Got any green story ideas? Want me to speak at your next conference? Trying to find a copy of Sleeping Naked is Green? Love my blog and want to tell me how much you love my blog? Hate my blog and want to email me streams of vitriol? You can do it all right here! My email address is greenasathistle@gmail.com.
I also write a column at the National Post called Sense & Sustainability, which you can find on the Footprint page. And I’ve been interviewed on CBC Radio and Sirius radio’s The Lazy Environmentalist and featured in magazines such as Body+Soul and Intelligent Life. So basically: I love to hear myself talk. Kidding! Sort of.
April 18, 2009 at 8:01 pm |
Hello!
My name is Emily Davidson, and I’m with BETTER LIFE (www.cleanhappens.com) , a maker of green household cleaners. I love your website! What a great resource for living a green life!
We would love to give away a gift basket to one of your readers! We are really excited about our green cleaning products, and would love for your readers to try them out as well!
At BETTER LIFE, we’re absolutely passionate about creating household cleaning products that are better for people, better for the planet and better performing. We are focused on creating the absolute safest green cleaners on the market. Just as important, they truly perform better than the standards set by conventional household cleaners.
We are a new an exciting company that is revolutionizing the household cleaning products industry. Our products are free of petrochemicals, volatile organic compounds (VOC’s), solvents, dyes, synthetic fragrances and other harmful substances. Using renewable resources, we harness the power of mother nature to create a product that performs like no other.
We also understand that what is inside the bottle is only part of the equation. We believe that is critical to bring some fun and personality into a category that is typically pretty boring. Using bright colored packaging and whimsical names we create a memorable customer experience. Below is a brief description of each of our current products.
Products:
• I Can See Clearly, WOW! — The window and glass cleaner that takes a lighter view of the world.
• Simply Floored! — The ready-to-use floor cleaner that is designed to lose the dirt in a couple of squirts.
• what-EVER! — The all-purpose cleaner for this, that, and especially those. Available in original Unscented or scented with Clary Sage & Citrus essential oils.
• Even The Kitchen Sink — The gentle scrubber that cleans with ease while saving elbows and knees.
• 2am Miracle — The nursery cleaner that works when you’re pooped. And your baby already has.
Better Life has quickly gained momentum and are currently carried at retailers such as Whole Foods, drugstore.com, ACE Hardware, Delight.com, and walgreens.com, among others. We will be releasing several new products this spring and have an aggressive growth strategy for 2009.
Also be on the lookout this spring for a very special affiliate program from BETTER LIFE. You can help your readers get those dangerous chemical based cleaners out of their home by offering a BETTER LIFE green cleaning starter kit, and you can earn a nice commission during the process!
Please let me know if you would be interested in participating in a review and/or giveaway! I will be happy to send a giveaway package over!
April 25, 2009 at 12:25 am |
Hi there!
Just thought I should connect. I’m the person who unplugged her fridge 3 years ago and still does it. Plus other stuff.
Haven’t read your book but congrats. You should unplug your fridge again though.
cheers,
Andrea
May 2, 2009 at 3:16 am |
I just finished your book. I came to your blog through “Fake Plastic Fish”. I have read and followed your blog for quite sometime so when I heard about your book I had to have it. I Finished it today and really enjoyed it. My boyfriend can vouch for the fact that I laughed out loud at least once every chapter. I like to support anyone and anything Canadian so I felt compelled to buy your book. The next time I am in Toronto I may have to wander the streets in hopes of meeting you or Meghan (I read her blog as well).On a side note where the heck are all these vegetarian restaurants you mention? Why have I never found any?
Sincerely
Christy
May 3, 2009 at 4:51 am |
Hi! I’m halfway through “Sleeping Naked Is Green” and I absolutely love it!!! I’ve already made ripple.org my homepage, and told everyone I know about the book. I also work at a bookstore, and have been recommending it to everyone who shows the least bit interest in environmentalism, memoirs, or being naked. Thank you for showing the world that you don’t need to eschew the rest of the world and smell like patchouli to help save the earth. Your book rocks!
May 8, 2009 at 1:28 pm |
hey vanessa, thought I would support a fellow journalite and pick up your book. I’m so excited for you, and the book is giving me lots of ideas so far. looking forward to what comes in your future! congratulations!
May 11, 2009 at 8:30 pm |
Hi, I already made a reply to something earlier today and didn’t realize I could “speak” right to you. Anyways, hope someone finds my comments interesting.
May 12, 2009 at 7:58 pm |
Hello! I just stumbled upon your blog and I love it
Have you considered going into depth about greening the clothing industry? I really just got into it myself this year when I found this store (www.embodies.com) anyways, that’s not the point, the point is that the crops we use for our clothes are so full of pesticides (1/3lb. for every ONE cotton t-shirt!), the treatment of workers is inexcusable, and the wasting of our resources is out of control! Anyway, that might be fun to write about 
May 15, 2009 at 8:47 pm |
Hello Vanessa – quick note to congratulate and thank you on the awesome launch of ’sleeping naked is green’ last night. I am SO glad I got there early to have 5 minutes of your time and share my environmental sheep grazing and worm farm efforts. Do please call when you have a moment as I would like to chat about promoting you and your book on the upcoming re-launched site http://www.talentedwomen.com.
