Going back to school...buy Canadian made supplies!

Driving less also means consuming and purchasing stuff that hasn't traveled from places like China. I know it is hard and almost unavoidable to do this all the time. But take a stand once in awhile and speak with your actions! When you are buying your school supplies or supplies for your kids this fall, take a look at where they are made. Maybe you can't get all Canadian made stuff but be aware. Make a choice to buy stuff made closer to home. It's your choice!

It's Earth Day....do something big!

Make it Earth Year! Change your lifestyle, don't wait for policies to be implemented, make your own rules and and your own pledges.
1. drive less
2. never use plastic disposable bags for shopping
3. recycle almost everything that comes into your home.
4. turn off all lights you are not using.
5. turn your computer off at night.
6. don't keep the TV on for company, go out and mingle.
7.buy local stuff!
8. use grey water for watering outdoor plants. Keep a bucket in the shower and tote it outside for watering.
9. act like we only have one Earth....because we do!

It's Not About The Money!

It really isn't. Saving money while driving less is simply just a bonus for making responsible choices. If you were to make a list of the pros and cons about driving less I think the pro list would be longer.
Pros:
less traffic on the road
less air pollution
less stress caaussed by traffic
save money
good example for our children
more excersize
makes you more organized
etc......

Cons
have to spend time rethinking you choices (it this a con?)
less convienent
?


So it is not really about saving money, that is simply a bonus!

$1.18/litre!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yikes! What will it be by July? My prediction is that is will go up to $1.55/litre. Even if you have a fuel efficient car you will be feeling the $ pressure.

If you have to do extra driving you better bring your own bag!

With visitors in town it is harder to keep the Kilometers down. I was doing so good and then I had to do some extra trips to the ferry and back. So this week I will try for 125 less to make up for it. Jeepers...the guilt!
In order to make up for the extra fossil fuel I have been using I have made another pledge to myself. I will not use any plastic bags at the grocery store. Plastic bags are made of oil. So the less you use, the less fuel you are wasting.
That brings me to another bee in my bonnet. I want the Municipality of Saanich to prohibit plastic shopping bags. If I was a councilor that would be the first item on my agenda. Use fabric or reusable shopping bags and stop the madness! www.bringyourbag.com

Take 1500 miles off at supper tonight!

When talking about taking km's off our driving, it is impossible not to mention that we should also be encouraging our vegetables to be driving less! The vegetables we buy in the store that have been imported from outside our region have traveled an average of 1500 miles. That's alot of kilometers, 2414km in fact! I hope you have heard about the 100 mile diet.
If not, check it out! 100 Mile Diet
I received an email from the 100 Mile Diet founders:

Hi Lana,
Best of luck with your drive-less challenge. I hope many people take it up!
Best,
Alisa

THE 100 MILE DIET (Random House Canada)

A chance to own a fuel efficient car is yours for 100km less!

Worried that your car is a real stinker? Purchasing a hybred is not in the budget? Wishing you could be part of the Fuel Efficient Club? Worry no longer! By driving 100km less you have the power to be as efficient as you want. Let's face it. Most of us will be driving the same car until it breaks down and we have to replace it. But in the meantime, cut down on fuel consuption by driving less. Knock off 100km per week and you will be proactively helping with air polution.
Tell a few people and, WOW, what a difference!