Personalized photo album or scrapbook.
A personalized photo album or scrapbook is a great way to capture memories and milestones from the past 40 years. You can include photos from childhood, special events, and important moments in their life. You can also add in personalized messages or quotes to make it even more special. There are many online services that can help you create a beautiful and professional-looking album or scrapbook, or you can DIY it with some creativity and craft supplies. Either way, it's a gift that they will cherish for years to come.
A luxurious spa day or massage.
Give the gift of relaxation and pampering with a luxurious spa day or massage. Turning 40 can be a stressful time for some people, so a day of relaxation and self-care can be just what they need. Look for a spa that offers a variety of treatments, such as massages, facials, and body wraps. You can also consider booking a private room or suite for them to enjoy with friends or family. If you're not sure which spa to choose, look for reviews online or ask for recommendations from friends or family who have had positive experiences.
A weekend getaway to a favorite destination.
Surprise your loved one with a weekend getaway to their favorite destination. Whether it's a cozy cabin in the woods, a beachfront resort, or a bustling city, a change of scenery can be a great way to celebrate their 40th birthday. Consider booking a rental home or Airbnb for a more personalized experience. You can also plan activities or excursions in the area, such as hiking, sightseeing, or trying out local restaurants and bars. Make sure to check any travel restrictions or guidelines before booking, and consider purchasing travel insurance for added peace of mind.
A custom-made piece of jewelry.
A custom-made piece of jewelry is a thoughtful and unique gift that will make your loved one feel special on their 40th birthday. Consider a personalized necklace, bracelet, or ring with their initials, birthstone, or a meaningful symbol. You can work with a local jeweler or online retailer to create a one-of-a-kind piece that fits their style and personality. This gift will not only be a beautiful addition to their jewelry collection, but also a cherished reminder of their milestone birthday.
A gourmet food or wine basket.
If your loved one enjoys good food and wine, consider putting together a gourmet food or wine basket for their 40th birthday. You can include a variety of high-quality cheeses, meats, chocolates, and other treats, along with a bottle of their favorite wine or a selection of wines from different regions. You can also add in some gourmet cooking ingredients or a cookbook for them to try out new recipes. This gift is not only delicious, but also a great way to encourage them to indulge and celebrate their special day.
]]>First and foremost, a watch can be the perfect gift for anyone. It's a classic accessory that can enhance any wardrobe and suit any style. Whether you're shopping for a family member, friend, or loved one, there's a watch out there that will suit their style and preferences. Woodwear.ca offers a range of wooden watches made from high-quality materials that suit different styles and occasions, making them an ideal gift option.
Another reason why a watch makes the perfect gift is that it is a practical accessory, a must-have on a daily basis. Watches have features such as date, timer, and stopwatch, making them functional for everyday use. A quality watch, such as those offered by woodwear.ca, is durable, reliable, and built to last. This means that your gift will be enjoyed and used for an extended period.
Watches also have symbolic significance, making them great gifts for special occasions. For example, a watch can be a perfect graduation, anniversary, or birthday gift, representing the passage of time and the milestones of life. With unique styles and an option that it can be customized with engravings, wooden watches are an excellent choice to commemorate these special moments.
Finally, watches can be a great way to show appreciation and gratitude towards someone. A watch is a timeless gift that signifies your thoughtfulness and cares toward the recipient. It's a personal and meaningful way to connect with someone and show them how much you value them. The wooden watches are the perfect way to add a personal touch to your gift, showcasing your attention to detail and care.
In conclusion, a watch is the perfect gift idea for anyone, for any occasion. They are practical, enduring, versatile, and symbolic, making them suitable for anyone and at any time. Woodwear.ca offers a range of wooden watches made from high-quality materials, each uniquely designed to match different styles, occasions, and preferences This makes an excellent choice to showcase your thoughtfulness and care towards someone special.]]>Consider the recipient's interests and hobbies.
