Tip of the Week compendium

May 27, 2022  Tip #28

Environmental cost of food production

Did you know that food production contributes around 37 per cent of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions? One reason is the fact that on average the food that ends up in our plates has traveled 2000 km. Let’s make the right choices, buying local, preferably organic and plant based. Better still, let’s grow our own food as much as possible. A big thank you from planet Earth to all those Lasquetians who already do!

For more info, go to https://www.theconsciouschallenge.org/ecologicalfootprintbibleoverview/food-transportation

(submitted by Yves P.)

June 3, 2022  Tip #29

An induction cooker can be a great way to reduce your propane use in the summer when you have excess solar power.  They are much more efficient than a regular electric stove element, heating the pot directly via induction rather than convection or radiation.  You will usually find countertop units with one burner available at places like Home Hardware or Canadian Tire for less than $100.  They only work with pots that have enough iron in them, but this is easily tested with a magnet.

(submitted by Hilary)

June 10, 2022  Tip #30

Replacing single pane windows with double panes didn’t seem feasible to me years ago so I made thin (1” or less) wood frames to fit over the outside of my windows and screwed on plexiglas or clear vinyl with tape and staples.

I estimate that this saved 20% on firewood. It also eliminated a bad condensation problem. I take them down in the Summer.

Plexiglas is durable, even roll vinyl is good for several years although you have to be careful not to scuff them up. I dislike buying new plastic though this definitely isn’t single use. If the COVID shields in stores ever come down, what a resource they would be!

(submitted by Jodi A.)

June 17, 2022  Tip #31

Adjusting the brightness of your computer monitor can save a considerable amount of power. I recently conducted an energy consumption test of my iMac using a Kill A Watt meter and found that at full brightness the computer used 44 Watts. At 50% it used only 13 Watts. More than 3 times the computer time available for the same amount of energy. ( submitted by Ezra)

June 24, 2022  Tip #32

I'd like to add a tip to the one posted last week. I have switched every app possible to 'Dark Mode' on my phone. Not only does it look a lot better to my eyes, it saves a lot of energy, and my phone battery lasts much longer. Hopefully one day there will be Dark Mode available for everything we need to do on our computers as well!

(In case you're wondering what Dark Mode is, Dark Mode means that the letters appear white, while the background is black).

(submitted by Laura)

June 24, 2022  Tip #32

I'd like to add a tip to the one posted last week. I have switched every app possible to 'Dark Mode' on my phone. Not only does it look a lot better to my eyes, it saves a lot of energy, and my phone battery lasts much longer. Hopefully one day there will be Dark Mode available for everything we need to do on our computers as well!

(In case you're wondering what Dark Mode is, Dark Mode means that the letters appear white, while the background is black).

(submitted by Laura)

July 2, 2022  Tip #33

Dare to let your lawns go wild. Lawns need not be the ecological evil they are sometimes made out to be if you manage them smartly. The root systems of grasses are excellent at storing carbon, especially if you pick long-lived drought tolerant native ones, and wildflowers, including ‘weeds’ such as dandelions, can provide an important source of food for pollinators, especially during early spring, when not much else is in flower. However, running a gas-powered lawn mower for an hour produces the same amount of CO2 and other pollutants as driving a car for 100 miles (160 km). Consider using an electric or hand-powered mower, and embrace that flowering meadow look for as long as you can in the spring.

(Submitted by Brigitte)

July 8, 2022  Tip #34

Dig less, mulch more. No-dig gardening builds soil and turns your garden into a carbon sink. It’s also easy on your back, grows healthier plants with fewer inputs, and reduces the amount of weeding and watering you will need to do.

(submitted by Brigitte)

July 15, 2022  Tip #35

With unreliable weather patterns, it is important to grow diverse crops and not just rely on the few varieties you prefer. One variety may do better one year than another. Also, try to have some perennial vegetable food plants in your gardens and/or greenhouses. Some of these may have smaller yields than annuals, but are more reliable and present a good back-up food in case some of your main annuals fail one year.

(submitted by Marie-Ange)

July 22, 2022  Tip #36

Given that deforestation is one of the biggest contributors to climate change, it's worth putting in the extra effort to maximize efficient use of the trees that are cut down for your benefit.  There is beginning to be a bit of a crunch with lumber and firewood resources here on island too, so rather than hoard those boards/beams/logs you don't actually have a specific, soon to be completed plan for, consider offering them up for sale so someone else can use them (and not have to cut down more trees).  Think ahead to minimize and make use of offcuts.  It is a good idea to leave some deadwood to support local ecology, but being a bit more thorough in cutting up the thicker branches and collecting more of the small chunks of bark can really add volume to your woodshed.  And now's the time to fix up or change your stove set up, add insulation and/or skirt your house to reduce your firewood usage!

