Previous Newsletters:
Paula Says..
" I believe that the primary care giver (usually Mom) has a huge role in how much of an environmental footprint (carbon and otherwise) the family has.
I believe that we can each make small but effective changes that make a huge difference."
Everything we buy, how we manage the house, how we use transportation all have a major impact on the environment. We can choose to try to minimize this footprint and for our kids to learn how to do this too.
There are a number of books on climate change and people's impact that simply just don’t do it for me. They are too technical (and that is even for me, an engineer!), or simply too guilt ridden.
Here are some simple things that you and I can do to make a difference. So, come along on the journey with me and we can do this together!
Paula's Top Ten Ways to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
1. Turn off the lights! Monitor your monthly usage and focus on lowering it!
2. Switch to renewable electricity... in most places you have a choice.
3. Buy the most efficient appliances possible... insist on it!
4. Drive as little as possible. Take the bus, take a bike, walk.
5. Buy a clothes horse and hang your clothes to dry.
6. Kill the phantom power. Most appliances when left on, still use power. Turn them off.
7. Recycle anything and everything.
8. Choose goods with less packaging.
9. Buy second hand clothing and recycle those that your family has outgrown.
10. Install a programmable thermostat and program it to reduce the temperature when you are sleeping or when you are normally out.
It takes these small steps to make a difference and together we can do it.
Info for kids
Information for your kids:
Molly Bang, My Light, (Blue Sky Press, New York, 2004) - this book is for kids and a fantastic source of information on electricity. Both my kids (4 and 2 years old) love it even though it is really directed at kids older than this.
DISCOUNTS ON DELIVERED ORGANIC GROCERIES.
Spud! Calgary is offering a discount to Baby Guide readers that I thought you might be interested in this. The discount is for $25 off your first four orders ($5, $5, $5, $10). Simply enter "babyguide8" in the promotions code category. This promotions code is available for their locations in Alberta as well as BC. Click on the following link for Spud! www.spud.ca