When choosing groomsmen gifts, it's important to consider the individual interests and hobbies of each recipient. This will show that you put thought and effort into selecting a gift that is meaningful to them. For example, if one of your groomsmen is an avid golfer, consider gifting them a personalized golf ball set or a golf-themed gift basket. If another groomsman is a whiskey enthusiast, consider a personalized whiskey decanter or a set of whiskey glasses. By tailoring your gift to each individual, you'll show your appreciation in a more personal and meaningful way.
Personalize the gift with their name or initials.
Adding a personal touch to your groomsmen gifts can make them even more special. Consider adding their name or initials to the gift, whether it's a monogrammed leather wallet or a personalized beer mug. This not only adds a personal touch, but also makes the gift more memorable and unique. Plus, it shows that you took the time to think about each individual and their specific tastes and preferences. Personalization options are often available through online retailers or local engraving shops.
Choose a gift that is practical and can be used long-term.
When choosing a gift for your groomsmen, it's important to consider practicality and longevity. While a novelty item may seem fun in the moment, it may not have much use beyond the wedding day. Instead, opt for a gift that can be used long-term, such as a quality watch, a leather duffle bag, or a set of high-quality grilling tools. Not only will your groomsmen appreciate the thoughtfulness of a practical gift, but they will also be reminded of your special day every time they use it.
Don't forget about presentation - packaging and wrapping can make a big difference.
The way you present your groomsmen's gifts can make a big impact on how they are received. Consider adding a personal touch with custom packaging or wrapping. You can also include a handwritten note expressing your gratitude and appreciation for their support on your special day. This extra effort will show your groomsmen how much you value their friendship and the role they played in your wedding.
Set a budget and stick to it, but don't be afraid to splurge on something special.
When choosing groomsmen gifts, it’s important to set a budget and stick to it. However, if there is something that you know your groomsmen will love and appreciate, don’t be afraid to splurge a little. Consider getting each groomsman a personalized item, such as a monogrammed leather wallet or a custom engraved watch. These special touches will make the gift even more meaningful and memorable.
In conclusion, choosing the perfect groomsmen gifts requires some thought and effort. By considering each recipient's interests and hobbies, personalizing the gift with their name or initials, choosing a practical and long-lasting item, and presenting it in a thoughtful way, you can show your groomsmen how much you appreciate their support on your big day. Remember to set a budget, but don't be afraid to splurge on something special to make the gift even more meaningful. With these tips in mind, you're sure to find the perfect gift for each of your groomsmen.
]]>If you're in the market for a new watch and want to support local craftsmanship, consider Canada made watches. These timepieces are crafted with precision and care, using high-quality materials and techniques. Explore our collection and find the perfect watch for you.
The history of Canadian watchmaking.
Canadian watchmaking has a rich history dating back to the early 1900s. In the early days, watchmakers would import parts from Switzerland and assemble them in Canada. However, as the industry grew, Canadian watchmakers began to develop their own techniques and styles. Today, Canada made watches are known for their precision, durability, and unique designs. Many Canadian watchmakers continue to use traditional techniques, such as hand-winding and hand-finishing, to create timepieces that are truly one-of-a-kind.
The benefits of buying locally made watches.
When you buy a locally made watch, you are not only supporting the Canadian economy, but you are also investing in a high-quality, unique timepiece. Canadian watchmakers take pride in their craftsmanship and often use traditional techniques that have been passed down through generations. Additionally, buying locally made products reduces the carbon footprint associated with shipping and transportation. So, not only do you get a beautiful watch, but you also contribute to a more sustainable future.
The craftsmanship behind Canada made watches.
Canadian watchmakers are known for their attention to detail and commitment to quality. Many of them use traditional techniques such as hand-winding and hand-finishing to create unique and durable timepieces. They often source materials locally, such as Canadian leather for watch straps, and work closely with suppliers to ensure the highest quality. When you buy a Canada made watch, you can be sure that you are getting a product that is not only beautiful but also made with care and expertise.
