Did you know that individuals use an average of over 90 kg of paper per year? A few simple changes can help save the environment! Only print when necessary and, when you do, print on paper containing a high percentage of post-consumer recycled fibres. You should also make sure you use the draft option, and print on both sides of the sheet.

A message from the Quebec Environment Foundation.
« Because every small gesture counts. »

Did you know that manufacturing products from recycled material requires 100 times less energy than manufacturing products from new material? Recycled paper, insulation and egg cartons can be made from old paper, while glass, plastic and metal can be transformed into new objects. Recycling just makes sense!

A message from the Quebec Environment Foundation.
« Because every small gesture counts. »

Did you know that buying local seasonal produce helps reduce the distance this food needs to travel? Think about buying Québec peppers from July to October, and choose carrots and potatoes during the winter months.

A message from the Quebec Environment Foundation.
« Because every small gesture counts. »

Did you know that 78,000 tons of paint is sold in Québec every year and that over 5,000 of this remains unused? In 2006, two-thirds of this dangerous domestic waste was recycled. Continue bringing your old paint to retailers and recycling centres so it can be recycled, and choose to buy recycled paint yourself.

A message from the Quebec Environment Foundation.
« Because every small gesture counts. »

Did you know that toilet, bath and shower use accounts for 65% of household water consumption? Change to a low-flow toilet and shower head, or place a water-filled bottle in your toilet tank. This will help you cut back on excess water consumption.

A message from the Quebec Environment Foundation.
« Because every small gesture counts. »

Did you know that a single battery can pollute 1m3 of earth and 1,000 m3 of water for 50 years? In fact, batteries are one of the most polluting items.
 
Yet, despite this, only 10% of non-rechargeable batteries are recycled. You can make a difference by bringing your old batteries to a recycling centre and by buying rechargeable batteries.

A message from the Quebec Environment Foundation.
« Because every small gesture counts. »

Did you know that, by replacing meat with vegetable protein once a week, you can reduce your carbon footprint by 1,000 m2 per year? Simply find alternatives to animal products such as legumes (lentils, beans, etc.), tofu and seitan, which require 10 times less energy to produce.

A message from the Quebec Environment Foundation.
« Because every small gesture counts. »

Did you know that washing clothes in cold water is 93% more energy efficient than in hot water? By using a detergent that is phosphate-free, biodegradable and marked with the Environmental Choice EcoLogo, you will help reduce the release of deleterious substances in the environment and water, while saving energy.

A message from the Quebec Environment Foundation.
« Because every small gesture counts. »

Did you ever wonder what were the consequences of your lifestyle on the environment?

The ecological footprint measures the way we use the planet’s resources to eat, dress, heat and move around. It is expressed in earth surface units necessary to produce these resources and absorb the waste generated. If each human being had the same ecological footprint as a Quebecer, we would need three planets to fulfil the needs!

Reduce consumption and adopt healthy environmental habits! The planet will be better off!

A message from the Quebec Environment Foundation.
« Because every small gesture counts. »

Did you know that in nine hours, a non certified wood stove emits as many fine particles to the atmosphere as an intermediary size car driving 18 000 km? In neighbourhoods where wood burning is popular, exposure to contaminants from chimney smoke can have harmful effects on the residents’ health.

If possible, avoid using wood-burning as the main source of heating for your house. Otherwise, make sure your wood-burning stove is certified and burn hard wood such as oak, maple or birch, dried for at least six months.

A message from the Quebec Environment Foundation.
« Because every small gesture counts. »

Recyclable Automobile  

One of the most recycled consumer goods nowadays is the automobile, because 75% to 85% of its weight is recovered. Recovered materials include steel, iron, aluminium, copper and other non-ferrous metals.

However, caution must be exerted at all time during the recycling cycle through a controlled management of harmful fluids and gases to ensure they are not released in the environment.

A message from the Quebec Environment Foundation.
 « Because every small gesture counts. »

Gas Consumption  

With the continuous increases of gas price, here are some ways to save money and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

- Follow the manufacturer's maintenance schedule, as it can reduce your gas consumption by 10%.

- Use the correct tire pressure for your vehicle, this can increase your gas consumption by 8%.

- Drive at 100 km/h instead of 120 : you will save 20% gas on that same distance.

A message from the Quebec Environment Foundation.
« Because every small gesture counts. »
 

Beer Bottles Recycling  

Did you know that beer bottles are reusable for up to 15 or 20 times? After that period, they are crushed and returned to manufacturers to produce new ones. As for draft beer, it is sold in casks that are reusable for up to 15 or 20 years, afterwhich they are also crushed and recycled.

Empty aluminium cans are crushed and recycled as well.

A message from the Quebec Environment Foundation.
« Because every small gesture counts. »

Paint Recycling  

Buried in the ground, paints, varnishes and dyes you use are toxic, pollutant products. However, you can dispose of the leftovers during municipal collects or at authorized Quebec merchants. Good quality paint leftovers will be recycled.

Visit www.peinture.qc.ca to learn about the nearest deposit sites or stores where you can buy recycled products.

A message from the Quebec Environment Foundation.
« Because every small gesture counts. »

Adventure Tourism  

Adventure Tourism includes all outdoor activities involving a high level of risk such as river kayaking, rafting, or climbing. Fans of these sports can brag about Quebec offering many natural areas of exceptional quality.

When such activities are practiced in harmony with nature, they have a minimal impact on the environment and allow others to enjoy them as well. Be responsible, think about the environment.

