CFQC-TV News at Noon Tips

Every other Monday an SES representative shares tips on a particular issue on the CFQC-TV's "News at Noon". A brief summary of the information presented on the show is posted here along with links for more information.

2010

2010

March 1: Shutting off the tap–a water conservation Challenge

Alina Siegfried of the SES will speaking on the News at Noon on March 1st launching an intense water conservation challenge for the entire month of March.

• Alina will use no more than 25 litres of water per day to meet all her basic needs - drinking, cooking, cleaning, bathing, laundry, toilet flushing - everything.
• Alina is partaking in this challenge as part of a wider group of more than a dozen people across Canada, in order to raise awareness of how much we take water for granted and how small changes in our day-to-day lives can result in a large reduction in our water consumption.
• The project also aims to to raise awareness of the 1.1 billion people in the world who have no access to clean drinking water whatsoever.
• All water use will need to be carefully measured out and documented.
• Alina will be asking supporters to make pledges - not for money - but rather to pledge how much water they themselves will conserve during the month of March. At the end of the month, all the pledges will be tallied to see how much water was collectively saved.

February 1: Idling Facts

• Idling gets you nowhere – and it can be costly. Excessive idling wastes a significant amount of fuel and money and generates needless greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. If drivers of light-duty vehicles avoided idling by just three minutes a day, over the year Canadians would collectively save 630 million litres of fuel and 1.4 million tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions, and $630 million in fuel costs (assuming a fuel cost of $1.00/L).
• Warming up the vehicle means more than warming the engine. The tires, transmission, wheel bearings and other moving parts also need to be warmed up for the vehicle to perform well. Most of these parts don't begin to warm up until you drive the vehicle.
• Any more than ten seconds of idling uses more fuel than is required to restart the engine. However, the break-even time to offset any potential incremental maintenance costs to the starter or battery is under 60 seconds. So, as a guideline, if you're stopped for more than 60 seconds – except in traffic – turn off the engine.
• For the average vehicle with a 3-litre engine, every 10 minutes of idling costs over one quarter of a litre (over 1 cup) in wasted fuel. Keep in mind that every litre of gasoline you use produces about 2.3 kilograms of carbon dioxide.
• If you're going to be stopped for more than 60 seconds – except in traffic – turn the engine off. Unnecessary idling wastes money and fuel, and produces greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change.
• Contrary to popular belief, excessive idling is not an effective way to warm up your vehicle, even in cold weather. The best way to warm it up is to drive it. In fact, with today's computer-controlled engines, even on cold winter days, no more than two to three minutes of idling is usually enough warm-up time before starting to drive. This also reduces fuel consumption and GHG emissions.
• You can help reduce the impact of cold starts – and reduce idling times – by using a block heater on cold winter days. This device warms the coolant, which in turn warms the engine block and lubricants. The engine will start more easily and reach its proper operating temperature faster.
• You don't need to leave a block heater plugged in overnight to warm the engine – two hours is more than enough. In fact, you can use an automatic timer to switch on the block heater two hours before you leave. At -20°C, block heaters can improve overall fuel economy by as much as 10 percent. For a single short trip at -25°C your fuel savings could be in the order of 25 percent.
• A poorly-tuned engine uses up to 15 percent more energy when idling than a well-tuned engine. Keeping your vehicle properly maintained according to the manufacturer's suggested maintenance schedule is a key to fuel efficiency and reduced GHG emissions.
• Calculations drawn from a 1998 survey on driving habits suggests that in the peak of winter, Canadians voluntarily idle their vehicles for a combined total of more than 75 million minutes a day – equal to one vehicle idling for 144 years. We idle about 40 percent less in summer, but Canadian motorists still waste a significant amount of fuel and emit unnecessary greenhouse gas emissions.
• Warming up a vehicle in the winter and cooling it down in the summer are the most common reasons given for idling! Surveys show that Canadians also idle while waiting for passengers, stopping at railroad crossings, waiting to park, running quick errands, sitting in drive-through lanes and when stopping to talk to an acquaintance or friend.

