Lindsay Coulter

I grew up foraging for morel mushrooms, Saskatoon berries, wild blueberries, strawberries and raspberries in Alberta. On the West Coast now, I forage for salmonberries, blackberries and young stinging nettle.

Not all chemicals are bad. But I suggest everyone — not just parents — watch Little Things Matter: the Impact of Toxins on the Developing Brain, narrated by Bruce Lanphear.

Learn how to avoid toxic chemicals that are persistent and bioaccumulative, which means they build up in the environment and our bodies.

There is no evidence that antibacterial products actually do a better job than regular soap in a household setting. So avoid them UNLESS you work in a hospital. Why? Overuse of antibacterial ingredients — like triclosan — is helping create superbugs. Our increasing obsession with avoiding germs could actually be making us sick.

Did you know that milk can be consumed 7 days after the “best before” date, opened or unopened?

DO NOT rake your leaves! (Because butterflies begin in leaves, as larvae.)

What to do instead of seeding, mowing and aerating your lawn?

Five water-saving habits inside your home (in order of impact)

I was beginning to worry about mould in my home — airborne spores can be inhaled and become a health concern.
I wasn’t feeling sick, but we discovered mould during a recent bathroom renovation, my husband had been rather sneezy and we have a child (children and the elderly can be more vulnerable).

To cultivate nature connectedness, fuel my son’s curiosity and keep plants and critters alive, we have rules

Each spring, we challenge people worldwide to take a daily dose of nature — 30 minutes for 30 days. Three years of data reveals that participants not only spend more time outside, they also reduce their indoor screen time and report better sleep.

The proposition that a few simple, selfless acts will make your neighbourhood a better place to live was tested nation-wide

It’s pulled at your heart strings for years — the bees are dying. But why?

I walk. It would take me longer to bike and honour the stop signs. So, I quiz fellow staffers — Karianne, Jodi, Akua, Barry, Jeremy, Theresa, Monica and Calvin — for bike to work dos and don’ts for a safe and fun commute:

Everyone could benefit from a food circle sometime. Maybe you already have?

The sun is out! Don’t waste it. Here are four things sunshine can do for you — free of charge

Get happier with me. Join the 30×30 Nature Challenge! Get into nature for 30 minutes for 30 days and you’ll be happily hooked.

There is more than one way to save a planet. It’s Earth Month. Time to blow your mind and debunk a few myths about planet saving!

Whether you have a small plot in the big city or a few acres, transform your yard into a butterfly garden!

Did you know that exfoliants — poppy seeds, oats or herbs — scrub skin to release debris and remove dead skin cells?

I make soap. You can, too. Learn new terms like sodium hydroxide (lye),saponification, cold-process and curing —- and come out smelling like a rose!