HOUSEPLANT CARE | Nurturing Lush Homes

Plants help our planet breathe. Every day, they are taking in what we expel, and turning it into new air, new life. They create nutrients that sustain us. They give our landscapes colour, and variety, and create homes for our fauna. And, they create beauty beyond anything we as humans could manufacture. They are food, art, home, life - along with our great oceans, they are what makes our planet special. Why wouldn't we do all we can to take care of them?

Spring is all about plants and greenery and new growth. Blossoms, buds, foliage, tiny little sprouts emerging from the soil - so much newness! Doing our part to create green spaces is not only good for the Earth, but for our own health. Both outdoor and indoor plant tending creates better spaces for us to live. Indoor plants can help filter our air, lower our stress levels, and increase our productivity. So why don't we all have oodles of plants in our houses? One of the reasons could be that we aren't all skilled at caring for lush, living home decor.

Every one of us can't be blessed with the greenest of thumbs, so we asked our partner-in-plants, Sarah from Botanic Creative, to put together some pointers on how to care for your Houseplants. She is a wealth of knowledge in the world of leafy (and spiky) greens! 

 

To get started, a few general tips on what you should be focusing on this time of year for your potted companions. Spring is time to:

• Repot your houseplants into larger containers (if needed)
• Divide larger houseplants into smaller ones (if needed)
• Top up the soil level on your houseplants. Fresh soil = happy plants
• Begin feeding your tropical house plants once every two weeks with a water soluble organic fertilizer (Sarah's favourite is Orgunique Houseplant Tropical 2-1-3)
• Prune off any dead or dying leaves and branches and prune to shape
• Give everyone a good dusting. Dust clogs the plant’s pores, making it difficult to respire.

All excellent tips and reminders to keep your natural air purifiers healthy. How about a few particulars though? Like humans, plants are not one-size-fits-all when it comes to care. They need the proper environment to thrive, which means you need to pay attention to the different requirements of each variety.

There are so many plants out there, we can't cover them all! We asked Sarah to break houseplant care down into some general categories with a focus on our top faves - Tropicals, Succulents & Cacti, and Air Plants. Below, you hear Sarah's top advice on how to care for these live decor options.

First thing is first: 

LOCATION

"The thing I stress most about plant care: Consider where your plant’s native habitat is. Unsure? Google it. This will give you insight into what conditions it thrives in and you can endeavour to simulate this environment as much as possible. The golden rule: right plant in the right place. When choosing a plant, knowing where it is going to live is most important. Each plant will have specific light, water, temperature, and humidity requirements. Knowing these requirements and the direction your windows face will make your (and your plant's) life easier.

 

 

TROPICALS

NATIVE ENVIRONMENT | Lower canopy of the jungle. The light is typically filtered, indirect, or dappled. There is heavy rainfall in the late afternoon, misty mornings. High temperatures mid day to dry upper levels of soil, and then low nighttime temperatures.

LIGHT | Most will enjoy bright indirect light in close proximity to a window. Some varieties can tolerate lower light levels such as a Northern window or farther away from a light source. Some may need higher levels, particularly larger tree specimens such as the Ficus & Palm. Rotate plants regularly to ensure even growth. A daytime temperature between 18° to 24°C with a 3° to 5°C drop at night is comfortable for most. Some enjoy a summer holiday outside such as Citrus & Hibiscus, but make sure they are not in full sun all day. When temperatures drop below 15°C it's time to bring them inside. TIP: treat plants for disease/pests before bringing inside!

WATER | Most will need a thorough soaking, then let the top 3" (1" if the pot is < 6") of the soil dry out between watering. Soil will dry out slower in cooler months so water less. Push your finger down far into the soil to check for dampness. Soil will appear loose, powdery, and light in colour when dry. If there is mold on top, remove and let the top 4-6" dry out well. Most will enjoy between 50-60% humidity. In the winter, tropicals suffer from our warm, dry homes. Ways to increase humidity include: misting daily, a pebble tray, running a humidifier, grouping plants, and showers.

TIP: Most tropical plants love a good shower! The water running through the soil removes any mineral build up and the leaves appreciate the soak. This can be done in your shower or with the hose. 

SUCCULENTS & CACTI

TIP: 'Succulent' is an umbrella term for any plant that collects and stores water. Cacti are in fact succulents, but are defined by the presence of 'areoles', the cushion-like mounds where spines come out.

NATIVE ENVIRONMENT | Sub-desert environments complete with shrubs and trees to provide protection from the intense afternoon sun. Hot dry summers with either intermittent rainy periods or a significant rainy season. Most cactus species will thrive in full sun. 

LIGHT | Most succulents will want as much bright light as possible, however some varieties will actually burn in direct sun such as Haworthia and Aloe. Cacti prefer full sun, but can tolerate lower levels, however growth will be stunted. Rotate plants regularly for even growth. Varieties such as Sempervivum and some Sedums are winter hardy on our West Coast, but most succulents cannot tolerate temperatures lower than 15°C. Some varieties, such as Kalanchoe and Aloe will go dormant in the intense heat of summer and others, such as Euphorbia and Agave go dormant in the cooler months.

