Reducing greenhouse gases emissions in Matawa First Nations is a challenge compared to urban areas because:- Energy is derived from diesel generating stations because alternative energies are expensive and not reliable enough to support communities;
- Travel distances are longer;
- Recycling is not a viable option; and,
- Short growing seasons in northern climates inhibits local food production.
But just because there are challenges doesn't mean Matawa communities shouldn't try. Climate change is a global problem and everyone should do their part to stabilize greenhouse gas emissions in an effort to stop global warming. Learn about the potential impacts of climate change.
'Go Green 4 Change' signifies 4 ways individuals can reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by making long term lifestyle changes. The 4 ways are:
1. Planting
2. Eating Local
3. Reusing
4. Reducing
PLANTING
Plant a tree - one tree will absorb one ton of carbon dioxide over its lifetime and shade from trees can reduce air conditioning costs by 15%.
Plant a vegetable or herb garden if possible - A garden will provide fresh food in the summer and cut down emissions from the transport of food to your community. If outdoor growing is not possible consider building a greenhouse.
EATING LOCAL
Eat traditional food - Whether it is hunting or gathering, eating traditional foods cuts down emission released during the transport of food and may strengthen community traditions.
Buy from local farmers markets - if in urban areas seek out farmers markets. There markets help keep money within communities and cuts down emissions from the transport of food.
REDUCING Reduce the distance you drive - walk, bike, carpool or use public transit where available. Avoiding 16 km of driving per week can reduce 500 pounds of carbon dioxide emission in a year.
Use less hot water - Installing a low flow showerhead and washing clothes in cold or warm water can cut carbon dioxide emissions by up to 850 pounds per year.
Don't leave appliances and electronics on standby - Using the on/off switch will reduce the energy used while the appliances and electronics are in standby.
Move your thermostat up 2° in summer and down 2° in winter - Almost half the energy we use goes to heating and cooling. This simple trick can cut carbon dioxide emissions by about 2000 pounds a year.
For recreation read, walk, bike, swim or participate in traditional activities - These activities use no energy or less energy than watching TV or playing video games.
Turn lights off when out of the room - This reduces power consumption. Changing incandescent bulbs to compact florescent light bulbs can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by up to 300 pounds in a year.
REUSING
Use reusable bags - This simple act reduces waste.
Use reusable water bottles - Fill bottles with tap or boiled water reduces energy needed to ship heavy water to your community and reduces waste from the plastic bottles.
Reuse plastic containers - Plastic containers can be used to store food or other things and can be made into bird feeders or reuse plastic bottles as ice packs.
Reuse newspaper or magazines - Both can be used as wrapping paper or packing material for shipping.
Have a yard sale or donate - Sell or donate gently used items, on man's junk is someones treasure.
OTHER WAYS TO GO GREEN
- Participate in the Go Green 4 Change project and make a pledge to reduce greenhouse gases click here
- Encourage other people, schools or businesses to Go Green
- Support the movement towards renewable energy
- Protect and conserve forests as they serve an important role in global warming as carbon sinks
- Shop smart by choosing eco-friendly products, products with less packaging and remember one 1.5L bottles requires less energy to produce than three 0.5L bottles
- Visit the TOP 50 THINGS TO DO TO STOP GLOBAL WARMING website for more information on these and more ways to Go Green and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
