Top 10 Actions
to reduce your impact on the environment
Photo courtesy:
Bokeh Burger
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
Photo courtesy:
Anton Fomkin
Simple Savers
- Replace incandescent light bulbs with LEDs
- Use aerators on faucets and shower heads
- Weatherstrip windows and doors
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
Food Choices
- Choose local and organic foods that are in season, and support local food producers
- Eat less meat
Washing and Drying
- Wash full loads of clothes in cold water and hang to air dry
Photo courtesy:
somenametoforget (flickr)
Heating and Cooling
- For summer air conditioning, set your thermostat to 24°C or 25°C
- For winter heating, set your thermostat to 19°C or 20°C
- Install ceiling fans and programmable thermostats
Close to Home
- Vacation, travel and work as close to home as possible
Photo courtesy:
John Loo
Bathroom Basics
- Take short showers instead of baths
- Close water taps while brushing your teeth
Careful Cleaning
- Choose natural, non-toxic cleaning products
- Make simple, natural cleaners with ingredients like vinegar, baking soda and water
Don’t Discard
- Donate, reuse and recycle items before throwing them into the trash
- Harmful materials like chemicals, batteries, electronics, etc. should be taken to local hazardous waste depots or recyclers
Download a PDF version of Earth Day Canada’s Top 10 Actions: English [1.14MB PDF] | French [1.15MB PDF]
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©2013 Earth Day Canada.
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