Toronto Star Referrer

The Eco Hub: Sustainable Living Made Easy

ALLIE MURRAY

Beginning her eco journey as an environmental journalist, Candice Batista knew there was more she could do to inspire Canadians to live a more sustainable lifestyle.

Some 15 years ago, she fronted television programs with The Weather Network addressing climate change and weather patterns. After discovering the green movements prevalent in Toronto, she left her job at The Weather Network to launch the first green TV series in Canada:

A Greener Toronto. She then took her mission a step further and launched her own blog, The Eco Hub, where she shares information on how to live sustainably, tips and tricks, and more.

“Sharing stories of environmental success and exposing environmental injustice can inspire change and make a real difference,” Batista shared. “I’ve always strived to tell stories that connect the environment and people and highlight how environmental issues are interconnected with social, economic, and political issues.”

Through her 30 years of experience in the environmental sector, she has been nominated by the City of Toronto for their Green Toronto Awards, and The Eco Hub itself has received accolades at the Webby Awards and more.

Batista takes her role in educating Canadians about the importance of climate action one step further by supporting local charities that are working to better the environment and protect animals across the country. In doing so, The Eco Hub supports both Nature Canada and World Animal Protection.

“I play an essential role in spreading awareness about environmental issues and encouraging people to take action to protect the planet,” she explained. “Through my blogs, articles, and media programs, I can share information and stories about the impact of human activity on the environment and provide practical tips and solutions for living more sustainably.”

However, Batista noted that a sustainable journey is one that is a feat for anyone—but she urges to not let that be what holds you back. A simple starting place, Batista shared, is to do a DIY waste audit in your home.

“A DIY waste audit is a simple and effective way to assess the amount of waste you generate in your home,” she explained. “It involves looking closely at the items you throw away and analyzing how much of it could have been reduced, reused or recycled.”

THE ECO HUB’S TIPS FOR A DIY WASTE AUDIT

First, gather your supplies: Gloves, a large container or garbage bag, a notepad, and a pen to record your findings.

Set aside time: Choose a day to dedicate some time to going through your garbage and recycling.

Sort through your garbage: Put on your gloves and closely examine the items in your garbage container. Separate them into categories such as food waste, paper products, plastic products, and other materials.

Analyze your waste: Once you have sorted your waste into categories, look at each and ask yourself if any of these items could have been reduced, reused, or recycled. For example, could you have used a reusable container instead of a disposable one? Could you have composted some of your food waste instead of throwing it in the garbage?

Repeat for recycling: After sorting through your garbage, repeat the process for your recycling container. Check to see if any items that cannot be recycled were placed in the recycling bin.

Record your findings:

Make notes of your results and categorize them based on the level of waste reduction, such as reducing, reusing, or recycling. This will help you identify areas where you can make changes to reduce waste.

During Earth Month, Batista urged Canadians to try a waste audit for themselves and distinguish what changes can be made at home.

“Pick one area in your home and start there—Rome was not built in a day,” she laughed. “Green living is hard; society is not set up to help us succeed, so you must find what works for you.”

GLOBAL HEROES

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2023-03-30T07:00:00.0000000Z

2023-03-30T07:00:00.0000000Z

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