Autumn leaves are beautiful. And messy. And slippery.  Understandably, the urge to clean them up is strong. Landscape maintenance crews and their leaf blowers do a fine job of tidying up our driveways, porches and walkways, making them neat and safe to walk on. A new school of thought on “fall cleanup,” suggests not taking this too far, however. The esthetic benefits of removing every leaf — particularly from lawns and gardens — don’t nearly outweigh the environmental impact of this practice.

Who benefits from a leaf-free yard? It’s certainly not the critters that thrive under the blanket of leaves. And it’s definitely not our lawns, which would shout, “Drop that rake!” if they could. What lawn wouldn’t want to get tucked into a cozy bed of leaves for the winter?

Personally, I now realize that all this raking might have been for my neighbours’ benefit. I faced the same dilemma in the spring, pulling dandelions to avoid looking like a lazy gardener.

“A more eco-friendly fall cleanup involves working with the environment, not against it.”

DEREK LIPPERT,
FOUNDER OF QUIET NATURE NATURAL LANDSCAPES

“We’ve been conditioned to believe that a pristine yard, free of leaves and dandelions, is the goal,” says Derek Lippert, founder of Quiet Nature Natural Landscapes. “However, this neatness comes at a cost. Removing every leaf deprives nature of its free mulch and shelter for insects like butterflies and ladybugs, which play a vital role in the ecosystem.”

Lippert adds that it’s okay to want a tidy yard. Go ahead and rake or blow leaves off your driveway, porch and walkways but in the lawn or garden, “Instead of hauling away every last leaf, why not let nature lend a hand?” he says. “A more eco-friendly fall cleanup involves working with the environment, not against it.”

Five great uses for leaves

1. MOW OVER THEM

Instead of raking, mow over the leaves to chop them into smaller pieces. These shredded bits will break down, enriching the soil with organic matter. It’s like a free feast for your lawn! Plus, a lawn sprinkled with shredded leaves doesn’t look messy – it looks eco-friendly.  

2. COMPOST THEM

Lippert suggests adding fallen leaves to your compost pile. “Rich in carbon, they balance nitrogen from kitchen scraps and grass clippings. Layer them together, and in a few months, you’ll have nutrient-rich compost ready for your garden.”

3. USE THEM AS GARDEN MULCH

Instead of buying mulch, shred your leaves and spread them over garden beds. They help retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds. As the leaves break down, they’ll add nutrients to the soil. Your plants will thrive, and your wallet will thank you.

4. MAKE LEAF MOULD

If you’ve got space, make leaf mould by piling up leaves and letting them sit for about a year. As they decompose, they turn into a crumbly, rich substance that’s fantastic for your garden. Leaf mould helps with water retention, so your plants won’t dry out as quickly.

5. PROTECT PLANTS & INSECTS IN WINTER

“Sensitive plants can benefit from a blanket of leaves in the winter,” says Darla from The Garden Girls. “Pile them around the base of perennials, shrubs, and trees to insulate their roots from freezing. Then when spring arrives, either leave the mulch in place or compost it. Not only will your plants benefit, but butterflies, pollinators and other beneficial insects that overwinter in the dead leaves will thank you as well.”

This fall, don’t look at those fallen leaves as a chore. Think of them as Mother Nature’s gift to your garden. Embracing sustainable cleanup practices is an easy, eco-friendly way to keep your yard thriving for seasons to come. And no, you’re not a lazy gardener —you’re a clever, eco-friendly one. I think I’ll make a sign for my yard that says, “Beleaf me, these leaves are helping my garden.”

LOCAL LINKS

The Garden Girls
thegardengirls.ca

The Gardener Landscaping
thegardenerlandscaping.ca

Quiet Nature
quietnature.ca

By Lisa Thornbury

The kitchen is the heart of the home, but it’s also a major contributor to plastic waste that harms both our environment and our health. Plastics like wraps and ziploc bags often contain harmful chemicals such as BPA and phthalates, which can leach into our food.

These single-use items often end up in landfills, where they persist for centuries, polluting our water, soil and air.

By making simple, sustainable swaps, you can transform your kitchen into a haven of eco-friendly living, protecting your family’s health and reducing your home’s carbon footprint. To get started, look no further than your local shops for eco- friendly alternatives.

Wrap It Up

“Beeswax wraps completely replace [plastic] wrap,” says Laura Newton, founder of The Kind Matter Company in Oakville and Milton. Unlike plastic wrap, which traps moisture inside and produces a slimy texture on food, beeswax wraps mimic the skin of a fruit. “They allow air in, but also allow moisture out,” says Newton.

Beeswax wraps are reusable, compostable and durable. Christine Kempf, co-founder of Mrs. Greenway in Dundas, says that with proper maintenance, beeswax wraps can be reused around 500 times. Beeswax melts when it’s warmed, so it’s advisable to wash in cold water. “You don’t want to wash it in hot water, and never use it on a container of hot chicken,” Kempf says. “It needs to cool down first before covering up.

Litterless Lunch

Ziploc baggies may make packing school snacks easy, but these single- use plastics contribute to environmental waste and possible health risks associated with plastic use. Colibri bags are reusable fabric pouches that make packing litterless lunches easy, as they can be washed and reused. Plus, they have dozens of adorable prints kids love. “As long as you take care of it, it will replace hundreds of boxes of ziploc bags,” says Kempf.

