To help save the earth’s resources, we all should consider adjusting some of our daily habits to reduce our environmental impact. It is never too late to learn about starting an eco-friendly lifestyle. Our new GEC Buildings are LEED certified (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and we proudly support environmentally-conscious living. Keep reading to find out how you can reduce your eco-footprint, save money, and the earth’s resources. Every small step counts so, let’s get to it!
Separating food scraps has been mandatory in Metro Vancouver since 2015. The rule has been set because if organic materials (food scraps) end up the garbage, they may:
A simple rule of thumb for environmentally friendly living: Turn it off if you are not using it!
We all like a long hot shower to destress after a long day, but did you ever think of the amount of hot water that is wasted in the shower? According to a study by Harvard, the average shower is 8 minutes long, which uses roughly 75 litres of water. That’s almost 19 of the 4-litre milk jugs that you buy at the supermarket! Try to cut down on your shower time or implement turning the tap off when using soap during your shower.
Your dryer runs more efficiently and uses less energy when you clean the filter. If you do not clean the lint, it fills up the vent and uses much more energy to do its simple job. To help the environment, and your dryer, clean your vent after each wash.
Automobiles produce carbon footprint, greatly contributing to global warming. If you can, consider using public transportation to reduce carbon footprint release per person. Even better — walk or bike to work, school, grocery store, etc. to get a good exercise and release 75% fewer greenhouse gases compared to driving the same distance.
Getting your daily pick-me-up coffee should not cause harm to the earth. You can invest in reusable bottles and mugs — One for your daily water intake when you are on the go and one for your coffee intake. If you drink one cup of coffee every day, imagine not wasting those 7 cups! What a difference you’ve already made!
Do you get a plastic bag every time you visit the grocery store for a small item? If so, you are contributing to plastic waste pollution in the environment. Plastic never entirely degrades. When it ends up on our streets or water, it tangles to the trees or gets washed off on beaches; it is also a danger to animals like turtles. You can reduce plastic waste by purchasing reusable, cloth bags. A plastic bag is at least $0.10 at a store each time you shop, whereas a reusable bag is $5 for at least a few years. In the long run, you save a lot of money and resources.
When you get sick of a clothing item, or a book, do you throw them in the garbage? If still usable, you should donate such items to the nearest thrift store in your area. Someone else can wear your t-shirt; after all, your old one is their new! Never throw away items in good condition, consider donating or swapping instead for environmentally friendly living.
Kudos to you for reading this far! Every step towards eco-friendly living counts, and you just completed Step 1. Continue to live environmentally conscious by implementing small changes to your daily routine — Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day!