May 20, 2009 at 6:14 pm |
here is a video i made, its about climate change, all shot with found words…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJvVEmLgfIk
just trying to get it out there.
let me know what you think
cheers,
sam
May 28, 2009 at 11:59 am |
Decemeber? you have an extra e in december… you should also do one about nuclear power!
May 21, 2009 at 6:36 pm |
Hi Vanessa,
I just wanted to say I heard you on CBC radio (Calgary) yesterday and as a result was inspired to buy your book Sleeping Naked is Green. I began reading it last night and really am enjoying it. The book is packed with so many fabulous ideas that I am so excited to try! I’m going to try that corn cat litter for my cats(I went out and bought it today), one of which also has some “issues” and I’m really hoping he will like it(and use it!). I’ve already decided I am going to go through your list and try to implement as many of your ideas as I can into our lifestyle. The way you approached the whole issue of becoming more eco-friendly really appeals to me, and it motivates me to try and make some of my own changes(without quite so much fear as I had before starting your book).
Thank you for a wonderful and well written book.
May 25, 2009 at 2:59 am |
[...] just thankful that the Post also has saner, more informed writers like Vanessa Farquharson. Vanessa writes regularly both on her blog and in her Sense and Sustainability column on all issues [...]
May 25, 2009 at 11:07 pm |
I watched Vanessa’s video giving us a tour of her house and she showed the plastic dryer balls that she uses. I almost went out and got myself a pair when I did some research and according to treehugger.com
these balls have PVC’s in them and are made of the most toxic plastic out there not to mention made in China and they don’t have the greatest track record with lead safety. So, I stumbled upon dryer balls made of wool. Would anyone happen to know where I can buy these in Toronto? Otherwise, I guess I’ll have to break down and order them from an American site.
Here is the treehugger article I referred to:
http://www.treehugger.com/files/2007/09/nellie_dryer_balls.php
May 28, 2009 at 3:20 pm |
Hi Vanessa,
So technically your book has not come out yet, but as a sales representative for Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, I got a copy early and am just finishing it. When I first got it (cause we get a copy of every book per season) I was set on hating it cause I was getting sick of the green movement. But after reading it (and I’m gobbling it right up!), I found myself doing little things to be more green. Thank you for writing it – it’s wonderful! Though I’m not going completely green, I’m really excited about doing things to help make my carbon footprint smaller! Good luck to you, and I have a feeling this book is going to sell!!
May 30, 2009 at 1:40 pm |
Hi Vanessa,
I’ve just read your book, bought four more copies and gave them out as gifts. I absolutely loved it. Just wanted to let you know that although green changes are difficult whilst living in the country side and not having many options to “go green” I suddenly feel guilty unwrapping a straw and tossing the paper wrapper, purchasing anything with plastic packaging, or… wiping with toilet paper. Just hope you realize that while your readers won’t always be able to make the same changes, you’ve still made an incredible impact on some people’s conscious. Thanks for being true to yourself and the environment!
Allye
June 5, 2009 at 3:13 pm |
Hi Vanessa,
This is The Buffalo News staff writer who left a message at your office. Any ideas on a pic you could send? Where was your thistle photo taken?
Again, well done!
Louise Continelli
June 9, 2009 at 6:29 pm |
Hi there,
My name is Hilary and I work for Rooftop Films (www.rooftopfilms.com). I’m writing to let you know about our screening of “No Impact Man” on Thursday, June 11th in Williamsburg.
“No Impact Man” is the story of the writer-activist Colin Beavan who challenges himself to live one year without making any environmental impact. The event will be an evening-long eco-carnival, with various ways of creatively engaging and entertaining the audience and inspiring them to make changes in their own lives to help the environment.
I think alot of your readers/supporters would really enjoy this event and would appreciate you spreading the word about it!
Let me know if you have any questions. I’d be delighted to speak further about the film, and the event.
Best,
Hilary
June 9, 2009 at 8:24 pm |
Heard you on CBC radio this afternoon! I’ve “tweeted” your blog on twitter…
http://twitter.com/egs/status/2093815964
/e
June 10, 2009 at 3:02 pm |
Hi Vanessa,
I saw you on BT Television yesterday. Just wondering where you got your butter bell? I thought it was a neat idea and would like to get one.
Thanks
June 11, 2009 at 4:58 pm |
I love your blog….I enjoy reading it and you are a wonderful writer…
Best,
Amie
The Healthy Apple
http://www.thehealthyapple.wordpress.com
June 17, 2009 at 5:19 pm |
Great book Vanessa!
