Eco Tip #7: Choose — and use — window coverings wisely

Considering new curtains? Try to avoid those with toxic treatments, such as bleached cotton. Leaning more towards wood blinds or shutters? Look into bamboo or woods certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) of Canada, which guarantees that the wood comes from responsibly managed forests and verified recycled sources. How you use your window coverings is important, too. In warm weather, close curtains and blinds to block the sun. In the winter, open the coverings on windows that receive sunlight during the daytime.

Eco Tip #8: Garden strategically

Shade from trees keeps your home cooler in the summer. In colder months, trees and shrubs also help insulate against wind and heat loss. And if you opt for deciduous trees, which shed their leaves in autumn, you’ll maximize the sunlight that reaches your home during the cold months. You can also naturalize your landscaping to reduce water use and minimize environmental impact.

Eco Tip #9: Replace your furnace filter regularly

A dirty filter means your furnace has to work harder to circulate the air, greatly reducing its efficiency. Prolonged blockages lead to extra wear and tear on your furnace. Change your filter every one to three months during the heating season depending on the type you have.