bchouseholdtoolkit(online)

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SUSTAINABILITYAT

HOMEA toolkitDecision-making help foryour everyday choices


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This toolkit was created by:

Prepared by:Alaya Boisvert, Lindsay Coulter, Julie Hardy and Amanda McCuaig

Layout and Design:Amanda McCuaig

The authors would like to acknowledge the following individuals for

their invaluable editorial contributions:

Sean Grifn (Toxic Free Canada); Celina Owen (Real Estate Foundation of Brit-ish Columbia); Douglas Pollard (Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation);Brenda Southam (Real Estate Institute of British Columbia); Peter Sundberg

(City Green Solutions); and staff of the British Columbia RealEstate Association.

The creation of this toolkit would not have been possible without the generoussupport of these organizations:

2009. Some rights reserved.For more information, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.5/ca

Your feedback is appreciated.Please share your thoughts at [email protected]

Acknowledgements

Printed on 100% FSC-certied material using vegetable-based inks.

www.vancity.comwww.realestatefoundation.com
mailto:info%40naturalstep.ca?subject=BC%20Household%20Toolkithttp://http//www.vancity.comhttp://http//www.vancity.comhttp://www.vancity.com/mailto:info%40naturalstep.ca?subject=BC%20Household%20Toolkit


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Table of contents

TableofContents

2 Congratulations on Rethinking Your Home4 The Big Picture of Sustainability6 Four Root Causes of Un-sustainability

7 Thinking Through Everyday Decisions14 Room by Room Tips and Resources

30 Make Your Next Renovation aGreen One

32 Seeing Your House as a System33 Going Deeper: Changing the

World Around You36 Continuing the Journey

37 Sustainability Labels for theHome

40 Resources for BC Residents41 Sustainability at Home:

Checklist

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Your home is one of over 1.5 million

households in the province of British

Columbia1. Every action - small or large -

in one of these homes, if repeated, couldbe powerful. Many people like you are cre-

ating healthy, comfortable and affordable

spaces to call home. Together with your

neighbours and others across the province,

you can lead the change toward a more

sustainable future starting right in your

very own home.

The word sustainability has become part

of everyday language. Its been used to

describe everything from energy genera-

tion projects to recycling your tin cans. But

what does it mean? In 1987, the UnitedNations World Commission on Environment

and Development dened sustainability as

meeting the needs of the present genera-

tions without compromising the ability of

future generations to meet their needs.

This toolkit is designed to help you put thisbig picture concept into practice by giving

you a framework for making decisions

in your home that improve health,

increase efciency, save money, and

make your community a better place

to live.

Congratulations on

Re-thinking Your Home!

1Natural Resources Canada BC Stats: Household Esti-mates and Projections - http://www.bcstats.gov.bc.ca/DATA/POP/pop/dynamic/households.asp


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The benets of sustainability

To begin, imagine all of the natural resources

your house requires: water, energy, food,

building materials, and methods to trans-

port yourself and your things. By changingthe way you make household decisions you

can contribute to increased environmental

sustainability. In turn, you will see direct

benets to your family, your community, the

planet and your pocketbook. Your choices

make a difference.

For example, by choosing to paint a room

with non-toxic and eco-certied materi-

als (such as Volatile Organic Compound-

free paints), youre doing much more than

changing the rooms colour. You are reducing

your exposure to potentially toxic chemicals

while supporting an emerging industry that

values social, environmental as well as eco-

nomic benets.

Many of the ideas in this toolkit come from

examples of British Columbians who have

already made changes in their homes, and

who have made a positive impact in their own

communities. Their success shows how

you can begin to make these changes.

Sustainability at Home will provide you with

the tools you need to understand and talk

about our sustainability challenge, offer

some ways to think through everyday house-

hold decisions and provide tips to be imple-mented room-by-room in your home. In the

following pages you will also nd dozens of

resources to look deeper into the issues that

matter to you most. The helpful checklist

at the end of the toolkit will help you start

making changes and to track your successes.

For those ready for an extra challenge, you

will also learn about the benets of green

home renovation projects and how to trans-

form simple tips into a way of enriching the

community around you.

Save money over both the short and long-term by making your home moreenergy-efcient

Increase the resale value of your home Enjoy greater comfort in your home as you create a healthier, more efcient

space Contribute to the preservation of BCs biodiversity by minimizing your

impact

Help slow or reduce the effects of climate change Help BC strengthen its leadership position by moving Canada toward a

sustainable future, one that supports social well-being, ecological health, andeconomic vitality


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igSustainabilityIncreasing pressureover time

?

The

BigPicture:

For example, in British Columbia, we are

increasing our:

Land consumption

Water consumption

Population growth

Demand for housing

And we are also reducing our:

Fish stocks and forests

Available freshwater

Air quality

Affordable housing

Visualize these challenges as society

moving through a funnel.

Sustainability is about inventing the future we want to live in. The choices individuals make

at home and as part of a larger community affect news headlines every day: stories about

climate change, water scarcity, housing shortages, contaminated food and air pollution.

These stories are elements of a bigger picture that is unfolding.


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British Columbias bold move

The walls represent increasing pressures on

us. These pressures include examples likegrowing demand for resources and ecosys-

tem services (such as water ltration, ood

control, climate regulation and soil stabiliza-

tion) and the declining capacity of the earth

to provide those resources and services. It

also includes the social tensions resulting

from inequality and human rights abuses.

These pressures continue to grow over time.

Right now, much of BCs economic growth

reduces the amount of pure water, farmland,

clean air, forests and natural diversity for

present and future generations.

Practicing sustainable solutions means join-

ing together as a community to maintaineconomic prosperity without degrading the

environment, our health, education or cul-

tural integrity.

Becoming sustainable challenges us to

live our lives making decisions today

that do not compromise the opportunity

for future generations to enjoy a rich

quality of life.

In July 2008, BC introduced a carbon tax to help ght climate change

by reducing the provinces greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. It was the

rst of its kind in North America. This bold move was possible becauseBritish Columbians reasoned that it is unfair to make future generations

pay for the things we are using now.

To learn more about the BC carbon tax, visit www.n.gov.bc.ca/scp/tp/

climate/carbon_tax.htm.
http://www.fin.gov.bc.ca/scp/tp/climate/carbon_tax.htmhttp://www.fin.gov.bc.ca/scp/tp/climate/carbon_tax.htmhttp://www.fin.gov.bc.ca/scp/tp/climate/carbon_tax.htmhttp://www.fin.gov.bc.ca/scp/tp/climate/carbon_tax.htm


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A group of international scientists havedetermined the four root causes by whichwe negatively impact the earths ability tosustain human life and the ability of futuregenerations to meet their needs. The fourroot causes are:

1 We dig stuff out of theearths crust (such asheavy metals and fossil

fuels) and allow it tobuild up in natural sys-tems faster than naturecan cope.

2 We create and use synthetic or per-sistant compounds andchemicals (such as pes-

ticides for plants and reretardants in carpets)that build up in naturalsystems faster than na-ture can cope.

3 We continuously damage natural sys-tems and the free ser-vices they provide (suchas climate regulation andwater ltration) by physi-cal means at a rate fasterthan nature can regen-erate (for example, over-harvestingforests and paving wetlands).

4 We create and live insocieties in which manypeople cannot meet theirbasic needs (for ex-ample, food, meaningfulemployment or afford-able housing).

Hundreds of leading corporations and orga-nizations around the world are using thesefour root causes of unsustainability to helpthem make strategic decisions that reducenancial risk and support innovation. Indi-viduals can also incorporate these principlesinto how they live at home.

The remainder of this toolkit will giveyou tips to help you do just that.

4 Root Causes of Un-sustainability

Calculating your footprint

The Ecological footprint is a tool tocalculate how much of the planets

resources you use. Calculate your ownfootprint and check out the Global Foot-print Network:

www.footprintnetwork.org.

To learn more about the four root causes of un-sustainability and the science behindthem, check out The Natural Step Sustainability Primerwww.thenaturalstep.org/en/canada/toolkits.
http://www.footprintnetwork.org/http://www.thenaturalstep.org/en/canada/toolkitshttp://www.thenaturalstep.org/en/canada/toolkitshttp://www.footprintnetwork.org/


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Everyday Decisions

Achieving sustainability means livingwithin the earths ability to support usindenitely.

If sustainability is about meeting our collec-

tive needs and living within natural limits,how do you know if your personal decisionsare helping to achieve that? What does suc-cess look like for you in your home?

For most people, the ideal home is probably:

Healthy to live in

Comfortable and attractive

Within easy access of work and play

Affordable to operate and maintain

Connected to a thriving neighbourhoodand community

Efcient in how it uses energy, water,materials and space

To achieve our ideal home, it helps to knowhow our decisions relate to the root causesof unsustainability, and what opportunitiesthere are to make more sustainable choices.

