This February, we are celebrating African heritage all over Nova Scotia. A month long of festivities will be held across the province aiming to share the richness of African heritage and weave strong ties among our many communities. This is a time to immerse ourselves into our province’s cultural roots, to understand what makes our homeland so distinctively precious.

Raising Awareness.

It is also a moment to bring awareness to our eventful history and the make of our exceptional diversity. The balance and well-being of our society relies on the cultural roots we all bring together. It relies on the way we interlace them into one another to unify us as Nova Scotians. Ultimately to build a brighter and better tomorrow.

Understanding The Past.

Much hardship had to be overcome over many generations to lead us where we are today. It is important to understand where we are coming from in order to make sure our future generations will be better equipped to bring harmony into our land. Though there is still much to improve for a genuinely equal and equitable humanity, believing in the power we have to change the course of things for the better is key to enhancing our potential.

The Power To Bring Changes.

Because we all have the ability to make our world a better place. No matter how little are the steps we are taking to do so. No matter how humble is our approach. But it all starts with awareness and knowledge. So how to better know our diversity and embrace celebrating African heritage this month?

Non-Exhaustive List Of Activities And Events In And Around HRM.

30 Jan: Flag Raising at Grand Parade Square.

Feb 2: Celebrations and Revelations 2024 – Unyielding Roots at Pier 21.

Feb 2: Opening Reception for As We Rise and Family Matters at the Dalhousie Art Gallery.

Feb 5-9: Black Health Awareness Week brought by the Dalhousie Student Health and Wellness.

Feb 7: Roots & Rhythms: Connecting the Past, Present and Future at the Halifax Central Library.

Feb 10: Free Movie Event in Celebration of African Heritage – The Princess and the Frog at the Dr. Carson and Marion Murray Community Centre in Amherst.

Feb 13: NFB Film Screening: True North – Inside the Rise of Toronto Basketball in partnership with the National Film Board of Canada (NFB).

Feb 15: Lift Every Voice 9: African Heritage Month Musical Showcase in partnership with the African Nova Scotian Music Association.

Feb 17: Jazz Labs: African Heritage Month, Listening Lounge at Stillwell Taproom & Hi-Fi.

Feb 17: Nyna Valès, Rencontres Africaines at the Canadian museum of Immigration of Pier 21.

Feb 18: African Heritage Scavenger hunts at several Halifax Public Libraries locations.

Feb 20: Eat Abolo with Mary brought by TD at the Musquodoboit Harbour Public Library.

Feb 20: Teen Night: African Paper Beads brought by TD at the Cole Harbour Public Library.

Feb 21: What’s Up? African Heritage Month: Art Night brought by TD at the Alderney Gate Public Library.

Feb 21: Nova Scotia Mass Choir in partnership with Nova Scotia Mass Choir.

Feb 21: TD Halifax Jazz Festival Presents: Film Screening – Max Roach: The Drum Also Waltzes in partnership with TD Halifax Jazz Festival.

Feb 23: Ced, Marty, and Dave Live in Concert at the Business Innovation Centre in Amherst.

Feb 24: African Heritage Month Gala 2024 at the Halifax Convention Centre.

Feb 24: Super Saturday: Artist of the Month, Faith Ringgold brought by TD at the Alderney Gate Public Library.

Feb 24: Wontanara Drum & Dance Workshop at the Dartmouth North Public Library.

Feb 24: Makers Gonna Make: Bucket Bread at the Cole Harbour Public Library.

March 2: Preston Area Gala at the North Preston Community Centre.

Many organizations offer a complete calendar to celebrate African heritage month such as the Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia, Halifax Public Libraries and Dalhousie University. Visit your local community centers for more events and activities available across the province.

L’article Celebrating African Heritage Month est apparu en premier sur Islands to cottages.

-22°C outside, bundled up to the ears I pry open the back door and bravely make my way through the path carefully carved in the snow. A blast of cold air suddenly strikes. Then stillness sets in. The skies are shining, particles of ice sparkling through the air. Nature is dormant. But today is full of life. Because my compost starts today.

Getting Started.

After years of postponing, hours of browsing online and perusing countless books from the library, trying to figure out the best method to give a new life to our everyday organic wastes and turn them into something productive, a spur of the moment convinced me to grab an empty bowl instead of the usual paper bag leading our valuable trash to the green bin. I filled it with onion peels, apple cores, an old garlic clove too rumpled to inspire and an array of faded greens that could not satisfactorily join tonight’s meal.

Compost starts today. I empty the soon-to-be luxurious content into the still pristine receptacle, a great satisfaction settles in for making that very first step. Something I know I really should have done decades earlier. An avid gardener who never dedicates enough time to fulfill such a rewarding pastime, for years I longed to, one day, me too have access to this endless resource of free and waste-diverting black earth that will boost new plants. And support the few established ones that managed to survive periods of neglect and less-than-perfect terrain and exposure in an urban—although generous—backyard.

Learning Curve.

So what had I learned so far ? First of all, enough thinking. Just do it. Compost starts today. Like any steps taken towards sustainable living, planning is important. Yes. But at one point acting is required. Spending a lifetime looking for the perfect way to achieve a goal will lead nowhere if we actually never start. Does it sound familiar ? Then, let’s pull down some barriers. You do not need a whole lot of space to achieve a good compost. And it can be done anywhere, even in the heart of the city. As long as steps are taken to control any negative impact it could have within the community.