I throughly enjoyed it and made my own list of things to do during reading it and after ….stop buying plastic straws, try and buy local wine and food, turn off TV when not in room etc – little things I know but can all try and help!
Your book was very inspiring and very funny and hope the sales are very successful for you!
I already do some green things (some by default – no car, no central AC, no dishwasher, no kids ) but your book just opened my eyes more and I have been telling freinds about it but not wanting to share my copy!
You need to write more books!
Thanks!
June 22, 2009 at 8:44 pm |
I read your book (from the library) and loved it. It gave me a lot of giggles and many tips on being green. I have suggested it to many people that think that they can’t do anything to be green. Every little bit counts. Good job!
June 24, 2009 at 2:26 am |
Hi Vanessa…just finished your book and enjoyed it very much…passed it on to the rest of my staff.My cousin was in and I suggested it to her(natural girl)
Best of luck …see you soon…Dr. Dan
June 25, 2009 at 6:51 am |
Hey Vanessa.
Well, I have just bought your book,read it and now intend to give it to a second hand store in the name of recycling.(hope that’s ok with you!!)
It was great, absolutely great.
Congratulations on it.
I read it on a flight from Geneva to U.K. and was laughing out loud constantly. (by the way, I DID off set my carbon footprint for the flight) The old lady sat next to me must have thought I was insane as I had tear pouring down my face during the whole “sister putting the electric kettle on the hot plate/cat getting covered in pee/mum falling down stairs” bit, I am giggling a bit now at work just by typing this.
I am making an effor to be more green, I don’t think I can commit to all of your efforts, but I do now have the pshyche that every small change i make is a good change. For instance, during the first week after reading it I have already given up using “post-it” notes (massive jolt for me!) and have taken to picking paper out of the waste paper bin and putting it back in the printer at work upside down to re use it. (I think people in the office i work are hating that by the way as all their mistakes are public property again! HA HA)
Anyway, I ramble, I just wanted to say, brilliant, congratulations and keep it up.
Bye…Mike
June 30, 2009 at 3:33 am |
Perhaps I should have posted here. Well, color me eager, I guess.
July 10, 2009 at 12:48 am |
I’m as green as can be as you know, I recycle, I pick up scrap metal from the street and keep it until I am going by the city recycling yard. I use transit a lot too, however for the past year I am now intensely against AGW. Why because it is the greatest hoax perpetrated in my lifetime. Al Gore and David Suziki are revered as priests in a new religion.
What changed me? The lack of sunspots and the fact that the earth is now cooling.
July 10, 2009 at 3:12 am |
hey there, about half way through your book and very much enjoying it. I grew up on a small farm in VT then moved to a small back asswards town in NH after the folks divorced, so we grew up green out of necessity, lol, not dirt poor but dang close! (i have fond memories, really!) My mom says it started with my conception at woodstock, then being born on the first earth day that did it. But no, I have been lucky to grow and travel and become “cultured” and stay green by choice. Congrats to you for the changes you made and have stuck with. Also for nudging without pressure others to be more conscious of changes that folks can make without changing their lifestyles too much. Sorry, i have babbled, happily reading along!!
July 14, 2009 at 1:35 pm |
Any chance you could work in a “search” function on your blog, to make it easier to find references?
July 14, 2009 at 4:41 pm |
K… if it had a fist it would hit me, right? haha
July 17, 2009 at 12:02 am |
I just finished your delightful book & hope you dont mind, but i posted this on my facebook page:
just finished an excellent book & I am keeping this one, so get your own, either locally or thru amazon: ‘SLEEPING NAKED IS GREEN’ by vanessa farquharson. “how an eco-cynic unplugged her fridge, sold her car, and found love in 366 days.” gives 366 tips to green your lifestyle. she came up with one per day & tried them all for a [leap] year. change makes a difference. some I already do, some I will try, & some-NO WAY!
now I should go back & post a link leading folks here, right? thank you for making me laugh, care some more & learn new ways to live green. my hubby & I are growing green together. best wishes for your success.
July 19, 2009 at 4:24 am |
Hi Vanessa,
I am about to start reading Day 177 in your book. Love your writing style, which reminds me of Anthony Bourdain (although you’re thousands of times more attractive than him). Funny, witty and hard to put down. A lot of the issues you talk about in your book are also issues I’ve thought about, like organics from far away versus locally grown non-organics. And your ideas for being greener are pretty good, too. Have you considered furoshiki for you old bed sheets instead of booger rags? Anyway,I hope you will write more books. Maybe you and Meghan can collaborate on something? Or perhaps a television show like Bourdain’s “A Cook’s Tour”? Like, “An Eco-Journalist’s Carbon Offset Tour”?
