Essential Reads (start with these)
FOOD RULES: AN EATER’S MANUAL by Michael Pollan

Food wisdom delivered in a witty, inspirational and common sense way – if you wonder “what should I eat?”, this is for you. Long novels aren’t your thing? Not to worry, this book is short, to the point, and easier to read than a People Magazine!
WHAT TO EAT by Marion Nestle

The ultimate reference, yet still amusing, this book takes you on a guided tour of the supermarket. Along the way, it tells you just what you need to know about everything from food labels, to nutrition and health claims, and shows you how to make the best decisions for yourself and your own needs.
SLOW DEATH BY RUBBER DUCK by Rick Smith & Bruce Lourie

No mother sets out to buy their newborn a bottle with BPA, serve chemical laden fish for dinner, or send their child to school with a lunchbox with lead in the lining. The brilliance of Slow Death by Rubber Duck is not simply that Rick Smith and Bruce Lourie experiment on themselves to show us all how everyday toxins impact our well being, it’s that they are able to deliver solutions and a hopeful message.
ALPHABET OF AVOIDANCE by Lisa Borden

My own book! A fun, inspiring and perspective-changing read that not only identifies what we should be avoiding in order to live healthier lives, but also includes simple solutions to immediately replace the ‘bad’ with something better...or even, nothing at all. The Alphabet of Avoidance will change your perspective. It will make you more informed. It will convince you to get rid of bad habits. It will inspire you to develop new habits. It will give you the resources to make the changes easily.
More Essential Reads (the next steps)
OMNIVORES DILEMMA: YOUNG READERS EDITION by Michael Pollan

I like this version…simple enough for my 9 year old to read, but packed full of perspective twisting information that guides us to eat better for every reason.
GRUB: IDEAS FOR AN URBAN ORGANIC KITCHEN by Anna Lappe & Bryant Terry

If you don't know about the "wrong bus syndrome” look it up, or get this part book/part cookbook. Amazing perspective offering great ideas to create your own urban organic kitchen.
TWINKIE, DECONSTRUCTED by Steve Ettlinger

Has your child ever said, “Daddy, where does polysorbate 80 come from?” Steve’s did, and then he wrote this book – a chapter dedicated to each ingredient in a twinkie, it’s humourous and scary all at the same time. You won’t ever read a label the same way again… in a good way.
FOOD MATTERS by Mark Bittman

Mark Bittman is an incredible storyteller who offers convincing and straightforward budget-conscious advice that will help you make small changes that will shrink your carbon footprint AND your waistline. (imagine that!?)
THE UNHEALTHY TRUTH by Robyn O'Brien

You know how a mother says that she’ll do anything for her child? After Robyn O’Brien’s daughter had a violent allergic reaction to eggs, everything changed. I almost didn’t want to accept the information that she delivers about our food supply chain because it was so angering to see in print. But in order to change, we must take action, and we need the reason, the push the inspiration…and this mom has done that for all of us.
Books for A Healthy Kitchen

EAT RAW, EAT WELL by Doug McNish

We can’t imagine a healthier (un)cook book by a better chef (and person). A delicious raw meal is easier to prepare than you think. With 400 raw, vegan, and gluten-free recipes, healthy food has never been so inspired and tasteful!
THE CONSCIOUS KITCHEN by Alexandra Zissu

All of Alexandra Zissu’s books are great perspective changing, resource-plentiful reads. In this book, find out what’s good for personal health, what’s good for the planet, and what tastes great. Learn how to find your way around a farmers’ market, how to cook with the least amount of energy, and how to eat locally, even in winter!
CLEAN FOOD: A SEASONAL GUIDE TO EATING CLOSE TO THE SOURCE by Terry Walters

You know when you read a good book and you find yourself nodding perpetually? Or is that just me? This book is beautiful, extremely well written, and the recipes are easy to follow and use delicious ingredients (also very simple)!
UNDIET by Meghan Telpner

Ditch the calorie counting and fad diets, and discover how much fun you can have when you UnDiet! Meghan’s vibrant, inspirational message will help you find your way to true health through simple, gluten-free, plant-based meals.
Favourite Kids Books
THE GIVING TREE by Shel Silverstein
THE MISSING PIECE by Shel Silverstein

