I’m not an environmentalist. But I might be becoming one.
This has been one of those years for me. I started to think differently. I started to take small steps, make small choices. I can now look back and realize that they were positive steps towards a better me, a better family, a better street, a better city and a better world.
It started with an article that I read in the paper. It was about a small town in Manitoba (I think?) that passed a by-law banning plastic bags. At first I thought it was absurd. But then I got thinking…that’s not a bad idea! Banning might be a bit far-fetched for Guelph…but is it? I have found myself now refusing plastic bags from stores. If I can carry it, I don’t need the bag. Only one of the benefits that I have seen in my own household is the reduction of plastic bags in my own home. Let alone blowing around the city.
My house is just over 3 years old now. And so, the changing of the bulbs has begun to take place. Over half of my house now has the fluorescent bulbs. Slowly we’re getting there.
Our car about a year ago was a SUV. Now, I will admit that we were spending thousands of dollars on repairs but it was also obvious that we were spending hundreds on gas per month. Moreover, probably not the best for the environment. The environment factor for me was about 5% of the consideration to get a new car. Well, we purchased a Nissan Versa. WOW! Awesome on gas, no more repairs and hey – Way better for the environment compared to what we use to have.
I’m turning off the lights in my house all the time now. My father use to always ask us kids around the house if he was “Paying for the hydro from Niagara Falls?” I now know what he meant. But again, I find myself not only thinking about the cost of having the lights on, but the impact on the environment.
I’ve purchased a moped/scooter this year. It takes about 5 to 10 more minutes to get where you want to go around Guelph. But again, it’s not just about the savings. It’s $19 a month for insurance, $10 a month in gas. And then of course, better on the environment. Way easier to park as well!
I drive to Kitchener quite often. My head office is there. For the first time in my life, I have actually carpooled a bit over the last year. Not a much as I would have liked to, but I still did it. It started out as a cost saving initiative. But now it’s more than that. It’s better for the environment.
I’m not preaching. I’m not starting this site to boast. I’m starting this site to show that everyday people, families, businesses, communities and this great city of Guelph can make a difference with each small step, each new choice they make.
My hope, is that this site will become the place for anyone to share their own story. Just like I did. I want to hear from you! I want to profile your business, I want to hear new ideas.
So let it begin…
Cam Guthrie
