What to do around the home to mitigate the environmental footprint of day-to-day life
BURLINGTON, Ont. — Environmental awareness — and the impact human activity has on the world in which we live — has never been more acute.
Sustainability is top-of-mind, and that extends to how homes are outfitted. It’s amazing how a few small changes can reduce a homeowner’s water use — saving both money and a precious resource — to reduce the overall carbon footprint of day-to-day life.
“How a home is going to affect the environment should be top-of-mind, whether it is a new build or a renovation,” says Shawn Hulshof, Vice President of Category Management at Wolseley Canada. “From faucets to fixtures to the latest technology, there are many ways we can make improvements around the home to be more efficient and sustainable.”
Wolseley Canada, the leading wholesale distributor in plumbing, HVAC and waterworks in the country, offers a few tips for easing the home.
- Upgrade Plumbing Fixtures — Inspect faucets for leaks and proper functioning. Leaky faucets can waste 75 litres of water a day. Even something as simple as ensuring faucets have aerators can save up to 1,900 litres of water annually.
- Shop Smart — If old fixtures need to be upgraded, shop for WaterSense-certified products. Although it is a designation of the United States Environment Protection Agency (EPA), all WaterSense products are verified by independent, third-party certification. WaterSense-certified kitchen and bathroom faucets, showerheads and water closets are available in Canada. According to the EPA, all households can “use at least 20 per cent less water by installing water-efficient fixtures and appliances.”
- Water Recycling — Innovative technology is finding its way into new builds to reuse water from the washer or shower, for other non-potable uses, such as the toilet. The Greyter Water System makes for more efficient buildings and homes and helps ease pressure on municipal water systems. The Greyter Water System is currently available in the greater Toronto area only.
- Reduce Single-Use Products — Bathroom paper products, toilet paper and wipes are a single-use product and may contribute to deforestation. Bidets have been popular in other parts of the world for many, many years — and now bidets and smart toilets are gaining popularity in North America.
- Energy Control — Installing Smart Home features like a Google Nest Learning Thermostat helps manage energy use while keeping the home comfortable in all seasons – it will also offer reminders for when it’s time for service or to change the filter.
“When considering upgrades to your home or what to include in a new home you are having built, it is always good advice to consult with plumbing and HVAC specialists,” says Mr. Hulshof. “They can provide the direction and guidance to help ease the impact of your regular life on the environment where we live.”
About Wolseley Canada:
Wolseley Canada is a market leader in the wholesale distribution of plumbing, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration, waterworks, fire protection, pipes, valves and fittings and industrial products. With its head office in Burlington, Ont., the company has approximately 2,500 employees and more than 220 locations coast-to-coast. Wolseley’s team of sales and service specialists, the industry-leading e-business platform Wolseley Express, and relationships with the best vendors and brands in the business make Wolseley the professional’s choice across the country.
Wolseley Canada’s parent company, Ferguson plc, is the world’s largest trade distributor of plumbing and heating products and a leading supplier of building materials. Ferguson plc is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: FERG) and the London Stock Exchange (LSE: FERG).
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