Happy Earth Day!
We are celebrating Earth Day by reflecting on ways we can make our homes more environmentally friendly.
Check out these 6 tips:
1. Shop Second Hand
Nowadays, with the help of Facebook groups, kijiji and more, it is easy to purchase home items second hand. Buy and Sell groups make it easy and convenient to save you money and save items from landfills. Stores like Brantford’s Habitat for Humanity Restore offers great pricing on gently used items. Consider these methods when decorating your home or buying home goods.
2. Implement Recycling
Do you consistently recycle in your household? If you are unsure which items can be recycled and which bin they belong to, visit Brant County’s Recycling website to learn more.
Here are some recyclable items:
Plastics:
- Aerosol cans (empty)
- Aluminum foil and pie plates (cleaned)
- Cartons and drink boxes
- Glass bottles and jars
- Metal paint cans
- Plastic bottles, tubs and jugs
- Plastic clamshell containers (no styrofoam)
- Steel and aluminum cans
Paper & Cardboard
- Newspaper and flyers
- Magazines
- Books (softcover, hardcovers removed)
- Boxboard
- Household paper products (envelopes, printer paper)
- Egg cartons
- Cardboard boxes
3. Composting
Food scraps and garden waste combined make up more than 28 percent of what we throw away. Composting is an easy solution to reduce your household waste.
Read composing 101 to learn the benefits of composting
Learn about composting in Brant County
4. Green Household Items
Try these items to eliminate waste:
- Reusable grocery and produce bags
- Invest in good quaity tupperware that will last
- Use tupperware instead of ziploc bags
- Try Tru Earth eco-friendly laundry detergent
- Eliminate disposable cutlery and plates
5. Unplug when traveling
Even if electronic devices are shut off or in sleep mode, they are still using energy. Being away for too long wastes a lot of energy that could otherwise have been plugged off. Remember to unplug your devices in order to save electricity before leaving!
6. Energy Efficient Windows and Doors
Need new windows or doors? Energey Efficient products will help eliminate up to 25 percent of total house heat loss. The ENERGY STAR® symbol is the internationally recognized and trusted mark of high efficiency. The symbol means that a product, new home, building or industrial facility is certified as energy efficient.