(submitted by Hilary)

July 29, 2022  Tip #37

Save your own seeds if you can, or work with friends and neighbours. Varieties adapted to our island are more resilient. If you buy seeds, look for: open pollinated varieties, land races, varieties with large genetic diversities that can adapt to our local environment. Don't be afraid to be creative and try to adapt these new varieties to your garden.

(submitted by Marie-Ange)

August 5, 2022  Tip #38

Slow the Folk Down!  Don't forget that staying home, watching the trees dance in the wind, listening to the birds, swimming in the ocean, hanging out in the garden, having sex and playing music are all pretty much fossil fuel free activities!  Chill out for the planet!

(submitted by Hilary)

August 12, 2022  Tip #39

How much firewood did you use last winter? How much less can you burn this winter?

(submitted by Hilary)

August 19, 2022  Tip #40

As our growing season becomes less predictable, we need to consider some changes. If you feel you are waiting too long for ripe tomatoes, perhaps you should try a new early variety, and maybe it is no longer worth it to grow that delicious end-of-the-season tomato.

(submitted by Marti)

August 26, 2022  Tip # 41

Some vegetables have always been marginal here. At some point we need to cut our losses; I may reluctantly give up on melons. Consider each over-wintering brassica to calculate if you are getting back your effort most years.

(submitted by Marti)

September 2, 2022  Tip #42

Get involved at the political level: you can make a difference.  We have a unique opportunity to select our next premier this fall.  The person who will be elected as leader of the NDP to replace John Horgan will also automatically become the premier.  Only two candidates are running: David Eby and Anjali Appadurai.  Anjali is a committed human rights and climate change activist and could help bring about a major shift in BC politics by truly focusing on the climate change emergency and ending practices such as fracking and old growth logging.  If you think it is worth a try, become an NDP member by September 4 and you will be eligible to vote for the new leader and premier.  No time to waste, 2 more days to register if you are not a member already (before midnight on Sunday).  To qualify, you need to be at least 12 years old and be a permanent resident in BC (Canadian citizenship not required). For more info, go to https://www.anjaliforbc.ca/

(submitted by Yves P.)

September 9, 2022  Tip #43

Preserving a plot of forested land of 2.5 acres for 10 years rather than clearing it will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 230 metric tons!

(submitted by Sho)

September 16, 2022  Tip #44

Eliminating red meat from your diet for 10 years will help reduce carbon emissions by 7.7 metric tons.

(submitted by Sho)

September 23, 2022  Tip #45

Did you know that cement is, after water, the second most used substance in the world and a significant contributor of carbon emissions? According to a study,1.46 gigatons of carbon dioxide was released from cement production in 2016 alone! Its production also uses an enormous amount of water, 10% of the total used in industry globally.  It requires sand as well, which is becoming critically scarce, amounting to one of the greatest sustainability challenges we face. Plan to use alternatives such as recycled plastic, bioplastic made from food waste, hempcrete, bamboo, strawbale and rammed earth.

For more info, check:

https://elemental.green/10-eco-building-materials-revolutionizing-home-construction/

https://earlymetrics.com/green-construction-sustainable-alternatives-to-cement/

https://www.drawdown.org/solutions/alternative-cement

(submitted by Yves)

September 30, 2022   Tip #46

I would like to add to the list of cement alternatives presented in last week’s tip. An important building technology that has been developed locally, literally from the ground up, and is designed especially for off-grid housing is what I call Fast Cob! There's no waste (everything is reusable) and the real problems with the creation of cement (the use of enormous amounts of energy, which can inspire the incineration of toxics with the cement) are completely eliminated. Cob is much warmer to the touch than cement and acts like a thermal battery, which reduces firewood use. Rocket Mass Heaters, a cob-based technology, takes that to the next level, reducing firewood consumption by 80-90%! For more info, check out our website: cob.lasqueti.ca

(submitted by Dave O.)

October 7     Tip #47

On this Thanksgiving weekend, try 1) eating mindfully reducing the likelihood of eating excessively, 2) eating less or no meat, the major producer of methane gas and 3) using only reusable dinnerware and glasses. Bring joy to turkeys by planning a vegetarian meal. Happy Thanksgiving!

