Sustainable Harvests: Nourishing Our Planet 

  This week we are going to explore the intersection of food, agriculture, and sustainability. We delve into innovative practices and initiatives that are nourishing our planet while supporting local communities.

💧 Why is Freshwater a Finite Resource?  

Well, water is a finite resource because the total amount of water on Earth remains constant; it cycles through the planet's systems in various forms such as liquid, solid (ice), and gas (vapour). While the water cycle continuously replenishes freshwater sources through precipitation, the rate of consumption by human activities and natural processes exceeds the rate of renewal in many regions, leading to water scarcity and depletion of freshwater resources over time. Industries like farming and manufacturing are incredibly water intensive so these industries are looking for ways they can limit their water usage.

👋🏽 How Can I Save Water?  

Thankfully, there are a whole bunch of ways we can save water on a daily basis. Let’s dive into it:

Fix Leaks: Regularly check for and repair leaks in faucets, toilets, and pipes. Even small leaks can waste significant amounts of water over time.

Install Water-Saving Fixtures: Install water-efficient fixtures such as low-flow faucets, showerheads, and toilets to reduce water usage without sacrificing performance.

Take Shorter Showers: Limit your shower time to conserve water. Consider using a shower timer or playing music to keep track of time and reduce water usage.

Turn Off the Tap: Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth, shaving, or washing dishes. This simple habit can save gallons of water each day.

Collect Rainwater: Install a rain barrel or cistern to collect rainwater for outdoor use, such as watering plants or washing your car.

Water Wisely: Water your lawn and garden early in the morning or late in the evening to reduce evaporation. Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation system to deliver water directly to the roots of plants.

Mulch Garden Beds: Apply a layer of mulch to garden beds to retain moisture in the soil and reduce the need for frequent watering.

Sweep, Don't Hose: Use a broom instead of a hose to clean driveways, sidewalks, and outdoor surfaces. This saves water and prevents pollutants from entering storm drains.

Choose Water-Efficient Appliances: When purchasing new appliances, choose models that are ENERGY STAR certified and have high water efficiency ratings.

Reuse Water: Reuse graywater from activities such as washing dishes or laundry to water indoor and outdoor plants. Just be sure to use eco-friendly detergents and avoid reusing water that may contain harmful chemicals.

Sustainable Living Tips

This week, we’re focusing on different ways we can Reduce, Reuse and Recycle to help our planet.

• Reduce Consumption: One of the most impactful ways individuals can help the planet is by reducing their consumption of resources. This includes buying only what is necessary, avoiding single-use plastics and disposable items, and opting for products with minimal packaging.

• Reuse Items: Whenever possible, choose reusable alternatives to single-use items. This can include using reusable water bottles, shopping bags, and containers instead of disposable ones. You can also consider repairing or repurposing items instead of throwing them away.

• Recycle Responsibly: Proper recycling ensures that materials are diverted from landfills and can be used to create new products. Educate yourself on what can be recycled in your area and make sure to sort and clean recyclables properly to avoid contamination.

Seed & Sprout

I love this brand for so many reasons! They create the best most functional reusable homewares and travel essentials for my fellow van-lifers. I have their compost bin for the van and it’s the best for chucking food scraps in before I take it down to our compost. The owner of the company lives in the cutest tiny home off the grid in Byron. A gorgeous female-founded brand to support.

✈️ Air New Zealand piloted the first reusable cup service on their domestic flights!

🐋 West Coast Gray Whales are making a comeback and surpassed their 40% drop in population.

🌴 Tree planting project in Africa is reversing ecosystem degradation and will create 230,000 jobs and plant 1 billion trees by 2030.