TIP: If you like to put your succulents outside for the summer months, be sure to acclimatize them to full sun. Keep them out of the hot afternoon sun before slowly introducing them to more light. Treat for pests and disease before bringing back inside.

WATER | The golden rule: saturate soil evenly and thoroughly, drain out any excess water, and repeat as soon as the soil is completely dry. For cacti, same technique just let the soil stay dry for about 2-3 weeks. In the summer you may be watering up to once every 2 days depending on heat, pot size, soil quality and the plant! In the cooler months make sure the soil is absolutely dry before watering.

 

AIR PLANTS

NATIVE ENVIRONMENT | These guys are found in Central/South America and some parts of the Southern United States. They are epiphytic, meaning rather than growing in soil on the ground, they attach themselves (of a non-parasitic nature) to larger trees and structures where they absorb most of their nutrients and moisture via their external fronds. Sunlight is typically filtered through the canopy.

LIGHT | They prefer bright indirect light, keep out of direct afternoon sun. They do not survive in artificial light ie: your bathroom with no windows. 

WATER | Gather up all your Air Plants and soak them (pool party!) in your sink or a bowl of tepid water once/week for 20 minutes. Remove and rigorously shake out excess water and place upside down to dry for the day. Air Plants absorb moisture best in the morning, so I usually soak in the morning, place upside down for the day, come home from work and put them back in their homes. In addition to soaking, you can mist with water as often as you can remember!

TIP: These little guys grow in length and diameter as they age. Once they feel life has run its course, they will push out an exotic flower which will last for months. Once this flower fades the mother plant will begin to push out ‘pup’, or smaller versions of herself. Keep the pups attached to the mother plant until they are 1⁄4 of her size, then remove. The mother plant will continue dying. This whole process can take up to 1 year!"

That's the basics! For extra tips on drainage, fertilizer, propagation, and any other plant species you may be wondering about, Botanic Creative is a great resource. Check out Sarah's Workshop page to learn about the different topics she is available to teach you about. We have had her lead sessions in the store before and it is a blast! 

Find your next tropical, succulent, cacti, or air plant in both of SALT's locations, provided by Sarah, cared for by our (now) well-educated team! 

from SALT Shop - Journal https://saltshop.ca/blogs/news/houseplant-care

ARIELLE MOORE | The Artist, The Student, The Weaver

"What do you want to be when you grow up?" This question seems to be one of the most asked by adults to youth, even though, we remember that many of us didn't know the answer to that question until decades later! (Or still don't?) When you ask little people what they want to be these days, we are hoping that the answers are starting to get a lot more open ended, and free. Answers like "I want to be creative" or "I want to run my own business" sound like much more exciting answers than just picking one career you don't even understand yet, don't they?

Wether they are discovered in a classroom, or out in the world, the exploration of your passions will always be a moving target. The pursuit of learning should never end. Graphic Designer and Textile Artist Arielle Moore is in her third stint of post-secondary education, and experiencing for the first time feeling like she is really doing what is right for her.

Currently in her final year of her Graphic Media Design Diploma at Pacific Design Academy, she is enjoying being the only one relying on her skills right now. Most of her creative energy is going towards the program, although as a small business owner and artist of multiple mediums, she is never only doing one thing. 

"I am so grateful that I’m able to have diversity in my work! I think the part I find most enjoyable is that I’m always learning something new."

-Tarot Card Deck designed by Arielle

Arielle is a Victoria native and has found herself "...on all sides of the creative entrepreneur hustle..." at one time or another. She has worked in many positions, and still finds herself juggling multiple roles. She is a part of Picot Collective, a local company that distributes its own fragrance line (Honey Tobacco), and hosts Seasonal Artisan Markets, which Arielle assists in organizing. She works for her own design clients offering brand identities & marks, social media templates & content creation, packaging design, and product photography. If you are a prospective client, you will encounter the "We'd Work Well Together If" section of her website. Arielle really enjoys "getting to work with so many different kinds of business owners [and] always learning about niches [she] never even knew existed." However, it is important to her that she connects with her clients, and that they connect with her approach to design. 

"I think it’s important for every client to connect and align with who they choose to work with (and the same for contractors taking on clients). Trusting someone else with an aspect of your business is a big deal and can be quite stressful especially if it’s the first time you’ve done something like that. I think who you contract to do work for you should be chosen with the same care as hiring an employee. You want to be sure that your values align, and in something like graphic design, that your style and the designer’s style are well suited to each other. It helps make something that could be stressful into something that is exciting and a great benefit to your business for far longer than just one job." 

What drew SALT to Arielle were her creations as a weaver. Arielle has been working as a textile artist since 2014, and finds her inspiration in colour, texture, and the Saori Philosophy. That intrigued us, so we asked her a little more about it.

