It's an unpredictable time. Many of us are experiencing changes in our day-to-day lives that shift our focus from environmentally sustainable practices, to proper health & safety precautions. We must actively remind ourselves that there is a continued need to reduce our carbon footprint, while maintaining effective cleaning and sanitation routines during the current health pandemic. 

Below are some helpful tips & tricks that you can use to transform wasteful tasks into  'green-safe' & sustainable practices during social isolation. We have also included a few resources where you can uncover fun & creative home projects that will help convert your living space into a more nature-friendly atmosphere; it's time to bring the outside indoors!

Please stay safe, and remember...the forest is awaiting your return.

1. Wildlife Sanctuary at Home

Have you always had a green thumb and you're looking for new ways to experience  wildlife from home? Whether you're cooped up in an apartment or you have a ranch in the countryside, you can turn even the smallest of spaces into a flourishing habitat. Plant flowers, vegetables, and herbs to attract and nourish pollinators and other insects. Bird feeders are another easy addition that will help bring more nature to your balcony and helps mask the sound of obnoxious city traffic.

For those who are feeling a little more adventurous, visit 15 budget friendly ways to build your own garden pond. You can learn how to re-purpose household items (like a plastic tote) to create your dream water feature. Ponds are fairly easy to maintain and are a cost effective way to bring wildlife into your backyard. 

2. Power Preserving at Home

With everyone working from home and virtual education being the new way of life for many Canadian students, we are using more electricity on a day-to-day basis. Of course, most of us are no longer commuting to work, but the surge in personal electricity use is overriding the reduction in fossil fuel consumption.

You can do simple things, such as choosing to work in a bright room to avoid turning lights on and opening up the blinds to take advantage of natural light. Since your children are using their devices more frequently, make sure sleep settings are enabled to preserve power when they're done using them.

3. The Disinfectant Wipe & Plastic Glove Nightmare

In a time where sanitation and disinfecting is more important than ever, disinfectant wipes and plastic single-use gloves have become coveted household items. It is important to properly dispose of these products when you are using them; remember, even wipes that claim to be 'flushable' are not flushable. Disinfectant wipes clog drainage and sewage pipes, creating a bigger problem for essential workers like plumbers and maintenance teams. 

If you can, avoid wipes altogether when you're cleaning your home and disinfecting. Rags, microfibre cloths, or old towels make for excellent cleaning tools; just ensure you are regularly washing and disinfecting them to get rid of bacteria. When it comes to plastic gloves, washing your hands is the most ideal way to combat the spread of the virus. If wearing gloves makes you feel more comfortable, opt for a non-plastic brand like If You Care. Their gloves are reusable and are made from fair trade FSC certified natural rubber.

If you can, use smaller appliances when cooking and re-heating as opposed to turning on the oven. When it comes to the dishwasher, only run it when it is full. Did you know if you open the dishwasher early to let a load of dishes air dry, you cut your energy use by 15% for that load? Test out some of these tricks and you're one step closer to being a more sustainable homeowner. 

It's official - the residents of Ontario are in another month long lockdown. Many of us have been forced to cancel spring break plans, and the options for entertainment are slim to none. Thankfully, the warm weather is quickly approaching here on Lake Erie, and there's no better time to get outside & explore! Between the Turkey Point trail tract, St. Williams Conservation Area & the Lynn Valley, we are blessed with natural landscapes & trails that city dwellers envy. 

Ready to get inspired? Keep reading, and enjoy our list of lockdown friendly activities that will keep the kids entertained, all week long.

1. Family Picnic & Hike

When's the last time you've gone for a family picnic? Spend the morning creating an epic lunch together, with fresh sandwiches, sliced local fruit, and cold beverages (make sure you get the kids to help pack). Consider bringing a few lawn games along for the trip - it makes for an awesome post-lunch activity!

There's a variety of beachfronts & trails to choose from in Norfolk - pick a destination, and go for it . Now is the time to explore the trails; identify different trees & animals; or,  get some much needed fresh air. 

SUPPORT LOCAL TIP: Don't feel like packing a lunch? Now is your opportunity to support a local restaurant! Order take-out, pack it up in your picnic basket, and you've got a hassle free lunch. 

2. Virtual Tour Night

Ready to feel like you're exploring the globe right from your couch? Since vacationing to a magical, foreign destination is off the list for this spring break, virtual tours are the way to go! Did you know 'Google Arts & Culture' has created a library of virtual tours online? Explore places like Kenai Fjords National Park in Alaska, Temple of Juno, and other fascinating places. Explore the whole library, there's plenty of different tours to choose from. 

If you have an HDMI cable, hook-up your laptop to the big screen in the living room our outside, and create a fun activity the whole family can enjoy!

SUPPORT LOCAL TIP: Rather leave the popcorn up to the experts? Pick up some Uncle Bob's for some fresh popcorn, made from Canadian kernels. You can find their popcorn in local grocery stores, Picard's Peanuts, or you can place an online order.

Staying home: once a coveted luxury, now an everyday reality. Friday night post-work beverages have turned into FaceTime cocktail hours, and Saturday afternoon trail-riding has been exchanged for Netflix couch surfing.

With every Ontarian being stuck inside their home to ensure each other's health & safety, it can be tough to find ways to satisfy your craving for exploration and adventure. 

To help keep you occupied, we have put together a list of 10 awesome virtual tours (in no particular order) that will allow you to feel like you're exploring the globe right from your couch. If you have an HDMI cable, hook-up your laptop to the big screen in the living room, and create a fun activity the whole family can enjoy!

Adventurers, grab your favourite hiking beverage of choice, charge up the laptop, and start exploring.

The forest is awaiting your return.

1. Machu Picchu, Andes Mountains, Peru

This UNESCO World Heritage site features views of lush greenery, mountain landscapes, and the ruins of Inca Settlements. Check-out the online virtual tour here to learn more about the history of the area from the narrator, and click through 360 degree views. 

2. Moraine Lake, Banff National Park, Canada

Banff National Park is one of the most sought-after travel hotspots in Canada for adventurers. If you haven't had the chance to explore the beautiful province of Alberta, click this link to tour the bright, emerald waters of Moraine Lake. You can find this glacially fed body of water perched between what is called, 'The Valley of Ten Peaks' in Banff National Park. If you haven't gone for a visit, chances are you've seen a photo of these picturesque blue waters!

Photo: Buzzify