NO ORDINARY APPLE by Sara Marlowe

THE LORAX by Dr. Seuss
Must Watch Films
KING CORN Directed by Aaron Woolf

You are what you eat.
GARBAGE: THE REVOLUTION STARTS AT HOME Directed by Andrew Nisker

Garbage! The Revolution Starts at Home is a feature documentary about how the family household has become one of the most ferocious environmental predators of our time.
FOOD INC. Directed by Robert Kenner

An unflattering look inside America's corporate controlled food industry.
FOOD MATTERS Directed by James Colquhoun, Carlo Ledesma

Food Matter examines how the food we eat can help or hurt our health. Nutritionists, naturopaths, doctors, and journalists weigh in on topics organic food, food safety, raw foodism, and nutritional therapy.
FRESH Directed by Ana Sofia Joanes

New thinking about what we're eating.
PROCESSED PEOPLE Directed by Jeff Nelson

When they're not busy picking our pockets, or telling us we have to give up liberties to have freedom, they're selling us garbage and calling it food. The manufactured food business is bigger than Big Oil; that kind of money buys inconceivably large amounts of propaganda, misinformation and corrupted science. Processed People is a wake-up call with factual, hard-hitting health commentary that is rarely heard. If you're searching for the un-processed truth about diet and health, look no further.
CRAZY SEXY CANCER Directed by Kris Carr

Crazy Sexy Cancer is an irreverent and uplifting documentary about a young woman looking for a cure and finding her life.
PINK RIBBONS, INC. Directed by Léa Pool 

Must see doc about pinkwashing. Important for everyone to see.
Best Reusables Ever
KLEAN KANTEEN

The Original Stainless Steel Bottle. Klean Kanteen's high quality, handcrafted bottles are the healthiest alternative to plastic and aluminum and they are committed to strong environmental and labor standards. So no matter how many times you refill it, no matter what you put into it, your Klean Kanteen will keep your drinks fresh, crisp, and clean tasting.
STRAWESOME

These handmade glass straws look fabulous, come with a lifetime guarantee, and will keep you from putting toxic plastic in your mouth and drink. As a bonus, everything goes down smoother (and tastes better) with a straw.
NEAT-OS

Why use single-use baggies when there’s something safer, reusable, and better looking? These are made in the USA, certified food-safe, bpa-free, phthalate-free, pvc-free, lead-free, and can be personalized with your own designs.
FLIP & TUMBLE

We’ve all been there, when we’re at the market and realize we’ve forgotten to bring our reusable bags. Problem solved with these bags that roll up into tiny balls to leave in your purse, briefcase, or in your car. (Easier to fold than a pair of socks!)
PEOPLE TOWELS

Not only are these 100% organic cotton hand towles a wonderful replacement for paper towels when you're on the go, at the gym or at home, but also a great reusable cloth napkin, wipe and bib!
WEAN GREEN

Tempered glass food container with snap lock lids mean no leaks! They come in sizes for snacks, dips and sandwiches - great for takeout too!
CARE BAGS

Say no to both paper and plastic and bring your own produce bags when shopping for fruits and veggies in stores.
TO GO WEAR

This set has it all - a bamboo spoon, fork, knife and even a set of chopsticks. A handy carabiner on the back lets me clip and carry a fork, knife, spoon and chopsticks wherever I go.
LUNCHBOTS

Perfect for my kids as glass cannot go to school! Food grade stainless steel comes into contact with your food. No linings. No toxins. Made of the highest quality 18/8 stainless steel, easy-to-clean, virtually unbreakable, resists stains and rust, and lasts forever. There's a size and shape for everyone in your family - and takeout too!
HANKY BOOK

HankyBooks are the real cottony softness. Made from 100% luxurious organic cotton, these aren't the thin, linen-style cotton handkerchiefs your grandmother used. Also an economical choice as it saves you from going through hundreds of tissues just for the sniffles.
Guides for Smart Living
HOLIDAY DRINKING GUIDE

Whether you're a social drinker, a celebratory sipper, or just need a stiff one to get you through the holidays (without being stiff yourself), then we've got the spiked spirit for you. If you're a non-drinker, a minor, don't fret, we have a sweet spirit for you too! Raise a glass and celebrate life - and do it well.
GET WELL, STAY WELL GUIDE

