Although many of us are now heartily enjoying the snow covered landscape – out sledding or skiing, snowshoeing or maybe ice fishing – there are others reminiscing about their shady garden, budding flowers, and spring breezes at this time of year.
If this sounds like you, rest assured you are not the only one who is dreaming of green and making preparations for spring. On a frigid morning last week, I popped into ACAP Cape Breton (Atlantic Coastal Action Program) down on George Street, to see how I could add a little green to my world…without having to wait for warmer weather.
If you haven’t been down to the centre, you should drop in sometime. Displays ranging from green household cleaning products to watershed and waste management models are there for you to peruse. The friendly staff are standing by to chat about their different programs and after just a few minutes of conversation, you’ll have some great green ideas!
Here are just a few ideas that I about learned during my visit:
1. Water.
If you reside in the CBRM you may be able to swap your showerhead for a low-flow showerhead, free of charge down at ACAP.
2. Energy.
If you’re noticing some serious drafts in the house, you may be thinking about renovating this spring. For a fee, ACAP can do an energy evaluation of your home and make recommendations on how to improve efficiency. The provincial EnerGuide rebate program is still in effect and this could save you up to $1500 on your renovation project.
3. Environment.
This time of year is also a great time to start dreaming up ways you can help to improve the local environment. Perhaps you’ve noticed the winter storms are piling up debris on your favourite beach. ACAP Cape Breton can help you plan for a clean-up. They can provide garbage pick-up and disposal, gloves and other materials.
4. Volunteer.
Maybe you love to garden, but live in town and don’t have a backyard of your own? ACAP’s urban garden will be needing some nurturing hands this spring. ACAP is also looking for some help organizing and running their March Break Eco Camp. Or if you have an interest in restoration or monitoring rare species and birds, you could assist the Science and Monitoring program this summer.
Whatever your interests, after a visit to ACAP Cape Breton, you’re bound to walk away with some super information on how to live greener now – which just may keep you from daydreaming too much about spring. After all, we still have a ways to go!
Visit ACAP Cape Breton’s website, their Facebook group, or in person at 582 George Street in Sydney 8:30am-4:30pm Monday to Friday.
wilma says
Love your article and many ways to stay green all the year through.
I think I may have to make a trip to get one of those energy efficient shower heads.
This is why we love our spring to fall weather so much, we have the winters to remind us that there is a contrast in the seasons.