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A recent study by Cambridge University's Institute of Manufacturing found that washing and drying accounts for 60 per cent of the energy associated with a single piece of clothing. Over its lifetime, a T-shirt can send up to nine pounds of carbon dioxide into the air. Try hanging your clothes on a line to dry and make sure the next time you purchase a washer that it's a new Energy Star model. Click here for more information.
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Not many of us enjoy doing the laundry, but of course, it's essential. Several tips to reduce your ecological footprint exist. If you do not need a fabric softener, skip the petroleum-based dyes and artificial perfumes and instead, add 125mL of white vinegar, baking powder or borax to your rinse cycle. If you have to use a dryer (hang-drying your laundry is best), make sure you clean your lint trap. Not only is a clogged lint trap a fire hazard, it can cost you 30 per cent more energy as well.
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Carbon Tax 101: A carbon tax is a set tax rate placed on the consumption of carbon in any form -- fossil-fuel electricity, gasoline -- with the idea that raising the price will encourage industries and individuals to consume less. The thought is both to change consumer behaviour and set aside a fund to help smooth the transition to a cleaner economy. Economist Jeffrey Sachs, of Columbia University, recently argued that a carbon tax would help change destructive environmental behaviour and promote clean technology.
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For a practical tip, vacuum the coils at the back of your refrigerator. Accumulated dust can act as insulation, inhibiting the heat exchange and making the compressor work harder and draw more power. Combined with keeping it fairly full to minimize air space and keeping the door closed as much as possible, these three tips can save you energy.
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An LED light is another great lighting option that is slowly gaining on North American streets. These new, white, brighter fixtures use 40 per cent less electricity than the high-pressure sodium bulbs they replace. Although they can cost two to three times as much, they can last more than five years. Check out the before and after photos of a parking garage in Raleigh, N.C.
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Three in every four car trips involves transporting a single occupant -- the driver. If public transit, cycling or walking are not in the cards, strongly consider car-pooling wherever possible. It's an excellent way to save money, reduce emissions, and gives you a chance to acquaint yourself with your neighbours a bit better. For people travelling out of town, don't forget that many highways even have special car-pooling lanes to encourage the practice. Click here for more information.
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Save water by catching it! The rainy season is upon us and backyard rain barrels are superb tools in the quest to save water. In the bathroom, try catching the cold water that comes out of the tap while you are waiting for the hot water in your shower. You can use it to water plants or put it in bottles in the refrigerator for drinking water. Finally, make sure your taps don't leak - a dripping tap could waste as much as 90 litres a week.
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Disposable plastic water bottles are largely unnecessary in today's world. What most people don't realize is that nearly all plastics are made from petroleum. The Container Recycling Institute says that it takes more than 1.5 million barrels of oil each year to make enough water bottles just for people in the United States alone.
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These days, litterless lunches are not only chic, they're crucial to reducing waste. A few reusable containers, a reusable mug and a little prep time is all you really need for a waste-free lunch. In fact, the biggest obstacle to packing a litterless lunch is neglecting to plan ahead. Convince your workplace or school to set up a composter in the kitchen or cafeteria. Click here and here for more information.
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Most of your clothing can be washed in cold water. Not only does cold-water washing save about 500 pounds of carbon dioxide a year, it stops your colours from fading and prevents shrinking. To conserve water, consider a front-loader, which will minimize the quantity of water needed to effectively wash your clothes.
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The food we buy and eat accounts for 30 per cent of the greenhouse gas emissions we're personally responsible for as consumers. Climate-friendly food is wherever possible seasonal, organic, locally sourced, in a diet with less but better quality meat and dairy products. Organic consumers tend to eat more fresh fruit and vegetables. For more information, click here.
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Did you know each Canadian tosses away nearly half a kilogram of packaging daily? Fresh produce wrapped in plastic and encased in Styrofoam is largely unnecessary. Ask your grocer to limit the amount of packaging -- this message can often times reach the producer. After all, the customer and the environment are always right.
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Saturday, Sept. 22 is World Carfree Day. People around the world will walk, bike, or ride public transit on Saturday. By joining them, you can do your part to reduce emissions that contribute to global warming. And you may just find it so enjoyable that you'll want to leave the car behind more often. For information, visit worldcarfree.net.
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Did you know it takes 550 litres of water to produce enough flour for one loaf of bread, but up to 7,000 litres of water to produce 100 grams of beef? Choosing to eat lower on the food chain by eating less meat and more vegetables is a significant way to lower your impact on the environment. Kilogram for kilogram, livestock requires more water, land, fossil fuel and human investment than grains and vegetables. It's all about moderation
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People love buying stuff. Being a consumer is not necessarily a bad thing -- it keeps the market churning along. Over-consumption, on the other hand, damages the fine balance of the ecosystem we live in. When you are thinking about buying something, try the 30-Day Rule -- wait 30 days after the first time you decide you want buy a product to really make your decision. This will eliminate impulse buying. You'll be surprised by the amount of goods we just don't need cluttering up our daily lives.
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Ever wonder when you should replace your old appliances? From a price perspective, here's a rule of thumb: if the cost to repair a household appliance is more than half the price of a new product, you're better off purchasing a new one. In the long run, you'll probably save more because of advances in energy efficiencies. If you need to make repairs on an old refrigerator, it's worth getting a new model instead as it consumes up to 75 per cent less energy than those made before 2001
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Canada can learn from its European neighbours. In Sweden, their Parliament aims to free the environment, within one generation, from man-made or extracted compounds and metals that represent a threat to human health or biological diversity. It's an ambitious, yet achievable goal that could act as a roadmap for Canada. More information.
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Keep an indoor plant at your desk or somewhere in your office. Believe it or not, plants act as natural air filters and can absorb some pollutants in air. Concerned about insects? You can make your own natural insecticidal soap by combining 1 tablespoon (15mL) of natural dishwashing soap with roughly 1 gallon (4L) of water. A spray bottle works great to dispense the nature-friendly bug-be-gone.