Do you long for spring just to get out of Cold, Cough and Flu Season? Have you been trying to beat that bug for too long? By this point in winter, we are all ready for change. Get healthy, and stay healthy this flu season.
GOOD GIFT GUIDE

The “new” present is one that inspires people to live healthier lives, makes the world a better place, supports good people and companies, doesn't create excess waste… And, of course, makes the receiver really, truly, very happy!
ECO-EMERGENCY AND FIRST-AID GUIDE

There are only three things we think you need in case of emergency. A way to call for help, confidence by the way of knowledge and having the right stuff.
ECO SHABBAT GUIDE

We give thanks on Shabbat, we dedicate time to family and friends and we reflect on our week. Shabbat is a time to lessen our impact on our earth, and to let it rest as well. Shabbat Shalom!
GUIDE TO PACKING ECO-DELICIOUS LUNCHES

Packing a litterless lunch can save you money and time, and think about what it can do for the environment! Do we have your attention yet?
THE HEALTHY SNACK TIME GUIDE

We're serving up a few tried, tested and overwhelmingly approved (by us) safe and healthy eats. As food allergies appear to be increasing, it's great how many of us are willing to keep social and school activities safe. Happy shopping and snacking!
THE GUIDE TO KITCHEN ESSENTIALS

Having the right "stuff" in our kitchens means everything...in this guide you'll find the best cookware, gadgets, accessories, small appliances, and more - but, no gimmicks, of course. Get inspired to make and share good, clean food.
YOUR GUIDE TO TRAVELING CONSCIOUSLY

Get on board, and experience other places in our great world, find new inspiration, and inspire others along your way.
Let's "Bon Voyage", together.
A BORDEN HALLOWEEN - OOO... I AM SOOOOOOO SCARED!

Some things are scary - Ghosts, goblins, vampires and bats. And some things are really scary - Genetically modified foods. Toxic face paint. Insane piles of garbage. And then there is the combination of all of these things into one frightening event: Halloween.
Kitchen Appliances I Can't live Without
BLENDTEC BLENDER

You may not realize that you need this appliance, but you do. You really, really do. Fully automatic (once you add ingredients) making smooth drinks, hot soups and cool ice creams in just seconds.
NATUREMILL

Make your own nutrient dense compost fertilizer from your own food waste and table scraps. The Ultra is automatic, energy efficient, and emits no trashy odours. You can tuck it away in cabinet, but we like to leave it out on display.
OMEGA JUICER

Not just a juicer, but one of my daughter's favourite activities...win, win!
CUISINART FOOD PROCESSOR

Used daily...multiple times. Would say that hummus is made the most!
VITACLAY

A slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, and yogurt maker all in one! It’s made from unglazed Zisha clay (so no plastic, chems, aluminum or lead touches your food!) and it preserves your food’s nutrients, enzymes, and vitamins too.
BLENDTEC TWISTER JAR

I love this jar for my Blendtec!!
EXCALIBUR DEHYDRATOR

With this dehydrator, you can get fruit and kale chips in no time! A fun and healthy idea for any party menu.
Ways To Take Action... Right Now!
TAKEOUT WITHOUT

Say no to unnecessary packaging and start to bring your own reusables from home. REFUSE. RETAKE. RECONSIDER.
PROJECT GIVE BACK

Investing in Future Philanthropists. Project Give Back is a passion based program designed for elementary students to develop empathy, build character, and ignite community minded citizens.
HEALTHWASHING WALL OF SHAME

Healthwasher: (health' -wah-sher) misrepresenter. This community has been created as a place to express and share our outrage, as well as our photos and links of examples as we encounter them. It might be a sign on a restaurant, an online campaign, an ad, an actual product - anything that you feel misrepresents the healthy claim. Get Spotting, Get Posting!
ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENCE - JUST BEAUTIFUL CAMPAIGN

The chemicals in your face cream, your diaper cream, your shampoo, and your lipstick have been linked to cancer, birth defects, infertility, and a long list of health concerns. I'm sure you have enough to worry about in the mornings. We all deserve to be kept informed and safe from toxic substances in our cosmetics. Let's give the beauty industry a long overdue makeover.
What's On My Shower Shelf
LOOFAH
GRAYDON CLINICAL LUXURY BY NATURE

