Eco-Chic's Eco Tips

Tents
Most of the waterproof tents and gear are made with toxic solvents that emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and dioxins during the production phase. They are then coated with Teflon, which is made with Polytetrafluoroethylene (PFOE), or perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), where both are known to be possible human carcinogens during the manufacturing process, causing increase infertility and birth defects.

Eat Locally
Locally grown foods from farmers markets not only helps cut down on the fuel consumption through transportation and processes, but it also helps to support your town/city, helping provide jobs to farmers that have been doing their work for decades. Purchasing locally grown food offsets the carbon used during production and transportation, which has tremendous impacts on the environment and your health. Plan ahead and try freezing your favourite foods to have year-round, so that way you will have fresh out-of-harvest foods in matter of minutes.

Furnace
Maintaining your furnace is a key step in reducing your heating costs. Ensure that your furnace is operating efficiently, which will use less energy and cost less to operate. If your furnace is more than 20 years old, it is most likely not as efficient as newer models. A high-energy furnace is 90% more efficient and can reduce fuel costs by up to 30%.

Yearly maintenance checks on furnace, venting and cooling systems will help to ensure your system is operating efficiently. Below are some do-it-yourself tips
to keep your system working efficiently:

Doors and Windows