When you think about living an environmentally friendly life, the phrase “reduce, reuse, recycle” is usually the first thing that comes to mind. Afterall, that’s what many of us learned in school. It’s time to update your thinking and reduce home waste by focusing on the “Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repair, Recycle” method.
Take stock of what’s in your kitchen: To reduce home waste, start by inventorying what you already have in your fridge and cupboards and make a list of what you need before you hit the grocery store. The next step is building a meal plan around existing items and use versatile, long-lasting produce (cabbage, squash). Making a detailed list helps you to avoid impulse buys, focus on whole foods, buy imperfect produce, and incorporate leftovers creatively into dishes like curries or bowls. Proper storage and freezing extras also extend food life, while reusable bags and package-free options minimize plastic waste.. Having to throw out expired ingredients feels especially wasteful, since you didn’t even get to enjoy them.
Be more critical of your packaging. Great things don’t always come in small packages. When buying items, factor in how much plastic they use, and shift your decisions accordingly. Avoid buying the smallest size of an item, especially if it’s a liquid that comes in plastic, like dish soap. Larger containers use less material and will last you longer. Consider using small dispensers for those items at home, and refill them from larger containers that you can store out of the way. Buy loose fruits and vegetables instead of pre-packaged ones.
Reuse & Repurpose. Just because a manufacturer intended a container to be single use doesn’t mean it has to be. There are lots of ways to give “disposable” items new leases on life. Here are some ideas:
- Shop at second-hand stores. You’ll be amazed at the treasures you can find and how much money you’ll save! Give your household items and furniture a second life by donating them to thrift stores or local charities.
- Save plastic bags for when you have something that shouldn’t go in your regular garbage, like a chicken carcass or fish skin. Many takeout containers can be washed and repurposed for leftovers or even storage. Reuse food packaging materials such as bread clips and elastics.
- Regift things you don’t need or swap them with others.
- Always attempt to repair before buying new. Good at sewing? Upcycle and turn any bland piece of clothing into an eye-catcher. Turn old clothes into household rags to replace paper towels.
- Use old documents as scrap paper to write notes or lists.
- Keep boxes and shipping material like bubble wrap for the next time you need to mail a parcel.
- Save gift wrap and bags for another occasion.
- Join a digital trading, swapping, give-away platform or community group. There are a lot of Facebook groups in the 705 that do this.
Try natural products: DIY natural air fresheners are cost-effective and reduce the need for expensive, chemically-laden products. Some good options include essential oil diffusers, baking soda combined with essential oils, potpourri, and simmering stovetop potions composed of water, citrus peels, herbs, and spices.
The David Suzuki Foundation’s website has some great suggestions for DIY toiletries and household cleaners!
Energy Consumption
According to Natural Resources Canada, 64 per cent of the average home’s energy consumption goes toward space heating. While that’s expected during Canadian winters, energy use from air conditioning is also rising during hotter summers. Making a few smart, efficiency-focused updates can help reduce waste, manage costs and create a more comfortable home year-round.
Take a fresh look at your insulation. Your AC and furnace work hard to adjust the temperature of the air throughout your home. Without proper insulation, the air in your home will equalize to the outside temperature just through contact with the walls and ceiling. Make sure you have a barrier to prevent this, so that your HVAC system only needs to make small adjustments to keep the temperature where you want it.
Eliminate wasteful airflow. Any draughts or breezes you feel inside are the air in your home leaking out, and the outside air leaking in to replace it. Use caulking and other sealants around every window and check your exterior walls for any potential gaps. Put weatherstripping around all your external-facing doors to keep air from flowing through the doorframe, and consider using it on internal doors, too. This can especially help in multi-story homes where cold air can sink to basement level, and warm air can overheat upstairs rooms.
Make some smart upgrades. Smart home technology has improved to the point where your home itself can help you manage your energy use. Smart home platforms can help you monitor and manage your devices’ energy usage, create customized energy-saving routines and give you tips to reduce your overall consumption. For instance, rather than trying to maintain one home temperature though the day, a connected thermostat can sense when you wake up or arrive back home and adjust the air when it’s needed.
All it takes are some simple upgrades focused on efficiency to regain control of your energy use. Smart investment in insulation, weatherstripping and a responsive home environment will pay dividends in savings as well as convenience.
Service your fireplace. If you have a natural gas fireplace, make sure it’s operating efficiently. A clean, well-maintained fireplace can provide supplemental heat without overworking your furnace. Check the glass for a proper seal, inspect the venting system and schedule a professional service if needed. This helps reduce energy waste, improves safety and keeps your home cozy during the coldest days.
Manage hot water usage. In the winter, hot water usage often increases as we look for warmth and comfort during colder days. While taking a cooler shower may not be appealing at this time of year, it’s not the only way to manage it. You can insulate accessible hot-water pipes, fix leaks and choose lower-temperature laundry cycles. These small changes can reduce natural gas use without compromising comfort.