January 18: How to Dress so One Can Enjoy Being Outdoors in Winter

Nick Danyliuk and Libby Jahnke from the Outdoor School will be sharing information on how to dress for winter, including:

• In order to be outside and enjoying the winter environment it is necessary to understand the physiology of staying warm and how the body responds to cold.
• Standing at the bus depot in the city compared to cross country skiing require very different strategies in clothing.
• Just sitting or standing in the cold is simply a matter of insulation [and generating heat].
• Layering is the key in almost every winter situation - especially when active. Often the outer layer or "shell" is very important in windy conditions.
• Often we overdress when active and wind up sweating too much - thus soaking our clothing that often leads to being cold.
• Base layers [long underwear] and modern insulation materials have made a significant difference in dealing with danger of moisture build up [ie. wicking]
• Natural materials such as wool & down are excellent insulators - Wearing cotton is notorious with being wet, cold, and miserable.
• There are many options when it comes to keeping our extremities warm [ie. neck, head, feet, and hands
• Maintaining core temperature [heat] is the key to regulating body temperature in the winter.
• Accessories: Sunglasses, ski goggles, lip balm, sun block, heat packets, etc.
• Mantras: "There is no such thing as cold - just a lack of heat", "Heat comes from within", "No Cotton", "Layer up before you get cold".

January 4: Cell Phones After Christmas

There are 2 reasons to talk about cell phone reuse and recycling after Christmas 2009

1. 1) Many people will receive new cell phones for Christmas, and want to know what to do with their old one.
       Organizations that accept unwanted cell phones:
          Canadian Diabetes Association
          Saskatoon Food Bank
          SaskTel
          Staples Business Depot
          Future Shop
   
2. 2) New legislation has been passed banning the use of cell phones in cars- unless they are hands-free. Many people will be upgrading their phones to accommodate this new law, and will want to know what to do with their old one. See excerpt from SGI website below.

Government passes cellphone legislation

Legislation banning the use of hand-held cellphones while driving, passed through third and final reading today and will become law Jan. 1, 2010.

"Distracted driving is a serious road safety issue," said Minister responsible for SGI June Draude, “With the passing of this law we are fulfilling our commitment to make provincial roadways safer.”

The new law prohibits all drivers from using hand-held cellphones to talk, text, email or surf the Internet while driving.

Experienced drivers will be allowed to use hands-free devices while driving. New drivers, meaning drivers in Saskatchewan’s Graduated Driver’s Licensing program, will not be able to use cellphones of any type while operating a motor vehicle.

The penalty for an offence associated with this law will be $280, which includes a victims’ surcharge of $60, and four demerit points under the Safe Driver Recognition and Driver Improvement programs.

2009

December 8: Green Gift Giving

The holiday season is a time when we share our generosity with the people close to us. Find out how to give a gift that someone will love, that will also benefit the people who made it and the rest of the planet too!

Examples include:

• Unique gifts made from recycled materials - eg. belt from recycled tires, purse from recycled pop cans
• Gifts that aren't 'stuff': tickets to the Symphony, a theater production or hockey game
• Socially conscious gifts: shop at local craft fairs or places like 10,000 Villages or Heifer International
• Wrap it reusably: make the wrapping part of the present, try using a scarf or a reusable tub. Or try a fabric gift bags

November 23: Buy Nothing Day

Buy Nothing Day was created in 1992 as a day for citizens to reflect on the issue of over-consumption. It's a day to make yourself aware of how often you really need to go out and buy something. Can you go without it or can you meet those needs by borrowing or renting it? Ultimately, it is about starting a lasting commitment to consuming less and producing less waste.

In North America, it is celebrated each year on the Friday after American Thanksgiving, which is one of the busiest shopping days in the United States. For more information on Buy Nothing Day, click here

November 9: Fuel Efficient Driving

We often talk about WHAT to drive to minimize our fuel use. This presentation will focus on HOW to drive to minimize fuel use.

• Accelerate and brake gently - Avoid road rage and aggressive driving. Quick starts, hard stops and aggressive driving can increase fuel consumption by up to 37% . Your engine is most efficient at a constant speed.
• Reduce speed - Reducing your speed from 120 km/h to 100 km/h can cut your fuel consumption by 20%
• Keep tires properly inflated - Measure your tires once a month, ideally they are cold. The recommended tire pressure is shown on a plate or sticker attached to the edge of the driver's door, the door post, the glove compartment or the fuel tank door. If you can't find it, check your owner's manual or consult the manufacturer. Energy efficiency experts say that keeping tires inflated can improve gas mileage 3%, and regular maintenance can add another 4%. President Barack Obama claims that car tune-ups and proper tire inflation will save millions of barrels of oil per year, but also that it will save more energy than new off shore drilling would yield
• Replace dirty air filters
• Reduce weight and drag
• Turn off air conditioning – at city speeds, opening your windows uses less fuel than your air conditioner. At highway speeds, the air conditioner uses less fuel than opening windows.
• Use routes with fewer lights/less traffic
• Don’t idle! Idling for 10 seconds uses more fuel than turning off and restarting your vehicle
• Warm your engine for about 30 seconds before driving in cold weather.

