A chain is as strong as its weakest link. A community is as environmentally conscious as the most wasteful neighbour. In order for the world to become ecologically viable, we must all make a difference in as many ways possible. However grand a scheme it may seem to encourage the world to go green, it must start at the local level, in the communities. There are a number of ways to lessen our impact on the earth, if not completely.
The Hamilton Vegetarian Society incessantly advocates that reducing your consumption of meat and animal products is the most effective way at reducing your ecological footprint. Simply omitting one 8oz. steak from your diet will save roughly 5000 liters of water: enough water to shower for 7 minutes a day for half a year! Raising, processing, distributing and refrigerating meat uses 65% of the worlds total consumption of water every year¹ and produces more green house gases than the entire transportation industry.
So what else can you do besides changing your diet you ask? Take a look at our list below to find out. If you have any suggestions to add to this list, please contact us to let us know.
The following covers tips on how you can better your commmunity in the following areas:
Walk, jog, or cycle to your destination instead of driving. It will not only reduce emissions but will increase your fitness and endurance.
Take public transit. There are many bus routes to your favourite locations around the city.
Carpool. Know someone who's office is right by yours? Share your vehicle, and the cost of gas.
Eat less meat. Simple, healthy, cost effective and ecological.
Buy local produce. Local produce takes less energy to transport, supports the local economy and helps develop more self-sustainable practices.
Grow your own food. You can't get more local than your own backyard. It will not only save you money in the long run, but will rekindle your bond between you and nature.
Grow sprouts. Sprouting can be done in your kitchen, living room or anywhere else for that matter. Cost effective and extremely healthy.
Buy in bulk. Buying in bulk reduces packaging, therefor less petroleum products. Buying in bulk has financial benefits as well, so go green you penny saver.
Lower your thermostat in the winter. Wear warm clothing to accommodate.
Open the windows in the summer. Air conditioning uses more energy than heating. Instead of having the central air on, place a fan in the rooms you most commonly use.
Stop growing grass. Grass cannot be eaten. It is simply for cosmetic purposes. It takes vast amounts of water to keep it green. Not to mention the added costs to grow something you inevitably end up cutting anyway.
Stop using fertilizers. They are toxic and harmful to the environment, causing allergies, maladies and diseases.
Collect rainwater. Rain barrels are a great way to water your garden and plants without having to use water pumped from the ground which can never be replaced. It will also save you money on your water bill.
Use salt water in your pool. Salt water is an effective way to ensure a clean pool. It is safer for the skin and the environment than adding synthetic petroleum based products.
Use rechargeable batteries. Batteries, like computers and electronics, are very difficult to decompose and can leak toxins into ecosystems.
Use natural cleaners. Many of the household chemicals used to sanitize our bathrooms and tiles are detrimental to the environment. There are companies selling cleaners that promote "natural" products. Try mixing lemon juice with vinegar for a powerful, natural, cheap homemade cleaner.
Plant a fruit tree on your property. It offers plentiful gifts every year and converts carbon dioxide into oxygen.
Plant a tree on your property. Trees breath in what we and our cars breath out, and then convert it into oxygen. Help fight climate change.
Install green energy in your home. Home geothermal energy systems are becoming more popular. Solar is always a good alternative. For homes on large lots, try looking into wind power.
Keep your fridge full of healthy food. It takes more energy for your fridge to cool down air as opposed to food.
Buy organic flowers for that special someone. Flowers are dosed in high levels of pesticides to ensure protection from insects. These pesticides end up in rivers and waterways and destroy natural habitats.
Buy furniture without flame retardant chemicals. Almost all sofas, mattresses, pillows and furniture are pre-soaked in flame retardant chemicals before sale. These chemicals attribute to allergies and increase your risk of cancer. Investigate into organic furniture.
Buy from local, family owned stores. Improves the local economy, increases our demand of Canadian made goods.
Buy chemical free soaps and shampoo products. Save your skin and the environment all at once. Believe it or not, shampoos like Neutrogena T-Gel are made with coal products.
Wear hemp clothing. Hemp is natures most self-sustainable fabric.
Bring your own re-usable bags to the grocery store.
¹Taken from the FAO's publication of "Livestock's Long Shadow," a division of the United Nations.
Apple-Berry Crisp
Who said vegetarians can't eat dessert!
Vegetarian Nori Rolls
A vegetarian twist on a classic Japanese dish.
Home | News | Health | Recipes | Environment | Events | Local
Site Map | Contact Us
Copyright © 2009 Unless Otherwise Specified
Site Designed by Gray Gilmore