The tools and tips that follow address thesix categories to the right and will help youmake sustainability at home a reality.

Utilities

Transportation

Shopping

Waste

Health

Participation


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UtilitiesU t i l i t i e s A s k y o u r s e l fUtilitiesare basic services such as water,electricity and gas, or anything that fuels,

heats and cools your home.

Relationship to four root causes:Production of utilities often contributesto overloading the atmosphere withgases from burning materials we dig outof the earth, as in the case of natural gasused for heating homes and generating

electricity. This can lead to a progres-sive physical impact on natural sys-tems. These are two of the root causesof unsustainability.

Opportunity:Use less and save money.There are simple conservation methodsand devices that can help you get start-

ed. Investing in the energy efciency ofyour home has high returns.

Can I reduce my use of this utility?When you conserve the amount of water,

gas or electricity you use, you reduce theimpacts associated with its productionand delivery. For example, burning lessfossil fuels will introduce fewer poison-ous compounds into the environment andparticulates into our air. Reducing youruse of water can be as simple as choos-ing to sweep your driveway rather than

powerwash it.

Can I get the same utility serviceanother way?Some of the services associated withutilities particularly electricity can besupplied from renewable resources suchas solar, geothermal, or wind.

Can I be more efcient in the way Iuse my utilities?There are simple, inexpensive devicessuch as faucet aerators and low-owshowerheads to help you reduce waterusage. In many homes a $2000 invest-ment in wall insulation can result in over

18% energy savings and allow you toaccess $1500 or more in governmentenergy efciency rebates. The resulting$500 investment can be paid off in en-ergy savings and reduced energy bills inunder three years, all while increasing thecomfort of your home.


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TransportT r a n s p o r t a t i o n A s k y o u r s e l fTransportincludes all of the ways youmove yourself and your goods from place

to place. It could be driving, walking,cycling, taking transit, train, boat orplane. In thinking about transportation,consider the location of your home rela-tive to public transit, green space, placesof recreation, work and shopping all ofwhich will impact your quality of life.

Relationship to the four root causes:Many modes of transportation dependon the burning of fossil fuels, meaningmobility is related to materials we digfrom the earths crust. Our impact ismagnied by the continual build-upof compounds that natural systemsstruggle to cope with like sulphur

dioxide and nitrous oxides. Directly andindirectly they can harm natural systemsand affect human health.

Opportunity:Cycle instead of driving,carpool, or use public transit. Walkingand biking will reduce your monthly fuelbills and its good exercise.

Can I stay close to home?Can you nd the goods you need nearby?

Visit your local businesses to see whatsavailable. What you need is probablycloser than you think. Plan your journeyswith an eye on efciency and make onetrip instead of several.

Do I have to drive?If you must go, can you get there with-

out driving? Give yourself enough timeto walk, bike, and check out your localtransit schedule on-line. It will save youthe worry about where to park and saveyou money too. If you have to drive, car-pool. More people per litre of fossil fuelburned means greater efciency for youand fewer emissions. You can also enjoy

the carpool lane!

Do I really need to go?Sounds obvious, but its a question worthasking. Were used to hopping in our carsand going somewhere at the drop of ahat. Next time, before you slide the keysin the ignition, consider if you need to go

at all.


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ShoppingS h o p p i n g A s k y o u r s e l fShopping refers to anything we buy,from food to furniture to toothpaste.

Relationship to the four root causes:What we buy is made from materialsfrom the earths crust, and syntheticcompounds that we create. Both ofthese can build up in natural systemsfaster than nature can cope. In ad-dition to the resources needed to makegoods, think about the wages and

working conditions of workers.

Opportunity:Choose what you buycarefully. Reading labels and claims willhelp you vote with your dollar, reduceyour environmental footprint, and supportworkers rights at homeand abroad.

Do I really need it?An obvious but rarely asked question.Does it need to be new? Can you rent,share or borrow? The most sustainablechoice is buying only what you need!

How or where was it produced?Look for a label, a tag or ask the seller.Support your local economy when pos-sible.

Is it durable?Knowing about the materials and theirlifespan is key. Ask yourself how long theproduct will be useful to you. This is oftenwhere cost and durability come head tohead.

What am I supporting by making this

purchase?Every time we use our wallets, we arevoting with our dollar. Does this companyshare your values? Have they made acommitment to being more sustainable?If you dont know, do some research tond out.

What can I do when its no longerneeded?Some companies practice cradle to cradle,taking the whole lifecycle of the productinto consideration and alleviating thestress on our landlls. If they dont, askyourself: how can the product be safelyreused, recycled or disposed of? Does the

company or manufacturer supply replace-ment parts, a recycling or take-back pro-gram? For example, there are mattressand fridge buy back programs.

10


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WasteW a s t e A s k y o u r s e l f

Check out the Composting Councilof Canada for more information anddirections on how to get startedwww.compost.org/backyard.html.

Waste is everything you throw away. Itcan come from things you buy and dontuse (such as packaging), but it can also

be energy inefciencies (for example,heat loss through cracks in your home).

Relationship to the four root causes:Landlls are being lled up and morespace is needed to handle our waste.This contributes to a root cause of unsus-tainability because natural systems are

degraded when we create new land-lls. Once waste arrives at the landll,we also risk leaching harmful chemi-cals and compounds into the land, airand water.

Opportunity:There is no such thingas waste in natural systems. Its a term

thats only relevant in human systems.Mimicking nature as much as possibleis a rst step to reducing the amount ofwaste we create. Reducing our overallconsumption is obvious, but we can alsoreuse, reclaim or repurpose items beforewe even get to recycling!

Can I reuse or repair this?Save time and money by simply reus-ing something you already own. Can

you repair what you already have andstop something from entering the wastestream?

Is my trash someone elses treasure?Bartering, swapping and traditional ga-rage sales are an easy place to start. Youcan also drop off items at your local thrift

store, donate to local charities or accessa host of on-line trade, swap and sellcommunities.

Can I recycle this?From cell phones to batteries to paint,many goods can be recycled nowadays. Ifyou cant repair, reuse or sell something,

its likely recyclable and will create val-ue as your garbage becomes somethingnew. Find a depot or drop-off centre nearyou. Also, look to see if the product orpackaging is recyclable or made of re-cycled materials before you buy.

Do I have to throw this out?Composting is a perfect example of howto keep organics out of the traditionalwaste stream. Whether you have a bigyard or a small balcony, everyone cancompost. Diverting organics from thelandll reduces greenhouse gas emis-sions associated with decomposingwaste. And if youve ever bought a bagof soil, youll wish you started this money

saving venture a lot sooner!
http://www.compost.org/backyard.htmlhttp://www.compost.org/backyard.html


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HealthH e a l t h A s k y o u r s e l fHealthrefers to the mental, physical andemotional wellbeing of yourself, your fam-ily, neighbours and even perfect strang-

ers. Increasingly, people understand thatthe health of our environment and ourpersonal health is linked.

Relationship to the four root causes:When the balance of the earths systemsis compromised by digging up, dump-ing into or degrading the environment

your own well-being is affected. Itmight directly impact your health. For ex-ample, a decline in air quality can lead toa rise in asthma. Your health and well-being can also be impacted when youfeel unsafe, undervalued or discon-nected from your community.

Opportunity:Maximize the healthbenets of the space you call home. Forexample, use non-toxic products to createa healthy home environment. By maximiz-ing natural lighting youll make your homemore enjoyable and save on energy costs.Give back to your community to help cre-ate a vibrant, ourishing neighbourhoodthat everyone can enjoy.

How does this affect my health?A huge number of products on the markettoday contain chemicals that are either

harmful to human health or have neverbeen tested for human safety. Become asavvy label reader and choose safer, non-toxic alternatives. You may even considersimple, safe and cost effective ways tomake your own home cleaning solutions.

How healthy and comfortable is my

home?Maintaining a healthy home means look-ing at how each part affects the whole.For example, ventilate your home tomaximize air ow and control humidity,and reduce exposure to toxins or allergenssuch as mould. (See page 32 for more onseeing your house as a system.)

See page 38 for information on Sus-tainability Labels for the Home. Youll

nd a list of labels that will help youidentify safer, healthier and greenerproducts.


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ParticipationP a r t i c i p a t i o n A s k y o u r s e l f

With the background above and the tips that follow, youcan begin to change the decisions you make at home.

Participation is your involvement in thecommunity. It could be with your neigh-bours, co-workers, community groups,

or even a local politician.

Relationship to four root causes:Getting involved in your communityand sharing knowledge with others isimportant. Helping others understandand overcome the root causes of un-sustainability by showing them ways

to make better decisions, or togethertackling barriers, will create a rippleeffect throughout your community andbeyond.

Opportunity:There are innite waysof getting involved in your community.Maybe you prefer to start small with a

few friends around the kitchen table. Orgo big by organizing a community-wideevent. Whatever you do, remember tohave fun and share your enthusiasmwith others.

