Our newsletter is also available on our website in English and French
June 2007
Slowing down...
No one can say exactly where and when the Movement to Slow Down started, but they do know why. Fast food, expressways, high speed internet, etc. Things are speeding up on a global scale, but is life improving? The growing number of people wanting to return to a more balanced pace of life don't think so and today "slow" organizations exist around the world, including in Canada, the U.K, the U.S.A., Australia, Italy and Japan.
Message to Members
Thanks to everyone who attended our Annual General Meeting on May 23. We are pleased to welcome Peter McQueen, who was elected to our Board of Directors as a Support Member, and Yves St-Pierre who was re-elected as a User Member. We would also like to reiterate our thanks to all of the volunteers who helped us out with so many important things in 2006 and continue to today. We couldn't do it without you!
Also, thanks to everyone who helped make our massive heritage tomato sale and Free Tree giveaway a success, especially our own Anna Lee-Popham. We hope these beautiful baby trees grow tall and strong. Don't forget that we still have tomatoes, herbs and other plants for sale in the store while supplies last.
You may have heard that June 3-9 is Canadian Environment Week. We were asked to host a Radio Canada interview with new Environment Minister John Baird, but declined. Visit the Eco Logic section of our website to read about why we made this decision in Canadian Environment Week: More than just a photo-op, as well as other Environment Week-themed blogs.
Finally, take a deep breath...Now take another one...Now read all about the movement to Slow Down and the Slow Down Events taking place in Montreal this month!
Thanks to: Gilles Rondeau, Johanne Deshaies - Translation; Johanne Bouthillier - Revision
Events 
JUN 5
Tuesday June 5, 19h30 (La Maison Verte) : The Adventures of the New Alchemy Institute - Free
Book Conference & discussion with author of A Safe and Sustainable World: The promise of ecological design, Island Press. A dialogue with ecological pioneers, author Nancy J. Todd and her husband Jack Todd. Not to be missed! For more information visit our website
JUN 16
Saturday, June 16 9am to 9 pm : Summer Slow Down Event (Park Ahuntsic, metro Henri-Bourassa) - Free
Come and live the present moment with a whole slowdown day where everything is free. Workshops given by professionals of Tai-Chi, Chi-Kong and the Laugh Club of Montreal, plus slow-dancing, slow-clowns, slow-food tasting and much more! Details at www.lents.ca
JUN 25
Monday, June 25, 7:30 p.m. (La Maison Verte) : Alternative diets: which one's best for you? - Suggested donation $5 - 10 A look at whole foods, vegetarian, vegan, raw/living, macrobiotic and Ayurvedic diets with Holistic Nutritional Practitioner Jae Steele RHN.
New Products
All natural, delicious body lotions, bath salts, lip balms and more from Soins Corporels L'Herbier
Member Specials
- 10% off Healthy sweet or salty organic nut snacks from Prana
- 10% off - Lotions, moisturizing sticks, powders and bum balms from Pissenlit & Coccinelle
Members' Corner (continued from above)
So what is slowing down? Well it doesn't mean going at the pace of a snail all the time - that would be absurd! It's more about the expression of a need to live at our own personal and well-adjusted pace, for the good of the environment, ourselves and people in general.
Over-consumption is a major challenge to overcome in the movement to slow down and save the planet. The fast cycle of production and consumption and the more products we consume as a result can hinder us from appreciating the simple things in life. Also, producing highly synthetic, processed or imported goods is harmful to the environment.
Simply slowing down and thinking before acting can have a positive impact. Just consider the plastic bags we could refuse just by taking the time to grab a reusable bag before leaving the house, or even postponing a purchase that's not urgent. Another option is to seek second hand options. Take the time to visit www.freecycle.org to find what you need (it's free) or to organize a get-together for an exchange of un-used clothing and other things.
Observing ourselves and reducing our consumption can be a "slow" process too, but consuming less does help the environment. The next time you are at the cash register, ask yourself key questions like, "Am I buying this to fulfill a real need, or just a desire?" and "Where is this desire coming from?" Many purchases are made because they make the buyer feel more positive, powerful or attractive to others. Marketing professionals are very much aware of these strong human desires and emotions when they create publicity to encourage you to buy more and more.
It's surprising how many of our needs and desires can be fulfilled simply by taking the time to unite with ourselves and with others. Preparing a meal to share or taking the time to give a massage to a friend's tired muscles are examples of building relationships that are more meaningful and less materialistic. And better for the earth.
If you are interested in the many other benefits of slowing down, check out Montreal's Slowdown Events. Two main slowdown events take place each year and the next one is held on June 16, from 9am to 9pm at Ahuntsic Park. All activities and workshops are free and give tips for how to slow down. See you there!
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