Food Storage

Plastic food storage containers can absorb the flavours, odours and colours of food over time, and may leach harmful chemicals into your food as they break down. Stainless steel containers are a durable, eco-friendly alternative. Although they require a higher initial investment, Newton says they ultimately cost less than having to constantly replace plastic containers. “They’re going to last you a lifetime,” she says.

Stasher bags are another great eco-friendly food storage alternative. Made with 100% food-grade silicone, they come in a variety of sizes, including bowls that open wide enough to eat directly from. These reusable, leakproof and air tight containers keep food fresh longer, can be put in the freezer and even washed in the dishwasher. Plus, they’re incredibly long lasting! “Some of my Stasher bags I’ve had for probably seven years,” says Kempf.

Refills

Refilling dish soap and cleaning solution is a simple and effective way to eliminate plastic containers from your kitchen. You don’t need to invest in fancy glass jars right away, although they do look nice. Both Mrs. Greenway and The Kind Matter Company will refill any container, even your old Palmolive bottle. “The most sustainable thing is the one you already have,” says Newton. “If you have a container that is working properly that happens to be plastic, use it until the last moment, then you can upgrade to a glass or aluminum bottle,” she advises.

Refilling also offers cost savings, as you’re not paying for new bottles, pumps or labels. While the eco-friendly dish soaps offered at The Kind Matter Company and Mrs. Greenway may be more expensive than conventional grocery stores brands, these premium products are more concentrated, meaning you use less each time, and you can rest assured knowing you’re using a quality product. “You’re keeping plastic out of the waste system, but you’re also keeping other chemicals out of the water and it’s better for your own health,” says Kempf.

By making these four simple swaps, you can significantly reduce plastic in your kitchen and contribute to a healthier planet, and a healthier you!

Local Links

The Kind Matter Company
282b Kerr St, Oakville
15 Martin St #6, Milton
thekindmattercompany.com

Liquid Earth
603 Michigan Dr Unit 1, Oakville
theliquidearth.com

Mrs. Greenway
2 King Street West Unit # 3, Dundas
mrsgreenway.ca

Nature’s Emporium
2180 Itabashi Way, Burlington
210 North Service Rd W, Oakville
naturesemporium.com

By Lisa Evans

In today’s eco-conscious culture, the thought of turning a fallen or removed tree from your yard into furniture might cross your mind. Not only does it reduce waste, but it also offers the chance to take on a rewarding DIY project. The result is a unique, sentimental piece that preserves the memories tied to your property for years to come.

While the romantic idea of taking something that has naturally come to an end and giving it new life holds true, the reality of a project like this is rooted in the condition of the tree.

“What looks fine on the outside might not be fine on the inside due to rot, fall fractures, or pests,” says Chris Marshall, Customer Service Manager at Exotic Woods.

“If a tree is removed before it’s completely dead, there is usually something salvageable,” adds Rick Veenstra, Inside Sales at Exotic Woods.

Here’s what woodworking enthusiasts should keep in mind to balance the emotional value and practicality of repurposing a tree into home décor.

Endless possibilities

Tap into your creativity with these out-of-the-box ideas for reusing different parts of a tree: create natural wood wall art using the bark and branches, design a tree trunk vanity with the stump as the base, craft a wood slab headboard, or use branches to make original lighting that adds an earthy vibe to your home. Many traditional options will give your tree a functional purpose.

“A tree can be made into cabinet doorknobs, charcuterie boards, jewellery boxes, or larger items like chairs, dressers, and dining tables,” explains Steve Culumovic, Owner-Operator of Blue Skies Custom Woodwork. “What you can make is only limited by the size and quality of the tree.”

Trust the process

When someone contacts a professional to discuss a piece of wood they’d like transformed, aside from determining the condition, there are several other factors to consider. “The main thing to look for is how dry it appears,” says Umar Ahmed, Owner of Tabulo Furniture. “We always discuss the concept and determine how the piece will look and feel in the customer’s space. Everything else like stains, finishes, and details flows from there.”

“At Exotic Woods, we ask questions regarding plans, budget, and timeline,” explains Marshall. “Our concerns are finding any embedded foreign material like stones or metal that could potentially harm our staff or equipment, and we give an honest answer about what will and won’t work for our clients’ projects. We understand that many of these trees hold deep meaning for people for various reasons.”

When deciding if this is the route for you, “Remember there are always cost and time factors involved,” adds Veenstra. “When done properly, air drying is the most economical, but for every inch of thickness you’re looking at one to one and a half years of drying.”

“A tree can be made into cabinet doorknobs, charcuterie boards, jewellery boxes, or larger items like chairs, dressers, and dining tables.”

STEVE CULUMOVIC,
Blue Skies Custom Woodwork

What’s trending now

The aesthetic of rustic wood in home décor has remained popular throughout 2024, emphasizing the trend of bringing outdoor elements indoors and investing in sustainable craftsmanship.

“We’re increasingly seeing clients tired of live edge tables and wanting pieces that have more character, workmanship, and are like works of art,” says Ahmed. In addition to the well-known trends of using live edge and white oak for custom furniture, Culumovic explains, “I can say I’ve had a lot of furniture repair or repurposing inquiries, which I’m also happy to do!”

Local Links

Blue Skies Custom Woodwork
Burlington
blueskiescustomwoodwork.com

Exotic Woods
Burlington
exotic-woods.com

Tabulo Furniture
Oakville
tabulofurniture.com

Finished Grain Woodworks
Dundas
finishedgrainwoodworks.com

By Nicole Hilton