Shop our collection of Canada made watches.
Discover the beauty and quality of Canadian craftsmanship with our locally made wooden watch. Crafted from Canadian maple wood and leather, this watch is a true reflection of the natural beauty of Canada. Our wooden watch is a testament to traditional techniques and expertise, offering a unique style that is both modern and classic. When you buy a wooden watch made in Canada, you're not only getting a high-quality timepiece, but you're also supporting local craftsmanship and contributing to the Canadian economy. Shop our collection of Canada made watches today and experience the true essence of Canadian watchmaking.
]]>One of the most compelling reasons to choose a wooden watch is its eco-friendliness. Unlike metal watches that require mining, refining, and processing, wooden watches are crafted from sustainable and renewable materials. The production of wooden watches has a lower carbon footprint compared to metal watches, making them a more eco-friendly option for environmentally conscious consumers. Wooden watches are also biodegradable, meaning that they will not add to the environmental waste if they ever reach the end of their life cycle.
Another benefit of wooden watches is their uniqueness. Each wooden watch is one-of-a-kind because of the natural variations in the wood's grain and color. Different types of wood, such as bamboo, ebony, or sandalwood, are used to create a variety of designs and styles that can match any personal taste. Some wooden watches even have intricate designs or engravings on the face and strap that can make them stand out as a statement piece.
In terms of comfort, wooden watches are a great option. They are lightweight and feel comfortable on the wrist, making them ideal for everyday wear. The wood material also absorbs sweat, reducing the risk of skin irritation that can be caused by synthetic materials. Additionally, some wooden watches feature adjustable wooden links or a soft leather strap that ensures a snug fit and extra comfort.
Contrary to what some may believe, wooden watches are also durable. While wood may seem fragile compared to metal or plastic, high-quality wooden watches are resistant to scratches and water damage. Many wooden watches are also treated with oils or coatings that protect them from water damage and help maintain their natural shine.
When it comes to maintenance, wooden watches are relatively easy to care for. Woodwearers can use natural oils to keep the wood moisturized and prevent it from cracking. If the watch gets dirty, a damp cloth can be used to wipe it clean. It is important to avoid exposing wooden watches to extreme temperatures or prolonged exposure to water, which can damage the wood or cause discoloration.
In conclusion, wooden watches offer a unique blend of style, comfort, and sustainability. They are a great alternative to traditional watches and offer a chance to stand out with a one-of-a-kind timepiece. Wooden watches from reputable brands like Woodwear.ca are durable, eco-friendly, and come in a variety of designs and styles to match any personal taste. Whether you are a watch enthusiast or looking for an eco-friendly accessory, a wooden watch is a great choice to consider.]]>
Tapping into your creative side and trying to see the beauty even in the most ragged piece of furniture might be challenging. But remember that there is a treasure hiding behind every scratched wooden surface or even threadbare sofas. Dig through your hardware cabinet for some leftover varnish or a small amount of paint that could turn any well-loved chair into looking elegant once again. Old patterned curtains could make for quirky upholstery for your favourite reading chair. Sometimes, you might surprise yourself where you find inspiration.
Upcycling your furniture is not just about being quirky or fashionable. Brand-new furniture could cost an arm and a leg sometimes. Aside from that, buying new things means someone has to keep on manufacturing new things. When furniture factories create new items, they consume primary resources - from the wood made into your furniture, fuel to transport materials to the factory to shop to your doorstep, and even plastic to keep your furniture safe as it is transported to your home.
Buying new things is not bad, per se. There’s nothing wrong with buying new items to display at home or use for comfort. But if you keep on buying and the world keeps on creating them for everyone’s consumption, there might come a time when our environment will not keep up with the demand and run out of finite resources.
Forests will be cut down to produce your elegant dining table set. Arctic caps will keep on thawing as fossil fuel heats the atmosphere. Buying new furniture every time you tire of your current ones or looking used could cost us our environment something irreplaceable.
