Reduce your carbon footprint
Image credit:  iStock

3 Tips to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

by Tecli Hagos - Windermere Secondary, Vancouver BC Apr 30, 2010

1. Use Cold Water

Why waste extra energy washing your clothes in hot water when they can get just as clean in cold water? There are lots of detergents available designed specifically for machine-washing in cold water.

2. Buy Local

Vegetables and fruits grown from the area you live in create less carbon emissions in the truck ride to your grocery store than foreign vegetables shipped across the ocean.

3. Say No to Junk Mail

According to matadorchange.com, the carbon footprint of junk mail is equivalent to the emissions from 480,000 cars! Millions of trees are cut down and a vast amount of electricity, water and fossil fuels are wasted in the production and distribution of junk mail. The Red Dot Campaign is one of the best ways to say no to junk mail. Simply purchase a red dot sticker that reads, “No junk mail please” from reddotcampaign.ca for $3.00 and stick it on your mailbox.

Comments (1)
Login or register to post comments. All comments have to go through a queue for approval to keep the nasty stuff out, but we'll post yours as soon as we can.

I have never heard that tip

Submitted by n.tremblay on Mon, 05/03/2010 - 17:48.

I have never heard that tip about junkmail and find it really interesting how something so small could cause so much damage, but could also so easily be fixed. If we are going to reduce our carbon footprint as a planet it is crucial that each individual does their part.

Current Issue
table of contents
May-June Issue: Youthink Magazine
In this Issue
Past Issues
Raised hands in class | Youthink
How to Overcome the Fear of Participating in Class

Are you too scared of being wrong to put up your hand and answer?

Happy grads | Youthink
Sound Off: Don’t Let Your Final High-School Days Pass You By

Do you lie awake in your bed wondering what you’re supposed to do with your life after high school?

Justin Bieber Boyfriend | Youthink
9 Songs to Add to Your Summer Playlist
Here’s a playlist to get your summer started, so sit back, relax and have a listen!