“The Empathic Civilization is emerging. A younger generation is fast extending its empathic embrace beyond religious affiliations and national identification to include the whole of humanity and the vast project of life that envelops the Earth.”
Jeremy Rifkin
Repair Cafe
We all know how easy it is to throw things away when they break. But what if we could fix them instead? That's exactly what we're doing — empowering our community to repair and reuse, rather than discard. Bring your broken items — whether it’s an old blender, a torn shirt, or a bike that needs some TLC. Our skilled volunteers will be there to help you repair, learn, and save money while reducing waste! Why attend? Free entry! Learn valuable DIY skills. Help keep useful things out of landfills. Let’s fix it together! The Repair Café is about community, sustainability, and learning — come join us Jan. 10 2026 and make a difference. See you there!
The Critical Role of Pollinators in Food Security Leave a Comment / Community, Sustainable Living / Williams Why Pollinators Matter Recently, the Western Wheel reported that the MD of Foothills had passed a bylaw restricting beekeeping, leaving local beekeepers — in their words — “buzzing mad.” [^1] “Foothills County’s Land Use Bylaw 60/2014 (with amendments including Bylaw 19/2015) continues to include provisions requiring development permits for beehives in designated zones, particularly for […] The Critical Role of Pollinators in Food Security
Explore Renewables
Explore how solar, storage, EVs, and future grid technologies are evolving — and what they mean for small communities like Diamond Valley.
Featured report: Bifacial Panels & Perovskite Solar – The Next Big Leap in Solar Energy.
Up Next Monday:
We’re exploring the next evolution in home and community energy storage: Sodium-Ion vs. Lithium-Ion. A quick, clear look at what these emerging batteries mean for reliable winter power in Diamond Valley.
🌱 Beyond Green Lawns: Growing a Healthier, Resilient Future — Discover the benefits of xeriscaping for water conservation and community resilience. [Read More]
💧 Sheep River Water Report — Explore our research on water availability, rights, and climate impacts in Diamond Valley. [Read More]
🔧 Repair Café: Fixing for a Sustainable Future — How local repair events save money, reduce waste, and bring the community together. [Read More]
- Spread the Word: Share resources like Sustainable Life with your neighbours.
LEED Silver : the most Practical Choice for Communities
“Rethinking Our Lawns: How Xeriscaping Builds Resilience”
When people hear about LEED certification, the conversation often jumps to extremes — either “Why not Platinum?” or “Isn’t LEED too expensive?”
In reality, most communities, municipalities, and homeowners who use LEED land in a very practical place: LEED Silver.
Not because it’s trendy — but because it consistently delivers real-world value.
What LEED Silver Actually Represents
LEED Silver is not a compromise. It represents a building that:
- Performs meaningfully better than minimum code
- Is designed with long-term operating costs in mind
- Balances upfront investment with lifecycle savings
- Uses proven, readily available strategies