Simple Changes for a More Sustainable Life
|Earth Day
Taking care of the planet is everybody’s business. No matter how we live, every little effort helps us be more eco-conscious and reduce our impact on the environment. For Earth Day, here’s a quick reminder of a few more sustainable actions – ones we probably already do, but that are worth turning into everyday habits.
1. Moving around with the planet in mind
Did you know that in Quebec, road, air, marine and rail transportation account for about 43% of our greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions? Road transport alone makes up 31.2%! To reduce these emissions, limit air pollution and improve air quality, we can all do our part at our own level:
- Choose public transit, carpooling and car sharing to reduce the number of vehicles on the road and GHG per person;
- Adopt eco-driving practices recommended by the SAAQ. This driving approach helps reduce energy consumption, pollutant emissions, and vehicle wear;
- Opt for electric vehicles instead of gas or diesel cars. Although the initial purchase price is higher– and battery production does have an environmental impact – the fuel and maintenance savings, along with a reduced environmental footprint, are worth it in the long run;
- Go for “active transportation” like walking or biking, which are great alternatives for short trips.
What about in a residence?
At Le Groupe Maurice, ESG – short for Environmental, Social and Governance – really matters, and many of our residents are already pretty eco-aware. That’s why we’ve put several initiatives in place to help take care of the planet for the long run.
It’s worth noting that many of our residential complexes are ideally located, close to a variety of shops or public transit, which reduces the need for driving. Some even provide a shuttle service to make errands and group outings more convenient.
Moreover, we’ve installed electric vehicle charging stations in our garages to promote the use of such cars among both residents and staff. Lastly, a few residences like Elogia and ORA have partnered with the Quebec car-sharing company Communauto, right in their parking lot!
2. Composting and recycling for a more sustainable life
Statistics Canada reports that the average Canadian generates 700 kg of solid waste annually, placing Canada among the world’s top waste producers, following Norway (824 kg/person), the United States (812 kg/person) and Denmark (781 kg/person). However, an increasing number of our citizens are recognizing the importance of composting and recycling for a more sustainable life.
By making these practices part of our everyday routines, we can actively contribute to reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills. For instance, composting more could lower Quebec’s overall GHG emissions by at least 7.8%, which is certainly significant!
But reducing waste starts at the point of purchase. Opting for long-lasting products, steering clear of excess packaging and cutting down on food waste are all easy steps that, together, have a real impact. After that, it’s crucial to sort our trash correctly and know which bin it belongs in…
And good news! As of January 1, 2025, a new regulation is making recycling easier in Quebec. All containers, packaging and printed materials (like chip bags, individual yogurt cups, etc.) can now be placed in the same bin, with no need to separate them. It’s progress toward a circular economy – but let’s not lose sight of what really matters: making mindful choices before we buy.
What about in a residence?
Since 2024, fourteen Le Groupe Maurice residences have adopted organic waste sorting, with the goal of implementing it in all residences within the next three years. This shift involves kitchen teams, all staff members and residents themselves, who are encouraged to take part in the movement.
In addition to the standard recycling bins (for glass, cardboard and plastic) available in all residences, some also offer drop-off points for lightbulbs, batteries and other household hazardous waste (such as aerosol cans, used oils and paints).
3. Supporting and prioritizing the local economy
Food, goods and clothing often travel thousands of kilometres before reaching our plates or homes, resulting in a particularly high carbon footprint. In today’s climate of overconsumption, it’s becoming increasingly urgent to find more eco-friendly alternatives – while also giving our wallets a bit of a break. Here are a few easy ones to adopt:
- Start growing herbs and veggies at home– not only to cut down on your carbon footprint, but also to brighten up your kitchen or balcony;
- Back local farmers and artisans by shopping at nearby markets for fresh, seasonal foods, or by choosing local talent for your wardrobe and décor;
- Get involved in community gardens to grow your own produce, share tips with fellow enthusiasts and reduce your dependence on imported products.
What about in a residence?
Several Le Groupe Maurice residences – such as Les Verrières du Golf, Le Gibraltar and Le 22 – offer urban gardens where residents can grow their own vegetables, fruits and herbs. It’s a great way to be more self-sufficient while enjoying a fun and social activity!
Additionally, food supplies are sourced as much as possible from local producers, ensuring fresher ingredients and supporting local businesses.
4. Reducing water and energy consumption
Internet, lighting, heating and air conditioning make up a significant portion of our energy consumption. As for water, overconsumption puts pressure on natural resources, especially with climate change. While Canada holds 20% of the world’s freshwater reserves, some regions – like Alberta and British Columbia – are experiencing shortages due to urban growth and industrial expansion.
Statistics Canada reports that in 2021, Canadians used an average of 401 litres of drinking water per person per day – that’s around 146,365 litres a year. When it comes to energy, the average household used 85,4 gigajoules a year (about 23,722 kilowatt-hours). So, what are some easy habits we can adopt to keep this in check and avoid wasting our natural resources?
Water:
- Install faucet aerators to reduce water flow without sacrificing comfort, and close the tap while brushing your teeth;
- Reuse cooking water (from pasta, vegetables) to water plants;
- Use the “eco” cycles on the dishwasher and washing machine, and run them outside of peak hours (between 6–9 a.m. and 4–8 p.m.);
- Choose an energy-efficient toilet. According to Hydro-Quebec, WaterSense®-certified models use 20% less water than standard toilets. To save even more, you can skip flushing after every little trip;
- Choose showers over baths, and try to limit them to once a day. Five minutes is enough to get clean, while reducing hot water and energy use.
Energy:
- Unplug devices that are on standby, as they still use power. Use a power bar with a switch to easily shut off several things at once;
- Close your curtains at night in winter to keep the heat in, and in summer to keep it cool inside;
- Use LED bulbs. They consume up to 90% less energy than old-school incandescent ones, and last much longer too, says Hydro-Quebec;
- Cut back on digital clutter. Fewer emails and smaller files mean less energy spent on storing and sending data;
- Lower your thermostat during peak hours. Dropping the temp just a bit helps reduce pressure on the grid, shrinks your carbon footprint and can lower your energy bill too.
What about in a residence?
At Le Groupe Maurice, our residences are designed and built to keep energy and water use in check. We use high-quality construction materials that feature improved insulation and help cut down on heat loss.
The buildings are also equipped with large windows to maximize natural light, and energy-intensive equipment is replaced with more efficient solutions like heat pumps. In recent years, water consumption has even been monitored and analyzed to optimize its use and reduce energy waste.
At Le Groupe Maurice, we’re all about supporting a more sustainable way of living. That’s why, for Earth Day, we introduced the Planet-First Challenge – a fun and meaningful initiative that invites everyone to take action and reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.
In our view, living more sustainably doesn’t mean turning your life upside down. It’s about the small everyday gestures that, when added up, truly make a difference to our environment. Our planet’s resources aren’t infinite, but each of us has a part to play in preserving them. Whether we act alone or together, even the smallest steps can lead to big change!