Lets talk about something basic...

KEEP OUR PLANET BEAUTIFUL!

We are all victim to convenience, which gives the plastic bag a stronghold on our economy. We need to break out of the habit of saying yes to a plastic bag at every stop in a grocery store or 7-11.

Here is some info on the matter I intend on sending out to some local retail stores and what not;

Dear management,

I am writing to you in regards of the issue of over and unneeded use of plastic bags.

Your company has hundreds of costomers in and out of your store every day in this town alone. The number of plastic bags that leave your store has an enormous downfall on our environment and wildlife habitat within our community and in our surrounding waters.

There have been estimates saying that the plastic bag is the single most omnipresent consumer item on Earth, numbering in the trillions. They're made from petroleum or natural gas with all the environmental impacts of harvesting fossil fuels. One recent study found that the inks and colorants used on some bags contain lead.

Every year, 100 billion plastic bags are thrown away by Canadians after they've been used to transport a prescription home from the drugstore or a quart of milk from the grocery store. It's equivalent to dumping nearly 12 million barrels of oil.

THE PROBLEM

Plastic bags are:

* Non-biodegradable
* Made from petroleum (a non-renewable resource).
* A serious litter problem.
* Mistaken for food by marine animals
* One of the most numerous items of litter
* A major part of waste in our landfills.

THE SOLUTION

You have already made reusable cloth bags available for your costumers, which is increasingly popular but still trumped by the use of plastic bags. There are other ways to naturally compose environmentally friendly bags in this case; cornstarch and soy being a few options of the alternative.

Sponsoring community a clean-up is another way to reach out to your costumers and promote a strong message of caring. Reaching out to elementary schools to partake in this kind of activity would be very beneficial to raise awareness of this problem.

I urge you to consider switching to the still very durable and affordable paper bag option or another organic alternative for your costomers, and give up the use of unnecessary plastic bags.
Ultimately though, the best option is to still promote the use of reusable cloth bags

Thank you for your time and attention,
Respectfully yours,


Melissa Pick

Why I chose to be Vegetarian

I choose to be a vegetarian not only because I care about animal rights, as important as that is, but there is so much more I understand that comes with this choice.

On factory farms livestock are crammed into small cages, undersized and not cleaned. Chickens have their beaks cut off, their feet mutilated to avoid injury towards the farmers. They live their entire lives on poor quality, sharp cage floors, with an artificial sun to simulate sunrise and sunset. Until the day comes when they are loaded up to go to the slaughterhouse, they will never feel or see the sun.

Hormone injections are given to hinder the animals ability to know when its full so it will continue to eat to get enormous faster then they would naturally, adding to the price tag, and they are genetically altered to grow faster or to produce much more milk or eggs than they would naturally.

These conditions often lead to disease.

I care about my body; the hormones and antibiotics injected into the animals don’t just affect the animal, it also plays a part in damaging those who decide to eat the animal after they‘ve been slaughtered. This plays a huge role in our health. Choosing not to eat an animals carcass also gives me a better chance against heart disease, along with other health issues.

I care about the environment and understand the harsh effects farming has on our planet. I’ve learned that looking at a year, the methane gases produced by a single cow has more of an effect on the atmosphere than driving to work everyday. I want to say I am a part of the effort to reverse or slow down the damage.

And if these aren’t reason enough to stop, simply knowing that I CAN make a difference is. For every one person that chooses to give up eating meat, 100 animals won’t be served on a table a year (got that number from PETA). That number adds up. Why not make a statement about your values at every chance given to you; every meal you eat has the power to do this.

Here is another tid-bit of info I received from my well informed buddies over there at PETA (open to bias of course):
“There is more than enough food in the world to feed the entire human population. So why are more than 840 million people still going hungry? Our meat-based diet is partly to blame, as land, water, and other resources that could be used to grow food for human beings are being used to grow crops for farmed animals instead. According to a recent report by Compassion in World Framing, "[c]rops that could be used to feed the hungry are instead being used to fatten animals raised for food." It takes up to 16 pounds of grain to produce just 1 pound of edible animal flesh.”