A message from the Quebec Environment Foundation.
« Because every small gesture counts. »

Recycling Service  

Many people living in apartment buildings complain about not being able to access the recycling service which already exists in their city. If such is the case, chances are that it is also available in your building.

Oftentimes, building managers prefer not to offer this service as it increases their operation costs. It doesn’t matter! You should form a committee and discuss with them the implementation of solutions.

A message from the Quebec Environment Foundation.
« Because every small gesture counts. »

Computer Recycling  

Over two tons of raw material are needed to manufacture one single computer. However, due to the perpetual evolution of the IT market, computers are short-lived.

Once obsolete, more often than not, it ends up in land fills. Therefore, each computer has the power of an ecological bomb as it contains many pollutants, notably heavy metals; this is why recycling obsolete computers is paramount.

A message from the Quebec Environment Foundation.
« Because every small gesture counts. »

When you clean your home, think about the environment! Use biodegradable products free of toxic ingredients. For example, take carbonated water to clean carpet stains and use vinegar and baking soda to clean the bathtub.

To clean windows and mirrors, a mixture of water and vinegar and a cheese cloth or newspaper will do fine. Don’t forget rags made from old garments that are washable and reusable! This way you will protect the environment and the health of your family.

A message from the Quebec Environment Foundation.
« Because every small gesture counts. »

Global Warming  

Did you know that, on average, each person is responsible for the emission of five tons of greenhouse gas per year?

Many actions can be taken to limit the greenhouse gas accumulation in the atmosphere. For example, living near your workplace when possible and avoiding the use of your car for long distances. Plan your outings ahead of time and car pool if you can.

A message from the Quebec Environment Foundation.
« Because every small gesture counts. »

Idling Motor  

An idling motor is responsible for a huge gaz consumption and can damage the motor as combustion remains incomplete. It is recommended to turn it off if the car is immobilized for more than 10 seconds.

Idling contributes considerably to green house effect emissions, acid rain and smog.

When waiting in a car, I turn the motor off!

A message from the Quebec Environment Foundation.
« Because every small gesture counts. »

1. During this season of celebrations and consumerism, select items according to the sustainable development principles! Choose products that are made in Quebec, by social insertion organizations and, why not, made from partly or fully recycled material.

2. To create an unforgettable Christmas meal, select seasonal, locally grown products, and, if possible, biological. You will encourage the Quebec producers and will rediscover home made meals and flavours while minimizing your impact on the environment.

3. Think about reducing your waste at the source by using reusable dishes and utensils for your receptions. And why not acquire a linen tablecloth and napkins that you will reuse each year?
 
4. Avoid wasting food by cooking a reasonable quantities! And instead of throwing away the leftovers, why not share them with guests or give them to a charitable organization?

5. To reduce your energy consumption and thus the production of greenhouse gases during the holidays, use light garlands made with LED bulbs. They last over 30 times longer than the traditional miniatures light garlands and use approximately 90% less energy.

6. Give a second life to fabric or garments by making your own creative Christmas stockings. A great family activity!

7. Choose Christmas cards made by social insertion organizations or benefiting charities. And think about giving last year toys the a charitable organization that will redistribute them.
 
8. To offer an original gift and according to sustainable development principles, think about exploring the multiple items offered at the Salon des artisans récupérateurs du Québec (Montreal’s Biosphere) or the Salon des métiers d’art du Québec (Montreal’s Place Bonaventure)!

9. When choosing your Christmas attire, encourage Quebec and Canadian designers, notably those using ecological fibres (biological cotton, bamboo, hemp, etc.).

10. This year, invest in eco-responsible decorations, such as natural beeswax candles, green plants that will purify the air, or local artists’ work. Stimulate your creativity by making your own decorations from recycled materials, such as Christmas tree ornaments made of papier-mâché painted in bright colours!

A message from the Quebec Environment Foundation.
« Because every small gesture counts. »

How do we reuse our recycled can?  

Did you know that beer bottles can be reused 15 to 20 times? After that, they are crushed and returned to glass manufacturers to make new ones.

As for draft beer, it is sold in reusable barrels that last for 15 to 20 years after what they are mashed and recycled.

Emptied aluminium beer cans are crushed and recycled.

A message from the Quebec Environment Foundation.
 « Because every small gesture counts. »

Greenhouse Gases  

According to recent statistics, a third of all greenhouse gases emitted in Quebec are produced by Quebec families in the transportation of people, heating of homes, elimination of garbage.

Therefore we can state that each one of us can contribute to reducing greenhouse gases, be it through adequate house insulation or effective management of energy consumption.

A message from the Quebec Environment Foundation.
« Because every small gesture counts. »

At Work  

To reduce paper use at your workplace, print double-sided documents, transmit messages and documents to your colleagues electronically and make note-pads with the office recycled paper.

In addition, bring your old computers, batteries, photocopier and printer cartridges as well as fluorescent ballasts that are all dangerous waste, to the nearest eco-centre where they will be recovered.

A message from the Quebec Environment Foundation.
« Because every small gesture counts. »

The Over-Packaging of Food  

Did you notice that a product packaging is sometimes bigger than the product itself? Keep this in mind when you buy products.

- Buy in bulk using reusable containers.
- Use fabric grocery shopping bags.
- Place your lunch in washable plastic containers and buy juice in reusable containers instead of in a single-use box.
- Opt for products that are offered in bulk or not heavily packaged and select a family-size instead of an individual portion.

A message from the Quebec Environment Foundation.
« Because every small gesture counts. »