"Saori is a relatively modern method of weaving created in Japan. There are no rules, there are no mistakes, and you simply create intuitively, putting yourself into the work...There’s a rhythm, peace, and fluidity to it....One of the 4 principles of Saori is to ‘Consider the differences between machines and people’ I think that says so much! There’s charm in imperfections, and in handmade things. What’s the point of making something by hand if it looks like it was made in a factory? It seems so obvious but a lot of creators often forget that, myself included, and we work to “perfect” every bit of personality out of our work. Getting into that Saori mindset keeps your personality involved and reminds you there are no mistakes in being creative!"

What a beautiful approach to creativity.

Arielle works with natural fibres in her weaving, mostly cotton and wool, but also sometimes silk, linen, and jute. She looks for things that will create unique textures. And most of her materials are repurposed or thrifted, an aspect of her art that is important to her on multiple levels: it's cost effective; it is environmentally friendly; and it keeps her materials unique and out of the spectrum of trendy, so that her art always stands out.

As her program comes in a close in June, Arielle will be looking forward to settling  her "...business and life into a space where between weaving and graphic design [she's] supporting [herself] 100% on [her] creative skills." Every creative's dream, is it not? 

We are happy to support her in that goal. We are lucky enough to have several of Arielle's pieces in our shop, with a particular ocean-ish theme, something we are obviously passionate about and as a West Coaster, something Arielle can't imagine living away from. She also created a beautiful, large woven piece that hung in our Victoria location's window and welcomed guests into the store.

We are always happy to see creative women pursuing their dreams and making their past selves proud. 

Shop Arielle Moore here and in-store.

from SALT Shop - Journal https://saltshop.ca/blogs/news/arielle-moore-the-artist-of-many-hats

Aug. 9 | SALT Victoria Opening Party

Our doors in Victoria are OPEN! And we need to celebrate!

Join us on August 9th as we take over the Fort Street Commons outdoor space behind our shop. It will be a fresh summer evening of:

Sustainable Shopping
Live Music - Vince Vaccaro
Local Beer - Salt Spring Island Ales
A few fun surprises...

First 50 people to spend $150 in-store receive a free SALT tank!
*While quantities last.

Proceeds from the evening go towards Sea Legacy, a Vancouver Island based collective of some of the most experienced and renowned photographers, filmmakers and storytellers working on behalf of our oceans.

https://www.sealegacy.org/

We are so proud of our new space and we can't wait for you to see it. Get the details of how it all came together up on our blog now!

https://saltshop.ca/blogs/news/victoria-opening

Didn't Make it to the event? Check out some highlights below

 

from SALT Shop - Journal https://saltshop.ca/blogs/news/aug-9-salt-victoria-opening-party

MATERIAL WORLD | Plastic vs. Glass. vs. Aluminum

 

Always having a reuseable option on hand. Saying no to extra packaging. Shopping in bulk. There are many small ways we can reduce the number of containers we purchase, an important step in reducing the demand our society has developed for single-use items. However, sometimes we do need an item or two that requires bringing home a container that we won't re-use in our home forever.

What we have been wondering, is when presented with the option to choose between plastic, aluminum, and glass, what is the best choice? (This comes up most often with food storage) Turns out "best" is a relative term when it comes to answering this query. It sort of depends on what you are most concerned about: Emissions? Reusability? Climate Change? We really would like to have an answer that tells us what is the best option from an overall perspective. Basically, what makes the least impact?

We aren't the only ones who are curious about this quandary. We reviewed several articles from different organizations, and considered these 3 materials from a production, transportation, and life-cycle perspective. It was hard to decipher the biased information from the facts, but we think we have assembled a decent guide to help make this decision. 

It seems to be fairly universal that the single-use plastic is always the worst option, but for argument's sake, let's compare.  

Plastic

• Most raw materials that go into plastic production come from crude oil. Which means, to get plastic, we need the process that mines fossil fuels out of the ground. We know this is wrought with environmental issues. It takes a lot of energy, it produces air pollution, water pollution, and has the potential to cause serious damage to natural ecosystems. From the crude oil stage, there are several steps to process the raw materials into useable polymers, again using more energy and resources.

"In 2007, researchers Peter Gleick and Heather Cooley estimated that satisfying the existing bottled water demand required the energy equivalent of between 32 and 54 million barrels of oil — that means producing plastic bottles each year releases more greenhouse gas emissions than over a million cars on the road. In 2013, the International Bottled Water Association released a study that estimated it took 1.39 liters of water to produce 1 liter of packaged water." - Recyclebank

• Transporting plastic is easier and cheaper than other materials because it is so light and there is less risk of breaking it or denting it, so it can be packed in together tightly. It therefore uses less energy to get it between points.
• Although recyclable to a certain point, if plastics end up in landfills, they will take at least 450 years, if not 1000 to break down. And as they do, they will leach contaminants into the ground as they decompose.
• Another thing to consider is the impact on yourself. Do you really want to consume food or drink that has been stored for long periods of time in a material that comes from fossil fuels? Who knows what is leaching out of those containers. Yes, many plastics are approved and deemed safe, but we can't help but still wonder...
• Note: These facts refer to the more traditional plastics made from fossil fuels, and do not account for the tech that is coming up these days like bioplastics, avocado plastics, mushroom plastics, etc. We will explore that soon!

