Did you know? There are some easy ways to be more eco friendly

​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. 

• Plan your meals. When possible, try to buy in bulk; you can buy large packages of dried goods and transfer them into airtight containers.
• Eat local and seasonal produce whenever possible by supporting local farmers. Chances are, there are local farmer's markets and produce stores carrying seasonal goods near you (like the Saturday farmer's market at the St. Lawrence Market)!

2. Reuse/recycle your leftovers. 

• If you can, have a dedicated leftovers night. Don’t forget that many leftovers can be the base of yummy soups, and most foods can also be frozen and enjoyed at a later date. 
• Re-purpose food if possible. For example, you can make bread crumbs from stale bread, turn wilting veggies into soup, or transform leftover noodles into a yummy pasta salad.

3. Use sustainable cleaning products.

• Baking soda and plain vinegar are two natural ingredients that can be used to clean bathrooms, kitchens, and windows. Lemon husks can also be used to freshen up kitchen and bathroom counter tops and appliances, and many local stores sell sustainable cleaning products that are made from healthier ingredients and that come in less (or no) packaging!

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