Did you know? Every day should be Earth Day!

​By Lisa McNair

If you think about it, we don't need a reason or a special holiday to
celebrate and protect the Earth -- every day is a good day to treat
​our planet with respect!

Here are six simple ways that you can be more Earth friendly every
​day: 

1. Learn about the climate and local ecosystems. 

This is especially important in Ontario. In the last few years we have lost a great deal of our green belt wetlands and farm land. Help Ontario and the planet by finding ways to combat these losses. 

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!