New Challenges

Get Yourselves and The Kids Outside More

I will ensure the kids get outside more and encourage independent play. “Passion is lifted from the earth itself by the muddy hands of the young; it travels along grass-stained sleeves to the heart. If we are going to save environmentalism and the environment, we must also save an endangered indicator species: the child in nature.” ~ Richard Louv

In his 2005 book “Last Child in the Woods” Richard Louv defined what teachers, researchers, and physicians were seeing in many children as Nature-Deficit Disorder.

Children have recently become more disconnected from the natural world.
Among the reasons are the proliferation of electronics; poor urban planning; increased street traffic; diminished importance of the natural world in education; and parental fear magnified by news and entertainment media.

All this contributes to a diminished use of the senses, attention difficulties, obesity, and higher rates of emotional and physical illnesses. We know how to reverse this trend. Studies show that for children and adults, exposure to nature will decrease stress and violent tendencies and is vital to healthy human development.

Research also suggests that nature-deficit weakens ecological literacy and stewardship of the natural world. We must ensure all children have equitable access to outdoor spaces where they can learn, play and grow. A knowing of nature is essential for future generations to imagine a world in which they can all live in harmony with nature.

Resources

Slow down, reduce carbon pollution and save $$$

I will drive at or below 100 kph on highways. Fact: Driving at 100 km/h burns 20% less fuel than driving at 120 km/h. Source: Natural Resources Canada

You can drive a vehicle with an Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) and reduce carbon pollution and save money.

Based on 20,000 km/year burning 20% less fuel will reduce emissions by 920 kg CO2eq and save you $680/year.

Other techniques to cut emissions and save money include:

Accelerate gently – imagine an open cup of coffee on the dashboard. Don’t spill it!
Maintain a steady speed – on the highway use cruise control to maintain a steady speed.
Coast to decelerate – every time you use your brakes, you waste your forward momentum.
Avoid idling – turn off your engine when you’re stopped, especially while waiting at schools.
Check tire pressure – just one tire underinflated by 56 kPa (8 psi) will increase your fuel consumption by 4%.

Consider an electric vehicle for your next ride.

“The scientific consensus is that burning fossil fuels creates a thickening blanket of heat-trapping pollution. It’s real, it’s human-caused and it’s affecting us today.” — Louise Comeau

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Growing Your Own Food

I will grow more of my own food this growing season.
The many benefits of growing your own food include eating fresh produce, supporting local wildlife, exercise, and saving money. 12 Benefits Of Growing Your Own Food

It’s time to plan for the 2024 growing season.

Browsing through the many seed catalogues available is a great way to get inspiration. Many are available online; you don’t need to order a paper copy. Seeds can be delivered to your door by Canada Post (see lists in the links below). Seeds are also available in many local stores.

If you have never tried to grow your own food, this may be the year to give it a try, even if it’s just a few herbs in a window box. If you have access to a larger space, talk to locals about what grows well in your area and when to plant.

Don’t spring into garden clean up too soon though.

Butterflies, bees, pollinators, and other beneficial insects overwinter in the dead leaves and hollowed out stems of last year’s plants, and it is important not to disturb them until temperatures are consistently above 10°C. Insects are a vital part of a balanced ecosystem and seed heads can serve as a valuable early food source for birds.

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Where can I get seed: