Water Conservation Made Easy

 

            You certainly know by now that eastern Canada, among other places, is facing a severe drought. This is the time to become a water conservationist if you are not already in that bailiwick.

            These tips will get you on the road to being more water conscious that will go beyond the time that this dry spell is, hopefully, over. They are cost effective with many being free and others that involve purchasing products for long term water conservation.

 Do not let the water run when you are brushing your teeth or shaving.

·        Cut your showers/baths back to every other day and do a quick wash from a basin on the other days.

·        Install water saving showerheads and aerators on your taps to save on water usage.

·        Thaw foods in the fridge instead of in water (which is not a good practice anyway).

·        Use leftover cooking water to water indoor and outdoor plants, bushes, flowers, etc.

·        Purchase a rain barrel (or see if anyone has one for free with a post on social media). You will get a good cardiac workout while transferring the water collected to your outdoor shrubs, flowers, etc. Install a water pump in the barrel (like the kind used in aquariums) to keep the water moving which will protect against having standing water which attracts mosquitoes. Other bonuses to having a rain barrel include being able to flush the toilet when the power goes off (if you are on a well and septic) and saving money on your water bill.

·        Put a brick (or two) in your toilet tank, depending on the size. With regular toilets, not all of the water in the tank is needed for flushing. Bricks will displace the water thus saving on water each time you flush.

·        Put drinking water in the fridge instead of running it out of the tap while waiting for it to get cold.

·        Only do full loads of laundry and fill the dishwasher before running it.

·        When washing pots and pans, do not run the water to rinse them. Dip them in a sink or basin full of water for rinsing.

·        Collect water produced by air conditioning units and dehumidifiers to water plants, etc.

·        If you don’t have young children (who could get scalded), turn the temperature on your water heater up so the hot water comes faster when you need it..

·        Insulate hot water pipes with thick foam rubber to keep the water warm/hot longer.

·       Sweep driveways, decks, sidewalks and steps instead of using a power washer.

·        Use a small amount of water and steam your vegetables or cook them in a cast iron frying pan (add olive oil, cracked salt and pepper and cook to desired consistency). This way of cooking has the added benefit of preserving nutrients that are lost when you boil vegetables to cook them

Now that you have expanded your knowledge base, you can enjoy the benefits of being kind to the environment around you, especially with precious water as a resource we all need to survive.

 

Santa letter time is on the horizon. Get a personalized reply from Santa for your child via postal mail and a special ornament is included. Limited availability. Please PM/DM or email milnerwriting@gmail.com for more details and to get on the list. $14.90 inclusive!

 

SAMPLE SANTA LETTER REPLY:

 

Dear Kristina,

 

Thank you for writing.

 

I just read your letter to the elves and they were happy to hear from you!

 

Turtle, your special elf, has been busy making you some special surprises for Christmas morning!

 

Your baby brother, Alexander, will also have some presents under the tree. His elf’s name is Bunny!

 

All of the reindeer are eating lots of vegetables, including carrots, so they can be strong for their long journey on Christmas Eve.

 

Mrs. Claus makes sure I eat my vegetables but I do like a treat once in a while. Perhaps I can find some treats to leave under your Christmas tree!

 

Mommy and Daddy are proud of how well you do in school and how hard you try to be a good girl.

 

I am sure you will enjoy the holidays with your family and friends.

 

Have lots of fun and remember to go to sleep early on Christmas Eve before we visit!

 

I have included two special ornaments in this envelope – one for you and one for Alexander.

 

Warm Christmas wishes for you and your loved ones, Christina.

 

Love from,

 

Santa Claus

 

Through the Years:

Why Labour Day Matters and Why You Should Care

 

 

        Keeping our lives moving in perpetual motion and maintaining an orderly society would not be possible without the workers that layer every aspect of our world.

        No matter how technology keeps pushing us forward, people will always be needed to develop the strategies with workers implementing their visions.

