Earth Day reminder: Make planet-friendly choices

Earth Day calls on people across the world to make eco-friendly choices.

For Jess Moynes, owner of Unwrapped on Kent Street, it’s important to make the eco-friendly choice every day. “I think the easiest and most helpful thing for individuals to consider are their consumption habits. We live in a ‘more’, ‘better’, and ‘convenience’ culture, and it’s to our great detriment,” she said.

She encourages people to take simple steps like borrowing an item, buying something used as opposed to new, meal plan to avoid food waste, and choosing products that are either refillable or come in an easily recyclable material like glass or metal. “Unwrapped was built around the idea that together, with access to the right sorts of products, we can make incredible change right in our local community.”

One big issue she’s found, is that many don’t realize the impact they can really have. To them, choosing not to use a single-use plastic straw doesn’t make difference. Moynes is quick to point out that the impact is felt when everyone makes that decision.

Moynes understands that making a lot of changes at once can be hard. “It’s about progress not perfection,” she said. Throughout the month, Unwrapped has been highlighting easy changes people can make in their everyday lives on their Instagram.

By doing small things like using beeswax wraps instead of cling wrap or trying to bring a reusable mug to the coffee shop a couple of times a week, it can make it easier to step up to bigger changes.

She also encourages people to think about the products they’re using, like laundry pods. “Laundry and dishwasher pods contain plastic films that release microplastics into waterways with every wash. Switching to plastic-free tabs, powders, or liquid options can help reduce microplastic pollution while also limiting unnecessary chemicals on your dishes, clothing, and skin.”

Moynes also hopes that people will look into the products they’re buying, to try to make sure it’s most sustainable option out there. “Every purchase sends a message to companies about what matters to consumers. Supporting brands that prioritize sustainable materials, and responsible packaging encourages wider change across industries,” Moynes said.

And while there’s still a long way to go, Moynes has been pleased to see Kawartha Lakes bring the organics program to the area. “Bringing the green bin composting program to Kawartha Lakes I think has been an excellent decision. I know there are some issues with municipal composting, but overall, it is diverting a ton of food waste and scraps from landfill that can be repurposed in the community.”

Julia Taylor, owner of Country Cupboard in Fenelon Falls, agrees that there are simple things people can do that make a big difference. “Can you walk or bike to work or to some of your regularly scheduled events? Driving less is going to save you some big bucks right now, too. Can you take that trip to the city once a month instead of every week and do all your out-of-town errands at once,” she said.

On top of that she also encourages people to try to eat more plant-based foods. “Eating more plants and meals based on plant foods is going to reduce your meat consumption and therefor your carbon footprint- your belly and brain will be happy with all of that extra fibre and antioxidants,” Taylor said.

During the month of April Country Cupboard is giving away a free frozen yogurt for anyone who does a litter clean-up.

Advocate writer Ginny Colling encourages people to talk with their friends and family about the actions they’re taking to be environmentally friendly. “Most Canadians are concerned about climate change, but studies show they don’t talk about it because they believe few others share their concerns. And if we don’t talk about it, our politicians won’t act.”

Colling notes that people already switch their lights off, so why not unplug their computers, TVs and other electronics when they’re not in use? “Use appliances during low peak power times 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. and weekends to save money and help lower pollution by using electricity generated from clean sources available on the grid at those times. Wash clothes in cold water. Dryers are energy hogs, so hang dry indoors or out.”

Colling also hopes people will think a little more eco-friendly when choosing to travel. Air travel is one of our biggest individual contributions to pollution, second only to cruising. Consider vacationing closer to home.  When flying, choose non-stop flights when possible. Those take-offs and landings add about 25 per cent to a plane’s emissions.