Summer is the season of outdoor fun, but it can also be the time for green energy in Ontario. The average Canadian emits more than 14 tons of carbon dioxide over a lifetime. Compared to many other countries, Canadians produce significantly more carbon emissions.
Here are some simple ideas if you are looking for ways to lower your carbon footprint this summer.
10 Tips to Go Green This Summer
Summer is a great time to go green. The warmer weather means you can spend more time outdoors, and many people take advantage of the longer days to do things like gardening and yard work. From changing your light bulbs to composting food scraps, there are so many ways you can go green this summer.
Here are 10 ways to go green.
1. Switch to Energy-Efficient Appliances and Light Bulbs
If your property is old, it may not be energy efficient. An easy way to make a more environmentally friendly Ontario is by updating your appliances and lighting. Replacing old appliances with Energy Star-certified ones can save you money on utility bills and reduce your carbon footprint.
This summer, consider making minor changes to help you reduce your energy use and carbon footprint. For example, you could install new appliances and replace old ones with more efficient models.
Similarly, installing energy-saving light bulbs or a programmable thermostat can make your home more energy-efficient. Also, consider adding solar panels or swapping the air conditioning unit that is more environmentally friendly than the one you have now.
2. Install Low-Flow Showerheads and Faucets
Low-flow showerheads and faucets use less water than regular ones and therefore require less energy to pump up from the water heater or well. You can also install a rain barrel in your garden so that runoff from your roof can be used for watering plants instead of running down the drain.
If you live in an apartment building with shared laundry facilities, investigate installing a clothesline outside. You will save energy compared to a dryer or tumble dryer.
3. Use Natural Cleaning Products Instead of Chemicals
Use natural cleaning products in your home. They are better for you and the environment. Baking soda can be an all-purpose cleaner, lemon juice can clean silver, and vinegar can clean windows. The list goes on.
4. Plant Trees or Bushes Near Your Home
to provide shade and help block out pollutants like CO2 and smog from nearby cars and factories. Trees help with air quality and beautify urban areas. They also provide shade from the sun, which helps lower temperatures in urban areas during hot summer days so they do not get as hot as they would otherwise.
5. Get Rid of Excess Clutter in Your Life
Donate old clothes or toys that you no longer use. This way, you can reduce the trash generated by households every year. The average Canadian spends over $3,000 annually on clothing.
If you are feeling overwhelmed, consider eliminating things you do not use anymore by donating them to charity or selling them online. First, you can reduce your carbon emissions by eliminating the need for trucks to transport all those things. In addition, you get more space in your garage.
6. Compost Food Scraps Instead of Throwing Them Away
On average, a Canadian household throws away over $1,000 of food annually. Food scraps end up in municipal landfills each year, and composting at home helps avoid creating methane gas from rotting food waste. Composting frees up landfill space for other materials because less trash must be trucked there.
If you live in an apartment, talk with your management about setting up a composting bin or taking food scraps to community composting facilities in your neighbourhood or town.
You can also use the composting bins provided by some grocery stores or do-it-yourself options like worm bins or DIY plastic bins to make yourself out of recycled materials (such as plastic soda bottles).
Make sure you avoid attracting pests (like rats) or rodents (like raccoons). These animals may want to check out what is inside those bins.
7. Drive Less and Walk More
The best way to reduce your carbon emissions is by walking or taking public transportation instead of driving yourself around town every day. In an urban area, you might take the subway or city bus instead of driving in a car or SUV.
Go green with your car by avoiding idling (turn off the engine if you are going to stop for more than 10 seconds). Second, recycle used oil filters at your local recycling center instead of disposing of them in the trash. Finally, purchase environmentally friendly vehicles whenever possible (hybrid or electric).
8. Buy Local Produce in Season
Buy local produce at farmers’ markets and whole foods stores, as well as organic produce from grocery stores that carry it. Food produced locally uses less energy in transportation and has a smaller carbon footprint than food shipped from faraway places.
9. Plant a Garden and Grow Food
If you have access to land or a balcony, consider growing some vegetables or herbs this summer. You will save money on produce and feel better about eating healthy food grown without pesticides or herbicides, not to mention reducing the amount of packaging waste that goes into landfills.
10. Turn Down the A/C
If you are not uncomfortable, try turning down the air conditioning when you leave home for long periods, even if it is just while you are at work. However, make sure someone else in the house can check in on pets or kids.
There is no reason they should suffer through extreme temperatures just because you want to save a little money on your electric bill.
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Summer is the ideal time to go green and make your home an eco-friendly oasis. Whether you are looking for ways to reduce your carbon footprint or want to save some money on energy bills, you can do many simple things at home this summer. Get in touch with our team to learn more on how to maximize your savings and coverage.