        Some employees are openly valued with appreciation for a job well done with a simple thank you and covet raises and bonuses while others schlep daily to and from their place of work without even a nod of thanks.

        A special day set aside for members of the workforce that began with great celebration has seemingly been mostly downgraded to a long weekend marking the unofficial end of summer and the start of a new school year.

        Perhaps an informative history lesson will turn the tide back toward the real meaning of Labour Day – acknowledgement and gratitude for the workers that keep the wheels turning.

        In the year 1894, Labour Day officially became a holiday in Canada but its inception took over 20 years to come to fruition.

        Beginning in January, 1872, what was penned as the ‘9 Hour Movement’ was an effort to reduce working twelve hours a day to nine. Also known as the ‘9 Hour Workday’ and ‘Nine Hour League’, it was initially unsuccessful but the leaders who began the movement should not be delegated to the annals of Canada’s history books but rather continue to be celebrated. Were it not for their efforts, the benefits now taken for granted by workers, such as legislated vacation time, fair wages and hours may not exist today.

        Knowing the existence of strength in numbers and collaborative efforts, four main leaders travelled between Canadian cities drumming up support.

        James Black, an employee with Grand Trunk Railway in Montreal; James Ryan, an engineer with Great Western Railway in Hamilton together with John Hewitt, a cooper (one who makes or repairs casks or tubs) and J. S. Williams, a printer from Toronto, led the charge.

        Black became the leader of Montreal’s ‘Nine Hour League’ that included 2,000 members.

        In a show of solidarity, ‘Nine Hour Leagues’ were formed across Canada with union and non-unionized workers standing shoulder to shoulder toward the same goal – better working conditions and rights for all.

        On March 25^th, 1872, it was the Toronto Typographical Union (TTU) that went on strike after soliciting and been denied a change from the 12 hour, six day work week to a nine hour day by Globe Publisher George Brown.

        A full fifth of Toronto’s population attended a rally to support what became known of the ‘9 Hour Movement’.

        With Union movement’s illegal under Canadian law, strike organizers were arrested for committing criminal conspiracy.

        Toronto’s support for workers did not go unnoticed by Ottawa who, on September 3^rd, 1872, organized a conglomerate of seven unions who, together, led a parade that stretched for more than a mile. Ottawa’s fire fighters marched, led by an artillery band.

        Surely by design, the procession swept past the house of Prime Minister Sir John A. MacDonald.

        MacDonald, determined to abolish the “barbarous laws” used to incarcerate Toronto’s TTU workers, championed the Trade Union Act the passage of which protected and legalized union activity within Canada.

        Despite the fact that ‘Nine Hour Leagues’ eventually became defunct, they did lay the foundation for the formation of the Canadian Labour Union (CLU) in April, 1873.

        Leading up to the CLU, workers fought long and hard battles to obtain concessions such as rights to form and be members in trade unions along with changing legislation that had previously prevented them from taking action against their employers.

        After the establishment of Labour Day, great planning went into celebrating all workers and their contributions to society.

        Across Canada, on the first Monday of September, in cities, towns and villages, citizens marched in parades followed by a day of speeches, entertainment, community picnics and specially dedicated church services. Sports also figured prominently with lacrosse matches and various footraces. Among the activities, workers were reminded of their rights by prominent banners and posters being carried in the parades and displayed throughout the festivities.

        By the 1950s, parties mixed with a day of leisure became the norm and while parades are still held, Labour Day is not paid the significance it once held.

        Even with the festivals being downgraded over past generations, Labour Day has spawned other traditions and beliefs.

        Canadian Football League’s Labour Day Classic is held over the long weekend, adding fun competitiveness for fans across the country.

        Since 2005, motorcycle enthusiasts have flocked to Digby, Nova Scotia for the annual Wharf Rat Rally which runs for five days beginning on the Wednesday before Labour Day.

