Here’s a great calculator developed by National Geographic that measures the “greeness” of your family’s lifestyle.¬† Once you find out your “greendex” you can compare it to scores calculated for 14 countries around the world.¬† My family fared quite badly with a calculation of “49.”¬† About equal to Canada’s total score.¬† The things I need to most improve upon are my reliance on a fuel-guzzling minivan and my tendency to eat imported foods rather than locally produced products.¬† While I rely almost completely on Ontario fruits and vegetables in the summer (including a small garden for tomatoes, strawberries, cucumber, apples and raspberries), the winter means bananas from Costa Rica, oranges from California… you get the point.¬†

I don’t plan to purchase a new vehicle any time soon (budget does not allow.)¬† But I will try to walk or ride my bike more often (snow days excepted) and look for the Ontario Produce logo in the grocery aisles.

Give it a try and see how well you fare.

http://www.nationalgeographic.com/greendex/calculator.html

If you’re a parent of boys, you likely have experienced exhaustion in your efforts to convince your son(s) to pick up a book.¬†¬†If you’ve run out of reasons, here’s one more that¬†I’ll bet you’ve¬†never thought of…¬†

A few days ago I complained to the head office for Canadian Tire about their display of Maxim Magazines at the cash register.¬† As I explained in this blog, I felt that type of publication was inappropriate for a retailer that markets and sells to families.¬† Today, I am happy to report that the head of Corporate Social Responsibility called me to apologize for the magazine display and has ensured that all Maxim magazines have been pulled from any stores that sold them.¬† She explained that not every store included this publication on the magazine rack, but those that did, no longer will do so.¬† This is a win for all women and parents of young children and a welcome reminder that it’s better to voice your dissent than turn a blind eye and mutter under your breath.¬† Thanks to any of you who emailed Canadian Tire to rectify this situation.

Some people go to church.¬† Some people go for a run.¬†¬†Some will¬†shun the newspaper.¬† While others will bake a cake.¬†¬†Whatever it is that¬†smooths the worry wrinkles on our brows¬†- we all need an opportunity to feel happy when times are bringing¬†us down.¬† Today, it’s not very hard¬†to descend into despair in the midst of a dreary, cold winter with an economy in the tank and¬†no end in sight¬†to the constant threat of terrorism and war, courtesy of the Middle East.¬†¬†North Americans are seeking a glimmer of hope in whatever, or whomever, they can.¬† And where there’s a demand, there’s a marketing strategy.¬†¬†

Pepsi is among the first companies to sell hope, er, soda, uh…¬†I mean, optimism in a can?¬†¬†Their latest ad campaign is a feel-good montage of bright colours and happy words.¬† The kids will love it, for¬†the catchy tune is certain to get their legs jumping and hands clapping.¬†¬†But, lest you think¬†the¬†sole purpose of the ad is put a smile on your gloomy face, there are not-so-subtle allusions to the Pepsi brand throughout.¬†¬†So, if you think slurping fizzy sugar drinks will wash away your sadness, buy some Pepsi.¬† Otherwise, snap your fingers and tap your toes for the 30 second break in your¬†TV show, then try not to think about your grocery bills, job security,¬†kids’ lessons, or mortgage, and¬†for goodness sake… don’t get cynical about huge corporations trying to promise you happiness if you buy their goods!

The kids will be dancing to this one.  And asking for more pop?  Perhaps.

Does this belong at a Family Store?

Is it just me, or have other women grown tired of the constant bombardment of porn images that grace the covers of so many men’s magazines?¬† I have grown too accustomed to turning a blind eye to sleazy photos of young women staring blankly at me with their mouth agape, barely covered breasts thrusting outward.¬† And what of our children?¬† I propose that it cannot be healthy to have my young boys exposed to this type of soft porn every time we buy a freezie at the local Mac’s Milk.¬† Don’t get me wrong – it’s not the fact that they see nudity that bothers me, as much as¬†the portrayal of women as sexual objects.¬† And, believe me, kids know sexual images when they see them.

Today I was at the cash counter at Canadian Tire and was surprised to see the latest issue of Maxim on the magazine rack.¬† Although my children were not with me at the time, I couldn’t help but feel surprised and offended that a respectable family store would display this sort of publication.¬† I have called Canadian Tire’s head office to complain and will see whether they respond.¬† I believe parents should expect a certain amount of restraint from respectable retail establishments.¬† To me, it is no more appropriate for a children’s store, such as Gymboree, to sell this magazine than it is for a store that sells¬†any portion of their merchandise to young families.¬†

If you agree that this type of magazine does not belong at Canadian Tire, I encourage you to send an email to their Corporate Social Responsibility department at caroline.casselman@cantire.com