learn how to reduce your environmental footprint

By Chris Tilley

To borrow from Barack’s election platform, which was a simple, yes we can. I also want to add a simple, yes we do.

We had several great events while in Washington visiting schools and speaking with the children there. Don’t forget to visit our Washington gallery which has even more photos of our activities!

Check out our Connecticut photo gallery to see more of our event in Fair Haven School in Fair Haven, Connecticut.
We’d also like to send a HUGE special thanks to the PE Teacher, Sharon Arnold who spearheaded this whole event – it was truly an incredible experience from all angles!

Check us out in front the White House in Washington DC!!

Do you want to protect nature but don't know where to start? You invent the future every day with the choices you make about transportation, food, and energy use. Let's choose wisely. Join the David Suzuki Foundation Nature Challenge today and learn more about how to protect your quality of life. 

Eat meat-free meals once a week
Although many people reduce their meat consumption for health or humanitarian concerns, there are also environmental reasons for eating less meat. Meat production requires a tremendous amount of resources such as water and fossil fuels, while runoff from livestock operations may pollute rivers, lakes and even drinking water.

Did you know:
Feedlots cause water pollution. Nearly 21 per cent of the average Canadian's contribution to common water pollution is caused by meat consumption from high-density farms. By designating just one “meat free” day a week you'll help reduce common water pollutants by as much as 21 kilograms annually.

Meat production requires more water than raising crops. For example, 283 grams (10 oz) of beef requires 85 times more water to produce than the same amount of potatoes.
What's good for the earth can also be good for you! Reducing meat consumption lowers the risks of heart disease and stroke. Eating more vegetables, fruits, whole grains and legumes improves your cardiovascular health and reduces the risks of obesity, diabetes and cancer.

Many people are afraid that eating less meat means they won’t get adequate protein or other essential nutrients. But there’s no need to worry. In fact, most western adults (and some children) tend to suffer from excess protein. Even vegetarians frequently consume too much protein. As long as you eat a variety of foods including grains, fruits and vegetables, beans, nuts or seeds and a small amount of fat, you'll get all the nutrients you need.
The World Cancer Research Fund and the American Institute for Cancer Research recommend we consume:

Do you want to protect nature but don't know where to start? You invent the future every day with the choices you make about transportation, food, and energy use. Let's choose wisely. Join the David Suzuki Foundation Nature Challenge today and learn more about how to protect your quality of life.

Stop using pesticides

Do you want to protect nature but don't know where to start? You invent the future every day with the choices you make about transportation, food, and energy use. Let's choose wisely. Join the David Suzuki Foundation Nature Challenge today and learn more about how to protect your quality of life.

Walk, bike or take transit to regular destinations
Try leaving your car in the driveway for just one trip a week. Cars are the largest source of greenhouse gases and other air pollutants. Each day Canada’s 14 million cars lead to greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change.

Save on gym fees. A 125-lb. person walking at a brisk pace for only 30 minutes burns 150 calories; a 196 lb. person burns 235 calories. Visit the Walking Calorie Calculators.

Get fit. Thirty minutes of walking per day cuts the risk of heart disease by up to half, and reduces the risk of some cancers, diabetes, obesity, and osteoporosis.

Learn more. Walking is a great way to get to know your neighborhood and community. In addition the pace of walking is conducive to visiting or contemplation.

Cycle your way to a healthier planet
Many of our car trips are for distances less than three kilometers - well within the range of an easy bike ride. In just 15 minutes the average person can bike 3.5 km. Here are some other benefits to cycling to your destinations:

Get there quick! For trips of up to 10 km, cycling is usually the fastest way to travel within the city. Save $$$. It costs about $200 per year to maintain a bike, plus an additional $300 for accessories - compared to $7,500 the average Canadian pays to own a car.

Share the drive!
More than 12 million Canadians use transit, which helps alleviate traffic congestion and improves air quality. Transit is cheaper than driving: A family using transit can save an average $586 in auto expenses each month!

Carpooling is another great option: Carpooling replaces up to four cars and causes less air pollution. Carpool lanes allow you to bypass traffic congestion so you arrive on time with less stress. Carpooling also saves money since passengers share gas and vehicle expenses.
Figure out your savings with the Carpool Calculator and search for other commuters in your area with the Carpool Tool.

Telecommute into the new millennium!
Telecommuting is rapidly becoming one of the most popular ways for people to work.
According to consulting firm InnoVisions Canada, about 1.5 million Canadians telework from home at least once a week. If a million telecommuters worked from home just one weekday each year, Canada could save some 250 million kg of CO2 emissions; 100 million litres of fuel; and 800 million fewer kilometers of mileage on our roads. Visit the Canadian Teleworker Association if you are thinking about telecommuting to get some tips.