        In the cultural sector, Labour Day has also had influence. Owing to changes in acceptable social norms, the once hard and fast rule of not wearing white clothes after Labour Day has fallen by the wayside.

        While not official events representing Labour Day, the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) held in Toronto and the Pacific National Exhibition (PNE) held in Vancouver are highly anticipated annual festivals attracting visitors from across Canada and beyond. Attendees enjoy entertaining shows, rides and delicious eats reminiscent of early Labour Day revelry.

        Even as modernization has given way to automation, society can never function without human hands.

        No matter how you choose to spend Labour Day 2025, taking place on September 1st this year, take a moment to pause and think of how we got here and the strife endured by so many to earn workers the rights and respect they all deserve.

Photo Credit: The Canadian Encyclopedia

 

Eating at Home – Easy Ways to Ditch the Take-Out Habit

 

            Are your slow cooker and timer on your stove starting to wear out from over-use? In answering this question, the majority would surely say “no” while others would say, “What timer?” and “I think I got a slow cooker for Christmas once”.

            Home lifestyles have undergone dramatic changes over the last 40 to 50 years. With today’s go go go world, homemade meals eaten around the dining room table have been remodeled. Nightly family dinners have been transformed into holiday meetings when families come together for a meal.

            If you were to look through your monthly bank statement to find out how much money you spend on take-out food, you would likely be surprised the amount is higher than you thought. Fast food has simply become a recurring expense.

            With the tweaking of your schedule and that of other family members, you can find a way to eat more home cooked meals which will benefit both your budget and your health.

Let’s get you started with some advice on how to eat at home more often.

            Ensure your kitchen always has these staple ingredients: milk, bread crumbs, chicken and beef stock, eggs, tomatoes, pasta varieties, sour cream, onions, butter, shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella or a mixture of both), sugar and flour. In the freezer you can keep homemade tomato sauce and meat sauce and a couple of packages each of chicken and hamburger.

            If a supply of any staple ingredients dwindles be sure to add the item(s) to your shopping list for your next stop at the grocery store or market.

            Brenda Cameron of Halifax, Nova Scotia, advises, “Starting slow with some easy meals so you won’t get frustrated and end up ordering take-out”.

            Purchase a simple cookbook with basic but flavourful recipes. In order to learn new techniques, check for instructional videos on YouTube and watch some food shows designed for amateur cooks.

            “Make two lists”, says Cameron, “One for take-out, delivering and eating at restaurants and one for groceries. If you make it a habit to write down the amounts you spend, it forces you to look at the reality of how much you are actually spending on food”, and will encourage you to save money by eating at home.

            “Food preparation is one of the most challenging aspects to ditching the Take-out-Habit”, says Cameron. To make this part of cooking less daunting, set aside a couple of hours on Sunday for dicing and slicing.

            When prepping ingredients such as an onion or green pepper and you only need half, cut it all up and put the unused portion in the refrigerator. You will be more likely to use vegetables that are already chopped thus avoiding the time-consuming prep phase of making a meal.

            Cheryl Throop of Darlings Island, N.B. says, “Cut up vegetables to be used for snacking as soon as you buy them. Put snack-size portions in sandwich bags so the kids can grab them from the frig for a snack or take them to school as part of their lunch.”

            Throop also suggests, “Do your meal planning for the week on Sunday, a time when you will likely know your schedule for the week.”

            Take advantage of ingredients by making enough for two different meals. Cook a double batch of rice and use it in stir fry or make rice pilaf for your next day’s dinner. Another example is to double the amount of hamburger and use it the next night as an ingredient for nachos, chili or spaghetti sauce.

            Utilizing your stove timer and slow cooker let’s you come home to dinner almost being ready – All you need to add is a quick tossed salad and/or rolls.

            Invite your other family members into the kitchen to cook with you – even very young children can wash vegetables perched on a stool in front of the sink.   Occasionally, if you have more than one child, spend a special couple of hours cooking one-on-one with each of your children. There is a spin-off bonus here too because kids are more likely to eat what’s for dinner if they helped prepare the meal.

