Sustainable Cottages

In just over a month from now Canadians will be embracing the first long weekend of the Summer season. Regardless of any calendar, Victoria Day, or as some refer to it: May 2-4 Weekend, is the beginning of Summer. One of the long standing traditions associated with this weekend is a pilgrimage north to open up the cottage.

What better time then when this to also take a look around the cottage to identify ways that it can be a little bit less harsh on the environment. While my personal vote is to avoid the slog back and forth each weekend and just live up there for four months, apparently some employers frown on this option. Alternatively, you might want to consider applying some of the energy efficient habits from home to the cottage.

For example:

• fix leaky faucets
• invest in a low flow shower head or toilet
• switch out incandescent bulbs with CFL light bulbs
• or my personal favourite - retire the lawnmower and just let the grass grow!

For more information on these, and other ideas, check out the Green Cottage section of Cottage Life magazine.