With the hot sunny weather upon us, many of us are packing up and heading out of the city to enjoy the cottage season to the full. While we are wise to take advantage of the natural beauty awaiting us, let’s not take it for granted.
It may be hard for us, surrounded by such rugged wilderness or lush forests, to recognize the peril they are in; however, with such an influx of visitors to these rural areas, environmental impact is of high concern.
We may feel urban areas, such as the city we left behind, are in more critical danger of environmental harm. We may also feel we’ve earned the right to uninterrupted relaxation, forgetting about our commitment to do all things green.
Look around though and realize that without our individual efforts, the natural heritage we love may not be there to enjoy tomorrow.
As responsible cottagers, there are simple things we can do to ensure a ‘green’ cottage season by being cognizant of wastefulness and respecting natural surroundings and habitats.
Don’t Be Wasteful
Just because our cottage sits before a lake or river doesn’t mean we should waste water. Our tendency may be to let things slide at our cottage that would otherwise be looked after at home. It’s true, we use cottage amenities less throughout the year, but upkeep is just as important. Make sure to repair taps and pipes that drip and fix leaky hoses. Use a catch basin to collect rainwater or even save water used for rinsing fruits and vegetables to wash off the deck chairs or water the plants. And planting native flora that can withstand drought will promote healthy vegetation, attracting birds and butterflies.
Also, make sure you use a water efficient toilet or a dual flush toilet. A composting toilet that meets regulation standards may also be an option. Remember to take shorter showers or install a low-flow showerhead.
Try not to be wasteful with energy either. Think of buying new energy efficient appliances as these will save you money in the long run (or at least replace that old beer fridge!) Turning off electricity when leaving the cottage will keep ‘phantom’ load appliances from sucking energy while you’re not present.
Another no-no is using large floodlights that cause light pollution at night while using a lot of energy. They only attract bugs and interfere with wildlife behavior, as well as blinding our view of the stars.
Be Respectful of the Natural Surroundings and Wildlife Habitat
Consider owning a canoe, kayak, row or paddle boat, or sailboat, as opposed to a powerboat to travel on lakes and rivers. Not only are they quieter and thus cause minimal interference to wildlife, they also provide a good workout and conserve fuel.
Use any hazardous chemicals far from waterbodies and wells. The need to be vigilant in this area is heightened at the cottage, since toxins can easily end up leaching into lakes and rivers and affecting wildlife as well as humans.
If you burn wood, make sure it is dry as opposed to green or wet wood. This will reduce the amount of smoke emitted. To avoid releasing harmful toxins into the air, never burn plastics or styrofoam. And choose not to use bug zappers as they will kill the good bugs along with the bad.
Of course, the cottage is a perfect place to employ composting, so dispose of organic waste in this way.
Never release non-native species of plant or animal life anywhere. Don’t modify the shoreline of your property and use a low impact dock, such as a floating dock.
And now… kick up your feet and relax!
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Your article on using row boats, sail boats and exercise is the force behind the success of our company. The traditional and historicially accurate hand made boats we produce are a return to the future. Health and quiet are a much needed respite from our busy lives. Wood, water, the calls of various marine animals close to your boat, not effected by the noise of motors, is the pleasure our great grandfathers enjoyed.
Hilford Burton, President, Hilmark Boats Inc. Vancouver Island, BC