UHEW’s environment committee has some tips to help you reduce your carbon footprint at home.
Earth Day is celebrated every year on April 22, drawing attention and calling people to take action on issues that affect our planet. Started in the United States back in 1970, Earth day is now celebrated in 193 countries, with last year’s 50th anniversary celebration mobilizing more than 100 million people worldwide
With many of us working from home these day a great way to do your part on Earth day is look for ways around you to go green and reduce your carbon footprint. There are lots of easy ways to improve the green impact of your home.
- Plant something outside your home
- Make or improve a home recycling system
- Make or improve a home composting system
- Switch to efficient lights.
- Switch to lower-pressure and more efficient showers and faucets
- Safely recycle electronics or batteries
- Donate used goods or furniture
- Stop using plastic bags, bring reusable bags on your shopping trips
- Make a commitment to not buying single-use plastic bottles
- Make a commitment to not using disposable straws
- Find and use alternatives to tupperware and disposable take-out packaging
- Turn off & unplug electronic devices when not in use
- Print less often and switch to paperless communication and billing
- Walk or ride a bike instead of driving
- Borrow an item from a friend or family member instead of buying new
- Eliminate plastic silverware and paper plates
- Only drink water from a reusable bottle or cup
- Purchase groceries from a local farm or farmer’s market
- Upcycle – take something you don’t use and instead of throwing it find it a new purpose
- Create a library box in your neighbourhood
- Switch to battery-powered lawn equipment
- Replace your gas water heater with an electrified hot water pump
- Volunteer locally
- Help clean up your neighbourhood
- Find a green cause locally and get involved