One of the most precious renewable resources we have as humans is our creativity. Creativity is the master plan behind every sustainability plan. It is the powerful energy that transforms ideas into action. It is the wisdom that sparks innovative solutions to the world’s most trying challenges.
And being creative doesn’t happen in the world’s biggest platform, either. It could happen everywhere - even in the comfort of your home. When you cut down on meat and turn your local fresh produce into something delicious for everyday meals, that is a type of creativity. When you switch your gaudy watch into something new, chic and sustainable such as a wooden watch, you are fashionable and creative.
Upcycling your favourite well-loved furniture is also creative while being conscious of what you consume from the environment. Recycling is an exercise in sustainability and creativity. It’s finding new ways to use old products and creating beautiful but functional items that could last you longer.
So prepare your pens and papers. Bring out your scissors, paint, or even tape measure. We’ve gathered 7 of the countless upcycling ideas for the furniture that you could try that will surely take your interior design to the next level without harming the environment.
The star of any living room is your sofa. After years of receiving guests and witnessing your family’s most cherished moments, your sofa chair might look a little old and weary. This doesn’t mean you have to let it go and collect dust and garbage in the landfills.
A little splash of dark paint or varnish could make the stained and scratched frame look fresh and chic. Choose any printed curtains or brightly coloured sheets that could help take your busted sofa into a dazzling character in your living room.
Let’s face it: old window shutters could be making your house look a little dated and too vintage. Moving homes just because your window shutters look a little old doesn’t sound too sustainable, either. But you could replace these long-serving window shutters with glass windows, which are more durable and could bring light to your home.
Does that mean you throw away your old window shutters? Certainly not! A little minor carpentry, and you will get yourself a new and chic cabinet. Make sure to paint to match it with your interiors. Your new shutter cabinet will look absolutely amazing as a statement cabinet in your living room or a convenient bedside cabinet.
Throwing away a big and bulky thing as old desks might sound a little too wasteful. After all, if your desk is made from wood, it still could be repurposed into something useful. How about you take all those wood and fashion them into beautiful and functional side tables?
Minor carpentry work is also needed to make this upcycling idea happen, but the results are more than worth it. Take the drawers out and add some wooden legs to make them stand. A little coat of paint or even a fun wallpaper could make your newly minted side tables a lot more elegant.
If you have a dresser you’re looking forward to disposing of, maybe take a pause and take a good look into it. A really good look at your dresser might bring you to imagining your very own DIY wine rack that would look showstopping on your next wine night with your friends and family.
Breathe a new life to your dresser with some scrap wood, a few nails, and some minor carpentry work. You can also craft the top shelf as an upside-down glass holder. Your new and chic wine rack will fit perfectly on your kitchen bar or as a new addition to your living room.
French-style benches look sophisticated on your balcony. And would you believe that it doesn’t take much to create your French-style benches? You could turn any preloved chairs into a French-style bench!
This crafty project works wonders even if you have cheaply made chairs made of thin wood. Align two chairs facing each other and nail down a connecting scrap wood that would serve as the bench. If you have any old pillows or any soft materials that could be used as the bench’s upholstery, then that would be perfect. Don’t forget to paint the frame and voila! Tres chic French-style benches without paying a fortune!
Your old door does not need to head into the landfill after serving its purpose. If you are looking forward to disposing of your door for some reason, you can hold off any plans of throwing it away and upcycle it by turning it into your new headboard.
Remove the doorknob or any other accoutrements there are in your door. If you are ready for some challenge, you can choose to strip the door of its paint and sand it down. You could also paint it to match your bed frame for an easier time. One thing’s for sure, though, your old door frame would look sophisticated as a headboard.
Perhaps one of the loftiest ideas in this list, transforming an old drawer into a fancy-looking ottoman is easier than it sounds! Add a special touch of fancy to your home with this cute and innovative drawer-turned ottoman.
