Other Environmental Action

 



Although greenhouse gas emissions leading to climate change are a significant problem, they are not the only environmental issue facing people around the world. Pollution, deforestation, and desertification are all important issues. Most nations in the developed world and many developing nations have established policies and laws to deal with these issues.

Think about

What about you? Seventy percent of Albertan consumers stated they were prepared to switch to banks, retail outlets, and other services that demonstrated a commitment to the environment. Many Canadians say they are prepared to make personal sacrifices in their lifestyles to protect the environment; others say they will do so but only if industry is prepared to take its share of the burden.


Protecting the Environment: What Can We Do?


As individuals, we can take many actions to reduce our impact on the Earth.


Some suggestions of ways you can individually reduce waste and decrease greenhouse gas emissions follow:

  • Consume Less. Don't buy so much stuff!
  • Change your eating habits. Eat less meat, consume organic produce, and buy locally-grown products
  • Replace your incandescent light bulbs
  • Walk, bike, or carpool
  • Recycle. The average household can save up to 1100 kilograms of carbon dioxide per year by recycling 1/2 of its household waste.
  • Use less hot water. Install a low-flow shower head, or take shorter showers, turn down hot water by 1 or 2 degrees.

  • Avoid excessive packaging when possible
  • Unplug your electronic devices when they are not in use.
  • Adjust your thermostat. Moving your thermostat down 2 degrees in the winter and reducing the use of air-conditioning in the summer could save over 900 kilograms of carbon dioxide a year.
  • Plant a tree. One tree absorbs nearly a tonne of carbon dioxide in its lifetime.
  • Tell others. Spread the word. Working together, we can make a difference.