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No more lame excuses this time as to why I haven’t posted in a long while. Jersey Shore’s finale was some time ago, and my Christmas shopping is done [hee]. To put it simply: I’ve just been lazy, and loving every moment of it! I will do my best, however, to keep blogs a little more consistent.
BUT…I have to interrupt my 5-part series on beauty and body products to blog about a program that truly made a difference for me, and in turn my family.
Healthy Homes Calgary
Nearly 2 years ago, a friend suggested I contact Clean Calgary for a Healthy Homes visit. I was vaguely familiar with Healthy Homes due to radio commercials, but really didn’t know it’s full scope. I knew they came into your home and went over it with a fine tooth comb to see where you sat on their “green” scale, and that they came bearing gifts of information and product to help with your transition into healthier living. The thing that struck me most, was that this program was absolutely FREE. Needless to say, I emailed them immediately, and had an appointment booked for the following week.
Healthy Home Program Highlights [pulled directly from their website]
“Healthy Homes Calgary aims to improve personal health, build community resilience, and reduce pressure on the natural environment. These objectives are achieved by working with families directly in the home, providing accessible, easy-to-use information, as well as the resources and tools necessary to create positive and lasting change.
The holistic approach, which covers energy and water conservation, chemical use and indoor air quality, waste reduction, sustainable food choices and mindful purchasing, allows the Healthy Homes Calgary staff and volunteers to engage Calgarians in a deep and meaningful way.”
Jenna and a volunteer came to my home for the first of two home visits, which are spaced three months apart. They were here for over two hours and it was quite intense. We chatted about why I contacted them and what I was doing thus far to have a healthier home.
They went over my past utility bills to assess our energy and water consumption. We talked about whether we recycled [yes], and composted [no] and the benefits surrounding these topics. We talked at great length about household chemicals and dangers, and went through every room in our house searching them out. They brought water-efficient shower heads and tap aerators, and they tested our toilets for leaks. They read the labels on my hand soaps, shampoos, dish and laundry detergents and went over all findings with me. I was so surprised when I found out that the Method products I was currently using weren’t as friendly as I was led to believe. They looked on our counters, in our cupboards, in our fridge, at our appliances and rugs. They went through all our “stuff”… and we had A LOT of stuff.
It was somewhat overwhelming and hard to digest the plethora of information they were giving me; but at the same time, it was almost euphoric to hear it, and to know I could change things right then and there, quite easily.
Before they left, they gave me an information package on everything we had gone over that day with their recommendations and suggestions, which was nice, as my mind was in a whirlwind by the end. They then pulled out a tonne of goodies for us to begin using: dish soap, all purpose cleaner, laundry detergent, fabric softener, soaps, toilet bowl cleaner, disinfectant…you name it, they gave it to me. They also threw in a rain barrel and composter – ALL FREE! I couldn’t believe my eyes. They had made it so easy to get started.
The second visit came three months later with Jenna and another volunteer. This time we went over what I had done with the information from the previous visit and then moved on to food. There were two short videos that I watched that addressed over-consumption, and how our food choices impact the world. We covered the topic of organic eating and whether it’s always the best option, eating foods that are grown closer to home, and where to purchase these healthier foods.
We looked at the fact that I was driving to the grocery store three to four times per week for produce, milk and meat. They introduced me to spud.ca – an organic foods delivery service. They calculate how much you will require per week, you choose your items, and voila – you have at-your-door service three days later! When choosing to go organic, you must know you will need to increase your food budget. Our food budget went up by 20%, but our waste went down dramatically as well. If I am paying $6 for that 2L of milk, you are getting a straw with your bowl of cereal! Again, lots of great information with the visit. I loved the fact that not only were they “teaching” me, but giving me the tools to pursue this lifestyle shift smoothly.
I learned so much from Healthy Homes. I am now passing on some of what they have taught me along the way. I have learned that very little effort can make a huge difference – changing lightbulbs, closing curtains to reduce heat loss through windows, unplugging appliances used only occasionally. Really – so little effort!
I can go on, and on – which I will, in my upcoming blogs about the changes you can make. I think that contacting Healthy Home was THE best decision I have made for my family. With the information they have armed me with, I am able to make educated, and informed decisions to make my home a healthy environment for my family and feel confident doing so.
I would suggest that if you are in the Calgary area, you contact Green Calgary about their Healthy Homes Calgary program. If you are not in Calgary, I urge you to see whether there is a comparable program available to you in your area.
http://www.greencalgary.org/your-home-and-community/healthy-homes-calgary/
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