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Did you know that a single synthetic fragrance in a beauty product may contain as many as 100 chemicals, many of which have been identified as toxic substances? Become a knowledgeable shopper by always checking the label. Many natural alternatives exist, such as aloe vera, botanical resins, lecithin, honey, acacia gum and witch hazel.
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Solar Panels 101: Solar panels, or photovoltaics, convert light from the sun directly into electricity. To simplify, a solar panel absorbs photons (bundles of solar energy) emitted by the sun. These photons from sunlight knock electrons into a higher state of energy, creating electricity. Wires funnel electrons into your home and an inverter changes it to an alternating current. Unused energy can then be stored in batteries for later use.
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It's September and students are back in school. To reduce waste and save some money, try choosing school supplies wrapped with minimal packaging, or buying products that come in bulk sizes. Packaging accounts for more than 30 per cent of all waste generated each year. Sort through your current materials in your house. Also, there are many new innovative products available that are made from recycled materials, such as pencils made from old blue jeans and binders made from old shipping boxes.
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In the market for new windows? With the right type of window, it's possible to reduce your energy bill by seven to 12 per cent. Things to look for include wood- or fiberglass-insulated frames, double or triple-paned glass (inert gas or vacuum-sealed), and non-conductive spaces between multiple panes, which can prevent condensation. The added insulation offered by new types of windows maintains the room temperature by preventing heat transfer between your home and the environment.
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Did you know that cigarette butts are among the most common forms of litter on the planet? More than 176 million pounds (80 million kg) of butts are discarded in the U.S. alone each year. The filters are made of cellulose acetate, which does not break down quickly. If you must smoke, please put it out and then put it in the trash.
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You know those miscellaneous appliances that are rarely used, but are always plugged in? Believe it or not, electronics like electric shavers and coffee makers are guilty of using unnecessary amounts of energy. The simple solution: just unplug these appliances when not in use. Some electric toothbrushes, for example, have enough juice for two weeks of twice daily, two-minute brushings. Unplug it when not in use and save 22 pounds of CO2 each year.
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Protecting areas where salmon live isn't just up to governments and agencies. Everyone can play a role in preserving and protecting fish habitat. Consider joining a streamkeeper or conservation group in your area, and visit www.salmonopolis.ca to learn more about habitat and report incidents of habitat destruction or damage.
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Did you know some conventionally grown fruits and vegetables are treated with more pesticides than others? What's more, some retain more of the pesticides. Asparagus, bananas, broccoli and onions are among those fruits and veggies that typically have lower pesticide risks. Meanwhile, produce such as apples, carrots and spinach are usually treated with more pesticides. These are good foods to consider buying organic.
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Since 1960, the amount of packaging in garbage has increased by 80 per cent. Plastic debris is also hazardous to wildlife. According to the World Society for the Protection of Animals, each year more than two million birds, turtles, whales, dolphins and seals become entangled in floating plastic debris, or mistake it for food. To help reduce your impact, choose products with less packaging and buy in bulk whenever possible.
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Less than one per cent of the Earth's water supply is available for human consumption. In a single day, an average person can use up to 700 litres of water for drinking, cooking, washing, flushing and watering. Conservation is important. The bathroom, which accounts for 65-75 per cent of the water used inside the home, is a perfect place to start. Every two minutes you save on your shower can conserve more than 40 litres of water.
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Do you have an idea for a green business? There are many resources available that can help you build your small and mid-sized enterprise. The Sustainable Business Online Resources doles out information on accessing capital, while the Sustainability Network has plenty of suggestions on finding funders, writing grants, and provides financial assistance to green non-profits for specific projects. For more information, click here and here.
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Nearly 80 per cent of dry cleaners use large volumes of tetrachloroethylene, an extremely toxic chemical solvent otherwise known as perchloroethylene (perc). Environment-friendly dry cleaners do exist, but it is up to the customer to ask the right questions. As an alternative to dry cleaning, consider a quick cold-water hand wash or spot cleaning.
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Traditional black and yellow honeybees are actually imported from Europe. Bees native to Canada, however, are found throughout the country and live in both rural areas and big cities. While native bees don't produce honey like those in Europe, they provide something equally valuable -- pollination. The economic value of all pollinator services to U.S. agriculture has been estimated to be more than $6.7 billion.
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Over its life span, a reusable ceramic mug will be used nearly 3,000 times. This results in 30 times less solid waste and 60 times less air pollution than using the equivalent number of cardboard cups. Even taking into account the water needed to wash it between uses, a coffee mug is far more eco-efficient than a disposable cup. What's more, several coffee houses offer discounts to people with reusable mugs.
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Think before you print. Reduce the amount of paper that gets thrown away or recycled by triple-checking documents before they are sent to the printer. As well, try printing on the other side of used paper and use a printer with a duplex function that lets you print on both sides of the paper. It takes 390 gallons of oil to produce a ton of paper.
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Your fridge and freezer are two appliances that need to be on at all times and as a result, they offer some great ways to save energy and money. Freezers are more efficient when full, so fill in the gaps with plastic containers of water or buy meat, vegetables and other food products in bulk, which can be stored safely over a long period. As for refrigerators, check the seal of your fridge door by closing it on a $10 bill. If the bill stays in place, your seal is good, if not, you may need to adjust the door or replace the seal.
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Biomimicry is the science of studying nature's best ideas and then imitating those designs and processes to solve human problems. Studying a leaf to invent a better solar cell is an example. More and more, architects, engineers and product designers are consulting nature for inspiration and ecological solutions to create new products and processes. Click here for more information.
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A regular meal made from imported food can increase energy use and greenhouse gas emissions by four times compared with a meal made with locally grown ingredients. Check the food product label or ask your grocer which products are grown locally. The next step is to then purchase as many of your groceries from those local sources as possible. Click here for a great guide to local food in your area.
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Companion planting is the practice of placing plants that pests dislike around vegetation that pests relish. For example, aphids don't particularly like garlic, so garlic can make a great companion plant for roses, raspberries and fruit trees. It's a natural way to remove pests from your garden without using toxic pesticides. For a comprehensive list of companion plants, visit: www.mi.ca/compendium.
