5 Ways You Can Make a Difference After Earth Day | In Collaboration with Toronto Hydro

Ever have the feeling where you really want to make a difference, but feel like it might be insignificant because it’s just you? We’ve all been there – and our individual efforts are significant, however it’s hard to believe that sometimes. “The daunting challenges facing the planet — from man-made climate change to rapidly declining biodiversity — may make you feel like giving up”, but as a collective we do end up creating change, and ultimately make a difference in one way or another. So it’s never a bad idea to simply try!

And with Earth day being yesterday (April 22), there’s no better time than now to take a step forward in the right direction and help save our planet. There are many ways we can all do something to help and contribute, so I’m working with Toronto Hydro and dedicated this post to do just that – with the hopes of inspiring you to do even the smallest thing – or just simply sharing the ideas with someone else.

(And if you read all the way to the bottom, there is a great prize incentive!)

So here are 5 simple ways that you can make a difference, almost immediately!

1. Watch your water and energy consumption

It’s really easy to get carried away with this one, especially when you’re enjoying your shower, heating and so on. Try to be conscious of how you use water and energy, and simply turn it off when you don’t need it anymore (ex. brushing your teeth, or the lights when you don’t need them). It’s one of those things that’s not easy to quantify, but it’s a good habit to get into and your hydro and energy bills will look more pleasant in the long run, which means you saving more money!

2. Walk, bike or take transit

Yes, it’s easier to hop in your car sometimes and drive to wherever you need to be, but there are ways to be healthier while being more cost efficient. Toronto traffic is no fun, so ditching the car for some exercise or transit is not that much slower than driving – and the environment will thank you for it!

3. Buy sustainable clothing

The price tags of fast fashion brand clothing is really appealing at times, but often we find ourselves buying clothes when we simply don’t need them. If you can, make an effort to buy quality and sustainable clothing, because a lot of the dyes and plastics used in cheaper materials usually end up in the oceans, which ultimately cause pollution. Make an effort to be a more conscious shopper!

4. Reduce meat consumption

I’m a fan of eating meat, and the idea of cutting it out completely is difficult for me, but it’s not hard to cut down the amount that you eat. Having some days where you don’t eat meat isn’t that bad, and it really makes a difference to our environment. Try opting for high protein foods like beans or lentils when want to take a day off from eating meat. There are some really great recipes out there!

5. Sign up for e-billing

Last but not least, e-billing! Going paperless is probably the easiest and most effortless way to make a difference. The amount of paper that we waste by receiving paper bills is quite a bit – and we’re on our devices all the time anyways, so why not make the switch? Make it easier for yourself by signing up for paperless bills through the Toronto Hydro website, and you’ll rest at ease knowing that you’ve done one little thing at least.

For those readers who are Toronto Hydro Customers, by signing up for eBills before April 30th, 2018, you will be automatically entered for a chance to WIN an all-new Nissan Leaf, valued at $35,998! Check out and follow @TorontoHydro for more updates and ways you can help the environment!