October 26: Retire Your Ride

Jeff Rogstad will be discussing Retire Your Ride. For more information, click here..

September 28: Building Operator Training

Judy Espeseth talked about Building Operator Training. For more information, click here.

September 14: Sustainable Gourmet

Judy Montgomery discussed the Saskatchewan Environmental Society's 4th Annual Sustainable Gourmet event. For more information see our sustainable gourmet page.

August 31: Vermicomposting

Vermicomposting is a way of making compost using worms. It is a convenient option for composting food scraps where it is not possible to do so outdoors, such as apartments, schools, or offices. Vermicomposting uses a special type of worm called the red wiggler that thrives in a high food environment. Using a small bin that can fit under your sink, you can create a hospitable environment for worm composting. By vermicomposting you can recycle most kitchen scraps, including:

• coffee grounds and filters, teabags
• vegetable and fruit peelings
• egg shells
• pizza crust, spaghetti, corn flakes, bread, pancakes, beans, etc.

Some foods should be avoided, such as: Meat, fish, cheese, butter, oily foods, animal products ­ these foods will cause odours and attract unwanted insects.

More Information:

For complete information on vermicomposting, setting up a bin, and locating red wriggler worms, see www.saskwastereduction.ca

August 17: Hard to Recycle Items

Batteries, CD's, and Compact florescent lights. Did you know that these are all recyclable right here in Saskatoon. There are quite a few recycling opportunities for unique items that are hardly advertised. The Saskatchewan Waste Reduction Council will let you in on local recycling secrets, including what to do with that empty mini propane tank!

Items to be discussed include:

• disposable batteries
  
• CD's
  
• Compact fluorescent light bulbs
  
• camping propane tanks
  
• deep fry/cooking oil
  
• packing peanuts
  
• thermostats

Click here for more information: www.saskwastereduction.ca/dbase

August 4: Back To School

This is a time when commercialism raises its head and millions of over-worked and under-paid parents hit the stores with lists in hand to prepare their child for back to school.  Purchasing school supplies is an exciting time but it is also a circumstance in which valuable resources can be wasted.  Having a plan can go a long way to change buying frenzy into satisfactory accomplishment.  Most Canadian parents are looking for ways to eliminate waste and benefit the environment. When the “back to school” phase begins, two ways in which the most impact can be made are by reusing school supplies and packing waste free lunches.

Reuse supplies:

Many items are reusable from year to year:

• Scissors; rulers (metal); dictionaries; geometry sets; calculators (solar, scientific); binders (redecorate, recover; add decals); refillable pencils; large plastic pencil case (cotton canvas); large backpack (sturdy, canvas, recycled rubber, hemp).   If you are purchasing for the first time, choose supplies that are sturdy and will be reused following years. 
• Sports gear such as skates, cleats, shoulder pads, knee pads, ball gloves, are outgrown by older students and may be purchased or swapped.
• Clothing from thrift stores or clothing swaps. 

Waste free lunches:

Here are some things to look for in a waste free lunch:

• A reusable lunch bag or box (not a throw-away, single-use plastic or paper bag).
• Reusable containers for packing food (reduce or eliminate plastic wrap, foil, plastic bags, single-serving containers, pre-packaged foods).  Hard plastic food containers or re-use of plastic tubs are suitable options.
• Rather than reusing plastic water bottles, which can leach chemicals into the liquids they contain, try stainless steel beverage containers, which are not only lightweight but also child-friendly.  Single-use pop cans, water bottles, juice boxes are not ideal but acceptable as long as the student ensures they are recycled.
• Organic waste like apple cores, orange and banana peels, other leftovers etc. that can either be composted through a school composting program or at home.
• Non-disposable cutlery (silverware) and a cloth napkin.

