20 Things to Start Doing Now to Keep Canada Beautiful

Few things can mar a pretty landscape quite like litter does. Keep a bag in which to carry your trash until you can throw it in a trash can.

It takes about half a million trees to make the estimated 1.5 billion paper cups Canadians throw away every year. Invest in a reusable mug for your coffee take-out.

According to the Council of Canadians, in some communities as much as 80% of landfill space is taken up by plastic water bottles. Get a reusable water bottle that you can refill with tap water or the beverage of your choice.

Plastic drinking straws are a major contributor to plastic pollution and can be a serious health hazard to wildlife. Say no to straws or bring your own, reusable straw. There are options made of materials such as stainless steel, silicone, bamboo and glass.

According to Greenpeace, Canadians throw away more than 700,000 tonnes of disposable tissue products, including paper towels, napkins and tissues. This is a factor in the destruction of the country’s ancient forests, so opt for reusable towels and napkins and handkerchiefs instead.

The average Canadian uses 100 rolls of toilet paper a year, according to Greenpeace. Save some trees by switching to toilet paper made of recycled paper and install a water-saving bidet in your bathroom.

Wildfires not only cause serious damage to Canada’s boreal forests but also contribute to air and water pollution. Don’t throw cigarette butts out of car windows and if you’re hiking or camping, build fires only in designated areas. Never make a fire in windy conditions.

Your car is a major contributor to smog and global warming. Drive as little as possible by opting to carpool, using public transport, biking or walking.

A roaring fire in the fireplace makes for a cozy winter’s night but before you light that little pile of wood, ask yourself if you really need it. Using your fireplace less often will not only save some trees but will also reduce smog.

Even though Canada uses mainly hydroelectric power, a significant part of the country’s electricity still comes from non-renewable resources such as coal and gas. With energy-efficient appliances, you’ll use less energy, reduce the need for landscape-scarring coal mines and gas rigs and save on your hydro bill in the process.

Even renewable energy sources like solar plants and wind farms are an eyesore. The less energy you use, the fewer electricity-generating plants will be needed.

Trees and other greenery help to reduce air pollution and global warming while also creating a habitat for wildlife. Plant a garden, focusing on plants native to your region.

Sustainable agriculture involves practices that reduce water and soil pollution, erosion and deforestation. You don’t necessarily need to buy organic produce but be aware of the environmental impact of agriculture and buy food that was sustainably produced.

There’s no reason why your food or hygiene products should come wrapped in a plastic bag in a box which is then wrapped in plastic again. Choose products that come in minimal packaging and keep the landfills emptier.

If your supermarket or grocery store has a bulk food section, bring your own container and refill it with what you need. This reduces waste from packaging and is usually cheaper.

When you grow your own veggies, herbs and fruit, you can limit the amount of pollution-causing agrochemicals that go into keeping your belly full. You’ll also help to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases emitted while transporting produce.

Many cosmetics, hygiene products and detergents contain harmful chemicals that can wreak havoc on Canada’s water bodies. Opt for biodegradable products instead.

Every time you buy a new gadget, there’s an old one that you need to get rid of. Even though Canadians tend to be good at taking their e-waste to e-waste depots or donating their old electronics, at some point these products will end up in landfills.

Separate your trash into recyclables, non-recyclables and hazardous waste and dispose of it responsibly. Especially hazardous waste such as batteries that can seep into the soil and cause serious environmental problems.

To the rest of the world, the typical Canadian is friendly, polite, tolerant and peace-loving. Keep Canada beautiful not only on the outside but on the inside too by being the stereotypical nice Canadian.