Our newsletter is also available on our website in English and French
December 2007
Biodegradable plastics to gift baskets!
In the news, over the past few months, you may have read about forward-thinking populations, from Quebec's Huntingdon and Amqui to the entire country of Uganda, that have banned the use of non-biodegradable plastic bags. These moves have also sparked debate in the environmental community as to whether or not popular alternatives such as biodegradable bags are the best solution.
Message to Members
Thanks to everyone who came out to our 7th year anniversary and Buy Nothing Day celebration on November 25, especially the musicians, activity coordinators, and our volunteers. Visit our website to see pictures, and "CHEERS!" to another year together.
There's no denying that the holiday season is upon us and we want to help you make it as ethical as possible. You'll find large selection of fair trade, environmentally friendly, locally made or all-natural products and gift baskets for sale in the store. We've also compiled a list of local community organizations that are accepting donations - a great alternative to gift giving. Find it all on our website!
* Please note that the store will be CLOSED December 25-26, and January 1-2.
You would like to become more involved with your Co-op? Join the Liaison Committee. This committee is mandated to organize 5 à 7 initiation sessions for new members and to coordinate volunteer activities. Member volunteers are the heart and soul of a Co-op and this is an ideal doorway to deeper involvement at La Maison Verte. Join the liaison committee now by contacting Yves Saint-Pierre at 514-489-8000 or at info@cooplamaisonverte.com
Recycle your old mattress
Recyc-matelas is a young Montreal company that will ensure that 100% of your old mattress and bed frames are recycled. This year they expect to recycle 70 thousand used mattresses!
www.recyc-matelas.com Tel.: (514) 735-3111 info@recyc-matelas.com
Thanks to:
Anne-Andrée Richard, Gilles Rondeau, Joanne Deshaies - Translation; Johanne Bouthillier - Revision
Events 
DEC 3
Monday, Dec. 3, 7:30 - 9 p.m.
Nutrition Workshop with Jae Steele RHN
Holiday Feasts and more occasions to share a meal with others ($8-10 at the door. Please sign up in person or by phone.) www.domesticaffair.ca
DEC 7
Friday, December 7, 4 - 6:30 p.m
Recycled shadowbox puppet theatre workshop for children of all ages, with Ljouba Miltsova
Learn how to make your own shadowbox theatre and put on a show! Please bring recycled paper, used fabrics and other decorative and building materials. (Suggested donation: $5. Please sign up in person, or by phone.)
DEC 7
Friday, December 7, 7 - 9 p.m.
Essential Oils for the Skin-Safe alternatives:
The first of three workshops by Hélène Berton, writer of Les Huiles Essentielles Pour la Peau I. Mainstream cosmetic products: Who produces them, what are they really selling you, and how to identify what's in them, PLUS an introduction to the concept of natural products and the limits of cosmetics.
(FREE. This workshop will be held in French. Please sign up in person, or by phone.)
DEC 10
Monday, December 10, 7 - 9 p.m.
Concealing Ecocide: CHINA
Last month we gave the wrong date for this talk. We apologize, but are happy to tell you that we are offering it again this month!
The first in a discussion series that gives historical and cultural insight into the world's newest industrial giant: China. This workshop will focus on the historical roots of China's industrial explosion.
Alexandre Miltsov is a researcher and free-lance journalist based in Montreal. (FREE. Please sign up in person or by phone)
New Products
Lilidom fair trade and organic clothing for children 0-6, showcasing artwork that shares messages of solidarity and hope.
Member Specials
- 10% off on Co-op La Maison Verte stainless steel mugs
- 10% off on 100% biodegradable paper plates and cutlery for holiday emergencies
Members' Corner (continued from above)
Since they came on the market, La Maison Verte has promoted alternatives to plastic, including "additive-based" garbage bags that claim to be biodegradable, and corn-based compostable bags. After questions from a few members attracted our attention, we looked into the matter and discovered that these bags come with their own sets of social and environmental problems.
Although the clear, sturdy bags we carried from Natursac were marked "biodegradable," we found out the correct term is "oxydegradable." This means they contain additives that cause the tissue to break down into smaller pieces when exposed to the correct light, heat and air conditions. These bags are still made from fossil fuel, which contributes to global warming. When they do eventually break down into miniscule pieces, this invisible, non-biodegradable waste stays in the environment as a pollutant.
Corn-based plastic (for example, kitchen, compost and doggy bags from Bio Bag) is another alternative. It is actually biodegradable and compostable, meaning the material will break down into small pieces that can be absorbed by microorganisms and transformed into CO2, H2O, energy and neutral residues. It seems like a step in the right direction, but as these bags become more mainstream, it will take more and more valuable agricultural land to produce enough corn to make them. With the world facing a growing food crisis, the ethics of this type of production is called into question.
In the move away from conventional plastic products, let's not loose sight of the bigger goal: pollution-reduction! By improving our recycling program, and starting regular compost collection like the borough of Cote-St-Luc recently did, we could reduce the need for more plastic garbage bags. We could also follow the lead of countries like Switzerland, who impose per-use fees for waste collection so people are more careful about what they buy and throw out. In Swiss grocery stores, you can remove the packaging from the products you buy and leave it for the store to deal with. In Germany, companies are held responsible for the packaging materials they produce. This has lead businesses to be creative about how they package things, using the least material possible.
There are pros and cons to any product, but there's always a better choice if you have enough information. While we decide which bags to promote, and which bags to stop carrying, we'll keep monitoring the debate and working towards finding the best solutions. What do you think? Send your ideas to us at newsletter@cooplamaisonverte.com, opinions, tips and comments!
Members' Corner is a place for members to write or suggest articles about environment or community-related subjects of all kinds. Email your ideas to newsletter@cooplamaisonverte.com
5785, Sherbrooke street West, Metro Vendome + bus #105 - call us! 514-489-8000