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Red, White & Green: Canada's natural playground is to enjoy


Renee Tratch
Digital Writer, theweathernetwork.com

Tuesday, September 27, 2016, 9:19 AM - Canada’s natural playground is among the best in the world and with the summer weather comes the infinite possibilities to reignite the passion for adventure.

But with the impacts of a changing climate sitting top of the news and mind, efforts to keep this country green have become increasingly important. Canadians are looking for ways to ensure that their health and that of our environment continues to thrive for generations to come.

How then to enjoy the great outdoors while going easy on the Earth?

Simple. Here are seven ways to help empower your green lifestyle and lighten your carbon footprint when stepping into nature this summer:

Leave no trace: This outdoor code of ethics is not just a mantra for the seasoned camper. Whether on your daily commute or vacationing across the country, keep in mind that what you pack in is what you pack out. That means disposing of trash and recycling correctly (so wildlife doesn’t eat the litter), reducing waste by using reusable containers, and leaving rocks, plants and other natural objects as you find them in nature.

Make it a day trip: Some of the best adventures are in your own backyard. A destination closer to home will put on less miles on your vehicle and greenhouse gas emissions in the air. Gone for the day? Pack a picnic and stop at rest areas surrounded by nature.

Be water conscious: Summer is peak time for Canadians to be out watering lawns and gardens. Reduce evaporation by watering slowly and before 9 a.m. Water thoroughly rather than frequent, shallow watering to encourage deep roots. And use Mother Nature as a source by collecting water in a rain barrel. Nature Canada has more tips on best practices and how to keep shorelines healthy.

Buy local produce: Farmers’ markets are in full swing popping up in parks and parking lots across Canada. While you can’t always get everything on your grocery list, you can expect the freshest locally sourced and in season fruits and vegetables. Best part, you can meet the farmers and learn about their growing practices. Be sure to bring cloth bags and cash in in small bills. Here is a list of five of the biggest Farmers’ Markets in Canada.

Walk, Bike, Hybrid or Paddle: Greening your commute is good for you and the environment. And you can make taking to the trails part of your summer travels right across the country. The Trans Canada Trail, dubbed the longest recreational trail in the world, aims to link 15,000 communities over 20,000-plus km with urban and rural adventures that can be biked, hiked and paddled. Two wheels or two feet not your thing? The groundswell around electric and hybrid cars is tangible with models like the new 2017 Ford Fusion Energi plugging in from coast-to-coast and changing the face of daily commutes or weekend road trips.

There is no wifi in the forest but you will find a better connection. ‪#WednesdayWisdom‬‬ ‪#Thegreattrail‬‬

Get to know nature: One of the best ways to appreciate nature is to immerse yourself in it. Canada boasts 200 national parks, pristine wilderness where you can learn about the natural habitat and wildlife and the history of the area. (PS: next year as part of Canada’s 150th birthday, admission is free to Park Canada’s national parks, national historic sites and national marine conservation areas.)

No need to go far to escape into nature - you can find local trails in your own community. In Toronto, see how Pokémon helps get people exploring the city’s green spaces.

Make it a group effort: Need some inspiration on more ways to love and conserve the environment? Join forces with other Canadians to create and promote greener living as part of World Wildlife Fund’s newly launched Count for Nature campaign.

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