Composting -
Reducing Your Footprint

Canadians have one of the biggest ecological footprints per capita in the world. As a resource rich country, we have the opportunity to make a significant contribution to the future health of our country and our community. Composting is one way we can help.

Whether you own a condo, townhome or a house, recycling your organic waste is an excellent way to do your part. If you have the space to set up a compost bin, here is the basic formula for a healthy and productive composting program.

Organic Material: Add equal amounts of GREENS and BROWNS. Green organics are high in nitrogen, and brown organics are high in carbon. Add alternate layers of brown and green material to increase the efficiency of the composting. Bury food scraps in the center of the pile, under a layer of soil or finished compost.

Moisture: Keep the compost about as damp as well rung out rag. Be sure to check moisture and sprinkle with water when dry.

Air: Aerate or ‘turn’ the compost to help the material decompose more quickly. Turn the pile every 2 to 3 weeks. You may also use a broom handle to poke holes throughout the pile.

Ready to use
Follow the steps above and it will generally take 2 – 3 months to produce finished compost. You'll know your compost is ready when it no longer has traces of the green and brown material. The finished compost will be dark brown and have an earthy smell. In most cases the bottom of the compost is ready to use while the top is still decomposing.

Every contribution we make helps. Composting our organic waste is one of the best ways we can make a difference in reducing our eco-footprint.

The Basics of Being Prepared

Are you prepared to go without basic services like electricity, gas or water for 24 hours or longer? 72 hour preparedness is the recommended standard for Canadians. You and your family should be prepared for at least 72 hours with the essentials.

Water: keep 2 litres of water per person per day for 3 days.

Food: stock non-perishable food, like canned food, energy bars and dried food. With canned food you'll need to include a manual can opener.

First aid kit: a basic kit includes gauze, bandages, a bandana, antiseptics, antibiotic ointment and pain relievers, like Tylenol.

Clothing/Bedding: warm clothing and rain gear that is waterproof or water resistant. Sleeping bags are a convenient bedding solution.

Emergency supplies: matches, flashlight, portable radio and extra batteries. Special Items: family members' needs, like a spare inhaler. Also include some back-up cash, and copies of important documents, such as birth certificates.

Preparedness will give you peace of mind and confidence if you are faced with a situation where you have to take care of your family in an emergency.

Energy Booster

Here's a simple recipe for an energy boosting snack
that you can prepare in less than 5 minutes.

Ingredients:
2 pints cut up pineapple
2 pints cut up watermelon
2 quarts coconut water
1 bag baby spinach
1 bag frozen blueberries
2 green apples or 2 bananas

Directions
Blend all of the ingredients together in a juicer, pour into 16 oz. servings. You can store or freeze extra smoothies to drink later. Enjoy!

This is a great way to start your day or boost your
energy part way through.

Tell Us Your Story

Every month, Capital Direct helps Canadians just like you to realize their dreams. What about your story? Tell us how you've used your home equity, and if it gets published in an upcoming issue of Balance, you'll receive a
Keg Restaurant gift certificate worth $50.00.

Email your story to: [email protected].

You've worked hard to build equity in your home, so why not ‘let your house lend a hand‘ © when you need it most! Contact a Capital Direct mortgage specialist to discover your options.

Mother's Day Super Puzzle

This month, honour your mother and show her the appreciation for all she’s done and let her know how much you love her

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1. Rose bouquet 2. Chocolates 3. Cherish 4. Spa day 5. Celebrate 6. Devotion 7. Thoughtfulness 8. Breakfast in bed 9. Respect

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