Going green? Could be easier than you think.

It's no secret that there are toxins and harmful chemicals in nearly everything we eat, use and wear nowadays. Most of us are also at least somewhat aware of the effects of these things: many are known carcinogens, and can lead to serious long-term problems. Then there's the environmental effects of all these things; there's often irreversible damage to our planet that comes with all the packaging and chemical slop we're in.

So, what's the problem? Why aren't we all going green already?

The problem may be in trying to determine what is really safe for you (and the planet!), while still finding things that fit your lifestyle and budget.

Enter Adria Vasil. "You know, it's funny," she says in the introduction of her first book, Ecoholic, "Canadians are surrounded with so much damn nature we think that automatically nominates us for outdoor MVP of the year." I had to keep reading right there.

She's a self-confessed ecoholic (aka someone addicted to the planet) and she's passionate about saving the Earth and ourselves, one nasty paraben and phthalate at a time. She's a regular columnist for NOW magazine, and has been seen on CBC's Marketplace (among other TV appearances). She's a chemical-sleuth, and lucky for us, is more than willing to share what she knows.

Check out some of her books, or better yet, drop by the Cedarbrae Branch on Tuesday, May 8 at 1 PM for a chance to hear her in person, and ask your own ecoholic questions. Whether you're an eco-pro, or just curious about what going green could mean for you, this will be a great opportunity to become more informed. There's no registration required, but give us a call at 416-396-8850 if you have any questions.