            When your family gushes about a new meal, take note and put that recipe into a regular rotation.

            Don’t be afraid to experiment with new recipes and techniques to use in the kitchen. If you mess up a dish, you can always fall back on pizza delivery.

            Ask family and friends for any old recipes they might have. Cooking has changed over the years with the ability of stores to order more produce from different parts of the world, but the fundamentals will always be there. Cameron reflects that, “For me, I always feel that security when I smell the familiar aroma in my home or taste a particular dish that my mother cooked during my childhood.”

            Eating at home comes with additional benefits, such as the opportunity to learn new skills, avoiding highly processed foods that could lead to health issues. In addition, you have nearly complete control over what to feed your family and even being able to adjust the seasonings and sauces you use. You also have a built in security system when you dine in. “When families eat at home, they know everything that has been included in their meals and can be assured of the cleanliness of their own kitchen. Moreover, you know if the food was washed and cooked well”, Cameron says.

            Instead of thinking that home cooking is too much of a task, try looking at it a different way. Start having some fun in the kitchen. Turn up your favourite music playlist or podcast and consider your time cooking as a stress reliever.

           

 

Hurricane Preparedness: Be Ready

This Means You!

 

 

        Hurricane season 2024 is already upon us and though it has been relatively quiet so far, it is of vital importance that you prepare for the safety of yourselves and your property before the threat of a storm is forecast.

        Taking the time now to be in ‘ready mode’ will save you from rushing when a hurricane is on the way and being faced with shortages – especially on store shelves – when everyone else is stocking up on the same items.

 

Storm readiness

 

        Shawn Little, Director, Technical Property and Catastrophe at Definity recommends that you “strengthen any vulnerable areas around your home such as cracks in your foundation or leaky windows and ensure your sump pump is working properly. When a storm is forecasted, put any outdoor furniture and yard fixtures away and consider unplugging large appliances to prevent electrical issues during the storm.”

        In addition, you should:

·         Secure loose sports equipment and toys

·         Take down hanging décor

·         Move bird feeders to a secure area

        Little also says, “Make sure your yard is kept clean, dead tree branches have been cut and consider replacing gravel with mulch to reduce the risk of gravel flying when a storm rolls through.”

        Regular maintenance that will help protect your property during a hurricane is to make sure eavestrough and shutters are secure. Also, have your roof inspected annually for any loose tabs or places where more sealant is needed, such as around vents and chimneys.

 

Protect your business

 

        “There are steps business owners can take to help prepare if a hurricane is approaching the area”, says Trevor Wall, Field Vice President, Business Insurance at Travelers Canada. Follow these recommendations to keep your business safe:

·         Make sure signage and equipment outside your business are properly secured and anchored

·         Establish a system to protect windows and doors

·         Create an emergency response team so people know who will handle what tasks during preparation or cleanup and recovery

·         Assemble necessary supplies in a central location at your business that is protected from the storm

·         If you are in a flood-prone area, create a plan to protect your business from water intrusion

·         If you business has vehicles or mobile equipment, have a storage plan in place

·         Compile a list of vendors for easy access in case your business’ operations are disrupted

Both individuals and businesses should have a supply of plywood, if

you have a dry place where it can be stored. If a strong hurricane is forecast, covering windows with plywood will protect the glass from breaking and allowing water to get inside your home. If it is not used before the storm, it can be used to cover broken windows afterward to prevent further damage.

 

Review insurance policies

 

Little advises that, “at least once a year, review your home inventory

and home insurance policy. Your home inventory is a list of belongings that can help your insurer determine the value of your property and save you time.”

 

Hurricane specifics

 

        Hurricane threats are widespread and include prolonged heavy rainfall, powerful winds, storm surges, flooding, landslides, both inland and coastal damage and can even spawn tornadoes.

        Regularly check weather forecasts and sign up for emergency alerts on your phone.

