Living off the grid: Mary Ketchum
Even if you can’t go off the power grid, you can buy your electricity from Bullfrog Power, which sources electricity from wind and hydro-electric facilities. Bullfrog Power is available in British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island.
Geothermal heat for your home may be more expensive to install, but for the cost of the pump, your heat and air conditioning can come right from the ground.
Buy energy efficient appliances. (Look for “Energy Star” designations.)
When choosing flooring, consider bamboo instead of hardwood. Bamboo grows much faster than trees and renews itself. Cork, which can be made from the bark of trees without cutting them down, is another good choice for natural flooring. If you want more colour, check out marmoleum or natural lineolum, made from linseed oil, grain and other natural materials.
It is estimated that 75 per cent of the electricity used to power home electronics such as TVs, DVD players, computers and kitchen appliances is consumed while they are not in use. Plug them into a power bar that can be easily switched on and off.
And turn off the lights when you leave a room. Ω