With a bit of creativity and carpentry, use scrap wood and use it as the ottoman’s cover. Attach some stuffing and cover it with a quirky fabric to finish. Don’t forget to attach some legs to your drawer to complete the transformation.
Being creative is one of the pillars of sustainable living. Creativity is a renewable source of inspiration and energy that spurs society and civilization as we know it. With a bit of creativity, upcycling ideas for furniture could immensely help save our environment. Paired with a trusty hammer, a small can of paint, and some well-loved fabric, you can turn a dresser, desk, or even a sofa into something elegant and sophisticated without hurting your budget or the environment.
Are you looking for some other fun ideas to incorporate into your sustainable lifestyle? Check out our article on sustainable ideas to live by this summer.
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Who says camping trips have to get cancelled? The pandemic might have put mobility on the back burner, but your next ultimate camping experience does not have to be.
Indoor camping can be introduced into every household. Setting up a tent or building your own fortress from scratch can be done in your balcony, backyard, or front yard. Alternatively, you could even try rolling out sleeping bags in your living room. There is no limit to the kind of creativity and resourcefulness you can apply. What matters most is the company you have and the activities you do that concocts that camping atmosphere.
Whether you have a campfire set up or a stove lit, toasting some white marshmallows until they reach soft yet crisp consistency is the best classic treat. Sandwiching the marshmallows with thick and creamy, almost melted chocolate and crunchy graham crackers. Having s’mores will definitely leave everyone saying, “Give me some more!”
You can also take it up a notch by using any excess marshmallows you have and turning it into a game. The Chubby Bunny challenge is a surefire way to get a few laughs in—and in reality, a little slobber out. The mechanics of the game is incredibly simple. The goal is to have each player audibly and clearly be able to say the words ‘Chubby Bunny’ after stuffing themselves with a bunch of marshmallows. No one is allowed to swallow or spit the marshmallows. Otherwise, they lose the game. It’s a light and fun challenge to do with everyone there.
There is always room for music. If you belong to a musically-inclined household, it might be time to get cosy and jam to a few of your family’s favorite songs. Typically, a guitar is used during camping trips. Although, staying within the vicinity of your home allows a bit more flexibility. You can certainly use whichever instrument anyone knows how to play: keyboards, drums, flutes - you name it.
An easier alternative to playing musical instruments is going on Youtube or Spotify and playing karaoke or acoustic tracks. You can even opt to sing alongside the vocals. The choice between going for original tracks or backing tracks is completely up to your preferences.
Of course, you can also bring in the competitive spirit when it comes to music. A game you could try playing is Song Charades. Depending on how many players there are, you will have to form pairs or teams. A song title will be assigned to each pair or team and a representative of their choosing will have to act. Without uttering a single word, the representative will give different clues that hints to the right song title.
If you guys don’t really want to have anyone keeping silent, this other game could be the best fit for you. The game, Sing Down, will really prompt everyone’s voices to be heard. One person will think of a word and show it to all the other players. The players, who are also divided in teams, will be given a few seconds or minutes to gather as many songs that have the set word as a lyric. Afterwards, the teams will take turns in singing the songs they thought of. The golden rule here is that no song shall be repeated.
Good storytelling is much like watching a movie, except you are probably very well-acquainted with the cast. That makes it so much more exciting. Listening to different stories over freshly popped popcorn brings a warm and cozy sensation. Not to mention that delectable scent that’s unique to popcorn. It is such a great feeling when you take a mouthful of popcorn topped with flavors of your own choosing: cheese, butter, barbeque, and sour cream. You can also opt for chocolate and caramel-flavored popcorn to satisfy your sweet tooth. If you can’t decide between sweet or savory, you can always have both the saltiness and sweetness of either flavors, and share it with the rest of your guests.