I’m encouraging the company that I work for to get involved with environmental and charitible causes. It’s quite easy since we all share most of the same views. We recently purchased cupcoats with our logo on it from cupcoats.com, a company based in Mississauga. People would use it instead of those cardboard sleeves for their coffee. Small step, but it’s a start. In time we hope to have more items. We’re still a small company. I have also sent a request to the city of Mississauga to adopt a street in their LitterNot program. My other ideas are to partner with a national retailer in a food drive and a fundraiser for SickKids (to be audited by a major international accounting firm). With a total of 5 employees, we hope to make a big impact for our environment and people in need.
Love your blog! Keep up the great work! Oh, and tell Sense of Balance “Don’t be a hater! Be a congratulator!” And throw in a fuddle duddle for good measure.
Best regards from a fan,
Martin
d=)
P.S. Check out Google Apps for hosting your email. Instead of greenasathistle@gmail.com you can setup something like Vanessa@greenasathistle.com. It’s free, or go to the premium version for US$50/year.
MK
July 21, 2009 at 2:16 pm |
hi vanessa! i am really enjoying your blog and your book. i find myself very inspired to make better choices in my life. i was wondering if you could make a post about YOUR inspiration- your favorite “green” books/movies, etc.
July 22, 2009 at 6:32 pm |
I’m almost done reading your book – and I am just LOVING it! I just wanted to let you know, and thank you for all your hard work and for sharing it with the world.
My grandmother also read it recently and enjoyed it very much. We had a few laughs talking about some of the aspects (like the no toilet paper rule and homemade compost box) and she mentioned some of the things to me curiously that she had never heard of, which I was happy to say I already have experience with and could personally attest to (like quinoa, laser hair removal and the incredibly fabulous Diva cup!). I’m 27, single and living in an apartment in a city so I found that a lot of your lifestyle changes are things I could try doing as well.
I am finding it so inspiring, and also very entertaining. You have some wonderful ideas in it and I’m trying many of them, and working on trying to carry the message on to others… and recommending your book.
July 24, 2009 at 3:13 am |
HI.
last weekend i was waiting at the ottawa airport for somebody.
then i went to see that little store in the airport to see if they had something good to read..saw your book there and baught it.
WOW.
i just sit down ..and have read like half off your book right there waiting at the airport.
what a great book.
keep the great work your doing for all off us.
a big thanks.
marco
July 25, 2009 at 8:18 pm |
ha ha i found you.
I m so stupid, didnt check the link, witch goes to your blog ^_____^
you can’t run from me now, we will chat
August 2, 2009 at 12:04 am |
I just finished your book and I love, love, love it!
I’m now reading your blog…enjoying every word. You are amazing…thanks for sharing your experience!!
August 6, 2009 at 4:13 pm |
Looking forward to interviewing you tonight. will be posting about it on blog in advance today and sharing liberally w/ all the social media peeps . . . hey, let’s put each other’s blog on our blog rolls.
love the blog, can’t wait to read the book!
gd meg
August 17, 2009 at 6:20 pm |
Just finished reading your book this weekend, and loved it! My friends can attest, as I insisted on reading many parts of the book out loud at the cottage (to be fair, they kept asking why I was laughing). I cannot get the idea of ‘wine in a cheese-glass’ out of my head. Brilliant! I no longer feel quite so foolish or alone with my own little green efforts. Thanks!
August 17, 2009 at 8:54 pm |
I’m as green as a thistle – or so I thought until I read your book. Anal about turning off lights and unplugging appliances, rescuing paper from a co-workers trash and reusing my water glass days at a time, I thought I was the quintessential environmentalist. But I was wrong – so wrong! I had no idea of the lengths one could go to, to greenify themselves and after reading about compost toilets and Ontario wine, it occurred to me just how many sacrifices I had yet to make. Since reading your book however, I’ve made a few more strides. I’ve foregone elevators and replaced la tampon with la diva cup. Even though I can’t shower in the dark, (at least not without the potential of slipping and killing myself), I’m discovering all of the other things I can do by natural light. And, coincidentally I was introduced to Green as a Thistle at a rather fortuitous time. Last week my husband and I finalized plans for our very first house and whilst making our many interior choices, I was reading your book. Although it almost ended our less than two year marriage, I was able to finagle my way into organic carpets, duel flush toilets and energy efficient windows. Oh yes, and then there is my switch to everything organic, even if it means eating pesticide-free grapes shipped 14 000km from New Zealand. An otherwise difficult dilemma, the decision between eating local or chemical free was made easy by my green job. That’s right; I have a green job. Well sort of. I’m in advocacy and my current mission is to see a cosmetic pesticide ban implemented in Calgary, the largest city in Canada without such legislation. So even though I still use a fridge and a car and gasp, disposable antibacterial wipes for toilet cleaning purposes only, I have this kindred feeling towards your mission. So thank you for sharing your story and thank you for letting me share a bit of mine!
