Earth Friendly Improvements

With Earth Day happening on April 22, it is important for all of us to make choices that help to reduce your impact on the environment. Take at look at these tips and easy ways to make an earth friendly impression.

1. Smart Shopping:
-Buy what you need, not what you want
-Consider renting and borrowing things that are seldom needed
-Buy used items from garage sales and second-hand stores

2. Simple Savers:
-Replace incandescent light bulbs with LEDs
-Use aerators on faucets and shower heads
-Weatherstrip windows and doors

3. Transportation Alternatives:
-Walk, cycle, car pool and use public transportation
-When driving, reduce idling and maintain correct tire pressure
-Consider car-sharing programs or renting

4. Food Choices:
-Choose local and organic foods that are in season and support local food producers
-Eat less meat

5. Washing and Drying:
-Wash full loads of clothes in cold water and hang to dry

6. Heating and Cooling: 
-For summer air conditioning, set your thermostat to 24 or 25 celsius
-For winter heating, set thermostat to 19 or 20 celsius
-Install ceiling fans and programmable thermostats

7. Close to Home:
-Vacation, travel and work as close to home as possible

8. Bathroom Basic:
-Take short showers instead of baths
-Close water taps while brushing your teeth

9. Careful Cleaning:
-Choose natural, non-toxic cleaning products
-Make simple, natural cleaners with ingredients such as vinegar, baking soda and water

10. Don’t Discard:
-Donate, reuse, and recycle items before throwing them into the trash
-Harmful materials like chemicals and electronics should be taken to local hazardous waste depots or recyclers

Courtesy of Earth Day Canada (http://www.earthday.ca/resources/top-10-actions)