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Did you know that if you wash your clothes in warm and cold water you'll use 80 to 85 per cent less energy compared to using hot water? And if you're in the market for a new washer, buy a front-loading model. They are far superior to the traditional top loader for saving water and energy. In fact, your clothes will even wash and dry faster. And as for laundry soap, buy products in concentrate when available. You'll use less soap and save on packaging.
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Many scientists suggest that household use of antibacterial soap is unnecessary and causes far more harm than good, both to human health and the environment. Some of these antibacterial soaps can contain triclosan, a chemical compound designed to kill bacteria. It has been found to be harmful in the development of frogs. It also has the potential to help create antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Fear not, plain soap and water should do the trick.
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Remember the tortoise and hare? The tortoise wins, right? Not only that, but the tortoise spends less on gas. Driving at lower speeds can help save you money. Driving 100 kilometres per hour on the highway instead of 120 kilometres per hour uses as much as 20 per cent less fuel. Click here for more information.
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Walking around my neighbourhood I see that many households have replaced their old, incandescent Christmas lights with super-efficient LED bulbs this year. Not only do these next generation Christmas lights look better, they'll save significant money and energy. Three 100-light strands of LEDs running for five hours each day for about a month will use on average only three kilowatt-hours power. Now you might be asking yourself: "What should I do with the old lights?" Many recyclers across the province accept Christmas lights.
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Try to purchase products that are light on packaging. The next best thing is to look for food packaged in paper, glass, aluminum or steel as often as possible. All these containers are readily recyclable. Avoid plastic since less than four per cent of all post-consumer plastic is being recycled today, and plastics as a percentage of the waste stream is continually growing.
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Most of us have heard about the health benefits of eating fish and seafood. But we need to ensure that our choices contribute to keeping the oceans healthy, too. Make sure the fish you eat is caught in a sustainable way from a healthy stock. To learn which fish and seafood to choose and which to avoid, visit www.seachoice.org.
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As many of us scramble to find that last perfect gift on the last possible day, consider cutting back on your wrapping this year. In fact, if only two out of three households conserved an arm's length of ribbon, the amount saved could tie a bow around the earth. Instead of ribbon, try using dried flowers, recyclable paper bows or a reusable scarf. It's a little step that makes a huge difference. On behalf of myself, my family and the David Suzuki Foundation, have a happy and sustainable holiday.
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Paper or plastic? Neither. It's easy to get into the habit of bringing reusable cloth bags with you when you do your grocery shopping. Reusable bags have less of an environmental impact than disposable paper or plastic bags, and they are often stronger. The bags are available for purchase at most large grocery stores. And some stores even offer small rebates to customers who use them.
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Ever wanted to take a trip to the largest planet in the solar system? Seventeen per cent of the energy used for lighting offices is wasted when lights are left on in a vacant area or they are turned on in a sunlit room. That wasted energy is indeed enough to drive a car to Jupiter. Turn off your office lights if natural sunlight is available.
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It recently became time to change the two toilets in my home. I decided to replace them with dual-flush toilets, which should save my family huge amounts of water. Toilets manufactured before the 1980s usually require 15 to 20 litres per flush. Toilets sold during the '80s and early '90s use 13 litres. Click here for more information.
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Most of the laundry soaps you'll find in grocery stores are filled with synthetic dyes, overwhelming perfumes and petroleum-based chemicals that can build up in our bodies and water systems. Try switching to an earth-friendly brand of laundry soap. Most green, environmental cleaners are concentrated to deliver the same cleaning punch with less packaging. For example, a concentrated powder can wash four to eight times as many loads as ten pounds of a non-concentrated powder. Try a green alternative and you'll never look back.
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Using non-toxic paints, lacquers, and paint strippers can greatly reduce indoor air pollution in your home. Many paints contain volatile organic compounds, which contain harmful chemicals that are released during and sometimes after application. Natural paints, or ones with no VOCs, are considered the safest. Natural paints are made from ingredients such as water, plant oils, clay, and chalk, but this type of paint can be difficult to find. Zero VOC paint is a paint that contains five grams of VOC per litre or less, which is a very low amount. Zero VOC paints can be found in most paint stores, are of very good quality and safe for your health and the environment.
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It seems everyone carries a cellphone these days but even when electronic devices and battery chargers are turned off, they still use energy. Simply unplugging your iPods and cellphone chargers can help significantly reduce domestic energy consumption. You can recycle old cellphones at places such as Canadian Tire, Home Depot and Mountain Equipment Co-Op.
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In a typical household, the fridge is the single biggest energy-consuming appliance in the kitchen, using as much as 25 per cent of the energy consumed in most homes. Replacing a refrigerator purchased in 1990 with a new Energy Star model would save enough energy to light the average household for nearly four months. As well, make sure the door seals on your fridge are airtight. For about $10 at your hardware store, you can easily install new seals and save energy right away.
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In Anneburg, Sweden households are now relying on the sun to heat their homes, even though there's little daylight for much of the winter. During the summer, water is pumped through rooftop solar heaters to warm it, before being stored in pipes embedded in granite. The water is kept hot by the rock, and can then be pumped back up to heat homes in winter. So far the system has reduced reliance on conventional heating by nearly 25 per cent.
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Try to avoid sulphates in hair-care products. Sulphates actually dry your hair out and companies add them because sulphates produce suds - but suds don't clean hair. Look for many of the natural shampoo products on the market that are organic, biodegradable, and fair-trade. Some of these will even contain things like hibiscus flower proteins and mango butter. These compounds are not only better for your health and the environment, but sound more appealing than sulphates too.
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Carbon Dioxide 101: When a fuel containing carbon gets combusted, each carbon atom combines with two oxygen atoms to form one molecule of carbon dioxide (CO2). Your car emits more CO2 than any other source, around 27,000 pounds per year. The next highest source of a family's carbon output is electric power. Click here for more information.
