Green Calgary

Biofuels and Global Hunger

Good evening Ashley,

I’ve heard a lot about biofuels over the past few years and while governments laud its potential, passing policies to support evermore ethanol and such, I can’t help to wonder how we’ll be able to grow enough crops to feed our vehicles and the, now, 7 billion of us that share this planet. Is it possible to have our cake and eat it too?

Sincerely,

Jessica

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Guilt Free Dining

Hello Ashley,

I live in Calgary and often feel overwhelmed when I have to choose a place to eat out at. I do a fairly good job of living and eating with a smallish footprint but I get the impression that most restaurants are not particularly concerned about the ethics associated with running a food establishment. Are there any good resources for identifying socially and environmentally responsible restaurants? Do you have any suggestions for places to eat?

Thanks in advance,

Sheila

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Choosing Healthy Cookware

Hello Ashley,

Now that I’m done university I’m looking to upgrade my flaking Teflon-coated pots and pans with something that isn’t going to kill me. There appears to be a growing number of non-stick cookware choices but are any of them actually safe? What would you recommend?

Thank you,

Paige

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Eneregy Efficient Food Preservation

Hi Ashley,

My husband and I have been attempting to cut back on our electricity consumption, replacing old lighting with energy efficient options, unplugging electronics when they are not in use, and we recycled an old power-hungry fridge that lived in the garage. Though we have noticed big electricity reductions during most of the year, it always spikes in the fall when our kitchen transforms into a small food processing facility, turning the garden’s bounty into jams, pickles, salsas, and various other canned goods. We expect our bills to go up during this time but we’re always surprised by how much they spike. We wonder if you have any tips on cutting back on electricity consumption in the kitchen during these busy times.

Thank you,

Anne & Bill

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Food Additives to Avoid

Hello Ashley,

I know you’ve written a great deal on eating a more sustainable diet but in the age of convenience foods, with organic grab-and-go foods almost as readily available as their conventional counterparts, I am dismayed by what I read on labels. Even though I have a science background I am baffled by the chemical compounds found in foods these days. It is nearly impossible to know if these chemicals are benign or if they are detrimental to human health, particularly when consumed by children. In an attempt to simplify things, I wonder if you have any advice on food additives to avoid?

Thank you,

Michel

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Avoiding Genetically Modified Foods

Dear Ashley,

I have incredible concerns about the growing number of genetically modified foods finding their way onto supermarket shelves. Despite their widespread use, it seems there is really no way to know what is genetically modified, or contains genetically modified ingredients, and what is not. Are there any guidelines or resources that will help the average shopper make more informed choices?

Sincerely,

Beth

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Permaculture – Going Beyond Sustainability

I have a large yard devoted entirely to grass and I’m ready for a change. It takes an incredible amount of work to keep my lawn picture perfect and, quite frankly, it’s getting a bit tiresome. I have a pretty good understanding of xeroscaping but more recently I’ve come across permaculture and I wonder if it something that could be applied to Calgary. If so, where does one get started?

Many thanks,

Julia

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Cheese, Louise!

Dear Ashley,

I recently saw a Kraft commercial stating that Kraft Cracker Barrel cheese was made from Canadian milk and was therefore free of growth hormones and antibiotics. If this is true, what makes organic cheese different from regular cheese?

Thanks,

Dawn

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Food Misconceptions Deconstructed

“Unquestioned assumptions are the real authorities of any culture.” - Source Unknown

We cannot wish to make good decisions with poor information. Good decision making requires good, honest information. Only then can we begin doing what is necessary to build a healthy and resilient food system for everyone. So let’s get started!

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The Problem with Palm Oil

Dear Ashley,

Over the years I’ve noticed an interesting trend: most products now contain palm oil. Everything from candy to crackers to soap has the stuff in it. I’ve even noticed palm oil in my “eco” laundry soap. With so much palm oil in everyday products, I have to wonder where it all comes from? Is this really a sustainable source of vegetable oil?

Thanks,

Ronnie

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