Canada has been given a dubious title. The World Wildlife Fund has just named our country as the fourth worst offender in the world for "gobbling up resources."
This resource gobbling that we do here—the energy we burn and the waste we discard—has a direct impact on the lives of the poor. Experts say that global warming (caused by greenhouse gases produced through the burning of fossil fuels) threatens to make the international targets on halving global poverty by 2015 (known as the Millennium Development Goals) unattainable.
On the flip side, what we do here—recycling, energy conservation, and careful living—can help solve the problem.
4 Ways to Lighten Our Impact on the Planet
1. Waste Not, Want Not
Seventeen million Canadians now have access to recycling programs. If your municipality recycles, make sure that you familiarize yourself with what's waste and what can be recycled. Items that couldn't be recycled a few years ago may well belong in the blue box or the composter now.
2. Colour Your House Green
The fastest and most effective way to reduce energy use at home is to stop drafts. Simply go around the house with a tissue or candle to see if you can detect any drafts. Then head to the hardware store and buy what you need to seal up the problem areas.
You can also turn down your thermostat a bit and wash your clothes in cold water. If you have kids, check to see if the clothes are really dirty or if they're practising "folding avoidance."
If you're going to buy new appliances, look for the ones that are the most energy-efficient. As producers clue in to demand, prices are starting to come down on super-energy-efficient appliances.
3. Buy Less
When you do make a purchase, pay a little extra and go for high quality if you can because it lasts longer. Look for items with the least amount of packaging, too. An astounding 35 per cent of municipal solid waste is packaging.
4. Be Obnoxious, But Not Too Obnoxious
Check up on the environmental efforts of organizations where you have a say. If you've got questions about your local school's recycling program, ask. If the local hockey arena doesn't have blue boxes by its snack bar, suggest it get some.
To make a direct difference, sponsor a child.
Stay engaged and join the World Vision Justice Network.
