Sustainable Life – DECember Update: Preparing for Winter, Planning for Spring

Welcome to Sustainable Life Updates!

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You’re part of a growing community in Diamond Valley working toward a more sustainable future.
This month, we’re looking at what the changing season can teach us — how to wrap up projects, protect what we’ve built, and plan for the year ahead.

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🌿 Xeriscaping Momentum

Across town, more households have transformed their yards into low-water, wildlife-resistant landscapes.
These gardens are saving thousands of litres while attracting pollinators and adding beauty through every season.

👉 See xeriscaping highlights

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🌾 Looking Ahead

Winter is the planning season. In the coming months, we’ll share resources for rainwater system upgrades, native-plant seed saving, and circular-economy workshops.
If you’d like to contribute a story or photo, reply to this email — we’d love to feature community voices.

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Building Our Readiness: Turning Policy Shifts into Local Opportunity

Federal priorities are shifting toward major investments in housing, infrastructure, and innovation.
For small towns like ours, that means well-planned, sustainable projects will move to the front of the line when new funding rounds open.

By adopting LEED Silver standards for municipal facilities, keeping shovel-ready projects up to date, and engaging local builders in SR&ED-eligible partnerships, we strengthen our community’s position for funding and resilience.

It’s not about politics — it’s about preparation, collaboration, and continuity.
When we build with sustainability in mind, we protect our residents from uncertainty and create real opportunities for local businesses and families.

This Saturday: Repair Café + Trade Day
Our next event at the Griffith’s Centre combines two great ideas — repairing and re-using — into one hands-on morning.
Bring an item to fix, a tool or material to trade, or simply come learn from local volunteers and makers. It’s free, friendly, and open to all ages.
📍 Griffith’s Centre, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
Every Trade Day helps build our community’s circular economy — one repair, one connection, and one shared skill at a time. 🌱

👉 Read the full story here: Building Our Readiness: Turning Policy Shifts into Local Opportunity

Air Quality & Public Health – Quick Summary

Diamond Valley is taking action to protect community health by integrating air quality into the Sustainability Plan.

Key Points:

– Local air monitoring through CRAZ will provide real-time AQHI readings.

– New planning tools will reduce emissions and protect vulnerable residents.

– Municipal buildings will follow LEED and ASHRAE indoor air quality standards.

– Public dashboards, workshops, and smoke-preparedness materials will improve awareness.

Air quality now sits alongside water, energy, and resilience as a core sustainability focus.

This is part of our commitment to a resilient, healthy community.

Understanding Your Water Meter — and Easy Ways to Save Water at Home

Water questions come up often in Diamond Valley, and many residents wonder what causes changes in their monthly usage. Modern meters are accurate and long-lasting, but shifts in seasonal habits, silent leaks, or appliance issues can still lead to surprise readings.

Here are a few simple checks anyone can do:

• 5-Minute Leak Test: Turn everything off and check if the flow indicator is still moving.
• Toilet Dye Test: A leaking flapper can waste hundreds of litres per day.
• Softener & Humidifier Check: Ensure they aren’t running too often or continuously.
• Outdoor Lines: Irrigation, hoses, and exterior taps can leak without being noticed indoors.

Most homes use 6–12 m³ per month, depending on household size. Tracking your own range makes it easier to spot changes early.

Water conservation doesn’t have to be difficult. High-efficiency showerheads, fixed toilet leaks, morning/evening watering, xeriscaping, and rain totes all make a meaningful difference — and they reduce strain on our local watershed.

As we continue working toward long-term water security, sharing simple tools and knowledge helps each of us feel more confident and prepared.

🌱 Sustainability grows when we share it.

💌 Newsletter / Website Insert

Sustainability grows when we share it. 🌱
— The Sustainable Life Team
www.sustainablelife.biz