August 19, 2009 at 5:18 pm |
Hi Vanessa,
I am currenty reading your book – love it!!! Actually, I am doing most of the things you discuss (but I am only through September). I want to pass along a green tip for the ladies – The Diva Cup (aka menstrual cup)! You can find it at http://www.divacup.com. They don’t pay me to promote the product – I use the product and it is GREAT! The cup takes some getting use to but I have not purchased or used any other “personal” items (if you know what I mean) in over 5 months! I say that is pretty darn green or should I say PINK!
Thank you for the GREAT ideas and sharing your experience with us.
Threase
August 20, 2009 at 1:53 pm |
Hello Vanessa,
I saw you on Breakfast Television and knew right away that I had to read your book. Since money is tight, I waited oh so patiently for it through the Library here in London Ontario, finally I got it the other day. I read it in one day, I was laughing out loud and making notes on ways I can green up my life here. Also I am going to try to get some natural cat litter as I have a cat much like yours…if it works I will be more than happy to put away my carpet cleaner!
I woke up this morning and read your blog right away. The toxins issue concerns me greatly. After moving to Southwestern Ontario I developed asthma, something I never had to deal with while I lived in Winnipeg or Northwestern Ontario, and I also became sensitive to certain odors/cleaners. I made the switch to green cleaners awhile ago and I have noticed a difference. Now that my husband and I are trying to get pregnant I am more aware of what goes in or even on my body. And since we are having issues conceiving I cannot stop but wonder if there was some toxin or other that maybe effected one of us in some way. I am fairly young (29 I know its young, but childbearing wise its fairly young!), healthy, lost 30lbs so far and all my GP says is I should get pregnant no problem…well we see a specialist next month.
When I do become a mother I know that I will not allow plastic toys, the off gas is horrible, and of course cloth diapers all the way, but any change that I can make to make the world better for my future child I will make it.
You must be tired of hearing this but you are a wonderful writer, but who could be tired of hearing that? You have inspired me to make small and big changes as much as I can, and I am recommending your book to everyone I know. Sorry for rambling on so much, best of luck to you in all your endeavors.
Kristen
August 22, 2009 at 12:22 am |
I discovered you a long time ago…followed sporadically…then read the book. I laughed, I cried..I was inspired..I bought an organic apple and read some more…
I’m buying the book for my BFF. We both believe in healthy irony, dilettantism and being kind to the earth…to a point. Because, I mean, hello? sometimes you just need a burger. Your humor was just the ticket, your story inspiring. Thanks!
August 23, 2009 at 8:53 pm |
I am immersed in Sleeping Naked is Green’ right now and cannot put it down. I have made it to the parts where you have unplugged your fridge and sold your car, and now I don’t want to go any further. Why? Because next you’ll find love.
All along I have been thinking to myself, wow, this girl is dedicated, funny and knows how to live with the earth, opposed to simply on’ the earth, as many do. And that, my friend, is what I am hoping to one day find in a lady.
But, alas, every story has a happy ending and I will soon discover that your fairy tale is complete. Isn’t life magical?
I work for an environmental non-profit and you have inspired me in oh so many ways. The environmental snowball in Toronto is growing by the day, and much of that can be credited to people like you.
Keep doing what you do, I will keep reading.
“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” — Dr. Seuss
Kyle
http://www.kylemackenzie.com
August 28, 2009 at 6:25 pm |
Hi Vanessa!
I read your book a few weeks ago and absolutely loved it! I have been going through the same kind of green transformation over the past year and a half and you gave me some great new ideas. My greening even involved a move to Portland, OR, and just have to ask, when you were here did you happen to put one of the “These come from trees” stickers in the Bridgeport Brewery on Hawthorne? Not that you would necessarily remember. Anyway, I just ordered a bunch of stickers and I look forward to the upcoming green graffiti! Thanks for all you do!
August 30, 2009 at 7:11 am |
Such as newsletters, time; you do?That the phrase, and filtering software.Delacey secured loans, his doing business.Simple circular coasters electric coffee maker reviews, people stay fit of Christopher Wren.Decisions if your, between But.,
September 13, 2009 at 2:25 pm |
What an awesome book! I saw it at the library and it caught my eye…little did I know I would lock myself in my room and read the whole thing in one sitting! Very funny, informative, and inspiring! It is perfect for those who want to tweak their lives toward the “green movement”, but who want to remain sane in doing so. Congrats!