Aluminum

• Aluminum starts out as bauxite ore (which polished up in its natural form is actually quite pretty). Extracting the mineral from the ground is not a great process. When done especially irresponsibly, it can contaminate water sources and leave the landscape scarred and basically unuseable, especially to any wildlife that once made a home there. From the mine, the raw materials need to be refined, smelted, and made into cans. Even without any details, that all sounds like it is likely to take up a lot of energy (it does). Plus, most of the mines exist in countries like Australia, China, Brazil, India and Guinea, with nearly none existing in North America. So either the finished product or raw materials must be shipped to all other countries.
• The benefit of aluminum cans is that they are lightweight and not as easily damaged as glass, so transporting them is easier, or at least uses less fuel. More can be moved at once, and with less protective packaging.
• There are positive reports on the recycling of aluminum (although the stats we found were from the USA). They are completely recyclable, which is great, and seem to be the most commonly recaptured material from the recycling process. And it takes a fraction of the energy to create a new can from recycled materials, then from raw materials. So a recycled aluminum can is a decent option, and could even end up back in your home in less than 90 days. Those that do end up in landfills however, take over 500 years to break down and leach chemicals into the ground, much the same as plastic. 

Glass

• "Glass is made from readily-available domestic materials, such as sand, soda ash, limestone and “cullet,” the industry term for furnace-ready recycled glass." - Glass Packaging Institute That won't always be entirely true, as those raw materials don't exist just anywhere, but they are more common than say bauxite. It also depends on what the glass is being produced for, and if it needs additional components. "Glass makers use a slightly different process depending on the type of glass they want to make. Usually, other chemicals are added to change the appearance or properties of the finished glass." - explainthatstuff.com
• All the raw materials have to be heated in a furnace to melt together, and then poured into molds to make bottles and containers, or into forms to make window panes. This takes energy to heat the ingredients and run the machinery needed to form the final products. 
• Transportation is where glass loses points. It is heavy, so it takes more fuel, And it is fragile, so not as much of it can be packed together tightly, and it requires more protective wrapping. 
• Recycling glass can be expensive and complicated as well. Glass needs to be sorted and decontaminated, crushed, transported to another facility, and then combined with raw materials and melted in a very hot furnace. That's quite a bit of energy expenditure. It would seem that not as much glass makes it into the recycling process as even aluminum, which is really too bad since "...glass is 100% recyclable and can be recycled endlessly without loss in quality or purity." - Glass Packaging Institute Glass that does make it into landfills will stick around for a million years, but at least they are inert, and will not leach anything harmful into the surroundings.
• Even with it's difficulties in recycling, it has been estimated that glass has the lowest carbon footprint, which at the end of the day, might be the most important measure.
• One thing we did not see mentioned is that glass containers generally have metal lids to seal them, or even plastic, so even when you are choosing glass, you are usually choosing a small amount of another material. Something to keep in mind.

Much like these other articles have concluded, petroleum based plastics are out of the running and it would seem there are positives and negatives to both glass and aluminum. If you are someone who likes to re-purpose items, glass is probably your best bet. With the lowest carbon footprint overall, and no danger of chemical leaching, it has lots of positives stacked in its favour. However, aluminum products tend to have a higher percentage of post-consumer content, and are easier to transport.

You may be presented with this dilemma when purchasing things like sauces and beverages, things you can't make at home; we hope this information helps. When it comes to food, as much as you can, opt for whole foods that you can buy using reusable containers and cloth bulk bags. Cooking at home more also decreases the amount of single-use containers you use.

One more note on recycling. The sad thing we have to think about, is no matter how good we are at home, many items that we meticulously sort out into bins don't get recycled. That doesn't mean we shouldn't still do it though! Taking your items to the recycling depot or putting them in a blue bin for pick up is still good. We need to show policy makers who have the power to fund programs that we care! So stay on top of those initiatives and always do your best to responsibly re-use or recycle your containers. 

