Editor’s letter

Talking points

WELCOME TO OUR fourth annual Green Issue, which is typically our most divisive issue in terms of reader feedback. I thought I’d use this space to give some context for what we hope to accomplish in the next 92 pages. Chatelaine published its first Green Issue in 2019 because we believe that taking action—whether it’s personal or collective—can help ease both our climate anxiety and our carbon emissions. Our intention, as with all of our content, is never to shame but rather to inspire and empower. You might not care to—or be able to—enact the changes we talk about in this issue, but we’d still like you to know that these options exist.

A few things about me: I eat red meat. I recently threw out an embarrassing number of holey socks. And I live in a 100-year-old house that’s about as airtight as a plastic bag blowing in the wind. So please know there’s a lot of room for improvement in my own eco-footprint. But as I read my way through this issue, I left with some action items.

“Ease off the gas” (page 28) inspired me to book a home energy audit. The cost is covered by a federal grant, and getting one can unlock further grants to offset some of the cost of efficiency upgrades, like new windows and doors.

After reading “How to make your clothes last” on page 18, I finally learned how to darn a sock. I don’t know why I didn’t do this sooner.

Finally, Naomi Hansen’s feature on sustainable beef (page 52) made me realize there’s no easy fix for anyone who enjoys eating red meat, as I do. Radically reducing my intake, while ensuring that the beef I do eat is raised in a way that supports grasslands and reduces water pollution, can help.

I recently received a letter that I wanted to share with you. It came from a long-time reader named Donna. She notes that our content has changed through the years, and while she sometimes disagrees with our perspective, it keeps her thinking. That’s ultimately my goal for every issue of this magazine. Like any good friendship, we don’t always need to see eye to eye—but let’s keep the conversation going so we can learn from one another.

Maureen Halushak

@maureenhalushak letters@chatelaine.com

Also in this issue

Hello, it’s me Consider the return of the 1950s telephone table— featuring my all-time favourite Facebook Marketplace find (page 27).

Call of the wild Meet five women who work with bears— learning their language and advocating for their protection (page 42).

“I am furious” Read about journalist Amber Bracken ’ s experience being arrested while covering the Wet’ suwet’ en pipeline protests (page 58).

Full plate Feast on cookbook author Maunika Gowardhan ’ s recipes for the celebrationon-a-plate that is thali (page 80).