Composts have the sad reputation of attracting pest and giving off foul smells. If your property has the privilege to feature a patch of greenery, a wide array of creatures that you may or may not be aware of call it home, guaranteed. With or without compost. Doing the best we can to positively cohabit with our wildlife is primordial and we should respect their habitat. However, the proximity of certain species who can potentially carry and spread diseases remains a risk that is not to be neglected. So it is important not to encourage them to feel too welcome or too comfortable in our backyard by blocking access to this free-for-all buffet. And this is easy enough. Put a lid on it. Something that will not blow away at the first gale but can be conveniently lifted on a daily basis. And for the smell, according to research, organics actually do not tend to emit strong odors. The only important thing is to make sure there are no animal by-products, we will get back to this a little further.

Fitting In Perfectly.

As for finding the perfect receptacle to set your new compost in, a simple bucket will be great for a humble garden and smaller households. But be aware that it does fill up fast ! For larger families or cooking enthusiasts, a regular size reconfigured garbage bin will do perfectly. Just make sure you drill a generous amount of holes for a healthy air circulation.

Some say it needs to be aerated through a thorough periodic rummage. But I won’t do that : I listen to Mom instead. I will go the let-Mother-Nature-do-her-thing way. Mom knows best. She and Pauline. Who has been doing it this way successfully for decades. And her down-to-earth (no pun intended) method just makes sense. And it has the terrific advantage to be maintenance-free. Simply leave the lid of your container open anytime you can. On a nice day. On a breezy day. Whenever possible. To boost air circulation and make sure the environment is sufficiently moist which, in our maritime weather, is not an issue since it tends to somehow get enough moisture through the abundant weather episodes, all year round… All in all, pretty much a virtually maintenance-free discards-solver/soil-improver. Sustainability at its best.

Carving Your Own Path.

Now, whenever introducing new sustainable habits into our lifestyle, being realistic is essential. No matter how eager and motivated I am to actually start this new routine, my eagerness will wear off in the long term if it is not practical. So low maintenance is definitely key to success.

What can go in the compost pile ? Well, as always, happiness is found in variety. A little bit of everything, all in moderation. Organics only. Your family adds up to eating 8 bananas every day ? Cut the peels into smaller bits so those thick skins can decompose a little more quickly. You like having a fresh orange juice in the morning ? Once again, chop the rind in small sections and occasionally bring a good batch of yard clipping. Or, even better, a healthy pile of hay. To balance the pH of your handcrafted yard booster.

Eggs for breakfast AND dinner ? That’s not weird, that’s good ! Egg shells are a fantastic addition to a compost. Just make sure you rinse and crush them into smaller slivers for a quicker dissolution. And on another note, don’t forget that rough egg shells are a great surface repellent all over the garden for crawling creatures. So you can also choose to place the shells logistically around your affected plants during the high season as a natural and efficient pest deterrent.

Making Wise Choices.

Now what not to include ? Basically, the no-nos are any products derived from animals (apart from the egg shells). Fats or leftover meals as they can still carry bits of meat or fish, even if you tried to isolate them prior. Technically those will biodegrade just fine over time. The issue is the smell they generate. Plus the tendency to attract rodent and wildlife interest, even in the heart of our beautiful HRM.

Also, it is only common sense but worth mentioning. Anything that is non-organic cannot be composted at home. If you are an adept of tea bags for your five O’clock break, the filling will suit the compost just fine. But you will have to manually separate the bag itself first as it is not biodegradable in a such a setting. Yep, even if it says so on the packaging. Just another reason—and a great opportunity—to switch your single-use teabags for the reusable version (universal filter or refillable bags) and embrace a new eco-friendly habit for your daily infusions ! Not only this will help the environment, but it tastes so much better with real leaves instead of the over-processed powder found in bags. And it is easier on the wallet too. So, what’s not to like ?

Reality Check.

Now when time comes to add this fertilizer to your garden patch, it is important to realize that, unless your shopping list is strictly labeled “organic” (and even when it is, the truthfulness of it is still questionable), produce leftovers will have been exposed to chemicals at some point and to some extend. On the farm and during shipping. So your compost will not be considered completely “organic” as traces of those contaminants will remain in the end product. But nurturing a compost pile is still better than simply discarding leftovers. And the fertilizers you would have store-bought otherwise to boost your garden will bear some traces of chemicals as well since they basically come from… Well, your own green bin, just having been processed, shipped and sold back to you…

As for my own compost, I might not get to see the result of my enthusiasm anytime soon but, as Spring will lead me to a more generous amount of scraps to recycle, and Summer shall tell me if my blunt decision was indeed productive, right now, in the midst of Winter, I already feel rewarded for at least saving some of those households discards and turn them into an organic treasure.

Step By Step.

Just like for everything in nature, or anything carried in a natural fashion, patience is key. And we shall believe in our actions as even the smaller steps we take into making our world a better place do add up and make a difference for the global health of our planet. Compost starts today and the result will come in due time. I will let nature follow its course. And, in the meantime, I will continue slowly but surely to make sure I don’t forget my daily additions to the pile of vitamins for our next harvest. Healthy living, one step at a time.

I hope you will get inspired to create your own moment as well. Make it happen, make your compost start today. Get it going—or start all over again if you had stopped for some reason—and take part in this beautiful activity that will be sure to genuinely improve the wellness of your favorite plants. Happy composting !