Some schools estimate that up to 40% of school waste is produced by lunches and it is causing increasing concern.   Schools are emphasizing waste free lunches and some schools have ‘boomerang’ lunches, in which any uneaten food and any waste material produced must be returned home and cannot be added to the school’s waste collection.

It has been estimated a school-age child using a disposable lunch generates 67 pounds of waste per school year.

Other Tips:

Buy consumables in bulk:
Supplies that are consumable often come in packages large than the list requests.  Buy in bulk, send only the number on the list. Space in lockers and classrooms is limited so storage of extras becomes a problem.  Designate a basket or a drawer at home for the extras.  This ensures a ready supply if something runs out during the year, and saves supplies for next year. 
Erasers; pencil refills; glue; correction liquid or tape; paper clips; highlighters; loose leaf (recycled paper, bleached without chlorine), graph paper; boxes of tissue (recycled paper).

Don’t be lured to buy unnecessary items. 
Schools have hole punchers, staplers, and pencil sharpeners.  Buying those types of items just gives your student an additional “thing” to look after.

Don’t take your children shopping with you.
Use the lists; consult with your student to see if there are other items he/she needs, then shop for the items yourself.  Parents are in the position of having their wallets out.  Buying is a necessity.  Children are affected by bright colors, fads, and peer pressure.  When they see the lasted “Hannah Montana” backpack or, and the desire to have that item becomes locked in their minds.  How many times have you witnessed a tired, harried parent trying to find the best buy on the necessities, all the while being bombarded by requests for the fad item?    If it is a larger purchase such as a backpack that is clearly visible and in some cases, is an extension of your student’s image, shop with the student for that item only, and help them to understand that this is to be a reusable purchase.

Resources:

www.greenlivingonline.com/article/eco-school-smarts
secure.laptoplunches.com/AMAZING/index.asp
www.buygreen.com/laptoplunchbentoset.aspx
www.whiteswan.ca/english/index.php?247SEM
www.grassrootsstore.com
www.staples.ca
www.forestchoice.com
www.thedailygreen.com/going-green/latest/5264
greenandcleanmom.org/green-school-supplies-are-cool/

July 20: Outdoor Water Use

Residential water use in Saskatchewan increases by 50% over the summer months due to lawn and garden watering. A large proportion of this water is wasted due to inefficient watering practices. As climate change progresses, and we face more extreme events such as floods and droughts, efficient use of water will become increasingly more important. Alina will talk about things you can do outdoors to make the best of the water you have with answers to questions such as:

- Lawn watering: how much is needed?
- When is the best time to water?
- Using rainbarrels
- Soaker hoses and drip irrigation
- Other tips for making the most out of your outdoor water

July 6: Solar Water Heating

More and more Saskatchewan homeowners are discovering the benefits of using the sun to provide part of the heating for their domestic water supply.  The availability of substantial government grants makes the cost of installation of a solar water heating system a good investment.  And it's all part of the solution to the problem of reducing Saskatchewan's high greenhouse gas emissions.

http://www.rockpapersun.com/gallery/house1.jpg http://www.rockpapersun.com/gallery/house2.jpg

Photos used by permission from Brent Veitch at RockPaperSun.

June 22: Reducing Junk Mail

1. To unsubscribe from receiving local flyers call the StarPhoenix at 657-6320
2. For unsolicited direct mail unsubscride at (Canadian Marketing Association, online form) Note:  Name will stay on deletion list for 3 years.  Phone 416-391-2362 (in Don Mills, Ontario) http://cornerstonewebmedia.com
3. For unwanted telephone solicitation register at the National Do Not Call List from the Government of Canada call 1-866-580-3625 or visit: www.lnnte-dncl.gc.ca/
4. Sign up for the “Red Dot Campaign.” This site has information on how to reduce junk mail.  www.reddotcampaign.ca/  You can even join the Red Dot group on Facebook.
5. Send junk mail back to the sender (write ‘Return to Sender’ on the envelope).
6. Any mail without an address is considered "unaddressed admail". If you display a sign that says "No Junk Mail" or "No Admail" or "No Flyers", Canada Post honours your choice. You can also send a letter to your local postal outlet. If after opting out, you still receive unaddressed mail please contact Canada Post by calling 1-866-607-6301.  Answers to FAQ’s from Canada Post (source:  https://ssl.postescanada-canadapost.ca)

I do not want to receive advertisement mail anymore, what can I do?