Who needs to know about this?Its likely not just yourself or yourfamily that has encountered a specic

hurdle. Start with a group you feelmost comfortable talking to, maybe itsyour soccer club, local businesses or afew neighbours. Bring your message ofhope, inspiration and urgency to peopleon your list, starting with the most ap-proachable and working to the mostinuential.

How can I share?Connecting with members of your com-munity can be fullling and fun! Howyou choose to get involved depends en-tirely on you. Think about your skills andyour passion public speaking, writing,working with your hands, making music,

etc. and how you can incorporate thatactivity into a way of giving back to thecommunity.


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Save money, save energy. Programmable thermostatscost about $50 and only take 20 minutes to install. You standto save 10% or more on home heating costs. While yourhome is occupied set the thermostat between 19- 21C. You can

also experiment reducing the temperature depending on the seasonand your familys comfort level.

o e ouseCan I reduce my use of this utility?

Seal the deal. Throw a weather stripping party with your friends. Startby reading Keeping the HEATby Natural Resources Canada. If you com-bined all the heat leaks in an average Canadian home, you would have a hole the

size of a basketball! Proper weather stripping and caulking of doors and windowscan reduce heating bills by a whopping 25%. This investment will pay off faster thanalmost any other home improvement, even if your house is already well insulated.

How can I share?

Hail a hybrid. Need

a taxi? Dont call anyold company. Use a eetthat can send a hybridvehicle to pick you up.You can also rent hybridsor join a car co-op thathas them.

Do I have to drive?

Invest green, invest ethically. Youre saving your

money, so make sure the institution youre banking onis making investments that protect nature. The Rain-forest Action Networks Climate Friendly Bankingcampaign (www.climatefriendlybanking.org) calcu-lates the carbon footprint of some of Canadasmajor nancial institutions. Dont like how theyreusing your money? This resource makes it easy tomake the switch. Ask your bank or nancial advisors

about ethical investment options.

What am I supporting by making this purchase?

According to a 2008 Statistics Canada report, Canadian households are re-sponsible for 13% of the nations 24.5% increase in greenhouse gas emissionsfrom 1990 to 2004. Gas-guzzling SUVs get a lot of blame for creating pol-

lution and causing climate change, and rightly so. But the average home inNorth America and other parts of the industrialized world actually causes morethan twice the greenhouse gas emissions of the average vehicle.

David Suzukis Green Guide, p.21

D i d y o u k n o w ?

W h o l e H o u s e
http://www.climatefriendlybanking.org/http://www.climatefriendlybanking.org/


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Fine furnishings. Refurbish existing furniture or buysecond hand to keep waste out of the landll. When buyingnew, look for locally produced or those made from recycledmaterials. An added bonus is when the materials are recy-

clable themselves.

Do I really need this product?

Take a deep breath. British Columbians typically spend an average of 90%of their time indoors. Indoor air quality has been shown to cause and/or exac-erbate a wide array of health effects like allergies, asthma, lung cancer, respi-

ratory infections, ear, nose, and throat irritation and inammation. We needclean air inside and out. Indoor plants will add colour and vitality, as well asnaturally clean the air in your home. For tips on which plants help clear the air,check this list of the top ten www.hgtv.ca/green/outdoors_10plants.aspx.

Steer clear of these furnishing features

Flame retardants: the most common being polybrominated diphenyl ethers orPBDEs. They are synthetic chemicals that persist in the environment, havingappeared in food, household dust, and human breast milk. PBDEs are known asneurotoxins and have been linked to birth defects and reproductive damage.

Stain and water repellency: contain peruorinated chemicals, a likely carcinogen,a hormone disrupter known to cause birth defects and developmental problems.

Dust mite free: will contain a miticide, a chemical to kill dust mites and is con-sidered to be a neurotoxin.

How does this product affect my health?

C h e c k O u t !

After seeing another huge hydro bill for her almost all electric home, Gene Graham realized that itdidnt matter how many light bulbs she replaced in her home, how many times she hung her clothesout to dry, or if she put six sweaters on to keep warm. Her bill told her that she and her husband livedin a house too large for two. So the for sale sign went up on Genes lawn, and they purchased a cozy

condo close to her husbands work with a ludicrously low hydro bill. For Gene, the David Suzuki NatureChallenge means more than driving the speed limit to get where she wants to go. She is taking owner-ship of how she lives.

Success story

One Change is a not-for-prot organization that empowers people to believe

that simple actions matter and to make smart choices that protect theenvironment. Check out their list of actions at www.onechange.org.

How healthy and comfortable is my home?

it
http://www.hgtv.ca/green/outdoors_10plants.aspxhttp://www.onechange.org/http://www.onechange.org/http://www.hgtv.ca/green/outdoors_10plants.aspx


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Success story

Black Gold. Your garbage is about 40% organic waste. Compostingkeeps all that waste out of the landll. Dont use garburators, as sending food wastedown the drain overloads sewage and septic systems with too much organic matter.Plus, its a misuse of drinking water and energy.

Bag it. Reusable shopping bags cut down on your need to use petroleum-based plas-tic bags from the store. Keep spares in the car and one at the ofce. Go bagless athome, lining only one trash bin with a compostable or biodegradable bag. Be sure towash your cloth bags to prevent the spread of germs.

Buy bulk. Its cheaper and uses less packaging. You can even keep reusing the sameplastic bag and twist tie with the code and product name already engraved!

The tap is where its at. In BC alone, a total of 478 million plastic bottled drinks weresold in 2007, almost doubling the sales of 2002. Avoiding bottled water will reducehealth risks from chemicals that leach out of plastics, keep bottles out of the landlland save you money. Instead, put a lter on your tap or in your fridge. See ToxicFree Canadas new campaign to get Canadians off single-use bottled water at

www.toxicfreecanada.ca.

itc enDo I have to throw this out?

Quest Food Exchange diverts 5.77 millionpounds of surplus food from landlls eachyear, a total of $7.12 million worth of food.Quest lls and empties their 575 square

metre warehouse each day, providing foodto hundreds of social service agencies in

the region and feeding 40,000 people a

month. Despite this, they are cap-turing less than 1% of food being

wasted. That means there is lotsof room for growth. For more,visit www.questoutreach.org.

K i t c h e n
http://www.toxicfreecanada.ca/http://www.questoutreach.org/http://www.questoutreach.org/http://www.toxicfreecanada.ca/


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Promote the low-hangingfruit. Let your friends andneighbours know about theeasiest things they can do to starton the path of sustainability athome, such as reducing wasteand implementing energy-savingmeasures. For example, once youstart composting, share thoseskills with someone you know.Help them get started and show

how easy it really is.

Be an Energy Star. Look for the ENERGY STAR symbol (on products from dish-washers to furnaces). These products must meet or exceed technical specications

that ensure they are among the most energy efcient on the market.For more, visit www.oee.nrcan.gc.ca/energystar.

Can I be more efcient in the way I use my utilties?

Fresh is best. Join a food cooperative in your neighbourhood that suppliesorganically grown produce and sustainably raised meat. Eating foods in seasonguarantees theyre packed with flavour and high in vitamins and minerals. Buying locallyproduced food is good for BCs economy. It also reduces packaging, fossil fuel use fortransport, and youll know where it came from.

How or where was this item produced?

Ice cold. Set your refrigerator and freezerto the most efcient temperatures: refrig-erator from 2C to 3C (35F to 37F) and

freezer to -15C (5F). Maintain stand-alone freezers at -18C (0F). You can usea thermometer to check temperatures andadjust settings as needed. Vacuum the cool-ing coils at the back of your older refrigera-tor regularly for improved performance.

Load it up. Run your dishwasher full. Letdishes air-dry or use the economy setting.

Dont waste water prewashing or rinsing;most dishwashers are up for the challenge.

C h e c k O u t ! Use Eat BCs Local Food Finder to nd restaurants, farms, grocery stores, and

accomodations in your community www.eatbc.com. Farmers markets operate in every corner of our province. Find one near you

at www.bcfarmersmarket.org. The 100-Mile Diet: A Year of Local Eating is a book by Alisa Smith and J.B.MacKinnon about their one-year experiment in local eating. Also, visit theirwebsite for more on their inspiring eating adventures and to nd out moreabout whats seasonally available in BC www.100milediet.org/bc-seasonality-chart.

Can I reduce my use of this utility?How can I share?

Sticky business. The toxic particles and gases emitted from conventional stovetopcookware made of Teon and other non-stick coatings can stay in the body forever.

Applied to everything from frying pans to pizza boxes to microwave popcorn bags,exposure to these dangerous toxins should be avoided altogether. Use alternativecookware made of stainless steel, cast-iron or non-PFOA, non-stick coating.

