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Author Archive for: jentwistle

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Daily Dose of Inspiration

Autistic Child Gets Garbage Truck Surprise
Every week on garbage day 5 year old Daniel waits outside for the trucks to arrive. Daniel has autism and loves the weekly ritual of watching the trucks and waving at the trash collectors who have become well known to him. This week, on garbage day, Daniel gets a very special surprise!

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The Off Road Wheelchair: “Coolness is not a temperature, it is a state of mind”

Wheelchair accessibility and ease of mobility in Canada is a priority and over time, urban buildings have become easier to access for people of all abilities.    Yet, how do wheelchair user who live in rural areas or developing  countries manage without this accessibility?  A newly developed product, “The Off Road Wheelchair” is hoping to help overcome these challenges, allowing wheelchair users to get around easily on any terrain.  This new technology may also become important in wheelchair sports and leisure in developed countries allowing more accessibility for those who need it.  Check out this fantastic newly designed off road wheelchair which, in one word, is described simply as “cool.”

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Food For Thought: Eat For The Earth

 

April is Earth Month and in yesterday’s Earth Day post we discussed how eating locally and in season can help reduce your carbon footprint.  But this can also be better for your health and your pocket book!  How do you know what is available and when?  Foodland Ontario has compiled a Fruits and Vegetables availability chart so you always know what’s in season.  Check it out here!

 FoodLand Ontario:  Availability Guide

 

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Celebrate Earth Day With These 10 Simple Ways To Go Green!

Today is Earth Day! A day to celebrate the planet that facilitates our survival. With continuing climate change, extreme weather events and heavy pollution, becoming environmentally conscientious has never been more important. Remember that even small changes to your lifestyle and habits can make a difference in protecting our precious planet.

1. Shop Smart:
· Buy only what you need
· Consume less
· Buy used and repurposed items when possible

· Always use reusable bags when you shop!

 

2. Save Energy At Home:
· Use LED or CFL light bulbs

· Weather strip windows and doors to reduce drafts

 

3. Getting Around:
· Take public transportation or carpool

· Walk or bike—you’ll reap the healthy benefits and the earth will thank you

 

4. Think About What you Eat:
· Try to eat foods that are in season
· Visit a local farm or farmer’s market to purchase foods

· Give “Meatless Monday’s” a try! Reducing meat consumption can be beneficial to the earth and to your health!

 

5. Wash Wisely:
· Make sure when you are doing your laundry you do a full load
· Wash in cold water

· Hang clothes to dry

 

6.

Put on a Sweater:

· Adjust your thermostat by 2 degrees (higher in the summer and lower in the winter) to save energy

 

7. Green Grooming:
· Always shut off the water while brushing your teeth
· Take a shower instead of a bath

· Put on a timer while in the shower to keep them quick

 

8. Don’t Just Toss It:
· When getting rid of household items look to charities that will pick up from your door or drop off at a local collection center

· Have a yard sale or list items on sites like Kijiji or Freecycle—there’s always someone who will want or need your unwanted items

 

9. Keeping it Clean:
· Try using natural cleaners around the house which are widely available for purchase at any grocery or department store

· If natural cleaning products don’t fit the budget a simple mixture of vinegar and water will clean almost anything!

 

10. Water Less:
· Hot, dry summers can take a toll on lawns and outdoor plants… but instead of turning on the sprinkler try using a rain barrel for watering
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Daily Dose of Inspiration

Austin Riley, like many normal 13 year old boys, has a love of cars and racing. At his young age, he is a competitive and accomplished go-kart racer who is highly decorated in his sport. The only difference between Austin and those he races against is he has autism, suffers from anxiety and has fine motor skill issues. Austin and his family started Racing With Autism as a way to financially support Austin’s racing, which is very therapeutic for him, and to raise funds for Autism Awareness. Watch this rising star’s inspiring story here.