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With Earth Day almost here, it’s time to think about how we can improve our carbon footprint – not only for the day, but indefinitely. During Earth Hour, turning the lights out makes us think about our energy consumption and the impact we have on our planet. Allstate Insurance Company of Canada offers nine more practical tips that we can all do to support and protect our environment.
1. Use the Sun for More Than Vitamin D
By converting sunlight into energy, solar panels are a great way to provide clean energy – even during the winter! Since the panels rely on sunlight, as long as the sun is shining, they produce energy all year long. Look into grants from the government; they exist for those who want to incorporate solar energy into their home design.
2. Wrap It Up
When you wrap your water heater in an insulation blanket or covering, you can reduce standby heat losses by 25 – 45 per cent, which works out to be about 4 – 9 per cent of your water heating costs.
3. Take a Ride
With the weather warming up and the days getting longer, why not get the most out of them? Opting to take a bike instead of a car for all your local travels can have the same effect on greenhouse gasses as planting up to 170 trees! What’s more, when you ride your bike to work you incorporate exercise into your day which means you can skip your cardio workout at the gym.
4. Try Homemade
Lingering residues from ingredients in conventional cleaners, such as ammonia and glycol ethers, can dissolve and leave behind harmful and irritating vapours. Some products, such as toilet cleaners, go directly into our water systems. Consider making your own cleaning products or purchasing ones without harsh chemicals. If you choose to purchase products be sure to buy ones that have full ingredient disclosure, are dye-free and fragrance-free.
5. Landscape Effectively
To cut down on air conditioning, try planting. Trees around your home’s east, west and south sides shield it from summer sun. To let the winter sun in, keep the north side clear. Shrubs, gardens, trees and other plants can serve to direct breezes, shield areas of the home you want to keep cool and generally improve the environment of your home.
6. Have a Light?
Rightfully so, the compact fluorescent bulb has gotten a lot of attention, they are an amazingly efficient alternative to incandescent bulbs. CFL bulbs consume 75 per cent less energy and last 10 to15 times longer than a regular bulb. Why wouldn’t you make the switch? To stay green, make sure to dispose CFL bulbs properly. You can check with the store where you purchased the bulbs to see if they recycle them or dispose of them at a hazardous waste depot.
7. Tap That
We are all aware that plastic water bottles are not environmentally friendly. But you want convenient, chemical-free drinking water. You can opt for a refillable water filter, a filter that fits right onto your tap, or check in with your local municipality – they can give you information about your tap water. To take your water with you, buy a refillable water bottle.
8. Take Off the Rack
Winter is over, so there is no need for the ski rack on your car. Help save money and fuel by making your car as aerodynamic as possible.
9. Psst…Tell a Friend
Want to do something really great for the environment? Share some environmentally friendly tips with a friend…or two. Now you can BOTH get on board to help save the environment.
For more information about how you can go green, or to speak with Allstate Canada representative Tony Irwin, Allstate’s official spokesperson, please contact:
Jennifer Ouellette
Thornley Fallis Communications
T: 416.515.7517 x 386 C: 416-277-8198
ouellette@thornleyfallis.com