L’article Compost Starts Today est apparu en premier sur Islands to cottages.

Monthly food baskets from subscription plans are a great way to support our local farmers. They also are a fantastic opportunity to get fresh goods all year long, straight from the source. That being said, a mindful approach to such a wonderful system is to make sure we do our very best in reducing waste in food baskets.

Cooking Straight From The Source.

Depending on the size of our household, some baskets may seem overwhelming and the last thing we want is to have to discard some of those natural goodies. So how to manage a load of fresh food arriving all at once while reducing waste in food baskets ? The key is to prep as much as possible on arrival day, so it stays fresh and preserved. Starting by cooking the more fragile items and leaving the most resilient for last.

Open Your Taste Buds To New Flavors.

Not a fan of everything that’s inside the basket ? Not used to buying or dealing with some of those ingredients on a regular basis ? Well, that is the fun part ! Trying to work with uncommon items and boosting ourselves to get variety in our plates push our boundaries and make us explore new horizons. In the end, we will very likely discover—or rediscover—a forgotten flavor that we will simply fall in love with.

Frozen Fabulous.

Finding recipes that allow the meal to be frozen is the Grail of any busy family. No time to fix dinner tonight ? No biggie, thaw a homemade frozen meal and you can enjoy a comforting time together, no cooking required. Quite a night off really. 

Upcycling Leftovers.

If the amount of produce is too much for one serving, any leftover from first shot preparation is the perfect setting to be upcycled for day two. On that note, soups are a great way to reinvent leftovers, and a breeze to freeze. Set in single servings and thaw the night before for a healthy lunch on the go.

Salad greens are a perfect appetizer for dinner to boost our intake of fresh raw crudités, and make for a perfect salad to bring to the office the day after. Or even stuffed inside a wrap for convenience and added carbs and grains.

Reducing waste in food baskets does not have to be a burden for it is only a matter of organization and planning ahead of time to reserve a slot for preparation. And once we get into our routine, it is smooth sailing. Which makes me think… Do I have any leftovers for an impromptu sailing trip tomorrow by any chance ?

L’article Reducing Waste In Food Baskets est apparu en premier sur Islands to cottages.

In the bathroom, where water conservation is key, rethinking our materials when it comes to hand towels and bath sheets can really make a difference in our eco-routine. But what fiber to look for ? Simple ! Lightweight, durable and low maintenance : rediscovering and loving linen towels.

Easy Care.

Switching our bulky terry cloth towels for lighter linens—quite literally so—will make a world of difference when it comes to the oh-so-recurrent chore : laundry. Washing heavier towels requires much more water and longer cycles to get rid of the bacterial feast nesting into the threads. As for drying ? Needless to say that they require a large amount of energy to reach a decent level of dryness.

Because of their natural antimicrobial properties, washing linen towels requires a much less extensive process and drying them is virtually effortless. Whether we do so on the clothesline or in the dryer. Very easy to care for, they machine wash and dry on warm cycle with like colors. It is always best to use an eco-friendly and fragrance-free laundry detergent as many brand name soaps have harmful effects on sensitive skins and the environment alike. 

Pampering With Care.

Rediscovering the antique tradition and the benefits of tight-knit fabrics, and opting for lightweight towels made of linen or a blend of linen-cotton opens the door to a whole new world when it comes to pampering. One of the reasons we are so loving linen towels is that they are excellent for the skin. They are hypoallergenic and their texture offers an incomparable organic feel. Soft to the touch, actually softer after every wash, but super absorbent so that it is efficient enough to reach the desired dryness. 

On this note, allowing the towel to dry in the open air and avoiding fabric softener or laundry additive will even further the absorbency and give it a unique feel and finish, a towel soaked in maritime sunshine and our very own salty winds.

Carry-on Versatility.

Another perk in opting for and loving linen towels is that they take very little room to carry. They will fit into whatever space that is left in your carry-on, much more discreetly than the standard terry cloth type. Thanks to their light weight and bonus ability to be rolled up tightly, going on road trips with limited baggage capacity becomes a breeze.

And the versatility of a generous sheet made of natural fibers will not only provide the necessary to get dry after a good shower but will also make up for a great landing point for an impromptu picnic, giving a nice place to sit on and gather together to share a meal. At anytime of day, we can always reinvent the piece as a lightweight blanket or cover. Natural fibers such as linen have an incredible capacity to regulate body temperature, making it the ideal accessory to either soften a chilly breeze or tone down the scorching mid-day sun. Finally, a nicely patterned and generously sized sheet will do wonders and transform into a piece of clothing in the blink of an eye. Casually wrapped around the hips or over the full body in a more intricate way to up our game instantly.

Loving linen sheets all the way ! The perfect element for eco-friendly bathrooms on top of being the ideal go-to towel, Summer and Winter alike. To bring along on the road and to use everyday at home for an enhanced bathing experience. Once you give it a try, you will never want to switch back !

L’article Loving Linen Towels est apparu en premier sur Islands to cottages.

Universal Kitchens – Storage And Utility.

Dwellings greatly benefit from being more accessible and mobility friendly in many areas. Our building acts should weigh this and make it the norm so that housing eventually becomes barrier-free. Our population is aging, and we should reflect this into our home designs. But even for younger households, we can all benefit from clever layouts that provide everyone a chance to be included. And this regardless of ability, performance, cognitive development, etc. How does this translate into the kitchen ? With accessible storage and utility surfaces, for one, a place for everything and a space for everyone.

