Eco-living Tips

The following tips are from our monthly contest winners. Sign up for our eNewsletter and be sure to enter your tips to win the next draw for a free SIGG water bottle!!

Julie - March 2009 Winner:

1. Place a rain barrel or large bucket at the end of your downspout to catch rainwater and use it for watering your garden, plants and flowers.
2. Use one part vinegar to four parts water (more vinegar, if more dirt) to clean your windows and use newspaper to dry windows to a shine.
3. Use glass canning jars (fill only ¾ of jar) instead of plastic containers to freeze leftovers like soup or chili.

Stephanie - February 2009 Winner:

1. Choose reusable cloths over paper towels. For dinner napkins have ones that can be reused.
2. Purchase toilet paper that ensures that the product comes either recycled or from a sustainable forest.
3. Reduce electricity usage by plugging all electrical appliances into a power bar so that when leaving the house you can just flick a switch and it will turn off. For example you can plug your t.v, dvd player, lamps and stereo in. Even though certain appliances may be off, it may still be using up electricity!

Sherri - January 2009 Winner:

1. Save the inside cello packages from cereal boxes.  They are excellent for coating chicken pieces, pounding meat to a standard thickness, etc.
2. See if your community has a salvage centre.  Household goods and clothing that are re-usable can be left at these places for use by others at no or minimal cost.  If you don’t have one, support your local good will store instead of hauling everything to the landfill.
3. Organize a clothing/accessory swap with your friends.  Pile the stuff you have outgrown or don’t want and have fun sorting through it and finding “new” outfits.
4. Use eco-friendly products in your bathwater, then reuse the water to flush toilets, water plants etc.

Jess - December 2008 Winner:

1. Place grass clippings around the base of your trees.  It helps keep moisture in and also provides weed control.
   
2. Place a rain barrel at the end of your downspout and use the water for watering plants and your garden to reduce the use of tap water.
   
3. Replace electric lights for solar lights outside.

Allyson - November 2008 Winner:

1. Don't buy wrapping paper - dress up a tea towel or newspaper instead.
   
2. Sign up for e-statements from your bank to eliminate paper mail. Most credit cards and utilities offer e-bills now as well.
   
3. Unplug all small home appliances when not in use - this includes cell phone and camera chargers as well as your computer.  Not only is it earth friendly, but you will save money as well.