“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 July 11, 2026 and make a difference. See you there!
Rain Tote Project
The Rain Tote Project helps local households capture and reuse rainwater for gardens, trees, and landscaping. By keeping rainwater on site, the project reduces pressure on municipal water systems while building practical, long-term water resilience at the household level. The Rain Tote Project supports gradual, household-level water resilience throughout the community. Why This Project Matters Water resilience is built locally. Capturing rain where it falls: Reduces demand on treated municipal water Supports gardens, trees, and drought-resilient landscaping Helps households adapt to increasing variability in rainfall The Rain Tote Project focuses on practical action that residents can understand, participate in, and benefit from directly.
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.
👉 Download the Digital Energy Pack and start planning your system today.
Computer Cabin — Preparing for the Digital Shift
Exploring technology, learning, digital independence, mentorship, and practical tools for navigating a rapidly changing world.
🌱 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]
- Rainwater System Guide [Read More]
- Spread the Word: Share resources like Sustainable Life with your neighbours.
- Computer Cabin Series: This series explores how digital systems are changing our lives — and how we can adapt with practical, grounded skills. Read More
Lunch & Learn Summary: Air Quality & Community Health
This session will be presented by the Calgary Region Airshed Zone and hosted by Sustainable Life. https://www.sustainablelife.biz/air-quality-lunch-learn-april-30-2/
“You never change things by fighting the existing reality. To change something, build a new model that makes the existing model obsolete.”
Getting started with rainwater collection doesn’t require a complex setup. With a few key components and a clear understanding of how they work together, you can build a practical system that supports your garden, reduces water use, and increases resilience.
This guide walks through a simple, proven setup you can build and expand over time.
I’ve been installing and working with these systems locally, and one of the most common questions I hear is: “How does it all fit together?
Step 1: Start with a Collection Surface
Every system begins with a surface to collect rainwater — typically your roof.
Rain falls on the roof and is directed into your eaves-troughs and downspouts. Even a small roof area can collect a surprising amount of water over a season.
Tip:
Metal and asphalt roofs both work well for basic collection systems.
Read Morehttps://www.sustainablelife.biz/rainwater-collection-system-beginner-guide/