September 15, 2009 at 10:51 pm |
I was bookless in Seattle, well, actually, bookless in the Calgary airport, on my way home to Tucson from visiting my kids in sunny Saskatoon, and I came across your book. The title intrigued me and so I picked it up. I got many a strange look as I laughed my way through my layovers and flight. I loved your book! I’m planning on passing it on to my kids and planning on trying to implement some changes to my lifestyle as well. I was a stay at home, dairy farming, home-schooling mother of six, who raised all her own food (from beef, to pork, to fruits and vegetables and everything in between) so a lot of what you suggest was a part of our life. Now however, I live in the city of Tucson where my lifestyle is somewhat different. I still have a garden (but buy lots of my food, sad to say mostly at Fry’s), still have chickens (9 egg layers who provide me with bartering material as well as fresh omelettes), don’t have a car (riding bike in a climate that rarely goes below ten degrees celcius just makes too much sense), hang out my laundry (which dries in minutes instead of hours), go to the library (when I’m not in airports), bring leftovers from meals out home to eat, or feed to my chickens (I’d get sick of the same organic feed crumble day after day too!), and wash out the sandwich bags that my clients bring their sandwiches in, and reuse them (much to the horror of germaphobic friends and other care-givers). I’ve done hundred days of health that have incorporated economics, spirituality, nutrition, physical excercise, intellectual pursuits and plan on adding environmental sustainability to my next round. I’ve been trying to develop good habits all around. Once again, your book was inspirational without being preachy, and so much fun. Thanks!!
September 15, 2009 at 10:57 pm |
i’m glad that you–along with the rest of the so-called green economy–are doing so well by marketing “sustainability.” you would do well to read some of the critiques of this kind of thinking — one that does not really come to terms with our social-ecological relations. Try Redclift, Michael. 1987. Sustainable Development: Exploring the Contradictions. London: Methuen. Or even the article in the New Yorker. No one’s asking you to not buy a house or go to your eco-spas — but promoting Friedman?! This truly reflects a lack of self-awareness.
September 20, 2009 at 2:17 pm |
Just finished your book- quite hilarious! Thank you for your honest insights on the journey to greendom. Truthfully, it was just what I needed. A few years ago I was on the green bandwagon, but kinda fell off. I was so tired of green being marketed to me (through consumerism, of course) that I kind of resented it all.
Anyway, I love your honesty, non-preachy, realistic attitude. It has helped me to go back to being more mindful.
September 21, 2009 at 10:40 pm |
hi i have just ordered about 14 complete pads ( comprised of about 3 pieces each) they are brand new never been used just wondered if you knew where i could donate them so they go to the best place.
September 22, 2009 at 5:06 am |
Hi Vanessa: I finished your book this morning, and wanted to let you know that on Saturday, reading it while I ate a sub (tuna…from Subway…who knows how bad that was for me?!)I laughed several times out loud and I’m not a Laugh-out-loud kinda gal! I’m a let’s-take-life-ever-more-seriously kinda person! I 411′d the Post, tried to leave you a voice mail by putting your name in….I’m no tech-y and it wouldn’t let me do what I tried to do, so I found you here.
I must admit, all I really wanted to know was who did you hook up with (it’s sick, but my feminist in me really needed to know if the happily-ever-after happened in real life!). I’m glad you wrote the book; I appreciated the humour, your honesty and the green inspiration. Thanks! Lianne
September 24, 2009 at 6:26 pm |
Hi Vanessa,
I few months ago I wrote to you and in my message, mentioned my work advocating for a pesticide bylaw in Calgary. Recently Ontario went completely pesticide free and I’m wondering, from your perspective what the take on it has been. Has it been a success? Is there widespread unrest? Or is it too early to tell? City administration is favouring a weak bylaw and industry is confident regulations in Ontario and Quebec will eventually be reversed. Just wondering!
October 8, 2009 at 6:46 pm |
hi vanessa, i’m reading your book right now (i should probably wait to finish it before i post here, but i’m avoiding work). i’ve been thinking about your non-t.p-bum-wiping-obsession recently, mainly b/c i wasn’t paying attention to my t.p situation and ran out the other night, and was forced to find alternative means. having travelled extensively in asia, i’m familiar with the hand wiping method (don’t know if you’ve ever managed to find the details, but it’s exactly that, you wipe your bum with your hand after pouring some water on it, which sounds gross, but it’s actually really effective, as you’re basically just washing yourself). the problem is that our sit down western toilets aren’t made for this, so i find it strange when western hippie types convert, because you just end up splashing fecal matter around, and have to find something to clean your bathroom with afterwards. whereas with asian toilets (http://image26.webshots.com/27/0/20/84/330702084xvwkwo_ph.jpg (note the water supply and cup for pouring water on your hand) allow for easier bum access, and the splashing usually stays within the confines of the porcelain. hope this answers your questions, if they hadn’t already been.
also, just wanted to say that you put in an amazing effort, you seemed to start out as a ‘normal’ person, and then took some pretty extreme measures (such as unplugging your fridge, i find that most ppl in our society are obsessed with preservatives and expiry dates, and refrigeration. my bf won’t eat anything that’s been outside of his fridge for more then a few hours, including bread, it’s ridiculous, we’re working on it)
October 11, 2009 at 6:36 pm |
Hello Vanessa
I just finished your book & loved it for many reasons – certainly for the environmental content which has inspired me to go even further with my own attempts to live greener, but also as a memoir. You write very well, which is a must if I’m to finish a book. I love your sense of humour (having grown up in New Jersey, where humour makes life bearable) and also your honesty which is essential for a good memoir. I plan on ordering multiple copies of your book as Xmas gifts for my adult children who are also quite green and for friends who should be greener. (Is Wiley green?) Thanks for making shopping easier this year. And say “hi” to Gayle at the Post. Couldn’t help thinking of you two with the latest news re. CanWest. Wish you all the best as things get sorted out at the newspaper.
