In December 2007, at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Bali, the world’s leading climate change scientists presented a challenge to the Earth’s inhabitants: We have a 10 to 15 year window of time to cut greenhouse gas emissions or else our planet will suffer even more serious effects of global warming than we have experienced in recent years. While this is a pretty frightening prospect, it is not hopeless. There is something each one of us can do to help reach this goal. Ten simple changes in the way we live our lives can make a huge collective difference to our environment.
1. Reduce, recycle and reuse.
Set up four bins for your garbage – one for recyclables such as cardboard and plastic, one for compost (either in your yard or find out if there is a town compost pile for apartment dwellers), one for items that you could donate to charity, and one for actual garbage. You will find that once you separate all your garbage, you don’t have much that is actually going to local landfill. And of the garbage that you can’t recycle, think of ways you could reduce it. For example, buy bulk and limit foods that are over packaged. Stop buying coffee in disposable cups and use your own mug. Put leftovers and lunches in reusable containers to cut down on the amount of plastic wrap used.
2. Use environmentally friendly cleaning products.
The toxic chemicals we use to clean our homes have a huge impact on our environment so make the switch to environmentally friendly cleaners. You can either buy them or make your own using ordinary food products you have in your kitchen. For example, you can use vinegar as a general household cleaner by adding one part water to one part vinegar to a spray bottle. Or you can use baking soda as a non-abrasive cleanser and natural deodorizer.
3. Walk, ride your bike, ride the bus, or car pool to work.
1. Reduce, recycle and reuse.
Set up four bins for your garbage – one for recyclables such as cardboard and plastic, one for compost (either in your yard or find out if there is a town compost pile for apartment dwellers), one for items that you could donate to charity, and one for actual garbage. You will find that once you separate all your garbage, you don’t have much that is actually going to local landfill. And of the garbage that you can’t recycle, think of ways you could reduce it. For example, buy bulk and limit foods that are over packaged. Stop buying coffee in disposable cups and use your own mug. Put leftovers and lunches in reusable containers to cut down on the amount of plastic wrap used.
2. Use environmentally friendly cleaning products.
The toxic chemicals we use to clean our homes have a huge impact on our environment so make the switch to environmentally friendly cleaners. You can either buy them or make your own using ordinary food products you have in your kitchen. For example, you can use vinegar as a general household cleaner by adding one part water to one part vinegar to a spray bottle. Or you can use baking soda as a non-abrasive cleanser and natural deodorizer.
3. Walk, ride your bike, ride the bus, or car pool to work.
If you are close enough to walk or ride your bike to work or school, you not only help the environment but you will stay in shape. If you have travel greater distances, take a bus or share a ride with someone else. You will meet new people, save yourself money on gas and maintenance, and cut carbon emissions. A win-win situation!
4. Unplug computers, TVs and other electrical devices when not in use.
You may think your gadgets are using electricity when you are not using them, but they are! You can save energy by using a power bar and switching it off when your gadgets are not being used. Also, look at replacing old appliances that are not energy efficient. Get more appliance efficiency information at Natural Resources Canada.
5. Buy your food locally.
Buying local food supports local farmers and helps the environment by cutting down on the packaging as well as the fuel needed to transport it to you.
6. Use reusable cloth bags for shopping.
Plastic bags are taking up space in our landfills (500 billions end up in landfills every year!) and are responsible for killing marine life and birds. To cut down, or preferably cut out plastic shopping bags, take a reusable cloth bag to use when you go shopping. And remember to recycle any plastic bags you do happen to have in your house.
7. Plant a garden.
Plants are good for the environment and it is great feeling that you grew the food you are eating. If you don’t have a yard, you can still grow greens, herbs and tomatoes in planters on your balcony or in a window.
8. Take shorter showers.
Cut down on the time you spend in the shower by setting timer or putting a clock in the bathroom. Also, install a shower head that conserves water.
9. Turn down your thermostat.
Get in the habit of turning down your thermostat at night and when you are out during the day, or install a programmable thermostat. You can save up to $40 a year by just lowering your thermostat by one degree Celsius in the winter.
10. Switch to Compact Fluorescent Bulbs.
Compact Fluorescent Bulbs (CFLs) use 75% less electricity than incandescent bulbs and last 10 times longer. While you will pay more for them, they are worth it.
It doesn’t have to take a huge investment in time or money to make a difference for the environment. It just takes a little time to make a few changes in your life, and when everyone participates, the results are amazing. Let’s go green together!
Sources: en.chatelaine.com
4. Unplug computers, TVs and other electrical devices when not in use.
You may think your gadgets are using electricity when you are not using them, but they are! You can save energy by using a power bar and switching it off when your gadgets are not being used. Also, look at replacing old appliances that are not energy efficient. Get more appliance efficiency information at Natural Resources Canada.
5. Buy your food locally.
Buying local food supports local farmers and helps the environment by cutting down on the packaging as well as the fuel needed to transport it to you.
6. Use reusable cloth bags for shopping.
Plastic bags are taking up space in our landfills (500 billions end up in landfills every year!) and are responsible for killing marine life and birds. To cut down, or preferably cut out plastic shopping bags, take a reusable cloth bag to use when you go shopping. And remember to recycle any plastic bags you do happen to have in your house.
7. Plant a garden.
Plants are good for the environment and it is great feeling that you grew the food you are eating. If you don’t have a yard, you can still grow greens, herbs and tomatoes in planters on your balcony or in a window.
8. Take shorter showers.
Cut down on the time you spend in the shower by setting timer or putting a clock in the bathroom. Also, install a shower head that conserves water.
9. Turn down your thermostat.
Get in the habit of turning down your thermostat at night and when you are out during the day, or install a programmable thermostat. You can save up to $40 a year by just lowering your thermostat by one degree Celsius in the winter.
10. Switch to Compact Fluorescent Bulbs.
Compact Fluorescent Bulbs (CFLs) use 75% less electricity than incandescent bulbs and last 10 times longer. While you will pay more for them, they are worth it.
It doesn’t have to take a huge investment in time or money to make a difference for the environment. It just takes a little time to make a few changes in your life, and when everyone participates, the results are amazing. Let’s go green together!
Sources: en.chatelaine.com
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