Customers who do not wish to receive advertisement mail should put a note to this effect on their mailbox if they receive door-to-door delivery. For a community mailbox, group mailbox or postal box, the note should not be placed on the inside or the outside of the door. The note should be placed on the inside lip of the box. When the letter carrier puts the mail into the community mailbox, group mailbox or postal box, the door panel is open and not in view. 

I am still getting advertisement mail even though I have a note on my mailbox, why?

As a result of such a note being placed on or inside a mail receptacle at a particular address, Canada Post will no longer deliver the following mail items: free samples, coupons, flyers and newspapers, government mailings, free distribution magazines, catalogues, non-profit and event information. As well, Canada Post will no longer deliver municipal service notices (e.g. schedule of snow removal, changes in garbage pick-up, announcement of town hall meetings). However, since Canada Post is only one of many distributors of unaddressed materials, consumers may continue to receive these materials from other distributors. The only unaddressed materials that Canada Post will continue to deliver to these customers are as follows: community newspapers, as well as House of Commons, provincial chief electoral officers, municipal electoral offices and Elections Canada mailings.

June 9: Paint Recycling

Naomi Mihilewicz, of the Saskatchewan Waste Reduction Council will talk about Paint Recycling. Specifically:

• where to take old or unwanted paints or aerosols
  
• what paint-related materials are not accepted
  
• why you should recycle paint materials instead of sending them to the landfill

For more information about paint recycling: Visit www.recyclesaskatchewan.ca or phone Saskatchewan Waste Reduction Council: 306-931-3242

Product Care: www.productcare.org/SKZoom.html

May 25: Hazardous Household Waste

Chemical products in your home such as cleaners, paint thinners, sprays and pesticides can be a potential danger to you, your family, the community and the environment. Most of us have a variety of such products stored in our cupboards, closets or garages.

Products that are washed down the drain, or put in storm sewers can cause water contamination. Items put in the garbage end up in the landfill. Even though you may have a very small quantity, your waste, in addition to that from other residents, can add up to a substantial amount.

A product is hazardous if it has one or more of these properties:

Toxic — substances that even in small quantities may poison, cause injury or death when swallowed, absorbed through the skin or inhaled into the lungs.

Flammable — substances, usually liquids, that can readily ignite (burn in air) in a wide range of temperature conditions.

Corrosive — substances or vapors that can deteriorate or eat away the surface of another material.

Reactive/Explosive — substances that can react with air, water or another substance to produce toxic vapors or explode.

Irritant — substances or vapors that can cause deterioration or irreversible damage to body tissues at the point of contact.

Degree of Danger — Combined with the 3 symbols below, the classification images above show the type and extent to which a substance can be harmful.

Danger              Warning             Caution

The City of Saskatoon holds Household Hazardous Waste Collection Days at least monthly. These are held at Envirotec – 812 46th St. East from 9:00a.m. -3:30p.m. The next ones will be:

• Saturday, June 30
• Saturday, August 22
• Saturday, September 12
• Saturday, September 26

Saskatoon residents can bring the following materials:

• Adhesives - contact cement, caulking, sealer, carpet and linoleum adhesives, glue
• Aerosols - hair spray, insect repellant, lubricant spray, furniture cleaner
• Automotive - used engine oil, used engine oil filters, antifreeze, batteries, carburetor cleaners, oil fuel, windshield cleaner
• Batteries - automotive, cellphone, dry-cell, NiCad, lithium, alkali, lead-acid
• Cleaners - oven cleaner, toilet bowl cleaner, glass cleaner, spot remover, disinfectants, car wax
• Corrosives - drain cleaner, engine degreaser, ammonia, battery acid, sulfuric acid
• Fuels - gasoline, diesel, kerosene, lamp oil, oil/gas mixture
• Mercury - mercury, thermometers, thermostats
• Oxidizers - chlorine, bleach, pool chemicals, fertilizers, hydrogen peroxide, septic tank chemicals
• Poisons - lawn herbicides, garden chemicals, rat poison, gopher killer, insecticides
• Pharmaceuticals - old prescription drugs, medicines (no sharps or biological waste)
• Propane Cylinders - barbeque cylinders, camp cylinders
• Solvents - paint thinner, acetone, varsol, alcohol, benzene, xylene, naphtha

Materials collected by Envirotec through this program will be recycled or reused wherever possible. For more information on the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program, please call 975-2486 or visit www.saskatoon.ca and search under H for Household Hazardous Waste.