October 13, 2009 at 10:17 am |
Dear Vanessa,
I’ve just read your book. Thank you for your ideas, very simple, with humour, some time to radical for me… I’m not a real ecologist, but since a while that i do some things that we can call “ecologist things” like: to recover the cold wather when i wait for the warm wather in the shower (then i use for the toilet or the plants, and my cats enjoy very much drink this water!), to wash clothes with no (or less) detergent (i use Okoball), try to buy less bottled wather, walk more or use the public transport, etc.
I’m a art teacher in Portugal and try to put some economic/ecologic ideas in my pupils like reuse some materials, etc.
Good luck with your green way. It’s a great example!
Davina
Davina
October 16, 2009 at 2:35 pm |
VERY powerful stuff you are doing, young lady! I can’t think of more important work to be done, right now. I always say to people that instead of complaining and criticizing, be the way you would like everyone else to be. You are doing just that! I applaud you in the most emphatic way!!! You go girl!! Consider me a fan.
October 29, 2009 at 12:23 pm |
Hi Vanessa!
At the Toronto Airport I found your book. I thought, it would be nice for the long flight back home to Germany. Reading your book I was glad to hear, that there are quite a lot of people in Canada, who care about the environment. Because I made the experience, that the most wastema lot of energy, water and packaging.
Your book goes from friend to friend now, inspiring each of us to try out new things.
October 31, 2009 at 9:22 pm |
Dear Vanessa,
Usually I can’t stand blog sites, but yours is excellent! Thank you for sharing the things you’ve been doing and for inspiring others to make their lives more green. If I may make one suggestion, it would be to please go totally meat and dairy free (if you haven’t done so already), because those industries contribute way too much to pollution (among other reasons). Organic isn’t good enough, sorry to say.
Thanks again, from a neighbor just across the border in Buffalo, NY!
November 1, 2009 at 2:08 am |
I’ve just given my newspaper carrier a years worth of the rubber bands that come wrapped around my daily and weekly newspapers so they can be reused by him. Saves him some money by his not having to buy them. It’s just as easy for me to put them in a bag in the kitchen drawer than to throw them out.
November 15, 2009 at 8:15 pm |
Hi! I just finished your book. I have to say, the title really was what got me to pick it up to begin with.
I enjoyed reading about all the ways you went green. I’m excited to hear you’re still doing many of them. Good for you. It’s about doing the most good and the least harm, even if you aren’t a vegan. (smile)
All the best,
April
November 18, 2009 at 9:57 pm |
Vanessa
Lisa at H-M sent me a copy of your book. It kept me smiling and laughing all the way from the US to Buenos Aires last week. Who knows what the other passengers were thinking?!! Thanks.
Great ideas and congrats!
Simon (an ex-pat Brit living in the Western Carolina mountains and attempting to be a little greener!)
November 19, 2009 at 4:44 am |
I love your blog and your book! It gave me some great ideas and really encourage me to get active and reduce my carbon footprint! One way I started to reduce mine was to stop driving and ride my bike and skateboard more!
heres a cool video from the Bike Ride to spread awareness about our carbon footprint that I attended on monday! Hope you enjoy it!
November 22, 2009 at 5:43 pm |
I would like to know where you can buy the eco friendly scrubby pads. I bought ine on a trip to Nova Scotia and would like to but more for gifts. I live in VA in the USA. Thanks
December 7, 2009 at 2:51 pm |
Hi Venessa I been trying to living green to keep are are space from making us Ill, is when you keeping books and other things that you read wonce or something else I take it back where someone can used and save are place where we live.
December 7, 2009 at 3:00 pm |
Green is keep are planet from dieing do you care what happens if we don’t go green for one weekend of each month will be a better place to have.
December 7, 2009 at 4:14 pm |
Hey Vanessa!
Last week I’ve read a really interesting book “We feed the world” by Erwin Wagenhofer and Max Annas (there’s also a movie available). Or perhaps you’re also interested in the documentaion “The Future of Food” by Catherine Lynn Butler. Both deal with the effect of the food industry on the environment.
Let me konow, what you think about both.