Now, we haven't visited landfills, we haven't been to bauxite mines, or oil fields. We are basing our opinions in what we are trusting are the facts. Pulling raw materials out of the Earth never really seems like it ends well; these resources are not infinite. Every generation is on borrowed time, borrowed from future generations. What we are hoping, is that we will see a globally recognized need to slow down the pillaging of our Earth. It just can't take it. Remember your 4 Rs: reduce, reuse, recycle, and refuse. And make the best choices you can.

from SALT Shop - Journal https://saltshop.ca/blogs/news/material-world-how-much-does-it-cost

CONFIDENCE | The Clothing Connection

Our Founder and Designer Jessica has had fourteen years of highs and lows, of pushing, grinding, and learning what it means to balance one’s life around a goal and a passion. In that time, she has pursued creating several different brands, and watched the fashion industry shift and change. She has found it an empowering industry to be a part of, especially since she has landed with SALT, a company she pours her most personal values into, from the product she creates to the way she manages her staff. She has found, that the shifts she has experienced in her businesses have often mirrored those in her personal life.

A big part of why Jessica does what she does is because she loves watching people lead lives that excite them, and if what she is doing in the world can be helpful to that, she finds that very fulfilling. How does this relate to fashion? She knows just how.

"When we feel good in our bodies, which is tied to how we present ourselves, we have the mental space to focus on the important things at hand. Feeling comfortable in our clothing is part of that. It expends energy to be uncomfortable. If we are spending our day tugging at our outfit, or worrying about how something looks on us, we are going to be distracted. I know that I have identified this feeling within myself, so when I can offer a clothing option that people feel good in, and I can see them light up with confidence, that moment right there is why I do what I do."

You can probably think of a time you showed up for work or to an event and spent the whole time thinking things like "I knew I shouldn't have worn this, it's too tight/baggy/bulky." Or maybe it's pinching you or the strap keeps slipping - something that is pulling your focus. These small thoughts can fan the fires of self-doubt, and before long you are resenting parts of your body, wishing you had smaller hips, or bigger shoulders, or hoping you will miraculously grow 4 inches so the hem of the cardigan you have been fussing with all day would hit you at the right spot. Whatever it is that your mind wanders to, it has shaken your confidence and wasted energy on something that could have been more productive, and now you're not in a good place with yourself.

Going into our day feeling good, feeling confident, makes a big difference. One of the first things you do in the morning is get dressed. Starting off your day in an outfit that boosts your mood is a win right off the bat. Whether that's because you feel stunning in it, or you are just so comfortable you feel grateful you get to wear those super soft, properly fitting clothes all day (or both!), it is a simple way to put yourself in the best mindset possible to take on your day. Why not set yourself up for the best day you can have, every day? Jessica + SALT are here for you!

"When we can free up extra mental space and energy, it gives us more time to think about the things we want to achieve. It gives us a larger opportunity to reach for those goals and believe that we can make them a reality. We are no longer bogged down by a negative reflection of ourselves, instead we have some space to dream!"

Jessica truly loves being in her store, watching people connect with her clothing, and using SALT to create conversation and community. She wants everyone to leave SALT having had an experience that brightens their day. 

"Just being present for what people need when they come in the door I find creates a ton of opportunity. My motto has always been if you show up whole heartedly for the conversation, chance is others will too!"

Self-love, how you feel about yourself, can be at the root of so many blocks to getting to where we really want to be in life. When you feel good, it is easier to do good, by yourself and others. And really, if we're not putting our energy towards positive things, we could probably benefit from a boost in self-reflection that will help us find those parts of ourselves that we love, and the dreams we want to pursue. Having confidence in our abilities and our outwardly presenting selves can really make a difference in those areas. Walking out your front door without a worry for what you're wearing because you already feel great, is a small way we can help ourselves get there.

"People are diverse, and we are all beautiful just as we are. If we all had a little more self love + care, we could all go further in life. And that gets me excited!"

Now you know a little bit more about why Jessica is excited to take on each day. What about you? We always love to hear from you!

from SALT Shop - Journal https://saltshop.ca/blogs/news/confidence-the-clothing-connection

FREE DIVING | Connecting Below The Surface

When you want to connect with the forest, you walk in it. When you want to connect with the dirt, you dig in it. When you want to connect with the water, you swim in it. 

These are the basic options, but what about going deeper? Experiencing the ocean can be done in many ways, above and below the surface. Free Divers may have connecting below figured out better than anyone. The quiet, the calm, the marine life - they get to have it all.

The ocean is still relatively unknown to us. Where else do you get the privilege of exploring an underwater world? It's nearly like being on another planet. When you're immersed in the sea, with nothing between you and the marine life but a mask, you can better appreciate the stunning complexities of the ocean; how it is both fragile, and strong, and what it is that we wish to preserve and protect.

We talked with Eric Keating, an avid Free Diver and store manager at Frank Whites Dive Store in Victoria. He gave us an intro into the wide world of holding your breath and diving below the thin blue line. Here is some insight into what it means to get into the breath holding sport of Free Diving.

The Technical

You may be asking - What is Free Driving or Apnea Diving? In short, it is the sport of holding your breath to explore the underwater world. To gear up, you will need exposure wear, mask, snorkel, fins, and weights. However, the art of holding your breath you will have to master on your own with proper training.

The gear you wear varies depending on you and the environment.

