What it means to be green

Learn how to sort through the enviro-friendly product hype

By Jay Somerset

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Water works

Canadians are the second-largest consumers of water in the world, using 250 l of water per person per day in their homes. The good news: conserving water is as easy as replacing your shower head with an aerator head, which reduces water consumption by more than 60 per cent, and replacing your old toilet with a low-volume version, which typically uses 80 per cent less water than a regular model.

Low-volume toilets range in price–from about $100 to $500–depending on make and model, so you can purchase one for about the same cost as a standard model. The difference: you’ll lower your water and hydro bills, re­duce municipal water demands and, for those in rural areas, extend the life of your well.

Another easy way to conserve water: install an Energy Star dishwasher. According to a recent study conducted at the University of Bonn in Germany, the average handwasher uses 103 l of water and 2.5 kilowatt-hours of water-heating energy to clean 12 complete table settings, while an energy-efficient dishwasher uses 15 l of water and one to two kilowatt-hours. Wait until the machine is full before running, and let the dishes air-dry to reduce power usage further.

What it’s worth

Turning green has never been easier or cheaper. As fuel prices increase and the threat of global warming continues to dominate news headlines, it makes sense, fiscally and otherwise, to consider conservation when renovating your home. Of course, nobody likes to be preached to, so educate yourself on what’s worth it and what’s a marketing ploy.

Crawford suggests casting a weary eye toward quick fixes and products that, upon a closer look, will prove to be a bad choice for your particular home. “A salesman will tell you that a heat-recovery ventilator is good; but, if your home is drafty, why would you want one?” he says. “If you’re in doubt about the validity of a green product, call a government agency such as CMHC or Natural Resources Canada or the Office of Energy Efficiency.”

CMHC, for example, offers a free online download of its Know Your Home series, which covers 70 topics.

While the amount of green products on the market can be bewildering, sorting through the hype can be good for both your pocketbook and the planet.

Easy fixes

Going green can be as simple as replacing light bulbs. Here are a few other ways to keep it green in your home:

– Install large, south-facing windows, which provide natural light and heat from the sun.
– Wire your lighting so that individual lights can be dimmed or turned off.
– Lay down tile or hardwood in place of carpeting to raise indoor air quality.
– Use water-based latex paint instead of oil-based paint.
– Install a low-volume toilet, which uses 80 per cent less water than full-flush models.
– Install an aerator shower head, which cuts back on water usage by more than 60 per cent.
– Use compact fluorescent light bulbs for a 75 per cent reduction in energy costs.
– Seal gaps around electrical boxes to eliminate drafts.
– Add a restricted-flow tap to your kitchen faucet to reduce water usage by 60 per cent.
– Install skylights for natural light and heat.
– Upgrade old appliances with energy-efficient models.
– Build a compost bin in your backyard for kitchen waste.
– Store odour-producing cleaners, toiletries and garbage in sealed containers.
– Get rid of the pile of old paint cans in your basement; they pollute your air.
– Seal underneath your countertops, vanities and other exposed engineered wood.



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