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Windows have the potential to leak about 25 per cent of your home's heat during the winter. According to Natural Resources Canada, studies indicate that money spent on caulking or weather stripping is usually recovered in just one heating season. Caulking your window and door frames is an easy way to seal in the heat, keep the cold out and reduce unnecessary drafts. Visit your local hardware store for all your insulating needs.
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By cutting back on five minutes of idling a day, Canadian drivers would save a total of 1.6 million tons of carbon dioxide from burning up our atmosphere and 1.8 million litres of fuel. Choosing an efficient vehicle is crucial as well. For a list of the most fuel efficient vehicles in Canada, click here.
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Winter is here and many of us have a tendency to jack up the heat in our homes. Try installing a programmable thermostat to lower the temperature at night and during the day when your home is unoccupied. Also, consider lowering your thermostat from the average 21°C. For every 1°C you lower it, you can save two per cent on your heating bill.
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Between 1990 and 2003, the number of households that purchased air-conditioners jumped nearly 25 per cent. If you're considering an air-conditioner, look for a model that uses the chlorine-free refrigerant Puron. Also, Energy Star units use between 10 and 20 per cent less energy than other new models. Click here for more information.
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Recycling remains a very important step in reducing your family's impact on the environment. Recycling an aluminum can, for example, takes 96-per-cent less energy than creating a new one. In North America, experts say that nearly 75 per cent of our trash can be recycled -- but only 25 per cent is actually reprocessed.
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What does "organic fruits and vegetables" actually mean? Simply stated, organic produce and other ingredients are grown without the use of pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, sewage sludge, genetically modified organisms or ionizing radiation. Animals that produce meat, poultry, eggs and dairy products do not take antibiotics or growth hormones. A recent study suggested organic tomatoes have more antioxidants than those grown conventionally. For more information, click here.
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In a recent workplace survey, 81 per cent of Canadians polled found their current employer's environmental performance less than perfect. Whereas, only 18 per cent would classify their employers as "extremely green." There are many ways to reduce your office's ecological footprint. To save paper, don't print a document if you don't need to. Make it an office rule that all printing should be double-sided. Finally, this holiday season, try sending out a virtual, or e-mail Christmas card instead of a paper version.
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If you need wood or wood products, such as furniture, you can reduce your environmental footprint by purchasing those certified through the Forest Stewardship Council. Planning to build or renovate your home or cabin? Visit the Lighthouse Building Centre. They can provide you with practical information about where to source products and how to maximize assets such as natural light and solar heat.
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Did you know pedestrian friendly European cities devote less than 10 per cent of land to cars? Auto-centric North America devotes up to 50 per cent of land for roads and parking lots. If public transit became a greater priority, city planners wouldn't need to set aside so much land for cars and trucks. If you don't already, try riding the bus once this month. In addition to having less of an impact on the environment, riding public transit is economical, healthy and less stressful.
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You got rid of your polluting car. But now you find that sometimes you can't do without one. Car-sharing is a great way to cut the costs related to car ownership, including insurance, as well as doing your part for the environment by driving only when necessary. Two organizations that offer convenient car-sharing plans are the Co-operative Auto Network and Zipcar.
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Cutting back on meat is good for the planet. Nearly half the grain grown in North America is used to feed livestock. To produce one pound of steak, for example, takes 16 pounds of feed, and as much water as a typical household uses in one month. The fossil fuel cost of livestock production is also huge. On the health side of things, increasing your vegetable and fruit intake can help reduce your risk of cancer by more than 20 per cent.
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Did you know that your clothes dryer uses up to 10 per cent of your home's electricity? Hanging clothes to dry makes them last longer and smell better, and it saves you money on your energy bills as well as reducing the fire hazard from this appliance. Balcony-friendly drying racks can be found at many stores. Click here for more information.
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A well-insulated home means that you can limit the amount of energy that escapes through your walls and roof. There are many insulating options available, but not all are safe for the environment. Some greenhouse-gas-emitting polyurethane foam can contain toxic fire-resistant compounds. It's best to ask your insulation and hardware store specialists for advice. Some good options include blown-in cellulose, which is made with recycled paper and is among the best choices for the environment -- some brand names are even certified by the federal Environmental Choice program. Another type of enviro-insulation is even made of recycled denim.
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Shaded homes are cooler. Planting creeping vines on exposed house walls provides effective reductions in cooling requirements. Trees also absorb CO2, store the carbon in their wood, roots and leaves, and then release the oxygen back into the atmosphere. As well, properly placed screens of trees and shrubs significantly decrease noise pollution along busy thoroughfares and intersections.
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Draft-proofing your home is the one improvement that saves the most energy with least investment. Most leaks can be quickly plugged with exterior silicone caulk. Weather-stripping and door sweeps can also fix door leaks easily. Holding a stick of smoking incense in front of where plumbing and wiring go through walls, attic doors, entry doors and fireplace dampers can help you locate drafts more readily.
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Compact fluorescent lights are about four times as efficient as conventional incandescent bulbs. The average home has 30 light fixtures, which consume close to $200 worth of electricity each year. Replacing just five bulbs with Energy Star-qualified CFL bulbs in areas that require more than three hours of light a day saves about $30 a year. Click here for more information.
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Global warming is not the only reason we should reduce our fossil fuel emissions. The burning of fossil fuels releases air pollutants such as sulphur oxides and volatile organic compounds. Some of these compounds can then form airborne particles and ground-level ozone -- which combined together is commonly referred to as smog. Increased levels of exposure to smog may cause congestion, difficulty breathing and asthma attacks.
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Global agriculture sucks up roughly 90 per cent of all the water we use on this planet. On a local level, we need to conserve as much water as possible. Try installing a rain barrel (or even a small pail on the patio) to catch water for your garden and house plants. Click here for more information.
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If you own a boat or spend time on the water, take heed. The volume of fuel pollution entering North America's waters each year from recreational boating is roughly 15 times the amount of the Exxon Valdez spill (nearly one billion litres per year). We can reduce these threats to our marine ecosystem with careful boat maintenance and use. Click here for more information on how to keep your boat green.
