Green Tips
You Can Make a Difference
Buying offsets can be a good way to help reduce the environmental impact of your activities. Ideally however, it is only a complement to actions that reduce your total greenhouse gas emissions – what you can’t reduce, you can offset.
Before you offset, do what you can to reduce your emissions. Here is a short list of easy and effective tips to get you started:
- Reduce the amount of electricity that you use at home and at work, turn off lights and electronics when not in use and replace lightbulbs in your home with compact fluorescent lightbulbs (CFLs).
- Save energy. Install a programmable thermostat to help you regulate the cooling/heating of your home and office.
- Get a home energy audit – it will help you identify what your opportunities are and help you save money, save energy, and increase the comfort and value of your home.
- Use your purchasing power for good: when buying a new product, make sure that it is energy efficient (look for the EnergyStar label). For cars, purchase a car that is more fuel efficient. Look for products that are certified as sustainable, such as Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) wood products.
- Local is better – buy food, products and services that come from your community where possible.
- Reduce, Re-use, Recycle. Purchase less, and reduce your waste.
- Think before you drive. Look for alternatives such as public transit, cycling, walking and carpooling.
