Tips for living more sustainable lives for every season

Making small changes to your daily routine can save energy, save money, and reduce your impact on the environment. Take the time today to make a change that will mean a greener, healthier future for you, your family, our community and our planet.

My Environmental Checklist (printable PDF)

Year-round tips for your home

• Replace standard incandescent light bulbs with Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFLs) in your home
• Install a programmable thermostat
• Collect your recyclables (tin cans, newspapers, cardboard and milk jugs/cartons) and drop them off at one of the City’s six Recycling Depots or at SARCAN
• Try taking the bus, biking, walking, or carpooling to work
• Make sure your car is in good working order and you have the correct tire pressure
• Don’t idle your car for longer than 30 seconds, except when in traffic
• Exchange your regular showerhead for a low-flow showerhead
• Take reusable fabric bags to carry your purchases from the store
• Shut off your computer when you aren’t using it
• Recycle your quality used clothing or household items with a local charity
• Collect and recycle your hazardous household products at the City’s Household Hazardous Waste Collection Days
• Turn down the temperature of your water heater to 49 degrees Celsius. You’ll still enjoy hot water and save on energy costs
• Wash your clothes in cold water and save up to 90% of the energy associated with washing clothes
• Only wash full loads of laundry
• Only wash full loads in your dishwasher
• Think about purchasing an Energy Star appliance the next time you need one

• Make sure to compost your leaves and grass - use a backyard composter; subscribe to the City's Leaves & Grass Collection Program; or take to the City's two free Compost Depots
• Learn about xeriscaping your yard to reduce your water consumption
• Open your curtains and let the sun naturally brighten and warm your home
• Use a rainbarrel to capture and store rainwater for irrigation. Make sure to keep it covered to keep the mosquitoes out!

• Change your air conditioner filter to increase its efficiency
• Use your programmable thermostat to raise the temperature in your home by a few degrees when you are not at home. This will save you money on air conditioning costs and energy use
• Use a clothesline to dry your clothes in the fresh air of the backyard.
• If you need to water your lawn, do it early in the morning or in the evening to reduce evaporation, and water less often and more deeply
• Compost your grass clippings or leave the clippings on your lawn
• Rake your grass clippings and use them for mulch in your flower beds

• Make sure to compost your leaves, grass and Halloween pumpkins at the City's two free Compost Depots
• Use your compost to fertilize your garden and flower beds
• Change your furnace filter to improve efficiency
• Use your ceiling fan to circulate warm air in your home by setting it on reverse at low speed
• Use your lawnmower to mulch fallen leaves into your lawn. Mulched leaves add valuable nutrients to your lawn
• Remove window air conditioning units or cover them well to prevent drafts

• Don’t idle your car for longer than 30 seconds, except in traffic. New cars warm up best when they are driven
• Buy a timer for your car plug in. Set it for three hours before you head out in the morning
• Reduce the temperature in your home by up to 5 degrees when you aren’t there and overnight
• Apply plastic to your windows to keep out drafts
• Shovel the snow on your walk (and be a Snow Angel for your neighbours if you can give a helping hand). Save the snowblower for BIG jobs
• Use LED Christmas lights with a timer