How will this affect my health?
http://www.oee.nrcan.gc.ca/energystarhttp://www.eatbc.com/http://www.bcfarmersmarket.org/http://www.100milediet.org/bc-seasonality-charthttp://www.100milediet.org/bc-seasonality-charthttp://www.100milediet.org/bc-seasonality-charthttp://www.100milediet.org/bc-seasonality-charthttp://www.bcfarmersmarket.org/http://www.eatbc.com/http://www.oee.nrcan.gc.ca/energystar


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Go organic. Choose organic cotton bedding and clothing. Conventional cottonuses about 25% of the worlds insecticides and more than 10% of the pesti-cides. Many farmers who work on cotton plantations in the developing world face healthrisks associated with over- and on-going exposure to agrochemicals.


Sleep easy. Most mattresses are made using synthetic materials origi-nating from petrochemical derivatives called flexible polyurethane foam.Some mattresses contain flame-retardants (PBDEs) to mute the foamshigh flammability. Mattresses made in Canada generally wont containflame-retardants, but ask. Avoid purchasing permanent press or wrinkle

free sheets, clothing and curtains; they likely contain resins with formalde-hyde, a cancer-causing Volatile Organic Compound (VOC).

How does this affect my health?

In Canada, there are over 23,000 chemicals registered for production anduse, and the majority have not been tested for their impacts on human health,wildlife or the environment. Even chemicals that are known to cause cancerand other health problems are permitted for use by industry and consumer

products. Each year, an increasing volume of toxic chemicals is released intothe Canadian environment.

Toxic Nation


Swap it up. If youre weary of your garments, call some friends and or-ganize a clothes swap. Your old is their new. If you havent already, try outconsignment, vintage, and thrift store shopping. Youll get a keen eye for whatlooks good on you and find some amazing one-of-a-kind outfits.

How can I share?

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Good as new. Remember those pants that popped a button?That shirt with the stain? Fix em up and youll have a whole newwardrobe you probably forgot about.

Can I reuse or repair this?

C h e c k O u t ! Reduce your cancer risk and protect your family from environmental

toxins. Check out Toxic Free Canadas Cancer Smart Consumer 3.0: TheGuide www.leas.ca/CancerSmart-Consumer-Guide.htm.

Read Slow Death by Rubber Duckby Rick Smith and Bruce Lourie on tox-

ins in the home. The Georgia Strait Alliances Toxic Smart Guide, which is printed in Punjabi

and Chinese, will help you reduce the impacts of toxic chemicals on yourfamily and the environment www.georgiastrait.org/?q=node/371.

Sweet dreams. Before bed, turn down your thermostat to about15C. The same rule can apply when you leave the house. You willsave 10 to 15% on your total energy bill.

Can I be more efcient in the way I use my utilities?

i i g i
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iving iScreen savers do not save energy. In fact, theyconsume almost as much energy as a computer inuse (most power consumption comes from the moni-tor). Turn off your computer monitor to save more

money and energy.

Phantom power is scary. Your electronics TV, VCR, DVD, etc. use power even whenyou turn them off. Unplug to save money andenergy. Use a power bar to make it easier;

youll only need to flip a single switch!

Can I reduce my use of this utility?

Electronic waste is the source of 70% of heavy metals (such as lead, arsenic,copper and nickel) found in our nations landlls. If you feel you must upgrade

your cell phone, ask your service provider how you can properly dispose of yourold phone.


Success storyLegacy North Shore is an independent non-prot society with the goal to help the NorthShore become an exemplary and internationally recognized model for community sustain-ability. They started Cool North Shore 2009 to bring residents together to do somethingabout global warming. At its heart is a goal to reduce the carbon footprint of participantsand institutions in a short period of time. After a successful pilot in 2008, which involved 90people in two evening Climate Change Cafes, they continued to reach a signicant numberof local citizens and institutions through various means. They will expand Cool North Shoreby engaging the education, faith and business communities and offering a broader array ofprogramming and support for individuals and institutions. For more on their work, check outwww.legacynorthshore.ca/.

L i v i n g a n d D i n i n g R o o m s


i g
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ingBust that dust. Most electronics contain flame retardants or PBDEs. Toxicdust is then sloughed off your TV or stereo, making its way into yourindoor air. Dust regularly with a damp cloth. When making a new purchase, buy from

companies who no longer use PBDEs. Greenpeace created an online guide to greenerelectronics at www.greenpeace.org/international/campaigns/toxics/electronics. Re-cycle old electronics or e-waste to keep hazardous compounds out of our water andlandfills.

Play it safe. Toy recalls have you worried? Check out HealthyToys.org. They are theConsumer Guide to toxic chemicals in toys. They rank toys and list chemicals of con-cern. They have tested plastic and wood toys for lead, polyvinyl chloride and otherharmful chemicals. Last year, 20% of the 1,500 toys they tested contained lead.

Childrens play jewellery ranked the highest. Choose toys made of natural materialslike wood or organic cotton or wool.

Close the loop. Electronicscontain dangerous materi-als such as lead and mercury.Recycle your old televisions,computer monitors, and cellphones to keep hazardouscompounds and chemicals outof the water and landfill. Someretailers offer battery recyclingprograms, such as MountainEquipment Co-op, LondonDrugs, The Source, local com-puter shops, and more. If indoubt, ask wherever you buybatteries and electronics.

Can I recycle this?

C h e c k O u t !


You can recycle old televisions, computer monitors, fax machines, print-ers, laptops, desktop computers and more at Return-It Electronics. Visit

www.encorp.ca for your local drop-off centre. You can also phone the BC Recyling Hotline at 604-RECYCLE (732-9253)

in the Lower Mainalnd or 1-800-667-4321 (rest of BC) or email [email protected].


Magic carpets. Before you buy a new arearug, find out where it was made. Ask yourfurniture vendor under what conditions your

carpets were produced, and consider buyingfloor coverings from vendors that can provesafe and equitable working conditions fortheir workers.

t
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Calculate water use: www.h2ouse.net Let Eat BCs Local Food Finder guide you to restaurants, farms, grocery

stores, and accommodations in your community proud to grow or servefresh, local and tasty British Columbia food and drink. www.eatbc.com

Scrub it up. You can effectively clean yourbathroom with vinegar and baking soda as ahealthy alternative to chemical cleaners. Theyeven tackle mould and mildew. For stubbornstains in tile and grout spray hydrogen peroxide,leave on for a few hours and wipe clean.

at roomB a t h r o o m


Go natural. Avoid beauty products with parabens, phthalates (e.g.fragrance), triclosan, and synthetic dyes. Each day we smear andspray ourselves with personal care concoctions that contain potentiallyharmful chemicals, some of which have been linked to cancer, birthdefects, learning disabilities and other major health problems. Lighten

up your toxic load and nd the best brands at Environmental WorkingGroups Safe Cosmetics website www.safecosmetics.org.


The average person uses 9-12 personal care products each day. This translatesto about 126 different chemical compounds, which are barely regulated. As a

mostly self-regulated industry, the companies, not Health Canada, perform thehealth and safety testing before products hit the shelves.


Keep more trees in the forest. Choose Post Consumer Waste (PCW)recycled toilet and tissue paper. Trees logged in BCs forests are pulpedand turned into disposable products such as toilet tissue, paper towels, junk mail andcatalogues. Read labels and look for 100% PCW recycled paper which promotes energy

conservation by reusing resources that have already been extracted. PCW content canvary from 10 to 100%. Choose the highest percentage. Also choose products that havebeen processed chlorine free. For more on PCW labels see www.davidsuzuki.org/les/NC/newsletter/nov08/makingsenseofpaperlabels.pdf.

http://www.safecosmetics.org/http://www.davidsuzuki.org/files/NC/newsletter/nov08/makingsenseofpaperlabels.pdfhttp://www.davidsuzuki.org/files/NC/newsletter/nov08/makingsenseofpaperlabels.pdfhttp://www.davidsuzuki.org/files/NC/newsletter/nov08/makingsenseofpaperlabels.pdfhttp://www.davidsuzuki.org/files/NC/newsletter/nov08/makingsenseofpaperlabels.pdfhttp://www.safecosmetics.org/


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Wrap it up. Save money by insulating your hot watertank and set the thermostat lower. Every 5.5C reduc-tion saves up to 13% on your water heating costs.

Safe disposal. Unused orexpired prescription medica-tion that gets ushed down thetoilet will eventually nd its wayinto streams and rivers (aka, ourdrinking water). Take old medsback to your local pharmacy for

safe disposal. Not only are youeliminating the risk of an acciden-tal poisoning in your home, butyoure also playing a role in keep-ing our oceans and landlls freeof pollution.

Do I have to throw this out?


C h e c k O u t !

Stem the flow. Install low-flow toilets and faucets. A faucet aerator alonecan save up to 10 litres of water per minute. Water-efficient showerheadsconserve energy without changing water pressure. During a 6-minute

shower you could save as much as 108 litres of water. The amount of en-ergy required to treat, deliver, then re-treat (as sewage) one cubic metreof your toilet water produces one kilogram of carbon dioxide. A low-flowtoilet will reduce the amount of water you use and, indirectly, greenhousegas emissions.


