog habitats.

Pesticides in flowers

2009-06-18T14:21:00.000-07:00

Should I be concerned about pesticides in my flower arrangements?
Yes. Pesticide residues are often found on produce, and if flowers are an important part of your life, then you should worry.Pesticides help make flowers more affordable by saving them from early damage. But research shows that pesticides contribute to a wide range of health problems, including cancer, lung disease, reproductive problems, and possibly disorders of the endocrine and immune systems.Animal testing also indicates that pesticides can cause permanent changes in brain chemistry that may lead to behavioral disorders, learning disabilities, and even long-term damage of the brain and nervous system.

Are children more vulnerable to the dangers of pesticides than adults are?
Yes, Pesticide exposure can affect your children today as well as in the future. In fact, some of the effects may not become apparent until later in life.
Children may also absorb pesticides more easily. And because of their still-developing body, they may be less capable of breaking them down.Keep in mind that foods aren't the only way your preschooler may come in contact with pesticides. Pesticides also make their way into drinking water. If you use pesticides in your home or yard, your child will also be exposed. He could even ingest pesticides after they're brought into your home on the soles of shoes if your child plays on the floor or eats something he's picked up off the floor, for example.Pesticides can cross the placenta, which means that pregnant women need to take care to avoid contact. Be careful when giving away flowers to your recently prengnant wife for example.

Aren't there regulations that protect us from pesticides?
While federal regulations have been gradually eliminating the use of some of the most dangerous pesticides, more remain. In addition, tests have found that some produce contains high levels of pesticides that have long been banned in the United States but that are still in the soil. When farmers plant in contaminated soils, they often end up with contaminated produce.

Compositions a partir de fleurs équitables

2009-06-18T14:19:00.000-07:00

Les fleurs équitables ont une Garantie Commerce Equitable. Les fleurs bio sont garanties sans biocides et sans engrais synthétiques.

Notre concept Green Poppies: si le but d'offrir des fleurs est de faire plaisir, autant le faire dans le respect des gens et de l'environnement !

Nous offrons :
Des fleurs équitables qui sont le résultat d'une production florale responsable au niveau social qu’environnemental. Aussi des fleurs et plantes potées locales.
Des cartes de souhaits recyclées et faites a main pour des artistes locales.
Des pots et vases équitables ou en verre recyclé.

Venez nous rencontrer ou faire parvenir votre commande par telephone ou courriel electronique. Livraison Disponible.

Tout le monde aimera votre décision d’acheter fleurs équitables

Fair Trade Flower Arrangements

2009-06-18T14:11:00.000-07:00

Fair trade signifies a better world far from chemicals and far from unfair treat to the people working in the industry. Chemicals are not only affecting the people working in the fields, but the florists and the clients.

Atelier de Fleurs Green Poppies in Montreal has been combining for more than a year the best of contemporary and traditional floral design with flowers, containers and packaging that are both ecologically sensitive and socially conscious.

We offer:
Fair trade flowers and Local flowers.
Pots and vases that are "fair trade" , local or made from recycled glass.
Recycled paper greeting cards and handmade greeting cards, supporting local artists.
Come and visit us for a personalized bouquet or a quote on your next event, or call us to order, we have delivery service.

The whole world will love your decision of buying fair trade flowers.

What is Fair Trade?

2009-02-22T09:23:00.000-08:00

Fair trade signifies a better world far from chemicals and far from unfair treat to the people working in the industry.
Under fair trade arrangements, less money goes to "middlemen" and more goes to the producer,

Atelier de Fleurs Green Poppies has been combining for the past year the best of contemporary and traditional floral design with flowers, containers and packaging that are both ecologically sensitive and socially conscious.

We search mainly for locally grown flowers and sometimes both local and international fresh quality organic and fair trade flowers. We offer:

Fair trade flowers that come from responsible flower production, both socially and environmentally. By choosing this type of flowers, you know that all has been done to ensure employees reach an "acceptable" standard of living.

Local flowers, that promote the work of farmers from Québec and Ontario. If the flowers are local, they don't have to fly to Québec in a frozen container.

Pots and vases that are "fair trade" or made from recycled glass. By buying these products, you ensure the women who produce them are not exploited, that they are in engaged for the long term in an economic, social and ecological development, and that there are as few intermediaries as possible;

Recycled paper cards and handmade greeting cards, supporting local artists.

While buying fair trade flowers you help the people that works in the fields collecting the flowers, these are fair treated people, and the flowers have no fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, fungicides or any other kind of chemicals. These chemicals are not only affecting the people working in the fields, but the florists arranging them in a spectacular bouquet and also affects the clients trying to enjoy great flowers at home.

Come and visit us for a personalised bouquet or a quote on your next event, with the knowledge that we and yourself are helping people halfway around the world and helping preserve the environment in Canada. The world will love your decision to buy fair trade flowers.

The choices
Roses, Aster, Alstromelias, Agapanthus, Hypericum, Lillies, Molucella, Calla, Campanulla, Ornothogalum, Carnations, Sunflowers, etc.

Atelier de Fleurs Green Poppies is a friend of the environment, which has nothing to do with high prices or limited creativity.