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Hybrid vehicles can save you nearly $17,800 in fuel costs over 320,000 km of driving (compared to some similarly priced vehicles). Cities such as Los Angeles and San Jose offer free metered-parking to hybrid drivers. When you add all that up, and include a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of up to 71,000 kg, choosing a hybrid over a fancy sports car is a no-brainer. Click here for more information.
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As the temperature drops, many enjoy sitting around a nice roaring fire in the fireplace. But remember, burning wood emits greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and other smog-producing pollutants that affect the air quality inside and outside your home. As an alternative, try a java log, made of recycled coffee grounds, wood and vegetable by-products. Java logs, available at many grocery and hardware stores, emit nearly 10 times less carbon monoxide and six times less particulate matter than ordinary firewood.
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A "green" roof is exactly what the name implies -- plants growing on a building's roof. Depending on the slope, strength and size of your roof, you can have a roof covered with grass, flowers or even shrubs. Besides aesthetics, green roofing can add an extra layer of insulation to your home, reduce storm runoff and provide a buffer against temperature extremes. Click here for more information.
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If your shower can fill a two-litre jug with water in less than 10 seconds, you need a new shower head. It's important we conserve this precious natural resource. Less than one-half of one per cent of all water on Earth is freshwater suitable for human use. The rest is seawater or frozen in the polar ice caps. In Canada, only nine per cent of Canada's total area is covered by freshwater.
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Did you know the energy savings from turning your computer off when not in use could pay for your next computer system, in full? It may surprise you as well, but screen savers do not save energy. Try setting your screen saver to kick in five minutes before sleep mode sets in. Remember that many computers still consume more than 15 watts in sleep mode. Click here for more information.
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There are nearly 1,000 commercial pesticide products for sale in Canada that cannot be sold in other countries because of health and environmental concerns. Pesticides are designed to kill everything. Natural alternatives to these chemicals exist and are available at your home and garden store. You can also compost and fertilize garden beds with natural waste materials. Click here for more information.
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We can reduce the number of trees that become pulp and paper by purchasing more recycled paper, which uses 60 per cent less energy than virgin paper. Each ton purchased saves 4,000 kilowatt hours of energy, 26,500 litres of water and 17 trees. A single tree has the capacity to filter up to 60 pounds of pollutants from the air.
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It seems everything is going eco these days. There's eco-forestry, eco-tourism, even eco-psychology. The word is derived from the Greek word oikos, meaning home. Ecology is the study of home and economy is the management of home. Click here for an interesting look into what some European countries are doing to reduce tailpipe pollution and fuel consumption.
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Believe it or not, the stomachs of the world's 1.4 billion cows account for 14 per cent of global emissions of methane, a greenhouse gas 20 times more potent than CO2. And there are other good reasons to cut down on the amount of meat you consume -- it takes far more energy, land and water to produce the equivalent amount of calories from meat than from grain or soy. Click here for more information.
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Sometimes going green is like money in the bank. Homeowners everywhere should know that Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. offers a 10-per-cent refund on its loan insurance premium for anyone who borrows money to buy or renovate an energy-efficient home. Save money, save the planet. Click here for more information.
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A study last year by the International Energy Agency found that a worldwide shift to energy-efficient lighting systems would cut the world's electricity bill by nearly a tenth. Amazingly, the emissions created by all the light bulbs on the planet are three times those caused by aviation.
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If you drive to work, try riding the bus once this week. A single bus takes 40 vehicles off the road during rush hour, saves 70,000 litres of fuel and reduces air pollutants by nine tonnes a year. Carpooling is another environmentally friendly option. Find a carpooling partner and make a new friend. Click here for more information.
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Are you considering ways to make your home more energy efficient? Try wrapping your water heater in an insulated blanket. At a cost of about $20 and available at local home centres, you can save your household nearly 113 kg (250 pounds) in CO2 emissions each year. Now, there's also a way to reduce your energy consumption and receive grants through the ecoENERGY Retrofit. Click here for more information.
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One-third of what we eat - things like apples, chocolate, coffee and almonds - is dependent upon pollinators. Animals like bees, butterflies and birds transport important pollen grains from one part of the flower to another. In Canada, pollinators represent a billion dollar business. But these animals are in decline because of habitat destruction and the overuse of pesticides. Click here for more information.
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As warmer weather approaches, many will take to the water for personal enjoyment and recreational activity. Boaters can make an enormous difference in reducing marine engine emissions. Good management improves fuel economy and lowers pollution caused by boats. To reduce engine pollution, keep your engine well-tuned, eliminate unnecessary idling, and install a drip pan under the engine. Choose four-stroke outboard engines over the two-stroke variety, as they pollute less. For more information click here.
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Paying bills online through the bank where you have a chequing account does more than eliminate your paper trail and save trees. It also helps reduce fuel consumption by the trucks and planes that transport paper cheques. To avoid unnecessary carbon dioxide-emitting car trips to the bank on payday, ask your employer to directly deposit your paycheque. You'll get your money faster that way, too.
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Buy a native houseplant at your farmer's market. Better yet, plant a native tree in a your yard. Native trees provide food and shelter for indigenous insects and other animal life. These trees can even create niches for wildlife pushed out by monoculture, or single crop, commercial forests. Click here for more information.
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No one likes an idling car, especially during the summer. If you have to drive and you are going to be stopped for more than 10 seconds (except in traffic), turn off your engine. Idling your vehicle for longer than 10 seconds uses more fuel than it would take to restart your vehicle. But I prefer a bicycle! Click here for more information.
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Many commercial home-cleaning products are loaded with toxic substances designed to make our life easier. Unfortunately, these chemical-based products can in fact make things more difficult. Long-term health effects have been associated with many substances found in your typical cleaning supplies. In North America, for example, one in three people suffers from allergies, asthma, sinusitis or bronchitis. Treatment for these conditions should include reducing synthetic chemicals in your home. Click here to find natural, chemical-free products.
