The Environment

Photo: Silhouette of a swimming duck at sunset

At the cottage you can clearly see the effects of human interaction with the environment clearly in an almost condensed time frame. From disappearing shore plants to displaced wildlife, it only takes a few years to radically alter the natural balance.

The choices you make determine have an incredible impact you have on the world around you, and it is you decision whether that impact is positive or negative. The way you interact with native species will determine whether or not they will survive to delight future generations.

You can help protect the environment by conserving energy, conserving water, creating less garbage, and making ecologically friendly choices.

This section of the site is designed to help you become aware of some positive alternatives you have open to you. Whether you are buying your first cottage, rebuilding it from scratch, or just renting one for the week, you can make decisions that will help minimize your effect on the world around your cottage.

Topics being developed include:

Some Environment Canada tips:

Don't use disposable dishes and cutlery.
Turn taps off tightly and repair leaks immediately.
Have items repaired instead of throwing them away; donate them to local charities.
Use canoes, kayaks, or sailboats instead of motor boats to traverse the lakes or rivers.
Use fluorescent light bulbs to cut down on energy use.
Replace your old wood stove with a more efficient model.
Look for four-stroke engines when buying outboard motors or off-road vehicles.
Do not allow dogs to run at large or chase wildlife.

Testing the Water
Water treatment/purification
Water conservation
Energy Conservation
Alternative Energy
Sanitation

Garbage
Composting
Composting toilets
Flapperless toilets
Septic systems

Wildlife
Plant species
The shoreline

Other Eco-friendly cottage ideas:

Bring as little disposable packaging as possible with you
Buy better quality items that can be repaired instead of tossed
Join a local "freecycle" group to see what second-hand items can be bought instead of being tossed into the dump