One person can make a difference and I refuse to ignore that. I respect that a lot of people don’t have the same beliefs as I do about this topic. I won’t pressure them into feeling guilty or constantly press at them to change (those intolerable door-to-door bible enthusiasts come to mind). I do however hope that they have the same courtesy towards me.

AbitibiBowater

AbitibiBowater is the eighth largest logging company in the world. The company controls the largest areas of public forest land in Québec and Ontario, and therefore has an important duty to preserve the ecosystems still intact. AbitibiBowater is currently one of the worst logging companies under these terms, however.

I believe, that even in this recession, businesses have a responsibility to show leadership on both the health of the environment and the health of our economy.

Bellow is a letter I wrote to Mr. Paterson, head of AbitibiBowater, in a small protest. Hopefully it went to a place that recognizes the need for urgent change.

Dear Mr. Paterson,

As the new head of AbitibiBowater, a company that controls the largest area of public forest in Québec and Ontario, you must reconsider your position
on the conservation of intact forests.

It is unacceptable that over the majority of your company’s logging territory in Québec and Ontario is fragmented and degraded.

It is even more unacceptable that less than 3 percent of all the territory managed by your company is protected from logging in Québec, and less than 6 percent in Ontario.

Mr. Paterson, intact forests are vital ecosystems for maintaining biodiversity, protecting threatened species and stabilizing the world’s climate. If you truly intend to embrace the cause of sustainability, why do you refuse to set aside important areas of intact forest for conservation? If you did make significant moves towards protection, don’t you think this would at least make your business and sales of magazine, catalogue and book paper, as well as newsprint and construction lumber more acceptable? Truly embracing sustainability could be a benefit to your business, as "going green" is increasingly popular and on more people’s minds. Along with the current financial difficulties, now is the best time to change for long-term survival.

Respectfully yours,
Melissa Pick



My source: Trend report 2009, Environmental leadership in the paper supply chain, Markets Initiative, 2009.

Love, this is for you.

This could be directed to the mojority of my female friends, but one in particular who needs to hear this. We all have a disfigured vission of what we look like, so far off from the truth that we put ourselves through torture. We risk our health, or happiness, and alienate the ones who love us most. I hope that women in particular will chose to heal their minds, get rid of this venomous thought pattern, and one day see their true beauty.

When you read this I hope I know it is meant for you.

I mean this with all my heart:

Sweetie, you're beautiful. You're amazing. You have always been charming, not just because you're so gorgeous, but in your mind too; the way you care and love people so much once they're in your heart.

I see the way you look at yourself in the mirror. When you walk past, I see the short glance that automatically finds those insecurities only visible to yourself, trust me on that part and ignore those thoughts. You see yourself so much differently than everyone else sees you. I look at you and see the most petite little woman, and yet you can't even listen to someone tell you this without cringing. It makes me feel terrible to think about what you think of yourself. I wish you would believe me, and everyone else out there who truly thinks of you this way. I'm not saying this just because your my friend (which really, you're like my sister), I'm telling you this because its the truth. You should know of all people this.

Believe me when I let you know, I assure you, EVERYTHING there is to love about yourself is genuine when spoken. Your laugh is infectious. When you hug someone, the feeling of sincerity is always there. You always have the right words and advice to comfort me. You have a rockin’ body that a lot girls are jealous of. You're wonderful, love.

So please believe me. I don't think I let you know enough which I regret. Its something I should be reminding you everyday.

When I or anyone isn't there to get you through those rough days, remember this letter.

I love you and miss you entirely,
Missy

March 31, day to remember :)

The Great Bear Rainforest is the biggest intact, coastal temperate rainforest left in the world. Pretty incredible to think how close we are to history, eh? Right now we can be content that it stays the this way and doesn’t become another victim to Climate Change’s growing demand and the human greed that has transformed the world’s natural habitat into bridges, by-passes and buildings.

