Go Outside and Play
“To appreciate the beauty of a snowflake, it is necessary to stand out in the cold.” – Aristotle The COVID lockdown may have you feeling cooped up, but a cure for cabin fever might be as simple as child’s play. We know fresh air and exercise is good for body and mind at any age, […]
Fred Larsen – Orillia’s 2020 Citizen of the Year
Since Fred Larsen’s arrival in Orillia in the early 1970’s, he has given back to his chosen community a hundred-fold. Earlier this month, City Council celebrated Fred’s long history of community service, when they voted to confirm him as Orillia’s 2020 Citizen of the Year. Here at Sustainable Orillia we are very proud and grateful […]
The Environment Wins at Apple Annie’s Cafe
It’s the everyday practical things that each of us do to protect and preserve our environment that truly make a difference. “Local Heroes” is a series of articles recognizing the efforts that individuals, businesses and organizations are doing, here in the Orillia area. Sustainable practices, that when carried out consistently, over time, make a positive […]
Parry Automotive: “Recycling? Hey, That’s Our Business”
This story started with a brief comment made by Steve Van Kessel, co-owner of Orillia’s Parry Automotive company, at a Kiwanis Club lunch meeting last spring. Following a short presentation to the Club about Sustainable Orillia’s beginnings, Van Kessel remarked that his company collected plastic containers that were contaminated by their contents and shipped them […]
Lockdown Time Equals Learning Time
There aren’t many positive things one can say about the ongoing pandemic which restricted many of our everyday activities for almost a year now. That being said, COVID-19 has triggered a significant behavior change around the world, demonstrating our ability to adapt rapidly when we are at risk. Despite this new-found awareness and ability to […]
It’s Freezing. Time to Get Outdoors.
February is Winter Active month here in Orillia. This presents a golden opportunity to improve our physical literacy, which means developing the motivation for, and understanding of, different types of beneficial movement. The shorter days and sub-zero temperatures might make some want to hibernate and avoid winter altogether, but there really are so many perks […]
About Electric Vehicles: Trends, Pros and Cons
by Stan Mathewson, EV owner Recent developments in battery technologies and manufacturing, along with state and federal incentives, are helping transform electric vehicles (EVs) —cars and trucks — from being a niche vehicle, used by relatively few people, to being the “rational, economic choice” for many. Most agree that the mass adoption of electric vehicles […]
2020 Anniversary Report
May 24-25, 2019 was the official launch of Sustainable Orillia—a great example of how people of a community can come together, in cooperation with City Council and staff, to plan a more sustainable community. A year later, it seems a good idea to remind our community of what we have accomplished together— and what we […]
How to Reduce Food Waste
There are many ways on how to lower the amount of food you waste in a day by simply acknowledging how much food you take, thinking you will eat it all. Here are some methods on how to lower the amount of food you waste: 1) Shop Smarter Purchasing more food than needed results in […]
Your Orillia – Tomorrow!
by Tony Telford and Stan Mathewson For most of us, two of our greatest concerns, after a full stomach, a bed, and a roof over our heads are energy (heat and light) and transportation! How do we keep the lights on? The house warm? How do we move from point A to point B? With […]