Cabinets.

A row of lower cabinets with full pull out capacity will make essentials easy to access for everyone in the household. Doors need to be able to be fully swung open. The ones providing retractability are a wonderful option when available. Once opened, the unit is clear and fully reachable, with no barrier in the way. Having light inside the storage and utility areas will greatly improve accessibility too. A light triggered by the opening of the door, preferably. Effortlessly enhancing the ability to find whatever it is we are looking for.

Easy Reach.

If lower units are not an option, consider installing shelving lifts inside regular cabinets. With handles to lower the shelf and its contents within the unit. Those are fantastic additions for accessible kitchens when it comes to storage and utility. And all over the house, for that matter. Although they do require some hands-on installation and might mean a more in-depth reno. Hardware should be easy to seize and comfortable to the hand. Using pulls is recommended rather than knobs. And levers are great on doors of all kinds.

Open Shelving.

Otherwise, open shelving is great and very easy to access. Think about using some of those shelves to display great pieces that will make you happy on a day-to-day basis. And for the convenience of quickly grabbing items frequently used. They are also great for accessing your essentials when cognitive challenges can impede closing and opening cupboards and drawers. But having open shelves means that their contents are basically open to the elements and therefore much more prone to dust if your house tends to gather dust. When your source of heat is forced air, for example, or if you have pets. Or if your household is rather busy, a lot of going and coming from the outdoors. And yes, this is also true for those of us who are rather reluctant dusters… In those cases, open shelving can become tricky and a real piece of work.

Categorizing.

It is always best to gather pantry items and cooking supplies by genre. If you have a breakfast nook, try to incorporate some accessible storage close by. To gather those cereal boxes, bowls, a few glasses, a few spoons and anything you would use in the morning on a regular basis. Holding those essentials there will help for smooth daily operations and will make for a great start to the day. By the stove, the same principle applies. A great place to gather pots, pans, stirring spoons, spices etc. Anything that would be essentially used in this specific area so there is not as much come and go carrying things around.

As for cookware, pots, pans and other essentials should be made of materials reflecting the needs and restrictions of the entire household. For individuals suffering from arthritis or having mobility issues, lighter materials with sturdy handles should be preferred. Size should reflect the quantity of portions prepared and the frequency of use.

Clutter No More.

Gadgets and accessories should be kept to a minimum in your storage and utility spaces as to not overwhelm the space and lose too much functionality with clutter. Remember that a good quality knife will handle most of the peeling, cutting, chopping and prepping. While a simple and well designed wooden spoon will take care of the mixing, stirring, smashing and smoothing gracefully. It is also good to think outside the box. For example, a good pair of scissors will do wonders in tackling many different tasks, like chopping lettuce, mincing chives, cutting up onions, detailing meat even, you name it. And it is a pretty safe way to handle those sometimes slippery preps.

Quality Of Life.

Universal design may be necessary down the road and will greatly ease our difficulties when having to face life-changing situations if we ever have to be confronted to them. But, truth be told, universal design will improve our reality right here, right now. Even if we do not have any restrictions at the present time. So there really is nothing to lose in thinking the space ingenuously frontward.

A universal kitchen is a flexible space where a lot will happen within a predetermined square footage. There is no need to expand the space per se to have a more open feel and a better functioning station. It just has to be well thought. Using the kitchen should be simple and maneuverable. It should be intuitive and designed to give us all the same ability to evolve. Properly designed to give us all the same chance to be independent and take part in meal prepping. Using the kitchen should be joyful and something to look forward to.

L’article Storage And Utility est apparu en premier sur Islands to cottages.

Bright pink sign in the hands, D. Copeman, library support specialist in the Halifax Regional Centre for Education, weaves the metallic feet through the preformed channels with dexterity and precision, then looks in search of the best spot where to set the powerful message for all to see. Thousands of Bluenose marathon participants will soon be running down the street and it is now time to make the most of what neighbors and residents sympathetic to the cause agreed to offer: visibility. Sharing a spot on their front lawn to amplify the voices of striking school support workers. Because at this point, this is where we are at. Making the subject-matter of the dispute known to all and having the public understand what this is all about. Who are the CUPE members picketing at high traffic intersections and what are our support workers fighting for.

Making Education Accessible To All.

Support workers have many faces and encompass many of our pedagogic workforce. “CUPE 5047 members are educational program assistants, early childhood educators, library support specialists, African Nova Scotian and Indigenous support workers, child and youth care practitioners, and members of SchoolsPlus, the programs that bridge community support for struggling families into schools. These support workers make equitable and inclusive education possible — in their absence, students with multiple complex needs are not able to attend school” explains Copeman. A key role, indeed, to promote diversity and provide inclusiveness.

A Work In Progress.

But the reality is that diversity and inclusiveness have not always been fully integrated in school systems. And they should not be taken for granted. Together, they certainly form a powerful concept when it comes to advocating our values of being supportive and open to all. Unfortunately, the educational systems in many societies around the world, and even in places within our very own country, do not always have the resources necessary nor the proper tools to welcome our children in all their uniqueness or to best support them with their specific needs and help them explore, discover and embrace their own path.

A World Of Opportunities.

In Nova Scotia, we have the opportunity—and the ability—to provide this very support to our students in all their diversity. To provide schooling for all. To help our children thrive in their environment. And positively go through particular situations and hardships, as varied as they may be. We have the opportunity to give comfort to families. The prospect of a sound future as their children grow up. And this is delivered in many different ways through our centres for education. It is made possible by the people who care for our children on a daily basis. The frontline workers of our school system. Our support workers.

