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Intro | What is it? | Effects | WWF's Role | Things to do | Reports
Almost everything we do impacts the planet. Simple changes in our everyday lives can make a big difference and help stop global warming. Here’s what YOU can do:
Join WWF:
Help WWF-Canada.
Support our work and reduce your ecological footprint. Your support helps us work collaboratively with government, business and people like you to make the real and lasting changes needed to combat global warming. The world has changed, and you can too.
At home:
Switch to renewable energy.
Many local and provincial utility companies are starting to offer green electricity. If your electricity company doesn’t sell clean energy, switch to one that does, like Bullfrog Power.
Eat local. Buy local.
Support local farmers and business by purchasing food and other items produced locally. You will feel great knowing that your dinner hasn’t travelled thousands of kilometres to your plate, and that you have supported your local economy. In some areas, farmers’ markets are available year-round.
Adjust your thermostat. Turn your thermostat down 1oC in the winter and up 1oC in the summer. Setting a programmable thermostat automatically gives your furnace and air conditioning a break when you’re asleep or out. You’ll lower your utility bills and reduce emissions that cause climate change.
Buy energy efficient appliances.
If you’re buying a new appliance choose an ENERGY STAR® approved model. They might be more expensive but they pay for themselves through lower energy bills. A refrigerator made 10 years ago uses 40 per cent more energy than one made today. Visit Natural Resources Canada for a list of energy efficient appliances.
If you’re not using it, turn it off.
Turn off lights and electronics when they’re not in use. Even in "stand by" mode, electronics can require 10 to 60 per cent of the power they use in normal mode. A standard monitor, for example, left on overnight uses enough power to print 5,300 pages.
Wash economically.
Run the washing machine or dishwasher only when you have a full load and use the most efficient setting. Save even more energy by washing your clothes in cold or warm water. Skipping the hot water on two loads per week means you'll save energy and have fewer wrinkled clothes.
Use compact fluorescent bulbs.
Standard incandescent bulbs give off 90 per cent of their energy as heat. Replace them with CFLs that last up to 10 times as long and use 1/4 of the energy.
Plug up leaks.
Weather stripping and caulking around doors and windows and insulating your hot water tank can eliminate drafts, reduce your heating needs and make your home more comfortable. Visit Natural Resources Canada to find out how you can get a government rebate for green renovations done to your home.
Be garden smart.
When planting your garden, decrease your use of synthetic fertilizers. Build soil fertility with organic material that absorbs carbon and decreases tillage.
Set it at 50oC.
Set your hot water thermostat for 50oC - this is warm enough for bathing and washing and will save money too.
Maintain an energy smart fridge.
Don't leave fridge doors open for longer than necessary; let food cool down fully before putting it in the fridge or freezer; defrost regularly; and keep your fridge at the right temperature. Where possible, don't stand ovens and fridges/freezers next to each other.
Beyond your front door: Drive less.
Shrink your gas costs and your waistline by walking, biking and taking public transportation to work, school or when running errands.
Drive a hybrid or fuel-efficient car.
The average car produces three times its weight in CO2 emissions. Save the environment and money by driving a car that gets at least 14 km/L. To learn more about buying, driving and maintaining fuel-efficient vehicles and Auto Smart ratings, visit the Government of Canada’s Personal Vehicle Initiative.
Don’t idle.
Give your engine and the climate a break by turning off your car when you aren't moving. In fact, it’s the law in a growing number of cities. Idling an average car for more than 10 seconds wastes more gas than restarting it. Learn more about the environmental costs of idling.
Keep your tires filled.
Your ride will be smoother and you'll save up to 5 per cent on your fuel tab.
Reduce your air travel.
Although air travel can be very convenient, the emissions from planes contribute significantly to climate change. When possible, use another form of transportation such as the train or bus.
Go Carbon Neutral
There are many resources online for individuals, families, organizations and businesses wishing to reduce their carbon footprint. Take the first step, by calculating your carbon footprint and by making small changes in your daily life.
At the office or at school: Buy smart.
Buy the most energy-efficient computers, copiers, and printers for the school and office.
Do an energy audit.
Encourage your company to do an audit of all its energy use, including production processes and vehicles, to look for ways to save energy.
Not using it? Turn it off.
Encourage everyone at work and school to turn off their computer screens when they take a break and turn their computers off completely at the end of the day.
Save paper.
Save paper, and the energy used in its production, by printing on both sides and by recycling used paper.
Educate in the classroom.
Teachers can sign up for WWF-Canada’s Schools for a Living Planet program, which offers curriculum-appropriate materials for the classroom. This is a free, online program for Canadian educators.
Encourage others
Promote the reduction of paper use by including the following in your e-mail signature, "Reduce your footprint. Print this e-mail only if necessary."
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