        Educate yourself about weather information and terms such as the difference between watches (your area may be affected by a storm) and warnings (your area will experience a storm) and the parameters regarding storm categories. Most commonly, the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale is used. Here is a general outline of the scale:

·         Category 1 – Winds 119 to 153 km/hr, minimal damage, unsecured roof shingles, siding and gutters may be dislodged, large branches of trees may snap and shallowly rooted trees may topple, expect power outages

·         Category 2 – Winds 154 to 177 km/hr, moderate damage, building could sustain major destruction, more trees will be uprooted, possibly blocking roads, prolonged power outages

·         Category 3 – Winds 178 to 208 km/hr, major extensive damage, properties may have removal of roof decking and gable ends, many more trees falling on buildings and roads, electricity and water could be unavailable for weeks

·         Category 4 – Winds 209 to 251 km/hr, major extreme damage, some buildings incur loss of roof structure and some exterior walls, with power poles down and severe flooding, the area could be uninhabitable for a lengthy period of time

·         Category 5 – Winds – 252 km/r or higher, major catastrophic damage, buildings totally destroyed with roof failure and collapsed walls, residential areas will be isolated due to downed trees, poles and power lines on roads, most of the area would have been evacuated and storm damage could take months to restore the area before residents can return

 

Emergency kits

 

Little advises that, “you should have an emergency kit stocked” and

ready at all times for any possibly damaging weather event.

        Your disaster supply tote(s) should be easily accessible and contain:

·         5 Days worth of water for each person/pet and the same in nonperishable food items

·         2 Weeks supply of all routinely used prescription and OTC medications

·         Hand-cranked or battery operated radio and flashlights (with spare batteries)

·         Solar charger or small generator (battery powered) for charging phones

·         First aid kit

·         ABC Fire Extinguisher

·         Manual can opener

·         Hand tools

·         Copies of important documents (For example, identification, insurance policies and credit card numbers, etc.)

·         Specialty items such as sanitary supplies, baby needs like formula and diapers and pet needs

There are various lists available online with differing items to include.

You may also order an already assembled emergency kit, but you will still need to include items applicable to your own situation.

        If you are on a well and septic system, fill the bathtub with water so you can flush the toilet if there is a power outage.

 

Comfort is an important component

 

        Preparing for the possibility of any forecasted damaging weather event  is more than just ensuring you and your property are safe, it is about being as comfortable as possible while you wait out the storm.

        Whether or not you have a family, adding a comfort tote along with your emergency supplies can help pass the time. Including books, board games, activity books, stickers and paper to make pictures and downloaded movies, shows and games on phones and tablets can not only make the time go faster but can distract young children who are likely to be frightened.

        Using this advice will make sure you are equipped whenever hazardous weather is forecast.

 

Keeping Your Reusable Water Bottle and Coffee Mug Clean and Bacteria Free

 

            Many of us have a favourite reusable water bottle or coffee mug. When you see what can happen if you don’t make cleaning of these items a daily routine, you will surely commit to washing your container every day.

            A Treadmills Review study determined the average water bottle has approximately 313,499 CFU (Colony-forming units of bacteria). By comparison, they found a dog’s chew toy has 2,937 CFU.

            When Treadmills swabbed 12 various water bottles they found that slide-top water bottles carried the most germs at 933,340 CFU. Squeeze-top bottles had 161,971 CFU and screw-top bottles had 159,060 CFU.

            Their study estimated that 60% of the germs found could make you sick. Water bottles tested by Treadmills detected both harmful and often antibiotic-immune bacteria, called Gram-negative rods and Gram-positive cocci which are capable of causing strep and staph infections on some of the samples.

            Water Filter Guru also commissioned a study which showed a reusable water bottle can have 40,000X the bacteria of a toilet seat.

            Besides the micro-organisms that grow inside your reusable container, Charles P. Gerba, Ph.D., a professor of microbiology and environmental science told Shape dot com, “Your hands may pick up viruses from touching various surfaces, which then get transferred to the bottle and eventually to your mouth.”

