Sharon Mandel

Organizations have a responsibility to make sustainable business decisions. To understand how to improve sustainable practices, it’s important to start with understanding the current impact. I will share the Tradewater Business Carbon Calculator with my organization.

I will replace 1 incandescent lightbulb(s) with Energy Star-certified LED bulbs, saving up to $14 per fixture per year.

I will research what it would take to replace my arena's fossil fuel powered zamboni with an electric or renewable energy zamboni.

I will complete an online energy audit of my home or office and identify my next steps for saving energy.

I will install an alternative energy system, such as solar electric systems or solar water heaters.

I will use an energy meter to monitor my energy use and identify opportunities to save power.

I will spend at least 20 minutes learning more about the energy generation potential of geothermal energy and consider investing in this technology.

I will create a plan to and advocate for solar installation at my business, apartment building, or campus.

I will keep lights, electronics, and appliances turned off when not using them.

I will use my spending power to reward companies leading in creating or purchasing green energy and incentivize others to invest more in green energy.

I will spend at least 15 minutes learning more about the energy generation potential of wave and tidal energy.

I will research and tell 1 people each day about the benefits of alternative energy sources like wind turbines, solar energy, geothermal energy, and methane digesters.

I will watch a video about methane digesters (also commonly known as anaerobic digesters).

I will spend at least 20 minutes learning more about the energy generation potential of biomass.

I will replace manual thermostats with programmable ones.

I will switch to washing my clothes in cold water, saving up to 725 kgs of CO2 over the course of the next year.

I will learn about and update the power saving settings on my computer to reduce energy consumption and CO2 emission

I will fundraise to replace my arena's fossil fuel powered zamboni with an electric or renewable energy zamboni, which would save up to 667kgs of CO2 per month.

I will sign up for my utility company's clean/renewable energy option.

I will adjust my thermostat down 2 degrees from usual when I use the heat, and up 2 degrees when I use air conditioning.

I will spend 40 minutes researching and identifying my favourite sport teams sponsors that are in the fossil fuel industry.

I will calculate the carbon emissions associated with my household and consider how different lifestyle choices could reduce our carbon footprint and our impact on the environment.

Individual actions are important, but people and organizations working together can make a real impact. I will share a carbon calculator with a friend and invite them to calculate the carbon footprint of their household.