(submitted by Yves)

October 14, 2022   Tip #48

By all means drink water only from safe sources, but we cut emissions from diesel transport trucks used to transport our bottled water from far away sources when we drink properly filtered and treated water from local sources. If your supply is short, then draw safe, treated, potable drinking water from taps on French Creek dock instead of from a marketed retail source. These two practices end diesel truck emissions tied to the commercialized 2+ litres per day purchased as drinking water by too many , but not the emissions from the ferry’s exhaust stacks tied to those same litres. Consider too the benefit of plastics and exhaust emissions reduction tied to recycling. More can and should be done. Drink local! (submitted by Larri Woodrow)

October 21, 2022   Tip #49

There are hundreds of ways in which we can mitigate climate catastrophe, yet we are implementing them very slowly and reluctantly. One thing that can be lacking is motivation, especially when we are feeling hopeless and disempowered. For a dose of climate action motivation, how about watching some informative, inspiring and sometimes shocking films and videos? Here is a starter list of my own favourites. Think about gathering with family and/or friends to watch a movie or some short videos which could spark conversation and get your own creative juices flowing regarding solutions. Short videos on YouTube: -https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=3+seconds https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=how+many+fossils+to+go+an+inch Movies on Netflix: Kiss the Ground A Life on Our Planet The Biggest Little Farm

(submitted by Amalia S.)

October 28, 2022   Tip #50

Here are a few things to remember as we have started to use our woodstoves:

Is your smoke alarm working?

Do you have a carbon monoxide detector?

Did you clean your chimney?

The feed store has the chimney brushes from the fire department. Please contact Silke, Kristos, Pachiel, Mikaila or Aigul to borrow them.

(submitted by Aigul)

November 4   Tip #51

Washboard gravel roads add to fuel consumption and thereby to our carbon footprint. Spinning wheels don’t result in full forward motion. Plus, constant up and down motion of the vehicle and load adds to fuel consumption too.

If you drive a 4x4 it helps to shift into 4wd. Both axles driving 0reduces slippage. Empty diesel pickups in 2wd are likely the worst, given their heavier up front engines and more extreme front to rear weight ratio. Big improvement in 4wd.

I’m sure many 4wd fans have long ago learned to make this shift. The jerk on the wheel at False Bay while turning on dry blacktop or planking is a reminder you’ve regained traction and to shift out of 4wd.

To express your concerns about road conditions, call Mainland: 1-877-215-6006. And maybe message BC Climate and Environment Minister George Heyman about the connection between poor road conditions and increased fuel consumption: 250 387-1187; env [dot] minister [at] gov [dot] bc [dot] ca

(submitted by Larri Woodrow)

Not a tip of the week: (November 4)

From Lasqueti Climate Change Action Group:

If you have been wanting to use your wood stove more efficiently, we encourage you to watch a recording of a webinar that was recently organized by the Transition Salt Spring Society. Aigul attended the session and she highly recommends watching the recording of it:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8xmF2a9xrA

(submitted by Yves Parizeau)

November 12, 2022   Tip #52

Improve the efficiency of burning wood by using the log cabin or top-down method to build fires. Opposite to common practice, stack the pile with the larger pieces on the bottom and the smaller pieces at the top, forming a sort of square pyramid. It is easier to get the small pieces burning at the top and the wood burns hotter with less smoke, minimizing pollution. Keep the stove doors open until a draft is created. This method is most commonly used in masonry stoves, but works in any stove.

See demo on the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch

?v=xiWT5vtcRZY

(submitted by the heating subgroup of the Lasqueti Climate Action Committee)

November 18, 2022   Tip #53

If you are running a generator to charge your battery system, make sure your charger is set to the type of batteries you have.

Installing a battery monitor may help you to run your generator less by letting you know when your batteries are full, thereby preventing overcharging and the waste of gas. Daniel of Daring Sky Solar recommends the Trimetric, from We Go Solar.

Also, your charger’s default setting may turn the charger off after 1hr, so double check this shut-off setting to make sure you’re charging for as long as the generator is running.

Running your generator in eco-mode is better in almost all cases, unless your charger doesn’t work with eco-mode.  Starting the generator when the batteries are at 65-70% is nicer on the ears than the rock bottom 50% which might take 5-7hrs to charge fully. Obviously good maintenance (regular oil changes) will prolong the life and increase the efficiency of your generator. Being conscious and considerate of our objects of privilege will make them last longer thus costing the Earth less.

Submitted by Shoshanah with consultation of Daniel Ayers

November 25, 2022   Tip #54

Now that winter is here many of us that are not fortunate to have micro hydro are charging batteries with generators. Here is a totally counterintuitive tip for those that have lead acid batteries of any type (flooded, AGM or Lead Carbon). The most fuel efficient time to charge your batteries is in the morning of a sunny day. Turn the generator off when the batteries are about 80% charged. You’ll use your generator for the high current bulk charge. The sunshine later in the day will let your PV take care of the lower-current absorb charge part of the cycle.

