In this time of global pandemic, we are all being asked to respect social distancing, so it’s of the utmost importance to find some projects to keep our hands and mind busy at home. A decorating project is the perfect example to occupy all the free time that we have. However, it’s also important to think about buying locally, in order to encourage the local economy. Many shops and businesses in the Laurentians value old furniture and old objects. This is a great way to add an original touch to your decor! Buy local and pre-owned items in the Laurentians... why …

We are familiar with recycling, composting, zero-waste lifestyle as well as smart and minimalist consumption, but what about "upcycling"? Only recently popularized, this new trend is very much in line with a zero-waste lifestyle and a circular economy. Discover an emerging practice that will add something unique to your daily life. What is upcycling? Upcycling, contrary to recycling, is a principle of "upwards" recovery. Recycling uses a chemical process to recover materials from objects that we no longer use or that have reached the end of their useful life. Upcycling (also called " creative reuse"), is recovering materials or products that are …

Nowadays, the words "environment" and "waste reduction" are part of our daily vocabulary. This has given rise to new lifestyles and among these is the zero-waste lifestyle. Not sure what that means exactly? Find out the basics of this lifestyle as well as some tips on how you can gradually move towards this new philosophy. Where does the zero-waste lifestyle come from? Bea Johnson could be credited with the origin of the zero-waste lifestyle. It was following the economic crisis that this Frenchwoman, who lives in California, decided to reconsider her lifestyle and her way of consuming. First through her blog, then …

We often think that it takes big steps to be able to save the planet. However, on an everyday basis, it's possible to change your habits to include ones that reduce your ecological footprint. Entraide diabetique du Québec offers you 7 simple steps to take now… Change your transportation habits If you live in the city and public transit is accessible, leave your car at home and take the bus, train or metro. In addition to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, this will help you be more active when you travel. Weather permitting, opt for walking or cycling—another great opportunity to get …

Tired of the all-too-often excesses and overconsumption during the holiday season? If you want to reduce your ecological footprint during this festive period, Entraide diabétique du Québec has prepared a short list of tips to put into practice for a simple Christmas. Natural or artificial fir tree? In recent years, many people have been wondering which of the two options is the least damaging to the environment: a natural or an artificial fir tree. To get the answer to this question, we need to analyse the life cycle of the tree, starting with the extraction of resources, then the use of the …

Your cupboards are too full and everything is jumbled together in your drawers? That's a sign that the contents need to be sorted out and organized! However, it can sometimes be difficult to choose which room in the house to start with and, most importantly, how to do it! Discover the main principles of the KonMari method proposed by Japanese organizing consultant Marie Kondo, which will help you unclutter your home more easily. Set a date and a goal As it is easy to postpone such housework (we always have something more interesting to do!), decide on a few time slots that …

Who hasn’t previously tried (but failed) to remove a stubborn stain from a garment by rubbing it? Many of you will probably raise your hand! If you want to extend the life of your clothes or merely dispose of them and donate them to Entraide diabétique du Québec, here are 5 tips to help you deal with the stains: Salt Often found on light-coloured or white clothing, perspiration stains are very annoying and somewhat unsightly. So, to extend the life of your favourite sweater or shirt that was once immaculately white, rub the stain with a solution of hot water and salt …

Nowadays, minimalism is on everyone's lips. While this movement is often associated with the design of a person's home, minimalism is actually much more than that. A real way of living that involves all aspects of our lives, this philosophy is the art of streamlining—refining our space—as well as the art of consuming less in order to bring out what is really important. People who have adopted the minimalist lifestyle live only with the bare essentials and buy only what they really need. In addition to eliminating all superfluous objects from one's daily life, this movement helps to clear one's mind …

Full of good intentions, you are about to pare down your clothes drawers and closets! However, when you open them up, discouragement sets in and you don't know where to start. To help guide you, Entraide diabetique du Québec offers you 5 simple tips that will enable you to sort out your clothes efficiently and effectively. Make a list of what you really need Before you start, make a list of your actual needs: - Everyday clothing: for work and daily activities - Evening wear or outings: happy hours, outings to restaurants, museums, etc. - Sports clothes: depending on the sports you practise - Shoes and …

For the past quarter of a century, the employees of Entraide diabétique du Québec have been travelling the province's roads to collect second-hand clothing and other items in good condition. In addition to these collections, the organization retrieves—thanks to its approximately 250 donation bins—all pre-owned items dropped off there and that another person can use. The items collected are then sold to second-hand stores and thrift shops, in an effort to raise donations that are passed on to Diabetes Québec. These donations enable the organization to defend the rights of people with diabetes, promote research, train qualified personnel and provide …