Above And Beyond.

“These school support workers build and maintain relationships over years to support some of the most marginalized and at risk students and families in our communities — and we know learning is not possible without a foundation of trusting, caring relationships” adds Copeman. Support workers are the ones actively involved in our youth development and their daily challenges during and after class. They build relationships with families. They are the ones enacting creative ways and effective responses to bring the best out of our children so they can develop their full potential. Support workers work at preventing crises too, because this is also a reality. They distill compassion and guidance. They provide a solid shoulder to rest on. A steady figure to turn to in stormy times. A friendly face to proudly lay eyes on in everyday victories.

Building Our Future.

To keep providing that sense of security and attentiveness within our education system, we need our support workers. And we need to let them know how valuable they are to us. Acknowledge how very important their role is, not only to our children but to our communities. Our schools today are building our humanity of tomorrow. And our tomorrow evolves around acceptance, openness, inclusiveness. Strong values for a strong society that will be able not only to successfully face adversity but to victoriously adapt to changes.

Reaching Equity.

Our support workers are underestimated and under represented. They need to be recognized for what they truly are: a cornerstone to our education system, essential pillars to our children. Copeman stresses that “our message to community members is to please contact your MLA and the premier to ask that the government re-engage with contract negotiations — our schools are not equitable and are not functioning right now in the absence of these workers — we ask for a living wage for HRCE workers, a more expensive part of NS in which to live.”

Time For Recognition.

With support workers not being able to have access to a decent living wage, it is our entire education system that is in jeopardy. For today’s students, indubitably. But also for tomorrow’s society. It is time to recognize the efforts and the dedication of those essential workers shaping the minds of our future. Time for us to show them the kind of care and appreciation they share with our very own children, day after day. It is time to hear their voice.

L’article In Support Of Support Workers est apparu en premier sur Islands to cottages.

How subscribing to a monthly food basket and its wonders makes a drive back home feel hopeful.

Opportunities Are Calling.

It is shortly after lunch. On the way back home after picking up the monthly food basket we subscribe to. Reusable bags filled with fresh goodies and mouthwatering ideas swirling in the head. 

Strawberries will be for dessert tonight. Sweet potatoes can wait for a couple of days. Probably homemade “Grandma” fries. Maybe try a new recipe with the broccoli ? Getting kind of tired of the same old steamed stems… Anticipation rises as I am coming up with a plan for all the goodies standing there, right by my side.

Uncovering The Loot.

I brought her food basket wonders to my dear friend and we both delightfully talked about the load of produce that would be filling our upcoming days. Giggling. Savoring in advance what we will be preparing. 

You have to understand… Somehow, the food baskets bring us back to childhood. The little thrill, surprise effect, the tingling feeling in our stomach from when we used to buy a paper cone filled with silly favors at the local fair. Items that were definitely not worth the long wait in line ! But that tiny moment of discovery, unwrapping the delightful content ? Joyful. 

Except that, this time, the items hidden in the surprise package are sooo worth it ! Food. Eats for the family. Nourishment for the mind as we make up new ways to prepare the greens. A challenge too, a small one, and yet. To be given a set selection of fresh products and have to come up with a plan to both use them all before their days are gone and make the best of what we really-are-not-too-keen-on but have to introduce them to our weekly menu anyhow. Pure creativity !

Entering the kitchen. Time to clean the veggies and sort the savory display of colors on the counter. Inventorying the loot. This week will be fun !

Prep Time.

Zest the first orange and set it aside for chocolate-chip and orange cookies.

Enjoy peeled orange as a welcome mid-afternoon snack.

Finely chop an onion and grate carrots to prepare a tasty salad for starters tonight.

Cook the broccoli to go with chicken roast for dinner. Looks like they will be steamed again. Sigh.

Prepare grandma’s fries—oven roasted sweet potato fries, not deep fried—to go with the roast as well.

Zest the second orange after someone ate the first one, assuming it was from the carrot salad. Sigh. Sigh.

Peel the second orange and compare the flavor with a clementine. Orange is sweeter.

Fix a cream of asparagus to freeze for later on.

Prepare a hot ginger tea. Add the second orange zest as a special request.

Zest the last orange for the chocolate chip cookies. Will they ever happen ? Hmmm.

Prepare a Caesar salad for tomorrow’s lunch along with fajitas with the yellow pepper and onions.

Make a stir fry with kale and ginger for tomorrow’s dinner. Decide to add orange zest for a kick.

Oops.

Prepare ginger cookies. Who needs orange-chocolate cookies anyway ?

Nutrients Value : Health Summary Of Our Basket.

Our salad greens and kale were a perfect boost for fresh leafy greens and grandma’s fries made for a healthy snack, at night while watching a movie and to take out for a quick bite between meals. 

Immunity wise, onions and ginger were great. Those should be eaten on a daily basis for their health benefits and a little flavor kick. Adding grated ginger to bring out a spicy flavor, or drinking it in a hot teat for lingering effects.

The more delicate items like peppers and strawberries were great to add texture and depth to our preparations.

Our promising oranges were a great source of vitamin C and a welcome item for a quick invigorating snack. Broccoli, having an even greater concentration of vitamin C did beautifully as a side.

