Cassie Thornhill

Thank you for sharing this. I lost my grandma to suicide when I was 16, and it was such a confusing, heavy time. For years, I blamed myself for not noticing signs or being more attentive, and I didn’t know how to process grief at all. What you said about people not knowing how to support someone grieving really hit home. I’ve had people say things that, while well-meaning, made me feel even more alone. I’ve since learned how important it is just to be present and hold space for someone’s pain without trying to fix it.

Thank you for bringing this conversation here. It’s such an important topic, and your post is a reminder of how much community matters during tough times. <3

Hi folks! I’ve been focusing more on reducing waste in my household lately, and I wanted to share a few kid-friendly ways we’ve started making changes (and hopefully learn some new ideas).

1. Reusable snacks and lunch bags: My kids love packing their lunches with reusable bags, containers, and beeswax wraps instead of plastic wrap.
2. Composting scraps: Collecting food scraps for the compost bin has become a family activity. It’s also a great way to teach the kids about sustainability.
3. Upcycled crafts: We’ve started a “crafting with scraps” project, where we use leftover materials like cardboard, fabric, and glass jars for DIY projects. It’s been a fun way to make use of things that would otherwise be thrown out.

How do you all manage waste reduction with children? Would love to hear some creative ideas!

Thank you all for the warm welcome—it’s so encouraging to join such a knowledgeable and supportive group. I’m already feeling at home here!

Nancy, thanks for pointing me toward the education resources—I’ll definitely dig into those! Honestly, my biggest challenge right now is juggling teaching, keeping the kids alive (kidding… mostly), and making sure the garden doesn’t turn into a jungle. Some days it feels like the weeds are winning, but I’m not giving up without a fight!

Looking forward to learning from everyone here!

Hi everyone!

I’m Cassie, a teacher with a passion for gardening, permaculture, and finding creative ways to live more sustainably. My backyard is my happy place where I grow veggies, experiment with composting, and try out DIY eco-projects like rain barrels and herbal remedies.

I’ve been gardening for a while now, but I’m always looking to learn more—especially when it comes to improving soil health, preserving food, and reducing waste. I love connecting with others who are into permaculture and sustainable living, so I’m really excited to join this community and swap ideas.

If you’ve got tips, favorite projects, or just want to chat about gardening and eco-friendly living, I’d love to hear from you! 😊