To make easy, non-toxic and affordable green cleaners and cosmetics, visitwww.queenofgreen.ca for how-to videos and recipes.

Pick up a copy ofEcoholicby Adria Vasil for a complete guide to green

products in Canada. Read Not Just a Pretty Face: The ugly side of the beauty industryby Stacy

Malkan to learn of hazards in your personal care products.

aun r o


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aun ry oKeep it cool. Up to 90% of the energy you use to wash clothes comes

from heating the water. Wash all fabrics in cold water they will keeptheir color longer and youll notice the savings on your next utility bill.


Fumes from slightly damp dry cleaning can contribute to indoor air pollution.Toxic chemicals like perchloroethylene, a carcinogen and respiratory irritant,evaporate from clothing into your home. If you must use conventional drycleaning, remove the plastic bag and hang clothes outside to speed up the

evaporation of solvents. Avoid buying clothes that need to be dry cleaned orlook for eco-friendly dry cleaners.


Clean yet green.Conventional laundry detergents are full of ingre-

dients like petro-chemicals, powdered enzymes, optical brighteners,synthetic dyes and fragrance. Look for biodegradable, fragrance-free, andnon-toxic detergents that clearly list all ingredients, and use chlorine-freebleach. Look for products with the Ecologo label.

Keep water out. More than half of all basements suffer from moisture is-sues, which can lead to mould growth and can cause respiratory problems. Findout if moisture is forming as a result of condensation or seepage. Most prob-lems can be addressed by making sure water - like snow and rain - drains away

from the home. CMHC provides useful information about humidity and moistureproblems and outlines a number of different solutions to ensure healthy humiditylevels in the home www.cmhc.ca/en/co/maho/yohoyohe/momo.


L a u n d r y R o o m


m
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mTow the line. An electric clothes-dryer can generate more than 6 pounds of green-

house gases with every load; a clothesline generates zero. Hang-drying helps clotheslast longer and smell better (sunshine is also a natural anti-bacterial and kills dustmites). It can save the average household about $100 per year in energy costs. Even inthe winter you can get crisp sheets outside or set up a drying rack inside.

How can I reduce my use of this utility?

C h e c k O u t !

Check out David Suzukis Queen of Green planet-friendly suggestions forgetting rid of stains at www.queenofgreen.ca.

Calculate water use at www.h2ouse.net.

Be aware of how air contaminants can affect your health. Check outCMHCs indoor air quality resources www.cmhc.ca/en/co/maho/yohoyohe/inaiqu/index.cfm.

arage
http://www.queenofgreen.ca/http://www.h2ouse.net/http://www.cmhc.ca/en/co/maho/yohoyohe/inaiqu/index.cfmhttp://www.cmhc.ca/en/co/maho/yohoyohe/inaiqu/index.cfmhttp://www.cmhc.ca/en/co/maho/yohoyohe/inaiqu/index.cfmhttp://www.cmhc.ca/en/co/maho/yohoyohe/inaiqu/index.cfmhttp://www.h2ouse.net/http://www.queenofgreen.ca/


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Reduce, reuse, recycle. Use recycled building materials for yournext renovations. Find stone, tiles, bricks, flooring, and more at sal-vage yards and junkyards. Add personality and value to your home, helpcreate a market for recycled goods, and encourage others to recycle too.

Habitat for Humanitys ReStores accept and resell quality new and usedbuilding materials www.habitat.ca/restoresc648.php.

Is my trash someone elses treasure?

Dont inhale. Wood dust from treated or composite wood products

can contain hazardous chemicals that are harmful to your health. Makesure your garage or workshop is well ventilated, and wear a mask oruse tools with integrated dust collection systems. Open windows or thegarage door and vacuum sawdust as you go. Additionally, all paints,solvents and other chemicals stored in your garage need to be in tightlysealed containers.


If Canadians stopped idling just three minutes a day, over a year we wouldcollectively save 630 million litres of fuel. Thats $945 million in fuel costs(at $1.50/L) and 6.3 billion kilograms of GHG emissions. www.idlefreebc.ca.

Recycle all beverage containers. Youll stop new materials from being minedand processed. Recycling can contribute to reducing 126,000 tons of CO

2

equivalent in BCs atmosphere, the equivalent of taking 27,000 cars off BCsroads for a year. You also save enough energy to power 41,000 BC homesfor a year.


Retire that second fridge. Refrigerators are one of thetop energy-guzzling appliances in the home. Parting with that

full size 15-year-old fridge will save you $120 a year and pre-vent about 240 kilograms of greenhouse gas emissions. BCHydro will give you $30 to take away your extra beer fridge

www.bchydro.com.


arageG a r a g e

Do I have to drive?
http://www.habitat.ca/restoresc648.phphttp://www.idlefreebc.ca/http://www.bchydro.com/http://www.bchydro.com/http://www.idlefreebc.ca/http://www.habitat.ca/restoresc648.php


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Give it away now. Most of us have too much stuff. Stuff that needsdusting. Stuff that needs fixing. Stuff that clogs up our basements andgarages. Make someone in your community happy by posting items youno longer need and bartering online at www.freecycle.org,www.swapsity.ca, or www.craigslist.org.

What can I do when its no longer needed?

Wheel them in. Find out howto recycle your car tires and learnabout their second lifewww.tirestewardshipbc.ca.

Can I recycle this?

C h e c k O u t ! Find one of the 100 depots for Hazardous Waste Disposal near you to drop

of your pesticides, ammables or participate in a paint exchange www.productcare.org/BCZoom.html.

Idle Free BC helps develop idle reduction programs and provides informa-tion to the public about the economic, environmental and health costs of

idling. Visit their website at www.idlefreebc.ca.

Drive green. Instead of arriving at workharried and stressed out from driving, con-sider carpooling. Youll save money, arrive

more relaxed, and reduce your personalgreenhouse gas emissions. Enjoy the viewfrom the carpool lane too. Register with acarpool near you or start one with your co-workers and neighbours who share a similarcommute www.carpool.ca/welcome.asp.

Success storyAfter taking the David Suzuki Nature Challenge, Veronika Polanska and her family of Burn-aby, BC made some real changes in their household. They started by equipping their homewith energy saving light bulbs and turning off the computer every night. They also havetaken their car off the road. In its place, they purchased a second bicycle and a bike trailer,which converts to a stroller for Veronikas daughter. And they didnt stop there! By renting acommunity garden lot, they are now growing a portion of their own food.

Do I have to drive?

ac yar
http://www.freecycle.org/http://www.swapsity.ca/http://www.craigslist.org/http://http//www.tirestewardshipbc.ca/http://www.productcare.org/BCZoom.htmlhttp://www.productcare.org/BCZoom.htmlhttp://www.idlefreebc.ca/http://www.carpool.ca/welcome.asphttp://www.carpool.ca/welcome.asphttp://www.idlefreebc.ca/http://www.productcare.org/BCZoom.htmlhttp://www.productcare.org/BCZoom.htmlhttp://http//www.tirestewardshipbc.ca/http://www.craigslist.org/http://www.swapsity.ca/http://www.freecycle.org/


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Compost it. Backyard compost makes a nutrient-rich fertil-izer that helps soil retain its moisture. Not only will there be fewertruck loads going to the landfill but your plants will love it. Youll alsosave money by avoiding chemical fertilizers which can end up in our

drinking water.

Do I have to throw this out?

Hit the deck. Use composite material such as pavingstones, a cement neoprene pad or fake wood decking from recycledplastic for your outdoor deck. They are very low maintenance. Avoid CCA(chromate copper arsenate) treated lumber. Although CCA-treated lum-ber is no longer sold at retail, suppliers still make it available to contrac-tors, including those operating in BC.


Pay it forward. Share your backyard with someone who would liketo turn it into a vegetable garden. Then you can divvy up the fruits ofyour shared labour. See www.cityfarmboy.com for great trips on de-

signing and building urban vegetable gardens.

How can I share?

Plant green. Save green. Deciduous trees shade windowsin the summer while letting sun shine through in the winter.Plant them on the west and east sides of your home. Conifer-ous trees can help ward off winter winds. Plant them to fight

off prevailing winds, often on the north side.


ac yarB a c k y a r d

Lawn and garden watering make up almost 40% of total household water use

during the summer. Rainwater from your roof is ideal for irrigating your gardenand lawn. Simply install a rain barrel or two for storage. For help on buildingrain barrels, visit www.cityfarmer.org/rainbarrel72.html.


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Grow green. Choose organic ornon-toxic alternatives to pesticides.Pesticides used to kill insects andweeds in your yard work a little too

well: they dont discriminate! They alsoexpose us to a frightening list of healtheffects, like increased risks of cancer,Parkinsons disease, birth defects andorgan damage. Nature-friendly insecti-

cidal soaps, biological controls such asnematodes and alternative gardeningtechniques can replace toxic chemi-cal sprays. Check your local gardeningsupply store for non-toxic alternatives,which are widely available.