Wetsuit: Also known as your exposure wear (although that term is not specific to wet suits). The purpose of a wet suit is to insulate you in the water. The factors you need to consider when choosing a wetsuit are flexibility, durability, comfort, and thermal application. You also need to consider the environment where you will be diving. Wetsuits are comprised of neoprene, which is buoyant, so a thicker suit for colder environments means you will need to wear more weight to descend below the surface. Although you may lose some flexibility, a thicker suit will keep you warmer. In the Pacific Northwest, staying warm is critical. No matter what time of year it is, the ocean is cold. You don’t want your body wasting energy trying to keep you warm while it needs to be focusing on holding your breath.

Weights: Humans wearing neoprene float. At the surface, you are still positively buoyant. Once you get about 10-15 feet down, you experience what is called the "sink phase" where atmospheric pressure increases and you begin to sink. To get to the "sink phase" you require the use of a weight belt. A weight belt is comprised of lead bars that attach to a rubber quick release belt that is worn around your waist. The amount of weight you need to wear depends on your body composition, the salinity of water, and your wetsuit. The higher your body mass index, the more weight you need to become negatively buoyant. Eric, who weighs in at an athletic 155lbs dives with about 10-15lbs when in the local waters of the Pacific Northwest as he prefers a 7mm suit. A good guide line is 10 percent of your body weight, plus or minus.

Fins: Donning fins is about as close as we get to living out our fantasy of being merpeople (it’s a real job!). Back in reality, they are one of the most useful tools in a free diver’s arsenal. To give divers the most power and efficiency in their kicks, free diving fins are full-foot (as opposed to open heel) and twice the length of a traditional scuba diving fin. The fins drive your movements underwater, and being that you are limited by your own breath hold, you want them to be as efficient as possible. You don’t want to be wasting energy that should be going towards oxygen preservation by working harder to kick than you have to. You can choose to go with a separate fin on each foot, or opt for a Monofin, a single, wide fin that fits over both your feet. A Monofin requires you to lock your legs together and kick like a dolphin, which can prove to be very powerful, and efficient. They each have their place, and it mostly comes down to personal preference.

Other gear you need would be a mask for visibility and a snorkel to breath at the surface. Not all that much to get you started, which makes the sport extremely accessible. However, you do want to ensure that your gear is functioning properly and well suited to you, as it is a part of keeping you safe while you are diving.

A lot of these choices will come down to preference and practicality. When it is time to choose your gear, the best thing to do is to visit your local dive shop, (like Frank Whites) and talk to the people there. They will know the product best and will be able to help you find what is right for you.

The Breath + The Buddy

Holding your breath underwater for extensive periods may not be the most natural seeming thing to most people. One of the most fascinating things we learned was that in just two pool training sessions (where the magic starts), most people are able to hold their breath in the water for upwards of 3 minutes. For the average person who could hold their breath out of water for maybe 60 seconds, that sounds like a long time! We thought that was pretty cool.

Eric points out that the most important part of free diving is safety. He cannot stress this enough. When you are venturing into territory that humans do not naturally live, preparation is life saving (especially when that place is void of oxygen).

Before even the breathing techniques begin, you need to start by learning to calm your body down. Every system running simultaneously in your body is using up energy. When you are underwater, you want your energy to be focused on holding your breath and propelling you where you want to go. Eric compares it to the mindset you strive for in yoga and meditation. Start by taking very deep, calming breathes. You want a slow heart rate, a clear mind, and a stress-free approach to keep you relaxed and maximize your use of oxygen when you’re underwater. As for the breath holding techniques, we’ll let experts like Eric speak more to that in a training session!

Your body does have some built in systems that will help you out. Our Mammalian Dive Reflex (or Diving Response) kicks in as soon as our face hits the water. This automatic reaction triggers a physiological response that encourages our body to distribute oxygen to our heart and brain, where we need it most. (Aren’t our bodies amazing!?) Some divers will splash their faces without their masks as soon as they get into the water to prompt this process, some let it happen naturally.

Like with any sport, being in relatively good physical shape is also helpful. The better cardiovascular strength you have, the more efficiently your body will manage your oxygen. Immersing yourself in a hostile environment that we are not built to exist in for long periods of time is physically challenging. You will be tapping into things we're not programmed to do regularly. With training and focus, we can unlock parts of ourselves that will allow us to spend more time in the underwater world.

Once you feel prepared enough to hit the ocean, you are going to need a buddy. Free diving must always be done with a buddy. Think you can handle it alone? Listen to this: free divers are at high risk of falling victim to Shallow Water Black Out. After you have been underwater a few minutes, your body starts to acclimatize to the pressure. As you rise back to the surface, the pressure will lessen once you pass that 10-15 feet to the surface mark. This change in pressure could cause you to lose consciousness. Bodily, you will be just fine, however, you are now unconscious underwater without assistive breathing gear and in danger of drowning, unless you have someone there to bring you to the surface and clear your breathing pathway. That doesn’t sound like a risk you’d want to take alone, does it?

