Canadians are continuously striving to be more eco-friendly, with companies and individuals alike making an effort to relieve some of the pressure the human race puts on the already-fragile environment. While companies, and particularly those in the manufacturing industry, definitely have the biggest impact on the health of the environment, a lot can be done home to also help establish a sustainable future for the next generation. By making a few small changes, you and your family will be able to not only live a healthier, happier life, but also help protect the world we live in.
Reduce your plastic usage
Approximately one-third of the plastics used in Canada are either single-use or short-lived products, such as plastic bags, straws and food containers. By reducing your plastic use as much as possible, you will not only contribute greatly towards a healthier environment, but will also save a significant amount of money in the long run. Start ridding your home of plastics by ditching plastic bags and straws, and replacing them with sustainable alternatives. Bamboo, glass and stainless steel straws are readily available, while hessian, bags made from recycled plastics, or cotton bags are eco friendly choices for anyone wanting to rid their homes of plastic bags. Once you have made these small changes, you can systematically make your way through your house, replacing any plastic with more sustainable alternatives.
Start recycling
Recycling is one of the easiest ways to make your home more sustainable, as it allows old items that would otherwise land on a Canadian landfill, to be turned into usable materials. Despite the known benefits and relative ease of home recycling, there are still some households that do not make any effort to recycle. A simple home recycling plan will help you get rid of most of your unused plastic and paper products, while scrap aluminum recycling will help you dispose of everything from beverage cans and window frames to your old cake pans. A quick internet search will provide you with all the information you need pertaining to the ‘what,’ ‘where’ and ‘why’ of recycling at home.
Ditch the chemicals
A lot of commercial household cleaning products, including soap, polishes, air fresheners and disinfectants, contain chemicals that can be very harmful to your health as well as the environment. Not only can these products cause severe indoor air pollution, but some are also extremely corrosive and even flammable, causing great devastation if disposed of incorrectly. By switching to reputable eco-friendly brands or making your own cleaning products at home, you can easily reduce your household’s carbon footprint significantly. You don’t even have to spend a lot of money on expensive green cleaning products, as vinegar, lemon juice and baking soda can often be used to clean up just about any mess in your house.
Safeguarding the environment is everyone’s responsibility. By making simple changes in and around your house, you can drastically reduce your carbon footprint and help keep the delicate environment safe.
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