What I'm Learning —
Orphaned Wildlife Babies
Many animals are mistaken for orphans, and as a result are needlessly separated from their parents. The above link is an awesome guide on what to do if you come across the following baby animals: songbirds, fawns, porcupines, hares, squirrels, ducklings, skunks, and birds of prey.
What I'm Excited About—
Reusable Containers are Safe to Use!
More than 100 scientists have signed statement to reassure the public that reusable containers are safe during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Amid fears that the environmental battle to reduce single-use plastic waste is losing ground over fears of virus contamination, the 119 scientists from 18 countries say reuseable containers do not increase the chance of virus transmission. Woohoo!
What I'm Thinking More About —
The Circular Economy
Right now we are in the linear economy which is a ‘take-make-waste’ model. We take resources from the environment, make things, consume these things and then throw these things away once we're finished with them; therefore, waste is simply a design flaw of this model. There is a different type of economy that we could transition to which removes waste from the system, its called the circular economy. This model is restorative & regenerative by design, it’s based on three principles:
1) Design out waste & pollution
2) Keep products & materials in use
3) Regenerate natural systems
So in the circular economy biological materials are the only items to be thought of as consumable, while technical materials are used i.e we don’t consume our washing machines or cars the same way we consume food. This model raises questions about the necessity of owning things & promotes the sharing economy i.e car to go as opposed to owning your own car. Click here for a great visual in our Facebook group.
What I'm Taking Part In —
Plastic Free July
About the initiative: Plastic Free July is a global movement that helps millions of people be part of the solution to plastic pollution – so we can have cleaner streets, oceans, and beautiful communities. The initiative provides resources and ideas to help you (and millions of others around the world) reduce single-use plastic waste everyday at home, work, school, and even at your local café. Their movement has inspired over 250 million participants in 177 countries. Making a small change will collectively make a massive difference to our communities. You can choose to refuse single-use plastics in July (and beyond!). Best of all, being part of Plastic Free July will help you to find great alternatives that can become new habits forever. Be part of their initiative or create your own local Plastic Free July with friends and family and keep us posted!
What I'm Making —
Zero Waste Mini Pancakes
I'm using up the veggies in my fridge to make this pancake recipe, give it a try and let me know what you think!
July's Tip —
The City of Calgary is giving away free mulch and it's available for pickup at the East Calgary Landfill. Mulch is available for both residential and commercial customers. You are responsible for loading mulch into your own vehicle. The mulch can be used around evergreens, for yard and garden use, and is helpful for water retention and weed control. Please note: The mulch is acidic and may affect tender annuals such as plants and flowers. Consult your local greenhouse for more information.
That's about it for me. If you have any feedback, a favourite part or suggestion you'd like to share about the above please let me know. Have a wonderful week and let's keep creating a green future together.
The future is bright,
~Kristin