There are plenty of things to do if you are a student in Canada and are looking for ways to reduce environmental pollution and protect nature and wildlife. From changing your habits and lifestyle to volunteering and joining non-for-profits and associations, eco-conscious living is about sustainable use of resources, energy conservation, and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
Non-for-Profits
Volunteering with a Canadian non-for-profit is a great way to show concern for the environment. There are hundreds and thousands of environmental organizations, networks, non-for-profits, and groups that focus on a broad range of environmental and human health issues related to consumer products, climate change, and food, soil, water, and air pollution. Some organizations have a large following and membership is open to individuals, policymakers, healthcare professionals, researchers and academics, and non-government associations. There are non-for-profits and community networks that focus on sustainable living and empowering local communities. Canadian environmental networks cover a wide range of green topics and projects such as diversity activities, pollution reduction mechanisms, sustainability, and so on. They offer resources and organize seminars, webinars, conferences, and other events that focus on environmental and wildlife protection. Some focus on illegal activities such as illegal export and import of wildlife, trafficking endangered and protected species, and activities that are harmful for natural habitats and wildlife. Others explore issues such as fighting climate change, the role of philanthropy, swift transition to a green economy, forest conservation, urban environment issues, and environmental education.
Other Ways to Help Protect the Environment
There are plenty of things Canadian students can do to save the environment, from walking or riding around campus and using reusable water bottles to going paperless and trayless, recycling, thrifting, and using reusable plastic bags. Instead of throwing old stuff such as jackets, jeans, books, and textbooks, you can donate them to a non-for-profit or thrift store. Recycling is also a great way to contribute to environmental protection, and there are plenty of materials, fabrics, and items that can be recycled. The list includes items such as paper coffee cups, books, milk cartoons, paper towels, tissue boxes, catalogues, magazines, and newspapers, colored and white paper, and so on. In addition to paper, you can recycle items such as kitchen cookware, aluminum take-out containers and foil, tin and metal beverage and food containers, etc. If you use your credit card while grocery shopping, make sure you only buy what you need. This way you will waste less food and pay less on interest charges. It is a good idea to opt for paperless statements for your credit card and debit card to help reduce the volume of paper wasted on statements, reports, and other documents.
There are several green energy options, including solar power, wind power, hydroelectricity, geothermal energy, biomass, and biofuels. Solar power is a growing option for the future, and it is the fastest growing renewable. If you invest in green energy you invest in your future.
Electricity and gas consumption also contribute to environmental pollution. There are ways to save on your energy bill – switching lights off, using energy-efficient bulbs, and buying energy-efficient appliances and devices, if possible. The good news is that there are generous rebate programs, grants, and tax incentives for upgrading your appliances.