Sustainable Living
Rothesay, NB – When the first lockdown occurred a year ago, many people had a hard time adjusting to protocols requiring them to stay at home as much as possible. Some took up hobbies such as baking or knitting to help pass the time. My parents, Mary and Peter MacPhail, looked for ways in which they could be as eco-friendly as possible. They did this to keep busy and save money but also to help the other big danger in world, global warming.
“Working from home was really difficult at first because I’m so used to always being on the go with all the kids and their activities. So, when that stopped, I didn’t know what to do with myself! I found this article online about all the different ways you can live sustainably and I thought we can do that!”
First it started with making their own wine. Costing $120 for 40 bottles it is not the best tasting wine around, but MacPhail says it is a fun activity for them and they save a lot of money.
Next it was making their own jam. Buying fresh strawberries from the market, it is a full day activity that MacPhail says can be very tedious task to cut up all the strawberries to make enough jars to last the year. While also making extra to be able to give some away to friends and family. As tiring as it may be, it is definitely an appreciated gift to receive one of MacPhail’s famous jars of strawberry jam.
The decision to get chickens was the most radical project that the MacPhail’s decided to take on. Creating a place for the chickens to live comfortably was the most important thing they had to do before buying the chicks. They wanted to use as much lumber they already had as to not waste anything. The unused swing set that sat in the back of the property seemed to be the perfect place to convert into a home for the chickens. Taking off the swings, they covered the sides with chicken wire to keep them in from the rest of the backyard. Then built a small building on the side of it with a ramp going down to the grass under the old swing set. Inside the small home would be the food, water, heating lamps and plastic nests for the chickens to lay their eggs.
Having chickens was a big commitment for them says MacPhail. Taking care of them included making sure they had food and water every morning and collecting the eggs each evening. Not to mention, they had to clean out the chicken poop each day so it would not build up and could be a healthy environment for them to live in.
“It is quite the job tending to the chickens each day. But being home all the time now, it is really rewarding to see them grow. Having fresh eggs each day saves us money and we find they taste better!”, says MacPhail.
The MacPhail’s journey into sustainable living was one prompted by the pandemic but it is a journey they wish they had started earlier. Although others do not have to go as far as having chickens live in your backyard, MacPhail says living eco-friendlier is worthwhile. Eating the food right from your backyard while also doing your part to help the planet? There are worse ways to pass the time!