C h e c k O u t !

Find plants native to your region www.evergreen.ca/nativeplants. Naturescape BC is about restoring, preserving, and enhancing wildlife habi-

tat right in your own backyard www.naturescapebc.ca.

City Farmer is an excellent resource on everything outdoors, from wormcomposting to natural lawn care www.cityfarmer.org.

If you rent, West Coast Environmental Law has a guide called Pesticides inYour Home, giving practical and legal options for tenants who would preferto live in a pesticide-free residencewww.wcel.org/resources/pesticide_guides/pesticides_home_english.pdf.

See what the City of Vancouver is doing by innovating its food policy,which includes having backyard hens, hobby beekeeping and expanding

community gardens http://vancouver.ca/commsvcs/socialplanning/initiatives/foodpolicy/projects/index.htm.

Every Drop. Save water by xeriscaping, a water conserving approach to land-scaping. You will use up to 50% less water and enjoy native plants better adaptedto your area. If you have a lawn, water in the evening and use a soaker hose

instead of a sprinkler. About half of the water used on lawns is lost to evaporationor run-off due to over-watering. Building a rain garden is another technique. Formore on sustainable approaches to water use in BC, visit www.waterbucket.ca.


Make Your Next Renovation a
http://www.evergreen.ca/nativeplantshttp://www.naturescapebc.ca/http://www.cityfarmer.org/http://www.wcel.org/resources/pesticide_guides/pesticides_home_english.pdfhttp://vancouver.ca/commsvcs/socialplanning/initiatives/foodpolicy/projects/index.htmhttp://vancouver.ca/commsvcs/socialplanning/initiatives/foodpolicy/projects/index.htmhttp://www.waterbucket.ca/http://www.waterbucket.ca/http://vancouver.ca/commsvcs/socialplanning/initiatives/foodpolicy/projects/index.htmhttp://vancouver.ca/commsvcs/socialplanning/initiatives/foodpolicy/projects/index.htmhttp://www.wcel.org/resources/pesticide_guides/pesticides_home_english.pdfhttp://www.cityfarmer.org/http://www.naturescapebc.ca/http://www.evergreen.ca/nativeplants


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Its not sustainable, or affordable, to retrotand renovate your home over night just totake advantage of available green products.However, when something nally does needreplacing these ideas will keep you on yourcourse toward sustainability.

Focus on design and save money. Thebest way to ensure that your project isaffordable is through good design. It ismuch less expensive and time-consumingto identify and remedy problems on paperthan mid-stream in the construction stage.Just a few hours of a professional architectstime can save hundreds, or even thousands

of dollars in construction change orders.Also, have your plans reviewed by a profes-sional energy efciency expert to identify thedesign elements and products that can makeyour home as energy efcient as possible.When considering the design of your renova-tion, ask yourself how your decisions helpreduce your contribution of the four root

causes of unsustainability. (For a reminder ofthe four root causes, see page 6.)

Downsize and upgrade. Smaller renova-tions disturb less land during site work, anduse fewer materials and energy throughoutthe construction and operation of the home.This reduces the ecological footprint of your

home, and reduces the damage to naturalsystems. The money you save can be spenton incorporating special features that willincrease your homes overall efciency, com-fort, and beauty.

Integrate good ideas. Integrated building

design means bringing together the entirerenovation team at various stages of theproject to share ideas and identify readilyachievable green design goals. This can saveboth money and time on your project.

To help you prioritize, weve listed theserenovation ideas in order of importance (or

where the biggest impact will be felt):

1. High performance building envelope.By building with better windows, an airtight envelope, and better insulation, thesize of the heating equipment needed foryour home can be signicantly reduced,not to mention your heating bills. The

benets of upgrading an older inefcientheating system cannot be underestimat-ed. There are huge nancial savings to begained.

2. When youre building, build passive.Paying attention to solar orientation(where and when your home receives

Make Your Next Renovation a

Green One

C h e c k O u t ! See the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporations website to download

resources on home renovations www.cmhc.ca/en/co/renoho. Visit Light House Sustainable Building Centre

www.sustainablebuildingcentre.com.

Post a question at www.grist.org. For books about downsizing and remodeling visit www.notsobighouse.com.

direct sun or is shaded) and natural air- k i l d i
http://www.cmhc.ca/en/co/renohohttp://www.sustainablebuildingcentre.com/http://www.grist.org/http://www.notsobighouse.com/http://www.notsobighouse.com/http://www.grist.org/http://www.sustainablebuildingcentre.com/http://www.cmhc.ca/en/co/renoho


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ow, known as passive solar design, cansignicantly reduce your need for moreexpensive mechanical heating systems.For example, strategically placing win-

dows on south and and west-facing wallscan substantially reduce heating costswhile reducing your requirement forarticial lighting xtures, all of which willreduce negative environmental impacts.

3. Bold and beautiful. Any renovation willrequire purchasing materials. Use lo-

cally harvested and/or produced productsmade from renewable resources to re-duce the distance these products have totravel and damage to natural systems. Byselecting building materials and nishesthat are durable and which require littlemaintenance, you will save money in thelong run. It will also reduce the amountof materials sent to landlls.

Some examples include: Carpets are comfortable for the home

environment, however they can act asa trap for dust particles, bacteria, andmould spores. New carpets can containvarious chemicals used in the manu-facturing process that will off-gas and

become airborne, affecting your indoorair quality. For a healthier carpet, lookfor natural bres like wool rug areas orcarpet that have been certied under theCarpet and Rug Institute Green Label.(See page 37 for more information onthis and other sustainability labels.)

Cork is antimicrobial, resistant to mouldand mildew and is a naturally sustainableresource. Cork ooring is now offered inmuch coloration, and in both planks andtiles.

Bamboo is a fast growing, renewable re-source that is a very hard and dimension-

ally stable. Floors made from bamboo canbe used in any area of the home whereyou might use a wood oor. You can alsond bamboo cabinetry as an alternative

to pressed woods.

Linoleum / Marmoleum is a naturalproduct made from linseed oil, woodour, rosin, jute and limestone. Because

Marmoleum is a natural organic product,its performance is enhanced by time,as exposure to air serves to harden andincrease its durability.

Finishes should include natural alter-natives. Look for natural oil/wax basednish for wood oors and interior wood-

work (such as the Broda Pro-Thane lineand Osmo Hardwax Oil). Use low-toxicitywater-based caulking for caulking jointsin wood, metal, masonry, tile and ducts.This caulking should only be applied toclean, dry surfaces. Keep in mind someproducts are better than others. Ask aprofessional!

Remember, green renovations are goodfor you and they will get you more bangfor your buck. Green buildings sell andrent for higher prices, attract tenants morequickly, and reduce tenant turnover.

These are but a few of the many ways that

a green renovation can save you money, in-crease the net worth of your investment andmake your home more sustainable.

Seeing your


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A system is a set of parts forming a complex whole. Forexample, your body is a very sophisticated system of inter-connected parts. Your heart pumps blood around your body,

and exchanges oxygen for carbon dioxide with your lungs;your nerves run throughout your body enabling you to senseheat, cold, feel textures, pain and pleasure and so on.

Each part of your body plays an essential role in keepingyou healthy.

Now think of your house as a system with interconnectedparts:

Building frame and its components (walls, furnace,windows)

Inputs (energy, water, furniture) Outputs (garbage, heat, gases, sewage) Activity inside the house (heating, cooking, eating,

sleeping)

The envelope of your home is like your bodys skin and skel-eton. The equipment and appliances in your home are likethe organs in your body. Your homes nishes are like theclothes you wear, and the services (such as water, gas andelectricity) are like the food you eat. Just as your bodyneeds sufcient nutrition, exercise and sleep to stay healthy,each part of your home needs to be integrated and function-ing well in order for the whole system to be healthy.

For example, a house that performs well as a system fea-turing a tight, well-insulated building envelope, high qual-ity windows, and passive solar strategies will allow you todownsize or even eliminate your homes cooling equipment.Therefore, anytime you make changes to your home andespecially when doing renovations its important to thinkof your house as a system.

Seeing your

houseas a system

ge

Going Deeper


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angeEach person, group or organization working towards a different world may seem powerless

andinsignicantbutallofthemcanadduptoaforcethatcanbecomeirresistible.

~David Suzuki~

Times have changed and we understand

more than ever before the importance indi-viduals play in societal change. The sustain-

ability challenge we all face will not be met

without unprecedented leadership. What the

world needs now, more than ever, are role

models, champions, and people who are will-

ing to stand up and make a difference.

You do not have to be part of an organiza-

tion to inspire change in your community.

You and other members of your household

can change the world beyond your home one

step at a time.

