Try to use less pish-pish

… I mean windshield washer fluid

Tis the season of pish-pish.  (That’s my wife’s nickname for windshield washer fluid.)  On cool winter days when busy roads are wet with slush, we use the stuff almost constantly as we drive.

Most windshield washer fluids contain methyl alcohol.  The good news is that it biodegrades quickly in the soil or evaporates readily in the air.  The bad news about methyl alcohol is:

• Most of it is produced synthetically from – you guessed it – fossil fuels
• In its raw form, it is both poisonous and flammable (and windshield washer jugs have ‘Danger’ logos as evidence of that)
• Once evaporated, it contributes to the formation of smog
• We release SO MUCH of it across North America – imagine the millions and millions of litres every winter

What to do?

• Look for windshield washer that is made from plant-based ethanol (though it too has its issues)
• If possible, increase the distance between yourself and the vehicle ahead of you to minimize spray; drive in the driest part of your lane to reduce the spray you generate for the vehicle behind you; and avoid rush hour traffic if that’s an option.  As well, strive to use only the amount of fluid you need each time you wash the windshield.  But please use good judgement, and NEVER compromise road safety!!

Hung out to dry – in winter even!

The clothes dryer is one of the biggest energy hogs in your home; clotheslines can save a heap of money and energy. But what about those cold winter days, when hanging clothes out isn’t very pleasant?

Consider portable or retractable clotheslines: lines that can be set up indoors or in porches when needed, and neatly put away when not in use. There are many models available, from single strands that can be strung above your bath tub to room-length multiple parallel lines that can hold a full load of laundry. (If you have wood heat and a ceiling fan, you’ll be amazed at how fast clothes dry indoors.)

You can see different models here http://www.urbanclotheslines.com/retractable-clotheslines or here http://www.breezedryer.com/ (note: not an endorsement, just examples).

One important note: it’s good to dry clothes indoors, but beware that you’re not creating excess moisture in your home, because that can cause problems such as mold. In many homes, the natural air leakage is enough to remove moisture. In more air-tight homes, air exchangers usually prevent moisture problems. But take note!

In the news

Disappointingly, world leaders meeting in Singapore have given up on reaching a global climate agreement in Copenhagen next month http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1929071_1929070_1939676,00.html, and Prime Minister Harper’s office has indicated that the PM is not going to the summit http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/article/725776–pm-to-skip-summit-on-climate-change?bn=1.

For a quick overview of the Copenhagen summit, click here: http://telegraphjournal.canadaeast.com/search/article/858411.

Check out this YouTube video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Hs1aUMGaOQ and get involved with a neat new project, Love Letters to the Future.