            These research findings demonstrate how important it is to your health to be drinking from a thoroughly cleaned bottle or mug.

            Follow these guidelines to ensure you do not consume harmful bacteria along with your water, coffee or other beverage when you drink from a reusable vessel.

            Getting your bottle or mug clean is an easy task and a habit you can learn to do every day.

            To get started, add a squirt of dishwashing liquid to your bottle or mug then fill it with water and put the cover on tightly. Shake briskly for about a minute. If there is a removable rubber seal, remove it and clean it separately in hot water with dish detergent.

            For the next step, use a bottle brush to clean the inside and outside of the container.

            There are several multi-use bottle brushes on the market. As suggestions, both the ALINK 8-Pack Bottle Cleaning Brush Set and the Holikme 8 Pack Bottle Brush Cleaning Set have high customer ratings at Amazon Canada.

            After you finish cleaning with the bottle brush, rinse the container with water and thoroughly dry with a paper towel or clean kitchen towel. Using a dish rag or towel that has already been used could transfer bacteria onto your bottle or mug.

            In addition to dish soap, using vinegar is an easy extra step that can help ensure your container really is as clean as it can be. White vinegar is inexpensive, even for a large jug. After you have finished cleaning your container, fill it half full of vinegar. Tighten the cover and shake for 30 seconds. Pour the vinegar down the sink and rinse the receptacle with water and continue on to drying with paper towels or a fresh kitchen towel.

            When you move on to scouring the top, first separate any removable parts and note which parts may just push back and forth (they will have to be cleaned in one position and then the other). Rubber seals on cup lids are designed to help keep beverages hot or cold but they also provide the perfect environment, a dark and moist area for fungal mould and bacteria to grow. It is a good idea to pay attention to the rubber seals as they can easily be forgotten.

Scrub all parts in the sink with hot, soapy water. If you do not have a bottle brush set, a clean toothbrush will help you get to those hard to reach places. When finished be sure all parts are thoroughly dried using the towels suggested above.

Carolyn Forte, the director of the home appliances and cleaning products labs at the Good Housekeeping Institute offers, “To get rid of all the residue and resulting mould, you should totally disassemble the tumbler and scrub all the pieces by hand in hot, soapy water to be sure they are clean.” She continues, “These cups and thermal carafes have removable seals for a reason. While the dishwasher is great, it can’t do everything and it can’t clean under these seals. In fact, water from the dishwasher can actually get trapped in there, which causes mould to grow.”

You should also deep clean your bottle or mug about once a week. Your efforts will dispose of any harmful bacteria that might be lurking on the container’s surfaces, waiting to possibly make you sick.

To do a deep cleaning, simply add 1 tsp of bleach and 1 tsp of baking soda to your reusable bottle or mug then fill it to the brim with cold water. Be sure to remove the rubber ring, if there is one, and sanitize it with the cover. After sitting overnight, rinse the container and dry with methods mentioned earlier.

In order to do the same with the cover, detach any removable parts then put the cover and rubber ring in a bowl. To the bowl, add 1 tsp of bleach and 1 tsp of baking soda then cover the parts with water. Insure that all parts are completely immersed and leave them overnight, as well.

When you get up in the morning, all you have to do is rinse all the soaking parts under water, dry them completely and you are ready to start your day knowing your reusable container is bacteria and mould free.

            Stats Canada reported, “In 2021, 9 in 10 Canadian households had at least one person who used their own water bottle, with 85% of those households doing so always or often.” These statistics show a propensity for Canadians to move toward a more environmental way to consume beverages, naturally leading to less one-time-use containers ending up in a landfill. At least we are going in the right direction.

Instead of taking a chance and drinking possible harmful bacteria, make it a daily routine to proper clean your reusable water and coffee mugs in addition to doing a deep soaking on a weekly basis.