Social Responsibility

Easy green step #1: Get smart with your energy

The easiest way to live greener — and save — is to use less power, and you can decrease demand for energy while fattening your wallet.

• Turn off the lights! Get into the habit of lighting only the rooms you’re currently using.

• Unplug your electronics. Beware “phantom power” hogs — everything from computer monitors to cell phone chargers that draw energy even when they’re not turned on. Unplug them and potentially save up to 10% on your energy bills

• Lower your thermostat. Turn down the heat by 5°C at night and save another 10%.
• Tweak your water heater. The optimal range is between 55°C and 60°C. Shortening those showers and washing your laundry in cold water will also curb your energy bill.

• Use energy-efficient appliances. Watch out for energy indicators (number of stars) on certain appliances, such as air-conditioners, refrigerators and televisions which show how energy-efficient those appliances are. The higher number of stars labelled indicates less energy used.

Easy green step #2: Stop wasting food

• Think before you buy. The easiest way to stop wasting food is to plan ahead. Plan your week’s meals, shop more mindfully by sticking to your grocery list and take a pass on those unplanned bulk “bargains.”

• Pay attention to packaging; it could save you even more. Case in point: the dreaded shrink-wrapped cucumber. For most, the idea of wrapping a cucumber in plastic seems unnecessary. But surprise, surprise: A wrapped cucumber lasts much longer than an unwrapped one — and that means less food waste.

• Ditch the fossil fuel-derived plastic wrap. Keep your food fresh in reusable glass storage containers instead.

• Freeze your leftovers. Try some of these creative ideas: What to do with leftovers.

​Easy green step #3: Scrub up some savings with DIY cleaners

• Make your own cleaners. Do your body and wallet a favour by using everyday ingredients such as baking soda, lemon juice, white vinegar and salt — and save hundreds of dollars each year.