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Local Guide to Waste-Free Shopping

November 2, 2020 No Comments

Victoria Garofalo had been working as a biologist for almost ten years but felt like something was missing in her life. What she wanted was a job where she could help create a healthier world. Victoria has two young children and was worried about their futures. The problem was how to accomplish that. “I wanted to do more to not only reduce our family’s waste footprint but help others in our community do the same,” said Garofalo.

After months of research, Garofalo set up a business that sells eco-friendly products that reduce waste by reducing consumption and packaging. Welcome to A Greener Place in Waterdown, where all products are made of organic and vegan formulations and are respectful to the environment in that they don’t include carcinogens, parabens, phosphates, or sulfates. “The products we carry are meant to last, but they also carry a responsible footprint when they reach the end of their lifespan,” said Garofalo.

Cleaning products for the home include a toilet bowl cleaner that’s made from baking soda, citric acid, and peppermint essential oil. Her products for the body include a brown sugar body scrub and clay deodorant made of coconut oil. All packaging is reusable, refillable, or locally handmade.

For those getting into zero waste, Garofalo said the concept can be a little daunting which is why she suggests people start by simply replacing a single-use product with a reusable or plastic-free option. “Thoughtful and reduced consumption is a more realistic approach to reducing your everyday waste,” advises Garofalo.

When the pandemic hit, Garofalo introduced a mason jar deposit/refund program where customers pre-fill clean mason jars with refill products and people return the empty jars which are sanitized and reused.

A Greener Space is one of a handful of zero-waste stores that have popped up recently in response to the public’s growing desire to preserve and respect the environment.

At EcoFillosophy in Bronte, the goal of co-founders, Thanh To and Renata Darling, is to encourage people to live more sustainably. They sell all-natural home and personal care products that come in packaging that can be reused, refilled, or recycled. “We aim to keep our footprint small by targeting small-batch makers from across Canada,” said To, who launched the full-service refillery shop in July.

Their products include laundry detergent, dish and hand soaps, shampoos, lotions, deodorants, toothpaste, and floss. They offer glass and aluminum jars and tins, as well as pumps and sprayers that customers can purchase or borrow. Customers can also bring their own empty, clean, and dry containers.

Since COVID-19 hit, they’ve been disinfecting all containers brought to the shop before and after filling.

While their customers range in age and backgrounds, To said their similarity is that “they are all trying to do the best for their families and the world around us.” “Some have been refilling for years and come with well-loved containers to cart their goods home,” said To.

Koby Hicks’s inspiration to open the Refillery Market came to her while she was throwing out an empty laundry detergent dispenser. “I stopped in my tracks thinking, Why can’t I simply refill this bottle and continue to use it?”

As owner/operator, Hicks said Refillery Market offers Canadian-made products that are free from harmful chemicals to protect people and the environment. They offer home essentials in bulk along with zero-waste goods like shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, mouthwash and lotion, detergents, cleaning vinegar, and dryer balls. Eliminating plastic waste is their end goal so they buy in bulk. Once the product has been used, they take the packaging back to sanitize and reuse.

Hicks normally sells their products at the Burlington Farmers’ Market and The Civitan Farmers Market in Oakville, but has switched since the pandemic to focus more on home delivery within the local area. Orders are now delivered in 3 sizes of mason jars, with a $2 deposit fee. Once customers are ready to refill their jars, they leave the empty ones on the doorstep on the delivery day, and they are swapped with the full ones!

Besides their love of the environment and clean-products, each of these forward-thinking establishments has another thing in common, “We’re bringing back the milkman method,” said Hicks.

Written By: Denise Davy

Local Links

A Greener Place, Waterdown
EcoFillosophy, Oakville
Refillery Market, Burlington

In Articles

Let the Games Begin!

October 27, 2020 1 Comment

Many of us have heard the same health recommendation for the past few months — as much as possible, stay home. As summer draws to a close and entertainment ideas wane, why not create a defined space to meet your family’s needs? A designated games room or entertainment area provides convenience and recreation in the comfort of your own home. From family games to home theatre and sound systems, choices and customizations are endless.

You may never want to leave the house again!

The best kind of entertainment is something that can be shared with the whole family. Games like foosball, billiards, air hockey, and darts are always a good investment, but the choice is dependent on the size of the space you have available.

Foosball is fast-paced and fun, great for adults and kids of all ages. The table also takes up far less space than a pool table or shuffleboard, and there are even smaller tabletop options that can be stored away when not in use. Air hockey tables come in a variety of sizes and are another alternative if space is limited. Darts — that popular pub classic — brings out a friendly competitive spirit and come in boards or cabinets, if you prefer the added benefit of storage.