When it comes to sharing stories, oftentimes people struggle with thinking about which tale to bring up or where they should even begin with the narrative. One of the things you can do is transform storytelling time into more of a game that will have everyone engaged. Playing the ‘20 Questions’ game seems like a good way to kick off the conversations.
As the name implies, the game progresses by asking different questions. They could be deep, shallow, comedic, or dramatic - anything, really. The competitive spirit is toned down, if not extinguished, with this game because there are no correct answers. The questions will simply lead to unraveling memorable stories and getting to know each other better.
Some of the questions you can ask that can guide you to your conversations starters could be:
After a night of good food and fun games, it is also essential to be able to have proper rest. Being able to relieve each other’s stress and worries are some of the positive influences of indoor camping. Having a portable lounger that is easy to roll out can help ease you into a good slumber. Prepare to doze off into stillness as you gaze at the sky (or your ceiling) and find the calmness and sense of tranquility that nourishes your whole self.
What is great about getting a portable lounger is its flexibility. Tonight, you might be using it for indoor camping, but tomorrow, you also have the option to take it with you to the beach. Since the lounger is inflatable, it can easily fit in a small pouch which you can neatly tuck anywhere you like.
Indeed, there is nothing like a good camping trip. Life is all about appreciating and making the most out of even the most small, mundane things. So, eat delectable food, jam to your favorite tunes, play amusing games, and rest heartily.
Canada has committed to the United Nations' Sustainability Goals, which includes rolling out green plans for urban and rural areas and gender equality in the workplace. Sustainable development means living without compromising our natural and human resources, which touches upon equality. For local citizens, this initiative means an easier way to live sustainably.
As an individual living in Canada, you must be wondering what else you can do to live sustainably. After all, the UN's sustainability agenda is a collective effort from each and every one of us. What are the ways you could practice sustainable living? We've listed down five realistic and easy ways you could practice sustainable living in your day-to-day life painlessly and quickly.
Canada has been adapting a greener way to produce electricity. From a country who was once a major player in the oil industry, Canada has been exploring greener alternatives to producing electricity. In a study made in 2015, it was discovered that fuels used in producing electricity are the highest contributor to greenhouse emissions in Canada. If there is any sector where we could try to work together to minimize our carbon footprint and environmental impact, it would be the electricity sector.
However, there's less reason to worry as Canada begins the shift to cleaner and greener energy sources. There have been initiatives to support harvesting solar energy from British Columbia. Nova Scotia has turned towards wind energy to power electric cars and offset communities relying on fossil fuel. These initiatives towards a cleaner energy source have been sparking interest in more sustainable living. And while these initiatives mean good for the community, the efforts to live sustainably do not stop there.
One of the few ways we can start to live sustainably is to be mindful of how we consume electricity. The first step is to evaluate how to optimize our electric consumption. There are electrical products that could save energy and cost, like LED lights. An LED light bulb could use up to 75 percent less energy and last 25 percent longer than an ordinary incandescent bulb.
Turning off your appliances that are not in use is another simple yet effective way to save energy and electricity. Unplugging them when not in use is also highly recommended by experts. These electrical products still consume energy even though they are switched off, so it's best just to unplug them until you are ready to use them again.
It would also help to optimize your home for warm and cold seasons. During hotter temperatures, using curtains to block off sunlight and keep the room from heating up could help lessen dependence on cooling units. During winter, set the heat to 21 to 22 degrees Celsius as the recommended benchmark.
It would also help a lot to review the electric consumption of your appliances. Older appliances often use more electricity. You might save a lot more if you replace them with new ones with better electric consumption rather than skimping up by keeping on using them. An electricity usage monitor could also help you gauge which appliances are using way more electricity than most.
Using cars could be very convenient. It saves you the hassle of commutes to work or other places, and you could go by your timetable. However, using cars all the time contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and your carbon footprint.
Over 80 percent of Canadians live in urban spaces. This means, on an urban level, city planners and urban development specialists have the challenge to keep transportation infrastructures optimized for the needs of its residents as well as local weather. Densely populated areas like cities mean a warmer environment. While this might not be something concerning regular folks like us, the overall effect on everyone is something we should pay attention to.
