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Powering a Lighter Life
Powering a Lighter Life
Why Should You Care?
Why Should You Care?
Energy is one of the biggest players in our environmental footprint — and one of the easiest to start changing. Every watt we use comes from somewhere, and in Canada, that “somewhere” depends heavily on where you live. Some provinces run almost entirely on renewables, while others still rely on fossil fuels.
The good news? Clean energy isn’t an all-or-nothing lifestyle. You don’t need to buy land, build a cabin, and go full off-grid hero. Even small changes — like swapping to LED lighting, using smart plugs, or choosing a greener utility plan — can shrink your impact and save money long-term.
Think of this page as your power-up: realistic, renter-friendly ways to reduce energy waste and harness the good kind of power — literally.
Wild Facts
Wild Facts
Canada gets about 82% of its electricity from non-emitting sources — mainly hydro, wind, and nuclear — but fossil fuels still dominate heating and transportation in many provinces.
The average Canadian household uses roughly 11,000 kWh of electricity per year — about twice the global average.
Switching just five halogen bulbs to LED can save over $60 a year and prevent nearly 500 kg of CO₂ emissions across their lifespan.
Solar panels aren’t just for homeowners anymore — there are portable systems and plug-in kits made for apartments and RVs.
“Phantom power” (devices left plugged in when not in use) can account for up to 10% of a home’s energy use. Unplug = free power upgrade.
What You Can Do Right Now
What You Can Do Right Now
These are simple, affordable (or totally free) ways to live lighter starting today
— whether you rent, own, or couch-surf with a suspicious number of houseplants.
1. Unplug the “Power Vampires.”
1. Unplug the “Power Vampires.”
TVs, microwaves, and chargers still draw power when they’re “off.” Use a power bar and flick it off when you leave the house. Easy 10% energy drop — no cape required.
2. Air-Dry, Don’t Fry.
2. Air-Dry, Don’t Fry.
Skip the dryer once a week. Hang-drying your laundry can save over $100/year and lower your carbon footprint faster than you can say “line-dried towels.”
3. Chase the Light.
3. Chase the Light.
Open blinds during the day, especially in winter — natural light heats your space and boosts your mood. Bonus: sunlight is still free.
4. Go LED or Go Home.
4. Go LED or Go Home.
LED bulbs use 75% less energy and last 25x longer.
Translation: buy them once, forget about them until your next midlife crisis.
5. Fridge Feng Shui.
5. Fridge Feng Shui.
Keep your fridge at 3°C and freezer at -18°C — cooler than that just wastes power. (And no, it won’t make your ice cream creamier.)
6. Don’t Heat Empty Rooms.
6. Don’t Heat Empty Rooms.
Close vents in unused spaces and use draft stoppers or thick curtains to trap warmth. Efficiency is the new sexy.
7. Smart Plugs = Smart Savings.
7. Smart Plugs = Smart Savings.
A $10 smart plug can schedule when electronics shut off — even that one lamp you keep forgetting about.
8. Check Your Power Source.
8. Check Your Power Source.
Many provinces now offer “green power” subscriptions where your utility invests your dollars into renewables. Sometimes it’s literally one checkbox on your bill.
You don’t need a new house, a Tesla roof, or a backyard turbine.
You just need a few intentional habits — and maybe a power bar that actually gets turned off once in a while.
💚 Help Support Our Work 💚
💚 Help Support Our Work 💚
Your donation helps us reduce waste, create community resources, build tools for educators, and expand accessible environmental education.
E-transfer a donation to:
donate@therecyclingproject.ca
Thank you for fueling a future with less waste and more creativity.
The Recycling Project is a social enterprise. Donations are not tax-deductible but directly fund community education and impact programs.
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