We might be biased, but we think that British Columbia is the most beautiful place on Earth. And to keep it that way, we all need to do our part to reduce our environmental footprint and be mindful of the choices we make. While it might feel a bit overwhelming, individual actions can add up to great change.

So, in the spirit of Earth Day, here are some tips to help you use less energy at home and make a positive impact on the environment when you’re on the move.

Energy-saving updates at home

Making your home more eco-friendly doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive. It can be as simple as making ‘smart’ changes to your household products or appliances or undertaking minor home improvements to maximize energy savings in your space. Here are some ways that you can update your home to reduce your environmental impact.

Step 1: Reduce energy-loss

Ensure that your home isn’t expending unnecessary energy to keep you at a comfortable temperature. Start by addressing one of the primary sources of energy loss: gaps and cracks that allow the cold in during the winter and warm air in summer. The average home loses up to 30 percent of its heat or cool air from drafty and leaky windows and doors, meaning that your furnace or air conditioner has to work harder to compensate for the loss.

While some opt to make more significant updates such as installing energy-efficient windows and doors or re-insulating walls and the attic, there are practical and budget-friendly options available such as re-sealing entry points with weather stripping. Also, did you know that BC Hydro has rebates available for updates that improve the energy efficiency of your home? Learn more here.

Step 2: Smarten up home devices

Next up, you can automate your home to control energy usage with smart devices like thermostats, light switches, bulbs, outlets and even window blinds. Most of these items require little-to-no technical know-how to install (switching to LEDs is simple as changing a lightbulb) making them a great weekend project. Good to know tip: LEDs use at least 75 percent less energy than incandescent lighting and can last up to 25 years based on average household use! Read more about smart home gadgets. And, when you’re buying new appliances always look for the Energy Star label.

Step 3: Tap into water savings

Reduce your water consumption with simple updates to your kitchen and bathroom. Install water tap aerators and replace your current showerhead with a high-efficiency model to use up to 50 percent less water without sacrificing water pressure. For a slightly more significant but worthwhile water-saving investment, consider switching to a low-flow toilet.

We also highly recommend installing a water sensor. Not only will it save you money by monitoring and limiting usage, but a water sensor can also detect leaks to help prevent flooding. Fast fact: water damage makes up nearly two-thirds of all home insurance claims, so a water sensor is a very worthwhile investment. Many insurance providers include water damage protection when the cause arises from within your home, like a burst pipe. However, if water from outside your home causes damage, such as rainfall or backup sewage, you may not be covered. BCAA Home Insurance offers extended water coverages to fill this gap. Speak with a BCAA Insurance Advisor to review your policy and add this extra layer of protection.

Helpful Tip: If part of your plan to go greener at home does include any significant renovations, keep in mind that the updates could increase your home’s value. You’ll need to adjust your home insurance policy accordingly and ensure you stay covered. Plus, if you’re considering any smart home devices, you may see additional savings on your home insurance premiums.

While updating home appliances is an excellent step towards more eco-friendly living, changing your behaviour is also vital: turn off the tap while brushing your teeth and limit the length of showers. Here are a few more adjustments you can live a more eco-friendly lifestyle.

A fresh take on cleaning up

Making small changes to how you clean can make a big impact and save you some money too. For example, up to 90 percent of your washing machine's energy goes into heating the water, so using cold water will significantly reduce your electric bill. And, whenever you can, skip the dryer. Line drying will reduce your monthly bills, plus your clothes, bedding and towels will last longer, so you’ll also save money in the long run.

When it comes to cleaning up your home, there are plenty of eco-friendly and non-toxic cleaning products you can buy at the store, but have you ever considered DIY or homemade cleaners? Making your own is easier than you might think. For a simple, natural all-purpose cleaner, mix up one-part vinegar, one-part water, lemon rind and rosemary sprigs in a clean spray bottle. Let that infuse for a week before using, and you’re good to go! You can use the mixture on most surfaces in your home - just make sure you don’t use it on granite, as it could etch the stone.

There are also plenty of simple recipes for cleaners for the kitchen, windows, clothes and even brass.

An important safety note: always remember to keep your cleaners in a safe place away from outlets, candles and heaters, and children and pets.

Green your commute: eco-friendlier choices for when you’re on the move

Did you know that transportation accounts for 24 percent of climate-polluting emissions in Canada? Help do your part by making small changes to how you get around. As British Columbians, we’re lucky to live in a place where there are so many great ‘greener’ mobility options. Here are a few to consider:

• Instead of driving to get around town, walk or hop on your bike to run your errands. The bonus? It doubles as exercise too! If you’re new to biking, HUB Cycling is an excellent BC-based resource where you’ll find tips, safety advice and more.
• Take public transit if you can.
• Join a local car share. If you’re in the Vancouver area, consider signing up for Evo Car Share. BCAA Members get free Evo Membership, 60 free minutes and save 10%.
• Fun eco-facts: Did you know that every car-share vehicle on the road in BC reduces car ownership by an average of nine cars*? That means there are potentially 10,000 fewer personal vehicles on the road, thanks to Evo. Plus, thanks to a fully hybrid fleet, when comparing Evo to the average fuel economy of a similar gas vehicle**, over 314,000 litres of fuel were saved last year. The greenhouse gas emissions saved is equivalent to 74 trips around the world with a gasoline vehicle!
• Go electric. If you have a large, inefficient vehicle, consider retiring it and switching to an electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle. Learn more about the electric vehicle market's growth in Canada, plus see a few exciting new vehicles that might spark the switch.

Bonus tips for a more sustainable lifestyle

Looking for more ways to lighten your eco-footprint? Here are a few other easy tips to go (even more) green:

• Ditch the new. Before buying new clothes, furniture, toys, or sporting goods, check to see if you can pick things up second-hand or make anything yourself.
• Flex your green thumb. Save on groceries by growing your herbs and veggies, freshen up your home with plants and fertilize them by composting your organic waste.
• Reduce your food waste. Food waste is a significant contributor to climate change and an easy area to make a personal impact. Plan your meals, so none goes to waste, repurpose or freeze leftovers or consider sharing food instead of throwing it away. And keep an eye out for forward-thinking companies designing apps to help reduce food waste. A few up and comers to note are Flashfood and Olio.

There are endless ways to update your home and lifestyle with eco-friendly alternatives, which can also help save you money in the short and long-term!