There are many simple things that you and your family can do in your own home to help the environment.
Reduce Energy Consumption
- Turn off lights, appliances, televisions and computer monitors when you're not using them.
- Walk, cycle or take public transit instead of driving.
- Wash your clothes in cold water and hang them up to dry.
- Wear slippers and sweaters before turning the heat up in a room.
- Buy a timer for your thermostat so you can turn down the heat while you are sleeping or away.
Use Less Paper
- Use both sides of a sheet of paper before it goes into the blue box.
- Write in pencil so you can erase mistakes instead of starting over and using a new sheet.
- Set up a 'one-sided paper box' at home that family members can use for scrap paper.
- Use recycled paper and don't buy paper that doesn't have at least some recycled content.
- Buy recycled paper towels and toilet paper.
Produce Less Garbage
- Buy in bulk to reduce packaging.
- Make litterless lunches for you and your family.
- Look for products that are durable, reusable and made from biodegradable or recycled materials.
- Purchase 100 per cent post-consumer recycled paper products.
- Repair items whenever possible to reduce the need to replace them.
Be Mindful of the Water You Use
- Keep a jug of water in the fridge instead of running the tap when you want a cold drink.
- Use baking soda and vinegar and other non-toxic alternatives to clean your home.
- Dispose of household hazardous waste properly and not down the drain. Contact your municipal office to find out pick-up dates or locations of disposal sites.
- Explore your home to see where water is being wasted and repair leaky taps.
- Take shorter showers.