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Canadians consume a lot of resources. Despite the fact that products are becoming more energy-efficient, we are using more and more products and therefore, more and more electricity. When it comes to water usage, the average Canadian uses about 329 litres per day! Finding ways to live more efficiently is in our collective best interest. Here are some tips to help conserve resources this summer. 

Be a fan of fans

As long as the air temperature in the room is lower than your internal body temperature, fans are an effective and efficient way to feel cooler, while conserving energy. Fans do not actually cool the room -- they increase air circulation and make you feel cooler. Remember to turn them off when you are not in the room. 

Keep clean with cold water

About 90% of the energy a washing machine uses is used to heat the water. You can reduce your energy footprint substantially by simply setting the dial to cold. Unless you are trying to remove heavy oil stains, washing in cold water is just as effective as hot water. 

Chill out on fridge settings

Here is another energy-saving solution that is as simple as turning a dial -- setting your refrigerator between 1.7 to 3.3°C. A refrigerator thermometer can give you an accurate measurement. In addition, keeping your fridge full of food means there is less air space that has to be cooled. Keeping the fridge full of containers of tap water will do the same thing and you can use this chilled water as refreshing drinking water this summer.  

Unplug or try sleep mode

Our electronic devices continue to draw power whenever they are plugged in or in standby mode. In fact, up to 10% of household power consumption can be attributed to standby power. To save energy, unplug any devices that do not need to constantly be plugged in and use sleep mode when they are not in use. When purchasing new products, choose ENERGY STAR certified products.

Water usage

Domestic water usage in Canada breaks down roughly as follows: 10% drinking and preparing meals, 25% for cleaning (including laundry), 30% toilet flushing, and 35% for bathing. We can reduce this by taking shorter showers and turning off the tap when brushing our teeth.
PS: Ontario Hydro rates have changed

If you're an Ontario resident, you might be unaware that Ontario has recently adopted a new fixed rate in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The new rate of 12.8 cents per kilowatt hour will apply at all times of the day. It is higher than the off-peak winter rate that Ontarians were paying as a COVID-19 relief effort so far, but lower than typical mid-peak rates. This fixed rate will extend from June 1, 2020 to October 31, 2020.

We hope these tips help you and your family conserve resources this summer.

If you or someone you know is looking for a rental, check out our Mississauga apartments for rent.