The Great Bear Rainforest, located between Bute Inlet on BC's south coast and the Alaskan border to the north, has fallen prey like countless other forests of our province to industrial logging, where trees were cut down, logging roads crossing watersheds and habitats destroyed.

A promise made three years ago to protect one-third of British Columbia’s especially unique Great Bear Rainforest, home to the Kermode bear (Spirit Bear) and many other biodiversities, and develop the foundations for a conservation-based economy in the region has been accomplished! ForestEthics, Greenpeace and Sierra Club BC, the three top-standing environmental groups that have worked with the B.C. government, First Nations and industry leaders to ensure the promise would be kept, must have been happy to hear the announcement made March 31st, set on the deadline. Although it will be tough to change from a resource-based economy, this is one of those “has to be done“ matters that will impact the future immensely.

Around 6 or 7 months ago, I started an eco-chick rampage. Ok, kind of dramatic there (rampage is such a strong word). I stated emailing the Japanese government about “Saving the Whales” and countless others that I thought had ignorance as their main weapon aimed against the world. Now, don’t get me wrong, I am sure that I am just one of the many nuisances these people and organizations had to deal with, but I also know that without the constant bombarding of their ethics and morals by masses of people, no change would happen. Any little act helps, right? I wanted to be apart of that. This whole concept is like running blind in a race (the run being the change. Not knowing where the finish line is, but confident the end prize will be worth all the trouble you’re bound to be faced with). Ok, maybe not the best parallel to use, but I’m sure you can understand where I’m coming from by this point.

Getting back to where I was going with this whole thing, Gordon Campbell was one of these people I took action on. It was more of an “assurance” that he would follow through on his promise. Bellow is the letter I wrote to him. Its something I felt pretty confident and happy about after finishing, hoping that the Universe was on my side here, and my drive of ensuring the most will come out of this whole thing wouldn’t legally come back and kick me in the ass - and so far it looks like I'm in the clear!

The Letter:

Dear Premier Gordon Campbell,
I am writing to remind you that the world expects nothing less than the full implementation of the Great Bear Rainforest Agreement by March 31st, 2009, including high-bar ecologically sound forestry practices.

With just a few months to go before the final March deadline, I am concerned that critical elements of your promise may not be implemented, putting the ecological health of the Great Bear Rainforest at risk. We both know this cannot be allowed to happen given how far we've come.

Because a promise is a promise, by March 31, 2009, British Columbians, Canadians and people around the world want to know they can trust that the Great Bear Rainforest is indeed saved.

This means:
- A regional ecosystem plan that includes a new set of logging regulations that pose low risk to the ecology of the region.
- Enabling conditions for First Nations and stakeholders to create a thriving conservation-based economy.
- Funding to provide collaborative planning and adaptive management into the future
- Ensuring that world-class protected areas are not threatened by inappropriate developments

The Great Bear Rainforest agreement has the potential to change the way the world protects its forests. Let's create a model of sustainability we can be proud of.

I urge you to honour your government's agreement and to keep a steady hand on these final stages of implementation.

One of the world's last great rainforests depends on your continued leadership at this crucial time.

Sincerely,
Melissa Pick

Spring is here!

Today is, or seems to be, the first day I will officially call spring. This year winter seemed to last a lot longer than usual; every year for that matter winter seems to grasp its hold a little tighter before surrendering to the warmth of spring. I’ve always found it hard to accept that, yes, this is Canada, and yes, I should just quit complaining and live with it, but snow in April?! That’s a bit ridiculous and I refuse to accept THAT (even though I don’t ultimately have a say in this).

The warm sunny day caught me by surprise. I didn’t know what to do to embrace it and show my loving appreciation to the Universe. I decided to capture some beautiful shots to keep the excitement fresh in my mind for those not-so-nice days in this part of the world.
I grabbed my camera and off I went. I didn’t know where I was going, but frolicking aimlessly.

My first photo was of the flowers and bright green grass that sprung up outside the front door under my childhood favourite bush.