Plenty of food still to enjoy from that productive outing… But best of all : we can’t wait for the next food basket wonders !

L’article Food Baskets Wonders est apparu en premier sur Islands to cottages.

Staying True To Our Values : How To Reduce Our Waste By Ignoring Current Trends

Discovering Nova Scotia : A look at what everyday sustainability means to Nova Scotians, from well rooted eco-habits to daily challenges yet to be overcome for a sustainable future in the province. Read more about this article in Le Courrier de la Nouvelle-Écosse.

An international career focused on travel and ocean living soon made Nicole and Jean-François well aware of what a sustainable lifestyle truly means. Respectively teacher and electromechanical engineer, now both retired, they settled more than twenty years ago in a small community on the South Shore.

For Nicole, the concept of sustainability is clear and the key to a healthy future: “To me, sustainability is being able to bring each product to the full extend of its life. And even try to exceed this. This allows, or in any case if we consider it on a large scale it should make it possible, to save on new productions which are inevitably a source of waste sooner or later.”

Waste, A Sizable Issue.

After having lived and traveled all around the world, the importance of taking care of our planet is only too present in their view: “Whether it is when we go for a walk, or at the sight of images or on a documentary from here or elsewhere, we see an exponential growth in waste around the world. Even if the scale is different according to the places, it is everywhere. Omnipresent. And it’s absolutely mind-boggling! And we see how this phenomenal quantity of waste of all kinds suffocates nature. Quite simply suffocates life.”

For the couple, this threat to our natural resources is indeed a real issue that calls into question the legacy that we will leave to our future generations: “But what will become of the planet? And above all, what will become of our children if we suffocate all these resources and the planet loses all means of production? At some point, we will reach a point of no return and life could end.”

Nicole emphasizes our responsibility, as consumers, to limit waste as much as possible. The importance of being aware of the problem. Of learning about the products we buy and the impact of our choices on the global market. But first and foremost she presses the importance of reviewing the criteria established with regard to our consumer society in the broad sense. An easy habit to make: simply start by asking yourself: do I really need it? “It’s basic, but it’s just common sense. And I find it works pretty well.”

Introducing Green Habits.

As for incorporating the concept into everyday life, their choice is clear. Sustainability is an integral part of their daily life. And when it comes to discovering and implementing greener habits, there’s nothing better than staying connected to the world and continuing to be informed: “Often it’s through shows or articles on the subject, or on media reports that we incidentally discover a new trick. A new use for an object that we would have thought could no longer be used. We will then draw inspiration from it to adapt it to our situation.”

For Nicole and Jean-François, friends and family are a great source of inspiration to live in a more ecological way. A person who is close to you and who has already taken its first steps towards a sustainable lifestyle is a great asset: “They generally know how we can adapt or replace our ‘old’ habits, some routine practices that can be tweaked or improved. They can even suggest to introduce new ones that will work for us.”

Among these changes that they have been able to successfully integrate into their routine over the past few years: replacing traditional paper towels and disposable wipes with washable models. A concept quite widespread in the field of personal hygiene for some new parents, for example, who have decided to take the plunge towards cloth diapers and baby wipes rather than using their disposable counterparts. At the logistical level, one less thing to write down on the grocery list. But also a sizeable saving for the household. And a huge step towards a more sustainable waste management system.

A new idea, a trial period, a difficult adjustment? Not really. These new habits to establish are not necessarily as intimidating as they seem: “It is often much easier to implement a new lifestyle habit and to adapt to it than we would tend to think before hand. And there is, I would say almost every day, a genuine satisfaction in taking this further step towards reducing waste. Yes, it is really satisfying.”

As for the impact of these changes on family dynamics, everything is handled rather well for this retired couple: “To be honest, since we are just my husband and I in the house as we speak, it is not too much of a challenge. So we both can adapt to the changes smoothly and it is rather well perceived by my husband.”

Go With The Flow.

It goes without saying that even with all the goodwill there is, not all new habits are adopted. After a phase of experimentation, it turns out that some ideas, however attractive at first, are simply not suited to the routine of some people. And that’s fine. Going green shouldn’t be a hassle. For it to work in the long term, it is important to be relatively easy to set up. And practical on a daily basis: “Some time ago, because our clothes dryer broke down, I temporarily reintroduced drying racks inside the house. Only to realize that, in the end, it made my life easier. But it’s true that we are only two at home, and retired. It probably wouldn’t work for everyone.”

And when we approach the subject of ecology, it is the overall process that takes precedence rather than a precise final objective that is incontestably difficult to assess. For this couple who used to be great travelers, adopting a sustainable lifestyle does not stop at the habits established at home. This is reflected on a larger scale. It is above all a reflection on the general influence we have on our environment, in all of our activities. It’s putting certain aspects of our lives into perspective and ensuring that they correspond to our values: “When it comes to travel, we just apply as much as possible the same rules that we apply at home. Try not to be too seduced by the inherent attractions of hotels or other vacation accommodations. Get into the habit of thinking for just a few seconds about the impact of our choices both at home and when we travel.”

Sustainability : A Mindset.

But is sustainable living realistic and achievable for everyone on a daily basis? Absolutely, according to Nicole and Jean-François who keep an open mind and are not afraid to think outside the box. If certain lasting habits remain exclusive to Nicole, she hastens to add that her better half also has his very own way of being green: “With his skills and his interests, he has always been very creative to reuse everything that can be. By transforming, modifying, reinventing. We don’t throw anything away, it can always be used. It’s his motto, and it’s almost his trademark. Sometimes I’m even a little afraid of his inventive side because his creativity has no limits. But his sometimes intriguing or at least unexpected achievements have always been a source of astonishment, inspiration. Or sometimes even admiration in those around us. And it’s all thanks to recycling.”