If you have lithium batteries ignore this tip - they will charge at full bulk until they reach 90-95% of their rated capacity. It’s not worth using a generator to take them up to more than 90%"

Submitted by Ezra

December 2, 2022   Tip #55

Help address the impacts of invasive species by making more use of them as local food sources! American bullfrog legs are delicious (tastes like chicken!), as are our local feral (call them "heritage" if you must) sheep if you cook them right (do be sure to follow safe hunting practices and communicate with your neighbours so you don't murder their favourite pet). A bit of pruning work over the winter can help contain, promote berry production and maximize access to that blackberry patch that's taking over your fenced area.

This tip comes from "Lasqueti Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment and Adaptation Plan" which was submitted as Jen Gobby's honours thesis many years ago now, a summary of which is available at https://lasqueti.ca/island-info/climate-change and is worth a perusal!

Submitted by Hilary

December 9, 2022   Tip #56

Conserving resources is a major factor in fighting climate change. Using what we have efficiently is one way to conserve. Use your wood fire to reduce the amount of propane you burn by:

-cooking on it (as I usually have a small fire I will bring my food to a boil on the propane stove and then transfer it to simmer on the wood stove)

-baking on it (create an oven by placing your baking dish on a firebrick then covering it with a larger upside down roasting pan that rests directly on the stove)

-keeping a pot of water on it for dishes or tea

Submitted by Shoshanah

December 16, 2022    Tip #57

Another way to save propane by cooking on your heater top, is to keep a supply of small, dry pieces handy to quickly raise the stove top temperature.

If your wood stove has an open bottom, you have a handy warming oven. Use it for preheating everything from teapots to frying pans to leftovers. I also use it for drying apples; well, maybe not this year.

(submitted by Marti)

December 24, 2022    Tip #58

Find Common Ground.

Many of our most pressing problems share common solutions. It is possible for a community as individualistic as Lasqueti to be united in best practices even while divided in perspective. For example, lessening dependence on fossil fuels can decrease carbon output, but even those who do not worry about climate change can agree that it can also improve health and protect biodiversity by reducing pollution, reduce threats from pipeline construction and tanker traffic, even contribute to world peace by eliminating the struggle for control of oil and gas resources.

(submitted by Amalia Schelhorn)

December 30, 2022    Tip #59

The dawn of a new year is an ideal time to implement an action you had in mind as part of your commitment to reduce your carbon footprint, be it switching to an electric chainsaw or to a more energy efficient wood stove, sharing a vehicle with your neighbour, planting trees, using only seasoned and dry wood, finding alternatives to flying, switching to a plant-based diet, joining an advocacy group or doing ecological restoration. Every action counts; we can all make a difference.

(submitted by Yves)

Tip #60    January 6, 2023

Traveling? Consider taking the train! Greenhouse gas emissions from air travel are amongst the most impactful because of where they are dispersed, so cut your emissions and enjoy a relaxing vacation on your way to or from your destination.

My research on https://calculator.carbonfootprint.com/calculator.aspx?tab=3 shows 0.37 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions per person for a one-way flight to Toronto (this estimate accounts for the larger impacts of greenhouse gases emitted in the lower troposphere and higher stratosphere) as opposed to 0.16 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions for a one-way train journey of the same distance.

Check out VIA Rail’s discounted long trip fares to find a more affordable option: https://www.viarail.ca/en/offers/sleeper-plus-class-deals/vancouver-toronto

(Submitted by Shoshanah)

Tip #61    January 13, 2023

Eating less meat, especially red meat, is one of the most impactful things that an individual can do to reduce carbon emissions. Meat contributes about twice the emissions of other foods. According to Greenpeace, industrial meat is the single biggest cause of deforestation globally and is responsible for annual emissions roughly equivalent to those from every car, truck and plane in the world: (https://www.euronews.com/green/2022/11/10/war-big-oil-and-deforestation-...).

Fortunately, reducing your meat intake also reduces your risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, pneumonia, and bowel cancer. It is a win-win.

(submitted by Amalia Schelhorn)

Tip #62    January 20, 2023

Gas powered chainsaws produce a variety of pollutants including hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and particulate matter. I found out that an average chainsaw with a 12” blade used for 30 minutes produces 0.071 kg of CO2 (https://www.yourfootprint.app/main/learn/chainsawMinA?frequency=once&qua...). It does not seem like a lot but if used regularly, several hours a day, it all adds up. So consider buying an electric chainsaw which produces zero emissions. If not used regularly, think about sharing one with your neighbours. If you must continue using a gas powered one, here are 2 ways to produce less emissions: Ensure it is properly maintained and use the proper fuel-air mixture. If it is too rich, it will produce more emissions. (https://justchainsaws.com/how-chainsaws-affect-environment/)

(submitted by Yves P.)