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Local farmers' markets will be popping up in your community in the next few weeks. You can avoid excessive costs -- to you and the environment -- of buying food from supermarkets by buying food directly from the grower. In fact, products from farmers' markets can be up to 40 per cent cheaper than food purchased from large grocery stores.
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Thursday is World Environment Day and the United Nations Environment Program is asking countries, companies and communities to focus on greenhouse gas emissions and how to reduce them. The day will highlight resources and initiatives that promote low carbon economies and life-styles, such as improved energy efficiency, alternative energy sources, forest conservation and eco-friendly consumption. For more information: visit the World Environment Day website: click here.
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If everyone who regularly drives to work on their own shared a lift just once a week, traffic volumes would fall by 12-15 per cent. Car pooling can save you money, reduce CO2 emissions, and decrease the stress of daily commuting.
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Natural lawn and garden care means less maintenance time, less pollution and lush, thriving green spaces. Try watering your plants in the early morning when the sun is not at its peak. Watering during midday can actually burn your plants. To avoid wasting water, remember you are watering the soil, not the plants. Also, it's a good idea to match species with similar needs together to minimize watering needs. For more information, click here.
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Planting native plants can take a lot of stress out of your gardening. In addition to attracting more butterflies, birds and ladybugs, plants indigenous to your local area and climate will most likely fare better than exotic species. On average, most of the soil in Canada is relatively alkaline and imported plants require higher acidity levels. More information: click here.
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According to a new study released last week, as many as 100 harmful chemicals are released into the air from PVC shower curtains. Vinyl plastic waste also amounts to 1.23 million tons per year in the U.S. alone. Fortunately, alternatives exist. In addition to organic cotton and bamboo options, a shower curtain made of hemp will naturally resist mildew and is machine washable. Because of its tight weave, water will not leak through, thus eliminating the need for plastic or vinyl liners.
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According to Environment Canada, Canadians use 150 million litres of gasoline each year to run power lawn mowers. One mower can emit the same amount of smog-causing emissions each hour as 40 new cars over that same time. Using traditional, non-powered push mowers meanwhile can turn your yard maintenance into a fun workout. Many retail outlets now offer rebates if you bring in your old gas-powered model.
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If you want to increase your car's fuel efficiency, make sure to get that junk out of the trunk. Extra weight decreases gas mileage and every 100 kilograms of unnecessary weight adds half a litre per 100 km to your vehicle's fuel consumption. And don't forget to change your oil -- when your engine is running in top condition, it is burning fuel most efficiently. Ask your mechanic to see that your old oil gets recycled.
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Bathroom mould is a common uninvited guest in most bathrooms. Commercial "chemical" mould killers usually comprise of sodium hypochlorite (bleach) and sodium hydroxide. These are highly corrosive compounds and bleach, in particular, can be very toxic to marine and freshwater life. Borax is a great alternative and not as scary to humans or the environment as the name sounds. Try mixing a teaspoon of Earth-friendly dishwashing liquid and one teaspoon borax with one quart warm water. Pour in a spray bottle, spray on bathroom tiles and shower walls and let it air dry.
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Composting worms eat at least half their body weight in organic matter every day. About 60 per cent of the average household's refuse consists of biodegradable food, paper and garden waste. Composting is the decomposition of plant remains and other once-living materials to make a dark, earthy substance that is excellent for adding to house and garden plants. Composting is an excellent next step to recycling. For more information: click here.
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Did you know that nearly half of the trees cut in North America are made into paper? Rather than writing cheques and stuffing those envelopes each month, switch to tree-free billing and pay everything from your cable service to your cellphone bills online. Forests not only remove CO2 from the air but are richly complex ecosystems, providing habitat for mammals, birds, plants, and insects to thrive.
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The Worldwatch Institute estimates that it takes more than 2,271 litres of water to produce meat for an average quarter-pound hamburger. This is another reason to try eating vegetarian at least one day a week. Grain-fed beef requires considerably more water input than cereals like wheat, corn and oats. For more information: click here.
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Using recycled paper doesn't just save trees. One metric tonne of recycled paper saves 4,100 kWh of electricity, 2.4 cubic metres of landfill space, 1,362 litres of water and two barrels of oil. It also saves seven trees. Look for paper manufactured with 100-per-cent post-consumer waste, as well as paper that are FSC certified and processed chlorine free.
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Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) are two lathering agents commonly found in many soaps and shampoos. Both are harsh chemicals also found in detergents used to degrease car engines. SLS in particular can dissolve on your skin and denature proteins, resulting in eye, scalp and skin irritation. To find out how to make your own natural soap and shampoo, click here.
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Mahatma Gandhi once said, "Be the change you want to see in the world." Each small step we take to reduce our ecological footprint has a rippling effect. If you want a future with clean air and water, it only makes sense to limit the activities in your daily lives that cause air pollution and contamination of our waterways. And each step taken today - from taking the bus to installing a low-flow showerhead - can truly make an enormous difference tomorrow.
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Regular servicing of your vehicle is not only important for your car; it can help reduce CO2 emissions. According to technical experts, a new oxygen sensor alone can improve gas mileage by as much as 15 per cent. Tires inflated to the manufacturer's maximum recommended pressure can also increase gas mileage by as much as six per cent, while a periodic wheel alignment can enhance fuel economy by up to 10 per cent. Try these easy steps this summer and you'll be riding greener.
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Getting to know your water heater can save you some money on your monthly energy costs. The thermostat on the unit allows you to control just how hot your hot water is. Lowering the setting by just one degree means a lot less work for your heater and no noticeable difference to you at the sink. 54°C is the suggested temperature, hot enough to kill bacteria and still save energy.
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Are you headed fishing this summer? If you are, be sure to leave the lead sinkers and jigs behind. Environment Canada estimates that roughly 500 tonnes of those lead fishing weights are lost in Canadian rivers, lakes and streams each year. As a result, lead sinkers and jigs have been banned for use in national parks and wilderness areas since 1996. For more information: click here.