Individual choices

Start with what you love. These days we are

inundated with information about how to go

green. But where do you start? Any success-

ful journey of change will begin with thinkingabout what you love. Choose one issue to

focus on. Starting with something you are

passionate about (for example, cooking or

cycling) is key. Then when you encounterchallenges, you will be more likely to see it

through and nd creative solutions. Remem-

ber that every positive step you take helps

you to reduce, and eventually eliminate,

contributions to the four root causes of un-

sustainability.

Read, watch, listen. Once you have a focus,

it is easier to grow the scope of what you

know. Build on what you read and hear. This

is where individuals creativity can shine.

For example, you could conduct an energy-

use assessment of your house to see how

greater efciencies can be made, or research

sustainable products and information on

material recycling in a closed-loop approach.

Think about how what you read, watch

and hear relates to the four root causes of

unsustainability, and all the ways you canincorporate change toward sustainability in

your life.

Going Deeper:Changing the World Around You

Community Action almost everyone is using them, you feel out


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Be boldly normal. Current research (includ-

ing those conducted by the Obama presi-

dential campaign) shows the most trusted

advisors in peoples lives are not experts like

scientists and politicians; they are people

just like you. Share your experience with

others, including the hurdles you had to

overcome. People will identify with others

who share the same obstacles that they do.

Modelling new behaviour alone is one of the

most powerful ways to inuence the behav-

iours of others.

Normalizing behaviour. We are creating a

new normal for Canada sustainable liv-ing is becoming a way of life. People of-

ten change only when they feel sufcient

social pressure to do so. Recycling is a good

example: blue boxes are an obvious social

cue. Nobody wants to be labelled as the

only person on the block without a blue box.

Also, one person bringing reusable bags

might be viewed as an eccentric. But when

of the loop without one. An important way

to leverage the impact of your behaviour

is to communicate how many people have

already changed. Research shows people do

not want to be behind the curve. Motivation

comes from the perception that they are in

the majority and not a laggard.

Organize an event. Now that youve become

a normal expert modelling behaviour on a

daily basis, it is time to take your insights

to the street! Organize a workshop for your

friends and neighbours. You may be sur-

prised at how many people appreciate your

efforts and will even lend a hand. Activity

ideas could be hosting a 100 mile dinner ora green spa workshop. Discuss how your

suggested changes help reduce and elimi-

nate contributions to the four root causes

and how they are bold moves towards sus-

tainability. Mastered the friendly crowds?

Now reach out to your other spheres of

inuence like your soccer team, church

group, or colleagues.

C h e c k O u t !For more ideas on how to help create change at home, in your workplaceand in your community check out these links:

The David Suzuki Foundation www.davidsuzuki.org/. Bob Willards Sustainability Champions Guidebook

www.sustainabilityadvantage.com/products/suschamps.html.

Policy Change clotheslines, or a chat with the grocery store
http://www.notsobighouse.com/nsb_remodeling.asphttp://www.sustainabilityadvantage.com/products/suschamps.htmlhttp://www.sustainabilityadvantage.com/products/suschamps.htmlhttp://www.notsobighouse.com/nsb_remodeling.asp


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Chan

Inuence the inuencers. At the end of the

day, we need to make it easy for people to

live sustainably and remove the barriers to

personal change. The political sphere and the

marketplace can either facilitate or impede

sustainable behaviour. As citizens and savvy

consumers, we need to communicate societal

needs. First, be clear who you need to speak

to: it could be a letter to your federal Member

of Parliament about an issue that affects all

Canadians, a call to your local councillor to

rid your city of an ancient by-law prohibiting

manager down the street to request that

they source sustainable seafood.

When thinking about how to approach deci-

sion-makers, traditional avenues like peti-

tions, marches and town halls still exist, but

they are denitely not the only way to inu-

ence policy. Making a phone call, scheduling

a face-to-face coffee meeting or inviting a

decision-maker to an event are other means

to initiate policy change. Keep the big picture

in mind and think of how you can promote

change on the ground.

There are endless possibilities for specic

actions to help move toward sustainability.

Overall, remember how important it is to:

All it takes is passion and commitment. Find the is-

sue you are most passionate about and get orga-

nized.

Write letters, make phone calls, run for political of-

ce, start a new business, take a risk. Unleash the

sustainability champion within you!

Become a sustainability champion:

Advocate for change:

J eContinuing the Journey


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JourneyIf youve done everything recommended inthis guidebook and completed the checkliston page 41, congratulations! You have madesome signicant changes where youve prob-ably already noticed nancial savings andyou may be feeling healthier too. You may

also be asking what more you can do.

Lots! The path to sustainability is a long one.To help get you there, keep these things inmind as you make household decisions:

Remember that you are part of a systemEverything you do will impact something

else. Try to imagine how your decision willaffect other parts of the system, and takeaction understanding that your sphere ofconsequence will inevitably be larger thanyour action.

Think about your vision for an idealhome and lifestyle

Consider creating a vision for your house-hold. Ask yourself, If my household were to-tally sustainable, what would that look like?Involve other people that live in your houseto help you create this vision. Invite yourneighbours to brainstorm together. Ideally,you wont contribute to the four root causesof unsustainability (see page 6) but otherthan that, you can do whatever you want. Becreative!

Identify actions to move you towardyour idealThese actions can be anything that take youtoward your ideal of a sustainable house-hold, in any or all of the six areas of shop-ping, transport, utilities, waste, health and

participation. To gure out which actions totake rst, consider if they are:

Moving you in the right direction

Able to be developed further byacting as stepping stones for futureactions

A good return on investment.

The decisions you make in your home willaffect the future of your community, theprovince and the country.

You are not aloneThere are thousands of people realizing theexcitement, nancial savings, and improvedhealth associated with moving their house-

hold toward sustainability. Consider volun-teering in your community to help build rela-tionships and create groups to support eachother in the transition toward sustainability.

Celebrate your successesEvery change that you make with an eyeto becoming more sustainable is reason to

celebrate! Give yourself a pat on the back foryour foresight in avoiding the walls of thefunnel. (See page 4 for a description of thefunnel.)

Continue to ask yourself, what next?When you ask this question it will help yoube clear about how the results of your deci-

sions can be stepping stones for other stepsdown the path to sustainability.

Sustainability is about nothing less thandeciding the future of our world. We all sharethe privilege and responsibility of makingchoices in our lives. It is up to each of us tocreate a future we can be proud of passingon to future generations, while enjoying allthe riches a sustainable lifestyle offers.

Continuing the Journey

Sustainability Labels for the Home


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There are some key things to consider when selecting building products and house-hold items to ensure validity of sustainability claims made by manufacturers. Notforgetting budget and availability, you may want to ask yourself the following ques-tions when choosing building materials and household products:

1. Is it manufactured in a socially and environmentally friendly manner?2. Can it be re-used or recycled?

3. Is the product manufactured with clean energy?4. Is the product energy-efcient?5. Is it durable? And last but not least,6. Is it locally manufactured?

Consumers can avoid greenwashing by looking for products with widely acceptedenvironmental standards. The following two pages provide a list of the most com-

mon standard setting and certication organizations. For each label, consider whichof the root causes the label alerts you to. Turn the page to learn more about each ofthe labels below.

y

SustainabilityLabelsfortheHome

Chlorine Free Products AssociationThe Chlorine Free Products Association certies paper and tissue products


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Carpet and Rug InstituteThe Green Label and Green Label Plus testing programs, overseen byindependent labs, are designed for architects, builders, and facility manag-ers who want assurances that carpet and adhesive products meet the moststringent criteria for low chemical emissions and help improve indoor airquality. Currently, carpet, cushion and adhesives as well as vacuum cleanersare tested in these programs. www.carpet-rug.org

Certied Organic Associations of BC (COABC)COABC is an umbrella association for certication bodies which providescertication accreditation and leadership in the development of organic foodproduction throughout British Columbia and Canada. The COABC was cre-ated in 1993 to administer the BC Certied Organic Program, to ensure pro-gram credibility, facilitate domestic and international trade, and to promotethe overall growth of the organic food community in BC.

www.certiedorganic.bc.ca

p p pmeeting its multi-attribute standard. www.chlorinefreeproducts.org

EcoLogo Environmental Choice ProgramEcoLogo is North Americas oldest and most widely known environmentalleadership standard. EcoLogo contains 120 environmental standards andalmost 7,000 certied products. www.ecologo.org

ENERGY STAR

Products in more than 50 categories are eligible for the ENERGY STAR. Theyuse less energy, save money, and help protect the environment.www.energystar.gov

FairtradeFairtrade is an alternative approach to conventional trade and is based on apartnership between producers and consumers. Fairtrade offers producers abetter deal and improved terms of trade. This allows them the opportunity to

improve their lives and plan for their future. Fairtrade offers you a powerfulway to reduce poverty through everyday shopping. www.fairtrade.net

Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Certied LumberFSC certied wood products are obtained from sustainably harvested forests.FSC also certies environmentally preferable papers based on a multi-attri-bute approach. www.fscus.org

SustainabilityL

abelsfortheHom

e

Green SealGreen Seal standards provide leadership criteria for the develop-
http://www.carpet-rug.org/http://www.certifiedorganic.bc.ca/http://www.chlorinefreeproducts.org/http://www.ecologo.org/http://www.energystar.gov/http://www.fairtrade.net/http://www.fscus.org/http://www.fscus.org/http://www.fairtrade.net/http://www.energystar.gov/http://www.ecologo.org/http://www.chlorinefreeproducts.org/http://www.certifiedorganic.bc.ca/http://www.carpet-rug.org/


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W h a t s h y p e a n d w h a t s r i g h t

Shifting consumer preference toward green products has some manufacturersmaking vague and misleading claims about their degree of eco-friendliness. Astudy tested more than 2,000 self-described environmentally friendly products in

North America, nding only 25 were indisputably sin free. The rest were actu-ally greenwashing. About 98% of items labeled natural or environmentally friendlywere in fact lying. Make sure you purchase the highest quality green goods bylooking for certication like the Green Seal or Environmental Choice labeling.