Tip #63    January 27, 2023

It’s time to get started on next year’s firewood if you haven’t already. Use windfall trees as long as they are not rotten, and if you are cutting new wood there are good reasons to cut trees now: before the sap begins to run the wood will contain less moisture. Also, cutting now gives plenty of time to buck, split and stack the wood early enough to give it the ultimate chance to season before going into the woodshed next fall. Please consider planting seedlings for every tree you fell.

(Submitted by Shoshana)

Tip #64    February 3, 2023 

Suggestions for seasoning your firewood and thus creating a cleaner burning fire:

-shorter pieces will dry faster; also splitting pieces smaller means more exposed surface area for water to evaporate out. The most efficient wood diameter for burning is 4” (10cm).

-split rounds as soon as possible after bucking to increase the surface area for drying. Unsplit rounds may never season even throughout a dry summer. Do not allow logs to lay unbucked for more than a month: the sap will cure and the wood will never fully dry: at the very least strip bark from a few sides.

(Submitted by Shoshana)

Tip #65    February 10, 2023

Help your firewood cure by getting your wood off the ground (onto pallets or dunnage) and stacked loosely in single rows in the open for air to circulate through (as much drying is done by the wind as the sun): a pile of wood left on the ground will rot rather than dry. -use a moisture meter to find out how your current system fares; there are several on island available for borrowing: aim for a moisture content between 14-17%. To borrow one contact Hilary/Jordan, Peter J, Aigul. (Submitted by Shoshana)

Tip #66     February 17, 2023

A very effective way to address climate change is to use your words, both in conversations with others and in written letters to the media or to authorities. Conversations can help to identify priorities, brainstorm solutions, and build community around actions. Writing can help to clarify thoughts and intentions and to give authorities leverage to effect change. If any of the other ideas that have been floated in the tips of the week interest you, talk about them, write about them, advocate for them. Using your words can get solutions out of the theoretical and into the practical zone. So use your words! (Submitted by Amalia)

Tip #67     February 24, 2023

Consider switching to 100% vegetable based oil as a chain lubricant for your chainsaw. The oil cools and lubricates the bar as the saw spins at very high speed which results in the oil being leaked to the ground or vaporized by the heat and released into the air. Using a vegetable based oil rather than one made from fossil fuel will ensure that what is released into the soil and the air is harmless. (submitted by Yves)

Tip #68    March 4, 2023

Trees are obviously an important tool in the fight against climate change, and one way you can help preserve forests is by changing your toilet paper habits. The average person in North America uses 23 kg of toilet paper a year as opposed to 16 kg in Western Europe and less than one kg in Africa and East Asia! Each roll of toilet paper made from recycled paper emits 450 g of CO2 whereas it goes up to 730 g if made from virgin paper (source: The Carbon Footprint of Everything, page 61). Either eliminate toilet paper altogether by washing and drying with a towel. I use a plastic squeeze bottle but you can also purchase a special portable bidet bottle; a hose works if you have an outhouse, and if you have the luxury of a flush toilet, there are hand held bidets you can install. I have a stash of small pee rags that I use and wash in a mesh bag. You could also begin purchasing 100% recycled or bamboo toilet paper. (Submitted by Shoshana)

Tip #69    March 12, 2023

Most Lasquetians are way ahead of the pack when it comes to renewable energy generation, local food production and frugality in consumption. Still, we are caught in systemic fossil fuel reliance for transportation and cooking. Staying warm involves CO2 and particulate emissions from burning wood. This wood would otherwise remain standing or decompose naturally, providing benefits to flora and fauna. These systemic problems can not be solved by individual initiative alone. They require collective imagination, community involvement and governmental support. How much autonomy are you willing to trade for the benefit of the greater community? Can you imagine a greener Lasqueti? How would that look? Brainstorming with others could be one of the most effective things you can do. No brighter future can emerge until we can envision it.  (Submitted by Amalia Schelhorn)

Tip #70   March 18, 2023

Did you get a plastic pot at the nursery you do not have a use for?  It can probably be recycled, but better to have it reused.  Bring it to the Climate Change Action table at this summer's market, or get it to Marti or any other gardener looking for pots.

(Submitted by Marti)

Important notice: We will be taking a temporary break as we are developing a new format. We remain committed to sharing with the community concrete ways to help reduce our carbon footprint. Please stay tuned! Thanks for the support we have received so far from so many people on the island. From the Lasqueti Climate Change Action Group, an LCA committee