Consumable Earth – Kamloops

Penn and Teller had this wonderful program called BullShit! Sorry if that offends but that’s the name! They called Bullshit on recycling which was incredibly eye opening and SO true. Check it out here.

So before you happily and blissfully throw all your ‘recyclables’ into that blue lidded bin think twice about where that yogurt container is going and what you want your sustainable solution to be.

Check out these 5 recycling myths

And these 8 myths on recycling

Confused yet? There is a lot of conflicting information out there so you’ll have to draw your own conclusion and make decisions for yourself. Keep the whole picture in mind and focus on your goals!

Oh and before you throw it out try out the TNRD waste redirection program. Or post your items on Freecycle Kamloops.

I’ve taken this information from the Green Drinks Kamloops Facebook group. To connect and share with them please join their group and go meet with them every month people with an interest in environmental conservation meet up for a beer at informal sessions known as Green Drinks:

From Deanna:

• This book at the public library is very detailed about types of cold storage and root cellars that can be constructed.
• DIY Root Cellar - this is a simple root cellar plan I came across on the web. Note: in rural / urban interface areas this simple design may cause problems – ie bear attractant.

Solar Canning:

• A good place to start Solar Food Processing including canning.
• Build It Solar - this is also a good resource. Note: it also has some information on root cellars.

I am interested in talking with anyone in Kamloops about solar cooking / food processing. Contact Deanna 250-376-4723

Share your tips and ideas about how you are living greener and more chemical free in your home. Post information about products you are using or not using and how you are trying to stay closer to home.

I discovered an amazing Hemp Producer today at www.livingharvest.com.  The birth of Living Harvest is the story of a father and son in British Columbia, Canada and how their quest for healthful living through whole foods led them to discover the nutritional benefits of nature’s miracle plant – hemp. By launching Living Harvest, this entrepreneurial team has created not only a product, but a platform for educating people about the complete, balanced nutritional profile found in hemp seed.

Check out the Living Harvest Hemp Seed Nutrition

.: Be good to yourself and to others :.

Currently I have been pondering this situation as there is going to be an aquisition soon regarding the furniture that will go outdoors on our new deck. Actually three decks so there is some serious thinking to be done.

New is not an option. There just isn’t something out there that I am going to spend money on to support. Something sustainable that would last. What about iron? Steel and iron furniture will last generations and can be made from recycled materials.

Wicker or rattan options are made from the fast growing leafy part of the tree. Bamboo is another fast growing wood.

Now to find a local artist who is capable… Richmond isn’t exactly local but it’s a start.

Do you sew, weave, mould, sculpt or construct functional everyday items such as furniture or clothing or textiles? Do you make your items with local materials? Please share yourself with our community so that we can support you.

It’s pretty hard to live here and not notice that it is awfully sunny here in Kamloops. Even in the wintertime the suns rays pour down on us. It rocks. So does that huge south facing hill known so affectionately here in town as ‘the hill’ we should be collecting that energy for use in our homes.

Share your skills. Share your thoughts or ideas. Share your plans for a different approach to our fuel and electricity needs.

Here in Kamloops we have a state of the art water treatment facility. We are located amongst three large river arteries. Access to clean water is in abundance. But it is also ridiculously wasteful.

The amount of water some toilets flush is what a person in Africa would use to bathe, eat and drink in a day.

If you are a contractor or have knowledge regarding water recycling, heating and collection in your home please share your information here.

Post information about Food producers in and around Kamloops BC. Surrounding communities include Barriere, Ashcroft, Pritchard, Chase, Barnhartvale, Westwold, Falkland, Vernon, Salmon Arm, Armstrong.

Well obviously there are some big ones but one thing at a time or just five.

1. Spring is coming so getting rid of the gas lawn mower for a push one is definitely on it.

2. Rain barrels for collecting roof water too. It is going to take a bit of work to figure out that one or maybe it will be simple. I’ll keep you posted.

3. We should all collect our grey water and use it to flush the toilet. Too much grey water? Shame on you or you are awesome… water the lawn with it.

4. Never accept another plastic bag, ever. Ok so I am sooo close on this one I loathe the things yet I still have them. Don’t accept plastic bags.

5. Buy everything locally. Admittedly this is a big task and really lots of little tasks. Every item counts.

.: Be good to yourself and to others :.