Your buddy will wait at the surface for you, keeping their eye on you as much as they can. In some places, the water will be so clear you may have up to 75 feet of visibility. Here in the Pacific Ocean, it is more like 30 feet. So it is important to make a plan with your buddy before you dive. Decide on where you intend to go, and for how long. That way, your buddy can watch the time, and then prepare themselves to dive down and rise with you, to ensure you surface safely.

Once you and your buddy are in the water, you take a few minutes to do what is called a 'breathe up' to prepare yourself for a breath hold. How you do it is a personal approach, but the purpose is the same: to relax your mind and get in the best mental state to achieve peak inhalation (maximum breath). As we have been discussing, your state of mind matters as much as your state of body. If you are not relaxed, you will decrease your dive time significantly. Taking a shorter 2-5 minute breath up can be best for some divers, so they don’t have time to overthink things. 

Now you’ve calmed yourself, prepped your body, and you’re ready to dive. You take a deep breath, and submerge. Once you are under the surface, you are now challenged with a breath hold. You need to maintain that calmness, so that you aren’t wasting energy on clenching diaphragms. Focus on blocking your air at your neck, like a soft valve. Around minute three, your natural urge to take a breath will kick in and you may experience contractions in your abdomen. You have to push past it to stay under. Focus instead on your surroundings. Be conscious of where you are and connect yourself to the ocean. 

The Connection

We have talked a lot about the practical parts of free diving. While important, they don’t highlight why free diving is a growing industry. Why do people do it? Because, it is amazing. 

Eric describes the many reasons he personally finds it a worthwhile and fulfilling sport. Even though it might seem complicated at first, there is a simplicity to it. It is about exploring and enjoying the environment, on a very minimalist level. With a scuba diving background, Eric welcomes the complete and utter silence of free diving. Without any breathing apparatus, there are no bubbles making noise that scare away marine life. “You are totally integrating yourself into the marine environment. Fish will swim right up to you.” You find yourself engaging with aquatic life as if you were a part of it.

It is a personal challenge too. You get to tap into parts of yourself you may not have even known were there. Knowing you have worked hard to reach a physical and mental capacity to hold your breath longer than you ever thought you could is a very cool achievement.

Once you are really comfortable, it is also a great way to sustainably harvest seafood, which is how it was done historically in many cultures. You can pick selectively, you can avoid endangered species, and you won’t have any collateral damage or pollution from fuel or fishing equipment. Harvesting can be done with your hands, sometimes with a spear gun. Eric notes that there are people who use the sport as an excuse to trophy hunt, but he doesn’t believe in it. It is about respecting the ocean, and not taking more than you need. By diving for your food, you connect with it, and are thankful for what it provides you.

“I get excited about sharing free diving with others. People don't realize what's possible for them.” 

There is also the convenience aspect of it. Unlike other water sports, you require very little gear, which makes it possible to do more easily all over the world when you travel. And if you are looking to engage in other water sports, the training you have from free diving will be complimentary. Being trained to keep your calm and hold your breath for a long time would certainly help you if you’re getting tossed by a wave while surfing. 

Eric is a true Thalassophile. Whether he is boating on the surface, or diving underneath, his favourite thing about the ocean is the calm that comes from totally immersing yourself in it. And it’s power. “It provides for you. It grounds you. It divides and connects the whole world. I can’t imagine living away from it.” We get that. 

If you have any interest in or questions about free diving or any other kind of diving, go find Eric and his knowledgeable colleagues at Frank Whites Dive Store on Blanshard st. in Victoria. The store was started in 1956 and was the first dive store in Canada. They offer a wide variety of scuba and free diving gear and instruction. They are happy to help you discover your inner diver!

from SALT Shop - Journal https://saltshop.ca/blogs/news/free-diving-connecting-below-the-surface

WORLD WATER DAY | Safe Water For All



Nothing can live without water. That is what makes our planet so special (and lush!). We have magnificent glaciers, quick running rivers, swimmable lakes, and an ocean, our beautiful, mysterious ocean, that brings so much joy to so many, and provides a home to thousands of species. 

The saddening thing, is that the distribution of clean drinking water is grossly out of proportion globally. Partly, that is due to a lack of sources in hotter places. Another big piece of the puzzle is that the infrastructure just isn't there. According to the United Nations, "3 in 10 people lack access to safely managed drinking water services and 6 in 10 people lack access to safely managed sanitation facilities." Some countries simply can't afford it. Some are in such dire turmoil over political, economic, or social issues, that resources are already spread too thinly, and it isn't made a priority, even though people are dying because of it. Unfortunately, it is people who are already marginalized or struggling in other ways who tend to be effected by the challenges of getting fresh water. 

Even in Canada, we have a shocking number of long-term drinking water advisories, a high proportion of which exist in First Nations communities. It would appear our current government has a plan to put an end to all of them, however, the timeline is still several years away. 

