This regular column on tips to live more sustainably comes from the 52 Weeks Climate Action Challenge. The challenge was created by Laurel Hood and Sherri Jackson. Hood is a retired Collingwood Collegiate Institute teacher, and Jackson is a writer and speaker, and ran as the Green Party’s candidate for the area in the last federal election. Both are climate activists.
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With all the hustle and bustle of this season coming to a fevered peak, we thought you could use a little time off from all the noise, noise, noise, noise, and maybe even free yourself up for an evening away from the ads for the latest gadget bombarding your holiday movies.
So this week is short and sweet. It won’t cost you anything, and anybody can do it.
Challenge 36: Turn off electronics, and take a walk.
Turn off your TV, your computer, and your iPad. Grab the hand of someone you love (or the leash, if they’ve got four legs), and head out for a walk. A December evening can be magical. Stroll along the streets and take in the lights. Or walk the trails through a moonlit forest (even if it’s only 5 p.m.). It’s something easy to do while social distancing. You can even safely say hello to passersby, and if you want to go all-in, grab a mug of hot chocolate and make it an adventure.
The holiday rush to buy can make us forget the little things that matter. So, take the time to focus on those for just a while. Talk to the people you love. Laugh. Hug. Hold hands. Share moments. Make memories. Sing carols. Or just be together, in silence, and remember why you love each other.
It’s a season for miracles. So, above all else, make the time to believe that something wonderful is about to happen. From Laurel and I, may your hearts be Merry and Bright, and may you be blessed with all the good things life has to offer.
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