EDITOR’S FIX

By Krista Turcasso, Editor

Raising kids during a climate crisis is an emotional roller coaster, especially when paired with a Global pandemic, the truth of Canada’s Residential School program, Russia’s war on Ukraine… it’s just not a situation any of us could have imagined. But here we are, answering difficult questions from our littles daily and trying not to let the reality of their precious lives slowly carve away at our stomach lining.

I have learned something from my two littles. (Okay, I have learned a ridiculous amount from them, but this is more specific to this situation.) They always ask, ‘what can we do?’ and it shocks me right out of my headspace and gets us all working together. When it comes to our climate, we chose a few attainable things to focus on and it really helps us to feel active and part of the solution.

1. Travel less. This is a hard one, I know. But we all just did it for two years! Be creative with every other trip by finding something closer to home or consider a staycation. We do live in Fernie, after all.

2. Buy less. This is actually one that isn’t that hard for us adults once we start, and guess what? While your kids will continue to ask for that new thing their besty just got at their birthday party, when they see their parents modeling the behaviour it’s an easier sell.

3. Reuse more. I have a super creative friend who gifted our daughter with a dress up outfit for her birthday, completely made up from things she had or found at the Salvation Army. It was her most favourite gift! Take a look at your closet and think about how you can repurpose items you haven’t worn for years. Organize a clothing swap with friends.

4. See ya, plastic. Okay, occasionally I’m super annoyed that I don’t have saran wrap for that quick fix. But really, if it’s not there you won’t use it and there are so many amazing ways to store food!

Hot tip: bento boxes for kids’ lunches are something worth investing in… I’ll be over here trying to use these lunch bags until my kids graduate from High

School. 5. Plant a garden. Nothing teaches you and your family about the value and benefits of fresh food than doing it yourself. It is a journey and we are continually learning but it has become a ritual and one we’re excited to expand upon.

While these times still feel heavy on the heart, working towards a solution does help to alleviate that weight. We would love to hear what you’re doing - send us an email at info@clarismedia.com, or tag us on social media @ferniefix. And remember to #InvestInOurPlanet this Earth Day.

FERNIE FIX | FERNIEFIX.COM

Published monthly by Claris Media. To advertise and for general inquiries: info@clarismedia.com Box 1124, 361A 1st Ave. Fernie, BC V0B 1M0 p: 250-423-4062 | clarismedia.com

Editor | Krista Turcasso Creative Director | Vanessa Croome

All content copyright Claris Media. The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily the views of the publisher.

Claris Media acknowledges that the land on which we work, gather and recreate is the traditional and unceded territory of the Ktunaxa people. We are very grateful for this place and the abundance it provides.

Contributors

ANDREW VALLANCE is a cinephile nerd who currently lives on the west coast. Girlfriendless, he spends his time going to movies, buying DVDs and flirting. ANGE QUALIZZA is a nutty economist who has a passion for policy, governance and everything to do with municipal government! Let’s lift up the carpet and take a closer look inside City Hall. ASHLEY KRISTINA has studied astrology for over twenty years and has been reading/teaching for five. For an in depth natal chart reading, email mountainashastrology@gmail.com. BRAD PARSELL is the manager of the Fernie Chamber and loves working with our local vibrant business community. He is also a music nerd with an evergrowing collection of records in his basement. CAROL ANDREWS is Registered Professional Forester, and instructor in the School of Environment and Geomatics, Selkirk College. She is a Director on the CBT Board, and Chairs the Climate Resiliency Committee. Carol is also a Certified Forest Therapy Guide. FRED GIETZ is a self-professed science nerd and lover of all things outside.

KEVIN MCISAAC haunts the coffee shops and streets of Fernie to find his column source material.

MICHAEL HEPHER is a painter, printmaker, sculptor and musician living and working in Fernie. His work is collected internationally and can be seen at Clawhammer Press and a variety of galleries in Western Canada. Every month SADIE ROSGEN teams up with some of Fernie’s brightest young writers collaborating on a given theme. If you are reading this and think that you are that person, drop her a line at sadiepumps@gmail.com. SYLVIA AYERS Sylvia is a tenacious naturalist and believes each one of us can have a big impact on making things better if we just know how. TAINA TURCASSO is a naturopathic physician, midwife, and new mama who is at long last practicing in Fernie. She is enjoying getting reacquainted with all of Fernie’s offerings with her family. TYLA CHARBONNEAU is a Registered Psychologist (CPBC2385), dog momma, and nature lover. She loves talking with others about mindfulness, self-compassion, and human nature.