Boyle McCauley News

Since 1979 • April-May 2024 • Circulation 5000

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A Small Footprint by Design

Tendencies towards sustainability were inherited.

I figure that I have a very small environmental footprint. I don’t own a car, so I take public transit. I am lucky I live in a condo that has a recycle bin, the contents of which are picked up twice a week. When it is near pick-up day we can hardly squeeze in another sheet of paper.

I use my dryer on rare occasions like drying a bedspread or an extra-thick towel. Some kind person was moving and throwing away her clothes rack. I expressed an interest in it and she gave it to me. I use this wonderful wooden rack, my shower rods, and a travel clothesline to dry my wash. So what if the towels are no longer fluffy? Who cares? They flatten out after the first use anyway.

I save all my paper and use the blank reverse in my printer. I am a regular user of the Reuse Centre to get rid of egg cartons, greeting cards, magazines, etc. I donate my old clothes to non-profits.

I never leave a light on in a vacant space. My computer is on a power bar which I switch off every night. I leave my bath water in the tub so that the heat and moisture can circulate.

I figure I am genetically modified to save electricity because my grandfather who was born in 1870 could not tolerate a light left on. Every time I turn off a light I think of him. Thank you, Grandpa. You were way ahead of your time.

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