Wish staffers share how they are changing their lifestyles in order to preserve the planet.
1. Now that I live closer to the office, I walk to work.
- Andrea Janus, Beauty Associate
2. To save energy, I don’t use the dry cycle on the dishwasher (I open the washer door to let dishes air dry), and I rarely use the dryer when washing clothes.
- AJ
3. I have started buying eco-friendly cleaning products, rather than using harsh household cleaners. I also simply use white vinegar mixed with water for light cleaning, like mirrors and counter surfaces.
- AJ
4. I’m trying to drive less and trying to be on time so I’m not racing to get somewhere — apparently driving slower emits fewer fumes.
- Andrea Mills, Home Associate
5. I only turn on lights, heat and air conditioning when I’m home and if it’s really necessary.
- AM
6. I buy local first and as much organic as possible.
- AM
7. I try to use my local library for books instead of buying new ones.
- AM
8. I always bring lunch to work. (I don’t actually do this to be green, but the bonus is no extra garbage from take-out containers.)
- AM
9. I pick up litter and throw it in the garbage along my running route.
- AM
10. I’m appalled at the failure of the Moore Park Residents Association's (in Toronto) attempts to stop all of the trees being cut down for the building of a new Mount Pleasant Cemetery parking lot and visitation centre when it’s technically public land. This year I plan to get involved in environmental issues like this that affect my community.
- AM
11. Generally there are only two of us for dinner at my house, so we use the toaster oven instead of turning on the big oven.
- Andrea Stewart, Food Director
12. I’ve declared a complete personal ban on plastic bags for a little over a year now. If I know I’m going to the mall or the grocery store, I’ll bring a large eco-bag with me. If a shopping opportunity catches me off guard, I’ll still skip the bag, or at the very least ask for a paper one.
- Jasmine Li, Online Editorial Assistant
13. I can’t live without my daily cup of java, but all those paper cups build up quickly to a massive pile of trash. I bring my own mug to Starbucks, not only does this help to reduce garbage, but it also saves me 10% off my order!
- JL
14. I choose to walk, jog, bike or take public transportation whenever I can, and if I really can’t get to where I need to go by one of those methods, I carpool when possible. This saves me gas money, too!
- JL
15. I have switched all of my light bulbs over to Ikea's energy-saving bulbs. Not only do they use less electricity but they also cast a nice soft light that's way more flattering – so I love them! I am also very aware of switching off the lights whenever I leave a room.
- Suzanne Dimma, Home Director
16. All of my appliances are energy star-rated.
- SD
17. I try, whenever I can, to ride my bike instead of driving. On the weekends, when I'm not carrying as much and I have more time, the car doesn't move out of the driveway. When I do drive, I try to car pool and carry lots of things in back so the drive is more worthwhile.
- SD
18. I have a cottage that's off the grid. We have solar power but mostly we live by candle light and use the barbecue or the fire pit to cook. The existing cabin is tiny and designed for maximum efficiency. Although we are building a new cottage, it will also use solar power, and it will have a composting toilet, and use rain water for the shower. We've had to do a lot of research on green products and the process has taught me we really don't need as much as we have, the beauty of simplicity and an utter respect for nature.
- SD
19. Every time I buy a new piece of clothing I give an old item to a friend or to Goodwill. I never throw out any old clothing. And I shop vintage – for furniture and clothing.
- SD
20. I'm an avid gardener. In the summer months, I grow my own produce. I also grow a lot of flowers and herbs: sometimes I combine the two into pretty, fragrant bouquets – they make unique and usable housewarming gifts.
- Tory Healy, Food Associate
21. I always bring reusable bags with me when shopping and am insane about recycling – not a bread bag tag is ignored by me!
- TH
22. Where I live, we’re only allowed a max of two garbage bags per household, so we recycle everything. We also compost. (Tip: My mom taught me to wrap food waste in newspaper before putting it in the compost bin. It reduces the smell and will biodegrade.)
- Aimee Nishitoba, Art Assistant
23. I’ve stopped buying clothes. My friend and I both read an article in which the author didn’t buy any new clothes for a year. We got inspired and are stopping until March. I also try to buy cotton rather than polyester, acetate, nylons etc.
- AN
24. I wash my clothes in cold water at night and hang them to dry instead of using the dryer.
- AN
25. I am going to get rid of my car, and have joined the Zip car program. For the few times I need a car, It’s a much better option for me (and cheaper in the long run).
- Ruth Alves, Senior Associate Art Director
26. I negotiated with my property manager to install a new energy-star rated fridge, have energy-saving light bulbs and have gotten into the habit of turning a light off when I leave a room – it’s a little thing but I’m sure it helps! Next, I’d like to invest in power bars that stop the "vampire (standby) energy" that escapes the outlets when something is plugged in but turned off.
- Leah Weber, Home Market Editor
27. I try to recycle everything! My sister recently told me about a great organization, Reboot Canada (rebootcanada.ca), that properly recycles unwanted computers, printers, monitors, keyboards etc., and will issue a tax receipt for the donation.
- LW
28. I'm downsizing from my large west-side Toronto apartment to a smaller condo space in the downtown core. Now I will be able to walk to work (no more commuting) and the smaller space means I will be decreasing my energy consumption.
-Sarah Rogers, Online Editor
29. I've stopped drinking bottled water both at home and the office. There's no need for all that packaging waste.
- SR
30. I have all of my bills set up for online payments. This reduces my paper waste and it means I never miss a payment thanks to automatic withdrawal!
- SR
Tell us how you are reducing your carbon footprint. Post a comment below or email us at webeditorial@wish.ca.