Billiards, shuffleboard, and ping pong tables are solid and large, so the size of your games room is an important factor in whether or not one can be part of your vision. “For those with a lot of room, billiards and ping pong tables have been tremendous sellers for us,” says Jeremy Kalapacz from Oakville Home Leisure. “Billiards, ping pong, foosball, and darts, are all games your family can enjoy for many years; it really just comes down to space constrictions”.

Feel like recapturing some childhood memories? Video arcade machines bring a retro touch to any gaming area. Many of the ones built for at-home use are multi-gamed with all of your classic favourites.

Sights & Sounds

The idea of creating a cinematic experience the whole family can enjoy is appealing. “We have definitely seen an increased interest in home theatres and whole-home audio. Families still want to be able to have a night at the movies and they want it without the worry and concern of having to leave their homes,” says Sarah Love from PM WYRE in Burlington. “We also have frequent requests to improve the WIFI and internet infrastructure of family homes to support the increased demand for streaming movies, gaming, and online learning.”

While it can seem pricey upfront, upgrading movie night means more date nights in and fewer trips to an overpriced snack bar.

As the demand for home theatre and sound systems grows, take the time to do your due diligence and research which system is optimal for your home. You may want the largest TV on the market but consider the size in relation to the seating the space offers. If putting together your dream theatre and sound system seems overwhelming, speak with professionals who can gauge your needs and budget, and come up with a customized plan for your family.

Another popular option is expanding your entertainment space into the backyard. People are beginning to transform their outdoor space into a recreational option to adhere to social distancing requirements. “We have promised our clients for years the opportunity to come home, press one button, and use technology to help create a unique experience, which extends to all of the home,” remarks Robert May from Sounds Good in Oakville, “What about a summer drive-in movie experience in the backyard with your new outdoor TV?”

A designated at-home entertainment area isn’t just for the kids. It brings the family together across all generations for some healthy competition and enjoyment.

Written By: Kristen Sanchioni

Local Links

Oakville Home Leisure

https://www.oakvillehomeleisure.ca

Oakville Sight and Sound

https://www.oakvillesightandsound.ca

Sounds Good Inc.

https://www.soundsgoodinc.ca

PM Wyre

https://pmwyre.com

In Articles

The Best Local Soup Spots

October 20, 2020 1 Comment

A bowl of chicken noodle soup to chase away that cold, tomato soup that pairs so well with a grilled cheese sandwich and brings back warm memories of childhood, or your family’s own recipe that’s been passed from one generation to the next.

Soup truly is the ultimate comfort food, with every savoury spoonful feeling like a warm hug on a chilly day.

Below, we’ve listed the best hotspots to enjoy a delicious bowl of soup in the local area.

Oakville

Lettuce Love Cafe | 326 Kerr St. | www.lettucelovecafe.com/
Seven Vegetable Soup; Tomato Protein Soup

***Tomato Protein Soup from Lettuce Love***

Stoney’s Bread Company | 325 Kerr St. | https://stoneysbreadcompany.com/
East Coast Clam Chowder; Roasted Butternut Squash & Pear Soup

Mermaid & the Oyster | 250 Kerr St. | www.mermaidandoyster.com/
Mermaid Chowder; Lobster Bisque

Soontorn Bahn Thai | 210 Lakeshore Rd. East | www.soontornbahnthai.ca/
Thai Hot & Sour Soup; Coconut Chicken Soup; Lemon Prawn Soup; Thai Vegetable Soup; Lemon Chicken Soup; Coconut Prawn Soup; Seafood Soup; Spicy Vegetable Soup

The Crêpe Kitchen | 88 Dunn St. | www.thecrepekitchen.ca/
French Onion Soup

Aroma Espresso Bar | 321 Lakeshore Rd E | doordash.com
Lentil Parsley Soup; Tomato Freekeh Soup; Pumpkin Cauliflower Soup

Bronte Village

La Parisienne Crêperie | 93 Bronte Road | www.laparisiennecreperie.com/
French Onion Soup

**French Onion Soup from La Parisienne**

Harbourside Artisan Kitchen | 2416 Lakeshore Rd. W | www.harbourside-kitchen.com/
Butternut Squash Soup

Burlington

Familia Fine Foods | 3245 Harvester Rd Unit 17 | https://familiafinefoods.com/
A variety of homemade soups that are frozen and can be enjoyed at home: Ajiaco Soup ; Sancocho Soup; Mexican Tomato Chicken; Asian Red Lentil Soup; Black-Eyed Bean; Carrot & Butternut Squash; Green Lentil Soup; Hearty White Bean Soup; Quinoa Rice Chicken Soup; Chickpea Soup

**Familia Fine Food’s Carrot & Butternut Squash Soup**

Spencer’s at the Waterfront | 1340 Lakeshore Rd. | https://spencers.ca/
Curry Cauliflower Soup

Lettuce Love Cafe | 399 John St. | https://www.lettucelovecafe.com/
Seven Vegetable Soup; Tomato Protein Soup