The warming of our cities could affect the permafrost in the north. The rapid thawing of ice could mean life or death to communities situated there if infrastructures are not built fast enough to support new and emerging needs due to climate change.
The solution is for citizens and local governments to meet halfway. It is a challenge for urban planners to arrange critical points in the cities, like hospitals, supermarkets, and transportation hubs, in close distance to its citizens. Regular folks like us could opt to use greener alternatives to driving cars.
Walking short distances help cut down our carbon footprint and promote fitness. Taking advantage of public transportation might be a bit problematic to deal with, but it's one less item that reduces our environmental impact at the end of the day. If it cannot be helped to use cars, consider carpooling. Being smart with our transportation could have an immensely positive impact on our environment.
Another primary source of greenhouse emissions is the supply chain of major food and beverage companies. From groceries to fast food chains, the dependence on securing food from global parts of the world contributes to our carbon footprint.
Looking for local alternatives for food sources could drastically reduce our environmental impacts. First, your food will not travel hundreds of miles, thereby cutting down on fuel consumption for its logistics. Another benefit to eating locally available produce is helping your community farmers and producers, which helps in enriching economic sustainability.
Eating by the season is another way to live sustainably. You are helping both your local farmers and help cut down on your carbon footprint by keeping your environmental impacts on your area. By choosing local fruits and vegetables, you are also helping enrich your diet. It's a win for both you and the environment.
Despite living in a world that consists of 75 percent water, freshwater is incredibly scarce and finite. And while Canada is a major contributor of up to 20 percent of freshwater globally, only seven percent is considered renewable, and most of this water drains towards the Hudson Bay and the Arctic Ocean. Out of this percentage, common households used up to almost 330 litres of water each day until 2005.
With improvements in water efficiency, household water use has been cut down to 250 litres of water.
There are plenty of ways to even improve this figure. Turning off the tap when not in use is one of the easiest things we could do. Waiting to get a full load before running in your washing machines also helps reduce water consumption. Like any sustainability initiative, it's the small things that add up and significantly and positively affect a greener and cleaner future.
Sustainability is more than just opting for eco-friendly alternatives. Much of the UN's sustainability agenda touches upon socio-economic facets, including boosting local economies. Canada is prosperous with its wood and lumber products, so it's not a surprise to see wooden crafts sold in the market.
Not only do you help the local economy, but also switching to eco-friendly fashion items like watches and sunglasses helps cut down the adverse effects of fast fashion in the environment. Plenty of eco-friendly fashion accessories only show what we could do with fewer plastic products, whose negative environmental impacts outweigh their convenience and style.
Learning how to live sustainably in Canada can be inspiring, especially if you are new to the concept. If you're looking for reasons and motivations to pick up the practice, it helps to know that an entire country supports the sustainability agenda. It makes things easier for you to know that there is support available to provide you with more sustainable alternatives and helps with your decision-making.
Simple steps, like turning off water and electricity when not in use, all add to a significant positive impact on the environment. It would also help immensely to monitor your electricity and water usage. This would help you figure out where to cut down or improve to reduce your environmental impact. It's the little things that add up until slowly but surely, our individual and collective sustainability agenda are ticked off one by one.
If you want to read more about how to live sustainably, you can begin by reading this article on how to be fashionable while promoting sustainability.
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Does it sound like a pretty intense concept? It could be. But the most beautiful part about learning more about sustainable living is how it often involves small, almost minute, life choices that, once summed up, could create a positive and significant impact on the world.
Discover all you need to know about sustainable living and how you can apply it in your daily living by reading on.
The first recorded use of the term could be traced to the Brundtland Report in 1987, aiming to provide a development plan that addresses multi-disciplinary issues and challenges. The report opens the world’s eyes to interconnected environmental problems that, if left unattended, could compromise our collective future. From there, the report suggested a development plan to prevent these problems from growing.