Recycling, indeed, a process full of potential and on which we rely to be able to catch up with the deviations of our past generations. How else to reduce over a few decades the impact of the spiral of more than a century of global overconsumption? Especially when we still have to face our own current challenges in terms of economic ethics: “The need to follow fashion or influencers, a drift that too often leads to overconsumption of products as expensive as they are useless and too quickly destined to turn into waste. You have to manage to convince young people—and sometimes not so young too—to put the right values ​​in the right place. Let them be proud of not being part of the “followers”, that they find their independence by not feeling obligated to do like everyone else.”

A need For Tighter Regulations.

So for Nicole and Jean-François, it is all about a lifestyle oriented towards minimalism in terms of purchases, and far removed from material dependencies. A need to see this philosophy taken a little further, perhaps a little higher within our government. And to feel that concrete measures are being put in place to redirect efforts in the area of ​​environmental protection.

Nicole specifies that she wants to “improve the importance given to the general interest and the protection of the planet in the decisions taken by all levels of government. So that they take precedence over private interests. Perhaps stricter regulations and greater monitoring of the application of these regulations by governments in relation to the waste produced and discharged by industries of all kinds. We too often see reports that show that there is still progress to be made in this area. But, at the consumer level, I think we could already start by improving the visibility of recycling signs on packaging or the products themselves.”

Towards A Greener Future.

So what are the next steps in their quest for a sustainable future? Nicole mentions wanting to start buying in bulk which she still does only very occasionally because to her it requires a certain reorganization in the space. She intends to do so in the near future.

But for now, in the midst of our beautiful Nova Scotia Spring, you can be sure to find them both admiring their beautiful, closely guarded garden in its natural state, filled with wildflowers and pollinators hard at work: “I still don’t understand why someone decided one day to destroy dandelions and other native plants with toxic products that contribute to bring us to all the problems we face today. I really wish to see improve the perception that some people have of nature. And wish they realize that these natural settings have inspired the greatest painters.”

Indeed. So why not allow ourselves to be convinced to leave a little more free rein to native species in our green spaces. And to enjoy, we too, a little moment of contemplation…

Contact us to share your vision of sustainability with fellow readers. We have so much to learn from you and we look forward to hearing your amazing stories!

L’article True Values est apparu en premier sur Islands to cottages.

Universal Kitchens : Countertops And Work Surfaces.

By thinking ahead and setting up a universal kitchen to best fit our needs in the long term, we can enhance our experience in the kitchen and address accessibility issues or other challenges we might be confronted with at one point or another. Providing countertops and work surfaces to meet everyone’s needs will greatly improve every day’s functionality and enjoyment in the kitchen.

Meeting Everyone’s Needs.

Countertops and work surfaces present a challenge to accessible kitchens. Why ? Simple. One single countertop simply cannot accommodate everyone to the best extent possible when it comes to a diverse household, as far as height and specific needs are concerned. So how do we address this ? By providing an assortment of countertops and work surfaces within the space whenever possible. They do not need to be overly spacious, but having a variety will make things so much easier.

Exploring New Heights.

To be considered accessible, countertops and work surfaces shall be no higher than 34 inches and provide clearance underneath. At an ideal height of 28 inches, they can accommodate wheelchairs comfortably. A 30″ to 32″ counter is actually a perfect height for anyone standing to perform power tasks such as kneading dough or rolling pastries. Those of us who are slightly shorter than the average size will benefit from wearing indoor shoes to slightly elevate their forearms in comparison with the counter level. Or having a stool readily available under the counter really helps as well. A useful accessory indeed, but make sure it can be safely tucked under so it does not become a tripping hazard when not in use.

Clearing Space.

As mentioned above, free space underneath the counters shall be provided. This is to welcome the wheelchair easily, moving in and out as needed. No less than 24 inches in height and 30 inches wide. Now, this will not be the most efficient height for most standing individuals as we greatly vary in size. And this is where adjustable counters are a great option to best accommodate everyone. Although they require some work to be installed, i.e. renovations involved. Which might, or might not, be an option for some of us. 

Diversity Is Key.

So if adjustable countertops are not an option, we go back to the basics. Keep in mind that a standard height counter at 36 inches will greatly improve versatility for multifunction families. Displaying standard countertops and work surfaces at different locations within the kitchen will allocate enough workspace for the whole family to cook together while providing the best comfort possible for everyone’s needs and restrictions. 

Finishes.

Counters shall have rounded edges and be made from solid surfaces that will age well without necessitating heavy maintenance. If the budget is tight, consider waiting a little longer while saving extra to splurge on a piece that will last with no downside. No need to break the bank either. Some great eco-friendly products are on the local market nowadays, no need to order a solid marble slab from overseas. Quartz and stainless steel work surfaces, for example, are great options and will go a long way, super durable and easy on maintenance.

Island Living.

An island is a must, space permitting. Used as work table, serving table, storage unit, gathering place during social outings, homework station etc. An island is easily the most used work surface in the house. If an island is not possible because of your floor plan, square footage or else, a roll-in trolley will serve the exact same purpose but without the commitment on the floor. Its ability to be moved from one place to the other, and from room to room, can be a great advantage for service as well during events.

