There are a many small steps each of us can take in our everyday lives to minimize our environmental footprint. Think the three Rs - reduce, reuse and recycle. The following are some tips to achieve these goals.
Reduce:
At school or the office
• Turn off monitors when away from the computer
• Set computer to “sleep” mode; screen savers do not save energy.
• Think twice before printing - ask yourself is it really necessary?
• Copy and print double-sided whenever possible.
• Conserve energy by turning off the copier/printer or use stand-by mode.
• Send documents and invitations electronically
• Edit, spell and grammar check on screen before printing.
• Make a conscious effort to circulate and file information electronically
• Facilitate carpooling or shuttle.
• Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
• Walk, bike or use public transport to school or work
• Brown bag it - bringing your own lunch to work saves money and unnecessary plastics and disposable items
At home
• Take shorter showers and use low flow shower heads.
• Don’t leave water running freely during everyday activities like brushing your teeth or shaving
• Purchase equipment and appliances that use less water when replacing items.
• Use phosphate-free detergents to protect water quality.
• Wash clothes in cold water.
• Avoid purchasing items containing styrofoam or excess packaging
• Consider repairing items before discarding or replacing them
• Unplug electronics when not in use to reduce phantom energy consumption or use a power bar.
• Cool it down when you are not around - turn down heat before leaving the house or office.
• Close curtains and blinds at night to keep warm air in and cold air out.
• Use compact fluorescent bulbs - they are more energy efficient and last longer.
• Avoid unnecessary short car trips as much as possible.
• Avoid individual condiment packages, use bulk instead.
• Avoid idling - respect the air!
When shopping
• Look for these logos – Energy Star, Ecologo, Green Seal, Der Blaue Engel, FSC, Greenguard, Fair Trade‐ when choosing products
• Buy certified fair trade and organic products; especially locally sourced foods.
• Buy energy efficient equipment – purchase only Energy Star certified products if you can.
• Purchase locally‐manufactured products, or those from a shorter distance (Try within the Maritimes).
Re-use
• Bring your reusable bags to the grocery store - or to any store!
• Reuse and recycle paper, cardboard, beverage containers; plastics 1 and 2, tin and glass containers, electronics, furniture, compost and dispose of hazardous waste in appropriate manner.
• Reuse envelopes, folders and back sides of pages.
• Avoid purchasing bottled water - bring your reusable bottle wherever you go.
• Use rechargeable batteries and recycle them at the end of their life.
• Bring your own re-usable mug and water bottle to campus
• Avoid bottled beverages, ask for water jugs filled with tap water or juice.
Recycle
• Recycle paper when no longer needed - don't put it in the garbage!
• Don’t pour unused household chemicals, pharmaceuticals, fats, oil, grease, paints, solvents and vehicle fluids down sinks,or toilets - take them to an authorized disposal site
• If you are hosting a meeting, make sure to have recycling bins available for attendees.
• Buy recycled-content products (both pre- and post-consumer).