The United Nations had used the tenets raised by the Brundtland Report to build what we know now as the 17 point sustainable development goals. These goals touch upon different aspects of living - from socio-economic to environmental aspects.
In a nutshell, sustainable living is a principle that guides individuals to live and consume within their means. Through our individual choices of keeping to ourselves, we help reduce environmental and societal wastes that could harm our communities and ecosystems.
This might sound like something bigger than ourselves — and it could be. But the core principle of sustainability is the interconnectedness of one element of the world to its sum. Meaning, your individual choices can affect how storms hit the coast of Brazil or thawing ice caps in the North pole. Our choices today could build up and affect the tomorrow of our friends from other parts of the world.
We have a finite amount of resources in this world. With the way humans are spending and consuming, there will be a point when our environment might not be able to keep up with our needs and wants. Sustainable living advocates for living within your means, not just financially, but in all aspects of your life. Do you need to upsize your cola? That cute sweater you saw last night — is that a need or a want?
Sustainable living could vary from person to person. Your definition might be different from another person who comes from another socio-economic class. But what grounds us all together is the collective effort to minimize the adverse effects of living excessively. What might be a small choice can be echoed and grow exponentially when done collectively.
The future might be daunting, but it is also full of hope and potential. Recognizing the challenges we are currently facing is just the first step of many. From the Brundtland Report, they even mention how sustainability is not a perfect state of harmony. Instead, it’s a continuous process of finding out how to grow with the world while achieving balance for everyone.
The World Wide Fund for Nature of WWF reports that the rate we consume resources is unsustainable. This uncontrollable consumption rate is the most significant source of environmental degradation.
What are the things we consume from the environment? It could be energy, water, food, or even clothing. Consumption spans a variety of things, and making an effort to consume less helps a lot.
Turning off the lights and other switches when they are not in use helps reduce our energy consumption. You could even try to check if there are any energy-saving alternatives available for your homes, like LED bulbs. These things could help you save not just money but also help cut back on energy consumption.
Part of the sustainability plan is to give back to communities in need. Your local stores probably carry better made and more affordable alternatives of fashion accessories or clothes that you could buy from the mall. On to the food front, your local farmers could be offering fresh produce that is organically grown for less than half the price of what you could buy from the supermarket.
Sustainable living inspires us to consider our choices very well. Instead of buying imported things sourced from elsewhere globally, meaning their carbon footprint is beyond imagination, why not check your local stores? Keep your environmental impact at a minimum.
Consuming organically is not limited to food. This concept applies to fashion as well. Fast fashion is one of the worst and most damaging things to happen to our environment. The fashion industry alone produces more than 10 percent of the greenhouse gases in the world.
So the next time you buy shirts, make sure you are buying from an organic brand. Ditch plastic accessories and try organic alternatives like wood wear. Not only do they look chic and fashionable, but they are also sustainable choices with less environmental impact.
Sustainable living works best when done with a community. There are so many people out there who have begun the lifestyle switch. Talking with them and keeping the conversation going is what helps and grows the movement. When we share what we know with other people, we invite more people to join our cause. The more people are mindful of their sustainable choices, the more significant the impact on our environment.
Creating a healthy community of people mindful of our sustainable choices echoes the interconnectedness of nature to each other. One small flap of a butterfly’s wings can bring about a gust of wind to another part of the world. One small talk with a friend can reach millions of people. Together, we can create a positive collective impact on our planet.
Sustainable living is a conscious and continuous process of being mindful of our choices and how they could affect our environment. From choosing to save energy to our fashion choices, sustainable living is a lifestyle that puts significance in living within our means. We might be a few individuals cutting down on what we are consuming from the environment, but our collective efforts make a difference.
Learn more about how you could adapt to sustainable living in your current lifestyle. Please read our article on the ten tips you need to know to achieve sustainable living.
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