Leaping BunnyLeaping Bunny provides you with a cruelty-free compassionateshopping guide for personal care products. They identify Canadiancompanies that dont test on animals. www.leapingbunny.org

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)The USDA developed a xed set of standards that must be metby anyone using the organic label in the United States. Thesestandards were issued in December 2000, after 10 years of re-search and development. Organic means that antibiotics, geneticengineering, and most synthetic pesticides and fertilizers havenot been used. It also means that animals have been fed a 100%organic feed with no growth hormones, and have had access to theoutdoors (except for chickens). www.usda.gov

ment of many types of products and services. This certication isrequired by Leaders in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)for paints and sealants. www.greenseal.org

Green-eGreen-e certies sources of renewable electricity and renewableenergy credits generated from clean energy sources such as wind,solar or small-scale hydroelectric. It also certies products thatwere manufactured in facilities using renewable energy.www.green-e.org

GreenGuardGreen Guard focuses exclusively on indoor air quality issues andcerties products and materials that are low emitting. Its websiteincludes certied products in more than 15 categories, many ofwhich focus on building materials, including adhesives, furnitureand ooring. www.greenguard.org

SustainabilityLabels

fortheHome

Resources for BC Residents
http://www.leapingbunny.org/http://www.usda.gov/http://www.greenseal.org/http://www.green-e.org/http://www.greenguard.org/http://www.greenguard.org/http://www.green-e.org/http://www.greenseal.org/http://www.usda.gov/http://www.leapingbunny.org/


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General Home Information

1) www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/co/The Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corpora-tion provides useful information for any aspectof homeownership including buying, renting,maintaining, and renovating. Information isalso available for mortgage loan insurance andnancial assistance.

2) www.thegreenguide.com/green_home/

Green Home Makeover videos presented byNational Geographic and thegreenguide.com.Interesting and simple informative videosabout the steps homeowners can make theirhome healthy and eco-friendly.

Sustainable and Green Building

3) www.sustainablebuildingcentre.com

Light House Sustainable Building Centre pro-vides a resource centre that connects BritishColumbians with the inspiration, information,services and skills they need to implementsustainable building solutions.

4) www.metrovancouver.org/buildsmartBUILDSMART is the Lower Mainlands resourcefor sustainable design and construction infor-

mation. Developed by Metro Vancouver, thisprogram supports green building efforts byoffering tools and technical resources.

Energy Efciency and Utility Use

5) www.bchydro.com/powersmartBC Hydro provides many incentives and grantsto improve energy efciency through their

PowerSmart program. The website providesuseful tips for homeowners to reduce electric-ity cost throughout the home. Also check outthe Power Smart Resources section, which hasa comprehensive list of resources that can helpyou deliver on energy-efcient and environ-mentally-friendly solutions.

6) http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/residential/personal/The Natural Resources Canada website is verycomprehensive and includes all the informationrequired for the homeowner to take advantageof the EcoEnergy Program.

7) www.citygreen.caCity Greens Certied Energy Advisors helpyou discover the benets of energy efciencyfor your home, provide individualized retro-t plans and energy assessments for privatehomes, churches, multi-unit residential build-ings and more.

Landscape

8) www.evergreen.caEvergreen is a registered national charityfounded in 1991. They are a national non-prof-it environmental organization with a mandateto bring nature to our cities through natural-ization projects. Evergreen motivates peopleto create and sustain healthy, natural outdoorspaces and gives them the practical tools to besuccessful.

9) www.compost.org/backyard.htmlComposting Council of Canada serves as thecentral resource and network for the com-posting industry in Canada and, through itsmembers, contributes to the environmentalsustainability of the communities in which theyoperate.

General Sustainability and The Four RootCauses

10) www.davidsuzuki.orgSince 1990, the David Suzuki Foundation hasworked to nd ways for society to live in bal-ance with the natural world that sustains us.The Foundation uses science and education topromote solutions that conserve nature and

help achieve sustainability within a generation.

11) www.thenaturalstep.org/en/canadaFor two decades, The Natural Step has beenat the forefront of international research anddialogue about sustainable development. TNSis dedicated to connecting leaders and changeagents with the inspiration and education theyneed to make real change for the long-termbenet of our environment, economy andsociety.

Sustainability at Home: Checklist
http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/co/http://www.thegreenguide.com/green_home/http://www.sustainablebuildingcentre.com/http://www.metrovancouver.org/buildsmarthttp://www.bchydro.com/powersmarthttp://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/residential/personal/http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/residential/personal/http://www.citygreen.ca/http://vancouver.ca/commsvcs/socialplanning/initiatives/foodpolicy/projects/index.htmhttp://www.compost.org/backyard.htmlhttp://www.davidsuzuki.org/http://www.thenaturalstep.org/en/canadahttp://www.thenaturalstep.org/en/canadahttp://www.davidsuzuki.org/http://www.compost.org/backyard.htmlhttp://vancouver.ca/commsvcs/socialplanning/initiatives/foodpolicy/projects/index.htmhttp://www.citygreen.ca/http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/residential/personal/http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/residential/personal/http://www.bchydro.com/powersmarthttp://www.metrovancouver.org/buildsmarthttp://www.sustainablebuildingcentre.com/http://www.thegreenguide.com/green_home/http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/co/


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Achieving sustainability at home and lessening your environmental footprint wont hap-pen over night. This checklist is designed to help you track your progress against the tips

provided earlier in the toolkit, but it is also a small way to celebrate your successes. Dontforget, although this particular list is static, you will continue to learn about ways of mak-ing your home more sustainable.

UtilitiesAsk yourself:

Can I reduce my use of this utility?Can I get the same utility service another way?Can I be more efcient in the way I use my utilities?

Get an energy audit Research possible grant and rebate programs provincially and

locally Install programmable thermostat Draft-proof windows and doors by weather stripping Buy energy efcient electronics and appliances Set the refrigerator and freezer to efcient temperatures Use the smallest appliance Only run the dishwasher when full Insulate hot water tank Set thermostat to a lower temperature when asleep or away from

home Install low ow toilet(s) Install aerators to taps Plug electronics into power bars Unplug phantom power sucks Wash clothes in cold water and use the shortest cycle Hang clothes to dry

Retire your second fridge Replace windows with the double pane variety Install automatic lighting controls Set up a rain barrel Research xeriscaping or rain gardening Switch from a sprinkler to a soaker hose Plant deciduous trees to provide shade in summer but allow sun

through in the winter

Other: _____________________

T t


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TransportAsk yourself:

Do I really need to go?Can I go somewhere local?Do I have to drive?

Look into hybrid taxi and car rental options Check auto-shares or car co-ops in the neighbourhood

Walk, bike, or take transit to work or run errands Drive a fuel-efcient vehicle Turn off engine to stop idling Take at least one less ight a year Other: _____________________

ShoppingAsk yourself:

Do I really need this product?How or where was this item produced?Is it durable?What am I supporting by making this purchase?

Find a grocer that sells local food Join a food co-op Purchase organic and sustainably raised meat, poultry and dairy

Find a Farmers Market and go Eat foods when they are in season Purchase fewer paper products and only 100% PCW toilet paper and tis-

sue Buy organic cotton linens & clothing Purchase non-toxic ooring options Purchase products that are local, and made of recycled or rapidly renew-

able products

Eat meat-free meals a couple of days a week Other: _________________________

H l h


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HealthAsk yourself:

How does this affect my health?How healthy and comfortable is my home?

Clean with non-toxic and ecofriendly cleaners Safely dispose of toxic home cleaning products (www.productcare.org) Avoid personal care products with parabens, phthalates (fragrance), triclo-

san and dyes Buy clothes without stain resistance, wrinkle free treatments and without

ame retardants Dust to minimiz

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