Accessories.

Think about your habits in the kitchen and define what are your most used tools. And what challenges have to be faced on a regular basis. Chopping boards, for example, are essential. But they can be very difficult to operate when faced with physical impairments. Chopping boards should be made of materials that are easy to clean. Providing a special place on your countertops and work surfaces to snugly accommodate a removable chopping board will make a world of difference. A thin grid pattern of spikes can be used in combination with a pre-perforated wooden shopping board. Once in place, the spikes will slightly protrude from the cutting board to help keep the food in place when being chopped. Almost like having an extra hand on hand. And when the job is done, slide off the chopping board from its spikes to wash as needed.

Having an honest look at what we need and what we find difficult to perform when it comes to simple tasks around the kitchen, or around the house for that matter, will help us define what we need to improve and how we can make our days more enjoyable. 

An accessible kitchen is a space where we all belong. Where we feel welcome to come and go as we wish. Where we are invited to take part in the activities happening there. A common space providing everyone with the ability to take part in the joy of prepping and cooking. We prepare meals, not because we have to, but because it is a meaningful activity to share, to help us be creative and to push our boundaries. An accessible kitchen is a space where we all have equitable access and freedom to use at its full capacity.

L’article Countertops And Work Surfaces est apparu en premier sur Islands to cottages.

Reducing Shower Time : From Slow To Eco

In the bathroom, decreasing our water consumption is quite simple once we decide to set up some reachable goals. And make things happen. Starting with elementary concepts like dry brushing our teeth, using the newest technologies to our advantage or cutting down on shower length. So in practical terms, how to efficiently reduce water usage in the bathroom ? It’s easy as 1-2-3 ! Let’s explore how to make the most of our ablutions by reducing shower time and go from slow to eco.

Time For Shower ?

The idea behind reducing water usage in the shower is to be able to achieve our goal in 5 minutes or less. If possible. Using a mechanical timer or setting a cell phone alarm (but beware of the steam and moisture issues !). Even programming the good old oven timer. Or singing along 3 of our favorite tunes on the radio. Whatever works really… We experiment. See what works for us. What best fits our needs to find a successful balance.

In a nutshell, trying to aim for no longer than those handful minutes under the running water in the shower is ideal. It is plenty of time for a good thorough wash. And if this seems like we feel too rushed, it usually means we have to be more efficient about our time allocated. And we ought to think outside the box to understand what’s behind our long bath time. We can, for example, get—or make—a nice bathing glove. One that will gently and diligently scrub and exfoliate the skin to leave us feel refreshed and empowered after that massage. It will greatly accelerate bath time and give us a better result overall.

Hot Topic.

Now if we are adepts of long showers, let’s take a moment to understand the reason behind it. Why we are so fond of those lengthy and costly luxuries. It may be because we lose track of time. Or maybe we enjoy the reassuring feel of the water running on your body, which is a great stress reliever especially after a long and laborious day. Maybe it is because we are experiencing muscle pain. Or maybe simply because of temperature issues in the room.

Let’s picture for a moment that the water coming down starts running cold, for whatever reason that might be. I can guarantee that the remainder of the shower is going to be super quick. Turning off the valve in a brisk swirl and jumping off to grab a towel ! So, to be realistic, most of the time we dread to turn off the water not to be confronted with the colder environment of our surroundings. We stretch the experience as long as we can to postpone the time we will be exiting the cozy enclosure. And this in itself is quite enlightening and so easy to alleviate. We just need to think ahead and boost slightly the heat inside the bathroom before going for a shower. Not only it will be nicer to get out of it, but it will slowly get us in the mindset that the exit will be more comfortable. So we do not have to stretch our bath time too much longer. And as a plus, it will help get rid of excessive moisture within the room and fight residual mold that may arise from lengthy water exposure.

Using Our Head Wisely.

Investing in a low flow shower head is a great way to work on reducing shower time and save on water consumption overall. There are plenty of models available on the market. Think about one that will offer the possibility of getting detached off the wall for an easier cleaning process of the facility, for regular maintenance and sanitation. This will make the whole experience even more agreeable and safer on the long term.

As for a rain shower head ? Ouh la la, this is quite the experience. Those go a long way to get the whole spa feel, so go for it if you have the opportunity. Although you do need the proper set up for this as they are usually set on the ceiling for the most part so, if not already in place, it will involve renovation. And renovations in the bathroom do mean quite an extensive amount of work, due to the peculiarity of the environment. So this is something to keep in mind.

The Mindful Shower

Now as for all aspects of our lifestyle, everything should be put into perspective. So, after a hard day doing physical work, when coming back from a long walk in the woods in the dead of winter or returning home after 5 weeks spent with no hot water available, it is understandable that you will want to take your time in the shower. All the necessary time. And happening to mention the 5 minutes rule at that very moment to try reducing shower time would certainly have you raised your eyebrows in disapproval ! Which is totally fine.

We need to keep in mind that the time we decide to allot ourselves under the shower might not work all the time, and for everyone in the family. This should not be cause for disagreement or discontent. While inspiring others is encouraged, it is important to remember that change starts with us and respecting others’ choice prevails. But sparking the conversation is always a good place to start so we can all understand the consequences of our habits on our surroundings.

L’article Reducing Shower Time est apparu en premier sur Islands to cottages.