To avoid hazardous materials in your home, look for non-toxic alternatives when purchasing. See www.saskwastereduction.ca for suggestions.

May 11: Pesticide Free Yards

What are Pesticides?
Pesticides are substances designed to kill pests. This term includes all of the following:

1. Insecticides (designed to kill insects)
2. Herbicides (designed to kill plants)
3. Fungicides (designed to kill fungi, molds, mushrooms)
4. Rodenticides (designed to kill rodents)

What is the Issue?
It’s natural to want a beautiful yard that contributes to the visual vibrancy of our community but at what cost are we willing to pay for the perfect pest- and weed-free lawn and garden?
The cosmetic use of pesticides in and around our homes has significant unintentional impacts on human health, animals, plant and the environment.  The Canadian Cancer Society feels strongly that exposure to pesticides may increase your risk of developing cancer. The Saskatchewan Lung Association reports on findings which suggest that pesticides are linked to adult-onset asthma. 
In order to have a truly beautiful, healthy and safe city for everyone, medical experts recommend that we reduce our dependence on the use of pesticides for the beautification of our lawns, gardens, greenways, school yards, parks and golf courses.

What can we do?
SES encourages you to consider the risks of using pesticides then consider the ease of the alternatives. Try reducing your use/exposure to pesticides, or try going completely pesticide free!
The SES has Eco-Advisor’s available to the general public.  Call the SES office with any questions, problems or concerns relating to yard-health issues and they will do their best to bring you a low-toxic solution to your yard, garden or pest problems. You’ll soon learn that you can have a beautiful lawn and garden and be pesticide free!

For more information visit:
Saskatchewan Environmental Society

Canadian Cancer Society

Saskatchewan Lung Association

April 30: Retire Your Ride

Visit SES's Retire Your Ride Website here.

April 14: City of Saskatoon's Composting Depots

The City's Composting Depots will re-open for the season April 18. The depots are open every day, from 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. Monday to Friday and from 9:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends. If you have too much yard materials for your home compost, you can drop off your extra at McOrmond Road (between 8th St. and College Drive) or at Highway 7 & 11th St.

Compostable materials can make up to half of household garbage in the summer. Grass and leaves can be composted to produce a useful product. The City creates compost from the material dropped off at the depots and uses it for its parks and landscaping. Last year, more than 9,600 Saskatoon residents and businesses dropped off materials at the depots, keeping more than 4,000 tonnes of grass and leaves out of the landfill.

This year, Saskatoon residents can also purchase the City's back yard compost bins at the depots. There will also be a working compost bin set up as a demonstration. For more information on the Compost Depots, or on composting in general, contact Saskatchewan Waste Reduction Council at 931-3242 or visit www.saskwastereduction.ca.

March 30: Leaking Toilets

In tank-type toilets – what most of us have in our houses – the rubber flapper valve in the bottom of the tank hardens over time, allowing water to leak from the tank, through the bowl, and down the sewer.  A surprisingly large volume of water can be leaking.  A friend of mine recently had 3 leaking  toilets in her house, and the three together were leaking 600 litres per day!

When a toilet starts leaking, it is very subtle, and you are not likely to see or hear it.  As the leak becomes larger, you may notice water movement in the bowl.  Bye the time you can hear it “running” the leak is quite large.

You can find a leak by testing your toilets periodically.  To test your toilet, put a few drops of food coloring in the tank and let it sit for 10 to 20 minutes without flushing.  If color enters the bowl, it leaked in from the tank. 

Fixing the leak is quite simple.  Turn the water off to your toilet.  There should be a small valve on the water supply line just below the toilet.  Then flush the toilet to empty the tank – just so it’s not so cold on your hands - the water in the tank is clean.  Reach down in the tank and disconnect the flush valve and take this with you to your favorite hardware store.  Buy a new flush valve, take it home and install it. 

If you happen to have an older (large volume) toilet, you can buy water conserving flush valves.  These are designed to close more quickly than a conventional flush valve, reducing the water used per flush.  The toilet should still flush effectively.

After installing the new valve, just turn the water valve back on, and you are back in business.