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There are many ways to save water and energy with your dishwasher. First of all, it's a good idea to run your washer only when it's full. And skip the pre-rinse and you'll save loads of water. In fact, five minutes of pre-rinsing dishes under the tap can use up to 115 litres of water. Finally, if you open the door to let dishes air dry, you'll reduce your dishwasher's energy consumption by as much as 10 per cent.
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Global warming may indeed produce some unexpected impacts in the future. A new study detailed last week in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (U.S.) warns that as many as 2.3 million more people may develop kidney stones - mineral deposits in their kidneys - by the year 2050 as the result of a warming world. According to the study, more people will be at greater risk of dehydration in more sweltering climes, which is believed to be a major contributor to stone formation.
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By simply turning down your water heater to a few degrees, it will still be hot enough and you could see your hot water costs drop by up to 50 per cent. If you're looking for even greater efficiency, check out a tankless water heater -- it heats water as you need it and can save you more than $300 annually, as well as a significant 300-pound CO2 reduction. In the interim, you can also try installing a timer on your existing water heater.
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Canadians use more than eight billion disposable cups each year. Meanwhile, Statistics Canada tells us that 30 per cent of us still drink predominantly bottled water. What's worse, the Union of Concerned Scientists tells us that 90 per cent of water bottles are not recycled. If we all remember to carry our reusable coffee cups with us, we can reduce limit our impact significantly.
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A dripping faucet can really add up to a huge waste of water. If you're serious about saving water in your home, a grey-water -- the wasted water from activities such as bathing -- recycling device is great. The grey water is then redirected for use in toilet flushing or outdoor irrigation. To check out how much water you may be wasting, click here.
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It wasn't very long ago that recycling was a new concept in many Canadian households. Fortunately, Statistics Canada tells us that in 2004, the average Canadian recycled 112 kilograms; that's a lot of bottles, newspapers and containers. Where do we go from here? Composting organic matter will keep even more waste out of landfills. Also, choosing products with less packaging reduces your recycling load and encourages manufacturers to do away with wrapping products with excess paper, plastic and Styrofoam.
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A group of economists from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pa., has determined one-third of China's rapidly growing greenhouse gas emissions come from the manufacture of goods for export. A large portion of these exports are destined for developed countries such as Canada. While many are quick to assign responsibility for climate change to developing countries, findings such as this remind us of how interconnected humanity is - both economically and environmentally -- and how our purchasing decisions can make a world of difference, for better or worse.
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Most fragrances are made from synthetic chemicals. There can be as many as 100 chemicals in a single fragrance, many of which may be known as toxic substances. Toluene, for example, is found in nearly all commercially available perfumes despite the fact that it's been proven to cause cancer and nervous system damage. For more information: visit Skin Deep: click here.
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The water footprint of an individual is defined as the total volume of freshwater that is used to produce the goods and services consumed by that person. The production of one kilogram of beef, for example, requires 16 thousand litres of water. Meanwhile, to produce one cup of coffee takes 140 litres of water. We can conserve water not only by fixing leaks and watering our gardens a little less, but also by limiting our water footprint when it comes to what we consume. For more information: click here.
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One person's trash is another person's treasure. Last year alone, $52 billion worth of items traded hands on the Internet trade site, eBay. According to the Freecycle Network (a non-profit online "give-and-take" site), its service keeps more than 300 tonnes a day out of landfills. By reusing and transferring used goods instead of buying new ones, you can reduce the trash headed to the landfills and save some money. For more information, click here.
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Only two weeks remain in the David Suzuki Digs My Garden photo contest. This annual 'green thumb' contest encourages gardeners to submit photos and stories about how and why they maintain their gardens 100% pesticide-free. Novice and non-gardeners can also sign-up to receive tips on how to grow luscious lawns and gardens 'drug-free'. Winners will be selected within four categories, including: Outstanding Ornamentals, Luscious Lawns, Voluminous Vegetables, and Balcony Bliss. Famous musicians, Olympic athletes and master gardeners will judge the results. For more information: click here.
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Paper or plastic? Between 500 million and a trillion plastic bags are used each year worldwide. And while sunlight breaks plastics up into smaller pieces (often tiny pieces, perfect for wildlife to mistake as food); plastics don't biodegrade -- meaning they linger for thousands of years. So is paper a better choice? According to the Institute for Lifecycle Environmental Assessment it might not be. Even though Canadians recycle 20 times more paper than plastic, one paper bag takes more energy to make and creates more waste than two plastic bags. Ignore these two options and reach for a reusable, cloth bag instead.
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A poll conducted last year by Harris Interactive shows that only 42 per cent of workers turn off the lights and only 34 per cent power-off their computers at the end of the day. Since lighting makes up 37 per cent of energy consumed in an average office, there's room for improvement. If everyone turned off the lights and their computers, we'd not only save hundreds of millions of dollars collectively, we'd also eliminate tonnes of CO2 emissions. Encourage your colleagues to flick off at the end of the day.
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Despite the fact that all the water pumped into our homes is drinkable, on average only two per cent of the water we use is water we actually drink. Leaving the water running for even 14 seconds while brushing your teeth, for example, can waste 64 ounces -- or equivalent to the eight glasses of water we're encouraged to drink each day. For more information: click here.
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Did you know that some Canadian banks will reduce your interest rate on a mortgage by as much as one per cent if you invest in certified Energy Star appliances, windows, or heating and cooling equipment in your house? That can add up to $2,000 in your pocket. Meanwhile, the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation gives qualified homeowners a 10-per-cent green refund on mortgage loan insurance premiums if you buy or build an energy-efficient home, or make energy-saving renovations to existing homes. For more information: click here.
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Did you know that more than 23,000 chemicals are registered for use in Canada and hundreds more are added to that list each year? Take an extra minute to read the labels of many of the cleaning and beauty products you use. Stay away from substances such as coal tar, formaldehyde, phthalates and parabens -- many of these chemicals are commonly found in shampoos and cosmetics. For more information: click here.
