Published in Green     5 comments – join the discussion!

1 – Start using reuseable shopping bags.

Cloth bags are now widely available, usually selling for about one dollar. Buy half a dozen and keep them in the trunk of your car.

2 – When grocery shopping for vegetables, bypass the thin plastic bags in the produce department.

There’s no need to put a couple of pears or a few apples in a bag only to throw it out once you get home.

3 – When you leave a room, turn off the lights.

4 – Walk to the corner store.

Most of us live within a kilometer or less of a variety/convenience store. When the need arises (or the munchies call!) leave the car keys at home and walk. You’ll get some exercise, and save gas.

5 – Start buying milk in returnable containers.

Four plastic bags in a four litre bag of milk is four plastic bags too many in the landfill.

6 – Switch all the light bulbs in your home to compact fluorescent bulbs.

7 – Eat local produce whenever possible.

The best choice is local organic produce.

8 – Replace the chemical pesticides for your lawn and garden (including your indoor plants) with non-toxic substitutes.

Make sure to dispose of toxins responsibly. If in doubt, call your local public works department.

9 – Install a programmable thermostat... and use it.

10 – Buy a bicycle.

Perhaps there’s one languishing in the back of your garage or your basement. Dust it off, clean it up, and away you go. Cycling provides a whole different view of your neighbourhood.

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Comments

Read what people are saying.

1

Katarina_HD

Posted on June 29, 2008, 6:07 pm

I need to work on #4 and #10, but I'm getting there!

2

SpiritedOne

Posted on June 29, 2008, 6:49 pm

Got me a bike...rode it 45km around to wineries yesterday... got me a sore a$$ now. But I saved gas! hee hee

3

CapnCrunch

Posted on June 30, 2008, 9:35 am

#8 my neighbor who has a pesticide company visit his house 4 times a summer, his grass is going brown. My lawn with nothing on it, not even fertilizer is bright green. My secret, I cut my grass no more than once a week and use the highest setting my lawn mower has. Less work and $$ and my lawn looks better, this is a GREEN move I can't afford not to do. Good article!

4

Chloe (Author)

Posted on July 2, 2008, 2:22 pm

Thanks Capn! Hey SpiritedOne, I hope you had a glass of wine to soothe the pain!

5

SpiritedOne

Posted on July 3, 2008, 11:05 am

Hi Chloe Yes, we had several glasses (tastings...) while we were biking. Also managed to buy a few bottles of some very nice wine too. Am off now again on my bike to the library (now that is a good place to use to make a difference)!! Cheers.

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