Tips on how to save the Earth everyday, and money too
Digital Writer, theweathernetwork.com
Thursday, March 29, 2018, 12:36 PM - What was first a one-day salute to the planet has turned into a week- and month-long focus on the environment. People around the world are tallying up ways to protect the planet through Earth Day Network’s A Billion Acts of Green. Here at home Torontonians have been going that extra green mile with tree plantings, bike rides and community clean ups.
But the challenge still remains - how to keep the environment top of mind year-round? Here are some simple eco-actions that will get you in the habit of helping the Earth long after the celebrations are over.
Spring clean: Good on ya if your closet contents are headed to the recycling bin. But for those unwanted items en route to a landfill, consider tossing them into a swap or donation box. Swap City has helped Torontonians connect and unload more than 25,000 items online and at in-person swap events. The Children’s Book Bank in downtown Toronto passes along gently used books to kids and teens in low-income neighbourhoods.
Clean your commute: This year Earth Day Canada launches its Earth Day Every Day campaign to help Canadians commit to green acts. The goal - reduce their carbon footprint by 20% by 2020. They suggest these 25 cleaner ways to commute. Learn how to get started:
Catch water: 'Tis the growing seasoning. While digging and planting are super ways to show the Earth some love, rain barrels will take your gardening to the next eco-friendly level. Catching rainfall can reduce your water bills as well as return water to the ground instead of storm water systems. The Toronto Zoo has some for purchase during their weekend Earth Day celebrations. (Proceeds also support their species conservation programs.)
Pull the plug: We’ve all heard about phantom power, right? Household appliances and electronics continue to suck up electricity even when they are turned off. According to Natural Resources Canada, the average household in developed countries uses between 5 and 10 percent of its electricity to power devices in standby mode. The easiest ways to stop the energy drain is to simply unplug them when they are not in use. Or this:
Your mug: Many Canadians start their day with a cup of tea or coffee. How you brew and consume it have huge impacts on the environment. A recent mock-horror video by a Canadian production studio depicts people running from a monster and alien invaders made of disposable coffee cups and pods to illustrate their negative impact on the environment.
Maybe the non-recyclable K-Cups aren’t part of your daily routine. But taking your hot beverages “to go” in paper cups is. It’s not much better. Most are laminated with a plastic resin to keep the drink warm and prevent leaking. But this resin also prevents cups from being recycled. So choose a “for here” mug or make an effort to bring your own. Many coffee shops already offer a discount for customers bringing a travel mug. Need more incentive to start? For Earth Day-only, participating Starbucks offer a free brewed coffee to those who bring in a reusable cup.
