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Understanding Consumerism. If consumer culture has been shaped by decades of marketing, economic policies, and social norms, we won’t undo it overnight. Let’s be honest—most of us have bought something we didn’t need. Maybe it was a trendy gadget, on sale and too good to pass up. Or a little retail therapy after a long […]
Common climate-related terms. A mini dictionary of some of the most common climate-related terms We hear about them, we nod wisely, but do we know what they mean? 1. Carbon Footprint This is the total amount of greenhouse gases (like carbon dioxide) your activities put into the atmosphere. Think driving your car, heating your home, […]
What You’ll Need for Your Solar Power System. (2025 Edition) Whole House or Scalability Whether you’re a DIYer or prefer to hire a professional, this guide will walk you through the essentials for a residential solar power installation that powers your whole house. And, if you’re like me and can’t float the price of a […]
Rainwater Harvesting Have you thought about putting all that rain pouring off your roof to use? Rainwater harvesting is one of those brilliantly simple moves that makes you wonder why everyone isn’t doing it. Why Bother Harvesting Rainwater? It saves water, cuts down on your water bill (if you pay for municipal water), and gives […]
The Circular Economy- Ending the Throwaway Culture Imagine a world where your old smartphone doesn’t end up gathering dust in a drawer or, worse, polluting a landfill. Instead, it’s refurbished, reused, or its parts are recycled to create something new. Welcome to the circular economy—a transformative approach to production and consumption that’s gaining momentum worldwide. […]
Energy Saving: Time-of-Use Night‑Owl” Hacks For those with time-of-use billing, here’s a toolkit of “night‑owl” hacks to help you shift heavy appliance use into off‑peak hours, while keeping your sleep (and sanity) intact. 1. Use Built‑In Delayed‑Start Functions Many modern dishwashers and washing machines come with a delayed‑start or “end‑by” timer. Pro tip: Double‑check your […]
Energy: What Is Time‑of‑Use (TOU) Billing? Imagine. My sister and I are tackling our electricity bills. She’s in Ontario, where there’s time‑of‑use (TOU) pricing. Think “happy hour” rates for electricity. But I‘m in New Brunswick, where every kilowatt‑hour (kWh) costs the same no matter when I use it. TOU billing pads her wallet while mine […]
The Fate of Things You No Longer Want! Every item we purchase embarks on a journey far beyond our homes. Understanding the lifecycle of our belongings—from purchase to disposal—sheds light on the environmental and economic impacts of consumption habits. By understanding the pathways of disposability and the implications of our consumption, we can make informed […]
Biomass – Is Burning Wood for Energy Renewable? Biomass: Is Burning Wood for Energy Renewable? When we think of renewable energy, images of solar panels and wind turbines often come to mind. But what about burning wood? It’s a practice that’s been around for centuries, and today, it’s at the center of a heated debate: […]
Reducing Rural Car Use: Without Moving to the City Living in the countryside offers tranquillity and space, but it often comes with a heavy reliance on cars. If you’re looking to cut down on driving without packing up for the city, here are some practical and community-friendly strategies to consider: 1. Champion Local Services Supporting […]