Conscious Consumer - Bringing It Home

Take the 10 K Challenge

How do you lose over 110 kilograms a year? Take the 10 K Challenge. It's simple, easy and the benefits may surprise you.

We're talking carbon dioxide pounds of course - the prime greenhouse gas directly related to global warming. Humans make too much of it.

Carbon dioxide is a byproduct of power generation. All human activity produces some amount of carbon dioxide. You're producing it right now. Not just through your breathing, but through the energy you consume every day.

Automobiles are one of the biggest contributors of harmful emissions. Every mile we save in transportation is less carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. So how do we start making the changes necessary to reduce greenhouse gases and not give up our cars?
Take The 10 K Challenge

The 10K Challenge is a personal challenge. Simply jot down how you can save ten kilometers of driving each week. By cutting out 10 Km of driving a week, you directly reduce toxic emissions by 110 kg or almost 245 lbs pounds per year. Now multiple that by the people you know who own a car. It adds up. If done collectively, we can make a huge impact on the amount of greenhouse gases that are released in our environment every day.

Then, do it.

Remember. It's just 10 Km a week. First think about combining trips - sharing cabs, taking a friend or neighbour grocery shopping or teleconferencing your next meeting. Make a list for weekend errands. Identify any errand that's within a 4km radius - then walk or bike. You don't need to pull out your bicycle for every errand, but once you get in the habit, you'll be surprised at how much you enjoy the break. It's a great way to combine emission control, excerise and hopefully a little fresh air. Plus you'll get to know your neighbours.

If you have to carry something bring your own reusable bag or container. Plastics emit heavy toxins into the air. By bringing your own bag, you contribute to the reduction of energy consumption and emission control whether plastic or paper. Also, recycling gets easier if you give the packaging back to the retailer.

Say no to single occupant vehicles.

Car pools are very effective in reducing emissions. Sharing your ride with others in the morning creates a social atmosphere for your commute, allows you to share driving responsibilities, reduces stress and is much cheaper than driving on your own.

Go Car-Free once a month

Commuting into to and from the office can be stressful. Once a week leave the car at home. Relax and let someone else do the driving.

Go car-free one weekend in the month. Slow down. Stay home. Take the time to unwind and loose yourself in a project you've been meaning to get to for awhile. Monday will seem like a whole new dawn when you're refreshed and rested.

Take Public Transit

If you have access to public transportation use it once a week or when you have to go into a downtown core. Many people go multi-modal. Drive to a drop-off point transferring to public transit to get to your final destination. Most transit schedules are online - check out the connections and make the commitment.

Struttin' Your Stuff

The important thing to remember is be consistent. Steady, incremental changes are the best way for all of us to bring sustainability back into our lives.

By keeping track of our wasteful patterns we reduce carbon emission, save some coin, get some excercise, relax and meet your neigbhours. Now how cool is that.

Spread the Challenge to friends, family and co-workers. Working together we can make a difference.