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By Katelyn Marie Poyntz  In previous weeks, we talked about the carbon footprint of foods, but what about the footprint of consuming it?
It’s all about the heat you use, which takes energy to create. The raw food movement would win the carbon battle, but here are some tips to reduce your carbon footprint while still having a warm meal:
By Jess Blackwell  Regardless of whether you operate a service-based office or a product-based storefront or restaurant, chances are that there are steps you can take to reduce your paper waste. For example:
If you think it would be possible to implement multiple ways of reducing paper waste, you may still find it’s easier for you and your staff (and your customers) to adapt by making one change at a time. Alternatively, if you feel comfortable, go ahead and make multiple changes at once, and, where possible, try to give your customers and staff some notice about the upcoming changes. This will give you time to address any questions or concerns and prepare everyone for a more sustainable workplace. *This post is based on content originally published at lumida.ca/blog.
By Katelyn Marie Poyntz This week, we cover the infamous duel between meat and veggies! In short, yes, a single steak has a higher carbon footprint than produce. In fact, a single six-oz steak is like eating 38 bananas or 22,000 lbs of carrots! However, you would only need to chow down on three oranges or a container of out-of-season strawberries to match a steak. So, if you eat a tonne of fruit and veggies out of season, it can still add up! Check out the table below to see how some other proteins stack up against steak.  Fish is a great alternative to beef, with a single serving coming in at half the carbon footprint of a single egg. But be aware that there are challenges with the sustainability of fish farming, so it’s important to educate yourself on that first. *This post is based on content originally posted on Wylderr.
By Jess Blackwell  Instead of using liquid hand soaps and hand soap refills that come in plastic bottles or bags, you can consider some of the following lower-waste swaps:
Stores like Saponetti allow you to order hand soaps, dish soaps, and other cleaners and household items in bulk. Better yet, they allow you to collect your refills in glass jars, reducing plastic waste. They also deliver! Bare Market also offers refills for liquid dish soap, which you can collect in your own glass jars. And, of course, there are other similar refill spots throughout the city, so feel free to check with your local low-waste or eco-conscious shop to see what they have in stock! *This post is based on content originally published at lumida.ca/blog.
By Lisa McNair  Think about it: If waste is not created in the first place, there's much less of an environmental impact.
To maximize your waste reduction efforts, try the following:
If you have items you need to donate, visit toronto.ca/reuseit for a list of organizations that will take clothing, books, toys, bikes, electronics, furniture, housewares, and appliances in good condition. You can also donate your new and used items (in any condition, as long as they're not wet or smelly) at our next REmarket event, currently scheduled for June 14 and 15, 2023! By Katelyn Marie Poyntz In a previous post, we explained what a carbon footprint is. Now we’ll help you reduce it! This week’s key message: eat seasonal and local whenever possible. Out-of-season produce is transported further and is often grown in hothouses, which are heated structures used to create the perfect growing environment. In some cases, air transport is also used to make sure the produce arrives at the store before it spoils. The energy to heat and fly can significantly increase the carbon footprint of such products. In the graphic below, you can check out the difference between in-and out-of-season oranges and strawberries. It’s pretty wild!  *This post is based on content originally posted on Wylderr. By Jess Blackwell All that paper (and the plastic it comes in!) adds up. Next time you need to run out to pick up some bathroom tissue for your small business’ brick-and-mortar store or office, consider choosing one of these more sustainable alternatives:
You may also want to consider stocking up on toilet paper in bulk, which is better both for the environment and for your wallet.  *This post is based on content originally published at lumida.ca/blog.
By Lisa McNair  If you want to be more eco-friendly but are unsure of where to start, here are some simple steps you can take to be more mindful of the Earth in your daily activities.
1. Shop with a plan.
2. Reuse/recycle your leftovers.
3. Use sustainable cleaning products.
By Katelyn Marie Poyntz  The average Canadian household throws out $1,766 of food every year, and that amount increased during the pandemic due to overbuying habits. It’s best to buy what you need and use what you buy. Here are some tips to help you do that:
*This post is based on content originally posted on Wylderr.
By Jess Blackwell  Once you’ve used up all your single-use plastic writing instruments and dropped them off to be properly recycled, another easy step you can take toward running a more sustainable business is to choose a better product next time. Instead of buying more single-use plastic products, try to find products that are more sustainable, eco-friendly, and responsibly made. For example, look for products made from sustainably sourced paper, bamboo, or recycled materials, ones that come packaged in recycled (and recyclable!) materials, and/or ones that are refillable or have very long lifespans. Chances are, there are local stationery shops, pen shops, gift shops, and low-waste stores in your area that carry suitable items, so be sure to check there first (to support other local businesses). But even big players (like Staples and the U of T Bookstore) carry more sustainable choices. Just be sure to carefully read the labels on the “eco-friendly” products you come across, as not all products labeled as “green” are better choices! *This post is based on content originally published at lumida.ca/blog.
By Lisa McNair
2. Advocate for clean waterways.
Phone or email public officials or advocate for water habitat protection and clean up. Clean water is essential to live. Think of all the reasons we need clean water! 3. Drive less. If you must drive, it's best to use an electric vehicle, as all other cars, trucks, and SUVs pollute the air. If you live in Toronto, use the TTC (or walk). Try to save your car for when it's absolutely necessary, if you can. A great way to start cutting down your emissions is to try eliminating two car outings per week for the next month. If you succeed, try to cut out another day in the following month. If you don't succeed right away, just be gentle on yourself and try again. Unlearning behaviours is much more difficult than learning new ones! 4. Replace your manual thermostats. Today’s smart thermostats have wifi so that you can control them with your phone even you're not at home You can also program preset schedules to control the temperature of your home, which will help save the Earth and keep your heating/cooling bill to a minimum! 5. Switch to light-emitting dioxide (LED) light bulbs. These bulbs are energy efficient, last longer, and are smaller, safer, and more environmentally friendly. 6. Understand your utility bill. Adjust your utility usage so that you're only consuming what you need, and track your “off-peak” and “peak time usage” to save money and avoid wasting energy. If possible, try to unplug unnecessary appliances when you're not at home, especially if you're going to be away for a while! By Katelyn Marie Poyntz  Did you know that 63% of the food we throw out could have been eaten? This week’s food-saving motto: Freeze it! You can freeze yogurt, cheese, tofu, milk, meat, fruits, veggies, and even eggs—the sky’s the limit! Here are some easy freeze methods:
Here are some ideas for what you can freeze:
What doesn’t freeze well?
*This post is based on content originally posted on Wylderr.
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