December 21, 2009 at 7:03 pm |
This whole climat summit in Copenhagen is a political joke that wastes taxpayers’ money for a 2 week free binge trip to Denmark to accomplish nothing. These conventions are total scams which are attented by the priviledge few and their leaches on a free trip staying in the best hotels and eating the best of foods, the best of booze and site seeing while while we the people pay for all this waste in the name of climat change. The carbon foot print may have been record high during this 2 week scam pretending to talk about climat change. What a shameful behaviour some are willing to participate in for a free all you can eat and booze trip.
December 22, 2009 at 6:35 pm |
Hello, I am currently raising grass fed dairy cows. I have bulls and heifers. My animals have been bottle fed from 3-5days old. I gave only fresh cows milk twice a day. Then moved to a fescue red clover mix. My fields are chemicals free. I would like information on the butchering class. Thank you for your time.
December 31, 2009 at 3:40 am |
Hi Vanessa!
I just finished your book and it has made a profound impact on me. I have always cared about the environment but I can’t stand preachy people telling me I have to give up everything in order to make an impact. You show that it doesn’t have to be all or nothing. You book was very entertaining and I have officially become a fan of yours. I plan on telling everyone I know to read your book and if they don’t…then they will be getting it for their birthday along with a reusable water bottle : ).
Thank you for the inspiration! I hope you write more books because you have a very unique voice.
December 31, 2009 at 12:25 pm |
Hi Vanessa
On the 22nd of December I had literally 2 minutes at Montreal airport to chose a book for my flight. I am so happy in that short time I found your book ‘Green as a Thistle’. I read it cover to cover on my flight to England and have been telling all my English friends and family about this ‘ Green Bridget Jones’ . It was so inspiring and funny and I can’t wait to start implementing some of the green changes you tried in my life when I return back to Montreal. Thanks so much for sharing your experience and in such an informative, honest and fun way!
Warmly
Jacqueline
January 6, 2010 at 12:45 am |
Hello Vanessa
I’m a portuguese girl, vegetarian, architect and yoga teacher.
I already do some eco things but after read your great book, last summer, I was so inspired that I decide to follow your example.
I start it in the first day of november of 2009. My blog’s name (in portuguese…) is 365 things that I can do… to reduce my footprint: http://365coisasquepossofazer.blogspot.com
Now I’m in the begining of the 3th month and I’m very committed and excited with the changes that I’m doing in my life.
Maybe I’ll translate my eco changes to send to you?!
Thank you for being an inspiration!
With my best eco regards.
A wonderful year of 2010,
Ema Magalhães
January 8, 2010 at 11:52 pm |
Like your blog. Your book (“Sleeping Naked…”) came through my line (I’m a copy-cataloger for a company that sells to schools and libraries) and I thought that it looked interesting. So I’m checking out your blog, and I find an entry that says you’re calling it quits! What th–?! And I was just starting to like ya…
January 9, 2010 at 1:03 am |
Hi Vanessa,
I read the article on a warning system developed to protect manatees: http://greenasathistle.com/2009/07/03/boat-alarm-could-save-manatees/
I had thought about manatees for years – decades – aching for their pain of injury and death due to boat and propellor strikes. How sad it is to have a species for which researchers use the scar patterns from propellor strikes to identify individuals. I sent the article along to a number of people, and got one very interesting suggesting. IN ADDITION TO THIS ALARM, she suggesting a cage surrounding the propellor similar to the cage around a house fan. I thought this was an excellent idea, and would provide protection for humans as well. If you have any idea as to how to promote such an idea, please let me know – and promote it yourself if you get the chance.
Thanks
January 13, 2010 at 7:45 am |
Wow your book was really inspiring. It was so great to hear someone kinda normal taking on all those challenges and helping to knock the cringe factor out of being “good to the environment”. It’s good to know that most of those green changes don’t really make life harder or less fun so I’m definitely going to try as many as I can. Good on you!
January 25, 2010 at 8:25 am |
Being a amateur-book-reviewer, I just got the Dutch translation of your book and read it over the weekend. I got the feeling that I will have difficulty to express how I feel about it, because doing so will make me seem like a green, treehugging hippy, who was foolish enough to fall in love with some girl the other sid of the planet, without actually knowing her (oh, and without actually wanting to leave his gf
)
But seriously, this is without a doubt one of the best green books I’ve read: a positive attitude, with the proper amount of critical thinking (or should I say cynisism), decorated with a bit of English humour… this book is great for all who want to go green (to see that it is indeed hard), but also great for all who just wanna make fun of “greens” (and who might actually pick something up).
Loving it.
PS: one suggestion about your blog – you might want to add a “search” field on it.
February 6, 2010 at 10:10 pm |
Hi Vanessa,
Just finished your book and I wanted to say thank you for all the great ideas…especially the using less toilet paper. After being in Asia and getting used to a tap beside each toilet, I was sad to come back to Canada and have to use so much toilet paper again. The spray bottle is brilliant! Why did I never think of that before?!
Thanks again…