Energy saving tips: Steps you can take to reduce your Carbon Footprint
It’s been on your “must get done before summer list”, and you just haven’t had time to do it. Being green and trying to help the environment is something all Canadians can help with. Greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide are polluting our air quality every day, impacting our environment and our climate. This summer, why not do your part in reducing your carbon footprint and give yourself an eco-friendly makeover. Learning to live a greener lifestyle and making small changes can have a big impact on the environment. Here are five easy things you can do for a green makeover:
Lower your thermostat: One simple way to reduce your carbon footprint and save a few extra dollars is lowering your thermostat when you’re not at home, or while you’re sleeping at night. Turning the heat may not seem like a big deal, but it can really help reduce home heating costs as well as save energy. Try purchasing a programmable thermostat that will allow you to adjust the temperature in your home during different times of the day. A lot of houses will retain heat even if the thermostat is set a few degrees lower.
Decrease air conditioner use: We all know what it’s like to walk into an air conditioned house on a hot summer day. Although the cool is nice, it comes at a cost – putting a strain on our electrical grids and on the environment. Being more conscious of when to use your air conditioner can help to save energy. Like your thermostat, try programming your air conditioner to be turned off when no one is home during the day, and to turn on when you arrive home.
Contribute eco-friendly charities – Climate change is something that affects us all. People, who are living in poverty, can’t protect their environment, so why not give someone the tools they need to live an eco-friendly way of life. Gifts offered in the World Vision Gift Catalogue (Worldvision.ca/gifts) like a solar cooker, can use sunlight to heat food and it doesn’t require carbon emitting fuels to operate. This helps families become less dependent on firewood, while encouraging the conservation of trees. Solar panels for a school or clinic in a developing country can help provide opportunities and environmental sustainability.
Smart washing: Loads of laundry can help to save energy just by a turn of a dial. By changing your machine setting to cold water instead of hot you can help to cut back on the amount of greenhouse emissions released into the air. With no effort you can save money and the environment. Also, if it’s a warm day outside, why not try hanging your clothes to dry and give your dryer a vacation day.
Turn off your engine: With the increase in the number cars on the road car exhausts have increased the amount of carbon dioxide emissions being released into the atmosphere. On nice days, why not consider walking to work, carpooling or riding your bike. If you work further away, not consider public transportation like taking the bus, train or subway.
