Small and easy actions can lead to big changes and a positive impact on our planet. Here are some suggestions:
- Do away with plastic
One of the easiest ways to reduce plastic use is to stop buying bulk plastic water bottles and instead invest in a refillable BPA-free water bottle that you can use again and again.
- Save water
Consider changing your showerhead to a water-saving showerhead and turn off the water when brushing your teeth to help conserve water.
- Go plant-based once per week
Did you know that if you skip meat and cheese one day a week with your family, it would be the equivalent of taking your car off the road for five weeks? Try eating plant-based meals. There are more and more delicious options available!
- Cut down on paper
Sign up for electronic statements for your utility bills, credit cards statements, and bank statements. Numerous free apps can also help you eliminate your paper calendar, notebook, and sticky notes.
- Conserve energy
Conserve energy simply by turning off lights and other appliances when you’re leaving the room, and remind other family members to do this as well. Replace your incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient light bulbs, such as LED bulbs.
- Visit a farmers' market
Buy produce from your local farmers. Check out Marché Moncton Market and Marché de Dieppe Market. There is a straightforward satisfaction in knowing where your produce comes from, and reducing packaging waste. Don’t forget to bring your reusable shopping and produce bags!
- Flex your green thumb
Start your own garden at home. You don’t have to have a lot of land to have a garden. You can grow vegetables and herbs in pots on your patio or deck, and you can even invest in a small hydroponic unit that will allow you to grow vegetables and herbs indoor throughout the year.
- Precycle
You don’t have to reduce waste if you avoid it in the first place. Be mindful of your purchases. As consumers, we have the collective power of communicating to the manufacturers what products and what type of packaging we want to buy. Let’s make wise choices!
Truth be told, there are many shades of “green.” But doing small things to reduce your footprint on the planet can help you reach a deeper shade day by day.
YWCA Moncton is committed to doing all it can to help the environment. From our plant-based menu at our childcare centre, to reducing waste by eliminating paper use and composting leftovers, we strive to contribute to making sure that future generations have a healthy planet to thrive on.
We’ve partnered with Tru Earth who offers environmentally friendly cleaning products and laundry detergent, and when you purchase these products through our website, 20% of all sales will go towards supporting the YWCA Moncton programs and services.
