Top 5 Climate Actions in Your Home

Top 5 Climate Actions in Your Home

According to World Meteorological Organization data, the Earth's average surface temperature has increased by about 1.15° Celsius since average pre-industrial levels (1850-1900). The past eight years (2015-2022) were the warmest on record globally. Most of the warming in recent decades is the result of human use of fossil fuels and conversion of natural areas for human uses. The effects of this warming are being felt locally: the heat dome and extreme rainfall of 2021 were made significantly more likely as a result of this human-caused warming.

The challenge ahead of us is significant and needs our collective effort.

The good news is that we know what needs to be done to reduce human-caused climate change, and individuals, organizations and governments are taking action together. Here’s a few ways that you can make a difference, too!

 

Things We Can All Do

 
No. 1

Green your kilometres. 

For most people in our area, transportation is the biggest source of greenhouse gas emissions - changing up choices around transportation is one of the top ways you can reduce greenhouse gas emissions. There are many ways to reduce your transportation emissions that will help you be healthier and save money, such as:

  • Check out public transit - you may be pleasantly surprised!  Nanaimo Regional Transit's system has received significant investment over the past decade and trip-planning tools now take the former guess-work out of transit. Easily see your route and likely travel time  in advance with Google Transit, and see real-time locations of your bus with the Transit App and a free BC-Transit-sponsored subscription to Transit Royale. Take an afternoon to try it out!
  • If you live rurally and don't have to commute, plan and group your errands so you don't have to do as many trips in to a town centre.
  • If you have the resources: switch to an electric or hybrid vehicle.
  • Get started biking -  exercise and travel all in one! Start out with a short trip in fair weather and see how enjoyable bike travel can be. Check out Go-By-Bike events from local groups to get started, and use cycle route planning tools to find those nice low traffic routes.
  • Vacation locally & save your flights for important things like visiting loved ones.
  • If you have to buy a fossil fueled vehicle - make sure your next vehicle is as fuel efficient as possible. Check out fueleconomy.gov for most efficient vehicles and a tool that lets you compare efficiency of almost any vehicle make, model, and year.
No. 2

Switch from fossil to electric heating.

If your home is heated with fossil fuels (natural gas (i.e. methane), heating oil, or propane) then making the switch to a clean, efficient electric heat pump is one of the biggest climate impact moves you can make -bonus, it comes with summer time cooling! Access up to $12,000 in federal and provincial rebates to help make the switch - contact the RDN's Home Energy Navigator Program to find out more. For other helpful information visit: BC Hydro Power Smart and Fortis Energy Saving Tips
No. 3

Watch your "waste" line.

Get the most out of your grocery dollar by reducing food waste - check out Love Food, Hate Waste for tips! For the non-edible organics in your life (peelings, yard waste) - make sure they get composted at home or by using the Green Bin! For other items, use the RDN's online search engine "What Goes Where" to help figure out what items go in the Blue, Green and Garbage Bins or to find a recycling center near you.
No. 4

Use efficient, electric home appliances.

Switch to efficient, electric home appliances that are EnergyStar labeled.  

No. 5

BUY and eat local. 

It's a easy and fun way to support area businesses and reduce your climate footprint. The region produces diverse local products and food items available through farmers' markets, food vendors, restaurants and micro breweries. There is always something new to try!