Although the water we usually concern ourselves with is too salty to be ingested, the health of all waters is important to our planet, and to our communities. Imagine living every day without clean water running out of your taps. Having to walk miles just to get enough water for your family to survive, and still not being confident that it is safe. Imagine not having a toilet! We bet that there are thousands of people who take their everyday access to clean water for granted.

The United Nations has made getting clean water accessible for all one of their 17 Sustainable Development Goals, set out in 2015, that they desire to accomplish by 2030. The intentions of these goals are lofty, and inspiring.

"The new Goals are unique in that they call for action by all countries, poor, rich and middle-income to promote prosperity while protecting the planet. They recognize that ending poverty must go hand-in-hand with strategies that build economic growth and addresses a range of social needs including education, health, social protection, and job opportunities, while tackling climate change and environmental protection." - United Nations

Goal Number 6 is to "Ensure access to water and sanitation for all." For those of us living in a developed country, with regular access to clean water and proper sanitation, living without those things may seem foreign. But it is the reality for billions of our global neighbours, and negatively affects so many parts of their lives.

"Water scarcity, poor water quality and inadequate sanitation negatively impact food security, livelihood choices and educational opportunities for poor families across the world." - United Nations

They have declared March 22nd World Water Day. Every day of the year really, needs to be world water day, but having a specific day set aside creates a conversation. They are asking everyone to Learn, Share, and Act to help spread the word.

The theme this year is "Leaving no one behind." Water is a human right. We need it, for so many things. We need to ingest about 2 litres a day to be ideally hydrated. We need it to keep ourselves and our homes clean and safe. It really is the elixir of life. 

When natural disasters hit, like hurricanes and earthquakes, even more people are left without water, and it can takes days, weeks, months even to ship it into those displaced. Technology like Michael Pritchard's LifeSaver products could make a big difference in these situations. His filtration systems go into water bottles and jerry cans that allows the user to source water from anywhere, even contaminated sources, and produce clean, drinkable water without electricity or batteries. He designed a simple hand pump system that anyone can use. The filters he designed have openings only 15 nanometers wide. That means that even microbiological contaminants, like E.coli and Polio, cannot get through. (Check him out presenting it to the world 10 years ago at TED.)

"LifeSaver filtration technology will purify unreliable municipal water supplies, rainwater, water taken directly from lakes, rivers, ponds, and even muddy puddles, allowing you to make thousands of litres / gallons of clean safe water." - Lifesaver

The jerry cans could be useful in everyday water collection as well, as they hold up to 18.5 litres of water, and come with filters that are good for 10,000 - 20,000 litres of filtration. "Women and girls are responsible for water collection in 8 out of 10 households with water off-premises." -United Nations The jerry cans would eliminate the need to find a clean water source, and these women and girls could find the closest source of water (if there is one), not the cleanest, without worrying about the contamination. This would save them time, effort, and would allow them to pursue work, and maybe even education with the extra hours they would gain back.

Starting with solutions like this, that are less expensive than widespread infrastructure, are at least a temporary option, but not a long term solution. Very cool to see this type of technology out there though!

Will we ever run out of clean water? This is a thought that must cross the minds of Climate Change experts. Temperatures and populations continue to rise, research is starting to show that aquifers are draining. These and others are troubling signs. So what are we to do?

• Be precious with your water. Don't waste or pollute it unnecessarily.
• Be creative. Make use of the newest ideas and tech available for keeping your lifestyle water-friendly. Simple changes, like saving rain water for your garden, or even to be used in your home, will help.
• Speak up. Governments in places like Australia and Israel have made smart decisions and invested in the right technology to recapture their water resources or decrease usage. We should be doing this world wide!

What about the ocean? It makes up about 97% of the water on the planet, and we cannot drink it. There is a process called Desalination that takes ocean water and turns it into fresh water. Is this the solution? In some areas, it has become relied upon, but it is not the best option.

"On average it's about five to seven times more expensive. The energy footprint is huge, and you've got to do something with the salt...[and it wrecks] havoc...on marine ecosystems.” - BBC, Is the world running out of fresh water?

There are different ways for it to be done, but they all seem to have the same challenges with cost and byproduct. They also tend to be large, noisy facilities, that need to be built on waterfront, which again poses risks to the marine environment. Fresh water treatment plants and rainwater catchment systems are much better, safer options.

What can you do for World Water Day? Learn about the biggest issues facing water scarcity and what is being done about them; lend your voice to the conversation, and engage others to spread awareness; and take action, by creating an event, donating to a verified organization, or attend an event being hosted in your area (find out here).

Today, we celebrate water. We give thanks to our planet, for providing us with such a gorgeous resource, and hope in the future, it can be enjoyed by all. #leavenoonebehind

from SALT Shop - Journal https://saltshop.ca/blogs/news/world-water-day-water-for-all