10 Steps to a Cooler Planet

Source: Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation

Each Canadian generates, on average, five tonnes of greenhouse gases every year. Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation offers 10 simple steps you can take to help keep our planet healthy and make your home more comfortable and healthier, while saving you money, and increasing your home’s resale value.

 

Step 1 — Switch to Public Transit

By simply switching from a mid-size car to public transit for your local travel, you can save up to 230 kg

of CO2 per year for every 1,000 km you don’t drive.

 

Step 2 — Think Smaller

Downsizing to a smaller car can eliminate 1,100 – 2,600 kg of CO2 each year — and save you dollars

at the gas pump!

 

Step 3 — Stay Grounded

For short out-of-town trips, taking the bus or train instead of traveling by plane could benefit both the

planet and your wallet.

 

Step 4 — Reduce Your Home Heating Bills

Improving the energy-efficiency of your home or even just lowering the thermostat by as little as 1°C

can reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

 

Step 5 — Reconsider Your Space Needs

Larger homes use a lot more energy so, the next time you move, ask yourself if a smaller home might

better fit your needs.

 

Step 6 — Buy green

When buying appliances, choose the most energy-efficient ones in order to save up to 400 kg of CO2

a year.

 

Step 7 — Stay out of hot water

Wrapping your hot water heater in a thermal blanket and installing low-flow shower heads and

water-efficient appliances can reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

 

Step 8 — Eat Your Vegetables

Adopting a diet that includes less meat can have a significant impact on your greenhouse gas

emissions.

 

Step 9 — Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Cutting your garbage production by just one bag a week could save your family 300 kg of CO2 a year.

 

Step 10 — Remember: You Have the Power

Many utility companies are introducing Green Power options. By switching to green power, you can

reduce your home’s CO2 emissions.