Garden

Do your Part to Save the Planet

Energy costs are rising. Global warming and greenhouse gases have become household terms. Environmental concerns have never ranked higher in our minds. Recycling paper, metal and glass is no longer enough and every action we take on a daily basis counts. From weatherproofing to energy consumption and gardening practices, here are some simple tips to help you do your bit for the environment.
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Responsible behaviour
Eco-friendly building and renovating
Weatherproof your home
Cut back on your energy consumption…
… and your water consumption
A greener garden

Responsible behaviour

Many of us are adopting more environmentally responsible habits. We try to save on fuel consumption by planning ahead and combining errands into one trip or by leaving the car at home and walking, cycling or using public transit. “Green” bags provide an attractive and practical alternative to plastic bags, and recycling and reusing are definitely in.

Eco-friendly building and renovating

The construction industry is reflecting this green trend. Nowadays, residential construction companies plan projects with the ''healthy home'' concept in mind, which guarantees the health and comfort of the family while taking into account the environment, energy efficiency and cost savings. You also can introduce environmentally friendly solutions into your next renovation or construction project. Choose a fast-growing resource like bamboo, or natural stone, such as slate or marble, for your new floor. Products that do not contain substances harmful to human health – for instance, VOC-free paints – are now available on the market. Remember that certain organizations will pick up items that are still usable and donate them to those in need. Thus, your toilet, sink, doors or windows could be reused to help others. Products that can be harmful to the environment, like leftover paint, used batteries and compact fluorescent bulbs, can be brought to collection centres or left out for curbside recycling.

Weatherproof your home

A properly weatherproofed house prevents heat loss and water leakage. Caulk all the windows and doors, and fill any holes and cracks in the foundation. Don’t forget to seal the cable entrances (phone, TV, etc.). Several kinds of insulation are available, depending on the area to be insulated, be it the basement, the attic or anywhere in between. Vent and heating pipes must be sealed to reduce leakage. Be sure to change filters regularly, and remember to clean the dryer vents!

Are your windows getting old? Consider replacing them with thermal glass, which is much more energy efficient. If you are putting in a new exterior door, ensure that it is properly installed and insulated all around the edges.
Inspect your roof for defects that could result in water leakage. Be sure to caulk all around the chimneys. The gutters must be in good condition. Their main function consists in preventing water from seeping into the foundation. Set up a barrel to collect rainwater that can be used to water flower beds and to wash the car.

The more air-tight your house is, the better ventilation it requires. The air quality in your home is key to the health of everyone in your family. An air exchange system is therefore recommended. Choose a system that recovers heat, valuable during the coldest months of the year. Want to do more? The benefits of a green roof are many. Ideally, it is planned before construction starts, since it requires a solid structure and an elaborate drainage system.

Cut back on your energy consumption…

While new sources of energy are more accessible, the latest home appliances have never been as energy-efficient. If you’re thinking of trading your old appliance in, ask your municipality if it offers an incentive program to encourage people to purchase the least energy-consuming models. Many other energy-efficient products are making their way into our homes. Programmable thermostats, compact fluorescent bulbs, motion detectors, timers for outdoor lighting – these are but some of the regular products that help us reduce our energy consumption.

Heating is the big energy eater in the house. Make sure your water heater is working properly and cover it with an insulation blanket. If it’s time to replace it, go for a tankless model, which is just as efficient and much less energy-hungry!
Other environmentally friendly habits can help you cut your electricity bill. Start by installing a clothesline. Use doormats to capture the dust and dirt from outdoors; you won’t need to vacuum indoors as often. Get into the habit of turning off the lights when you leave a room. A few dollars a week or a month can end up as substantial savings!

Keep the sun’s rays out in the summer, but let them in during the winter: that’s one sure way of ensuring your comfort and managing your energy bill. Close your blinds and curtains on hot sunny days to keep your indoors nice and cool. Open them in the winter, and set your thermostat a few degrees lower, especially in unoccupied rooms. You’ll soon see a difference on your heating bill.

… and your water consumption

There are plenty of ways to cut back on water use. First, make sure all your sanitary appliances are working properly. Carry out any necessary repairs to your toilets and faucets. Time for a new toilet? Get a low-flush model. Also consider installing faucets equipped with a motion detector ─ convenient in any bathroom, especially the children’s, but also in the kitchen.

Outdoors, other than selecting plants that require little or no watering, consider ground cover plants as a substitute for a traditional lawn. The final touch: decorative ground covers, such as mulch or pebbles. Not only do these provide an attractive finish to your flower borders but they also reduce the need to water. A sprinkler system connected to an automatic timer is still the most effective way to use the least amount of water for lawn maintenance.

A greener garden

Organic and natural products are changing our gardening habits. When choosing plants, fertilizers, and related products, green is now the name of the game! And so is home composting. You can produce top-notch compost for next to nothing. On the maintenance side, opt for natural pest control methods and natural products to replace conventional pesticides.

Teach your children now about respecting the environment and the benefits of natural and organic products by planting herbs and vegetables in your garden. By so doing, you will also enjoy fresh, home-grown produce all summer long.
There are countless ways to protect our beautiful planet. Going green on a daily basis is much simpler than we might imagine. Avoid products that are toxic to the environment, actively promote sustainable solutions, recycle and reuse. Take action – make a difference. Think about it!
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