We have many choices – sometime an overwhelming number – of products for use in our homes. From appliances and household cleaners, to the food that fills our fridges and cupboards, to how we deal with diapers and disposable batteries. Making the best decision for your household and your life, while respecting the environment, can be confusing.
Here are some tips to help with these decisions.
Appliances
Household appliances account for a significant amount of home energy use. Find energy and water saving tips – from air conditioners, to washers, dishwashers, dryers, fridges, stoves and freezers.
Asbestos
Concern that asbestos can cause cancer has led to the product being banned for use in homes. Nonetheless, many older homes continue to contain this dangerous substance.
Batteries
Batteries contain toxic metals including lead, mercury and silver, which can leak into the environment, polluting soil and water. What to do with depleted batteries in Manitoba?
Building materials
If wood is a better choice over steel or concrete, how can you be sure that you are using ecologically sensitive materials? Look for Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification on the wood products you purchase.
Cleaners
Chemicals in some household cleaners are toxic to people and harmful to the environment. For the average consumer, it can be hard to know which substances are dangerous and which are safe.
Clothing and textiles
When last year’s big fashion look becomes this year’s big yawn, we have to start asking questions about the life cycle of the clothing industry.
Cosmetics and personal care products
With all the harmful chemicals and toxins in cosmetics and personal care products, sometimes it can be safer to make your own. We post proven recipes here.
Diapers
The great “cloth vs. disposable” diaper debate.
Electronics & cell phone disposal
What to do with old computers, printers and associated gear is a problem facing many households. Electronics can contain toxic materials and heavy metals – stuff that we don’t want to see our in air, soil or groundwater.
Energy
We use a lot of energy in our homes – for heating and cooling, lighting, water heating, cooking, communications, entertainment, and more.
Food
We eat every day. And every day, our food choices directly affect our health and the health of the planet.
Gardening & lawn care
Even on a relatively small city property, growing one’s own food or planting a colourful display of spring or summer flowers can be hugely rewarding. What we choose to grow can have both beneficial and harmful consequences for the environment.
Hazardous waste
Many people wonder about the cumulative health effects of exposure to the thousands of synthetic chemicals in our environment – in household products, clothing and textiles, water, air and food.
Investing – ethical & environmental
When putting money away for the future, it’s important to consider the sustainability of those investments. If your investment degrades nature over undermines communities, will it be contributing to a future that is safe for you or your children?
Plastic Bags
Green Action Centre estimates that Manitobans carry home more than 200-million disposable plastic bags provided by grocery stores and retail shops every year. What’s a person to do? Shouldn’t they be banned everywhere?
Recycling
Recycling is the third ‘R’ and it has become one of the most widely practised environmental activities in Canadian households.It’s important not only to recycle everything we can, but also to purchase products with recycled content.
Shopping
Overconsuming can ruin a household budget and cost the Earth. Find suggestions for consuming responsibly.
Vinyl & PVC
The twentieth century was the age of plastics. Only now are we starting to realize their costs to human health and the environment.
Water
Canadians are responsible for the consumption of 1,600 cubic metres of water each per year – twice as much as the average person in France and eight times as much as people in Denmark.
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