In partnership with the Saskatchewan Watershed Authority and with support from SaskEnergy, the SES created a water conservation booklet called "Water Use in Your Home: What You Need to Know to Use Less and Spend Less" (PDF). This helpful booklet helps you to reduce your use, retrofit or replace water technologies in your home to help you save water and money.

March 2: Sustainability and Clothing

What's the issue?

1. Clothing is a necessity in life and in our climate we need warm clothing.
2. Every product that is made causes some harm to the environment.
3. We can make choices regarding the clothing and footwear that we purchase. We can choose products that support a more sustainable future.

What makes some clothing more "sustainable"?

1. We need to go back to the three Rs. We can reduce the amount that we buy. We can send clothing that isn't worn out to be worn by someone else, or we can choose to buy second hand clothing more often. We can purchase items that we know will be recyclable when they are worn out.
2. A lot of clothing companies are trying to reduce the environmental impact of the products they make, and/or donate to environmental causes to balance out the amount of harm that they do cause.
3. Many companies will accept damaged items for repair and a few companies will even recycle old, worn out garments.
4. Companies are creating clothing and footwear that is made from natural materials or recycled materials.
1. Patagonia has been a leader in protecting the environment. In 1993 Patagonia started to make polyester fleece from recycled pop bottles.  In 1996 they converted all their cotton sportswear to 100% organic cotton.  Now they are making insulated winter jackets where the shell fabric and insulation is made from 100% recycled material. They continue to try to improve by creating product that cause no unnecessary harm to the environment. "We evaluate raw materials, invest in innovative technologies, rigorously police our waste and use a portion of our sales to support groups working to make a real difference."
2. Simple shoes makes casual shoes and bags using old car or bike tires for the outsoles, and recycled or natural materials for the uppers. "Finding materials and processes that make our products sustainable is a method we call Green Toe. It isn't a magic formula, or a cure. It is a compass that, we hope, points to a bright green future."
5. Companies are using non toxic adhesives or other techniques to reduce the amount of harm their products cause.
1. Chaco makes sandals and shoes using durable rubber and non toxic glues, which can be re-soled or re-strapped, allowing you to keep your favourite pair of sandals for over 10 years! "We got our start by creating a product that outlasted the competition—one that could be repaired rather than pitched into a landfill."

www.patagonia.com

www.chacousa.com

www.simpleshoes.com

www.onepercentfortheplanet.org

February 16: Is Renewable Doable?

Can renewable energy meet our needs? An upcoming event.

Tuesday, February 24
2:00 PM, Room 241, (Neatby-Timlin Theatre), Arts Building, University of Saskatchewan
&
7:00 PM, Frances Morrison Library Auditorium, 311-23rd St. E., Saskatoon

Speakers:
Roger Peters – “Saskatchewan’s Energy Options”
Stan Shewchuk – “Saskatchewan’s Wind Energy Resource”
Peter Prebble – “Sustainable Energy Policy”

Admission Free
For information, call Nayda at 244-0034 or SES at 665-1915

Click here (PDF) to download a poster.

February 2: Compact Flouorescent Lights

Save money and energy by replacing your incandescent bulbs with Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFLs)

• Compact fluorescent lights can replace incandescent lights in most applications.
• Compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) use about ¼ the energy of an incandescent bulb.
• CFLs last 6-10 times as long as incandescent bulbs.
• CFLs now are available in “instant on”, so you no longer have to deal with flicker, or slow “warm-up” times.
• CFLs are available in a variety of shapes and sizes.

Check the package for the following information:

• Energy Star Qualified – this means that it is among the most efficient of this type of bulb
• Light output – Typically the package will list an equivalent wattage for an incandescent bulb.
• Light output in lumens (for the more technical).  Buy the bulb that gives you the light output you need, for the lowest watts
• Dimmable, Tri-Light, or Suitable for outdoor use.  These bulbs may be more expensive than the basic CFLs, but if you are looking for a bulb for one of these applications it should be available.
• Color tone.  You can purchase CFLs in various color tones, to suit all the rooms of your house.

You can buy CFLs at any hardware store. 

For more information:
www.saskpower.com  Follow the links through ‘Power Saving Tips and Tools’, and ‘Lighting Tips’
http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/energystar/english/consumers/

January 19: How to Reduce Energy Consumption at Home

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