Be The Change You Want to See...

Consume Less

We live in a society that has an exceptionally high rate of consumption, this we know. The rate at which we are consuming is clearly unsustainable, to see this we only have to have a look at out ecological footprint.

One place to start is to have a look at the 5 R's:

• Reuse – reuse whatever products you can
• Reduce – reduce the amount you consume and waste
• Recycle – thankfully we have waste management on PEI
• Refuse – refuse unnecessary packaging, use cloth bags to shop
• Repair – do you really need a brand new one?

If we all make an effort to consume and waste less we will be on our way to living in a healthier world.

Buy Local, Buy Second Hand

Remember, there are alternatives to the goods you choose to buy and places that you buy them, check these articles out:

• Haida's "Why is my apple better traveled than I?"
• Rebecca's "Why Buy Second Hand?"

Buy Organic, Buy Fair Trade

Buying organic and fairly traded goods is all round better for your own health, the health of the planet and the global community of food producers. You can purchase organic foods at many stores these days.

You can also ask your local grocer to carry local organic produce, this is helpful in sustaining local economy as well. There are natural foods sections at most large grocery stores across PEI. There are also a variety of independent, local, natural foods stores and farm markets listed below.

Turned Off?

Turn off the lights, T.V's and computers when you're not using them. Remember that even when an electronic device isn't running, the power bar it is plugged into is, hit that switch too. Turn off your engine, create idle free zones in your community. Turn off the tap. Over a billion people in the world do not have access to clean drinking water, that's reason enough.

Out and About

Choose to walk or bike instead of driving Try carpooling to work or school with your neighbours. Take the bus! For more info on the Charlottetown Transit get in touch with Aaron Hawkins at The Public Transit Coalition at (902) 566-4696 or check out bus routes online.

Get Your Hands Dirty

Planting gardens and trees is one of the most rewarding tasks. It's good for your health, cleans the air you breathe and your property will become a beautiful eden of it's own. Think about choosing native species of plants and trees.

These plants and trees will naturally require less maintainence, less water and will survive in our climate's conditions with greater ease. For more information on native species to PEI, MacPhail Woods Tree Nursery and Ecological Forestry Project.