Pintoh Cuisine | 399 Elizabeth Street Unit 1-3 | https://pintoh.ca/
Tom Yum Soup; Coconut Soup; Noodle Soup

Jake’s Grill & Oyster House | 950 Walker’s Line | www.jakesgrill.ca/
New England Style Chowder

Hamilton

The Burnt Tongue | 10 Cannon St. East | 182 Locke St. South | 1019 King St. West | www.theburnttongue.com/
The Burnt Tongue specializes in soup and has a large selection on their menu, including: cabbage roll soup; asian beef vegetable; chili con carne; coconut curry lentil; creamy tomato and tortellini; creamy mushroom & thyme; butternut squash bisque; dijon smoked turkey & kale; double smoked bacon & split pea; egyptian red lentil; ethiopian lentil stew; irish pork stew; fasolada; loaded dill pickle soup; spiced cauliflower & lentil; west african peanut, and more.

Souptogo | 573 Parkside Dr. (Waterdown) | https://soup-to-go.ca/
Souptogo is a farm in the Village of Waterdown (within the Greater Hamilton Area) that has an in-house bakery and kitchen where you can pick up homemade soups that range from Sweet Potato Apple Bacon to Chicken Pot Pie or Ham & Gouda (among a variety of other flavours that change on a daily basis)

In Articles

Every Day I’m Muscle’n

October 20, 2020 No Comments

While the new year is usually when we kick-start our fitness regime, there’s never a ‘right’ time to begin your personal journey with the gym. Having said that, many personal trainers believe “there’s no better time to get started than today”.

Regardless of your experience, going to the gym can be intimidating as heck. But, if you work up the courage to jump (or lunge) in, stay committed and focused, you’ll come to learn there’s a little something for everyone.

A Beginner’s Guide to Personal Fitness

A gym is a great option for many – but Alana Connell, owner and personal trainer at Barbella Studio in Burlington, stresses four walls and equipment will not create a lasting change.

We’ve seen it before, maybe we’ve done it before: set new year’s resolutions, purchase a gym membership, maybe try a workout or two….and then never step foot in the gym again. Why is this? Alana says, “We purchase a gym membership with a vision to be the best version of ourselves. But motivation is temporary. When it comes to working on our wellness and fitness, connection, community, and support are the key to success.”

At Barbella Studio, building a community is the key focus, and to maintain a connection, Alanna brings the gym online. “Not everyone is an online workout person, however, having constant check-ins, connection, conversation, support – those kick-in-the-pants messages – are a MUST.”

Jess Zawadowicz, owner and personal trainer at Bar None Fitness in Burlington agrees, saying, “Being motivated is important. Sometimes we need motivation from another person or thing – but ideally, internal motivation leads to long-term success. Though, it may not always start that way.”

So, you’re ready to be motivated but what kind of fitness regimen works best? Both Alana and Jess say it depends. There is no one workout that’s perfect for everyone and everyone’s goals are different. What people do need, however, is consistency and to find joy in what they’re doing. Most people find that working with an expert will help you get to a place where you actually look forward to your daily fitness rather than loathe it.

Jess says before hitting the gym, it’s important to figure out why you’re seeking the gym out in the first place. Do you want to get in shape? Find a community? Do you need to get your health under control? These are all questions to ask yourself. Then, you can take it from there and it helps to have a professional guide you, especially in the beginning.

Alana says “When you work with an expert, they can support you and adapt your workouts to your current needs, because we’re all human. Our energy, mood, and life changes day in and day out.” She also adds, your workout should never be the same from week to week. You aren’t the same week to week and your workouts should reflect that.

Alana and Jess would agree that you get what you put into it, and they believe that – even if you’ve been working out for a while – hiring a personal trainer is a great way to challenge yourself. “People need a mentor, someone to push them (we all need the push), someone to work with you on nutrition ideas, someone to help you when you hit a plateau or roadblock, someone who cares as much about your success as you do,” says Alana. Which is why, at Barbella, Alana makes herself available in many forms – group setting, private, and online coaching, allowing users to schedule their fitness into their life rather than around it. Jess adds trainers aren’t just for beginners.

Do you want to jump higher? Be stronger? Have shredded arms? Or toned abs? Whatever it is, a personal trainer is in your corner – encouraging you and hyping you up. And that almost feels as good as slipping back into your favourite pair of high school jeans.

Written By: Anneliese Lawton

Local Links:

Barbella Studio, Burlington
Barbella.ca

Bar None Fitness, Burlington
Barnonefitness.ca

In Articles

Here Come the Red Coats

October 15, 2020 No Comments

Seventy-three years ago (in 1947), a group of young Burlington musicians came together out of a shared love of music – they called themselves the Burlington Boys and Girls Band.

