We’re having a long, warm fall, but with the holidays now just around the corner, it’s definitely time for some seasonal chilly weather. To prepare for the frigid temperatures, take a fresh approach to your cold-winter habits.
Fight Frost Naturally
Winter makes for slippery sidewalks and roads. Many de-icers are now being made naturally. Try a mixture of salt and beet juice. Commercially this mixture is called Geomelt. Keep it Green is another eco-friendly snow and ice melting product. Also, to prevent ice from covering home and car windows, rub the inside of the glass with a saltwater-soaked sponge; dry with a clean cloth. You won’t see it, but a residue from the salt will remain to ward off frost.
Minimize Idling
Don’t let your car idle for more than 30 seconds. Beyond wasting fuel, excessive idling strains cylinders, spark plugs, exhaust systems, and engines. The best way to warm up the car is driving it.
Let the sunshine in
Even in winter, the sun’s rays provide a fair amount of warmth. Take advantage of free heating, open blinds and curtains on the windows that receive the most light (usually on the east side).
Ditch the wood-burning fireplace
Everybody loves to cozy up by a fireplace in the winter. Unfortunately, burning all of that wood isn’t very eco-friendly. Use a natural gas fireplace instead.
Stay Active
Don’t hibernate during the cold weather months, get out and stay active. Winter offers many unique opportunities to stay fit, such as going for a hike, jogging and everyone’s favorite task, shoveling the snow! Read more about stay fit in the winter here: http://www.ecoactionteams.ca/pub/resources/articles/embracing_winter.php
Article written by Prabhjit Banga, Program Coordinator at Earth Day Canada
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