Over and over, we hear politicians say they can't spend our tax dollars on environmental protection when the economy is so fragile.

Nature surrounds us, from parks and backyards to streets and alleyways. Next time you go out for a walk, tread gently and remember that we are both inhabitants and stewards of nature in our neighbourhoods.

As parents, grandparents, uncles and aunts we need to start getting out into nature with the young people in our lives. Families play a key role in getting kids outside.

Global trade has advantages. For starters, it allows those of us who live through winter to eat fresh produce year-round. And it provides economic benefits to farmers who grow that food.

I can't imagine anything more important than air, water, soil, energy and biodiversity. These are the things that keep us alive.

Fukushima is the most terrifying situation I can imagine.

If we want to move towards a low-polluting, sustainable society, we need to get consumers to think about their purchases.