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According to the Canadian Telework Association, just about 10 per cent of Canadians telecommute from their homes. By telecommuting just two days a week, the average employee will drive 5,000 fewer kilometres, eliminate 1,000 kilograms of CO2 emissions and save about $430 in gas each year. What's more, working from home reduces office space needs and can increase job satisfaction. For more information: click here.
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| Did you know that there as many as 12 provincial parks all within 70 km of Vancouver? This weekend, consider taking your family for a visit to a neighbouring park. It's a perfect opportunity to reconnect with nature and you'll be surprised by the sheer natural beauty that surrounds us. Before you depart, consider public transit. For more information |
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Tuesday is Earth Day. While many agree the environment should be a major focus each and every day, Earth Day affords us the opportunity to encourage others to rethink their respective day-to-day activities. Recycling began with a few small actions and now it is commonplace. For many of us, the act of recycling a glass bottle is just as normal as brushing our teeth. For information on Earth Day click here.
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Essential oils are non-oily, highly fragrant liquids extracted from plants. These natural compounds are excellent alternatives to potentially harmful perfumes that can contain a mixture of aromatic chemicals. Essential oils work well in homemade beauty products, as well as natural home cleaners. For more information and recipes for green cleaning products, click here.
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It might surprise a few to know that phosphates are no longer permitted in laundry detergents because of the damage they inflict on aquatic life. The presence of phosphates contributed to the degradation of the Great Lakes. With phosphates no longer contained in laundry soap, consumers should look for detergents that are fragrance-free, non-petroleum derived and ones that contain plant-based surfactants (water-soluble compounds that reduce the surface tension of water).
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Are you in the market for a new fridge? Keep in mind that nearly 20 per cent of the energy generated worldwide is used for refrigeration. The most efficient fridge-freezer combos are those with either the freezer above or below the fridge. These models use 10 to 25 per cent less energy than the side-by-side varieties. As well, you can easily check the door seal by placing a piece of paper in the door. If the paper slips out when the door is closed, it may be time for a new seal.
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In nature there's no such thing as waste. Every natural compound serves many functions and natural material is constantly recycled. Humans should increasingly learn to mimic nature and limit our throw-away waste. Try to avoid disposables wherever possible. Covering food with a plate, dish or lid instead of foil or cling wrap can reduce unnecessary rubbish and even save you money. And what's more, nature would be proud of you.
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Did you know 36 per cent of commuters in Copenhagen, Denmark, travel by bicycle? With warmer days ahead, it's a great time to get your two-wheeler tuned up at your local bike shop. Simply by replacing an eight-km car trip with a bike ride once week, the average person can prevent about 100 kilograms of carbon dioxide emissions per year. It's also a great way to stay in shape.
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Even in a world filled with e-mail and video-conferencing, paper still represents more than 70 per cent of office waste. If you're in the market for a new printer, make sure to look for a duplex model that allows you to print on both sides. This way you can easily cut your paper use by nearly half and reduce your energy consumption by as much as 25 per cent.
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More people than ever are purchasing organic fruits and vegetables. According to a 2005 Agriculture Canada and Canadian Food Inspection Agency report, Canadians spend nearly $1 billion a year on organic foods, with sales increasing 20 per cent annually. Some non-organic foods are more heavily sprayed with pesticides than others. To find a reliable list of the 20 most highly sprayed food crops, click here.
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There's perhaps no better Mother's Day gift than the gift of nature. If you're looking for last-minute gift ideas for Sunday, consider a native plant. In fact, a plant native to a specific region is the gift that keeps on giving. Indigenous plants attract local butterflies, birds and native bugs, like lady bugs. For a list of plants native to your area, visit the Canadian Wildlife Federation's website, click here.
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Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) have been so popular that many lighting manufacturers are gradually phasing out incandescent light bulbs. Even more efficient, but less widely available, than CFLs are light-emitting diodes (LEDs). These small, durable and super-efficient light bulbs last about 10 times longer than CFLs and more than 100 times longer than the traditional incandescent bulbs. Keep your eyes open for these efficient light bulbs, you'll soon be seeing LEDs everywhere.
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Some plastics are better than others and usually be distinguished by their associated numbers? For example, high-density polyethylene (#2), low-density polyethylene (#3) and polypropylene (#4) are generally considered the best choices of plastic because most can be recycled and re-used. Other types of plastics are often non-recyclable and can contain chemicals such as Bisphenol A that have been linked to breast and ovarian cancer. The best option is to choose products made of safe, natural compounds. For more information, click here.
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You want to use green cleaning products but don't know where to start. First, avoid products that contain harsh chemicals and synthetic scents. Products containing these types of compounds can irritate the skin and exacerbate asthmatic conditions. Secondly, try baking soda and white vinegar to as all-purpose cleaners. Finally, reach for reusable sponges or microfiber cloths instead of paper towels or disposable wipes. For more green cleaning tips, click here.
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Washing your car at home uses as much as 440 litres of water. Commercial carwashes, meanwhile, use nearly half as much water. At home, the warm, sudsy, detergent-loaded water runs down the street, through the storm-drain and straight into the river. Many professional carwash facilities are built with a filtering system in the collection tank to prevent many harmful chemicals from reaching waterways. But washing a car is not much of a concern if you take public transit. For more information, click here.
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A screen saver is not necessarily an energy saver. The average desktop computer consumes between 60 to 250 watts a day. Compared with a machine left on all day, a computer that is in use four hours a day and turned off the rest of the time would save you about $70 a year, not to mention the enormous reduction on CO2 emissions. So make it a habit to turn off your monitor when you leave your desk and shut down your computer when you're leaving for the day
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Since 1960, the amount of packaging in garbage has increased 80%. Plastic debris is hazardous to wildlife. Each year more than 2 million birds, turtles, whales, dolphins and seals become entangled in floating plastic debris, or mistake it for food. Tip: choose products with less packaging and buy in bulk whenever possible.
