10 simple things you can do to help the environment

Credit to Author: Canadian Immigrant| Date: Tue, 29 Aug 2023 02:45:26 +0000

Everyone plays an important role in preserving the planet for our future generations. Here are simple proactive actions you can take to go green and keep the environment safe.

1. Reduce energy use. Make it a habit to to turn off the lights as you leave a room. Also, replace standard light bulbs with energy-efficient compact fluorescent bulbs. Turn off your computer and unplug electronics when they are not in use.

2. Take public transit, walk or bike whenever possible.  Not only will you reduce your carbon footprint, but your overall level of health will improve and you will save money on parking and gasoline. If you have a car, combine trips and errands. Have you considered purchasing an electric vehicle?

3. Insulate your home in every season. You can do this by purchasing windows and window coverings that will block out or keep in warmth, and by sealing any existing cracks. In winter, find a cozy sweater to keep you work and reduce your thermostat by 2 °C to enjoy energy savings. In summer, use fans to circulate air, and set air conditioners to make your home a comfortable temperature. Lowering the temperature on your water heater to between 55 and 60 °C and insulating your pipes also makes a difference.

4. Conserve water by fixing drips and leaks, and by installing low-flow shower heads and toilets. Take a speed shower.  Turn off water while brushing teeth or shaving.

5.  Wash clothing in cold water and hang clothing to dry outside, or indoors on a drying rack. Taking these steps will reduce your electricity bill and also prolong the life of clothing by reducing wear on the fabric caused by dryers.

6. When replacing appliances, look for high efficiency units. Appliances with ENERGY STAR ratings, an international standard for energy-efficient consumer products, typically utilize a minimum of 20 % less energy. This means savings for you and the environment.

7. Research where your power is coming from – wind, water, coal, or solar. Encourage power providers to switch to green power and, if possible and/or economically viable, switch to a company offering power from renewable resources.

8. Make recycling part of your daily routine. Also, aim to purchase items with minimal and recyclable packaging.  Dispose of electronics in an environmentally responsible manner.

9. Donate gently use clothing to charity or exchange with friends and family. Old T-shirts can be repurposed into rags for cleaning. Household goods can be donated to charity or sold at a garage sale. Through repurposing, the amount of waste being sent to landfill sites is reduced, there is no need to use energy for recycling, and others can benefit from your used items.

10. Plant a tree if you have a garden. They offer not only aesthetic appeal but also significant environmental benefits such as soaking up carbon from the atmosphere. When gardening, select plants that are well suited to your climate and require minimal watering and attention.

There are plenty of other ways such as using a reusable water bottle instead of buying disposable plastic ones, using cloth instead of paper towels to clean your kitchen, reusing scrap paper, etc. Do your research and see how you can make a difference!

Based on information provided on the Government of Canada website.

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