Lilly’s entries:
Lily’s second post: The garden this year did amazing! Tomatoes, green beans, lettuce, carrots, bok choy, spaghetti squash, mama squash, eggplant, zucchini, peppers, Italian basil, Thai basil, parsley, chives, rosemary, oregano, cilantro, thyme, sage. Here’s what we cooked: tomato orzo, lasagna, ratatouille, caprese salad, parsley burgers, roasted spaghetti squash, herb roasted chicken…..it’s all been delicious! We are also trying hard to do one meatless dinner a week and homemade lasagna with garden vegetables has been a true winner! What else should we add to the garden next year? @cangeo #livenetzero2025
Lily’s third post: Sometimes it feels like no one is there for you, but you know who’s always there for you? Laundry. Laundry is always there for you. 😂 Our laundry is always hung to dry. When the weather is nice, it goes outside. When the snow arrives, it stays inside. From socks to bedsheets. I hope this helps to reduce my carbon footprint, preserve my clothes, save money and energy! #livenetzero2025 @cangeo @oneearthliving
Lily’s fourth post: Take a book, leave a book. Building this little library was a labour of love and a dream come true. We all love reading and being able to share this makes my heart so happy. Reading is an adventure, it takes you to new places, it shows you different perspectives and you discover new things. Books are meant to be shared and enjoyed over and over again. What’s your next read? A book is a gift you can open again and again – Garrison Keillor #livenetzero2025 @cangeo @oneearthliving
Reflections from Lily
Below, Lily shares why she entered, what motivated her decision and how sustainable living shows up in her daily life.
Why did you choose to enter the Live Net Zero Household Challenge?
I want to make a difference. It is genuinely a win-win situation: these actions help the environment, which is so important at this time, but they also help my family with major cost savings and staying healthy. This includes being active (walking and biking instead of driving), and hanging our laundry instead of using the dryer, which saves money. Buying or accepting second-hand items also saves money, and having a garden provides nutritious options.
What motivates your food and garden choices?
A big motivator for me is saving money, especially at this time when the cost of absolutely everything has exploded! I love accepting hand me downs – I love surprises and thrifting for treasures. Walking and riding our bikes provides both transportation and exercise. My animal-loving daughter has been on a quest to eat more plant-based meals, and that’s definitely more cost effective and healthier, so a win for us!
What other sustainable actions are part of your life?
I absolutely hate wasting food, like to save money, enjoy a cooking challenge and lack time most weeks – so meal planning is essential! I come up with meal plans for the week based on what is on sale that week, and I try to ensure that my ingredients get used up by making extras for leftovers for the following days, which saves time! There are several buy nothing Facebook groups for my local area, and I will go there first to see if anyone has items I’m looking for before buying them new at the store.
How has sharing your story made a difference?
My daughter has been very excited about this whole challenge, and I think it has shown her how all of the actions we take can count towards bigger goals. It only takes about 10 minutes to hang up all the laundry, and it’s beneficial for both cost savings and the environment.
