Lipstick Lifestyle

With the celebration of Earth Month, April is a natural time for us to think about how we can make every day Earth Day. Future Friendly, along with the Recycling Council of Ontario, the Canadian Energy Efficiency Alliance, PITCH-IN CANADA and canühome, offer us some small steps we can take to help reduce our impact on the environment.

• Slim down your waste. When packing a snack, the Recycling Council of Ontario suggests using reusable containers rather than packaging and plastic wrap that become leftovers in the landfill. Choosing products with reduced packaging can also shed pounds from your waste.

• Think energy when you turn on your tap or step into the shower says The Canadian Energy Efficiency Alliance. Your city or municipality uses a tremendous amount of electricity to pump and treat the water … and it is reflected in your water bill or taxes. And don’t forget to fix leaky toilets or taps (especially if it’s a hot water faucet … you’re paying to heat the water too).

• Use your appliances efficiently. PITCH-IN CANADA suggests always washing a full load of dishes in the dishwasher and, if your dishwasher has it, allowing the dishes to air-dry on the ‘energy-saver’ setting.

• Many of our portable devices require batteries – canühome recommends switching from disposable to rechargeable batteries to reduce waste and to power MP3 players, remote controls and digital cameras.

• Concentrated laundry products often use less plastic in the packaging. For example, Ultra Downy fabric softener uses 35 per cent less plastic per bottle than non-concentrated Downy. In the bathroom, Charmin Mega Rolls have more toilet tissue per roll, reducing the number of cardboard cores disposed.

• Conserve the products you use. Using products sparingly means buying less often…and that means less packaging at the curb. Use only what you need and follow manufacturer’s instructions, because more doesn’t mean more effective. For example, Bounty Select-a-Size sheets are strong and 45 per cent smaller than regular Bounty sheets, allowing you to use only what you need for large and small spills.

• Heating water is one of the home’s biggest energy costs. Shorter showers and low-flow shower heads can reduce its use. So can washing laundry in cold water. Washing with Tide Coldwater gives you great cleaning, and using cold water helps to save energy.

• Cascade Action Pacs deliver sparkling-clean dishes even in the energy-saving cycle.

• Duracell Pre-charged Rechargeable batteries last longer and need less recharging when not in use as compared to standard NiMH batteries.

Future Friendly is a partnership led by some of Canada’s leading home care brands and supported by the Canadian Energy Efficiency Alliance, canühome, the Recycling Council of Ontario and PITCH-IN CANADA.  Each product under the Future Friendly umbrella must achieve a reduction in either waste, energy or water consumption during use or production. Future Friendly products are available now at mass, drug and grocery stores.

For more information on the Future Friendly program, visit www.futurefriendlybrands.ca.