Today I resisted. What you may ask? The urge to go on Amazon and get on the Prime Day deals frenzy. How did I end up on Amazon in the first place? Not because I needed something but because, as many of us do, I use social networks. As an organization wizard with a deep passion for creating systems that work for the people who use them (and not the other way around!), I follow a lot of accounts giving heaps of more or less useful tips and tricks. Oh my, do I love a good restock ASMR video, yes you know exactly what I am talking about. Those nice fridges with clear containers, those bathrooms with under-the-sink matching organizers, those perfectly sized boxes for your drawers… Aaaaaah (deep satisfied sigh). And before you know it, you get into the spiral of another video of this gadget you never knew you needed that will change your life forever. It takes a lot of self-control not to be tempted. Our brains are literally wired to crave the new. We basically are an evolved version of a ma...

Since the holidays are coming up quickly, I thought I would put together some tips for sustainable gift giving! The Gift of Time or Experiences Does it feel stressful to find the “perfect gift” for someone? We often put so much pressure on ourselves for something that’s supposed to be fun and filled with love! Instead of buying yet another material item, why not spend some quality time with your loved one instead? Here are some nearly free ideas: Cook them a nice dinner Go skating on the Rideau Canal or Rink of Dreams  Volunteer somewhere together Help them with something you're good at or that would be useful to them - babysitting, pet walking, cleaning, painting, etc. For the past few years, I have had the rule that unless a person specifically requests a material item, I gift an experience. I love this approach because you can easily tailor the experience to any budgetary requirements. Also, the best part is that you get to spend quality time with your loved ones and make memori...

~ This is a piece about plastic that I really could live without and how to navigate normative grocery stores in a more eco-friendly way. Yes more than anything really, this will be a rage piece about unnecessary everyday plastic that really does not need to exist and what we can do to live without it. ~ I began thinking critically about the everyday items I buy each week at the grocery store around September when I started to transition more and more towards being plastic-free. Like most students, my life is a balance between trying to eat healthy and work hard and then eating my stresses away with sweets. We are all trying our best. Its exam time now. Nothing a few bulk chocolate chips can’t fix. It’s going to be all good. You know what isn’t all good? Foods packaged unnecessarily! Foods for sale that have unnecessary plastic packaging when you can get the same food in a plastic-free manner! So I am going to tell you how I really feel and we’re going to go through the grocer...

So it looks like you landed yourself here at the University of Ottawa. Being new to the space you have probably decided you want to do everything you can to really EXPERIENCE life that Ottawa has to offer. And of course you have a more than noticeable love for the planet. So here is a list of the things that you probably want to cross off your bucket list on campus, in Ottawa, even in the greater National Capital Region. Activities: Rent a kayak at Dow’s lake rentals  Get a community garden plot on campus Ride your bike or take a hike in Gatineau Park Stimulate your brain by renting a documentary at the Sustainable Development Centre Watch a water-related movie in the pool at uOttawa Have a romantic pique-nique at Hogsback Falls Go rock climbing to Vertical Reality and meet new people Frequently check the uOCal we constantly offer amazing activities Rent a bike @ the Bike Share on campus Fix your broken bike at the Bike Coop at 200 Lees or if you need a quick tu...