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Articles by Matt Higgs

Matt Higgs
75 Articles
Matt Higgs was GreenUP's Communications and Marketing Specialist and authored a weekly column focused on all things environmental that was published in the Peterborough Examiner and on kawarthaNOW.com. A native of New Brunswick, Matt has called the Kawarthas and Northumberland home since 2008. Follow GreenUP on Twitter or connect with them on Facebook.
By shopping at thrift stores, yard sales, or buying used goods through the classifieds, you're supporting a billion dollar "second-hand economy" in Canada. The environment also benefits as imports of new goods are reduced and fewer items end up in the landfill.

Buying second hand is good for the economy and environment

Matt Higgs -
Report finds Canadians are spending almost $30 billion on used items.
Water is something we all take for granted. Taking simple actions like picking up pet waste or using a rain barrel can help improve the health of our entire watershed, ensuring a clean supply of water for future generations. (Photo: R. Neil Marshman)

Taking small steps to protect our water

Matt Higgs -
Brutal winter's effect on water birds reminds us how important the Great Lakes are.
With Seedy Sunday fast approaching, now is the time to start thinking about the types of seeds you want to start indoors. As a general rule of thumb, seeds should be started anywhere from two to six weeks before the last frost date, depending on the variety.

Get growing on Seedy Sunday

Matt Higgs -
Decide what seeds you want to start indoors and buy them at March 1st seed exchange.
GreenUp's Karen Elcombe holds seedlings that were planted just days ago. Now's the time to test seeds for germination to ensure you're ready to hit the ground running when it's time to plant in the spring. (Photo courtesy of Peterborough GreenUP)

Get ready for the growing season by testing seeds

Matt Higgs -
Start planning now for what will be in your garden in the spring.
You can drop your old household batteries for free at the Peterborough GreenUp Store, as demonstrated by store manager Ausma Clappison. They'll be sent away for safe disposal and recycling, keeping them out of the landfill. (Photo courtesy of Peterborough GreenUp)

Take charge by recycling batteries

Matt Higgs -
Bring your old batteries to Peterborough GreenUp and watch for City of Peterborough's special battery collection.
Soil scientists are actively involved in solving many of society's most pressing problems. World hunger, environmental quality, urban growth, and global warming are all issues currently being addressed by soil scientists around the world. (Photo: John A. Kelley, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service)

Getting the dirt on soil

Matt Higgs -
2015 is International Year of Soils, a non-renewable resource critical to our survival
Earth's climate is warming largely due to increased carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere, primarily from humans burning fossil fuels which releases millions of years' worth of carbon stored in the ground (photo: NASA)

Climate scientists confirm 2014 was the warmest year on record

Matt Higgs -
Higher average global temperature produces more extreme weather events.
Grant Baldwin, director and editor of the film "Just Eat It", kneels over a dumpster filled with discarded hummus. The film explores food waste, as Grant and his wife Jen attempt to live off of nothing but discarded food for six months. The film will be shown on Saturday, January 24 at Showplace in Peterborough as part of ReFrame Film Festival.

Must-see environmental films at ReFrame

Matt Higgs -
11th annual film festival runs from January 23rd - 25th in downtown Peterborough.
Increasing numbers of snowy owls have been popping up in southern Ontario in recent weeks. Scientists say that an abundance of prey in the bird's northern breeding areas is the reason behind the bird's southward expansion. (Photo: Spencer Sills)

Snowy owls swoop into the Kawarthas

Matt Higgs -
Increase in local sightings reported as the raptors expand their hunting areas further south.
Northern Cardinals, which are often spotted in the Peterborough area, are frequent visitors to bird feeders if the correct seed is provided. They enjoy white millet, cracked corn, safflower and sunflower seeds. (Supplied photo)

Winter bird-feeding tips

Matt Higgs -
Backyard feeders can be a vital lifeline for wild birds during the winter months.
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