It was all gorgeous. I smiled the entire time (probably looking slightly foolish to the folk passing by). It made me think of everything I wanted- I had to do this summer. I made a list in my head to remember and write down a.s.a.p. after my adventure, but I forgot the majority when walking through the door (something that happens way to often in my case haha).
Not all was forgotten though. So this is what I managed to jot down;

Summer To-Do list, i.e. Bucket List ‘09:
Kayaking
Hike as many trails in BC/Ontario
Visit Victoria/Toronto/Montreal-St. Catherine Street here I come!
Trip to Tofino for a weekend
BC old growth forest adventure - Cathedral Grove (MacMillan Provincial Park)
Camping - Buttle Lake/Ralf River*
Find the most beautiful sunset on the island (how could I judge this one?)
Go to the beach with a friend and spend the entire day there. Dawn ‘til dusk.
Gather up friends and play soccer/football/Frisbee
Frolf. A lot. I am determined to master a little skill here…
Photograph every moment. Develop the pictures and make a collage. Do this every year!!
Kussam Climb
Find a parade - and join it.

(List still under construction - always welcoming ideas ^^ )

My fairy tree <3

In a nutshell...

This is a little about me. I could write for hours about anything really, but actually telling someone face to face a little about myself doesn’t really happen too often (or very well). Showing them though, that could be something a lot easier for me.

I’m a woman that loves spending time with friends, getting outside for a day to hike or go to the gym, dancing, reading, and, of course, writing. These are the parts of my life that have seemed to be around a long time now and I don’t imagine leaving me anytime soon; they are my foundation.

Other hobbies of mine seem to pop-up erratically like new diet fads on the book shelf. Usually there is something around every corner that catches my attention, a new ‘minute-long-passion’ to add to my repertoire. Baking, yoga, and the drive to attempt skateboarding are a handful of this (escaping the last with scraped knees and a sore ego. Ouch). Though I will never feel as delighted when I smell the spiced aroma of oatmeal raisin cookies baking in the oven, never as astounded as I am bent in a position I wouldn’t think to be possible unless I were in a circus, the motivation to start-up or keep going to these things seems to fade relatively quickly in comparison.

My foundation, however, has always been something I can come back to and feel the lure even if I took a break to try something new. Some nights, even when I’m in a cocoon of blankets in the middle of winter (when the heater doesn’t seem to be working either…), I can always seem to jump up and reach for a book to dive into, escaping to a different reality for hours until my mind doesn’t seem to be conscious anymore, or jot down a journal entry, even go for a run some nights. Some might think I was mad, but that’s just me.

I love my friends and depend on them for my sanity more than they will ever know. Without them my life would be a sad, lonely adventure. I will cherish them forever and remember all the jokes to make me smile on days I think the universe is against me (though sometimes I don‘t think this, I KNOW its out to get me :P ). I’ll remember the English class in grade 11 with Ariel and Ren and always laugh out loud at the radio when “Total Eclipse of the Heart“ comes on, thinking of the lyrical genius that is the Dan Band.

My health is very important to me, and I believe it should be to everyone. Going to the gym and eating a nutritious diet is something I practice everyday. Knowing what you eat and how it got to be on the table is essential in my eyes, which is why you’ll always see me looking at the nutritional facts on the back of jars and what not, and also why I chose to become a vegetarian.

Dancing is a stress reliever and, in simple, a lot of fun. I’ll dance throughout the day to my own thoughts or out clubbing with my friends. There are days in which a dance off in aisles of department stores will ensue, where a couple of us will dance on each other just to embarrass each other, and ourselves ultimately.

Reading will keep me entertained for hours, days even if I find a good book. Sometimes it turns me into what appears to be a coma-like state, unaware of anything going on around me. it’s a trap. It really is a trap (one that I am always willing to fall for though). Magazines are always around because I love to learn quick facts, recipes, workouts, anything really. I just love to read.

Writing just helps me make a little sense of my thoughts and keeps me on track of my goals and dreams. What else has this power? Nothing I’ve found quite like it.

So this is me (compressed into a page long nutshell).