For all your body parts - including hair. Plus your bathroom will smell like a spa after you lather this really clean product up! The entire Graydon line is fabulously green. 
BODY BRUSH

I use it before my shower every morning...this is one of the easiest ways to detoxify.
PUMICE

After a long day this is my go to foot pamper item.
Products That We Created
BaaLLS

Reusable, handmade, organic wool dryer balls. Fabric softeners, dryer sheets and even dryer balls made from PVC, contain some not-so-snuggly ingredients that are taking a toll on our health and our planet. 100% organic wool dryer balls do not harbour bacteria, they are 100% chemical-free and they even reduce your drying time too! Tumble Away!
FRESH BaaLLS BLEND

Our very own special blend of pure essential oils that will make your BaaLLS and your laundry smell great...by nature. Add a couple drops onto each of your BaaLLS for safely-fresh smelling laundry.
ORB CANDLES

Completely clean. Non-toxic. Non-allergenic. When we burn paraffin candles, carcinogens fill the room with toxins that coat walls, furniture, and our lungs (think second hand tobacco smoke). Bring pure brilliance to your Shabbat table and bless candles made from 100% Organic Manuka Beeswax (the purest and most natural of all waxes - they glow and clean your air too).
Ingredients For My Son's Favourite Sandwich
SHA SHA EZEKIAL BREAD
SUN BUTTER
MANUKA HONEY
Fave Footwear
PO-ZU

These are boots with a truly good sole. Made from coconut husk, these just might be the comfiest shoes my feet will ever slide in to. 
SWAMISZ

They might look weird, but they are so comfortable!
HAVANA OPEN TOE PUMP

My amazing open-toe pumps are made from Hemp, second generation alder wood, water-based glue, open cell rubber lining for comfort, rubber outsole. Happy feet!
VIVOBAREFOOT MARY JANE'S

These comfy shoes have all the protection of normal shoes and health benefits of going barefoot. Apparently, just by wearing, you’ll strengthen the muscles in your feet, realign your posture, stimulate sensory perception and get compliments.
VIVOBAREFOOT

A favorite of the husband!
Clients Signature Products I Love
MARNI WASSERMAN'S THE GREEN CREAM - SALAD FOR YOUR SKIN

I love parsley, sage, rosemary, lemon, and thyme and now my skin does too!
MEGHAN TELPNER'S SIGNATURE SUPER SIPPER GLASS STRAW

Vibrant, colourful, and full of personality just like Meghan herself.

JOSH GITALIS'S ELIXIR

We throw this super elixir in our shakes to give us energy for the day. It's organic, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, non-gmo, and has no sugar!

THE GITALIS SYSTEM

A brilliant complete personal health records organizer (if we do say so ourselves). When you're visiting multiple health professionals in different facilities, it just makes sense to keep all of your records with you in one place.

My Laundry Essentials

BERRYPLUS

Don't lug that jug, these tiny bottles of liquid laundry soap are small but mighty! Berryplus is 95% berry based and 100% plant based (yes, a soap that grows on trees – now that you can trust!).

BAALLS

We throw these organic wool dryer balls in with our clothes to reduce drying time, reduce static cling, and to soften without any chemicals. No residue is left on our clothing for us to absorb, or to be released into the air. BaaLLS are great for people with sensitive skin and the eco-intelligent citizen.

FRESH BAALLS BLEND

We add a couple drops of our Fresh BaaLLS Blend of pure essential oils onto each of our BaaLLS for great safely- smelling laundry.

What's in my Medicine Cabinet

THERAWISE

Many over the counter ointments contain petroleum along with other nasty chems. TheraWise is a line of clean, natural plant therapy ointments with bio active ingredients,  that are all paraben and petro-chemical free, and help to heal and restore my family’s wounds.

NETI POT

I use a ceramic, lead-free Neti Pot to flush out. Maybe on first glance it seems like a gross process, but I promise you, it’s a life changing habit - once you use it for the first time, you’ll be hooked! This all-natural system (all you need is non-iodized salt from your kitchen cabinet) will keep your nasal passages clear.

OIL OF OREGANO

Great for the onset of colds and sore throats, and taking just a few drops boosts your immune system and kills off unfriendly bacteria. Even in the event of an injury or infection, oregano oil can be used externally to heal wounds.  It’s a medicine chest in a bottle.