While the Band played locally, they were such a hit that within two years they began to travel outside of Canada. Their first international performance was at a football game in Ohio.

No one could have guessed that all these years later, this small band from Burlington, Ontario, would be world-renowned – and the oldest and largest youth marching band in Canada.

Much of that credit goes to founder Elgin Corlett who was the Band’s first music director. In 1965, under Corlett’s leadership, the group’s name was changed to the Burlington Teen Tour Band.

Since then, there have been many changes. In 1968, the City of Burlington took over the operations and Eric Ford was appointed music director. From 1977 to 1998, Don Allan was the assistant director, eventually becoming the music director, and in 1998, Rob Bennett was appointed the Band’s managing director.

The Band has grown to about 220 members who are between the ages of 13 and 21. Each band member plays several instruments, including the flute, saxophone, trombone, drums, and cymbals. There are also flag carriers and majorettes, all of whom practice twice a week.

Over the last seventy-three years, the Band has been in popular demand, representing Burlington all over the world. From England, France, Japan, and The Netherlands, to Belgium and Germany, the Burlington Teen Tour Band has a lengthy list of performances. They’ve been honoured to play for Heads of State and Royalty, graced the Grey Cup and Calgary Stampede, and they even paraded down the Main Street USA Parade in Disneyland.

However, true honour came with their performances at the 60th VE-Day Anniversary Celebrations in Holland, the 60th D-Day Anniversary Celebrations in France, and the 70th Anniversary of Pearl Harbour.

One of their biggest highlights was when they were chosen as one of 20 marching bands to participate in the 2018 New Year’s Day Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California. The parade is known as the granddaddy of all parades. As the first foreign band to lead the parade and the only Canadian band that year, it was truly a humbling experience.

In a documentary made about the trip called Band Geeks, one band member described being part of the parade as a “once in a lifetime experience.”

Their hard work and many successes have not gone unnoticed, and in 2017, Mayor Rick Goldring officially proclaimed July 3 to 9 as Burlington Teen Tour Band Week.

The Band also earned high praise from such luminaries as the late Hon. Lincoln Alexander who described them as “the best of the best”, while Major General Richard Rohmer called them “one of the greatest success stories in the history of Canadian municipalities.”

True to form, the Band hasn’t let COVID-19 stop them. They’ve resumed their practices at Central Park, although now they’re following social distancing rules, and have given virtual performances.

While all of the accolades and awards over the years have been nice, the driving force that pushes them to try their best has always been the personal connections they draw from each other. As one member said in the documentary, “We’re not just a band, we’re family.”

Written By: Denise Davy

Local Link:

Burlington Teen Tour Band – Teentourband.org

In Articles

The Best Parks and Trails to View Fall Colours in Halton

October 13, 2020 No Comments

Fall is in the air — the crisp breeze, the cozy sweaters, the pumpkin spice lattes, and the gorgeous sights of leaves changing colour. So zip up, strap on your hiking boots, and get outside to enjoy the breathtaking Fall foliage that this season has to offer in our local region!

From small parks hidden within the suburban sprawl and bursting with colours, to conservation areas and trails leading to stunning views of the Niagara Escarpment, to hidden gems alive with wildlife and birds of all species, the Halton Region is a nature lover’s playground and a magical place to be during the Autumn months.

Now, without further ado, here are the best parks and trails to visit in Burlington, Milton & Oakville!

Burlington

Royal Botanical Gardens

Where: 680 Plains Road W.

Highlights: Known as Canada’s largest Botanical Gardens, RBG invites you to stroll along their picture-perfect trails and gardens that will leave you marvelling at the rich fall colours of foliage and the seasonal blooms in each of the five parks (RBG Centre, Hendrie Park, Laking Garden, Rock Garden, and the Arboretum) located in Burlington and Hamilton.

Hendrie Valley Nature Sanctuary

Where: 444 Patricia Drive

Highlight: Backing onto the RBG’s Hendrie Park, this beautiful 100-hectare nature sanctuary is centred on the Grindstone Creek Valley and features over 4 kilometres of trails. During the autumn season, the valley bursts with rich fall colours as you stroll along the peaceful trail and the winding boardwalk, listening to the sounds of nature surrounding you. It’s a true paradise in the city!

Mount Nemo Conservation Area

Note: Reservations are now required before your visit — book at parkvisit.ca.

Where: 5317 Guelph Line

Highlights: Thousand-year-old crevice caves, majestic ancient cedars and limestone boulders blanketed by rich green ferns. Mount Nemo Conservation Area is a jewel of nature, with one of the best cliff ecosystems on Ontario’s Niagara Escarpment. Wander through the dense forested trails, pause at the cliff-edge lookout points for gorgeous views of the surrounding countryside. (Note: if you’re eager to engage in a full day of hiking, Mount Nemo has connections to the Bruce Trail).