Eco-conscious living is here to stay. What it means is to be aware of how our actions can impact everything around us. The term also relates to consideration of how our lifestyle can impact the environment. The goal of being eco-conscious is to minimize the negative effects we can create.

This mindset has expanded to large corporations and governments that are getting involved in making changes that will create a more sustainable future for our planet. The federal government is now giving monetary incentives to homeowners for adding eco-friendly upgrades to their homes.

Businesses and municipalities have a myriad of programs and incentives as well.

In BC, the programs range from hydro upgrades to more energy-efficient homes (greener) to refunds for those who borrow to buy, build, or renovate. There are rebates for energy-efficient washers, dryers, doors, windows and fireplaces.

For municipalities, it extends to incentives for energy-efficient retrofits and new construction. Rental buildings get in on the programs with help to make building changes that will save money, energy, and water. The freight industry is included also with money to aid in reduced fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

These are just a few of the possible ways to benefit from receiving funds from our federal tax dollars to increase the sustainability of our resources.

When it comes to your Comox Valley home, here are four simple eco-friendly updates.

They can be easily implemented in your home:

1. Heating and cooling your Comox Valley Home
   A smart thermostat will reduce your carbon footprint and your monthly energy bill by optimizing energy efficiency. It can be controlled remotely, learn your temperature preferences, and automatically adjust settings to improve energy efficiency based on your habits and local weather conditions. To make this upgrade even more effective, replacing old windows and adding new insulation will prevent heat from escaping your home.
2. Rainwater harvesting
   This eco-friendly addition to your home is a sustainable way to care for your landscaping. Harvesting rainwater can also conserve energy, reduce strain on the municipal water system, and save you money. There are many methods of collecting rain. Catch the droplets in a large container or a DIY rain barrel or employ affordable and ready-to-use options and elaborate systems with filtration and pumps.
3. Energy-efficient systems
   Technology is constantly evolving. Great advancements have been made in the way our homes run. From your HVAC system to your fridge and stove, to LED light bulbs, investing in energy-efficient upgrades is
   worthwhile. These systems utilize advanced technologies to perform tasks more efficiently. This results in reducing electricity and water consumption, and lowering both your energy bill and your carbon footprint. Check for energy efficiency certifications when making a new purchase.
4. Eliminate single-use plastics
   The federal government has implemented policies aimed at reducing single-use plastics. To address environmental concerns, items like straws, cutlery, stir sticks, and certain types of plastic bags have been banned. The goal is to achieve zero plastic waste by 2030. This is a monumental task considering Canadians throw away over 3,000,000 tons of plastic waste every year.

Here are six manageable ways to reduce the use of plastics in your Comox Valley home:

● Replace plastics with reusable alternatives, like glass or metal straws, stainless steel water bottles and travel mugs, and beeswax wraps or silicone food storage bags
● Look for products with minimal or eco-friendly packaging
● Buy supplies in bulk to eliminate use of packaging
● Choose cleaning products, personal care and food items with refillable options Compost organic waste to avoid using garbage bags
● Check if something can be repurposed or repaired before throwing it away

BONUS TIP:

Choosing to live sustainably also includes mindful consumerism. Opt for second-hand shopping. Sell and donate your own unwanted items. This creates a positive impact on the environment by reducing waste in landfills. It also decreases the environmental footprint associated with manufacturing At the end of the day, you can feel good about your efforts and possibly save a lot of money!

As always, please reach out to me if you’re looking to buy or sell real estate in the Comox Valley. I would love to help you with your next home!