Easy Ways to Go Green with Your Routine

Since Canada’s first recycling program (reduce, reuse, recycle) hit the enviro scene in 1981 in Kitchener, Ont., a lot has changed. We have learned more, discovered more and have implemented strategies at home, in schools and at our workplaces that can help us shepherd the environment into the next millennia and beyond. While it may sound like a big task, it doesn’t have to be unattainable. Check out our top tips on how you can start to make the world a better place.

Small change, big difference

Miniscule actions can make a monumental difference. Try using reusable shopping bags to reduce the 15 million plastic bags Canadians use each year and invest in a smart thermostat system to help reduce energy consumption and control your home’s temperature no matter where you are. It can be something as simple as using dryer balls to reduce drying time per load.

If you want to take it a step further, you can replace appliances for better energy efficiency. For example, an Energy Star Certified dishwasher uses roughly 15 litres per load, whereas you can lose 15 litres of water in two minutes from your tap while washing your hands. Whether it’s lightbulbs or washing machines, when it’s time to replace anything in your home, do so with its environmental impact in mind.

Green clean

Using the most effective tools is a sure-fire way to make cleaning a breeze. According to the David Suzuki Foundation, when choosing products, look for items that can do the hard jobs without the harsh chemicals. Third-party eco-certifications (like EcoLogo, Leaping Bunny, Green Seal and/or EcoCert), a biodegradability designation and an ingredients list can help you identify harsh chemicals or perfumes when choosing products to use in your home.

You may have been cleaning your home for years, but have you been disinfecting? Post-pandemic, disinfectant wipes are the way to go. Combined into one step, All Clean Natural's Disinfecting Peroxide Wipes are approved by Health Canada and kill bacteria, funguses and viruses. They are fragrance, bleach and dye free.  Staples Sustainable Earth products (which include an all-purpose disinfectant cleaner, toilet cleaner, and more) are designed to take on commercial-grade clean-ups and are ecologically certified with no harsh chemical scent — perfect for the home. Looking for greener paper products? Consider using J-Cloths to clean for the reuse factor, and choose a paper towel and toilet paper that is 100 percent recycled.

From the products we use to the habits we form, being responsible to the environment can change lives today and in the future.