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Resolutions for a Greener 2021. Dreaming of a Greener Future?
RESOLUTIONS FOR A GREENER 2021
Stephanie Butler
Dreaming of a Greener Future?
Canadians are some of the heaviest emitters of climatealtering greenhouse gases (GHGs). According to Climate Transparency’s 2020 report, Canadians generate 19 tonnes of CO2 equivalent per capita—nearly three times the G20 average of 7.32 tonnes per capita.
Curbing the impacts of global heating will take both system-wide changes to energy and financial policies, as well as individuallevel changes to behaviour and consumption.
The good news is that many of the changes Canadians can take to bring down emissions have additional benefits—they can save us money, improve our health, and increase social and community connections.
This list includes 20+ ideas for (doable!) New Year’s Resolutions for reducing emissions, saving energy, and taking action on climate change. Get educated on climate solutions. Two books to get started: Drawdown by Paul Hawken and All We Can Save by Ayana Elizabeth Johnson and Katharine Wilkinson.
Home Energy 1. Get a home energy audit to learn about your home’s energy consumption (and waste).
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7. Seal up cracks around your windows, doors.
Wash your clothes in cold water and hang your laundry to dry. Switch to LED lighting. Use a programmable thermostat to turn down your heat overnight, in rooms you don’t use often, and when you’re away from home. If you’re replacing appliances, opt for electric (not gas) and look for the Energy Star logo. Do the math on home-energy upgrades like an electric airsource heat pump, higher-quality insulation, or energy-efficient windows. Visit betterhomesbc for tips and rebates.
©iStockphoto.com/Surasak Suwanmake
Transportation and Travel 8. While cars are useful, they aren’t necessary for every trip.
For quick errands and visits, try cycling, walking, rolling, or using a scooter.
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10. If you live in an urban area, use public transportation for trips downtown. No parking fees!
Air travel is one of the fastestgrowing sources of carbon pollution. Take vacations close to home. If you absolutely must fly, purchase carbon offsets from a reputable company. Food and Diet 11. Make vegetarian meals a part of your regular routine. (Start with meatless Mondays and increase gradually.) 12. Reduce food waste by planning meals, eating leftovers, and buying only what you need. 13. If you eat meat, choose local, organic options and opt for smaller portions. If you like cheese, enjoy it as an occasional treat. 14. Buy from local farmers and, if you can, grow some of your own vegetables. 15. Learn how to preserve fruits and vegetables when they’re in season—freezing, canning, pickling.
16. Build a capsule wardrobe of higher-quality clothing. Natural fibres (cotton, wool, silk) are easier to repair and don’t shed microplastics when washed. 17. Do you really need to buy it new?
Borrow, share, or buy second-hand. 18. Get in the habit of reusing, swapping, upcycling, gifting, and donating. Sending items to a landfill should be a last resort (there’s no such thing as “away”). 19. Learn how to repair and maintain household items and small appliances—there’s a YouTube video for everything! 20. Buy local; Amazon doesn’t need your money. If you must shop online, select a slower delivery option to help delivery companies plan more efficient routes. Learning and Advocacy
Spend time in local parks.
Learn about the plants and animals that live near you.
Learn about the history of the land you live on . . . traditional territories, cultural sites, local
First Nations.
Get educated on climate solutions. Two books to get started: Drawdown by Paul
Hawken and All We Can Save by Ayana Elizabeth Johnson and
Katharine Wilkinson.
Get politically active. Support sustainable policies by voting, writing to elected officials, and talking to neighbours and friends.
Volunteer for a local watershed or conservation group.
If you’re on social media. follow environmental organizations and influencers. Like, share, and comment on their posts. (That helps others see them.)
Join a local zero-waste or a buy-nothing Facebook group. Don’t have one in your community? Get started! s Stephanie Butler is a reader of The Scrivener.
Every day. Every matter. We’re here for you.
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SO CLOSE AND YET SO FAR
The desperate feeling of isolation that we can all experience during our day is a constant state for so many of the elderly in our community. Isolated from loved ones and even from each other, with no relief from the loneliness caused by the pandemic in sight. Will you help provide technology to allow vital connections to family and the outside world? Can you help by sponsoring individual or small cohort activities to enhance health? Might you help purchase specialized equipment to maintain strength and mobility?
